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.

Abstract: A power transmission incorporates a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms having stationary piston torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is controlled by one or more hydraulic master cylinders, which provide hydrostatic apply pressure for the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms. The control apparatus may incorporate either two or three master cylinders for controlling five torque-transmitting mechanisms through a plurality of selectively operable valve mechanisms.

Abstract: A power transmission includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member and a torque transmitting mechanism selectively operable to transfer drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transmitting member includes a selectively operable one-way clutch including a rotatable member for switching the one-way clutch between a released mode and a locked mode. The torque transmitting mechanism also includes a friction clutch and an actuator. The friction clutch is operable to transmit torque to the rotatable member and control the mode of operation of the one-way clutch. The actuator is operable to apply a clutch and brake engagement force to the friction clutch.

Abstract: A manual planetary power transmission includes two planetary gearsets and three torque-transmitting synchronizer assemblies. Two of the synchronizer assemblies permit the control of one gear member of the planetary gearsets individually. The third synchronizer permits control of two of the planetary gear members individually or simultaneously. The three synchronizer assemblies are manipulable in combinations of three to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the planetary gearsets.

Abstract: A control valve apparatus for a rotating clutch includes a valve having a spool portion and a mass portion. The spool portion provides a control function to distribute pressure from a static source to a chamber of the clutch. The valve also has a mass associated therewith which is responsive to rotation of the clutch and valve apparatus such that the apply pressure and the centrifugal effective pressure operating on the valve and the mass centrifugal force is compensated for to maintain the pressure at a specific radius of the clutch equal to the static apply pressure of the pressure source independent of rotation speed.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism has an electric motor apply apparatus. The electric motor is operable to control a drag torque on a rotatable plate for a torque-to-thrust apparatus. The control of the rotatable plate by the electric motor and drag torque results in a thrust force being applied to the torque-transmitting mechanism such that the torque-transmitting mechanism is conditioned to transmit torque between two members of a power transmission.

Abstract: A planetary transmission has a plurality of rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism that are operable to connect a rotating input mechanism with one or more planetary gear members. At least two of the rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanisms are radially stacked and axially aligned. At least one of the radially stacked rotating torque-transmitting mechanisms has an apply piston that is slidably mounted in a stationary transmission housing, an apply plate that is rotatable with a portion of the torque-transmitting mechanism, and a bearing disposed therebetween to accommodate relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. The ring gear of the second planetary gear set is integral with the ring gear of the first planetary gear set, and the carrier of the second planetary gear set is continuously connected with the carrier of the first planetary gear set. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism control valve disposed between a hydrostatic source of pressure and a torque-transmitting mechanism is effective to direct fluid pressure to engage the torque-transmitting mechanism when a control pressure is present, effective to retain the valve closed when source pressure is present but control pressure is not, and to retain the valve closed when torque-transmitting apply pressure is present and source pressure is not and control pressure is not present.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism having a latching apparatus includes a frictional drive connection between two components of a transmission mechanism. The torque-transmitting mechanism is controlled in engagement and disengagement through an apply piston to which an apply component is presented. The latching mechanism will prevent disengagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism even when the apply force is disestablished. The latching mechanism is provided with a controlled release to permit the apply force to be reestablished and thereafter control disengagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A rotatable torque-transmitting apparatus includes a stationary piston and a rotatable apply plate. The rotatable apply plate is disposed adjacent a rotatable housing and separated therefrom by a return spring assembly which in a preload condition is trapped between the apply plate and the rotatable housing to limit the disengaged force which is transmitted between the rotatable housing and the stationary piston.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A torque-to-thrust apparatus includes a one-way mechanism permitting free application of rotation to torque. A friction plate disposed between a portion of a one-way device and a stationary member of the torque-to-thrust apparatus inhibits reverse rotation at a predetermined torque level, which will maintain the thrust member of the torque-to-thrust apparatus in an engaged condition until a predetermined load is applied to the rotary side of the torque-to-thrust apparatus to overcome the friction load.

Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each planetary gear set having first, second and third members. First and second interconnecting members continuously interconnect members of the planetary gear sets. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of three to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. The transmission is alternatively operable through two different sets of six speeds by engaging the sixth or seventh torque-transmitting mechanism before cycling the transmission through different speed ratios. In this manner, the transmission is operable as a dual six-speed transmission.

Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. An interconnecting member continuously connects members of the second and third planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are provided between the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having three planetary gear sets. The input shaft and output shaft are continuously connected with members of the planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively connect specific members of the planetary gear sets with other members of the planetary gear sets, or with the transmission housing. Fluid for applying two of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is carried through a shaft which is connected to a sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of three to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes at least one planetary gear set having first, second and third members; a clutch pack connected to one of the members; and a rotatable housing member connected to another one of the members. A piston assembly is supported on the rotatable housing member and rotatable therewith. The piston assembly includes a thrust bearing operatively connected with an axially movable piston to receive an apply force from the piston, and a piston apply member positioned between the thrust bearing and the clutch pack for transmitting the apply force to the clutch pack. Fluid for applying the piston is carried through a stationary support member, through the rotatable housing member, and into the piston assembly.

Abstract: A power transmission employs a plurality of torque-to-thrust apparatus to control the engagement and disengagement of the transmission ratios. Each of the torque-to-thrust apparatus is operatively connectible with a pair of electric motors, which are individually operable to control the operation of the torque-to-thrust apparatus. During transmission operation, one of the electric motors is operable to disengage a friction device within the transmission while the other electric motor is operable to engage a different friction device within the transmission, thus permitting controlled ratio upshifts and downshifts.

Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each planetary gear set having first, second and third members. First and second interconnecting members continuously interconnect members of the planetary gear sets. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of three to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. The transmission is alternatively operable through two different sets of six speeds by engaging the sixth or seventh torque-transmitting mechanism before cycling the transmission through different speed ratios. In this manner, the transmission is operable as a dual six-speed transmission.