Flow-regulating valve and oil level control system using same

A flow-regulating valve comprising:

• a plurality of members including a first member and a second member, each having different openings extending there through;
• a first active material component operatively connected to said first member and characterized by a first transformation temperature such that said first active material component actuates at said first transformation temperature to move said first member with respect to said second member from a first position to a second position, thereby varying fluid flow through said valve;
• additional active material components operatively connected to said first member and to a third and a fourth member, respectively, of said plurality of members, and characterized by different respective transformation temperatures such that said first member moves in telescoping relationship to said other members;
• and
• an actuator operatively connected to said first member and activatable upon occurrence of a first predetermined condition to actuate, moving said first member to a third position with respect to said second member, thereby further varying fluid flow through said valve during said first predetermined condition.

An oil level control system for a transmission having an oil sump comprising:

• a controller operable to determine occurrence of a predetermined condition and to send a control signal when said predetermined condition occurs;
• a flow-regulating valve openable and closable to alter fluid communication therethrough to said oil sump;
• wherein said flow-regulating valve is configured to move from an open position to a closed position as fluid temperature increases;
• and wherein said flow-regulating valve is operatively connected to said controller and configured to change position upon receipt of said control signal regardless of fluid temperature.