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 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 seven-speed planetary transmission incorporates three planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the planetary gearsets is a simple type planetary gearset, three of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms commonly termed clutches, and three of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms commonly termed brakes. A one-way torque-transmitting mechanism is included to simplify the engagement of the first of the forward speed ratios as well as to simplify the ratio interchange between the first and second of the speed ratios.

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 seven-speed planetary transmission incorporates three planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the planetary gearsets is a simple type planetary gearset, three of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms commonly termed clutches, and three of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms commonly termed brakes. A one-way torque-transmitting mechanism is included to simplify the engagement of the first of the forward speed ratios as well as to simplify the ratio interchange between the first and second of the speed ratios.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism has a stationary housing in which is rotatably supported a wheel which has one or more axially facing ramps formed thereon. An apply plate is slidably disposed in the stationary housing and has one or more axially facing ramps disposed thereon which are axially juxtaposed to the ramps on the wheel. A plurality of spherical members are positioned between the ramps such that rotation of the wheel results in axial movement of the apply plate. The apply plate is axially moved into contact with one or more friction plates to enforce frictional engagement between two portions of a torque-transmitting mechanism disposed within a transmission.

Abstract: A torque-to-thrust apply mechanism for a torque-transmitting mechanism includes an input electric motor supplying torque to a first rotary to thrust ball and ramp mechanism which converts rotary motion to an apply force between an apply plate and a plurality of friction discs within a torque-transmitting mechanism. The mechanism also includes a second rotary-to-thrust mechanism which receives input rotation from the first apply member as a result of reaction torque. The rotation of the second mechanism results in additional thrust on the friction plates to amplify the apply force of the torque-to-thrust apply mechanism.

Abstract: A brake band and apply mechanism includes a brake drum and a brake band surrounding the drum. The brake band is enforced into engagement and disengagement with the drum through an apply mechanism which includes a rotary electric motor and a linear output member. The linear output member is operatively connected with the brake band. A rotary-to-linear transfer or torque to thrust mechanism is disposed between the motor rotary output and the brake band linear input to enforce engagement and disengagement of the brake band. The motor power is only required during apply and release of the band.

Abstract: A torque-to-thrust apply mechanism for a torque-transmitting mechanism includes an input electric motor supplying torque to a first rotary to thrust ball and ramp mechanism which converts rotary motion to an apply force between an apply plate and a plurality of friction discs within a torque-transmitting mechanism. The mechanism also includes a second rotary-to-thrust mechanism which receives input rotation from the first apply member as a result of reaction torque. The rotation of the second mechanism results in additional thrust on the friction plates to amplify the apply force of the torque-to-thrust apply mechanism.

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: An electro-mechanical hybrid powertrain uses the electric motor during engine starting. A planetary gear arrangement is disposed in torque transmitting relation between the prime mover, the electric motor and the transmission output. A pair of brake members, which are self-engaging, are provided to establish reaction members in the planetary gear arrangement during engine starting. A fluid-operated piston selectively enforces disengagement of the brakes after the engine has started.

Abstract: A hydraulic control has valves for controlling the drive range selection and ratio interchange in a power transmission including a selector valve, a shift valve and a coast control valve. Each of these valves has a rotary spool distribution member for directing pressurized fluid to passages in a housing from which the fluid is delivered to the proper transmission mechanisms. The control simultaneously exhausts other transmission mechanisms.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for securing a transmission operating control valve body to a transmission case. The clamping assembly utilizes at least one biasing member having a hub portion. The hub portion has a generally centrally disposed aperture with a plurality of spring arms extending radially outwardly from the hub portion. Each spring arm has a distal end that is adapted to engage the valve body. A spacer is interposed between the hub portion and the valve body. A fastener is receivable through the aperture and through the valve body to be anchored in the transmission case, thereby securing the valve body in position.

Abstract: A power transmission has a selectively controlled two-speed, underdrive and direct drive, planetary mechanism disposed between a torque converter and a multi-speed gear arrangement. A control for the two-speed planetary mechanism responds to vehicle operating parameters, such as throttle and brake, for establishing the selection of the ratio condition in the two-speed planetary mechanism.