A case-emphasized propulsion method improves vehicle fuel efficiency. The ratio of the most-used speed to the most-desired speed of an IC engine is employed to control the engine to always run at its optimal working state with an efficient single-stage gear transmission. The propulsion method used with different brands of IC engines demonstrates a reduction in fuel consumption between 5 and 39%. An n-ratio automatic single-stage gear transmission implements the propulsion method. The transmission design executes the proposed propulsion method as well a continuous transmission, but it can also increase the propulsion efficiency about 8 to 18% when applied to replace traditional automatic transmissions or continuously variable transmissions in vehicle drivetrains.

The invention comprises a clutch device having an actuating device, wherein the actuating device has an electrical eddy current brake. The eddy current brake has a brake stator with at least one coil and a brake rotor with a brake region, wherein the brake region has a first layer which is electrically conductive and which has a first lateral face and a second lateral face, the first lateral face facing toward the coil and the second lateral face facing away from the coil. The brake region has a second layer which is magnetic and which is connected to the second lateral face. The invention further comprises a corresponding production method.

The invention comprises a clutch device having an actuating device, wherein the actuating device has an electrical eddy current brake. The eddy current brake has a brake stator with at least one coil and a brake rotor with a brake region, wherein the brake region has a first layer which is electrically conductive and which has a first lateral face and a second lateral face, the first lateral face facing toward the coil and the second lateral face facing away from the coil. The brake region has a second layer which is magnetic and which is connected to the second lateral face. The invention further comprises a corresponding production method.

Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.

Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.

Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.

Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.

A Sprague carrier for use in a front differential is provided. The Sprague carrier includes an armature plate having a plurality of concentrically located connector apertures. The Sprague carrier also includes a spring-less bearing cage. The spring-less bearing cage includes bearing apertures, bearings coupled within the bearing apertures without springs, and concentrically located connector recesses corresponding to the concentrically located connector apertures of the armature plate. The Sprague carrier further includes connectors engaging the connector apertures of the armature plate and the connector recesses of the bearing cage to couple the armature plate to the bearing cage.

A Sprague carrier for use in a front differential is provided. The Sprague carrier includes an armature plate having a plurality of concentrically located connector apertures. The Sprague carrier also includes a spring-less bearing cage. The spring-less bearing cage includes bearing apertures, bearings coupled within the bearing apertures without springs, and concentrically located connector recesses corresponding to the concentrically located connector apertures of the armature plate. The Sprague carrier further includes connectors engaging the connector apertures of the armature plate and the connector recesses of the bearing cage to couple the armature plate to the bearing cage.

Quick-release control systems for architectural opening coverings and associated control systems and methods for rapidly deploying the coverings to extended positions. In one embodiment coupling assemblies are provided for controllably coupling and decoupling portions of lifting mechanisms in a variety of covering systems, including roller and cellular shade systems. In yet other embodiments, control systems for controlling a plurality of coverings are provided, which may be configured to remotely and simultaneously deploying each of the plurality of coverings to an extended position in response to a trigger signal.