Abstract: Drive devices for coupling a drive mechanism to an input shaft and methods of providing coupling control through an electromagnet are described herein. The drive devices include a driven member operatively coupled to a clutch assembly engageable with an input shaft. The clutch assembly includes an electromagnet, an actuator activated by the electromagnet, and a clutch pack that is biased into increased frictional engagement by the actuator to transfer the torque from the driven member to the input shaft. The methods include providing such a drive device and activating the electromagnet.

Abstract: Ball screws are described that may be incorporated into other devices such as a pulley assembly or a differential device. The ball screws include a threaded shaft defining a central longitudinal axis with a threaded nut threadedly coupled thereto to define at least one track in between them. Each track forms a continuous loop around an infield protrusion and is filled with a plurality of rolling elements filling. Each rolling element has the same radius from the central longitudinal axis such that the nut can rotate at higher speeds without the rolling elements locking up as a result of centripetal force.

Abstract: Ball screws are described that may be incorporated into other devices such as a pulley assembly or a differential device. The ball screws include a threaded shaft defining a central longitudinal axis with a threaded nut threadedly coupled thereto to define at least one track in between them. Each track forms a continuous loop around an infield protrusion and is filled with a plurality of rolling elements filling. Each rolling element has the same radius from the central longitudinal axis such that the nut can rotate at higher speeds without the rolling elements locking up as a result of centripetal force.

Abstract: Assemblies for selectively coupling torque between rotating components and belt drive systems including the same are disclosed. The assembly includes a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member operatively connected to one another by a one-way clutch for rotation together in a predominant direction. A spring is included in the assembly with a first end thereof engaged to the one-way clutch and a second end thereof engaged to the rotatable input member. The spring has no preload in an unengaged position of the one-way clutch and rotates with the rotatable input member during a positive torque condition to rotate a component of the one-way clutch to activate the one-way clutch into an engaged position. Then, when the one-way clutch is in the engaged position, the spring radially expands and thereby provides isolation between the rotatable input member and the rotatable output member.

Abstract: Drive devices for coupling a drive mechanism to an input shaft and methods of providing coupling control through an electromagnet are described herein. The drive devices include a driven member operatively coupled to a clutch assembly engageable with an input shaft. The clutch assembly includes an electromagnet, an actuator activated by the electromagnet, and a clutch pack that is biased into increased frictional engagement by the actuator to transfer the torque from the driven member to the input shaft. The methods include providing such a drive device and activating the electromagnet.

Abstract: Various pulley assemblies are described that include a pulley body, a hub defining an axis of rotation disposed within a bore of the pulley body, and an actuator and a clutch mechanism disposed about the hub. The actuator axially expands when the pulley body rotates in a predominant direction, and the clutch mechanism is activated thereby into an engaged position. In this engaged position, the clutch mechanism links the pulley body to the hub for simultaneous rotation in the predominant direction. Then, when the pulley body rotates in a non-dominant direction or experiences a deceleration, the pulley assembly enters an overrun position where the clutch mechanism disengages and allows the hub to rotate at speeds greater than the pulley body. Additionally, a reverse configuration is described where the actuator axially expands when the hub rotates and the clutch mechanism, when engaged, links the hub to the pulley body.

Abstract: A flexplate coupling is disclosed. The flexpate coupling may be used as part of a transmission. The flexplate coupling comprises a flywheel, a damper assembly including a hub portion, and a flexplate. The flexplate includes a hub fastened to the hub portion of the damper assembly and a peripheral portion fastened to the flywheel.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a flexplate coupling for a wet clutch transmission.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission that is highly suitable for use in a large car or light truck vehicle is provided.

Abstract: The present invention has a dual sun planetary gearset, as well as a dog clutch or other type of shifting device, which allows for the hydrostatic unit to operate in a reverse direction in similar fashion to how it operates in a forward direction, thereby increasing efficiency and torque in the reverse direction. The gearset of the present invention has a first sun gear having one or more planetary gears that are mounted on a carrier, and a second sun gear, also having one or more planetary gears that are mounted on the same common carrier as the first set of planetary gears.

Abstract: A transmission having an electromechanical gear actuation system includes an input shaft, a counter shaft, and a plurality of gear sets that are adapted to be operatively engaged to and disengaged from their shafts. A plurality of synchronizers operatively engage and disengage the gear sets to and from the shafts. A shifter rail includes a plurality of shift forks that are each in operative engagement with at least one of the synchronizers. A motor assembly provides a first motive force to cause the shifter rail to selectively engage one shift fork and further adapted to provide a second motive force to operatively drive the shifter rail to cause the associated shift fork and synchronizer to engage and disengage the associated gear set to and from the associated shaft. A solenoid assembly controls when the motor assembly provides the first motive force and the second motive force.

Abstract: A transmission system is provided utilizing multiple sets of clutch friction elements, each engaged to transfer torque from a torque input, such as an engine, to different gear ratios. The sets of clutch friction elements are operated simultaneously to provide a blended, gear ratio to a drivetrain. By varying the engagement of the clutch elements, and thus the proportion of the torque transferred to the gear ratio associated with each set of friction elements, an intermediate, effective gear ratio is developed. This effective gear ratio can be increased or decreased in response to external stimuli, such as vehicle and/or engine sensors, by modifying the degree of engagement of each set of clutch friction elements, and thus the proportion of torque transferred by each set of elements to its associated gear ratio.

Abstract: A friction device includes a clutch pack operable to connect and disconnect drive and driven members for transferring and interrupting torque therebetween. A piston is supported in the clutch housing and defines a first expandable chamber. The piston is responsive to the pressure of fluid in the expandable chamber to move between disengaged and engaged positions thereby actuating the clutch pack. An outer ring is slidably supported within the housing to form a second expandable chamber. The outer ring includes at least one orifice extending therethrough. The piston closes the orifice in the outer ring when the drive and driven members are disconnected and has a second position where the orifice is open. A second source of lubricant pressure separate from the piston actuating fluid flows into the second expandable chamber thence through the orifice and from the outer diameter of the clutch pack between the adjacent plates and disks to the inner diameter of the clutch pack for cooling the pack.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission having planetary gear elements that define several forward driving torque delivery paths that are established and disestablished upon engagement and release of friction clutches and brakes including a timing valve for controlling the timing of the ratio change from a high direct drive ratio to an intermediate underdrive ratio including a pair of friction clutches that are engageable to establish the high speed ratio torque delivery path and a reaction brake that is applied upon release of one of the friction clutches to establish an intermediate speed ratio torque delivery path, the timing valve being effective to delay application of the brake during the downshift interval thus effecting a smooth ratio transition.