Abstract: A power unit comprises: a wave gear speed reducer, a rotary shaft extending in the axial direction; a rotor unit that rotates integrally with the rotary shaft; a stator unit disposed facing the rotor unit; and a motor casing to which the stator unit is secured. The motor casing has a second cover that covers the rotor unit and the stator unit from the other side in the axial direction. The rotary shaft extends toward the other side in the axial direction, penetrates the second cover, and is connected to a cam. The second cover has a support part that extends toward the other side in the axial direction, supports the rotary shaft in a rotatable manner, and is positioned in a flexible cylindrical part of an external gear.

Abstract: An outboard motor having an internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a driveshaft and a planetary transmission that operatively connects the driveshaft to a transmission output shaft, the planetary transmission being operable in a forward gear in which forward rotation of the driveshaft causes forward rotation of the output shaft, a reverse gear in which forward rotation of the driveshaft causes reverse rotation of the output shaft, and a neutral gear in which rotation of the driveshaft does not cause rotation of the output shaft, a band brake configured to shift the planetary transmission amongst the forward gear, neutral gear, and reverse gear, and a hydraulic actuator configured to actuate the band brake.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a second planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear being defined as first, second and third elements, respectively, when a single pinion type planetary gear mechanism is applied; the carrier, the ring gear, and the sun gear being defined as the first, second, and third elements, respectively, when a double pinion type is applied; a first brake, a switching clutch being switchable to a first position where the third element is selectively fixed to a housing; a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, and a fourth clutch. The first brake fixes a sun gear of a first planetary gear mechanism to the housing, the switching clutch fixes the third element to the housing, and the fourth clutch connects the second element to a carrier of the third planetary gear mechanism when establishing a reverse speed stage.

Abstract: A band brake actuator is for actuating a band brake on a planetary gearset. The band brake actuator comprises a actuator shaft; an output finger; and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly connects the actuator shaft to the output finger such that rotation of the actuator shaft in a first rotation direction causes the output finger to engage the band brake on the planetary gearset, and such that rotation of the actuator shaft in an opposite, second rotation direction causes the output finger to disengage the band brake from the planetary gearset. Engagement of the band brake and the planetary gearset shifts the planetary gearset into one of a forward and a reverse gear and wherein disengagement of the band brake and the planetary gearset shifts the planetary gearset into a neutral gear.

Abstract: In a conical friction ring transmission, the safety device may have a normal state, in which electrical energy is applied to the safety device, and a failure state, in which the safety device is free of electrical energy, or a bi-stable safety actuator with a normal position and a failure position, and may change the effect parameter of a mechanical articulating element for adjusting a friction ring. An especially compact design of the conical friction ring transmission is thus achieved.

Abstract: An operator control element system for a vehicle has an operator control element. The operator control element has a plurality of operator control areas and a region which faces an operator and a region which is located in a vehicle trim panel. The operator control element is distinguished in that it is mounted such that it can pivot about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A vehicle brake transmission includes a housing unit, a motor assembly, and a speed reduction unit. The housing unit includes a ring gear disposed around a first axis. The motor assembly includes a motor, and a worm rod extending along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The speed reduction unit is disposed in the housing unit, and includes a driving member, a planet carrier, and a plurality of planet gears. The driving member includes a worm wheel meshing with the worm rod, and a sun gear centered at the first axis and meshing with the planet gears. The planet carrier includes an input shaft connected to a caliper device. The motor drives rotation of the worm shaft, the driving member, the planet gears, and the input shaft, so as to activate the caliper device.

Abstract: In a linear solenoid 107n, an electromagnetic coil 71n, a pressure sensor 72n, and label resistors 73n and 74n for correcting an inherent variation in a pressure detection characteristic are integrated; the standard characteristic of the pressure sensor 72n is stored in a control module 120M; when driving is started, the resistance values of the label resistors 73n and 74n are read, the pressure detection characteristic of the utilized pressure sensor 72n is corrected, and an excitation current for the electromagnetic coil 71n is controlled in such a way that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained. Even when due to a change in the oil temperature, the valve opening characteristic of the linear solenoid 107n changes, the adjusted hydraulic pressure is controlled to be constant.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, an annular drum, a band, and an actuator. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The annular drum is adjacent the structural member and is continuously rotationally coupled with a member of the one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The band circumscribes the annular drum and includes at least a first position and a second position. In the first position the band is substantially separated from the drum and in the second position the band contacts the drum. The actuator selectively positions the band between at least the first position and the second position to transfer torque between the structural member and the annular drum.

