Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a housing adapted to be rotated by an automotive engine, a shaft having first and second sections and a first end adapted to be an input to a transmission, and first and second clutch devices positioned with the housing. The first clutch device, which includes a planetary gear set, can be connected to the first section of the shaft to rotate the shaft. The second clutch device can be connected to the second section of the shaft to rotate the shaft. The planetary gear set provides a gear splitting system for use in doubling the number of gear ratios supplied by the transmission.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition containing: (a) about 85 to about 95 weight % of a crystalline propylene ethylene block copolymer or a combination of crystalline propylene ethylene copolymer and a propylene homopolymer whose (i) ethylene content ranges from about 2.2 to about 4.2 weight %, (ii) melt flow rate ranges from about 20 to about 30 g/10 minutes, and (iii) isotactic/pentad fraction of propylene homopolymer is greater than or equal to about 94%; (b) about 2 to about 8 weight % ethylene butene rubber whose melt flow rate ranges from about 6 to about 8 g/10 minutes and density ranges from about 0.860 to about 0.865 g/cc and (c) about 2 to about 8 parts by weight talc with an average diameter ranging from about 1 to about 2 &mgr;m. The thermoplastic resin composition is lightweight but maintains good rigidity and heat resistance properties. The thermoplastic resin may be molded into an article, such as those used as parts for an automobile interior.

Abstract: A differential includes: a driving member; a first driven member; a second driven member; and a coupling between the driving member and each of the driven members, the coupling includes: an input member connected to one of the driving member, the first driven member and the second driven member; an output member connected to another one of the first driven member and the second driven member, wherein there is a first space between the output member and the input member; a magneto-rheological fluid located in the space; and at least one electromagnet proximate the space.

Abstract: A friction coupling includes a friction member including a brake surface and a clutch surface in a different plane from the brake surface; a spring abutting the friction member; a brake member proximate to the brake surface; the brake member mounted relative to the friction member to permit relative rotation; and a brake actuator connected to the brake member.