Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: Restraining torque TF of an electronic controlled front limited slip differential (5) arranged between right and left front wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling right-left wheel rotational speed difference ?NF, which is the rotational speed difference between the right and left front wheels, while restraining torque TC of an electronic controlled coupling (8) arranged between the front and rear wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling front-rear wheel rotational speed difference ?NC obtained by subtracting ½ of the rotational speed difference between the right and left wheels (|?NF|/2) from the rotational speed difference (?NCT??NCD) between the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: An optionally connectable four-wheel drive vehicle provided with an engine having a drive shaft, two main drive wheels, a main power train permanently connecting the drive shaft to the main drive wheels, and in turn comprising a transmission and a main differential, two normally driven secondary drive wheels, and an optionally connectable secondary power train for also connecting the drive shaft to the secondary drive wheels, and in turn presenting a gear drive, at least one secondary clutch, which is connected on one side to the drive shaft upstream from the transmission, and on the other side to the secondary drive wheels, and a unit for the reversal of the motion, which is controlled to reverse or not to reverse the direction of the motion.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes front and rear wheels, an engine, an engine-driven rear angle drive for supplying torque to the rear wheels, and a power train for supplying torque from the engine to the front wheels. The power train includes driving and driven members and a coupler having an actuator switchable between on and off positions, the actuator, when off, permitting the driven member to turn freely and independently of the driving member and, when on, enabling the coupler to respond to predetermined minimum differences in rotational speed between the driving and driven members to lock these members together to rotationally couple the engine to at least one of the front wheels.

Abstract: An energy storage type of differential hybrid power distribution system to drive an all wheel driving carrier; a revolution output end of an internal combustion engine (or any other revolution power source) to drive the front wheel through an intermediate transmission and control interface device, and to also drive an input end of the energy storage type of differential hybrid power device to output kinetics to further drive the rear wheel; and an electro-mechanical unit functioning as a generator and a motor being disposed in the energy storage type of differential hybrid power device to regulate the power distribution between the front wheel and the rear wheel by controlling the electro-mechanical unit to operate as a motor or as a generator.

Abstract: A wheel disconnect system is provided including a rear drive module and a constant velocity joint housing. The rear drive module includes a housing, at least one actuator, and at least one dog clutch. The dog clutch includes a first portion configured to move when the actuator is moved and a second portion configured for engagement with the first portion. The constant velocity joint housing is formed integrally with the second portion of the dog clutch. A wheel may be disconnected from the rear drive module unless engagement of the first and second portions of the dog clutch allows torque to be transferred to the wheel. In one embodiment, a hydraulically activated piston may be used to activate the first portion of the dog clutch. In another embodiment, a ball ramp may be used to activate the first portion of the dog clutch. A vehicle driveline including a wheel disconnect system is also provided.

Abstract: An energy storage type of dual-drive coupled power distribution system adapted to an all wheel driving (AWD) transportation means having a revolution output end from an internal combustion engine that drives front wheel through a front-wheel transmission assembly by means of an intermediate transmission and control interface or a coupling device providing gear-changing or clutching function, connects the revolving kinetics to drive the revolution input end of a dual-drive type of electromagnetic coupling drive device, and further drives the rear wheel through the other revolution output end of the dual-drive type of electromagnetic coupling drive device made in the construction of a revolving dual-end shaft with both end shafts respectively incorporated to a revolving magnetic field structure and a revolving rotor structure to regulate the power distribution between the front wheel and the rear wheel while being subject to the manipulation by a control device.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A method of proportioning and delivering drive torque to the four wheels of a vehicle includes the steps of sensing the wheel speeds, yaw rate and body side slip of the vehicle, calculating the torque split for delivery to the front, rear, left and right of the vehicle, calculating the percentage of torque to be provided to the four wheels of the vehicle scaling such torque delivery based upon driveline architecture of the vehicle and delivering drive torque to the four wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive power distribution control section calculates an engaging torque of clutch means including an input torque sensitive transfer torque, a steering angle/yaw rate sensitive transfer torque, and a tack-in prevention transfer torque. The input torque sensitive transfer torque is estimated by using respective time constants corresponding to an increasing or decreasing of the engine torque. Also, when the input torque is large, a variation of the input torque sensitive transfer torque is increased. The steering angle/yaw rate sensitive transfer torque is corrected by an yaw moment according to an vehicle slip angular velocity, and an upper limit is set on the variation of the yaw moment per time.

