Abstract: A hydraulic ball coupling assembly (1) comprises an inner hub (2) and an outer hub (3) disposed for relative coaxial rotational engagement. The inner hub (2) includes a continuous sinuate recessed track (4) extending circumferentially around the cylindrical outer surface (5). The outer hub (3) includes a plurality of uniformly spaced axially extending grooves (6) on the inner cylindrical surface (7). The grooves (6) extend in a direction substantially normal to the general effective direction of the sinuate track (4). A slider (10) is reciprocally disposed within each groove (6) and located in the intersecting region (11) of the sinuate track (4) and the respective groove (6) such that relative rotation of the inner and outer hubs (2, 3) causes each slider (10) to oscillate axially within its respective groove (6) while traversing the track (4).

Abstract: A torque proportioning differential mechanism (1) for transmitting drive to at least two wheels of a vehicle. The differential includes a carrier (2) adapted to be rotatably driven about a first axis (3) and a plurality of inner peripherally spaced pinion-locating formations (6) defining respective inwardly directed carrier thrust surfaces (7). A pair of spaced apart bevel side gears (4,5) are respectively adapted for connection to the wheels and supported for rotation about a common axis (3) fixed with respect to the carrier. A plurality of peripherally spaced floating shaftless bevel pinions (8) are disposed in meshing engagement with both the side gears (4,5). Each pinion defines a complementary outer pinion thrust surface (9) nestingly disposed closely adjacent a respective one of the locating formations.

Abstract: An electro/hydraulic control system for automatically shifting gear stages of a multiple stage transmission gear mechanism by selectively controlling the operable effectiveness of various hydraulically operated friction units in accordance with vehicle operating conditions. The control system includes a series of hydraulic shift valves arranged in combination with at least two pressure regulator valves for controlling the supply of hydraulic actuating fluid to the friction units in response to ratio selection signals derived in an electronic control. The control system further includes at least one variable pressure solenoid whose variable pressure output is multiplexed to each pressure regulator valve in the system to provide for quality shifts between gear ratios. The desired end is effected by programmably profiling the output of the variable pressure solenoid.