Abstract: An assembly for converting a vehicle between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The assembly includes a bell form of a constant velocity joint being supported by a bearing mounted to one of the vehicle knuckle and the wheel hub. The bell form further includes a collar that has a connector, and a spindle of the wheel hub has a connector in close proximity to the bell form connector. A clutch ring actuated by an actuator is moved by the actuator between engagement with one of the connectors and engagement with both of the connectors.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a vehicle between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The assembly includes a bell form of a constant velocity joint being supported by a bearing mounted to one of the vehicle knuckle and the wheel hub. The bell form further includes a collar that has a connector, and a spindle of the wheel hub has a connector in close proximity to the bell form connector. A clutch ring actuated by an actuator is moved by the actuator between engagement with one of the connectors and engagement with both of the connectors.

Abstract: A hub clutch mechanism wherein actuation of the clutch ring movement is provided by an over-center spring. A first spring portion is secured to the clutch ring and a second spring portion is movably secured at the clutch ring center. The second spring portion is offset axially from the first spring portion and biases the clutch ring away from the first spring portion. Stops restrict movement of the first and second spring portions which enables movable positioning of said second spring portion from one side to the other of said first spring portion and thereby urging reverse axial movement of the clutch ring.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly including a live spindle secured to a wheel hub at an outboard end. A bearing surrounding the spindle and abutted against a shoulder on the spindle. Said bearing preloaded by a retention structure that slidably engages the bearing to compress the bearing against the shoulder. A clutch ring slidably engages splines associated with the live spindle and with an axle portion to connect and disconnect the axle to the live spindle and accordingly the wheel hub.

Abstract: A control for a differential for controlling the relative rotation of a pair of axles extended from the differential to a front or rear pair of wheels. An indicator shaft is coupled to the axles, e.g., through a planetary gear arrangement (the indicator shaft being the sun gear) whereby when the axles rotate in unison the ring gear and planet gear set of the planetary gear arrangement are synchronized to not drive the sun gear/indicator shaft. When one axle rotates at a rate different than the other, the sun gear is rotated. A brake mechanism is coupled to the sun gear. A sensor senses the rotational rate as well as the acceleration of the sun gear. A controller is provided to control the braking of the sun gear. Braking of the sun gear will force the axles to rotate in unison.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle having two output shafts, a gear reduction assembly, a coupling mechanism and an overrunning roller clutch for selectively producing driving of one shaft only or both shafts concurrently. The coupling mechanism selectively couples one output shaft to either (1) an input shaft, (2) the gear reduction assembly, or (3) a neutral position. The overrunning clutch has an inner race, an outer race, and rollers located between the races. Drag shoes are positioned to frictionally slide on a drag surface of a selectively grounded member to retard the rollers. A resilient band urges the drag shoes against the drag surface. When the drag shoes rotate at a sufficient speed they disengage from the drag surface so as to provide no force to retard the rollers. When the ground member is grounded it provides the drag surface for the drag shoes. When the ground member is ungrounded it is free to rotate and the drag shoes do not provide a drag force to bias the rollers.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle having two output shafts, a gear reduction assembly, a coupling mechanism and an overrunning roller clutch for selectively producing driving of one shaft only or both shafts concurrently. The coupling mechanism selectively couples one output shaft to either (1) an input shaft, (2) the gear reduction assembly, or (3) a neutral position. The overrunning clutch has an inner race, an outer race, and rollers located between the races. Drag shoes are positioned to frictionally slide on a drag surface of a selectively grounded member to retard the rollers. A resilient band urges the drag shoes against the drag surface. When the drag shoes rotate at a sufficient speed they disengage from the drag surface so as to provide no force to retard the rollers. When the ground member is grounded it provides the drag surface for the drag shoes. When the ground member is ungrounded it is free to rotate and the drag shoes do not provide a drag force to bias the rollers.

Abstract: A synchronizer assembly for use in manual transmissions for automotive vehicles wherein an internally splined hub is operatively connected to a driven rotary shaft, an internally splined clutch sleeve being rotatably connected to said hub by external splines on the hub and axially slidable thereon, a shift fork engaging and actuating said sleeve, one or more blocker rings located adjacent to the sides of said hub, and one or more transmission gears at the sides of said hub beyond said blocker rings, the gears and blocker rings having peripheral teeth adapted to be engaged by the splines on said clutch sleeve, the blocker rings and gears also having cooperating conical friction surfaces, respectively, the clutch sleeve having an interior annular groove centrally located therein and facing said hub to receive a generally circular wire spring, which spring, after some initial allowable travel of the sleeve, resists movement thereof and abuts projections extending inward from either blocker ring on movement of cl

Abstract: An anti-rattle system for a gear type transmission including a first part and a second part. One of the parts of the anti-rattle system includes a pair of deformable pressure discs with parallel facing flat surfaces. The flat surfaces of the pressure discs are in parallel planes that are perpendicular to an axis of rotation. The other part includes a friction disc with an outer periphery positioned between the parallel flat surfaces so that the pressure discs are deformed and spread apart by the friction disc. One of the parts is attached to a drive gear and another one of the parts is attached to a gear in mesh with the drive gear. Another one of the parts could also be attached to an anti-rattle assembly counter shaft.