Abstract: An energy storage type of differential mixed power distribution system to drive an all wheel driving carrier; a revolution output end of an internal combustion engine (or any other revolution power source) to drive the front-end load through an intermediate transmission and control interface device, and to also drive an input end of the energy storage type of differential mixed power device to output kinetics to further drive the rear-end load; and an electro-mechanical unit functioning as a generator and a motor being disposed in the energy storage type of differential mix power device to regulate the power distribution between the front-end and the rear-end loads by controlling the electro-mechanical unit to operate as a motor or as a generator.

Abstract: An automobile is equipped with a gear type transmission having a first torque transfer path between input and output shafts formed by mesh type clutches and a second torque transfer path between input and output shafts formed by transfer torque variable systems, and actuators for selecting the torque transfer path. When a wheel slips while the automobile is driving using the first torque transfer path, the actuators are controlled so that at least part of the torque being transferred via the first torque transfer path is instead transferred via the second torque transfer path.

Abstract: An energy storage type of dual-drive coupled power distribution system adapted to an all wheel driving (AWD) transportation means having a revolution output end from an internal combustion engine that drives front-end load through a front-end transmission by means of an intermediate transmission providing gear-changing or clutching function and a control interface or coupling device; and to couple to revolution input end of a dual-drive type of electromagnetic coupling device, further to drive rear-end load through the other revolution output end of the dual-drive type of electromagnetic coupling drive device made in the construction of a revolving dual-end shaft with both end shafts respectively incorporated to a revolving magnetic filed structure and a revolving rotor structure to regulate the power distribution between the front-end and the rear-end loads while being subject to the manipulation by a control device.

Abstract: An hybrid four wheel drive system characterized by a vehicle having a conventional rear wheel driveline as well as a conventional driving front steer axle powered by an hydraulic motor. The hybrid four wheel drive system is provided in multiple embodiments, particularly with and without an hydraulic pressure accumulator.

Abstract: An energy storage type of differential hybrid power distribution system to drive an all wheel driving carrier; a revolution output end of an internal combustion engine (or any other revolution power source) to drive the front wheel through an intermediate transmission and control interface device, and to also drive an input end of the energy storage type of differential hybrid power device to output kinetics to further drive the rear wheel; and an electromechanical unit functioning as a generator and a motor being disposed in the energy storage type of differential hybrid power device to regulate the power distribution between the front wheel and the rear wheel by controlling the electromechanical unit to operate as a motor or as a generator.

Abstract: A transaxle apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprises: a hydraulic pump; a housing; a hydraulic motor disposed in the housing so as to be driven in response to fluid from the hydraulic pump; an axle extended outward from the housing; a drive train disposed in the housing so as to drivingly connect the hydraulic motor to the axle; and a power take-off shaft disposed in the housing perpendicularly to a rotary axis of the hydraulic motor so as to be drivingly connected to the drive train and extended outward from the housing.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels, and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, and a pair of mode clutches that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshaft, a brake and first and second mode clutches. The first clutch is operable with the brake and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second clutch is operable with the brakes and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling torque and/or speed of wheels of a vehicle. The system and method receive one or more vehicle operating signals. Based on the received vehicle operating signals, the system and method determine whether one or more of a vehicle's wheels require torque or speed modification. If it is determined that one or more of the vehicle's wheels requires torque or speed modification, the system and method modifies the torque to drive, or speed of, a wheel or wheels based on the received vehicle operating signals. The modification is automatic and/or independent for each wheel. Some or all wheels can be coupled to respective wheel hubs having incorporated therewith an engagement/disengagement mechanism. The system and method can control the engagement/disengagement mechanism to modify the torque at, or speed of, the associated wheel based on the received vehicle operating signal or signals.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling or automatically controlling the driving dynamics of a two-track, two-axle motor vehicle having only one driven axle, which, for the rolling moment support, has a system for changing the distribution of the wheel contact forces to the left and right wheel respectively of each axle. The fractions of the rolling moment support taken over by the front axle and by the rear axle are changeable as a function of the drive torque provided by the drive assembly of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, a desired wheel contact force for the driven wheels can be determined from the drive torque, and by way of this desired wheel contact force, the distribution of the rolling torque support can be determined.

