Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein for providing an integrated disconnect. The integrated disconnect may be used within a drive unit. The integrated disconnect comprises an output gear having a cavity. A torque transfer adapter is arranged within the cavity. A clutch body is also arranged within the cavity. The clutch is actuatable through the output gear by an actuator to engage and disengage the clutch with the torque transfer adaptor. The actuator is located external to the cavity.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit comprising a central accumulator, a flow path connected to the accumulator, a reservoir sharing a fluid space with the accumulator, a pump, and a controllable valve. The flow path is integrally formed to comprise a first flow path and a second flow path. The pump is connected to the accumulator via the first flow path on a first side of the accumulator. The pump is further connected to the reservoir via an inlet flow path on the first side of the accumulator. The controllable valve is connected to the accumulator via the second flow path on a second side of the accumulator.

Abstract: A disconnect including: an input hub; an output race including a radially inner surface with ramps; wedge plate segments radially disposed between the input hub and the output race, each segment including a ramp in contact with an outer race ramp; an actuator cage; and an actuator plate. For a connect mode, the input hub, the wedge segments, and the output race transmit torque from an electric motor of an electrically-powered vehicle to a wheel of the vehicle. In a disconnect mode, relative rotation between the input hub and the output race is enabled. To transition from the connect mode to the disconnect mode: the actuator plate is displaced by an actuator; the actuator plate axially displaces the actuator cage; and the actuator cage circumferentially displaces the wedge plate segments to decrease or break frictional contact between the wedge plate segments and the input hub.

Abstract: A drive system for at least one axle of a motor vehicle can be controlled, wherein the drive system has at least one electrical machine as drive unit, a drive shaft which is driven by the drive unit, a first output shaft and optionally a second output shaft and also a first clutch which connects the drive shaft to the first output shaft and optionally a second clutch which connects the drive shaft to the second output shaft, and furthermore a control unit for controlling the drive unit and the clutches, wherein the first output shaft and the optional second output shaft are arranged on a common axle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved, integrated electronically controlled hydraulic-based torque distribution system and related method. The torque distribution system of the present disclosure includes an electric motor that drives a pump that generates hydraulic pressure used to selectively activate a clutch pack to transfer torque to the wheels of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method is described for automatically keeping a motor vehicle at a standstill. The motor vehicle includes a braking system having a valve for limiting the brake pressure to a predefinable pressure threshold value. Gradient information and a pressure threshold value dependent on the gradient information are ascertained. The pressure threshold value is set at the valve as soon as the motor vehicle is at a standstill and the service brake is applied.

Abstract: A wheel clutch includes a clutch pack mounted in a housing wherein either the friction plates or clutch plates of the clutch pack are fixed for rotation with a corresponding drive wheel, and the other of the friction plates or clutch plates is fixed for rotation with a drive shaft of the vehicle, a resilient member within the clutch housing normally biasing the clutch pack into a fully locked mode, a selectively actuable actuator within the clutch housing engaging the resilient member to selectively and progressively reduce a resilient force or to selectively and progressively allow the increase of the resilient force applied by the resilient member to the clutch pack, whereby the clutch pack is completely or progressively unlocked or locked respectively to provide an optimized amount of rotational traction versus rotational slippage.

Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover and having a variable speed transmission disposed within a housing is disclosed. A power take off is driven by an output shaft of the prime mover and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An equalizing unit of a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a clutch device to be oiled in driving mode. In order to stop drag torques which act on the clutch device from the outside, and result in increased dissipation when said clutch device is not required due to an operating state, measures are provided which promote the dry running of the clutch device. The measures include the spatial-functional separation of the oil delivery device from the clutch device and the provision of a braking or decoupling device by which the oil delivery device can be deactivated if there is no oil requirement.

Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover that has a prime mover output shaft is disclosed. The drive apparatus has a housing and a power take off. The power take off is driven by the prime mover output shaft and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The drive apparatus further has a variable speed transmission disposed within the housing. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting devices is able to engage a main clutch with a small amount of hydraulic pressure. The driving force transmitting device includes an input shaft and an output shaft, and a main clutch. The device is formed of a primary clutch that intermittently transmits the driving force transmitted from the input shaft, a hydraulic pump that generates a hydraulic pressure, a piston that presses the primary clutch with the hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump, and a cam mechanism that presses the main clutch with a press-contact force which is amplified to be larger than the press-contact force of the piston by utilizing the driving force from the input shaft through the primary clutch, so as to engage the main clutch.

