Patent ID: 6840361

Claim:
A torque converter clutch solenoid assembly for use in combination with a torque converter clutch apply valve within a fluid pump of an automatic transmission for a land vehicle, said torque converter clutch solenoid assembly comprising: an electromagnetic solenoid having an extendable plunger, and a solenoid snout having a longitudinal bore terminating in a fluid orifice, said solenoid snout being mechanically coupled to said solenoid such that said plunger is disposed in opening/closing relation to said fluid orifice to control the flow of transmission fluid from a converter clutch signal circuit through said orifice to an exhaust passage, said solenoid snout including a one-way check valve to prevent the backflow of said automatic transmission fluid from said converter clutch signal circuit through said fluid orifice when said vehicle is not operating, wherein said one-way check valve is enclosed within a radially expandable housing installed in said snout member; and sealing means disposed about said solenoid snout to provide a leakproof seal within a mating bore in said fluid pump.