Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism 3 is provided at one end portion of a housing 2 in a direction of the rotation axis L. The mechanism 3 includes a planetary gear 31 disposed at the housing such that the planetary gear is rotatable about its own axis and revolvable about the rotation axis together with the housing, and an inner gear 33 and a sun gear 34 which are in mesh with the planetary gear. A differential gear mechanism 4 is provided at the other end portion of the housing. The mechanism 4 includes a casing 41 non-rotatably connected to the sun gear, a pair of pinion gears 43 disposed within the casing such that the pinion gears are rotatable about their axes and revolvable about the rotation axis together with the casing, and a pair of side gears 44, which are in mesh with the pinion gears.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential housing. A first side gear and a second side gear are substantially axially aligned and spaced apart from one other, each of the side gears being supported by the differential housing for relative rotation therebetween and being adapted to engage an axle half-shaft. A clutch pack is mounted between and interconnects the differential housing and the first side gear. A ball screw assembly is adapted to selectively apply axial force to the clutch pack, thereby locking the first side gear to the differential housing and preventing relative rotational movement of the first side gear and the differential housing.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members (1, 2) contains a clutch (35) between the two shaft members and engageable—to counteract rotational speed differential between the shaft members—by means of a hydraulic piston (18) under the control of an electrically controlled throttle or pressure valve (26), and a clutch pump (36) for supplying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston, the clutch pump being driven by either one or both of the shaft members. The hydraulic piston (18), the valve (26), and the clutch pump (36) are connected in a hydraulic system also containing a feeder pump (31) for maintaining a certain base pressure in the system. Means are provided in the hydraulic system for conditionally allowing flow from the feeder pump (31) past the valve (26) to the hydraulic piston (18) irrespective of the flow from the clutch pump (36).

Abstract: A differential gear includes a cylindrical power transmission member, two cam members accommodated in an inner space of the power transmission member, and a plurality of cam follower members. Each of the cam follower elements is fitted to a respective one of a plurality of engagement grooves, formed on an inner peripheral surface of the power transmission member in an axially longitudinal direction thereof, such that the each of the cam follower elements partially sticks out of the inner space. The stick-out portions of the cam follower elements are interposed between cam lobes formed on opposing surfaces of the two cam members. Drive power of the power transmission member is distributed to the two cam members via the cam follower elements.

Abstract: A walk-behind working machine includes a motive power source, right and left transmission shafts, and a clutch for transmitting motive power from the source to the shafts. The transmission shafts are disposed in alignment with their respective ends butting against each other. The clutch includes a driving cylindrical member rotationally mounted around the transmission shafts. The transmission shafts have first grooves formed on their outer peripheral surfaces while the cylindrical member has second grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The clutch further includes balls disposed between a space defined by the first and second grooves. The first groove is of substantially V-shaped configuration. The first groove has a leading end positioned between the ends of the transmission shafts.

Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes a housing and a ring gear assembly rotatably supported within the housing. The axle module also includes a shaft arranged within the ring gear assembly. The axle module further includes a clutch pack arranged within the ring gear assembly and in an expansion unit arranged adjacent to the shaft and the housing. The axle module also includes a motor which is used to control the transfer of an axial torque through the clutch pack and plurality of plates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mechanical steering transmission unit comprising an input drive shaft and two output driven shafts that can revolve in the same or opposite direction at the same speed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a differential housing having a ring gear integrally formed therein. The method includes the steps of forging a conical frustum from a steel rod; deforming the frustum between upper and lower die halves of a tool to produce a differential housing having an annular rim; and forging a plurality of teeth in the annular rim defining the rim gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a single differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle. The transmission mechanism of the present invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch for transmitting torque to segments of a primary drive axle. The clutch includes an input gear, a clutch housing, and hubs extending out of the housing that attach to the segments. A roll cage is located within the housing and has rollers arranged in two sets, each set located adjacent to a hub. The rollers wedge between the hubs and first tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing (forward-engagement position), and between the hubs and second tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. A friction member contacts the roll cage to engage the roll cage to the hub to wedge the rolls between the hubs and the clutch housing.