Abstract: A wheel includes a main body, a tire, a movable fixing pin, an electromagnet, and an elastic member. The tire is sleeved on the main body and defines a fixing hole. The tire is operable to rotate around the main body. The fixing pin is operable to be inserted into the fixing hole to fix the tire to the main body. The electromagnet is operable to attract the fixing pin to separate the fixing pin from the tire when the electromagnet is powered on. The elastic member is disposed between the electromagnet and the fixing ping, and pushes the fixing pin into the fixing hole when the electromagnet is powered off.

Abstract: A power transfer/transmission apparatus includes clutch adjusting mechanisms that are easy to assemble and are stably supported, the power transfer/transmission apparatus has a clutch housing, the clutch housing includes a vertical wall (a flange and a vertical wall) connected to a joint shaft and a peripheral wall connected to the vertical wall and enclosing a main clutch, the flange has an output unit support that rotatably supports a first end of a clutch output unit at a position that is axially different from the position of the joint shaft, a second end of the clutch output unit includes a centering part that forms a hollow axle joint having inner splines engaged with an axle so that the axle joint and axle may rotate together.

Abstract: Drive assemblies and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The drive assemblies include a transmission wheel disposed about a shaft and rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel. The transmission wheel has a contact surface. The drive assemblies also include a drive pulley having a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. At least one brake clutch is disposed about an end of the shaft to provide independent control to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A drive device for electric vehicles comprises a casing 30, a motor 40 housed in the casing and having a rotating shaft 42, a housing 50 rotatably fitted around the casing and coupled to the outer end of the rotating shaft of the motor by a reduction gear mechanism 48, a drive wheel 80 provided around the housing and an electromagnetic brake 60 for arresting the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor at the base end of the shaft. The rotating shaft of the motor is engaged with or disengaged from the electromagnetic brake by a clutch mechanism 70 provided between the shaft and the brake.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the power transfer capabilities of two, shifting elements, by way of which output torque of a transmission of a vehicle can be conducted in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to driving wheels of a drivable vehicle axle with the inherent degrees of apportionment as conducted in relationship to the power transfer capability of the shifting elements. Each shifting element has an electric motor; a transmission operationally connected with the electric motor; and placed between the shifting element and the transmission apparatus, a drive converter apparatus, by way of which rotationally directed drive of the electric motors is respectively transformed into a translational activation motion for the control of the shifting elements. The drive converter apparatuses respectively possess a first drive element and a second drive element of which one drive element, converse to the other drive element, is of translational movement.

Abstract: Drive assemblies and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The drive assemblies include a transmission wheel disposed about a shaft and rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel. The transmission wheel has a contact surface. The drive assemblies also include a drive pulley having a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. At least one brake clutch is disposed about an end of the shaft to provide independent control to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A valve operatively connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulically-actuated clutches selectively and variably provides fluid pressure from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulically-actuated clutches.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of annular clutch members that are normally displaced apart to effect engagement between clutch teeth on the remote ends of the clutch members and corresponding gear teeth on the adjacent ends of a pair of side gears between which the clutch members are colinearly arranged. When one output shaft overruns the other by a predetermined amount, the clutch member associated with the overrunning output shaft is disengaged from its associated side gear. A retaining device retains the clutch members in the disengaged condition until the overrunning condition is terminated. In one embodiment, the retaining device is a cam arm and follower pin arrangement that is connected between the clutch members and operates in conjunction with a pair of friction rings. In a second embodiment, the retaining device comprises a pair of holdout rings that operate between the clutch members and the side gears.

