Abstract: A torque transfer assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a ring gear subassembly and a differential subassembly rotatably supported in said ring gear subassembly, a friction clutch pack for coupling the ring gear subassembly to the differential subassembly, and a hydraulic clutch actuator for selectively frictionally loading the clutch pack. The hydraulic clutch actuator includes a variable pressure relief valve assembly to selectively control the friction clutch pack. The variable pressure relief valve assembly includes a valve closure member, a valve seat complementary to the valve closure member, and a electro-magnetic actuator for engaging the valve closure member and urging thereof against the valve seat with an axial force determined by a magnitude of an electric current supplied to the electro-magnetic actuator so as to selectively vary a release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly based on the magnitude of the electric current.

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 drive axle assembly for use in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a first hydraulic coupling operable to automatically transfer drive torque to a secondary driveline in response to slip of the primary driveline and a second hydraulic coupling operable to bias torque and limit slip between the wheels of the secondary driveline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed difference dependent hydraulic coupling, consisting of rotating drive casing (2), a hydrostatic displacement machine (7) disposed therein, an output shaft (3) and a friction coupling (6) for connecting the output shaft (3) to the drive casing (2), wherein pressure is built up in a pressure chamber (26; 85) when a different speed emerges between the drive casing and the output shaft, said pressure impinging upon the friction clutch (6). In order to more accurately compensate for temperature-dependent fluctuations in viscosity, a throttle valve (33) is provided that is formed by a valve body (48) guided in a valve chamber (4) and supported on an element whose length (47) depends upon the temperature, said body having a control edge (51) cooperating with a control port (55) of the valve chamber (40), wherein the control port (55) produces the connection between the pressure chamber (26; 85) and the chamber with the lower pressure.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention is an infinitely variable ratio transmission that may include an input shaft connected to a carrier plate. The input shaft is disposed within the bore of a sun gear. At least one planetary gear is rotatably attached to the carrier plate. A ring gear is connected to an output shaft. The at least one planetary gear is disposed between and meshed with the ring gear and the sun gear. A pump having a first and second gear enclosed within a housing is disposed about the input shaft. The second gear is attached to the sun gear. A pump oil pickup passageway connects an inlet port on the pump to a pump oil reservoir. A pump oil return passageway connects an outlet port of the pump to the reservoir. A control valve is provided to regulate fluid flow through the pump. Various clutch arrangements are disclosed to provide a reverse mode.

Abstract: A hydraulic torsional vibration damper comprising a primary part having an internal gear and a driving gear rim, a secondary part, and a planetary support having a hub and supported by said secondary part. A plurality of planetary gears are arranged in said planetary support and engage the internal gear of the primary part to form gear pumps for pumping a hydraulic medium. A plurality of suction chambers are arranged in the planetary support, each suction chambers having an inner and an outer wall. A ring-shaped pressure chamber is arranged between the hub of the planetary support and the planetary gears and is connected to the planetary gears. The pressure chamber is also controllably connected to the suction chambers.

Abstract: Volumetric coupling (38) having multiple hydraulic pumps, controlled by a ring (40) which links the discharge side directly to the suction side for each pump when the coupling is uncoupled, and seals the discharge side when the coupling is coupled.

Abstract: A transmission device including a planetary gear train with a ring gear connected to the input, and a sun wheel counter-rotationally locked by a free-wheel. A planet carrier is connected to the output shaft. The ring gear and the planet pinion carrier my be coupled via a clutch which is compression-actuated by fly-weights to ensure direct drive. When the clutch is released by an axial thrust caused by the helical gearing and countering that of the fly-weights, the sun-wheel is immobilized by the free-wheel and the device operates as a reducing mechanism. The planetary gear train is arranged as an oil pump delivering through a duct and through the stack of clutch discs. When the clutch is actuated by the fly-weights, the delivery path is closed off, and the meshing motion between the gears forming the oil pump tends to be eliminated as a result. Therefore, the frictional process of the discs need only immobilize the gears to achieve direct drive.

Abstract: A device for damping torsional vibration of a drive shaft with a liquid damping medium including a primary gear connected to the drive shaft. A secondary gear supports a series of planetary gears in meshed connection with the primary gear. The revolving primary gear and the planetary gears form a gear pump for closed circulation of the liquid damping medium through pressure ducts. The device further includes a control device for controlling the flow rate of the liquid damping medium based on the rotational speed of the primary gear.