Abstract: A blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system having a connector, a floating connector member, a cam, a connector cover, and a linkage between the cam and connector cover whereby the connector may mate with a second connector when the cam is displaced despite misalignments between the first and second connector. For the preferred embodiment, the floating connector member has multiple degrees of freedom with a reduced diameter portion and a lengthwise key whereby the connector is capable of mating with an aerodynamic hood of a rocket. The preferred embodiment biases and closes the connector cover upon the connector prior to a plume of the rocket passes the connector whereby exposure of the connector to the deleterious effects of the plume are minimized.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a torque sensor having a receiver and a transmitter is provided. The assembly includes a first annular member, wherein the receiver is coupled to the first annular member. A second annular member is disposed proximate the first annular member. A bearing assembly is disposed between the first annular member and the second annular member. The bearing assembly includes a first race formed to the first annular member, a second race formed to the second annular member, and a bearing disposed between the first race and the second race for allowing the first race and the second race to rotate relative to one another. A radially extending member is coupled to the second race. The receiver is radially displaced from the bearing assembly and the transmitter is mounted to a mounting surface of the radially extending member opposite the receiver at a predefined axial distance.

Abstract: A clutch plate assembly is provided having a friction interface and internal fluid passages for delivering pressurized fluid to the friction interface to cool the interface, and to reduce spin losses through the clutch assembly. The fluid passages comprise a plurality of primary passages extending inward from a clutch plate inner or outer diameter, and a plurality of secondary fluid passages intersecting the primary fluid passages for conducting fluid to the friction interface. Fluid is directed to the friction interface during clutch engagement for cooling thereof when the clutch assembly is engaging, and separates the clutch plates to reduce spin losses when the clutch assembly is disengaged. A method is also provided for controlling fluid flow at the friction interface, including providing fluid directly to the interface for cooling when the clutch plate assembly is engaging, and for reducing spin losses when the clutch plate assembly is substantially disengaged.

Abstract: A controllable selectable one-way clutch is provided for use within a hybrid transmission. The clutch comprises an outer and inner race, and a first and second selector plate. A transmission motor controller synchronizes the speeds of the races to facilitate application and release of the clutch, and a transmission controller communicates a signal to the clutch for re-positioning of the plates to apply and release the clutch. The clutch has three operational modes, including freewheeling and holding torque in one direction or both directions. A method is also provided for applying a selectable one-way clutch in a vehicle having a hybrid transmission with a motor controller and a transmission controller, including synchronizing the clutch speed using the motor controller, detecting the direction of the race speed difference, communicating the race speed difference to the transmission controller, and selecting between the clutch operational modes in response to the detected speed difference.

Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission case, which defines a generally cylindrical bore that is sufficiently configured to pilot a fastening block member therein. A generally annular groove is defined by the transmission case and is sufficiently dimensioned to receive a snap ring. The snap ring operates to limit the axial movement of the fastening block member with respect to the generally cylindrical bore. An extension housing having a hub portion is also provided. A flange portion extends generally radially outward from the hub portion. The flange portion defines at least one bore that is sufficiently configured to receive a threaded fastener. Similarly, the fastening block defines at least one threaded bore sufficiently axially aligned and configured such that the fastener can threadingly engage the fastening block to secure the extension housing with respect to the case.

Abstract: A method of controlling a torque-transmitting mechanism in a multi-speed transmission includes providing structure forming a pressurizable reaction chamber at a reaction surface of an apply piston opposing an apply surface of the piston. The reaction chamber is pressurized to a first pressure during engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism to establish a first speed ratio and a first torque capacity. The reaction chamber is pressurized to a second pressure level during engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism to establish a second speed ratio and a second torque capacity. Thus, because pressure in the reaction chamber may be controllably varied, a greater reaction pressure is established during the second speed ratio, allowing a greater apply pressure level to be used to establish the second torque capacity. A clutch capacity control system is also provided that allows better control of torque-transmitting mechanisms engagable in different speed ratios to establish different torque capacities.

Abstract: Clutch cooling grooves formed on a friction plate are provided. The grooves are shaped to provide for substantially uniform steel disk temperatures in friction launch of a vehicle. The grooves are shaped such that the largest cross-sectional area is located adjacent to what would otherwise have been a hot area on the steel disk and the smallest cross-sectional area is located at the coolest location on the steel disk, at the cooling fluid inlet. Thus, the groove is shaped such that the smallest cross-sectional area is located at the cooling fluid inlet, the largest cross-sectional area is located between the cooling fluid inlet and the cooling fluid outlet, and the cooling fluid outlet has a cross-sectional area larger than the cooling fluid inlet and smaller than the cross-sectional area adjacent to the hot spot of the steel disk, between the cooling fluid inlet and the cooling fluid outlet.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a torque sensor having a receiver and a transmitter is provided. The assembly includes a first annular member, wherein the receiver is coupled to the first annular member. A second annular member is disposed proximate the first annular member. A bearing assembly is disposed between the first annular member and the second annular member. The bearing assembly includes a first race formed to the first annular member, a second race formed to the second annular member, and a bearing disposed between the first race and the second race for allowing the first race and the second race to rotate relative to one another. A radially extending member is coupled to the second race. The receiver is radially displaced from the bearing assembly and the transmitter is mounted to a mounting surface of the radially extending member opposite the receiver at a predefined axial distance.

