Patents Assigned to MAGNA POWERTRAIN
  • Patent number: 7086982
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable 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 mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Publication number: 20060172844
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit 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 mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Patent number: 7083539
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple 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 and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable with 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 mode clutch is operable with 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Publication number: 20060166776
    Abstract: A power compounder, for transmitting rotary power from a transmission to a driveline assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the transmission. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and adapted to be driven by the transmission. The compounder further includes an output shaft adapted to drive the driveline assembly and a gearset. The gearset selectively communicates rotational movement between the input and output shafts. A centralized passageway is formed in the input shaft. A separator insert is disposed in the passageway and is adapted to carry fluid at a first pressure to a first predetermined location and carry fluid at a second pressure to a second predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Breen
  • Patent number: 7080707
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm E. Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 7081064
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline, a second output shaft adapted for connection to a second driveline, an interaxle differential operably disposed between the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft, and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit, and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Publication number: 20060142108
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and one of the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to decrease the rotary speed of the second axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding increase in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bowen
  • Publication number: 20060142109
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph Williams, Richard Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 7059991
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit 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 mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Patent number: 7059992
    Abstract: A power transfer assembly for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes first and second output shafts and a drive mechanism operable to selectively transfer drive torque from a driven input shaft to the output shafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable with the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first output shaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second output shaft. The second mode clutch is operable with the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first output shaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second output shaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7059990
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and one of the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to decrease the rotary speed of the second axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding increase in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7059462
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Steven W. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7059987
    Abstract: A power compounder, for transmitting rotary power from a transmission to a driveline assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the transmission. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and adapted to be driven by the transmission. The compounder further includes an output shaft adapted to drive the driveline assembly and a gearset. The gearset selectively communicates rotational movement between the input and output shafts. A centralized passageway is formed in the input shaft. A separator insert is disposed in the passageway and is adapted to carry fluid at a first pressure to a first predetermined location and carry fluid at a second pressure to a second predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Breen
  • Publication number: 20060122023
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple 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 and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable with 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 mode clutch is operable with 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bowen
  • Publication number: 20060122024
    Abstract: A power transfer assembly for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes first and second output shafts and a drive mechanism operable to selectively transfer drive torque from a driven input shaft to the output shafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable with the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first output shaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second output shaft. The second mode clutch is operable with the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first output shaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second output shaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bowen
  • Patent number: 7044880
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable with 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 mode clutch is operable with 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Publication number: 20060094556
    Abstract: A full-time power take-off unit is equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a shift mechanism to establish all-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes. Further, the power take-off unit includes a disconnect clutch that is controlled by the mode shift mechanism to establish a full-time four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mizon, Dale Pennycuff
  • Patent number: 7033300
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, an actuation mechanism, and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes a driveshaft driven by the geartrain, a cam driven by the driveshaft, and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a cam member with ramp surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the ramp surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the geartrain. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 7021445
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a pump. The pump supplies pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is selectively supplied to a piston to provide a clutch engagement force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Timothy M. Burns, Steven W. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7004874
    Abstract: An on-demand power take-off unit is equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes. Further, the power take-off unit includes a disconnect clutch that is controlled by the mode shift mechanism to establish a two-wheel drive mode in addition to the four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mizon, Dale L. Pennycuff