Abstract: A multi-speed winch is attached to a motor vehicle and is hydraulically powered by the vehicle's power steering system or other hydraulic source innate to the host vehicle. The winch operates in either a low-speed, high-torque mode for moving heavy loads, a high-speed, low-torque mode for quickly releasing or retrieving cable, a free-spooling mode for manually releasing cable, and a brake mode for holding the cable and load at a fixed position. The high-speed mode is enabled by coupling the drive shaft directly to the winch drum. The low-speed mode is enabled by coupling the drive shaft to the winch drum through a planetary gear assembly. In an alternate embodiment, high-speed mode is enabled by coupling the drive shaft to the winch drum through one of two planetary gear assemblies. Free-spooling mode is achieved by disengaging the drive shaft from the winch drum, and brake mode is achieved by engaging both the direct drive coupling and the sun and planet gear arrangement.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch assembly is attached to a motor vehicle and hydraulically powered by the vehicle's power steering system. A four-way, dual solenoid-operated valve controls the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid. During normal driving operations while the winch is not in use, hydraulic fluid flows through the valve with no diversion of fluid away from the power steering system. With either of the solenoid coils energized, the valve diverts hydraulic fluid to the winch motor for operation of the winch. Return hydraulic flow from the winch motor maintains sufficiently high pressure to enable the power steering system to function safely during operation of the winch. In this manner, the winch is fail-safe because power steering system operation will not be adversely affected in the event of an inadvertent activation of the winch. Hydraulic fluid is continuously cooled by a cooler, even when the winch is not in operation.

Abstract: A limited fixed torque slip coupling for connecting rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, a first rotatable member is coupled to a second rotatable member to enable rotation of the first and second rotatable members without substantial relative movement of the members during normal operation when the torque experienced does not exceed a predetermined break-away torque. The coupling of the present invention also enables detection and comparison of the rotational rates of the rotatable members to permit a user to avoid damage to equipment in the event torque greater than that experienced under normal operating conditions is encountered.

Abstract: The specification discloses a transfer case for four-wheel-drive vehicles. In one embodiment, the transfer case includes a fluid coupling and rotation of an input shaft is transferred to a front drive shaft by a pair of opposed rotatable rings having interleaved fins. The interleaved fins provide fluid filled chambers and relative movement of the fins compresses the fluid and increases the ability of the fluid to transfer torque.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fluid coupling for connecting rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, rotation of an output shaft is transferred to a drive shaft by a pair of opposed rotatable rings having interleaved fins. The interleaved fins provide fluid filled chambers and relative movement of the fins compresses the fluid and increases the ability of the fluid to transfer torque.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fluid coupling for connecting rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, rotation of an output shaft is transferred to a drive shaft by a pair of opposed rotatable rings having interleaved fins. The interleaved fins provide fluid filled chambers and relative movement of the fins compresses the fluid and increases the ability of the fluid to transfer torque.