Abstract: The gearbox lock mechanism for a post bole auger has a collar coupled to a lower end of a right angle gearbox, the collar rotatable upon operation of the gearbox. The collar comprises a semi-circular outer edge and a fiat side. A male-threaded nipple extends from the collar and threads onto the auger shaft. A lock bar is coupled to the gearbox and acts as a positive lock to lock the collar in place for removal of the shaft from the gearbox. The lock bar is rotatable from a locked position whereby the lock bar is aligned with and contactable with the flat side of the outer edge of the collar, to an unlocked position whereby the lock bar does not contact the flat side of the outer edge of the collar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator, including at least one pivotably supported actuating arm for moving a furniture flap. The actuating arm is or can be acted on by a spring device, and a retaining clip is proposed for the empty actuating arm on which no furniture flap is mounted yet. The retaining clip prevents accidental opening or deflecting of the empty actuating arm and for this purpose includes a brake or detent device which can be moved by a shaft (R). A transmission gear is provided by which the pivot speed of the actuating arm can be geared to a higher rotational speed of the shaft (R) at least over a region of the pivot travel of the actuating arm in the open direction.

Abstract: A device for determining, when driving a vehicle, a mapping of torque transmitted by a clutch of the automobile based on a position of a clutch control member. The device includes a mechanism updating the mapping based on position thresholds of the clutch control member. The updating modifies values of the thresholds based on minimum and maximum values of the positions of the control member stored in the mapping and on current values of the thresholds.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.

Abstract: A linear solenoid is configured with an electromagnetic coil and a label resistor that are integrated with each other; the label resistor has a resistance value corresponding to a correction coefficient based on the difference between the actual characteristic of the supply current vs. adjusted hydraulic pressure output of the electromagnetic coil and a standard characteristic; and data for correcting a characteristic variation in the command current vs. output current characteristic of an electromagnetic coil is preliminarily stored in a control module by use of an adjustment tool. When the operation is started, the resistance value of the label resistor is read and an output current corresponding to a utilized linear solenoid is supplied, so that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained.

Abstract: A clutch device for an electric winch includes a ring gear that is settled in a gear box and is in communication with a gear mechanism of the electric winch. A plurality of braking recesses are provided on the outer periphery surface of the ring gear. A detachable clutch sleeve is fixed in a braking port defined in the gear box and includes a T-shaped clutch lever. A clutch handle is provided on the sleeve. The inner surface of the clutch handle and the top surface of the clutch sleeve are cam faces formed by double tapered faces. A rotating-positioning mechanism, which can be rotated 180 degrees, is provided between the clutch handle and the clutch sleeve. The clutch lever is movable between an engaged position, where the clutch lever engages the braking recesses, and a disengaged position, when the clutch handle is rotated in clockwise and anticlockwise directions.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a separate shaft type oil pump in a case of a transmission. The separate shaft type oil pump is driven by a shaft that is separate from and rotated in cooperation with a shaft arranged in a torque input route extending from an engine to the transmission to supply hydraulic oil to a transmission oil pressure control mechanism. The mounting structure includes a spacer coupler that fastens the oil pump to the transmission case. The spacer coupler includes a plurality of spacers that couple the oil pump and the transmission case. An oil passage is formed in the spacers of the spacer coupler to connect an oil pressure system, which includes the oil pressure control mechanism, and the oil pump. A manual shaft for operating the transmission is arranged in a clearance between the spacers of the spacer coupler.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a no-back device having a ball screw connected to a variable load of reversible polarity (±L) and having a portion penetrating a housing. The device includes a braking mechanism acting between the housing and the ball screw for producing a force that resists movement of the ball screw in the direction of an “aiding” load, but does not substantially resist movement of the ball screw in the direction of an “opposing” load. The improvement broadly includes: a first spring acting between the housing and the braking mechanism for exerting a first preload force (F1) on the braking mechanism for simulating the application of an external load on the ball screw in one of the directions; whereby the apparent operational integrity of the no-back device may be checked when no external load is applied to the ball screw.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a combined wet brake and rear gear assembly supported by a pair of frames. The combined wet brake and rear gear assembly includes a housing having at least one gear and a wet brake provided therein. An input shaft is connected to the gear and to the engine of the vehicle. The wet brake is located between one of the pairs of frames and the input shaft in the transverse direction of the vehicle in a top plan view.

