Abstract: A transfer case having a planetary gear set, a clutch collar, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to actuate the clutch collar between a low speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set, and a high speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a sun gear of the planetary gear set.

Abstract: A transfer case having a planetary gear set, a clutch collar, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to actuate the clutch collar between a low speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set, and a high speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a sun gear of the planetary gear set.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle utilizes a series of drive motors and a single planetary gear box to provide driving input to a differential for an axle assembly. The differential drives a pair of axle shafts that drive a pair of laterally spaced wheels. The planetary gear box includes a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears in meshing engagement with the sun gear, a planet carrier that supports the planet gears, and a ring gear that is in meshing engagement with the planet gears. One drive motor drives the sun gear and another drive motor drives the ring gear. The planet carrier provides the output driving force from the planetary gear box to the differential. The motor that drives the sun gear provides for high output torque by taking advantage of a high gear ratio reduction and the motor that drives the ring gear provides for high output speed by taking advantage of a low gear ratio reduction. When both motors are simultaneously powered, a variable gear ratio is provided.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a first and a second electric motor which drive a gearbox assembly substantially therebetween. A proper gear teeth contact pattern between the electric motor drive gears and a ring gear is obtained by adjusting electric motor housing portions relative a main housing portion.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle utilizes a series of drive motors and a single planetary gear box to provide driving input to a differential for an axle assembly. The differential drives a pair of axle shafts that drive a pair of laterally spaced wheels. The planetary gear box includes a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears in meshing engagement with the sun gear, a planet carrier that supports the planet gears, and a ring gear that is in meshing engagement with the planet gears. One drive motor drives the sun gear and another drive motor drives the ring gear. The planet carrier provides the output driving force from the planetary gear box to the differential. The motor that drives the sun gear provides for high output torque by taking advantage of a high gear ratio reduction and the motor that drives the ring gear provides for high output speed by taking advantage of a low gear ratio reduction. When both motors are simultaneously powered, a variable gear ratio is provided.

Abstract: The bore geometry of a housing for a press fit component includes a locating bore adjacent a press fit bore and extends for an axial length to provide an index on a press fit component outer diameter. The locating bore is of a diameter which provides a clearance fit for receipt of the seal outer diameter such that the seal assembly is received into the locating bore and upon a chamfer between the locating bore and the bore. Complex alignment and indexing tooling is therefore effectively eliminated. The locating bore also provides a reception area for a gasket material once the seal assembly is press fit into the bore.

Abstract: An automatic axle engagement system utilizes wheel speed sensors, engine control, and braking control to provide optimal engagement of a front drive axle to provide all wheel drive under poor driving conditions. The system includes a transfer case that is coupled to a power source and which has output shafts for front and rear drive axles. The engine provides torque to the transfer case via an input shaft. Wheel sensors generate wheel speed signals that are transmitted to a controller, which determined whether or not there is wheel slip. The controller initiates a shift to drivingly engage the front drive axle if there is wheel slippage by controlling one or both of the output torque or axle braking forces to bring rotational speeds of the input shaft and the rear axle output shaft within a predetermined speed range.

Abstract: A breather system includes a by-pass having an internal wall to collect lubricant while air flows upward out of a first outlet. Lubricant which has separated from lubricant laden air flows downward through a second outlet and into a conduit under the force of gravity and reenters the housing through a return opening. Another breather system includes a second conduit pressurized by a pump to creates a pressure vacuum within the conduit to forcefully draw lubricant through the conduit from the by-pass.

Abstract: A gas riser apparatus having an O-ring sealing arrangement according to the present invention provides improved sealing between an inner pipe and an outer pipe of the riser apparatus. The riser apparatus includes an inner plastic pipe having one or more grooves for receiving resilient sealing members. A plurality of O-rings are disposed within one annular groove and an outer metal pipe is telescoped over the plastic pipe. An annular crimp extends around the outer metal pipe at a location of the plurality of O-rings and forms a seal between an inner surface of the metal pipe and an exterior of the plastic pipe by compressing the O-rings. This O-ring seal configuration provides substantially improved low temperature sealing.