Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism (129) operably associated with a latch member (119) that cooperates with a flyweight mechanism (53) to retard differentiating action in the differential gear mechanism. The lockout mechanism (129) includes a lockout member (131) positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member (131) permits the latch member (119) to move freely between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member (131) prevents the latch member (119) from moving into the locking position.

Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism (63) operably associated with a flyweight mechanism (53) and including a lockout member (65, 101) positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member (65, 101) permits a flyweight stop surface (57) to move from the retracted position to the extended position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member (65, 101) prevents the flyweight stop surface (57) from moving from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A coupling device (11) and method of assembly, the device being of the type including a plenum member (17) disposed at one axial end of the coupling housing (13,15), the method comprising configuring the plenum member (17) such that each of the required features (55,57,61,66) is disposed circumferentially between an adjacent pair of fastener holes (18H). Next, the input ring gear (R) is installed about the housing (13,15) of the coupling device (11), from an axial end opposite said plenum member (17), into assembly position adjacent said flange portion (18). Each of a plurality (N) of fasteners (89) is inserted through one of the fastener holes (18H) and into initial threaded engagement with the input ring gear (R). Finally, by means of a fastener driver, all of the plurality (N) of fasteners (89) are driven into full threaded engagement, substantially simultaneously, with the input ring gear (R).

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism (11) and improved axle shaft (53) retention arrangement for the axle shaft. The mechanism includes a side gear (27) defining first internal splines, a coupling (35) defining second internal splines (35S), and a rotor (49) of a gerotor pump defining third internal splines (49S). The axle shaft includes external splines (55), an annular groove (57), and a collapsible and expandable retention ring (59) within the groove. The assembly operator aligns the external splines with the third internal splines (49S), then with the second internal splines (35S), and finally, with the first internal splines (27S), before exerting force (“F” in FIG. 3) on the axle shaft to collapse the retention ring by passing it through the third internal splines (49S) until the ring can expand (FIG. 4). The axle shaft is retained as the retention ring engages an inboard end (69) of the third internal splines.

Abstract: A coupling device (11) of the type including a clutch assembly (29) actuation of which is responsive to fluid pressure in a clutch piston apply chamber (43), and a series of fluid passages (53,55,57,59) communicating the chamber to a control valve assembly (69). A housing (15) defines a hub portion (61) surrounded by a plenum member (17) carrying two high pressure seals (63;163). The housing is formed such that the outer surface (60) of the hub portion is free of graphite porosity, to improve the life of the seals. Preferably, each of the seals (63;163) has a height/width ratio selected to provide the desired radially inward sealing force, but wherein the seals are still able to be assembled within the respective seal cavities (73,75;173,175).

Abstract: A coupling device (11) including a housing (13, 15) defining a clutch cavity (39) and at least one window (55, 57) extending through the housing adjacent the clutch cavity. A clutch assembly (29) is disposed within the clutch cavity and includes a first clutch disc (31) having ears (63) to limit rotation relative to the housing. The housing defines a plurality of fluid passages (67) extending axially from the window to the clutch cavity, the housing defining a plurality of axial recesses (61), each of which receives one of the ears of each disc. Each of the fluid passages (67) is in fluid communication with one of the axial recesses (61), and receives fluid as the window passes through a reservoir of fluid (F).

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism (11) and improved axle shaft (53) retention arrangement for the axle shaft. The mechanism includes a side gear (27) defining first internal splines, a coupling (35) defining second internal splines (35S), and a rotor (49) of a gerotor pump defining third internal splines (49S). The axle shaft includes external splines (55), an annular groove (57), and a collapsible and expandable retention ring (59) within the groove. The assembly operator aligns the external splines with the third internal splines (49S), then with the second internal splines (35S), and finally, with the first internal splines (27S), before exerting force (“F” in FIG. 3) on the axle shaft to collapse the retention ring by passing it through the third internal splines (49S) until the ring can expand (FIG. 4). The axle shaft is retained as the retention ring engages an inboard end (69) of the third internal splines.

Abstract: A coupling device (11) and method of assembly, the device being of the type including a plenum member (17) disposed at one axial end of the coupling housing (13,15), the method comprising configuring the plenum member (17) such that each of the required features (55,57,61,66) is disposed circumferentially between an adjacent pair of fastener holes (18H). Next, the input ring gear (R) is installed about the housing (13,15) of the coupling device (11), from an axial end opposite said plenum member (17), into assembly position adjacent said flange portion (18). Each of a plurality (N) of fasteners (89) is inserted through one of the fastener holes (18H) and into initial threaded engagement with the input ring gear (R). Finally, by means of a fastener driver, all of the plurality (N) of fasteners (89) are driven into full threaded engagement, substantially simultaneously, with the input ring gear (R).