Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axelshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axelshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshaft, a brake and first and second mode clutches. The first clutch is operable with the brake and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second clutch is operable with the brakes and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. A control system determines a desired quantity of torque to deliver to the second rotary member and controls the clutch to produce the desired torque.

Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A dual-clutch powershift transmission for use in a motor vehicle having an engine and a driveline includes an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline, first and second input shafts, a first engine clutch operable for establishing a releaseable drive connection between the engine and the first input shaft and a second engine clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the engine shaft and the second input shaft. A first constant-mesh gearset is driven by the first input shaft. A second constant-mesh gearset is driven by the second input shaft. A first shift clutch releasably engages the first gearset to establish a drive connection between the first input shaft and the output shaft. A second shift clutch releasably engages the second gearset to establish a drive connection between the second input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A transfer case for a motor vehicle having an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a clutch, a transfer mechanism, a sensor portion and a magnetoelastic torque sensor. The clutch has a clutch pack and a thrust mechanism that is configured to exert an engagement force on the clutch pack. The clutch pack has a first portion, which is rotatably driven by either or both of the input shaft and the first output shaft, and a second portion that is supported for rotation relative to the first portion. The transfer mechanism couples the second portion of the clutch pack to the second output shaft. The sensor portion is coupled to the first or second output shaft and is at least partially formed of a magnetoelastic material. The magnetoelastic torque sensor is disposed about and radially in-line with the sensor portion.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.

Abstract: An adjustable position sensor is provided suitable for use with a clutch actuation control system. The position sensor includes: a rotatable shaft adapted to engage a control gear of the clutch actuation control system; and an encoder having a position indicator adjustably coupled to the shaft and operable to detect the position of the shaft over a range of motion that is less than the range of movement exhibited by the control gear. The position indicator of the encoder is adjustable in relation to the shaft so that the range of motion detected by the encoder can be correlated to an area of interest within the range of motion exhibited by the control gear.

Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism operable to transferring drive torque from the input member to the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a first piston. The first piston is slidably positioned within the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is in communication with a second piston to provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. A control system determines a desired quantity of torque to deliver to the second rotary member and controls the clutch to produce the desired torque.

Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.

Abstract: A power compounder, for transmitting rotary power from a transmission to a driveline assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the transmission. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and adapted to be driven by the transmission. The compounder further includes an output shaft adapted to drive the driveline assembly and a gearset. The gearset selectively communicates rotational movement between the input and output shafts. A centralized passageway is formed in the input shaft. A separator insert is disposed in the passageway and is adapted to carry fluid at a first pressure to a first predetermined location and carry fluid at a second pressure to a second predetermined location.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a mode clutch, an actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, an actuator shaft driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes range, a cam driven by the actuator shaft and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a range cam member with cam surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the cam surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the actuator shaft. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the mode clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a four-wheel drive system arranged to supply motive power to a primary output shaft of a transfer case from an internal combustion engine and to a secondary output shaft from an electric motor/generator. The transfer case is comprised of a planetary gearset having an input driven by the motor/generator and an output directing drive torque to the secondary drivelines. This hybrid drive arrangement permits use of a modified transfer case in place of a conventional transfer case in a traditional four-wheel drive driveline.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.