Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid level around a transmission gear of a vehicle includes the steps of providing a set of predetermined operating conditions, each predetermined operating condition having a corresponding predetermined fluid level requirement, operating the vehicle at an actual operating condition, determining a predetermined operating condition equivalent to the actual operating condition, and arranging the fluid level around the transmission gear to be equivalent to the predetermined fluid level requirement corresponding to the predetermined operating condition.

Abstract: A transmission system includes a housing having a sump, the housing containing a crown wheel and a pinion. The transmission system further includes an oil reservoir and a pump selectively operable to pump fluid from the oil reservoir to the sump for lubricating the crown wheel. The pump is selectively operable to pump fluid from the sump to the reservoir.

Abstract: A transmission system includes a housing having a sump, the housing containing a crown wheel and a pinion. The transmission system further includes an oil reservoir and a pump selectively operable to pump fluid from the oil reservoir to the sump for lubricating the crown wheel. The pump is selectively operable to pump fluid from the sump to the reservoir.

Abstract: An axle has a central crown wheel receiving portion with a pinion side and an opposite side. The opposite side is defined by a first crown wheel bowl for receiving a part of a crown wheel, the first crown wheel bowl having a peripheral edge. The axle includes a second crown wheel bowl for receiving the part of the crown wheel. The second crown wheel bowl is nested with the first crown wheel bowl and is attached to the first crown wheel bowl at a peripheral edge to define a reservoir.

Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement includes an unlatching actuator, a primary power source and a secondary power source. The electrical circuit arrangement further includes an operator actuated switch and an electrically controlled bypass switch having an energized condition at which the bypass switch adopts a first switching configuration and a de-energized condition at which the bypass switch adopts a second switching configuration. The circuit has a first configuration in which the bypass switch is in the first switching configuration so that the primary power source, the operator actuated switch, the bypass switch and the unlatching actuator are configured so that actuation of the operator actuated switch causes the unlatching actuator to be energized by the primary power source.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch plate associated with a first object, and a claw rotatably attached to the latch plate. A toggle link is rotatably attached to the latch plate. A primary pawl is rotatably attached to the toggle link. The primary pawl retains the claw. A secondary pawl is rotatably attached to the latch plate. The secondary pawl retains the toggle link.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch plate and a latching element attached to the latch plate. A pawl engages the latching element at an interface. Applying a force to the pawl releases the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism also includes an enclosure for enclosing a portion of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a claw rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and an actuator motor. A toggle link that includes a first end, a second end, and a joint between the first end and the second end of the toggle link has one end attached to the actuator motor. The other end of the toggle link interacting with the claw to rotate the claw between the latched position and the unlatched position. A pawl engages the claw when the claw is in a latched position. A release link is attached between the joint of the toggle link and the pawl.