Abstract: An axle differential assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential housing and a central shaft rotatably mounted within the differential housing. The central shaft has opposing first and second ends, includes a ring gear mounted thereon, and defines a central axis of the axle differential assembly. A pair clutch packs are mounted to each end of the central shaft. Each of the clutch packs is adapted to connect to an end of an axle half shaft and is adapted to selectively transfer rotational motion from the central shaft, across the clutch packs, and to the axle half shafts. A pair of actuators are adapte to exert an axial force onto the clutch packs.

Abstract: An eccentrically operated speed-variating device and, more particularly, a differential structure having a high power and high speed with sudden low speed (and zero speed) return function is constructed to include a main transmission shaft, a differential assembly mounted on the main transmission shaft and driven by a speed control arm to move a differential control wheel axially, and an eccentric driving wheel mounted around the main transmission shaft and controlled to change the eccentric radius thereof about the main transmission shaft upon axial movement of the differential control wheel.

Abstract: In a power switching apparatus which switches a power transmitting state from a drive member to left and right two driven members, a circumferential connection surface of the drive member and each of circumferential connection surfaces in both of the driven members are wedge connected according to an interposition of rolling elements by moving cages in an axial direction based on a centrifugal force of a switching means. The power switching apparatus also brings end surfaces of the cages into frictional contact with the driven members so as to rotate together therewith.

Abstract: An automated multi-speed transmission includes an engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and an input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a synchromesh geartrain having a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets that can be selectively engaged to establish a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratios. The transmission also includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging the constant-mesh gearsets, and a controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the engine clutch and the power-operated dog clutches. The power-operated dog clutch associated with the low and the top gear are used during downshifts and upshifts, respectively, to actuate a clutch assembly for synchronizing the speed of the input shaft and the selected gear prior to engagement of its corresponding dog clutch.

Abstract: In a power switching apparatus which moves cages respectively corresponding to left and right two driven members in an axial direction, end surfaces of the respective cages are brought into frictional contact with the driven members so as to rotate together therewith, and a wedge connection occurs in a circumferential connection surface of a drive member to each of circumferential connection surfaces in both of the driven members according to an interposition of rolling elements, at a time of switching a power transmitting state from the drive member to both of the driven members. A spacer which is coaxially arranged with the driven members is provided between both of the driven members, and both of the cages are coaxially supported by an outer periphery of the spacer.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of annular coaxially-arranged axially-spaced clutch members having adjacent faces that contain cam groove that receive a driving cross pin, cooperating locking lugs and grooves being provided on the adjacent faces of the clutch members for preventing relative rotation therebetween. The cross pin extends diametrically across a supporting sleeve that is non-rotatably mounted concentrically within the central chamber of the cylindrical housing of the differential, thereby permitting the differential to be retrofit into various differential casings.

Abstract: An axle differential assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential housing and a central shaft rotatably mounted within the differential housing. The central shaft has opposing first and second ends, includes a ring gear mounted thereon, and defines a central axis of the axle differential assembly. A pair of clutch packs are mounted to each end of the central shaft. Each of the clutch packs is adapted to connect to an end of an axle half shaft and is adapted to selectively transfer rotational motion from the central shaft, across the clutch packs, and to the axle half shafts. A pair of actuators are adapted to exert an axial force onto the clutch packs.

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: A locked differential for motor vehicles including, for each of oppositely positioned axles for wheels of a vehicle, an axle coupler, and a driver, each being co-axially aligned with a respective axle, a plurality of teeth on each respective axle, a plurality of teeth on respective mutually facing faces of each respective coupler and driver for effecting an interlocking drive coupling therebetween, a transverse driving shaft extending between the respective drivers and arranged to effect rotation drive against the respective drivers, a resilient device extending between the drivers to urge these apart and toward an interlocking engagement with their respective couplers, and a device providing a camming interrelationship between the respective drivers such that, with relative rotation between the two drivers, the effect, at least as a result from one respective relative direction, will result in the two drivers being urged toward each other against the opposite pressure of the resilient device so as to release

Abstract: In a power switching apparatus which switches a power transmitting state from a drive member to left and right two driven members, a circumferential connection surface of the drive member and each of circumferential connection surfaces in both of the driven members are wedge connected according to an interposition of rolling elements by moving cages in an axial direction based on a centrifugal force of a switching means. The power switching apparatus also brings end surfaces of the cages into frictional contact with the driven members so as to rotate together therewith.

Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes a housing and a ring gear assembly rotatably supported within the housing. The axle module also includes a shaft arranged within the ring gear assembly. The axle module further includes a clutch pack arranged within the ring gear assembly and in an expansion unit arranged adjacent to the shaft and the housing. The axle module also includes a motor which is used to control the transfer of an axial torque through the clutch pack and plurality of plates.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a pinion input shaft and at least one output hub in a vehicle. The differential includes clutch a clutch housing and a roll cage. An electromagnetic indexing device is mounted adjacent to the cage and adapted to place the cage in position to engage the output hub to the input shaft. An electrohydraulic device is mounted adjacent to the clutch housing and includes a housing attached to the clutch and adapted to rotate in combination with the clutch housing. A hydraulic piston is located adjacent to a drive plate and adapted to cause the drive plate to engage to the housing when actuated, thereby providing dynamic torque between the output hub and the clutch housing.

Abstract: A wobble joint for use in automatic washing appliances and the like includes inner, outer and intermediate joint members which have nesting curved sliding surfaces that enable the joint members to pivot relative to one another. The joint has motion limiting features acting between the intermediate joint member and each of the inner and outer joint members to restrict relative movement between the outer joint member and the intermediate joint member to pivotal movement within a first plane and to restrict relative movement of the intermediate member and inner joint member to pivotal movement within a second plane transverse to the first plane. The motion limiting features comprise first and second arcuate grooves extending parallel to the first and second planes and retainers captured in the grooves and relatively moveable therealong.

Abstract: A device for coupling an input shaft and an output shaft of an automobile is provided. The device preferably includes a rolling element, a holding element adapted to contain annular movement of the rolling element and allow axial movement of the rolling element, an annular cam adapted to cause axial movement of the rolling element upon relative rotational movement of the annular cam and the holding element, a pressure chamber, and a piston adapted to increase pressure in the pressure chamber upon axial movement of the rolling element and to resist axial movement of the rolling element upon the presence of sufficient pressure in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An automated multi-speed transmission includes an engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and an input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a synchromesh geartrain having a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets that can be selectively engaged to establish a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratios. The transmission also includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging the constant-mesh gearsets, and a controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the engine clutch and the power-operated dog clutches. The power-operated dog clutch associated with the low and the top gear are used during downshifts and upshifts, respectively, to actuate a clutch assembly for synchronizing the speed of the input shaft and the selected gear prior to engagement of its corresponding dog clutch.

Abstract: A limited-slip differential includes a differential case having a two-piece structure formed by a cup-shaped case body and an end cap attached to an open end of the cup-shaped case body. The limited-slip differential having such two-piece differential case has a small number of parts, is easy to assemble and can be manufactured efficiently at a low cost, as compared to a conventional limited-slip differential having a three-piece differential case.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of annular coaxially-arranged axially-spaced clutch members having adjacent faces that contain cam groove that receive a driving cross pin, cooperating locking lugs and grooves being provided on the adjacent faces of the clutch members for preventing relative rotation therebetween. The cross pin extends diametrically across a supporting sleeve that is non-rotatably mounted concentrically within the central chamber of the cylindrical housing of the differential, thereby permitting the differential to be retrofit into various differential casings.

Abstract: A device for coupling an input shaft and an output shaft of an automobile is provided. The device preferably includes a rolling element, a holding element adapted to contain annular movement of the rolling element and allow axial movement of the rolling element, an annular cam adapted to cause axial movement of the rolling element upon relative rotational movement of the annular cam and the holding element, a pressure chamber, and a piston adapted to increase pressure in the pressure chamber upon axial movement of the rolling element and to resist axial movement of the rolling element upon the presence of sufficient pressure in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reverse gear transmission device of a differential of a vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a drive shaft provided with differentials each containing an one-way thrust bearing therein. The gear shift stick of the vehicle is provided with a linking member. When the gear shift stick is moved to a reverse gear position, the linking member may be driven by a mechanic linking lever or a motorized magnet so as to move an operation member which may drive and move the clutch into the differential, so that the one-way thrust bearing may still combine with the drive shaft to transmit the power even when the vehicle is reversed.