Abstract: A snowthrower has independent wheel drive trains to allow steering by clutching one drive train while unclutching the other drive train. The clutch in each drive train comprises a plurality of pivotal pawls carried on a drive member with the pawls pivoting in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive member. The pawls have heads that project through one face of the drive member and tails located on an opposite face of the drive member. The heads of the pawls can engage or disengage notches that are fixed to the driven member to clutch or unclutch the drive and driven members. A shift member axially presses on the tails of the pawls to disengage the heads of the pawls from the driven member. The shift member is selectively moved by an operator using a steering lever on the snowthrower.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a bilaterally symmetrical machine such as a vehicle or aircraft is provided to precisely control and vary engine power delivered to a pair of opposed drive mechanisms of the assembly. Each drive mechanism includes a first differential clutch connected with a power source via a power splitter, a drive element such as a wheel or propeller connected with the first differential clutch, and a first braking device connected with the first differential clutch to independently control the delivery of power to the drive element. A second differential clutch may be provided for each drive mechanism to control movement of the drive mechanism in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for use in connecting an axle or other drive shaft to a wheel hub for use in a snow thrower or other vehicle, or in other applications where a driven wheel is engaged to a drive shaft. A slider member is mounted on and driven by the axle, and cooperating engagement structures located on the slider and the inner surface of the wheel hub are used to engage and disengage the wheel hub from the axle depending on the location of the slider member. A bearing ring or similar structure may be used to facilitate the engagement of the cooperating engagement structures.

Abstract: A driving force distribution system selectively operates right and left electromagnetic clutches and, thereby assisting a vehicle in turning by transmitting torque from the inner turning wheel to the outer turning wheel. The right electromagnetic clutch includes an armature on the right side of a core housing a coil. The left electromagnetic clutch includes an armature on the left side of the core housing a coil. When the right electromagnetic clutch is engaged in order to assist the turning by transmitting torque from the right driven wheel to the left driven wheel when the vehicle is turning right, since the right electromagnetic clutch includes the armature on the right side of the core, the armature is urged leftward toward the core due to a centrifugal force caused by turning right to reduce an air gap, thereby enhancing the responsiveness of engagement of the right electromagnetic clutch as well as reducing the power consumption.

Abstract: A distributor gear (1) with an adjustable coupling device (5) for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle with a shiftable all-wheel drive is described for the distribution of an incoming drive torque via a drive shaft (2) to at least two output shafts (3, 4). It is moreover provided that an output shaft (4) can be connected via the coupling device (5) with the drive shaft (2) and that the coupling device (5) can be actuated via an electric motor (9) and a drive converter device (10) located between the electric motor (9) and the coupling device (5) for the conversion of rotary movement of the electric motor (9) into a translatory actuation movement for the coupling device (5). The electric motor (9) is incorporated into a gear (7).

Abstract: A device for coupling an input shaft and an output shaft is provided. The device preferably includes a carrier coupled to the input shaft, a hydraulic pump coupled to the carrier and the output shaft, a hydraulic conduit coupled to the hydraulic pump, a piston coupled to the hydraulic conduit, a clutch coupled to the piston, and a control valve coupled to the hydraulic conduit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch structure in a driving force distribution system selectively operates right and left electromagnetic clutches so as to transmit torque from the inner turning wheel to the outer turning wheel, thereby assisting turning, or so as to transmit torque from the outer turning wheel to the inner turning wheel, thereby stabilizing vehicle behavior. The right and left electromagnetic clutches each include a coil, a core housing the coils, armatures arranged so as to adjoin the core in the lateral direction, and frictional engagement members arranged on the inside, in the radial direction, of the core. The frictional engagement members are engaged by pressure of a pressure part of the armatures, the pressure part extending further inward in the radial direction than the core.

Abstract: A manual transmission for a four-wheel drive vehicle transmits a power to a front drive shaft for driving front wheels and to a rear drive shaft for driving rear wheels through a propeller shaft. A plurality of shift gear trains are formed by drive gears mounted on an input shaft, driven gears meshing with the drive gears and mounted on an output shaft arranged below the input shaft and clutches. The output shaft is hollowed inside to incorporate the front drive shaft therein. An intermediate shaft is rotatably, coaxially disposed with the input shaft and is driven by the output shaft through a connection gear train. The intermediate shaft is coaxially connected with a transfer unit from which power is distributed to the front drive shat through another connection gear train and at the same time to the rear drive shaft. Further, the transmission incorporates another clutch for directly transmitting power from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft so as to produce a shift gear ratio of 1.0.

