Abstract: A transmission includes epicyclic gearing including first, second, third and fourth gearsets, each gearset including first, second and third members; a first member of the first gearset and a first member of the second gearset being secured against rotation; and clutches, each clutch selectively opening and closing a drive connection between members of the gearsets.

Abstract: A power transmission includes an input; an output; a first gearset including an output having a lower speed than a speed of the input; a second gearset having first, second, and third rotating elements; a second gearset having fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rotating elements; four clutches; and two brakes. The brakes and clutches are engaged in combinations of three to produce up to eleven forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios.

Abstract: A power transmission includes an input; an output; a first gearset including an output having a lower speed than a speed of the input; a second gearset having first, second, and third rotating elements; a second gearset having fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rotating elements; four clutches; and two brakes. The brakes and clutches are engaged in combinations of three to produce up to eleven forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a first power path wherein an engine drives an accessory and a starter-alternator at relatively low speed, a second power path wherein the engine drives the accessory and a starter-alternator at relatively high speed, a third power path wherein the starter-alternator drives the accessory while the engine is off, and a fourth power path wherein the starter-alternator cranks the engine before an engine restart.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a first power path wherein an engine drives an accessory and a starter-alternator at relatively low speed, a second power path wherein the engine drives the accessory and a starter-alternator at relatively high speed, a third power path wherein the starter-alternator drives the accessory while the engine is off, and a fourth power path wherein the starter-alternator cranks the engine before an engine restart.

Abstract: A transmission includes epicyclic gearing including first, second, third and fourth gearsets, each gearset including first, second and third members; a first member of the first gearset and a first member of the second gearset being secured against rotation; and clutches, each clutch selectively opening and closing a drive connection between members of the gearsets.

Abstract: A method for launching a vehicle having an engine shaft, first and second transmission input shafts, first and second input clutches, a coupler, a power path, and an output, the method including engaging the coupler to connect the first input shaft and the first output shaft through the power path, engaging the second input clutch to connect the engine shaft and the second input shaft mutually, using a speed of the second input shaft to determine a desired clutch torque capacity of the first input clutch, and actuating the first input clutch to produce the desired clutch torque capacity of the first input clutch and to complete a drive connection between the first input shaft and the output.

Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input and output; a first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear; a first epicyclic gearing assembly including the first gear set, the second gear set, a first clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and first, second, third and fourth rotating members, said first clutch being operable to couple said first rotating member to the input, said first brake being operable to hold said fourth rotating member against rotation, and said second brake being operable to hold said second rotating member against rotation; and a second epicyclic gearing assembly including the third gear set, the fourth gear set, a second clutch, a third clutch, a third brake, and fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotating members, the third rotating member being secured to the eighth rotating member, said second control clutch being operable to coupl

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine, a motor, a generator and a battery that define electro-mechanical power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels in both a forward drive operating mode and a reverse drive operating mode. The engine drives a power input element of a power-dividing gearset and the generator is connected to a reaction element of the power-dividing gearset. A torque reversing gearset drivably connects a power output element of the power-dividing gearset to final drive gearing to complement reverse driving motor torque.

Abstract: A method for controlling gear shifts in a multiple speed power transmission for a vehicle that includes a first clutch for transmitting power through a first power path producing a reverse gear, and a second clutch for transmitting power through a second power path producing a forward gear. The method includes selecting a reverse range in which the transmission is to operate, preparing the transmission to transmit power alternately through the first power path and second power path; engaging the first clutch and transmitting power through the first power path in the reverse gear, selecting a forward range in which the transmission is to operate, disengaging the first clutch and engaging the second clutch, and transmitting power through the second power path in the forward gear.

Abstract: A system for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an engine or another prime mover, a transmission for transmitting rotary power to and from the engine, an electric machine, a clutch driveably connected to an output of the transmission; and a gearset driveably connected to the electric machine, the transmission output and the clutch, for transmitting rotary power between the electric machine and at least one of the transmission output and the clutch.

Abstract: A method for launching a vehicle having an engine shaft, first and second transmission input shafts, first and second input clutches, a coupler, a power path, and an output, the method including engaging the coupler to connect the first input shaft and the first output shaft through the power path, engaging the second input clutch to connect the engine shaft and the second input shaft mutually, using a speed of the second input shaft to determine a desired clutch torque capacity of the first input clutch, and actuating the first input clutch to produce the desired clutch torque capacity of the first input clutch and to complete a drive connection between the first input shaft and the output.

Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission includes an input, first and second input shafts, first and second clutches for releasably coupling the input to the input shafts, and a set of selectable power paths connecting the first and second input shafts to the output, the power paths having at least one power path that includes both the first and second input shafts.

Abstract: A system for actuating gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes an electric motor including a motor shaft supported for rotation about an axis, first and second actuator drums supported for rotation substantially parallel to the axis, and a drive mechanism including a first power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the first drum, and a second power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the second drum.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.

Abstract: A torque transfer case for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. The transfer case receives torque from a power transmission mechanism and distributes driving torque to a primary traction wheel and axle assembly and to a secondary traction wheel and axle assembly wherein an electric motor power boost for each traction wheel and axle assembly is available as well as a regenerative braking power recover from either or both.

Abstract: A system for actuating couplers to produce gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes first and second actuator drums supported for rotation, and first and second shift forks. Each first shift fork is driveably connected to a first actuator drum, secured to a first coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a first actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one first drive state, wherein a gear of a first gear group is engaged. Each second shift fork is driveably connected to a second actuator drum, secured to a second coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a second actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one second drive state, wherein a gear of the second gear group is engaged.

Abstract: The disclosed hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine, a motor, a generator and a battery that define electro-mechanical power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels in both a forward drive operating mode and a reverse drive operating mode.

Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input and output; a first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear; a first epicyclic gearing assembly including the first gear set, the second gear set, a first clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and first, second, third and fourth rotating members, said first clutch being operable to couple said first rotating member to the input, said first brake being operable to hold said fourth rotating member against rotation, and said second brake being operable to hold said second rotating member against rotation; and a second epicyclic gearing assembly including the third gear set, the fourth gear set, a second clutch, a third clutch, a third brake, and fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotating members, the third rotating member being secured to the eighth rotating member, said second control clutch being operable to coupl

Abstract: A multiple speed transmission for an automotive vehicle includes an input and an output, a planetary gear system comprising first, second and third planetary gear units, each gear unit including a sun gear, a ring gear, planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions. A forward clutch releasably connects the carrier of the second gear unit and the carrier of the third gear unit. A second clutch releasably connects the carrier of the first gear unit to the ring gear of the second gear unit. A third clutch releasably connects the ring gear of the third gear unit to the carrier of the second gear unit. First brake releasably holds the carrier of the third gear unit against rotation.