Abstract: The differential apparatus comprises (a) a casing rotated by a driving force from outside; (b) a pair of opposing disc plates coaxially disposed in the casing, an opposing surface of each disc plate being formed with a circumferentially continuous groove winding such that a radial position changes at a constant period; (c) a plurality of balls rolling in opposing winding continuous grooves of both disc plates; and (d) a ball holder rotating integrally with the casing and having a plurality of radially extending guide holes, each guide hole movably receiving each ball, wherein the winding continuous groove of each disc plate circumferentially continuously has first guide regions each extending from a radially outer position to a radially inner position of each disc plate and second guide regions each extending from a radially inner position to a radially outer position, inflected regions each connecting each first guide region and each second guide region being larger in width and/or depth than the first guide

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 bi-directional overrunning clutch differential is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a pinion input shaft and at least one output hub in a vehicle. The differential includes clutch a clutch housing and a roll cage. An electromagnetic indexing device is mounted adjacent to the cage and adapted to place the cage in position to engage the output hub to the input shaft. An electrohydraulic device is mounted adjacent to the clutch housing and includes a housing attached to the clutch and adapted to rotate in combination with the clutch housing. A hydraulic piston is located adjacent to a drive plate and adapted to cause the drive plate to engage to the housing when actuated, thereby providing dynamic torque between the output hub and the clutch housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed difference dependent hydraulic coupling, consisting of rotating drive casing (2), a hydrostatic displacement machine (7) disposed therein, an output shaft (3) and a friction coupling (6) for connecting the output shaft (3) to the drive casing (2), wherein pressure is built up in a pressure chamber (26; 85) when a different speed emerges between the drive casing and the output shaft, said pressure impinging upon the friction clutch (6). In order to more accurately compensate for temperature-dependent fluctuations in viscosity, a throttle valve (33) is provided that is formed by a valve body (48) guided in a valve chamber (4) and supported on an element whose length (47) depends upon the temperature, said body having a control edge (51) cooperating with a control port (55) of the valve chamber (40), wherein the control port (55) produces the connection between the pressure chamber (26; 85) and the chamber with the lower pressure.

Abstract: In a saddle seat type motor vehicle for use on uneven ground and including a front final assembly provided between left and right front wheels, the front final assembly provides the left and right front wheels with driving torques differentiated at a predetermined ratio when the wheels rotates at different speeds. When the motor vehicle turns, large driving torque is supplied to inner wheels rotating at low speeds compared with outer wheels rotating at high speeds. This enables the motor vehicle to turn effectively and to reduce steering effort.

Abstract: A differential mechanism comprises a differential case assembly having a casing body connected to a source of drive force and a cap member coupled with the casing body to cover one opened end of the casing body, a plurality of input blocks housed in the case assembly and being movable circumferentially of the case assembly in correspondence with rotation of the casing body, and a pair of output cam members for clamping the input blocks relatively slidably and being independently rotatable owing to a frictional force produced with respect to each of the input blocks to thereby initiate a differential motion on an output side of the differential mechanism. The input blocks are provided in at least two different types and having projected portions. The projected portions of the input blocks of one type have a first upper end width while the projected portions of the input blocks of another type have a second upper end width different from the first upper end width.

Abstract: A differential is provided by a cam associated with each of the first and second output shafts of the differential. A moving member moves axially relative to the cams when the shafts are rotating at different speeds. The moving member is driven by the differential case, and in turn, drives the two cams. The cams are fixed to rotate with respective output shafts. As the differential speed of the two cams increases, the moving member moves axially at an increasing speed. Hydraulic fluid is positioned in chambers at each end of the first moving member and limits the speed of axial reciprocation of the first moving member. As the hydraulic fluid resists additional increase in speed of the first moving member, the first moving member begins to drive the two cams, and hence the two shafts, at a more equal speed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling an axle drive for the purpose of distributing torque from a propulsion shaft to two axle shafts, having a coupling carrier which is rotatably supported in a axle drive housing, and two controllable friction couplings arranged in the coupling carrier and provided for engageably connecting and driving the axle shafts, with first friction plates of each friction coupling being non-rotatably connected to the coupling carrier and with second friction plates of each friction coupling being non-rotatably connected to the respective axle shaft, and having two actuating devices for the two friction couplings, which actuating devices, when the two axle shafts both rotate in the same direction relative to the coupling carrier, function autonomously independently of one another, and when the two axle shafts rotate in opposite directions relative to the coupling carrier, the actuating devices are shut down.

