Patent attributes
A power transfer system for a vehicle that comprises a an internal combustion engine, one or more drive wheels, and power transfer apparatus transfers power from the prime mover to the wheels for propelling the vehicle. The system further comprises an auxiliary hydraulic pump that has a drive shaft that coupled to a power take-off unit driven by engine, and to an auxiliary hydraulic motor powered by hydraulic fluid supplied from a hydraulic energy storage device such as an accumulator. As a result, the auxiliary hydraulic pump can be powered by hydraulic fluid from the accumulator when the prime mover is not operating, or by the prime mover when operating. A tandem arrangement of one way clutches can be employed to avoid the need to disconnect the auxiliary hydraulic pump from the prime mover during operation of the auxiliary hydraulic motor, and vice versa.
