Abstract: An active drive disconnect system for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle controlling selective engagement of a first clutch and a second clutch while the vehicle is in motion without the need for synchronization. In the active drive disconnect the first clutch assembly is arranged for selective engagement of a secondary driveline with a primary driveline, and the second clutch is arranged for selectively connecting an axle half-shaft with a differential.

Abstract: An active torque biasing differential includes a housing and an outer annulus disposed within the housing. An inner annulus is contained within the outer annulus. The inner annulus includes a plurality of slots. A plurality of vanes are disposed in the slots in the inner annulus. The vanes slidably contact the outer annulus. The vanes include a plurality of orifices formed therein. An electromagnetic coil is placed to apply a magnetic field to a chamber bounded by the outer annulus and inner annulus.

Abstract: An automobile transmission shift fork has its free branch ends formed with diametrically opposed notches with each notch engaging an improved plastic insert adapted to be received in an annular groove of a shift element. The insert has individual side walls interconnected by an intermediate spacer block designed for fixed conforming reception in an associated branch end notch. This arrangement substantially increases the effective insert side wall thrust face area relative to the groove abutting radial side thrust surface obviating the need to increase the depth of an existing shift element groove. The insert has an indented stop wall which engages its associated notch back wall upon fixed reception in its notch. The spacer block exceeds the notch depth by a predetermined differential dimension establishing paired insert raised edges adapted to ride on the annular groove base surface eliminating metal-to-metal contact therebetween.

Abstract: An improved split thrust washer assembly for a vehicle transmission speed shaft. The assembly includes a pair of semi-circular washer segments held in a speed shaft circumferential groove by a C-type compression retaining ring. The ring biases each washer segment interior surface into contact with the groove base wall during maximum shaft speeds thereby neutralizing the centrifugal force tending to separate the segments from the groove. The segments have radially extending opposed end faces having a predetermined minimal clearance therebetween thereby insuring that the segments are maintained in contact with the groove. The thrust washer assembly allows a shallower groove to carry the design thrust loads so as to improve shaft fatigue life.