Abstract: A planetary differential including a differential case rotatable about an axis and a method of manufacturing thereof. The differential case includes a cover, a housing, an annulus gear, and a ring gear. The differential case defines a differential cavity having a clutch cavity and a planet cavity separated by a retainer plate coupled to the housing. The modular nature of this system allows both open and torque biasing constructions in the same packaging space. The method of manufacturing the differential includes the steps of coupling a retainer plate to the housing between the clutch cavity and the axial opening, placing a planetary gear set in the planetary cavity, and fixing the housing to the annulus gear and ring gear.

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: A torque biasing differential including a planetary case rotatable about an axis, a first output shaft rotatable relative to the planetary case, a second output shaft rotatable relative to the planetary case and the first output shaft, and a planetary assembly coupling the planetary case to the first and second output shafts. The planetary assembly includes first and second intermeshed inboard planet gears. The differential also include torque sinks associated with each of the first and second planetary assemblies to selectively distribute torque between the output shafts and control relative shaft rotation. The various embodiments of the torque biasing differential also describe alternative planetary differential configurations relating to the structure, orientation, and interaction of the sun gears, planet gears, and case.

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 biasing differential including a planetary case rotatable about an axis, a first output shaft rotatable relative to the planetary case, a second output shaft rotatable relative to the planetary case and the first output shaft, and a planetary assembly coupling the planetary case to the first and second output shafts. The planetary assembly includes first and second intermeshed inboard planet gears. The differential also include torque sinks associated with each of the first and second planetary assemblies to selectively distribute torque between the output shafts and control relative shaft rotation. The various embodiments of the torque biasing differential also describe alternative planetary differential configurations relating to the structure, orientation, and interaction of the sun gears, planet gears, and case.

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: 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 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: 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.