Abstract: A spool for a valve assembly is disclosed. The spool comprises an intermediate portion adapted to form a control chamber with a valve body, and a first end portion adapted to form a first damper chamber with the valve body, wherein the control chamber is in hydraulic communication with the first damper chamber such that the hydraulic communication dampens movement of the spool within the valve body.

Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential driven by an input and adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches. A valve operatively connected to the hydraulic pump and the one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches to selectively and variably provide fluid pressure from the hydraulic pump to the one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches. A method of controlling vehicle stability is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential driven by an input and adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and a hydraulically-actuated clutch for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutch. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutch. A torque coupling including a variable-engagement clutch is also provided.