Abstract: An electric wheelchair simultaneous gear change structure, comprising a structure that includes two separate oscillating plates, oscillating plate one and oscillating plate two, as well as hinge connectors placed on either end of the central connecting shaft connecting oscillating plate one and oscillating plate two. One end of oscillating plate one is a hinge connection connecting to an outer connecting rod, and the other end of the outer connecting rod is connected by a hinge connector to the gearshifts, so that when a pulling motion is made on the gearshifts it acts to pull on the oscillating plate on the outer connecting rod, so that oscillating rod two on the central connecting rod is made to move simultaneously, and in this way two engine boxes are acted on simultaneously.

Abstract: A variable end-of-travel stop mechanism, for controlling the rotation of a steering shaft in a steer-by-wire steering system having a controller, includes a first clutch assembly having a first roller clutch engaged to the steering shaft, a first rotary brake engaged to the first roller clutch, and a first electrical connector connected to the first brake and in signal communication with the controller. The first clutch assembly is operative to prevent the rotation of the steering column in a first direction when activated. The stop mechanism further includes a second clutch assembly having a second roller clutch engaged to the steering shaft, a second rotary brake engaged to the second roller clutch and a second electrical connector connected to the second brake and in signal communication with the controller. The second clutch assembly is operative to prevent the rotation of the steering column in a second direction counter to the first direction when activated.

Abstract: A device for coupling an input shaft and an output shaft is provided. The device includes a carrier coupled to the input shaft, a pressure chamber, and a rotary pump coupled to the carrier in the output shaft. The rotary pump is adapted to increase pressure in the pressure chamber upon relative rotational movement of the carrier and the output shaft and to resist relative rotational movement of the carrier in the output shaft upon the presence of sufficient pressure in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A power distribution control apparatus determines a command value that corresponds to the driving state of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle includes a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, and a coupling device that changes the power distribution to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The control apparatus detects the differential rotation speed between the average rotation speed of the front wheels and the average rotation speed of the rear wheels. The control apparatus estimates the exothermic energy generated in the coupling device based on the product of the differential rotation speed and the command value. The control apparatus determines an optimum drive mode for the four-wheel drive vehicle based on the estimated exothermic energy and for selecting map data corresponding to the determined drive mode. The control apparatus determines the command value that corresponds to the driving state by using the map data.

Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes a housing and a shaft rotatably supported within that housing. The axle module also includes a ring gear connected to the shaft. The axle module also includes a clutch pack housing engaged with an end of shaft while a side shaft joint is arranged within the clutch pack housing. The side shaft joint is connected to a side shaft which is further connected to a wheel of the automotive vehicle. A plurality of plates extend from the clutch pack housing and from the side shaft joint such that they overlap in an alternating manner with one another. The axle module also includes a motor which is used to control the transfer of an axial torque through the clutch pack housing and plurality of plates.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes a housing and a shaft rotatably supported within that housing. The axle module also includes a ring gear connected to the shaft. The axle module also includes a clutch pack housing engaged with an end of shaft while a side shaft joint is arranged within the clutch pack housing. The side shaft joint is connected to a side shaft which is further connected to a wheel of the automotive vehicle. A plurality of plates extend from the clutch pack housing and from the side shaft joint such that they overlap in an alternating manner with one another. The axle module also includes a motor which is used to control the transfer of an axial torque through the clutch pack housing and plurality of plates.

Abstract: A traction drive axle is provided for providing an all-wheel drive operating mode. The traction drive axle includes a unique double enveloping worm/worm gear transmission. A worm is driven by a propshaft which is meshingly engaged with an enveloping worm gear. The enveloping worm gear is selectively coupled via first and second clutches to left and right axle shafts. A control system is provided for controlling actuation of the first and second clutches upon detection of relative rotation between the left and right axle shafts.