Abstract: A vehicle has a transmission shaft having an annular flange, a threaded end, a recess, and a cotter key inserted in the recess. A differential gearing device receives the transmission shaft. The differential gearing device has a bearing cover, a first one-way thrust bearing, a hollow bearing block, a second one-way thrust bearing, and a positioning disk. The hollow bearing block has a plate having four through holes. The first one-way thrust bearing and the second one-way thrust bearing are disposed in the hollow bearing block. Two screws fasten the bearing cover and the hollow bearing block together. A plurality of bolts fasten the plate and a driven element together. The transmission shaft passes through the bearing cover, the first one-way thrust bearing, the hollow bearing block, the second one-way thrust bearing, the positioning disk, and the driven element.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of opposed collinearly arranged annular clutch members the adjacent faces of which contain corresponding pairs of V-shaped drive grooves for receiving a cylindrical drive pin that is connected with the differential casing, the planar faces of the drive grooves being arranged at an obtuse angle of about 120°. Preferably, in order to obtain line-to-line contact with the drive pin, each of the four planar drive faces of a clutch member has an angle of convergence of about 3.017° relative to the diametrically arranged lines of juncture of the associated pairs of planar drive faces. The clutch members are normally biased apart by helical springs the end portions of which are received in pockets contained in the opposed faces of the clutch members, respectively.

Abstract: A traction distributing apparatus includes a first block engaged with a motor casing wit its rotation being restricted and having an end face which comes in plane contact with an end face of a cylinder block so as to allow fluid communication between their passages, and a second block engaged with the housing or the motor casing with its rotation being restricted and having an end face which comes in plane contact with an end face of the motor casing or the housing so as to allow fluid communication between their passages. A first biasing mechanism is arranged with the first block to hydraulically bias the first block to the end face of the inner rotor, and a second biasing mechanism is arranged with the second block to hydraulically bias the second block to the end face of the motor casing or the housing.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for disposition in a motor vehicle drive line includes an internal reaction force circuit. The clutch assembly includes a multiple disc friction clutch disposed adjacent an operator assembly which selectively applies force to the friction clutch to selectively transfer torque therethrough. The clutch components are disposed between fixed stops on an elongate member which functions as a reaction force member to self-contain the reaction force from the clutch operator. The clutch finds application in motor vehicle drive line components such as a rear (secondary) axle in which it is disposed in pairs to independently control torque supplied to each axle and in applications where it is advantageous to contain or ground the reaction force generated by and associated with the clutch operator compactly within the clutch structure rather than its housing.

Abstract: A locking differential in which the two side gears comprise end toothings facing one another, and the differential component is a differential disc with end toothings on both faces, with the end toothings on each face co-operating with one of the side gears' end toothings. The number of teeth of each pair of inter-engaging end toothings differs by one, and the ratio of the number of teeth of both pairs of toothings is unequal. The differential disc is mounted to wobble between the side gears so that, by means of diametrically-opposed portions of its two sets of end toothings, it engages the associated sets of end toothings of the side gears. The desired ratios of the numbers of teeth exist if the differential disc is provided with end toothings with identical numbers of teeth, and one side gear comprises a set of end toothings having one tooth fewer (z=n−1) and the other side gear having one tooth more.

