Abstract: A smart driveline disconnect assembly having a torque coupling assembly, an actuator, at least one sensor and a controller is provided. The torque coupling assembly is configured to selectively couple torque between a transmission and a final drive assembly. The actuator is configured to activate the torque coupling assembly. The at least one sensor is used to generate sensor information. The controller is configured to control the actuator based at least in part on the sensor information. The controller is further configured to determine at least a thermal energy level associated with the torque coupling assembly based on the sensor information and at least in part control the actuator based on the determined estimated thermal energy level.

Abstract: A smart driveline disconnect assembly having a torque coupling assembly, an actuator, at least one sensor and a controller is provided. The torque coupling assembly is configured to selectively couple torque between a transmission and a final drive assembly. The actuator is configured to activate the torque coupling assembly. The at least one sensor is used to generate sensor information. The controller is configured to control the actuator based at least in part on the sensor information. The controller is further configured to determine at least a thermal energy level associated with the torque coupling assembly based on the sensor information and at least in part control the actuator based on the determined estimated thermal energy level.

Abstract: A linear actuator that includes a torque generator, a lead screw, a driven nut, an activation circuit and a push rod. The torque generator has an output shaft. The lead screw is operationally coupled to the output shaft of the torque generator. The driven nut has an internally threaded bore that threadably engages external threads of the lead screw in such a manner that frictional forces between the internal threaded bore and the external threads prevent movement between the driven nut and the lead screw when no torque is provided by the torque generator. The activation circuit is in communication with the torque generator. The activation circuit has at least one switch that is configured to be activated by the driven nut. The push rod is operationally coupled to the driven nut.

Abstract: A linear actuator that includes a torque generator, a lead screw, a driven nut, an activation circuit and a push rod. The torque generator has an output shaft. The lead screw is operationally coupled to the output shaft of the torque generator. The driven nut has an internally threaded bore that threadably engages external threads of the lead screw in such a manner that frictional forces between the internal threaded bore and the external threads prevent movement between the driven nut and the lead screw when no torque is provided by the torque generator. The activation circuit is in communication with the torque generator. The activation circuit has at least one switch that is configured to be activated by the driven nut. The push rod is operationally coupled to the driven nut.

Abstract: An all-terrain or utility vehicle having various combinations of left and right front wheels, left and right rear wheels, a differential rotationally variably coupling the left and right front wheels together with a variable coupling torque and a source of motive power being selectively coupled to the left and right rear wheels in one configuration and coupled to the left and right front wheels as well as to the left and right rear wheels in a second configuration. The coupling torque is relatively stronger when a speed of the vehicle is relatively slower and is relatively weaker when the speed of the vehicle is relatively faster.

Abstract: A differential (100) includes a clutch pack that is activated by rotational movement of a ball ramp (31) that results in a linear force applied to the reaction plates (41) and friction plates (42). The ball ramp (31) is controlled by a DC motor (114) that has a high efficiency of a gear train to allow the use of the DC motor to control the activation of the clutch pack.