Abstract: A driving force distribution system selectively operates right and left electromagnetic clutches and, thereby assisting a vehicle in turning by transmitting torque from the inner turning wheel to the outer turning wheel. The right electromagnetic clutch includes an armature on the right side of a core housing a coil. The left electromagnetic clutch includes an armature on the left side of the core housing a coil. When the right electromagnetic clutch is engaged in order to assist the turning by transmitting torque from the right driven wheel to the left driven wheel when the vehicle is turning right, since the right electromagnetic clutch includes the armature on the right side of the core, the armature is urged leftward toward the core due to a centrifugal force caused by turning right to reduce an air gap, thereby enhancing the responsiveness of engagement of the right electromagnetic clutch as well as reducing the power consumption.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch structure in a driving force distribution system selectively operates right and left electromagnetic clutches so as to transmit torque from the inner turning wheel to the outer turning wheel, thereby assisting turning, or so as to transmit torque from the outer turning wheel to the inner turning wheel, thereby stabilizing vehicle behavior. The right and left electromagnetic clutches each include a coil, a core housing the coils, armatures arranged so as to adjoin the core in the lateral direction, and frictional engagement members arranged on the inside, in the radial direction, of the core. The frictional engagement members are engaged by pressure of a pressure part of the armatures, the pressure part extending further inward in the radial direction than the core.

Abstract: A brush assembly includes a distributor having a slot matrix formed in an outer surface of the distributor, the slot matrix including a plurality of longitudinal slots intersecting a plurality of annular slots. The brush assembly further includes a housing having an inner surface abutting the outer surface of the distributor, a brush mounted on the housing and a shaft. During use, the flow of liquid from the shaft to the housing flows through the longitudinal slots and annular slots of the distributor. By appropriately selecting the dimensions and numbers of these slots, the flow of liquid from the shaft to the housing is readily redistributed. For example, the flow of liquid is redistributed to provide a greater amount of liquid to the ends of the brush than to the center of the brush.

Abstract: A gear pump mechanism shown in a variety of applications to control rotational output. Control of the output from the gear pump and feed to the gear pump of hydraulic fluid or oil can be controlled to establish conditions from free wheeling to fully locked. The gear pump includes a sun gear and planetary gears. The sun gear is attached to an output shaft while the planetary gears are rotatably mounted to the pump housing. Through rotation of the housing and control of the flow through the gear pump, relative rotation of the output shaft can be determined. Applications of rotational output control systems using the gear pump mechanism provide adjustable torque limiters, variable rate clutches, differentials, brakes, CVT transmissions, four wheel drive systems and forward and reverse variable rate clutches with no gear backlash.

Abstract: A power transmitting system having an input shaft, a driven bevel gear, a follower bevel gear and a clutch drive shaft accommodated in longitudinally bisected center casings. Left and right electromagnetic clutches connected to the clutch drive shaft are accommodated in left and right side casings which are connected to the center casings and, such that a driving force from the input shaft is transmitted to left and right wheels through the pair of bevel gears and the left and right clutches. Thus, maintenance of the clutches can be easily performed, and the check and regulation of the meshed states of the bevel gears can be easily performed.

Abstract: In a power transmitting system, a clutch drive shaft driven through bevel gears and by an input shaft is laterally extensive and left and right electromagnetic clutches are disposed between opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft and left and right output shafts, respectively. A clutch body heated during the transmission of a power is disposed at a laterally outer location of the system to provide enhanced heat-radiatability, and an annular solenoid is disposed inside the clutch body. A bearing for supporting each of the opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft is disposed radially inside the solenoid. Thus, the lateral dimension of the power transmitting system is reduced.

Abstract: A coupling assembly has at least one friction coupling unit which comprises a driveable housing and a hub to be driven, and having differential-speed-dependent actuating means operating by a pressure agent and comprising a pump unit. The pump unit comprises housing parts and hub parts, which housing parts are rotatable relative to said hub parts with the one part of the pump unit being connected in a rotationally fixed way to the housing of the friction coupling unit and the other parts of the pump unit being connected in a rotationally fixed way to the hub of the friction coupling unit. The hub of the at least one friction coupling unit is receiving an outer joint part of a constant velocity universal joint.

Abstract: A screwdriver has a socket seat, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The socket seat has an outer wall, a circular crenulation, a central hole, a circular interspace and enlarged blocks. The inner surface of the circular crenulation has three check recesses between two enlarged blocks. The inner shaft has an upper portion in the socket seat and a lower rod. The upper portion of the inner shaft is checked by the inner surface of the socket seat. A positioning portion which is disposed on the upper portion of the inner shaft has spaced flat surfaces and spaced outcurved surfaces formed on the outer periphery alternately. A radial hole is formed on the positioning portion to receive a steel ball which is suppressed by a spring. The steel ball is disposed in any of the check recesses. Each enlarged block is adjacent to a cylindrical check block. A circular cushion is disposed on the check block. An outer shaft has a rod and a circular flange to seal the circular interspace.

