Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc.

New Venture Gear, Inc.

Victor L Brezee

Iraj Shahbazi

Randy Adler

David Sperduti

Randy W Adler

An angular offset sensing device includes an optical encoder having a light generating element and a light sensor. An armature includes a reflective surface having a generally semicircular shape and a spectrum of color disposed thereon varying from a first end of the surface to a second end of the surface. A housing encloses both the optical encoder and the armature and rotationally supports the armature. An electrical voltage is generated when light from the light generating element is reflected back to the sensor from the reflective surface. The voltage is proportional to a wavelength of the reflected light and is indicative of an angular rotation of the armature relative to the optical encoder. The voltage is corrected for linearity and used for example to signal a vehicle transfer case shift.

Power transfer device with contactless optical encoder and color reflective surface

An angular offset sensing device includes an optical encoder having a light generating element and a light sensor. An armature includes a reflective surface having a generally semicircular shape and a surface height continuously increasing from a first end of the surface to a second end of the surface. A housing encloses both the optical encoder and the armature and rotationally supports the armature. An electrical voltage is generated when light from the light generating element is reflected back to the sensor from the reflective surface. The voltage is proportional to a wavelength of the reflected light and is indicative of an angular rotation of the armature relative to the optical encoder. The voltage is corrected for linearity and used for example to signal a vehicle transfer case shift.

Power transfer device with contactless optical encoder and pitched reflective surface

The present invention provides a hydraulically-actuated shift system that is operable for shifting a mechanical shift apparatus of a power transfer device between first and second operative positions. The hydraulically-actuated shift system includes a hydraulic circuit for providing a source of hydraulic power, a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving a clutch sleeve of the mechanical shift mechanism between the first and second drive positions, and an electric control circuit for controlling selective actuation of the hydraulic actuator. The shift system is particularly well-suited for use with four-wheel drive transfer cases for permitting the vehicle operator to shift between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes and or between various speed ranges.

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Auburn, NY, United States of America

Victor L Brezee