Abstract: A transmission includes a high-pressure circuit at least partially filled with transmission fluid at a first pressure, and a low-pressure circuit at least partially filled with transmission fluid at a second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure. A diffuser is in fluid communication with the high-pressure circuit and the low-pressure circuit. The diffuser has an inlet having a first cross-sectional area and receiving transmission fluid from the high-pressure circuit. The diffuser expels transmission fluid to the low-pressure circuit through an outlet having a second cross-sectional area, which is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).

Abstract: A valve body assembly for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first on/off shift valve for controlling a stationary clutch, a second on/off shift valve for controlling a rotating clutch, and a third on/off shift valve for controlling a damper bypass clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes. The first shift valve, the second shift valve and the third shift valve do not include a regulated pressure feedback port, nor a pressure switch for indicating a clutch fill level.

Abstract: A valve body assembly for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first on/off shift valve for controlling a stationary clutch, a second on/off shift valve for controlling a rotating clutch, and a third on/off shift valve for controlling a damper bypass clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes. The first shift valve, the second shift valve and the third shift valve do not include a regulated pressure feedback port, nor a pressure switch for indicating a clutch fill level.

Abstract: A transmission includes a high-pressure circuit at least partially filled with transmission fluid at a first pressure, and a low-pressure circuit at least partially filled with transmission fluid at a second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure. A diffuser is in fluid communication with the high-pressure circuit and the low-pressure circuit. The diffuser has an inlet having a first cross-sectional area and receiving transmission fluid from the high-pressure circuit. The diffuser expels transmission fluid to the low-pressure circuit through an outlet having a second cross-sectional area, which is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque between a first and second members includes an annular piston that defines an axis and an apply plate translatable along the axis between an unengaged position and an engaged position. The apply plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is in contact with the piston. An apply disc is rotationally coupled to the first member and is translatable between unengaged and engaged positions. The apply disc is disposed radially outward of the piston. A backing disc is rotationally and axially fixed to the first member and disposed radially outward of the piston. A friction plate is disposed between the apply disc and the backing disc. The friction plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is rotationally coupled to the second member. The friction plate is disposed radially outward of the piston.

Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).

Abstract: A side cover for use in a transmission includes an inner surface and a wall. The wall extends along the outer periphery of the side cover. The inner surface and the wall cooperate to define a cavity. A fluid control valve is disposed in the bottom of the side cover within the cavity. The fluid control valve controls the height of hydraulic fluid in the side cover by varying flow to the sump. The cavity includes a fluid storage portion in communication with the valve. The fluid storage portion has a volume that is greater at a bottom of the side cover than at a top of the side cover. The fluid storage portion controls the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the valve.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque between a first and second members includes an annular piston that defines an axis and an apply plate translatable along the axis between an unengaged position and an engaged position. The apply plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is in contact with the piston. An apply disc is rotationally coupled to the first member and is translatable between unengaged and engaged positions. The apply disc is disposed radially outward of the piston. A backing disc is rotationally and axially fixed to the first member and disposed radially outward of the piston. A friction plate is disposed between the apply disc and the backing disc. The friction plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is rotationally coupled to the second member. The friction plate is disposed radially outward of the piston.

Abstract: A side cover for use in a transmission includes an inner surface and a wall. The wall extends along the outer periphery of the side cover. The inner surface and the wall cooperate to define a cavity. A fluid control valve is disposed in the bottom of the side cover within the cavity. The fluid control valve controls the height of hydraulic fluid in the side cover by varying flow to the sump. The cavity includes a fluid storage portion in communication with the valve. The fluid storage portion has a volume that is greater at a bottom of the side cover than at a top of the side cover. The fluid storage portion controls the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the valve.