Abstract: A torsional sleeve coupling provides a spring system for dampening torsional vibrations in a driveline coupling during low torque modes of operation. In a preferred form, the coupling is adapted for use with a driving and a driven shaft which are coaxially aligned. The coupling includes a lost motion connection for torsionally coupling the driven and driving shaft ends for joint rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling incorporates a sleeve which contains a C-spring having an annular metallic body positioned in coaxial registration with one of the shafts. The spring includes a pair of spaced, radially oriented ears. The sleeve and the shaft about which the spring is positioned each contain a slotted portion. The two slotted portions are in radial alignment with each other, and each is adapted to receive both of the ears of the spring.

Abstract: An improved limited slip differential gear assembly for driving each axle of a pair of coaxially aligned vehicle axles at the same rotational speed or at relatively different rotational speeds as conditions require. The assembly includes an improved externally controllable clutch mechanism for preventing excessive relative rotation of the axles. The amount of the clutch force being applied to resist relative rotation may be varied independently of the relative rotational speed of the axles and also of the torque level in the gear assembly. Preferably the clutch mechanism is incorporated in a planetary wheel type differential and is activated electromagnetically. The clutch mechanism may include a cam operated supplemental clutch device for applying an additional clutch force in response to any continued relative rotation which may occur after the first clutching force has been applied by the electromagnet.

Abstract: A two speed axle assembly for automotive vehicles, providing positive shift engagement in shifting between direct and overdrive modes. Input and output shafts carry respective input and output sun gears meshed with compound planetary gears within a rotatable planet carrier. A pair of clutch packs selectively lock the planet carrier either to the input sun gear for rotation therewith as a unit for one mode of operation, or to the axle carrier case so that rotation of the planet carrier is prevented and the planet gears rotate about their axes to provide the other mode of operation. Compression springs are utilized to normally load the one clutch pack and lock the planet carrier to the input sun gear for the direct drive mode. A hydraulic bladder assembly is provided for shifting from the direct to the overdrive mode. Upon hydraulic inflation of the bladder, a bladder piston simultaneously unloads the one clutch pack and loads the other, locking the planet carrier to the axle carrier case.

Abstract: A high ratio semi-floating drive axle is disclosed. The axle includes a pair of axle shafts which are prevented from pulling out of the differential side gears by retainer ring assemblies which engage grooves around the axle shafts and are held in the grooves by snap rings which encircle the retainer ring assemblies.

Abstract: Lightweight ring gear for an epicyclic gear differential. The ring gear is fastened to a radially outwardly extending flange and includes inner and outer perimeters and a surface which is adapted to abut the flange. There are a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart cavities in the surface which extend from the inner perimeter toward the outer perimeter.

Abstract: An improved limited slip differential gear assembly for driving each axle of a pair of coaxially aligned vehicle axles at the same rotational speed or at relatively different rotational speeds as conditions require. The assembly includes an improved externally controllable clutch mechanism for preventing excessive relative rotation of the axles. The amount of the clutch force being applied to resist relative rotation may be varied independently of the relative rotational speed of the axles and also of the torque level in the gear assembly. Preferably the clutch mechanism is incorporated in a planetary wheel type differential and is activated electromagnetically. The clutch mechanism may include a cam operated supplemental clutch device for applying an additional clutch force in response to any continued relative rotation which may occur after the first clutching force has been applied by the electromagnet.