A modular hybrid transmission configurable between a 9-speed configuration and an 8-speed configuration includes first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second, and third elements. Seven torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third elements of one of the planetary gear sets directly with (i) one of the first, second, and third elements of another one of the planetary gear sets, (ii) a housing, or (iii) an input member. The seven torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable to establish nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. Upon removal of a fourth torque transmitting device, the transmission is arranged in the 8-speed configuration and the remaining six torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable to establish eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

A clutch conversion kit is usable to convert a truck or other machine from a lever actuated dry clutch to a fluid actuated clutch. The kit (49) includes a hub (50) which engages an input shaft (56) of the transmission (16). A fluid pressure actuated cylinder (68) is mountable on the hub and is operative to selectively axially compress friction discs (122) and separator discs (124) included in a disc pack (120). A flexible drive coupling (170) and drive ring adapter (146) are engageable with a drive ring (138) that is engageable with the friction discs. A pin (204) is positionable to hold the cylinder in a fixed rotational position while a shaft collar (202) and other components of the kit are used to assure proper positioning and operation of the components of the kit.

Methods of modifying a OE prior art transmission, including Ford's AOD, AODE and 4R70W transmissions, to strengthen the transmission by replacing components known to fail. In one example, the intermediate shaft and direct clutch cylinder of an OE transmission are replaced to eliminate the splined connection joining the two components, to simultaneously eliminate the weak splined connection while also making space within the transmission available for an increased diameter shaft. Aspects of the present disclosure also include kits for increasing the strength of a transmission and methods of assembling a transmission.

A kit for modifying an OE vehicle transmission includes a replacement forward piston housing, forward clutch hub and a forward clutch and a replacement direct piston housing, direct clutch hub and a direct clutch. A drum extends between and operably connects the replacement forward piston housing and direct piston housing. The kit includes a replacement sprag shaft. The forward clutch hub and forward clutch and the direct clutch hub and direct clutch are positioned between the forward piston housing and the direct piston housing. At least a portion of the forward clutch and at least a portion of the direct clutch are operably mounted to the drum. The forward piston housing and direct piston housing do not counter rotate relative to one another. A power flow module for an OE vehicle automatic transmission is disclosed.

An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, transmission devices for such an outboard motor, and related methods of making, operating, and modifying attributes of same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the motor, positioned substantially above a trimming axis of the motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to propeller(s). In at least a further embodiment, the motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, and/or other transmission features. In at least some additional embodiments, a transmission device of the motor is configured to facilitate gear ratio variation and/or includes an integrated oil pump.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a first valve assembly that is actuatable between a first position and a second position, a transmission component fluidly connected to the first valve assembly, and a second valve assembly, which is actuatable between a first position and a second position, fluidly connected to the first valve assembly. The first valve assembly is disposed between the second valve assembly and the transmission component. The transmission component is locked when the first valve assembly is in its first position. The transmission component is unlocked when the first valve assembly is in its second position. A pressurized transmission fluid bypasses the second valve assembly when the second valve assembly is in either its first position or its second position.

A kit for modifying a transmission input housing includes an overrun piston sleeve positioned on an outer surface of an input housing inner stepped portion, an overrun piston configured to mate with the overrun piston sleeve, and a replacement forward piston housing. An inner diameter of the overrun piston is larger than an inner diameter of an OE overrun piston. A forward piston sleeve is positioned on the outer surface of the input housing inner stepped conical portion adjacent the overrun sleeve. A forward piston mates with the forward piston sleeve. The forward piston has an inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of an OE forward piston. Seals are positioned between the forward piston and the forward piston sleeve and between the overrun piston and the forward piston at an outer diameter of the overrun piston.

A device and method for allowing a powertrain gear in an off-road vehicle to be changed to a second powertrain gear having a different number of drive teeth without changing the number of reluctor teeth, by replacing the first powertrain gear with a second powertrain gear having a different number of drive teeth but the same number of reluctor teeth.

A gear train includes a first gear having teeth meshed with teeth of a second gear. Each tooth of the first gear includes a coast side and a drive side opposed to the coast side. The drive side has a pressure angle that is greater than that of the coast side. The gear train can be part of a powertrain system for a rotorcraft, and can replace a traditional gear train in a retrofit or new build. The first gear is a planet gear and the second gear is a ring gear wherein the planet gear and ring gear are in a planetary gear train configuration.

An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, transmission devices for such an outboard motor, and related methods of making, operating, and modifying attributes of same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the motor, positioned substantially above a trimming axis of the motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to propeller(s). In at least a further embodiment, the motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, and/or other transmission features. In at least some additional embodiments, a transmission device of the motor is configured to facilitate gear ratio variation and/or includes an integrated oil pump.