The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 08, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 03, 2003
James P. Dolan, Manlius, NY (US);
New Venture Gear, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A transfer mechanism is provided for controlling a magnitude of clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly operably disposed between input and output members. The transfer clutch includes an actuator fixed for rotation with the input member, a piston slidably disposed within a piston chamber of the actuator and selectively engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly, a pump in fluid communication with the piston chamber, and operably engaged with the input member and the output member. A rotational speed differential between the input member and the output member induces pumping action for pumping a magnetorheological fluid through the piston chamber. An electromagnetic coil is operably disposed between the piston chamber and the pump. The electromagnetic coil is selectively energized for manipulating a viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to induce a back pressure within the piston chamber, thereby inducing axial movement of the piston for engaging the clutch pack.