Abstract: A digital delay buffer may be provided with both a fast processing, small capacity memory section and a slow processing, large capacity memory section. The use of two memory sections allows the buffer to generate an aligned data stream with n-bit block level latencies from a plurality of delayed data portions, even if one of the portions is subjected to an undue delay.

Abstract: An improved inter-axle differential locking clutch is provided that aligns the actuator and the clutch member thereby reducing space and material requirements in the axle assembly housing. The clutch also eliminates the need for a pushrod and shift fork thereby reducing tooling and production costs, as well as eliminating issues associated with misalignment of the piston and pushrod, relative rotation of the shift fork and clutch member, and tipping of the shift fork. The clutch includes one or more pistons disposed within either the axle housing or a carrier supporting the input shaft bearing. Fluid pressure actuates the pistons against a clutch member causing selective engagement between the clutch member and either a side gear driven by the inter-axle differential or a differential case housing the differential gears of the inter-axle differential.

Abstract: An improved lubrication system for drive axle assemblies is provided that uses a collector in connection with a filter plug to lower the dynamic lubricant level in the drive axle assembly and filter contaminants in the lubricant sump. The collector is affixed to a cover plate attached to the drive axle housing and defines a well and a flow passage proximate the bottom of the well. The flow passage is aligned with an opening through which lubricant is inserted into the housing. A plug with a filter is inserted through the opening in the cover plate and into the flow passage. The invention reduces churning losses by lowering the dynamic lubricant level in the axle assembly without having a negative impact on lubricant life.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a torque converter fluid coupling member includes forming a plurality of hollow tubes having first and second ends and connecting the plurality of tubes together side-by-side in an annular array. Fluid may be carried through each tube from the first end to the second end, thereby forming the fluid coupling member. The fluid coupling member may be a turbine or a pump of a torque converter.

Abstract: An improved inter-axle differential locking clutch is provided that aligns the actuator and the clutch member thereby reducing space and material requirements in the axle assembly housing. The clutch also eliminates the need for a pushrod and shift fork thereby reducing tooling and production costs, as well as eliminating issues associated with misalignment of the piston and pushrod, relative rotation of the shift fork and clutch member, and tipping of the shift fork. The clutch includes one or more pistons disposed within either the axle housing or a carrier supporting the input shaft bearing. Fluid pressure actuates the pistons against a clutch member causing selective engagement between the clutch member and either a side gear driven by the inter-axle differential or a differential case housing the differential gears of the inter-axle differential.

Abstract: A differential having pinion bearings supported on the input yoke is provided. The differential includes a housing having an opening through which a pinion shaft extends. The input yoke is disposed about a portion of the pinion shaft and one or both pinion bearing sets are then disposed about the input yoke. This configuration reduces pinion standout and allows for installation of a pre-assembled bearing pack (i.e., without spacers or shims), but does not reduce the length of the splines on the input yoke or bearing capacity.

Abstract: A differential allowing relatively easy alignment and secure positioning of bearings is provided. The differential includes a differential carrier and a differential case disposed within the carrier. A bearing assembly is located between the differential carrier and the differential case and allows the differential case to rotate within the differential carrier. The differential carrier and a cup of the bearing assembly having mating threads allowing relatively easy alignment of the bearing assembly within the differential. A deformable member is attached to the bearing assembly cup and is deformed and inserted into a slot in the differential carrier upon alignment of the bearing assembly to securely position the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A differential allowing relatively easy alignment and secure positioning of bearings is provided. The differential includes a differential carrier and a differential case disposed within the carrier. A bearing assembly is located between the differential carrier and the differential case and allows the differential case to rotate within the differential carrier. The differential carrier and a cup of the bearing assembly having mating threads allowing relatively easy alignment of the bearing assembly within the differential. A deformable member is attached to the bearing assembly cup and is deformed and inserted into a slot in the differential carrier upon alignment of the bearing assembly to securely position the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A differential having pinion bearings supported on the input yoke is provided. The differential includes a housing having an opening through which a pinion shaft extends. The input yoke is disposed about a portion of the pinion shaft and one or both pinion bearing sets are then disposed about the input yoke. This configuration reduces pinion standout and allows for installation of a pre-assembled bearing pack (i.e., without spacers or shims), but does not reduce the length of the splines on the input yoke or bearing capacity.

Abstract: A tandem axle assembly is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly and a rear axle assembly and an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the two axle assemblies. The forward and rear axle assemblies both include a pinion gear rotating responsive to an inter-axle differential and a ring gear in mesh with the pinion gear. The forward pinion gear is offset from the forward ring gear by a first predetermine distance while the rear pinion gear is offset from the rear ring ear by a second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance is greater than zero, but is less than the first predetermined distance. The variation in offsets enables both equal working angles in the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a reduction in those angles as compared to conventional tandem axle assemblies. Further, the variation in offset results in stronger and quieter gearing.

Abstract: A tandem axle assembly is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly and a rear axle assembly and an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the two axle assemblies. The forward and rear axle assemblies both includes a pinion gear rotating responsive to an inter-axle differential and a ring gear in mesh with the pinion gear. The forward pinion gear is offset from the forward ring gear by a first predetermined distance while the rear pinion gear is offset from the rear ring gear by a second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance is greater than zero, but is less than the first predetermined distance. The variation in offsets enables both equal working angles in the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a reduction in those angles as compared to conventional tandem axle assemblies. Further, the variation in offset results in stronger and quieter gearing.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic converter coupling member for a torque converter has a simplified structure that can include plastic materials and permit a reduction in components with simplified assembly processes which may result in lighter components and reduced assembly costs. For a turbine, the coupling is made with an outer shell and a plurality of channel inserts. The inserts form the curved channels or fluid passages of the turbine and include generally concentric curved inner and outer sides integrally connected to one another along one edge by a connecting wall that acts as a blade or vane. The inserts are secured in the outer shell with their outer sides against the outer shell. The inner sides are supported at both edges by the connecting walls, which are integral with one edge and include grooves for receiving the opposite free edges. Thus, the inner sides close the channels inwardly and avoid the need for a separate inner shell in the improved assembly.

Abstract: A commutator-type data store (102) is serially connected to a variable length shift register (104). Data is first written in the commutator store at the incoming varying line rate. A predetermined time later, the stored bits are read out from the commutator-type store and stored in the shift register at a given rate. Finally, the shift register data is read out at a constant predetermined rate. The length of the shift register is controlled by a counter (110). The phase relationship between the commutator write and read cycles is monitored by logic circuitry (501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506) within the control unit (106). If this phase relationship has increased by a preselected amount, the commutator readout rate is increased along with the length of the shift register. Alternatively, if the phase relationship has decreased by a preselected amount, the commutator store readout rate is decreased along with a decrease of the shift register length.