Abstract: A full-locking differential drive mechanism, comprised of an input drive which is composed of a pair of opposed spaced drive races, each having an inner diameter, a coupling block disposed between the races for coupling them to drive together, output driven means comprising a pair of co-axially disposed coupler members, each having an outer diameter disposed within the drive races inner diameters, which produces a bi-directional roller clutch disposed between the inner diameters and the outer diameters and operative to couple the drive races to the coupler members enabling driving engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A locking differential in which the two side gears comprise end toothings facing one another, and the differential component is a differential disc with end toothings on both faces, with the end toothings on each face co-operating with one of the side gears' end toothings. The number of teeth of each pair of inter-engaging end toothings differs by one, and the ratio of the number of teeth of both pairs of toothings is unequal. The differential disc is mounted to wobble between the side gears so that, by means of diametrically-opposed portions of its two sets of end toothings, it engages the associated sets of end toothings of the side gears. In a first embodiment, the desired ratios of the numbers of teeth exist if the differential disc is provided with end toothings with identical numbers of teeth (z=n), and one side gear comprises a set of end toothings having one tooth fewer (z=n−1) and the other side gear having one tooth more (z=n+1).

Abstract: A center differential (17) including a clutch pack (33), a cam ramp actuator (31) for moving the friction discs (65,67) toward an engaged position, and a viscous coupling (29) which will have a “slip speed” representative of the speed difference between the front (11) and rear (23) wheels. There is a one-way clutch (57) disposed between the output (49) of the viscous coupling (29) and the first ramp plate (51) to transmit positive torque when the vehicle is in a forward gear, but negative torque is not transmitted, for example, during braking. An override mechanism (55) is provided, including a plurality of spring biased pins (107), such that, below a predetermined speed of rotation, positive torque can also be transmitted when the vehicle is in reverse gear. The pins (107) are associated with flyweight members (97) so that, above the predetermined speed, the pins are disengaged, and positive torque can be transmitted only in forward gear.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly which can be used for example, in a powertrain design including a transfer case with front & rear outputs mechanically connected (no differential or in-line torque coupling), a primary axle of conventional design, and a secondary axle assembly with a unique differential assembly of which the bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly is a component thereof. The unique differential assembly utilizes two one-way bidirectional clutch assemblies which provide for axle shaft differentiation while turning, include speed-sensing limited-slip capability, and eliminate the necessity for an interaxle differential or in-line torque coupling device in the transfer case. Each clutch assembly includes two sets of struts. Each set of struts is used to transmit torque in one direction. A laterally sliding decoupler is utilized to control which set of struts is functional. The decoupler moves only when the one-way clutch rotating direction is reversed.

Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip, at least one driver is slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating asymmetry between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A center differential device (17) for use in a four wheel drive system, the device including a viscous coupling (29), a ball ramp actuator (31), and a clutch pack (33). Under normal driving conditions, most of the torque is transmitted to the front drive wheels (11), and the device (17) rotates as a unit. If the front wheels (11) begin to slip, the input shaft (15) and input coupling member (35) rotate faster than the output coupling member (43), thus transmitting torque to the output coupling member (43). This torque is transmitted to the first ramp plate (51) of the ball ramp actuator (31), displacing the actuator from its neutral position (FIG. 3), such that the second ramp plate (52) begins to load the clutch pack (33) and transmit torque from the housing (25) to the output shaft (19), and from there to the rear drive wheels (23).

Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having drivers driven in rotation by a pinion pin and couplers coupled to the axles of a vehicle, the drivers and couplers having facingly disposed teeth forced into engagement when the pinion pin is driving the respective driver or drivers by forcibly contacting the same at an angle. The teeth on the drivers or couplers or both in the present invention have a chamfer on the outer part of the teeth in comparison to the base region of the teeth, so that the facingly disposed teeth on the drivers and couplers are forced into engagement when the base regions of the teeth are engaging and the pinion pin is driving the respective driver or drivers by forcibly contacting the same at an angle, but the teeth on the drivers and couplers will only climb each other when the outer regions of the teeth are engaging and the pinion pin is driving the respective driver or drivers. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a secondary drive shaft and secondary driven shafts. The overrunning clutch includes a pinion input shaft in a differential housing that engages with a clutch housing rotatably disposed within the differential housing. At least one race is located adjacent to the clutch housing and is engaged with an output shaft. A cage is located between the race and the clutch housing. The cage is movable with respect to the clutch housing. A first coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent to the cage and is adapted to produce an electromagnetic field when energized which causes the cage to drag with respect to the clutch housing. The dragging of the cage with respect to the clutch housing positions rolls within the cage to engage the clutch housing with the race when wheels on a primary drive shaft lose traction.