Patents Assigned to Tuff Torq
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Patent number: 7360613Abstract: A transmission for speed changing and steering of a vehicle comprises a first HST and a first differential for speed changing and a second HST and a second differential for steering. The first HST is a combination of a hydraulic pump and motor. The pump is driven by an engine and the motor is drivingly changeable by operation of a speed change pedal. Output power from the motor is transmitted into a pair of first differential output shafts as axles through the first differential. The second HST is a combination of a hydraulic pump and motor. The second pump is driven by output power from the first HST and the second motor is drivingly changeable by operation of a steering wheel. A pair of second differential output shafts are rotated in opposite directions by output power of the motor, so that when turning, the first differential output shaft on the opposite side of the turning direction is accelerated.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Travis S. McCloud, Keith J. Andrews, Robert Abend
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Patent number: 7340891Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq Corp.Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 7331176Abstract: With regard to a transaxle comprising a housing, which houses a hydrostatic stepless transmission constructed by fluidly connecting a hydraulic pump with a hydraulic motor and an axle drivingly connected to the transmission, the housing is constructed by detachably joining a first housing element with a second housing element through a joint surface in parallel to the lengthwise direction of the axle, a counter shaft, drivingly interposed between the hydrostatic stepless transmission and the axle in the housing, is located its axis in the first housing element, a leg member is engaged with the first housing element, and one of ends of the leg member is engaged with a part of the counter shaft, and the other end of the leg member is engaged with the second housing element so as not to be movable.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignees: Kanzaki Koyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Katsumoto Mizukawa, Masaru Iida, Donald Wieber
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Patent number: 6874593Abstract: A driving apparatus for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis. Each of the first driving unit and the second driving unit has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft and a left second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft and a right second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit and a second driving unit receives power from engine through a common single belt.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Kerwyn Stoll
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Publication number: 20040154296Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in tile housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicants: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg.Co.Ltd.Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishill, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6755264Abstract: A transmission for speed changing and steering of a vehicle comprises a first HST and a first differential for speed changing and a second HST and a second differential for steering. The first HST is a combination of a hydraulic pump and motor. The pump is driven by an engine and the motor is drivingly changeable by operation of a speed change pedal. Output power from the motor is transmitted into a pair of first differential output shafts as axles through the first differential. The second HST is a combination of a hydraulic pump and motor. The second pump is driven by output power from the first HST and the second motor is drivingly changeable by operation of a steering wheel. A pair of second differential output shafts are rotated in opposite directions by output power of the motor, so that when turning, the first differential output shaft on the opposite side of the turning direction is accelerated.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Travis S. McCloud, Keith J Andrews, Robert Abend
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Patent number: 6752236Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing with an axle and a hydrostatic transmission disposed therein. The hydrostatic transmission includes a center section separably attached to the housing and disposed within the housing, a hydraulic pump mounted on a pump mounting surface of the center section, and a hydraulic motor mounted on a motor mounting surface of the center section. The rotary axis of the pump is disposed perpendicular to the axle and the rotary axis of the motor is disposed parallel to the axle. An output shaft is disposed on the rotary axis of the hydraulic motor and is disposed below the pump mounting surface. The axle is disposed above the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6745864Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21, 22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17, 18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6715283Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6705080Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6651770Abstract: A driving apparatus for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis. Each of the first driving unit and the second driving unit has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft and a left second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft and a right second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit and a second driving unit receives power from engine through a common single belt.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Kerwyn Stoll
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Patent number: 6648095Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21,22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17,18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6648094Abstract: A driving apparatus for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis. Each of the first driving unit and the second driving unit has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft and a left second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft and a right second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit and a second driving unit receives power from engine through a common single belt.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Kerwyn Stoll
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Patent number: 6629577Abstract: A driving apparatus for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis. Each of the first driving unit and the second driving unit has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft and a left second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft and a right second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit and a second driving unit receives power from engine through a common single belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Kerwyn Stoll
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Patent number: 6591936Abstract: A driving apparatus for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis. Each of the first driving unit and the second driving unit has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft and a left second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft and a right second differential output shaft are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit and a second driving unit receives power from engine through a common single belt.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Kerwyn Stoll
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Patent number: 6571555Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). All enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6568498Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21,22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17,18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6550242Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6540633Abstract: A transmission for speed changing and steering of a vehicle includes a first hydrostatic pump (52) and motor (53), a first differential (24′) for speed changing, a second hydrostatic pump (71) and motor (72), and a second differential (23′) for steering. A prime mover drives the first pump (52), and the second pump (71) is driven by the output from the first motor (53). The second motor (72) drives the second differential (23′) for steering the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Travis S. McCloud, Keith J Andrews, Robert Abend
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Patent number: 6536212Abstract: An operation mechanism for a variable displacement hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is disposed in a housing filled with first fluid. A capacity regulating member is provided on the hydraulic pump in the housing for changing the discharge amount of the hydraulic pump. An operation member is operationally connected to the capacity regulating member. The operation member is to be manipulated outside the housing. A resistive device is interposed between the operation member and the capacity regulating member for making the motion of the capacity regulating member slow. The resistive device is an assembly unit comprising a casing, a piston slidably disposed in the casing, and second fluid sealed in the casing. The second fluid is different from the first fluid. The casing is fitted into the hole provided in the housing. The retaining member retains the casing in the hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Koji Irikura, Mike Chisman