Abstract: A transmission oil filter is assembled from a filter element, a base, and a cover. Each of the three pieces extends beyond the filtration media to form an inlet channel. The inlet channel is low enough to fit under a valve body. Placing the inlet in this channel ensures that the inlet draws transmission fluid at road gradients and acceleration rates at which an inlet under the filtration media would draw air.

Abstract: A transmission filter includes a baffle with a valve. The baffle defines front and rear openings. When a vehicle climbs or descends a hill, the valve moves in response to the weight of fluid on a higher side of the baffle. The valve prevents flow from the higher of the front and rear openings preventing air ingestion into the filter.

Abstract: During assembly of a transmission, an adapter is installed on a transmission suction filter. The adapter includes a deformable bellows. A top lip of the bellows is attached to the filter inlet while a bottom lip of the bellows includes at least one fin. The fin has a chamfered edge. As two case halves are brought together, the chamfer rubs against a rear case half compressing the bellows. After assembly, the fins control a distance between a sump bottom and the bottom lip of the bellow. As a result, the fluid level can be lower without risking air ingestion.

Abstract: A park-by-wire system uses a single spring to bias the system towards park and to permit a ratcheting feature which delays the engagement of park until vehicle speed drops below a threshold. A cam slides with respect to a rod. A stop on the rod limits travel in one direction. The spring biases the cam toward the stop but compresses as necessary to allow the cam to move during ratcheting operation. The spring reacts against the housing. Acting through the cam and the stop, the spring biases the rod toward the park position. The design limits the number of components that move during ratcheting operation. Specifically, the rod and actuator do not oscillate during ratcheting operation.

Abstract: A transmission oil filter is assembled from a filter element, a base, and a cover. Each of the three pieces extends beyond the filtration media to form an inlet channel. The inlet channel is low enough to fit under a valve body. Placing the inlet in this channel ensures that the inlet draws transmission fluid at road gradients and acceleration rates at which an inlet under the filtration media would draw air.

Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle has a case adapted to retain a transaxle oil. A chain transfers torque between transaxle gears, and a snubber is disposed along the tension side of the chain. The snubber comprises a molded base plate with a pair of mounting inserts extending transverse to the base plate to mount the snubber to a case of the transaxle. A snubber plate is integrally molded with the base plate and extends substantially transversely from a longitudinal side of the base plate to frame an edge of the chain. A ramp plate is integrally molded with the base plate and extends substantially transversely from the base plate and obliquely with respect to the snubber plate. A scoop is integrally molded with the base plate and extends from the ramp plate configured to transversely deflect a flow of transaxle oil directed to the scoop by the ramp plate.

Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle has a case adapted to retain a transaxle oil. A chain transfers torque between transaxle gears, and a snubber is disposed along the tension side of the chain. The snubber comprises a molded base plate with a pair of mounting inserts extending transverse to the base plate to mount the snubber to a case of the transaxle. A snubber plate is integrally molded with the base plate and extends substantially transversely from a longitudinal side of the base plate to frame an edge of the chain. A ramp plate is integrally molded with the base plate and extends substantially transversely from the base plate and obliquely with respect to the snubber plate. A scoop is integrally molded with the base plate and extends from the ramp plate configured to transversely deflect a flow of transaxle oil directed to the scoop by the ramp plate.

Abstract: A park-by-wire system uses a single spring to bias the system towards park and to permit a ratcheting feature which delays the engagement of park until vehicle speed drops below a threshold. A cam slides with respect to a rod. A stop on the rod limits travel in one direction. The spring biases the cam toward the stop but compresses as necessary to allow the cam to move during ratcheting operation. The spring reacts against the housing. Acting through the cam and the stop, the spring biases the rod toward the park position. The design limits the number of components that move during ratcheting operation. Specifically, the rod and actuator do not oscillate during ratcheting operation.

Abstract: A transmission filter assembly utilizes a filter cartridge that slides axially with respect to the filter chamber. In normal operation, a spring pushes the filter cartridge into a position such that fluid flows into the interior of the cartridge, through filter media, and then radially out of the cartridge. If the pressure drop across the filter is excessive, the pressure forces the filter cartridge to slide to a position in which fluid bypasses the filter media. In this bypass mode, fluid does not flow into the interior of the cartridge and therefore has a very low tendency to dislodge previously captured contaminants. Two sets of tabs position the cartridge radially within the chamber. The two sets are separated axially to prevent tilting of the cartridge.

Abstract: A pump suction line assembly includes a sump including a wall formed with a bore and a seat, a tube including an inlet, an outlet, a length connecting the outlet and inlet, and a flange contacting the seat, a housing, a seal fitted in the bore and contacting the flange and the housing, and fasteners that compress the seal, secure the tube to the wall, and secure the sump to the housing.

Abstract: A pump suction line assembly includes a sump including a wall formed with a bore and a seat, a tube including an inlet, an outlet, a length connecting the outlet and inlet, and a flange contacting the seat, a housing, a seal fitted in the bore and contacting the flange and the housing, and fasteners that compress the seal, secure the tube to the wall, and secure the sump to the housing.

Abstract: The automatic transmission for motor vehicles includes a positive displacement pump, a sump hydraulically connected by a passage to the pump inlet, a line pressure control valve having a high pressure outlet, a passage carrying fluid from the control valve through a nozzle and an nozzle exit opening to the passage that connects the sump to the pump inlet. The high pressure passage has a cross section whose area decreases in the direction toward the pump inlet and terminates in a nozzle through which a high speed jet enters the low pressure passage through the nozzle exit opening.

Abstract: In a hydraulic system for controlling the rate at which fluid flows to an oncoming clutch and for quickly disengaging the clutch, a source of pressurized fluid, a valve hydraulically connected to the fluid source including a spool for alternately opening and closing communication through the valve between the fluid source and the clutch, a seat located between the valve and the clutch, and a plate moveable by fluid flow in a first direction into contact with the seat and moveable by fluid flow in a second direction away from the seat, the plate having an orifice through which fluid enters the clutch when the plate contacts the seat, and openings through which fluid from the clutch passes when the plate is away from the seat. A tube, located between the plate and the clutch, includes a head adjacent the plate and is formed with the seat, and a shank having a passage hydraulically communicating with the clutch, the orifice being aligned with the passage when the plate contacts the seat.

Abstract: The automatic transmission for motor vehicles includes a positive displacement pump, a sump hydraulically connected by a passage to the pump inlet, a line pressure control valve having a high pressure outlet, a passage carrying fluid from the control valve through a nozzle and an nozzle exit opening to the passage that connects the sump to the pump inlet. The high pressure passage has a cross section whose area decreases in the direction toward the pump inlet and terminates in a nozzle through which a high speed jet enters the low pressure passage through the nozzle exit opening.

Abstract: In a hydraulic system for controlling the rate at which fluid flows to an oncoming clutch and for quickly disengaging the clutch, a source of pressurized fluid, a valve hydraulically connected to the fluid source including a spool for alternately opening and closing communication through the valve between the fluid source and the clutch, a seat located between the valve and the clutch, and a plate moveable by fluid flow in a first direction into contact with the seat and moveable by fluid flow in a second direction away from the seat, the plate having an orifice through which fluid enters the clutch when the plate contacts the seat, and openings through which fluid from the clutch passes when the plate is away from the seat. A tube, located between the plate and the clutch, includes a head adjacent the plate and is formed with the seat, and a shank having a passage hydraulically communicating with the clutch, the orifice being aligned with the passage when the plate contacts the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.