Abstract: A driving device for an adjusting system of a motor vehicle includes a transmission with a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation for introducing a torque, a driven element rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation for delivering a torque, and a wrap spring brake device for transmitting a drive-side torque introduced by the drive element to the driven element and for blocking a driven-side torque applied on the driven element. It is provided that the drive element and the driven element each are mounted on a stationary portion of the transmission. In this way a driving device is created, whose drive element and driven element can have low bearing tolerances and which in addition is optimized in terms of friction to provide a smooth operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for moving a flap of a piece of furniture, including at least one actuating arm for moving the flap, a base member on which the actuating arm is pivotally arranged, and a spring device able to act upon the actuating arm. An assembly securing device for the vacant actuating arm, which has not yet been fitted with a flap, includes a braking device which limits the opening speed of the vacant actuating arm.

Abstract: A media handling system, comprising: a media pick means; a media holder that interacts with the media pick means; and a selectable, lockable, automatically movable media tray located substantially adjacent to the media holder, wherein the movable media tray is engageable/disengageable with the media pick means.

Abstract: A drive control system for an electric vehicle and a method of drive control of the electric vehicle. The drive control system for the electric vehicle includes a drive motor target torque calculation processing device for calculating a drive motor target torque representing a target torque of a drive motor; and a drive motor target torque restriction processing device that judges whether or not a parking mechanism is in operation and, if the parking mechanism is in operation, restricts variations in the drive motor target torque.

Abstract: A rotational speed damper operable to dampen the speed of a gear by gradually decreasing the rotational velocity and angular acceleration of the gear over a time period beginning at the time the damper contacts the gear stop and ending at the time the gear reaches its first stopping point.

Abstract: In a travel-driving mechanism for a self-propelled working machine such as a self-propelled lawn mower travels by using power of an electric motor 30, the torque of a driving shaft 50, which is driven by the power of the electric motor 30 through a power transmission unit 40, is transmitted to travel-driving wheels 7 through two-way or bi-directional clutches 55 provided at both ends of the driving shaft 50. Power transmission units 61, 62 are provided between the bi-directional clutch 55 and the driving wheels 7. A travel control unit 70 is provided to input an instruction signal produced by the operation of a travel operation member 66, which is operated by the operator, and to control the electric motor 30.

Abstract: A rotating actuator includes a shaft (24) and a mechanical stop device (23) for generating a stop to limit the rotation of the shaft in a direction of rotation. The stop device acts upon the shaft to prevent the shaft from rotating further in the direction of rotation by blocking the shaft using a stop device acting mechanically on the shaft while enabling rotation of the shaft in a direction of rotation counter to the stop with slip in a stop arrangement. The slip is configured such that movement of the shaft in the direction of rotation counter to the stop is detectable. The stop device may include two independently triggered, mechanical stop devices. One stop device acts as a stop for limiting the rotation of the shaft to the right, and the other stop device acts as a stop for limiting the rotation of the shaft to the left.

Abstract: A starter having a one-way clutch connects with an output shaft via helical spline. A braking member is provided in a bearing portion of a center case adjacent to an end of the center case away from the motor. The clutch moves toward the rear via a lever when the starter is stopped, and a flange portion, provided at a rear end of a barrel portion, presses against the braking member. As a result, the rotation of the clutch stops within a short time period.

Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary braking system is provided to accomplish a braking effect similar to engine braking inexpensively, to extend the life of the brakes, and to reduce the work cycle time in order to improve work efficiency. The system has a centrifugal sensor 20, an accelerator sensor 21, and a braking clutch engaging means that includes a braking hydraulic circuit 22. The centrifugal sensor 20 detects that the vehicle is traveling when the vehicle is moving at or above a prescribed speed. Accelerator sensor 21 detects when the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 6 is at or below a prescribed amount. The braking clutch engaging means engages the clutch that corresponds to the opposite travel direction when the vehicle is traveling at or above the prescribed speed and the accelerator depression amount is at or below the prescribed depression amount.

