Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an electro-mechanical cross-steer device for a vehicle. The device may include a first and a second motor and first and second output planetary gear set, each having a transfer gear assembly mechanically connected to the first and second motors, respectively. Additionally, a differential may be included which is mechanically connected to the first and second output planetary gear sets via a mainshaft connected to the first and second output planetary gear sets. First and second input shafts may be mechanically connected to the first and second transfer gear assemblies and to the differential. First and second output shafts may be respectively connected to the first and second output planetary gear sets with each of the output shafts operable to drive a particular side of a vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system is disclosed which allows for simpler and more robust control of hydraulic vibration. The system comprises first and second hydraulic drive units and a variable damping device. At least the first hydraulic drive unit is a variable displacement type and comprises a displacement control. The variable damping device comprises at least one variable element. The system comprises a first linkage apparatus between the displacement control and the variable element and is operable to control the variable element in accordance with the displacement of the displacement control.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake assembly comprising a disc pack may desirably be liquid cooled (i.e. is “wet”) to dissipate the substantial heat generated from braking. In conventional assemblies, coolant fluid is generally delivered in a uniform manner to the discs in the disc pack. However, the heat distribution in the disc pack from braking is not uniform. But wear can be significantly increased where an inadequate amount of coolant is delivered, while drag can be increased unnecessarily where an excessive amount of coolant is delivered. In such an assembly, an improved coolant distribution can be obtained by appropriately varying the size of the numerous orifices which may be used to distribute coolant to the disc interfaces from an axial fluid rail provided in a rotating central shaft. Specifically, the orifices decrease in size from the middle to the ends of the disc pack.

Abstract: A hydrostatic assembly employing a 1st hydraulic piston drive unit is described in which the output is increased without using additional servo assemblies by incorporating a 2nd hydraulic piston drive unit, coupling the drive shafts of both drive units together, and employing a common means to simultaneously adjust displacement of both the 1st and 2nd hydraulic piston drive units. In such embodiments, coupling the drive shafts together such that the 1st hydraulic piston drive unit is rotationally offset with respect to the 2nd hydraulic piston drive allows for a reduction in the amplitude of pressure pulsations associated with the hydrostatic assembly output, thereby smoothing out operation and improving durability.

Abstract: A hydrostatic variator having a common yoke design and two or more bent axis piston drive units is disclosed in which the rotating group of a drive unit is arranged to be movable relative to the yoke to alter the angle between its drive shaft axis and rotating group axis independent of the other drive unit. This can be accomplished using movable sector plates coupled to the rotating groups that are arcuately movable within the yoke about the axis perpendicular to the respective drive shaft axes of the drive units. Such variators enjoy the response and packaging advantages of a common yoke design while still allowing dynamic adjustment of system size. In turn, varying system size allows for efficiency to be improved at conditions other than at the maximum design torque.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes a support structure and a rotating group rotatably mounted relative to the support structure. The rotating group includes a shaft and a cylinder barrel with a plurality of circumferentially spaced cylinder bores. Reciprocal pistons extend from the shaft with each one of the pistons extending into an associated one of the cylinder bores. A joining assembly joins the shaft and the cylinder barrel so that the shaft and the cylinder barrel rotate together. The hydraulic machine further includes at least one oil dam associated with the rotating group and adapted to trap hydraulic fluid used for lubricating portions of the joining assembly.

Abstract: A hydrostatic assembly includes a pump having a yoke and an associated rotating group. The pump yoke has a bucket portion and an arm portion. At least one fluid passage extends through the pump yoke. The hydrostatic assembly also includes a motor having a yoke and an associated rotating group. The motor yoke also has a bucket portion and an arm portion. At least one fluid passage extends through the motor yoke. The arm portion of the pump yoke and the arm portion of the motor yoke have associated coupling portions for fluidly coupling the pump yoke to the motor yoke so that the at least one fluid passage in the pump yoke is in direct fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage in the motor yoke.