Abstract: A power transfer assembly for use in a motor vehicle and having a hydraulic coupling operable to transfer drive torque to a driveline in response to slip. The hydraulic coupling includes a transfer clutch, a clutch operator for engaging the transfer clutch, a fluid actuation system including a fluid pump for controlling movement of the clutch operator, and a magnetorheological pump clutch capable of selectively shifting the fluid pump between operative and inoperative states.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a four-wheel drive system arranged to supply motive power to a primary output shaft of a transfer case from an internal combustion engine and to a secondary output shaft from an electric motor/generator. The transfer case is comprised of a planetary gearset having an input driven by the motor/generator and an output directing drive torque to the secondary drivelines. This hybrid drive arrangement permits use of a modified transfer case in place of a conventional transfer case in a traditional four-wheel drive driveline.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a four-wheel drive system arranged to supply motive power to a primary output shaft of a transfer case from an internal combustion engine and to a secondary output shaft from an electric motor/generator. The transfer case is comprised of a planetary gearset having an input driven by the motor/generator and an output directing drive torque to the secondary drivelines. This hybrid drive arrangement permits use of a modified transfer case in place of a conventional transfer case in a traditional four-wheel drive driveline.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle has been disclosed that can detect an excessive leakage rate of a tire. The system utilizes the starting pressure and starting temperature of a tire and the current pressure and current temperature of that tire with the time lapsed to determine the leakage rate of the tire. This leakage rate is compared to a leakage rate threshold. If the leakage rate is greater than the leakage rate threshold, an excessive leakage rate alert is generated.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes an adaptively controlled first hydraulic coupling for providing front-to-rear torque transfer control to a first wheel and an adaptively controlled second hydraulic coupling for providing front-to-rear torque control to a second wheel. The drive axle assembly is contained with a common housing and communicates with a traction control system to actively control actuation of the first and second hydraulic couplings based on the operating characteristics of the vehicle as detected by suitable sensors.