Abstract: A method of operating a retarder control system for a drivetrain retarder such as an engine compression brake of a heavy-duty truck vehicle is disclosed. The method of operation includes three novel subsets each of which controls the operational state and the resistance level at which the drivetrain retarder is operated dependent at least partially upon one or more factors including speeds of one or more drivetrain components, vehicle speed, rotational speed of one or more undriven wheels, position of a brake control member, elapsed time of activation of a brake control member and/or elapsed time from a change in a selected resistance level at which the retarder control system is commanded to effect operation of the drivetrain retarder.

Abstract: A low cost protective clutch member is positioned adjacent an end of the drive shaft in a scroll compressor. The device is a thin washer having a tab which is selectively driven against the housing stop when the compressor is driven in a forward direction, but is movable into a notch in the shaft when the shaft is driven in a reverse direction. The tab prevents rotation of the shaft when in the notch.

Abstract: In an emergency brake mechanism of the present invention, a rotation input shaft is increased in rotation speed by a planetary set-up gear to centrifuge weights. Through the action of the centrifugal force of the weights, linings of the brake shoes are brought into press-contact with a fixed portion to reduce rotation of the rotation input shaft, such that a large braking power is produced for a compact emergency brake mechanism.

Abstract: A one-way transmission with a resetting function for use in ratchet mechanisms. The resetting spring for the actuating lever is arranged to also takes over the prestressing of the one-way transmission element. The integration of the following switch components is also possible; the shift lever and the one-way transmission element; the shift lever, the one-way transmission element and the resetting spring; the positioning device and the positioning pawls; of the positioning device and actuating button; the actuating button and the resetting element; and the positioning device, the actuating button and the resetting element.

Abstract: In an emergency brake mechanism of the present invention, a rotation input shaft is increased in rotation speed by a planetary set-up gear to centrifuge weights, so that through the action of the centrifugal force of the weights, linings of the brake shoes are brought into press-contact with a fixed portion, to reduce rotation of the rotation input shaft, such that a large braking power is produced for a compact emergency brake mechanism.

Abstract: For an automatic transmission (3) a downshift function is proposed in which, with the actuation of a brake pedal, a new downshift point (RA(NEU)) is calculated when the throttle valve is closed by adding to a basic downshift point (RS(ORD)) a characteristic variable (K1) wherein the characteristic variable (K1) is determined from a driving activity (FA) and a calculated brake pressure via a characteristic field.

Abstract: A simplified torsion vibration damper having a primary plate and a secondary plate wherein the primary plate is manufactured from a primary plate which transfers a torque onto the secondary plate and the additional rim. The torque is transferred through springs to this secondary plate and additional rim which is connected via angled areas to the primary plate. A starter gear rim can be provided on the additional rim. In addition, a generating element plate with drill holes can be fitted at the primary plate and the additional mass which serves as a location-dependant motor control unit. The manufacturing process can be simplified even further through the proper arrangement of the secondary plate and the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch includes a housing which defines a chamber. A fan assembly is attached to the housing. A rotor is rotatably attached to the housing through a bearing. The bearing is disposed entirely within the chamber at a radially inner portion of the chamber. The viscous fluid is located within a radially outer portion of the chamber. The housing and the rotor form a labryinth passage between the outer portion of the chamber and the inner portion of the chamber. This labryinth passage encourages condensation of any oil vapors that may have formed at the shear point of the viscous fluid.