Abstract: A center differential offering a full-time two axle dirve system. The center differential includes a planetary gear set defining a first drive path which provides an effective torque split ration to the front axle of the vehichle which is several percent less than the minimum dynamic weight ratio on the front axle assembly. The center differential further includes a bidirectional clutch mechanism defining a second drive path for connecting the driving input to the front drive axle assembly with a drive ratio several percent more than the rear axle ratio. The effective torque split and drive ratios are selected as a function of vehicle weight distributionand tire data for a specific vehicle so as to effect a controlled transfer of torque between the first and second drive paths and before the affected axle assembly reaches its traction limit in any mode of operation.

Abstract: A four wheel drive transfer case having a three element planetary gear differential connected to the output shaft of a transmission and having two output shafts which are driven by the differential in a manner such that rotary motion of any one shaft effects rotary motion of the other shafts in a predetemined timed relationship. The transfer case further includes an electromagnetically actuated friction clutch assembly including a ball ramp mechanism and having frictionally engageable members for operably interconnecting two of the planetary gear components in a manner such that relative rotation between the two output shafts is modulated by a torque level established between the frictionally engageable members of the clutch.

Abstract: An anti-clash and anti-rattle brake for a multiple speed ratio transmission is engageable to apply a frictional braking force to the constantly meshed gears when a shift control device is in a free neutral position. The brake is spring biased toward engagement. It is disengaged by one cam device when the shift control device is moved from the free neutral position in one plane and by another cam device when the shift control device is moved from the free neutral position in another plane.

Abstract: An overdrive transmission including a rotatable input shaft, a rotatable output shaft, a one-way clutch engageable for establishing a one-to-one drive path from said input shaft to said output shaft, a planetary gear set engaging said input and output shafts, and a clutching assembly including a synchronizing clutch, a positive clutch, and an overdrive brake, said synchronizing clutch being engageable for establishing a one-to-one ratio through said planetary gear set, said positive clutch being engageable for establishing a one-to-one ratio through said planetary gear set, and said brake being engageable for establishing an overdrive ratio through planetary gear set.

Abstract: An anti-clash and anti-rattle brake for a multiple speed ratio transmission is engageable to apply a frictional braking force to the constantly meshed gears when a shift control device is in a free neutral position. The brake is spring biased toward engagement. It is disengaged by one cam device when the shift control device is moved from the free neutral position in one plane and by another cam device when the shift control device is moved from the free neutral position in another plane.

Abstract: Magnetically synchronized clutch apparatus includes a jaw clutch and an electromagnetic synchronizer. The jaw clutch has a rotatable sleeve member and a rotatable shift assembly with a shift member. A spring biases the shift member for engagement with the sleeve member. The shift assembly is slidable to a position in which the members remain disengaged when not rotating in approximate synchronism. The electromagnetic synchronizer brings the members into approximate synchronism upon sliding of the shift assembly.

Abstract: Spring-assisted shift apparatus includes a plate rotatable about an axis to a plurality of positions, the plate defining a cam track. A cam follower is operatively associated with the cam track, and is adapted to move a shift fork in response to selective rotation of the plate. A spring-assist mechanism includes an assist cam track defined by the plate so as to have an arcuate first track surface with a center of curvature on the axis, and a second track surface oriented such that a line perpendicular thereto does not intersect the axis. A spring member supports an assist cam follower in operative association with the assist cam track such that the assist cam follower is in contact with the first track surface when the plate is in one position, and is in contact with the second track surface when the plate is in another position. The spring member is stressed so as to apply a preload biasing force on the plate.

Abstract: A multiple speed ratio transmission includes constantly meshed gears defining a plurality of forward speed ratios, a reverse idler gear slidable into meshing relationship with the constantly meshed gears to define a reverse speed ratio, control means including a selector and an interlock for selecting and engaging the gear ratios, and an anti-clash brake mechanism for retarding rotation of the constantly meshed gears prior to engagement of the reverse idler gear therewith. The brake mechanism includes a friction ring on one of the constantly meshed gears, and an arm extending from the interlock for blocking rotation of the friction ring when the selector is moved so as to select the reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A clutch for engaging a driving member with a driven member automatically upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either forward or reverse operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight rotation of the driving member in the opposite direction. The clutch includes a mechanism for developing high frictional drag upon initial rotation of the driving member to effect clutch engagement, and low frictional drag thereafter to conserve power.

Abstract: A clutch for engaging a driving member with a driven member automatically upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either forward or reverse operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight relative rotation of the members. The clutch includes a mechanism for developing high frictional drag upon initial rotation of the driving member to effect engagement, and low frictional drag thereafter to conserve power. The clutch also includes a preloading mechanism so that if engagement should be blocked, it will be completed automatically when the blockage is relieved. The clutch further includes a mechanism tending to resist initial rotation of the driving member so that a false torque signal does not cause engagement.

Abstract: A clutch for engaging a driving member with a driven member automatically upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either forward or reverse operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight rotation in the opposite direction.