Abstract: The present invention generally relates to vehicle based climate regulation systems. Specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for extending and directing the flow of air-conditioning or heat within a vehicle by way of providing a connector and a detachable extension operable with a preexisting vehicle climate regulation system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to vehicle based climate regulation systems. Specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for extending and directing the flow of air-conditioning or heat within a vehicle by way of providing a connector and a detachable extension operable with a preexisting vehicle climate regulation system.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling a continuously variable transmission with improved response time, the continuously variable transmission having a first pulley engagable with an engine and having a second pulley drivingly connected to the first pulley by a belt. The first and second pulleys each have a fixed sheave and a movable sheave, a position of the movable sheaves defining a transmission ratio. The method and arrangement provides for disengaging the engine from the first pulley and increasing the speed of the engine to a target speed, reducing pressure to the movable sheave of the first pulley to a low value, increasing pressure to the movable sheave of the second pulley causing it to rapidly move to a new position thereby changing the transmission ratio to a target transmission ratio, increasing the pressure to the first pulley, and reengaging the engine to the first pulley.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling a continuously variable transmission with improved response time, the continuously variable transmission having a first pulley engagable with an engine and having a second pulley drivingly connected to the first pulley by a belt. The first and second pulleys each have a fixed sheave and a movable sheave, a position of the movable sheaves defining a transmission ratio. The method and arrangement provides for disengaging the engine from the first pulley and increasing the speed of the engine to a target speed, reducing pressure to the movable sheave of the first pulley to a low value, increasing pressure to the movable sheave of the second pulley causing it to rapidly move to a new position thereby changing the transmission ratio to a target transmission ratio, increasing the pressure to the first pulley, and reengaging the engine to the first pulley.

Abstract: A differential assembly is disclosed that is operable to prevent the escape of fluid from the assembly. The differential assembly further allows the transmission to be transported while containing fluid. The differential assembly further allows increased driveshaft lengths for reduced torque steer tendencies and improved constant velocity joint angles. The differential assembly includes a pair of differential side gears each integrally formed to a hollow stub shaft. Plug members disposed within the hollow stub shafts define an enclosed space in the differential housing, thereby preventing fluid escape from the differential assembly and the transmission.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a transmission includes a valve cavity located in a flow passage and having first and second orifices spaced from one another and disposed at opposite ends of the cavity with sidewalls extending therebetween, a valve body disposed within the valve cavity and having a central passage extending through the valve body, the valve body and the cavity defining a plurality of positive flow passages between the sidewalls and the valve body through the valve cavity, the valve body being moveable within the valve cavity in response to the pressure of fluid flowing therethrough between a first position adjacent the first orifice such that fluid flows from the second orifice through the central passages in the positive flow passages and out the first orifice and a second position adjacent the second orifice such that the positive flow passages are sealed and restricted fluid flows from the first orifice through the central passage and out the second orifice.

Abstract: For a planetary gear unit including several tubular pinion gear shafts which are located by a carrier member in a generally circular pattern, an oil delivery and lubricating assembly which includes plural plug and funnel members, the plug portions being inserted within the tubular pinion gear shafts which thereby orients the funnel member exteriorly of the shafts to intercept lubricating oil and deliver it to a bearing positioned about the pinion gear shaft.

Abstract: An improved lock plate and retaining ring mounting arrangement for securing a gear on a vehicle rotating shaft by a threaded hex-head fastener. The plate has a generally rectangular central aperture with transversely opposed internal side edges and longitudinally opposed arcuate end edges. The plate has a pair of arcuate opposed concentric slots sized to adjustably receive an associated web bolt for threaded reception in a web bore thereby locking the shaft fastener in its tightened position. A one-piece retaining ring, concentrically positioned so as to overly the plate, comprises opposed semicircular bands interconnecting a pair of diametrically opposed discs provided with a bolt hole adapted aligned with both an associated plate slot and a web bore. Each disc is formed with a plurality of radially disposed tabs whereby at least one of the tabs is in substantial registration with a side face of an associated web bolt head.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting backlash for a north-south transaxle. The method includes the steps of forming a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes disposing a transmission assembly in the first passageway and a transfer assembly in the second passageway and a differential assembly in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The method further includes preloading the differential assembly, determining the amount of backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly, and adjusting the backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembly for a north-south transaxle includes the steps of forming a case with a longitudinal passageway and having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes forming a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion and installing a front bearing about the transfer shaft and in the passageway. The method further includes installing the transfer shaft in the passageway, installing a rear bearing about the transfer shaft and in the passageway, and retaining the front and rear bearings and transfer shaft in the passageway.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway and having a first shaft portion extending through the first passageway at one end thereof and a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and having a second shaft portion extending through the second passageway at one end thereof. The transaxle includes first and second bearings rotatably supporting the first and second shaft portions in the first and second passageways, and an assembly for retaining the first and second bearings and the first and second shaft portions in the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a north-south transaxle includes a case having a passageway extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The lubrication system also includes a transfer assembly disposed in the passageway and a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The lubrication system further includes means for delivering fluid in the cavity to the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally, a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally, and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the second passageway. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway, a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and a structure interconnecting the transmission assembly and transfer assembly for transferring torque from the transmission assembly to the transfer assembly. The transaxle further includes a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and the transaxle is structured to thermally compensate preload on the differential assembly over a temperature operating range.

Abstract: An adaptive control system in an automatic four-speed transmission having a unique clutch and gear arrangement which eliminates the need for additional gearing and one over-running clutch, while requiring only one more friction element. The vehicle transmission assembly includes a transmission housing, a rotatable input member, an output member, and a gear assembly for changing the ratio of torque between the input member and the output member. Three clutch assemblies selectively couple the rotatable input member to predetermine gears of the gear assembly and two brake assemblies selectively couple predetermined gears of the gear assembly to the transmission housing. The gear assembly includes the first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set.

Abstract: In the preferred form a locking plate comprises a small rigid sheet of metal having a longitudinal axis of symmetry along which a generally rectangular central aperture extends. The central aperture has transversely opposed internal side edges and longitudinally opposed arcuate end edges. The central aperture defines a pair of spaced apart longitudinal side straps bent upwardly from the plane of the locking plate and a pair of spaced apart transverse arcuate end bases. Each base plate is formed with an arcuate slot with the slots having a common center of curvature located at the axis midpoint and subtending a predetermined central angle. The central aperture internal side edges juxtaposed diametrically opposite side flanks of the hex-head enabling a fastener to be received in each arcuate slot and an underlying one of a pair of diametrically opposed threaded bores so as to lock the hex-head in its tightened position.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly has a multi-pinion system with a unitary spider to enable assembly of the differential gear by an automated process.