Method and Apparatus for the Conversion of Two Wheel Drives to Four Wheel Drives With a Self Engaging Bi-Directional Double Overrunning Clutch Assembly

Abstract

A drive arrangement comprising a motor, a self engaging, double overrunning, bi-directional pump, and a wheel is usable in converting two wheel drive vehicles to four wheel drive vehicles.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A drive comprising:
 wheels,   a power source,   at least one of the wheels driven by an axle powered by the power source,   a hydraulic pump driven by the power source,   at least one hydraulic motor,   at least one of the wheels not driven by the axle,   at least a first and second self engaging double overrunning bi-directional clutch acting in parallel said first bi-directional dutch rotating in a first direction, and said second bi-directional dutch rotating in the same, first direction, and wherein said at least first and second clutches are engaged in said first direction and said at least first and second clutches are disengaged when rotating in a second direction, and wherein said at least first and second clutches configured to operate in unison in all operating conditions,   wherein the at least one hydraulic motor is in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump,   wherein the at least one of the wheels not driven by the axle is driven by the hydraulic motor through the at least one self engaging double overrunning bi-directional dutch,   wherein the drive can operate driving only the at least one of the wheels driven by the axle,   wherein the drive can also operate by means of the at least one of the wheels driven by the hydraulic motor through the at least one self engaging double overrunning bi-directional clutch.   
     
     
         2 . The drive of  claim 1  wherein the power source is an internal combustion engine. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The drive of  claim 2  wherein the internal combustion engine drives the hydraulic pump to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to the at least one hydraulic motor. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The drive of  claim 5 , wherein the self engaging bi-directional double overrunning clutch fits between said input and output shafts. 
     
     
         11 . A drive comprising:
 at least two wheels, and wherein at least one of said at least two wheels is driven by an axle powered by a power source;   a self engaging bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly comprising: a housing, at least one self engaging bi-directional double overrunning clutch, an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gearing for operation without external actuation, wherein each of said at least one self engaging bi-directional overruning clutches engage in rotating the same direction and configured to operate in unison in all operating conditions;   a hydraulic pump driven by said power source, and wherein an at least one hydraulic motor is in fluid communication with said hydraulic pump; and   wherein any of said at least one wheels not driven by said axle is then driven by said hydraulic motor through the at least one self engaging double overrunning bi-directional clutch.   
     
     
         12 . The drive as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said dutch assembly is configured for application without external actuation. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein each of said at least one self engaging bi-directional double overrunning clutches act in parallel. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly as recited in  claim 13 , wherein each of said at least one self engaging bi-directional double overrunning clutches operate in either direction. 
     
     
         15 . The drive of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one self engaging bi-directional double overrunning clutch is disposed between said input and output shafts.