Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a first component supported on the shaft, a second component supported on the shaft, and an isolator positioned between the first component and the second component. The second component configured such that the second component induces a force having a component parallel to the axis of the shaft. The force component parallel to the axis of the shaft induced by the second component is transferred directly to the shaft by the isolator and is isolated from the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a first component supported on the shaft, a second component supported on the shaft, and an isolator positioned between the first component and the second component. The second component configured such that the second component induces a force having a component parallel to the axis of the shaft. The force component parallel to the axis of the shaft induced by the second component is transferred directly to the shaft by the isolator and is isolated from the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an electro-mechanical transmission includes an electrically-powered main pump, a battery powered auxiliary pump and an output pump. The main pump provides fluid to transmission components such as a torque-transmitting mechanism. The auxiliary pump provides fluid pressure to engage the torque-transmitting mechanism when electric power to the main pump is unavailable or the main pump is otherwise inoperable. The engaged torque-transmitting mechanism enables rotation of an output member which mechanically powers the output pump so that it may provide fluid to the transmission components in lieu of the main pump. A method of providing fluid to transmission components is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electromechanical transmission for a tracked vehicle includes a drive motor and a steer motor with separate propulsion paths to output members of the transmission. A two-speed range package is provided, including an input planetary gear set and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches are selectively alternatively engagable to establish two speed ratios between the drive motor and the remainder of the transmission. Additionally, the drive motor and the steer motor are preferably designed with a module construction, allowing for easy connection and removal for serviceability via the use of axial V-clamps.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an electro-mechanical transmission includes an electrically-powered main pump, a battery powered auxiliary pump and an output pump. The main pump provides fluid to transmission components such as a torque-transmitting mechanism. The auxiliary pump provides fluid pressure to engage the torque-transmitting mechanism when electric power to the main pump is unavailable or the main pump is otherwise inoperable. The engaged torque-transmitting mechanism enables rotation of an output member which mechanically powers the output pump so that it may provide fluid to the transmission components in lieu of the main pump. A method of providing fluid to transmission components is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electromechanical transmission for a tracked vehicle includes a drive motor and a steer motor with separate propulsion paths to output members of the transmission. A two-speed range package is provided, including an input planetary gear set and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches are selectively alternatively engagable to establish two speed ratios between the drive motor and the remainder of the transmission. Additionally, the drive motor and the steer motor are preferably designed with a module construction, allowing for easy connection and removal for serviceability via the use of axial V-clamps.

Abstract: A brake apply control system for a vehicle. The control system has a selectively operable mechanical brake apply portion and a selectively operable hydraulic brake apply portion. The mechanical brake apply portion includes an operator linkage for connecting the operator with a mechanical brake apply mechanism and a hydraulic piston and valve combination for providing a hydraulic feedback force to the operator. The hydraulic brake apply portion includes a source of hydraulic pressure, a brake apply valve for supplying a selective brake signal of variable intensity in response to operator input, a conduit system which connects the source of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston and valve combination and which communicates the brake signal to the hydraulic piston and valve combination.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering arrangement and control having the high speed steering capability of an output-driven system and the low speed steering capability of an input-driven system. The engine drives the vehicle through a fluid coupling and a multiple ratio hydraulic transmission, and the hydrostatic pump of the steering system is driven by the output (turbine) of the fluid coupling. Increased steering capability at vehicle speeds which would otherwise limit the steering capability, is achieved by controllably slipping the active torque transmitting device of the transmission. In this mode, the hydrostatic pump speed is permitted to increase, and the steering system operates essentially as though it were input-driven.

Abstract: A control system for a hydraulic retarder includes an inlet regulator valve and an outlet regulator valve. The inlet regulator valve admits fluid to the retarder at a predetermined pressure. The outlet regulator valve prevents fluid flow from the retarder unless the main system pressure is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A steer-by-driving control for controlling a hydrostatic steering unit to permit consistent operator input during forward and reverse travel has a valve assembly including a distribution valve and a pair of sleeve valves. The sleeve valves are rotatably mounted on the distribution valve and are interconnected by a gear arrangement. One sleeve valve is rotated by the operator in response to a steer request while the other sleeve member, due to the gearing, rotates oppositely. The distribution valve member controls fluid flow through forward and reverse steer passages formed in the sleeve valves to a signal valve for distribution to a control member of a hydrostatic unit. The distribution valve member is subjected to rotary input from the hydrostatic steering unit to stop fluid flow when the proper steer position has been reached. The signal valve is positioned according to the direction of the vehicle operation to selectively send the steer signals to the proper portions of the hydrostatic control.