Abstract: The present invention provides a integral subassembly for the power train of an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The subassembly includes a final drive unit coupled to a transmission output. The final drive unit itself includes a torque multiplier and an output adapted to provide power to the front wheels of the vehicle. Also included in the subassembly is a front differential coupled to the final drive's output. The front differential includes a left front wheel output and a right front wheel output. A power transfer unit in the subassembly is also coupled to the transmission output and provided with a non-parallel gear set and a rear driveline output, the latter being adapted to provide power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The power transfer unit is coupled to the transmission output independently of the final drive unit. Finally, a housing commonly encloses the final drive unit, front differential and power transfer unit allowing them to be integrally provided as a subassembly.

Abstract: A torque transfer assembly including an input gear, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a planetary differential and a torque control system. In one embodiment, the planetary differential includes first and second planetary gear set pairs each with inner and outer planetary gear sets. The torque control system includes first and second torque control mechanisms each having a control element rotating with one of the planetary gear set components as well as a controller communicating with the first and second control mechanisms and selectively controlling a resistance torque exerted by the first and second torque control mechanisms on the first and second control elements.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a bore and a valve, which operates to control the flow of fluid within the bore. When the valve is positioned within the bore to block the flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump, pressure is generated within the pump. The pump pressure is sufficient to generate torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a moveable piston as an end plate. An actuator, attached to the piston, controls the movement of the piston. In one position, the piston is in contact with the internal components of the pump. When the actuator moves the piston, the piston loses contact with the pump, thus allowing a free flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump. In this configuration, the pump is no longer able to generate the pressure that creates torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: A torque control crescent oil pump, having low parasitic loss and rapid pressure transient response, and a method for controlling oil flow within the pump, are provided. In one embodiment, the crescent oil pump comprises a housing, toothed annular gears cooperatively rotating about preferably offset first and second axes, and a crescent body. The crescent body is adapted to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the crescent body is adapted to form a seal between the annular gears. In the second position, the crescent body is positioned so that it does not form a seal between the annular gears. In another embodiment, an actuating device moves the crescent body from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A transfer case system distributes torque between primary and secondary drive trains. The system comprises a planetary gear set having a sun gear, a ring gear, a planetary gear intermeshed with the sun gear and ring gear, and a planetary carrier rotatably connected with the planetary gear. The system also comprises a torque sink connected with the sun gear and a torque input shaft connected with the ring gear and the primary drive train. The torque sink applies a braking force to the rotation of the sun gear in response to instructions from a controller, causing the ring gear to output torque to a secondary drive train.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes an input portion, an output portion, a non-parallel gear set and a parallel gear set. The input portion is adapted to connect to an output portion of the transmission assembly and the output portion is adapted to connect to an input portion of the rear wheel drive line. The non-parallel gear set is coupled to the input portion and transfers power to the parallel gear set, which is coupled to the output portion. A front wheel differential located in the power transfer unit, may also be coupled to the input portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes an input portion, an output portion, a parallel gear set, a non-parallel gear set and a front wheel differential all enclosed within a common housing as an integrally packaged assembly. The input portion is adapted to connect to an output portion of the transmission assembly and output portion is adapted to connect to an input portion of the rear wheel drive line. The parallel gear set, coupled to the input portion transfers power to the non-parallel gear set and to the output portion. The front wheel differential is also coupled to said input portion and includes left and right differential outputs for connecting to the front wheel drive line.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a moveable piston as an end plate. An actuator, attached to the piston, controls the movement of the piston. In one position, the piston is in contact with the internal components of the pump. When the actuator moves the piston, the piston loses contact with the pump, thus allowing a free flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump. In this configuration, the pump is no longer able to generate the pressure that creates torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a bore and a valve, which operates to control the flow of fluid within the bore. When the valve is positioned within the bore to block the flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump, pressure is generated within the pump. The pump pressure is sufficient to generate torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: A transfer case system distributes torque between primary and secondary drive trains. The system comprises a planetary gear set having a sun gear, a ring gear, a planetary gear intermeshed with the sun gear and ring gear, and a planetary carrier rotatably connected with the planetary gear. The system also comprises a torque sink connected with the sun gear and a torque input shaft connected with the ring gear and the primary drive train. The torque sink applies a braking force to the rotation of the sun gear in response to instructions from a controller, causing the ring gear to output torque to a secondary drive train.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an automobile or a truck, is equipped with a mechanism to control output torque to two or more shafts. The mechanism is most usefully adapted to an axle in order to allocate torque among two or more shafts or wheels. The mechanism controls the sum and difference of torque by processing the sum and the difference independently. The mechanism converts a force, such as a torque, into quantities that can be used by the two or more shafts or wheels.