Abstract: A steering transaxle comprises: left and right drive shafts drivingly connected to respective steerable wheels; a differential gear unit differentially connecting the drive shafts to each other; a transaxle casing having an opening, the transaxle casing incorporating the differential gear unit and the drive shafts; a cover for covering the opening of the transaxle casing; a variable hydraulic motor having a movable swash plate, the hydraulic motor being provided on the inside of the cover; a motor control mechanism for controlling the movable swash plate, the motor control mechanism being provided on the outside of the cover; and a hydraulic oil port for oil supply and delivery to and from the hydraulic motor, the hydraulic oil port being provided on the outside of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving cornering performance. From a given vehicle speed and lateral acceleration, in instances of a decrease in drive torque, individual wheel torque is shifted from inside wheels to outside wheels to increase vehicle yaw forces and counteract the understeer phenomenon. Similarly, in instances of increasing drive torque, individual wheel torque is shifted from outside wheels to inside wheels on a common axle to reduce vehicle yaw forces and counteract the oversteer phenomenon. Actual implementation of side-to-side torque shifting is done using a correction factor multiplied by other factors within a general torque shift equation.

Abstract: A drive force control method for a four-wheel drive vehicle having front wheels as main drive wheels always connected to a driving source, rear wheels as auxiliary drive wheels whose drive torque is adjustable, and a mechanism capable of adjusting a torque distribution ratio between the front wheels and the rear wheels so that the torque distribution ratio of the rear wheels to the front wheels is increased in turning and also capable of adjusting a torque distribution ratio between the right and left rear wheels in turning. The drive force control method includes the steps of detecting a vehicle speed, and gently decreasing the torque distribution ratio of a turning outer wheel to a turning inner wheel with an increase in the vehicle speed. When the transmission shift position is a low-speed position or a high-speed position or the vehicle is in reverse running, the torque distribution ratio of the turning outer wheel to the turning inner wheel is decreased.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmission system comprises: a prime mover mounted on a vehicle body frame; a first axle and a first transaxle for driving the first axle disposed at one of front and rear portions of a vehicle, the first transaxle having a first input part projecting outward therefrom, and the first transaxle having a power take-off shaft projecting outward therefrom opposite to the first input part; a speed-changing transmission drivingly interposed between the prime mover and the first input part; a second axle and a second transaxle for driving the second axle disposed at the other rear or front portion of the vehicle, the second axle having a second input part; and a power take-off train extended from a leading part to an ending part. The prime mover is disposed between the first transaxle and the second transaxle in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a transfer case in a motor vehicle driveline that includes by an engine controlled by a throttle having a variable position, and a transmission driveably connected to the engine for producing multiple ratios of the speed of a transmission input relative to the speed of a transmission output. The transfer case transmitting rotating power in response to an electric signal applied to a clutch. The method includes determining that the engine throttle position is less than a first reference throttle position during a period of predetermined length; determining that a speed of the vehicle speed is in a predetermined range; determining that the transmission is operating in a speed ratio greater than a reference speed ratio; determining that the engine throttle position is greater than a first reference throttle position; and increasing the torque capacity of the clutch for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A method for transmitting power to the wheels of a motor vehicle includes driveably connecting an output of a transmission to a first set of wheels, varying the magnitude of torque transmitted to an input of a differential mechanism, varying the speed of the input of the first differential mechanism, and driveably connecting the differential mechanism to the wheels of a second wheel set.

Abstract: A vehicle includes steerable front wheels, an interaxle differential for transmitting torque from an engine to the front wheels and to rear wheels. The differential includes a controllable clutch operable to control a ratio of front wheel speed to rear wheel speed. A control unit controls the clutch as a function of sensed steering angles and stored information including steering angles and corresponding front to rear wheel speed ratio values. The control unit is automatically calibrated. The control unit periodically obtains steering angle values, periodically obtains front and rear wheel speed values, periodically generates new front to rear wheel speed ratio values, and replaces one of the stored front to rear wheel speed ratio values with one of the new ratio values if the steering angle values indicate that the vehicle has been in a straight ahead travel mode for at least a certain time period.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels, and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, and a pair of mode clutches that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus is provided to prevent shocks from being generated during clutch engagement or release. The clutch is maintained in an engaged state and shocks are prevented from accompanying clutch release during creep travel when the target motor torque is equal to or less than a motor torque prescribed value but the average rear wheel speed, which is equivalent to the travel speed of the auto vehicle, is equal to or less than a low-speed prescribed value. In addition, the drive torque on the rear wheels from the electric motor is also brought to the same level as the creep torque on the front wheels from the internal combustion engine, backlash and other types of gaps between the rear axles of the electric motor are closed, and shocks are minimized or prevented during the subsequent transition to a four-wheel drive state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle provides improved cornering by disengaging drive torque to the inside rear wheel during significant steering maneuvers. The apparatus includes a primary front wheel drive motor vehicle driveline having a center differential which provides drive energy to the primary (front) driveline and secondary (rear) driveline and a rear axle assembly having a pair of normally engaged (active) clutches which provide drive energy to the respective rear wheels. A steering angle sensor detects angular displacement of the steering column or front (steering) wheels and an associated controller disengages the clutch associated with the rear wheel on the inside of the turn as determined by the steering angle sensor.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels, and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, and a pair of mode clutches that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels, and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, and a pair of mode clutches that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A drive power from an engine is transferred to front wheel drive systems and rear wheel drive systems via a central differential. A torque distribution ratio between front and rear wheels defined by the central differential is set to one for the front wheels being made too much thereof, with a motor generator being coupled to the rear wheel drive systems. In response to detection signals from various sensors for detecting the running conditions, a drive power control unit controls the additional torque from the motor generator toward the drive torque or regenerative braking torque side, thereby changing the torque distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. Thus, a degree of flexibility in making a change in the torque distribution between front and rear wheels or between right and left wheels is increased, thereby realizing an all-wheel drivable hybrid vehicle which provides further improved running performance.

