Importance

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Abstract

A multi-speed transmission assembly including a gear box portion having first and second inputs and an output; the first input is connectable to a pump portion of the torque converter, whereas the second output is selectively connectable to an impeller portion of said torque converter such that separate torque converter and direct drive paths are established from a prime mover to the transmission output. Clutches are used to selectively couple the first and second inputs with their associated driving elements. The gear box includes two countershafts having their axes arranged to be parallel and spaced apart from each other and parallel and spaced from an axis of an output shaft. The axes are arranged in a triangular relationship which enables a 'straight through' version, a 'short drop' version and a 'long drop' version of the transmission to be easily manufactured using a commonality of components. By providing different input gear ratios for the first and second inputs, the torque converter can be used as an 'energy absorber' under certain vehicle operating conditions, by simultaneously actuating clutches associated with the first and second inputs to produce relative rotational speeds in the impeller and pump portions of the torque converter.

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First Claim