Abstract: A pulse vacuum hub lock system for selectively engaging a wheel hub to an axial shaft includes a cartridge housing assembly received in a bore in the wheel hub. The cartridge housing assembly supports a clutch ring for movable engagement between splines in the wheel hub and directly on the axle shaft. A diaphragm is connected to a piston assembly and is responsive to a vacuum pressure to activate the piston assembly to engage or disengage a latch mechanism that holds the clutch ring in an engaged or disengaged position. A piston spring and a helper spring are provided between primary and secondary pistons of the piston assembly and allow for separation in the vacuum levels required to activate the latch mechanism. The vacuum hub lock system is compact so as to be disposed inboard of an opening in the exterior surface of a wheel rim.

Abstract: A pulse vacuum hub lock system for selectively engaging a wheel hub to an axial shaft includes a cartridge housing assembly received in a bore in the wheel hub. The cartridge housing assembly supports a clutch ring for movable engagement between splines in the wheel hub and directly on the axle shaft. A diaphragm is connected to a piston assembly and is responsive to a vacuum pressure to activate the piston assembly to engage or disengage a latch mechanism that holds the clutch ring in an engaged or disengaged position. A piston spring and a helper spring are provided between primary and secondary pistons of the piston assembly and allow for separation in the vacuum levels required to activate the latch mechanism. The vacuum hub lock system is compact so as to be disposed inboard of an opening in the exterior surface of a wheel rim.

Abstract: An electromagnetic disconnect system has an output housing having an armature with a coil and an output shaft bearing fixed to it. A pressure plate and a sliding dog clutch are slidably attached to an output shaft that is in rotational contact with the output shaft bearing. This system further has an input housing attached to the output housing. The input housing has an input shaft bearing fixed to it. The electromagnetic disconnect system further has a disengagement spring and an axially fixed dog clutch rigidly attached to an end of an input shaft that is axially dispose through an opening in the input housing and in rotational contact with the input shaft bearing.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device limits peak torque and shock loads applied to the drive train components of an all-terrain vehicle. The energy absorbing device may be installed in the differential or drive housing, inboard of the variable shaft or half-shaft or outboard of the constant shaft or half-shaft, and in the interconnecting shaft itself. The energy absorbing device allows excessive drive train energy to be dissipated by friction between components of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A vehicle winch side-mount system including a platform and a winch mounting structure configured to engage a mount of a winching device. The vehicle winch side-mount system is configured to be retained by the weight a vehicle tire.

Abstract: A low voltage interrupt for an electric winch prevents voltage decay of a battery due to excessive operation of the winch. If the battery voltage decays below a threshold, the low voltage interrupt disables the winch, allowing an alternator to recharge the battery. A voltage sense circuit determines the voltage of the battery. The sensed voltage is compared to a predetermined threshold. If the sensed voltage decays below the threshold, the low voltage interrupt generates an interrupt signal. The interrupt signal causes a relay to actuate, thereby interrupting current to the winch.

Abstract: A solid state controller is provided for a winch and includes fault detection for several parameters and overload interrupt controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A solid state controller is provided for a winch and includes fault detection for several parameters and overload interrupt controlled by the controller. The system uses a single controller that can be programmed for several different products and utilizes MOSFET switches for alternating the direction of current supplied to the motor.