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AssigneeAuburn Gear, Inc.
InventorsThomas N. Till, Robert Leeper
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An apparatus and method for demagnetizing a differential which has a controllable electromagnetically actuated clutch. The apparatus includes sensors and a coil connected to a control module. The sensors receive vehicle inputs to indicate various measured values such as vehicle speed, brake pressure, magnetization current provided to the differential, and the like and generates signals which are transmitted to the control module. The control module initiates a demagnetization cycle when certain conditions have been satisfied as indicated by the input signals. The control module provides a DC voltage to the coil to generate magnetic flux for demagnetizing the differential and the components of the differential. In one embodiment a single coil is provided to which is applied both magnetization and demagnetization current. In another embodiment two coils are provided, one for generating magnetization flux and the other for generating demagnetization flux. The control alternatively applies voltages of reverse polarity in decreasing amplitudes for predetermined periods of time during a demagnetization cycle.
A torque transfer device including a demagnetizing coil for generating a demagnetizing flux whereby the components of the torque transfer device are demagnetized.
A torque transfer device comprising an electromagnetic clutch, including a magnetizing coil, and further comprising a demagnetizing coil for demagnetizing the components of said torque transfer device.
A torque transfer device comprising a sensor for sensing one of a plurality of parameters including the speed and brake pressure of a vehicle, and the torque transferred by said torque transfer device;
A method for demagnetizing a torque transfer device of a vehicle, said torque transfer device including a controllable electromagnetically actuated clutch, said method providing an initial voltage to said torque transfer device to cause said electromagnetically actuated clutch to be actuated;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.