Abstract: An ECU, which functions as a driving force distribution control apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle, includes a CPU. The CPU controls a coupling for changing torque distribution of front and rear wheels. The CPU determines either of first and second torque distribution modes based on detection signals of a throttle opening sensor and steering angle sensor, which are operating parameters. In the second torque distribution mode, torque is distributed to the front and rear wheels more equally than in the first torque distribution mode. The CPU sets a duration for the second torque distribution mode when the second torque distribution mode is selected. Until the duration elapses, regardless of the operating parameters, the CPU continues the control of the coupling in the second torque distribution mode.

Abstract: In a power switching apparatus which switches a power transmitting state from a drive member to left and right two driven members, a circumferential connection surface of the drive member and each of circumferential connection surfaces in both of the driven members are wedge connected according to an interposition of rolling elements by bringing end surfaces of cages which are moved in an axial direction due to an electromagnetic force into frictional contact with the driven members and so as to rotate together therewith, in a state in which a switching means is set in an on mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor 1 constructed so that an engine 2 is mounted on the front portion of a traveling vehicle body having front wheels 19 and rear wheels 11, a transmission case 3 is provided at the rear portion of the traveling vehicle body, an output shaft 2a of the engine 2 and a transmission input shaft 5 provided on the front face of the transmission case 3 are joined to each other by a first universal joint 6, and a work machine 24 is attached between the front and rear wheels 19 and 11 in a manner enabling it to rise and fall, wherein a front wheel traveling input shaft 15 is provided sat the rear portion of the front axle housing 14 that supports the front wheels 19 so as to project rearward to the inclined upper side, and this front wheel traveling input shaft 15 and a front wheel driving shaft 13 projecting from the transmission case 3 are joined to each other by a second universal joint 17.

Abstract: The vehicular axle assembly includes an input shaft, a drive gear assembly connecting the input shaft to a pair of output shafts, pair of opposite wheel ends mounted to the outboard ends of the output shafts, a pair of wheel end disconnect assembly disposed between and selectively connecting each of the pair of the output shafts to the corresponding one of the wheel ends, and a control system controlling the wheel end disconnect assemblies to selectively transfer torque from the input shaft to either the wheel ends. Each of the wheel end disconnect assemblies has a hydraulically actuated friction clutch assembly integrated with the corresponding wheel ends for facilitating both selective torque coupling and limited slip between the wheel ends and the corresponding output shafts. The friction clutch assemblies are actuated by a hydraulic actuator, also adapted to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to a vehicle wheel brake system.

Abstract: An ECU (21), which functions as a driving force distribution control apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle, includes a CPU (22). The CPU (22) controls a coupling (7) for changing torque distribution of front and rear wheels. The CPU (22) determines either of first and second torque distribution modes based on detection signals of a throttle opening sensor (32) and steering angle sensor (34), which are operating parameters. In the second torque distribution mode, torque is distributed to the front and rear wheels more equally than in the first torque distribution mode. The CPU (22) sets a duration for the second torque distribution mode when the second torque distribution mode is selected. Until the duration elapses, regardless of the operating parameters, the CPU (22) continues the control of the coupling (7) in the second torque distribution mode.