Abstract: A clutch includes a stationary housing member, a rotating member supported for rotation with respect to the stationary housing member, and a planetary gear assembly operably interconnecting the rotating member to an output shaft. The planetary gear assembly reduces the magnitude of speed transmitted to the output shaft. An actuating mechanism is used to switch the rotating member between a disengaged position where the rotating member rotates freely with respect to the stationary housing member and an engaged position where the rotating member is grounded to the stationary housing member. The actuating mechanism includes a magneto rheological fluid and a plurality of actuation coils. An electric current is supplied to the creating a magnetic flux. When a current is applied to the coils, the rotating member is placed in the engaged position and when there is no current in the coils, the rotating member is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a semi-active rotary damper that can obtain a large breaking force to disperse a large torque. The rotary damper 100 comprises a damping shaft 111 to be connected to a rotating shaft, and a closed hollow cylindrical housing 113 surrounding the damping shaft 111. A first fluid chamber 116A and a second fluid chamber 116B are formed between an outer face of the damping shaft 111 and an inner face of the housing 113 by a partition 115 and a wing 112. The first fluid chamber 116A and the second fluid chamber 116B are filled with magnetorheological fluid. Meanwhile, an annular solenoid 114 fixed to the housing 113 forms a portion of a flow path 126, 125 and 127 between the first fluid chamber 116A and the second fluid chamber 116B.

Abstract: An angular transmission using magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) to transmit movement between two (2) shafts not aligned on the same axis to each other to provide an infinite variable ratio instead of the fixed ratios present in known prior art gear driven angular transmissions by controlling the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) through the use of one (1) or more electric coil(s) generating a magnetic field. In particular, the angular transmission using magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of conical shaped hollow heads, one connected to an input shaft and one connected to an output shaft, the input shaft, the output shaft and the conical shaped hollow heads being assembled inside of a housing where the input shaft and the output shaft are mounted at an angle to each other (i.e.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch includes a rotor attached to an output from an engine, a stator attached to a fan assembly and a coil assembly having at least a portion attached to the stator. A first gap is defined between the rotor and the stator and a second gap is defined between the rotor and the coil assembly. The first and second gaps are filled with a magneto rheological (MR) fluid. The coil assembly creates a magnetic field in the first and second gaps to vary the viscosity of the MR fluid to produce a variable speed viscous fluid clutch. The coil assembly includes coil windings which are supplied with power through a slip ring assembly. Both the coil windings and the wiring between the slip ring assembly and the coil windings are isolated from the magneto rheological fluid.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drive system for use in association with a wheelchair. The drive system includes at least one input gear system, a structure for powering at least one input gear system, at least one transfer gear system, a positioning member, and a structure for transferring movement of the transfer gear system to a wheel. The positioning member positions the desired one of at least two sets of gears of the at least one transfer gear with at least one of the two sets of gears of the at least one input gear system through slidable movement of the at least one of the transfer gear system and the input gear system along their respective axes of rotation. This, in turn, engages the desired gear of the transfer gear system to the desired gear of the input gear system during continuous rotation of these gears. Additionally, the invention includes a handle member for use with a linear conversion system.

Abstract: An electrorheological damping device for reducing translational vibration between two bodies comprises a rotary electrorheological damper and transmission means for converting the translational vibration between the two bodies to the rotary motion of the rotary electrorheological damper. The rotary electrorheological damper includes a stator and a rotor that are coaxially arranged. The stator have a plurality of stator electrodes, and the rotor have a plurality of rotor electrodes. The stator electrodes and the rotor electrodes face each other alternatively within at least one fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is filled with an electrorheological fluid that varies its rheological properties when exposed to an electric field. The electrorheological fluid fills spaces between each pair of the stator and rotor electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a controllable clutch based on electrorheological or magnetorheological liquids, in which the transmission of force or the transmission of torque is achieved in that an electrorheological or magnetorheological liquid is pushed through an electrode gap or magnet gap of the clutch by means of a surface acting as a piston.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid coupling (11) including a stationary electromagnetic coil (31) and cylindrical contact member (43) surrounding an input shaft (19), and in turn, being surrounded by the output coupling assembly (15). Input (63,65) and output (29) coupling members define a viscous shear chamber (71) disposed radially outward from the coil (31). A drive member (21) extends radially from the input shaft (19) and includes an annular portion (61) at least partially surrounding the coil (31) and driving the input coupling member (63,65). The stationary coil (31) and contact member (43) eliminates the need for electrical brushes, and the problems associated therewith, and the overall arrangement of the coupling (11) results in only radial non-working air gaps, such that the efficiency and repeatability of the device is substantially improved.