Abstract: A locking differential is provided for selectably locking a first axle to a second axle. The locking differential utilizes a dog clutch assembly characterized by two interlocking clutch members positioned between the differential side gears on opposing sides of the differential pinion shaft. The interlocking clutch members have face splines thereon for engaging corresponding face splines formed on the side gears. An actuating mechanism can be selectably activated to force the two interlocking members into engagement with the side gears.

Abstract: A differential drive assembly for differentially transferring rotational power from a source of input power to a pair of output shafts without the use of internal gears. The assembly includes a drive member adapted to be rotatably driven by the source of input power. First and second auxiliary members are provided, each having an inner face located in opposition to a respective planar face of the drive member. The auxiliary members are rotatably and axially moveable with respect to the drive member over a predetermined range. First and second clutch assemblies, preferably constructed of a plurality of interleaved frictional plates, are selectively engageable by movement of the auxiliary members to transfer the rotational power from the drive member to an associated output shaft. Cam mechanisms are provided to axially move a respective auxiliary member such that engagement of a respective clutch assembly may be selectively effected.

Abstract: A hub locking mechanism for a wheeled vehicle is provided for selectively coupling and uncoupling driving and driven members. A clutch ring is in permanent engagement with one of the members and is axially moveable to engage the other member. Engagement of the clutch ring and the engageable member is enhanced by the provision of tandem rows of engaging formations on the clutch ring and the engageable member. The mechanism for affecting movement of the clutch ring has an improved one piece friction shoe for the moving cam and an improved cage enclosing the clutch ring and actuating spring.

Abstract: A system having a pair of axle shafts; an input shaft for transmitting torque; and a differential for transmitting motion from the input shaft to the axle shafts and in turn presenting a planet carrier angularly integral with the input shaft, and a pair of sun gears; the system also presenting a first clutch interposed between each axle shaft and a respective sun gear, a second clutch interposed between each axle shaft and the planet carrier; and a device for controlling the clutches and continuously varying distribution of the torque between the axle shafts.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting device having an outer ring formed with a bore, a holder fixedly mounted in the bore and rolling elements mounted in the holder so as to be rollable as the outer ring rotates. A pair of input shafts are provided coaxially with an axis of rotation of the outer ring so as to sandwich the rolling elements from both sides thereof. Output shafts are rotatably mounted in the bore at both sides of the input shafts. Cages are rotatably mounted between the output shafts and the outer ring and formed with pockets. Engaging elements are mounted in the pockets and adapted to be engageable between opposite surfaces of the outer ring and the output shafts with relative rotation between the cages and the output shafts in either direction. Elastic members are mounted in the pockets to keep the engaging elements in a position where they are not engaged.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting device having an outer ring formed with a bore, a holder fixedly mounted in the bore and rolling elements mounted in the holder so as to be rollable as the outer ring rotates. A pair of input shafts are provided coaxially with an axis of rotation of the outer ring so as to sandwich the rolling elements from both sides thereof. Output shafts are rotatably mounted in the bore at both sides of the input shafts. Cages are rotatably mounted between the output shafts and the outer ring and formed with pockets. Engaging elements are mounted in the pockets and adapted to be engageable between opposite surfaces of the outer ring and the output shafts with relative rotation between the cages and the output shafts in either direction. Elastic members are mounted in the pockets to keep the engaging elements in a position where they are not engaged.

Abstract: A power transmitting system for a vehicle includes an input shaft, left and right output shafts, a speed reduction mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the input shaft to the output shafts, a left hydraulic clutch disposed between the speed reduction mechanism and the left output shaft for transmitting the driving force, a right hydraulic clutch disposed between the speed reduction mechanism and the right output shaft, and an oil pump for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the left and right clutches. The left and right hydraulic clutches being disposed in the speed reduction mechanism, and the input shaft constitutes a primary element of the oil pump. A compact power transmitting system can be obtained in accordance with the invention.