Abstract: An antivibration apparatus for a rotary element, including an active mass vibration absorber actuated by a controller which generates a control signal by extracting harmonics of a rotation frequency of the rotary element. The controller determines a phase shift and an amplification as predetermined functions of the rotation frequency, and applies the phase shift and amplification to the harmonics of the input signal for obtaining the control signal.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for a four-wheel drive vehicle. In the mechanism, a power unit is mounted between a front wheel and a rear wheel; each of a differential gear for front wheels and a final speed reducer for rear wheels locates centrally relative to a width of a vehicle body; a power takeoff drive shaft of the power unit is offset from a centerline of the vehicle body; each of an input shaft of the differential gear and a propeller shaft for the front wheels is parallel to the centerline thereof and is coaxial with the power takeoff drive shaft; an input shaft of the final speed reducer tilts towards the power takeoff drive shaft relative to the centerline; a propeller shaft for rear wheels locates on an axis which is coaxial with the input shaft of the final speed reducer.

Abstract: To provide a carrier vehicle capable of restraining an increase in cost of a power train, the carrier vehicle is constructed by front axles provided respectively steerably on left and right sides of a front portion of the vehicle and mounted with wheels, a first engine provided at the front portion of the vehicle, a first drive axle provided at a middle portion of the vehicle and mounted with wheels at both left and right ends thereof, a first transmission, a second drive axle provided at a rear portion of the vehicle and mounted with wheels at both left and right ends thereof, a second engine provided at the rear portion of the vehicle and on an upper side of the second drive axle, and a second transmission provided to connect to a front side of the second engine.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: A wagon for agricultural use having an all-wheel steering mechanism. The wheels are hingedly attached to their respective axles. Steering alignment of the front wheels is provided by the wagon tongue, which is pivotally connected to the wagon frame and at least one of the front wheels. The front wheels are connected to each other by a steering linkage, consisting of two equal length members pinned to each other at a connection point. A front shaft crank is pivotally attached at the same connection point and rigidly attached to a rotatable shaft mounted with bearings to the underside of the wagon frame. Changes to the steering alignment of the front wheels causes lateral movement of the connection point, leading to rotation of the shaft and a corresponding direct change in alignment of the rear wheels, which are equipped with a similar system of linkages and cranks. This causes the front and rear wheels to follow the same path.

Abstract: A control system or apparatus (10) is provided which is deployed within a four-wheel drive vehicle (12) and which is adapted to automatically control the activation and deactivation (i.e., locking and unlocking) of hub locks (44) according to a certain control strategy. Hub locks (44) are effective to operatively connect and disconnect the front wheels (14) of vehicle (12) to the front axle assembly (16), thereby allowing torque from the front driveshaft (22) of the vehicle to be transferred to the front wheels (14) when the vehicle (12) operates in a four-wheel drive mode. Control system (10) is effective to detect system faults and malfunctions and to selectively alter the hub locks control strategy in response to such a detection, thereby substantially preventing the undesired locking/unlocking of the hub locks (44) resulting in possible ratcheting, binding or damage to the hub locks (44).

Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first proshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second proshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.

Abstract: A four wheel drive vehicle, which has an automatic four wheel drive mode, includes a trailer tow detection strategy. If a trailer tow situation is encountered while in automatic four wheel drive mode, then the duty cycle of a clutch in a transfer case can be adjusted to account for the trailer towed behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A differential assembly having a preload or biased differential case. A beveled thrust washer is disposed between each side gear and the differential case. The beveled thrust washer induces a preload between the side gear and differential case to help ensure that each differential side gear and output half shaft are running at the same speed as the differential case is rotated. The preload or bias is set to be slightly greater than the difference in drag forces acting on each output half shaft. Thus, when the transfer case is engaged to bring the differential case up to speed, the differential gears will be prevented from spinning and the output half shafts will rotate at the same speed coincident with the vehicle road speed. The preload facilitates more desirable engagement of the wheeled hublocks in front wheel steerable wheel axle assemblies in selectable four-wheel drive trains.

Abstract: A traction drive axle is provided for providing an all-wheel drive operating mode. The traction drive axle includes a unique double enveloping worm/worm gear transmission. A worm is driven by a propshaft which is meshingly engaged with an enveloping worm gear. The enveloping worm gear is selectively coupled via first and second clutches to left and right axle shafts. A control system is provided for controlling actuation of the first and second clutches upon detection of relative rotation between the left and right axle shafts.

Abstract: In the transfer attachment construction of a 4WD vehicle, to facilitate assembly by making the retainer attachment bolts easier to tighten, to improve the coupling reliability of the retainer and mount bracket, to make easier the manufacture of the retainer by simplifying its design, to improve yield, and to make it less expensive, the retainer attachment bolts are prevented from interfering with the bracket attachment bosses. The bracket attachment bosses are disposed close enough to the transfer pinion axle center to avoid overlapping between the bracket attachment bosses and the retainer attachment bolts.