Abstract: A multiple disc clutch pack includes a pilot magneto-rheological operator which controls operation of an associated ball ramp operator which, in turn, compresses a clutch pack to selectively transfer torque between and input member and an output member. The pilot operator includes an electromagnetic coil disposed proximate a magneto-rheological fluid contained within a chamber of a pilot clutch. Activation of the electromagnetic coil creates a magnetic flux which travels through the magneto-rheological fluid and couples the fluid clutch members, creating drag and relative rotation between members of the ball ramp operator. Such relative rotation of the ball ramp operator selectively compresses the clutch pack and transfer torque from the input member to the output member.

Abstract: A split rotor cooling fan clutch includes an input member that is constantly driven at engine speed, or at some selected proportion thereof. An output member is journaled on the input member so as to be supported thereon in a substantially nonrotating state when decoupled and alternately, to be concentrically rotatable in concert therewith at a variety of speeds. A space presented between the input and output members contains a quantity of magnetorheological fluid. An engagement mechanism includes the split rotor and coil, with a ferromagnetic element positioned to define an operative gap between the rotor and the ferromagnetic element. The coil is selectively energized with a given current to result in a torque transfer between the input and output elements that provides a rotational speed of the fan tailored to the cooling requirements of the associated engine. Internal heat generation is managed electronically to prevent overheating.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid fan clutch effects modulated rotational motion transmission between a rotatable input shaft carrying an input clutch plate and a housing having a front cover and a rear cover forming a cavity about the input clutch plate wherein the front and rear covers operate as output clutch plates. A nonmagnetic spacer is positioned between the front and rear covers and radially outside the input clutch plate. A bearing supports the housing on the input shaft through the rear cover so that the input clutch plate is rotatable on the input shaft relative to the housing. Magnetorheological fluid is carried in the cavity, through which torque is variably transferred between the input clutch plate and the housing.

Abstract: A cooling structure of a power transmission apparatus is provided. The power transmission apparatus has an electromagnetic clutch including a fixed outer member with an exciting coil and a rotary inner member adapted to be fixed to the outer member by controlling electric energy provided to the exciting coil, and a gear device connected to the inner member of the electromagnetic clutch. A cooling apparatus is positioned between the outer member and a gear case member housing the gear device, for cooling both of the electromagnetic clutch and the gear device concurrently.

Abstract: A passive magnetorheological clutch includes an input member that is constantly driven at engine speed, or some selected proportion thereof. An output member is journaled on the input member so as to be supported thereon in a nonrotating state and to be concentrically rotatable in concert therewith. A space presented between the input and output members contains a quantity of magnetorheological fluid. The space also contains an engagement mechanism including a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic ring concentrically positioned with an operative gap therebetween, wherein the operative gap's dimension is variable to effect changes in the magnetic field passing between the magnet and the ring. When an actuator effects a reduction in the distance between the magnet and ring, the amount of magnetic field increases in density adjacent the ring. The resultant torque transfer from the input member to the output member is effected across the operative gap and through the magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid fan clutch effects modulated rotational motion transmission between a rotatable input shaft carrying an input clutch plate and a housing having a front cover and a rear cover forming a cavity about the input clutch plate wherein a core carried in the front and rear covers operates as output clutch plates. Bearings support the housing on the input shaft through the front and rear covers so that the input clutch plate is rotatable on the input shaft relative to the housing. Magnetorheological fluid is carried in the cavity, through which torque is variably transferred between the input clutch plate and the housing. A coil is positioned radially outside the non-magnetic spacer and carries a variable electrical current to effect a variable magnetic field across the input clutch plate and through the magnetorheological fluid providing modulated torque transmission between the input clutch plate and the core.

Abstract: A fluid-based torque transfer device modulates the amount of torque which is transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft. The torque transfer device includes a first plate connected to the input shaft. A second plate is connected to the output shaft and spaced from the first plate. A magnetorheological fluid is provided between the first and second plates. A magnetic circuit, including a coil wound around a core material defining a gap, applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid to variably control the rotation of the second plate in response to the rotation of the first plate. A controller adjusts the current to the coil to vary the magnetic field. Sensors detect at least one of the rotational speed and the torque of the input shaft, the output shaft, vehicle speed, steering direction, throttle position, gear position and brake position. The controller varies the current provided to the coil based thereon.