Abstract: A torque control crescent oil pump, having low parasitic loss and rapid pressure transient response, and a method for controlling oil flow within the pump, are provided. In one embodiment, the crescent oil pump comprises a housing, toothed annular gears cooperatively rotating about preferably offset first and second axes, and a crescent body. The crescent body is adapted to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the crescent body is adapted to form a seal between the annular gears. In the second position, the crescent body is positioned so that it does not form a seal between the annular gears. In another embodiment, an actuating device moves the crescent body from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a integral subassembly for the power train of an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The subassembly includes a final drive unit coupled to a transmission output. The final drive unit itself includes a torque multiplier and an output adapted to provide power to the front wheels of the vehicle. Also included in the subassembly is a front differential coupled to the final drive's output. The front differential includes a left front wheel output and a right front wheel output. A power transfer unit in the subassembly is also coupled to the transmission output and provided with a non-parallel gear set and a rear driveline output, the latter being adapted to provide power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The power transfer unit is coupled to the transmission output independently of the final drive unit. Finally, a housing commonly encloses the final drive unit, front differential and power transfer unit allowing them to be integrally provided as a subassembly.

Abstract: A power train assembly for an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The power train assembly includes a transmission assembly having a transmission output. A final drive unit is coupled to the transmission output and includes a torque multiplier. After torque multiplication, power from the final drive is provided to the front wheels of the vehicle. A power transfer unit diverts power from the transmission to the rear wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes an input portion, an output portion, a parallel gear set, a non-parallel gear set and a front wheel differential all enclosed within a common housing as an integrally packaged assembly. The input portion is adapted to connect to an output portion of the transmission assembly and output portion is adapted to connect to an input portion of the rear wheel drive line. The parallel gear set, coupled to the input portion transfers power to the non-parallel gear set and to the output portion. The front wheel differential is also coupled to said input portion and includes left and right differential outputs for connecting to the front wheel drive line.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes an input portion, an output portion, a non-parallel gear set and a parallel gear set. The input portion is adapted to connect to an output portion of the transmission assembly and output portion is adapted to connect to an input portion of the rear wheel drive line. The non-parallel gear set is coupled to the input portion and transfers power to the parallel gear set, which is coupled to the output portion. A front wheel differential located in the power transfer unit, may also be coupled to the input portion.

Abstract: A multi-speed gear arrangement for use in a centrifugal engine charger. A planetary gear set has a ring gear, at least a first and a second set of planetary gears, and at least a first and a second sun gear. A fixed carrier is provided for the planetary gear set, and the planetary gear set has a rotary input and an output that is linked to a rotor of a centrifugal engine charger.

Abstract: A body panel assembly is provided for dissipating impact energy. The body panel assembly includes an inner member having a desired inner area. The inner area is defined by a perimeter which includes a top, bottom, and sides. The assembly has an outer member with a desired outer area, defined by a perimeter which includes a top, bottom, and sides. The inner and outer members are positioned with respect to one another to define a cavity. An intermediate member is positioned in the cavity between the inner and outer members. The intermediate member extends from the top to the bottom of the inner and outer members. In addition, a structural material is positioned in a space between the outer member and the intermediate member for dissipating impact energy. The structural material extends from the top to the bottom of the intermediate and outer members and is comprised of foam or a honeycomb plastic.

Abstract: A molding trim for a vehicle includes a hinged flange that is molded in an open position, such that mold lifters are not required to remove the molding from the mold. The hinged flange is connected to a hollow molding body by a living hinge that is integrally formed with the molding body and hinged flange, to permit the hinged flange to be pivoted to a closed position, wherein the hinged flange is positioned against a fixed flange on the molding body. More specifically, the hinged flange is formed with an engagement lip that is advanced against the fixed flange, and continued advancement of the lip causes the lip to ride against and past the fixed flange, such that the fixed flange holds the hinged flange in the closed position. Respective strips of double-backed adhesive tape are affixed to the flanges to hold the molding onto a vehicle body when the hinged flange is in the closed position.