Abstract: A regenerative drive system for heavy duty vehicles such as truck tractors having a conventional internal combustion engine and transmission includes a regenerative hydraulic motor and a transfer case. The transfer case has a chain drive coupling the output of the hydraulic motor to the input of a planetary gear speed reduction assembly. The output of the planetary gear assembly is provided to a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively couples the output of the planetary gear assembly to the transmission output and drives the differential and rear vehicle wheels.

Abstract: The transfer case reduction gearset is often never used for its original intended function, that is, to provide an additional speed reduction (torque amplification) ratio for the powertrain. This concept allows for the increased use of the transfer case gearset components to work in concert with the automatic transmission to increase its ratio spread. This increase in ratio spread will result in improved launch performance for the vehicle by steepening the effective first gear ratio of the automatic transmission. The increase in ratio spread may also provide for reductions in numerical axle ratio of the vehicle thereby improving the fuel economy during normal highway operation. The present invention focuses on a method of shifting the transmission of the vehicle in accordance with the invention which includes providing a transmission connected to a vehicle engine having a predetermined number of gear ratios which are selectable.

Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a housing having an input, a first output, and a second output rotatably mounted in the housing. A friction clutch in the housing limits slip between the first output and the second output, and a mechanism in the housing applies an axial force to the friction clutch. The mechanism includes a rotatable actuating plate and a non-rotatable, back-up plate. A motor that rotates the actuating plate is controlled by an electronic motor control which has a feed back that is responsive to the force applied by the mechanism to the friction clutch. In one embodiment, the feed back measures the angular position of the rotatable actuating plate which is mounted on an angular contact bearing. The stain or slight axial movement of the outer race of the angular contact bearing is measured to provide the feed back to the electronic motor control.

Abstract: A friction clutch pack utilizes permanent magnets and induction rings to actuate a ball ramp actuator which come in turn, engages the friction clutch pack to transfer torque between drive and driven members in, for example, a motor vehicle transfer case. The permanent magnets and induction rings may also be utilized as a synchronizer to urge the speeds of two rotating members into synchronism to facilitate engagement of a direct coupling i.e., a dog clutch.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a supercharger for an internal combustion engine provides a continuously variable drive ratio between the engine and supercharger to provide a substantially, constant drive speed to the supercharger, thereby optimizing performance. The continuously variable drive may function in increments as well as allow the supercharger to free-wheel. The drive assembly includes a planetary gear drive assembly and a continuously variable hydrostatic transmission having a rotating, variably coupled master and slave pump and motor which, by adjusting its drive ratio, adjusts the ratio of the planetary gear assembly and thus the drive ratio between the engine and the supercharger.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch especially adapted for use in motor vehicle power trains includes a multiple plate friction clutch pack acted upon (compressed) by a ball ramp operator. The ball ramp operator includes two adjacent plates having opposed pairs of arcuate ramped recesses which receive a load transferring member such as a ball or roller bearing. Relative rotation of the plates is achieved through a worm gear drive from a bi-directional electric motor. Such relative rotation causes separation of the plates and compression of the friction clutch pack which transfers torque from the input to the output of the electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: A rear axle assembly for a primary front wheel drive motor vehicle includes two electromagnetic clutches and a geared differential. A first electromagnetic clutch provides torque to the geared differential which, in turn, provides drive torque to two axles. The geared differential includes a second electromagnetic clutch operably disposed between the differential cage and the output shafts (axles). Activation of the first electromagnetic clutch provides controlled application of torque to the rear differential and activation of the second electromagnetic clutch progressively inhibits differentiation of the geared differential.