Abstract: A controllable selectable one-way clutch is provided for use within a hybrid transmission. The clutch comprises an outer and inner race, and a first and second selector plate. A transmission motor controller synchronizes the speeds of the races to facilitate application and release of the clutch, and a transmission controller communicates a signal to the clutch for re-positioning of the plates to apply and release the clutch. The clutch has three operational modes, including freewheeling and holding torque in one direction or both directions. A method is also provided for applying a selectable one-way clutch in a vehicle having a hybrid transmission with a motor controller and a transmission controller, including synchronizing the clutch speed using the motor controller, detecting the direction of the race speed difference, communicating the race speed difference to the transmission controller, and selecting between the clutch operational modes in response to the detected speed difference.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cooling and lubricating a pinion bearing of an automatic transmission. The apparatus preferably includes a carrier assembly partially defining a centrifugal compensation oil reservoir. A pinion shaft is supported by the carrier assembly. The pinion shaft defines an internal channel in fluid communication with the oil reservoir. The apparatus of the present invention also includes a generally annular pinion gear member circumscribing at least a portion of the pinion shaft, and a pinion bearing disposed radially between the pinion shaft and the pinion gear member. The pinion bearing is adapted to facilitate rotation of the pinion gear member relative to the pinion shaft. The pinion bearing is aligned with the channel such that oil transferred therethrough is applied to the pinion bearing, and the pinion bearing is accordingly cooled and lubricated by the oil. A corresponding method for cooling and lubricating the pinion bearing is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A more efficient method for maintaining the hydraulic actuation of a selectively engageable torque transmitting device in a vehicle. The method includes generating a predetermined pressure level of a hydraulic fluid such as, for example, with a pump. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is transferred through an open valve and to a selectively engageable torque transmitting device such that the selectively engageable torque transmitting device is engaged. Thereafter, the valve is closed so that the predetermined pressure level of hydraulic fluid at the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains relatively constant. Accordingly, the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains engaged without continuously generating additional pressure such that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A clutch plate assembly is provided having a friction interface and internal fluid passages for delivering pressurized fluid to the friction interface to cool the interface, and to reduce spin losses through the clutch assembly. The fluid passages comprise a plurality of primary passages extending inward from a clutch plate inner or outer diameter, and a plurality of secondary fluid passages intersecting the primary fluid passages for conducting fluid to the friction interface. Fluid is directed to the friction interface during clutch engagement for cooling thereof when the clutch assembly is engaging, and separates the clutch plates to reduce spin losses when the clutch assembly is disengaged. A method is also provided for controlling fluid flow at the friction interface, including providing fluid directly to the interface for cooling when the clutch plate assembly is engaging, and for reducing spin losses when the clutch plate assembly is substantially disengaged.

Abstract: A radially stacked dual dry clutch apparatus for a dual clutch transmission is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, an outer clutch mounted to the housing, and an inner clutch mounted to the housing. The outer clutch includes a first plurality of engageable clutch plates, and a hub attached to one of the first plurality of clutch plates. The hub preferably defines a plurality of access ports. The inner clutch includes a second plurality of engageable clutch plates. The inner clutch also includes an apply member configured to selectively actuate the second plurality of clutch plates. At least a portion of the apply member is adapted to pass through the access ports of the hub.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a transmission having a pressurized fluid source includes selectively engageable clutch plates including an apply plate. A piston is movable between an apply position and a release position to respectively engage or release the clutch plates. An apply plate cover cooperates with the apply plate to at least partially form an annular cavity that is sealed to contain pressurized fluid provided by the pressurized fluid source when the piston is moved to the apply position, thereby allowing pressurized fluid flow radially inward across the engaged clutch plates. The annular cavity is opened to allow fluid to empty therefrom when the piston is moved to the released position, thereby allowing centrifugally pumped fluid to flow radially outward across the released clutch plates. A method of reversing cooling fluid flow across clutch plates is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission for transmitting power from a power source includes a torque converter as well as dual clutches which may be arranged as dual input clutches or dual output clutches. To combine the smoothness and ratio boosting effects of a torque converter with the low spin loses associated with synchronizers used in dual clutch designs. The torque converter and dual clutches as well as synchronizers and a plurality of intermeshing gears are utilized to transfer torque from an input member to an output member at a plurality of speed ratios.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction plate with features to provide additional cooling for use within a wet clutch system. The friction plate has a core plate with a friction facing layer affixed to each face of the core plate. The first friction facing layer has a plurality of radially oriented lubrication grooves formed by a plurality of friction pads having porosity. Additionally, the second friction facing layer has a plurality of friction pads formed by radially oriented lubrication grooves whose centerline is coincident with the radial centerline of the friction pads of the first friction facing layer. Each of the lubrication grooves has at least one hole provided therein to introduce fluid to effect cooling of the friction pad opposite the groove. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of enhancing the performance of a wet clutch system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a magnetic sensor to detect the speed of transmission clutch plates or clutch hub. A clutch fiber plate, which is mechanically linked to a buried (or inwardly nested) transmission component, is serrated to generate detectable pulsations or fluctuations in the magnetic intensity of the clutch fiber plate as it rotates. The speed of the buried transmission component is useful in controlling a second clutch arrangement to reduce engine torsional pulses by generating a predetermined amount of slip upon engagement. Moreover, the sensor is configurable to determine the acceleration of the clutch fiber plate to control engine acceleration during a vehicle launch. The sensor is mounted to the transmission housing radially superjacent the clutch fiber plate; therefore, the axial space claim for the transmission does need not increase to accommodate the sensor.