Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Barry Lewis Ladd

Edmond M Etchason

Peter Edwin Swingler

Michael B Pociask

William J Wegeng

Charles A Barker

A method for controlling a transmission in a motor vehicle during acceleration from an idle condition begins when the vehicle is stationary, the engine is at idle, and the transmission is in the first gear range or ratio. When the vehicle begins to accelerate, the method includes the steps of monitoring the rate of vehicle acceleration and comparing the rate of vehicle acceleration to a rate of vehicle acceleration threshold. If the rate of vehicle acceleration is less than the acceleration threshold, then the transmission allows one of the currently engaged clutches to slip. This clutch slip reduces the torque load on the engine. The method then monitors the engine output speed. If the engine output speed exceeds an engine output speed threshold, then the clutch is fully applied.

Method for controlling a transmission during acceleration from idle

An engine output shaft and a transmission torque converter are connected for torque transmission therebetween. A flex plate is disposed between, and secured for rotation with either, the output shaft or the torque converter input shell. The flex plate includes an axially extending rim frictionally engaged with an annular wall secured either the output shaft or the torque converter input shell. A clamp member surrounds the rim on the flex plate radially outward of the annular wall and is selectively tightened to establish a force therein to cause the frictional engagement to be sufficient to transmit the torque.

Engine/transmission rotary connection

A transmission pump has a cylindrical body sized to fit in a bore in the transmission housing. Inlets and outlets are circumferentially spaced on the cylindrical body. Convoluted ring type seals are arranged on the outer surface of the body in order to allow the inlets and outlets to have profiles that are closer to or even axially overlap, allowing for greater size within a limited axial body length.

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Zionsville, IN, United States of America

Barry Lewis Ladd