Patents Examined by Michael Gonzalez
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Patent number: 8250938Abstract: An automatic powershift vehicle transmission comprising an input shaft; an output shaft; first and second intermediate shafts parallel to the input shaft; a lay shaft parallel to the output shaft; gearing providing first, second, third and fourth forward driving paths from the input shaft to the output shaft; a first clutch and a second clutch between the ends of the input shaft to establish driving connections; a third clutch for establishing the first or third forward driving path when the first clutch is operative; and a fourth clutch for establishing the second or fourth forward driving path when the second clutch is operative.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: JCB TransmissionsInventors: Leonard Earp, David Allan Wozencraft
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Patent number: 8231490Abstract: A power train according to an embodiment of the invention includes two sets of planetary gear set, one clutch, and two brakes and provides one electric vehicle mode, two hybrid modes, and one engine mode The power train has a simple configuration, high power performance, and reduced weight and fuel consumption. In particular, the power train makes it possible to reduce a significant amount of fuel consumption especially when a vehicle is traveling at a constant high-velocity.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jongsool Park, Changwook Lee
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Patent number: 8215468Abstract: A torque-transmission system with a decoupler (1) between a shaft (2) and a belt pulley (3) of a starter generator is provided. The belt pulley can rotate relative to the shaft (2). For reducing rotary oscillations, the decoupler (1) includes a damping device arranged between the belt pulley (3) and the shaft (2) with at least one spring element (5). The decoupler (1) includes an automatic locking device (7) that is dependent on a direction of rotation and that produces, at a low rotational speed level, a coupling between the belt pulley (3) and the shaft (2), and this coupling automatically disconnects when a pre-determined rotational speed is reached.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Hartmann, Christian Hauck
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Patent number: 8202192Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a first single-pinion planetary gear mechanism including a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first carrier that each correspond to one of first to third elements in a velocity diagram. The second element is connected to the input shaft. A second single-pinion planetary gear mechanism including a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier that each correspond to one of fourth to sixth elements in a velocity diagram. The fourth element is connected to the first element to form a first connected body. A double-pinion third planetary gear mechanism includes a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third carrier that each correspond to one of seventh to ninth elements in a velocity diagram. The eighth element is connected to the fifth element to form a second connected body that is connected to the output member.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kohei Iizuka, Noriaki Saitoh, Soichi Sugino, Mirko Leesch, Joerg Mueller, Rico Resch
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Patent number: 8166841Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to, a drive shaft and at least two countershafts which can be driven by the drive shaft with opposite rotational directions. A first one of the countershafts carries a hollow shaft which can be fixed to the first countershaft and on which a first driven gearwheel is rotationally fixed. Further, on the hollow shaft, a second gearwheel is rotatably attached which meshes with a fixed gearwheel of the second countershaft. A selector sleeve is rotationally fixed on the hollow shaft and is displaceable between an engagement position at a selector gearing of the second gearwheel and an engagement position at a selector gearing of the first countershaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Mathias Remmler
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Patent number: 8167763Abstract: A differential is provided that includes a first and second side gear and a reaction block disposed between the first and second side gear. The differential further includes an engagement mechanism configured to have at least a portion of the engagement mechanism that is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position and a lock-out mechanism that is configured to engage the portion of the engagement mechanism. The lock-out mechanism is mounted to the reaction block. A reaction block for a differential in which a lock-out mechanism is mounted on the reaction block is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Kent M. Curtis
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Patent number: 8167760Abstract: In this toroidal continuously variable transmission unit, a carrier 100 and a disc 2 is brought into direct friction contact with each other, and power transmission between the carrier 100 and the disc 2 is implemented by friction force. Because of this, the necessity of machining a gear or claw on the disc or carrier, which has conventionally be done, is obviated, whereby a manufacturing process can be shortened and manufacturing costs can largely be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Eiji Inoue, Norihisa Kobayashi, Toshiro Toyoda
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Patent number: 8167761Abstract: A differential assembly, in particular for motor vehicles, transmits the motion from an input shaft to a pair of reciprocally counterposed coaxial output shafts and is provided with a ring gear rotably fed in use by the input shaft about a rotation shaft; the assembly being further provided with a gear set transmitting the motion from the ring gear to the output shafts and having a satellite gear carrier pin, whose axis is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the ring gear; a single leaf spring is abuttingly coupled to two satellite gears to automatically adjust the position of the satellite gears themselves.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: ELASIS—Società Consortile per AzioniInventor: Paolo Di Micco
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Patent number: 8167752Abstract: A hybrid transmission described herein comprises a planetary gear arrangement and a clutch including two electromagnetic clutch portions used to interconnect an internal combustion engine, an electric traction motor, an electric motor/generator and driving wheels of a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid transmission described herein allows various modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: TM4 Inc.Inventor: Martin Houle
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Patent number: 8161836Abstract: A multi-step transmission having at least a reverse drive gear, several forward drive gears, a main shaft (1) and two counter shafts. The power flow in forward drive can be split up and be distributed to both counter shafts and further transferred to the main shaft (1). The forward drive gears each include two counter shaft gears and one idle gear which is supported on the main shaft (1). In contrast, only one of the two counter shafts (2) is assigned and associated with a reverse gear (3) such that the flow of power, in a reverse drive gear (3), is transferred through a single counter shaft (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jürgen Rauter, Martin Lamke
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Patent number: 8157077Abstract: A clutch device for an electric winch includes a ring gear that is settled in a gear box and is in communication with a gear mechanism of the electric winch. A plurality of braking recesses are provided on the outer periphery surface of the ring gear. A detachable clutch sleeve is fixed in a braking port defined in the gear box and includes a T-shaped clutch lever. A clutch handle is provided on the sleeve. The inner surface of the clutch handle and the top surface of the clutch sleeve are cam faces formed by double tapered faces. A rotating-positioning mechanism, which can be rotated 180 degrees, is provided between the clutch handle and the clutch sleeve. The clutch lever is movable between an engaged position, where the clutch lever engages the braking recesses, and a disengaged position, when the clutch handle is rotated in clockwise and anticlockwise directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventors: Yuzhi Xie, Kuo-hsiang Tsao
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Patent number: 8156836Abstract: A gearbox for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to two coaxial input shafts carrying gearwheels, and three layshafts selectively drivable by the input shafts. Each gearwheel of the input shafts meshes with at least one gearwheel of the two layshafts. The three layshafts carry three pinions meshing with a same output gearwheel, and the third layshaft further carries a reverse gearwheel meshing with a gearwheel of the first layshaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mathias Remmler, Markus Rockenbach, Axel Geiberger, Mikael Mohlin
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Patent number: 8152671Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes a prime mover, which may be an engine, and a transmission that has an input member configured for connection with the prime mover to receive torque from the prime mover, an output member, and a stationary member. A first motor/generator and a second motor/generator are provided as additional motive sources. A first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set are included, each having a respective first member, second member, and third member. Only one clutch is operatively connected to the transmission, and it is selectively engagable to ground the input member and the first member of the second planetary gear set to the stationary member.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Ravikanth GV, Sriram Ravichandran, Kumpatla VVP Naidu
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Patent number: 8146724Abstract: A vehicle clutch includes a clutch outer member, a clutch inner member, and a clutch center member movable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position. A cam mechanism is provided between the clutch inner and outer members. The cam mechanism generates an axial pulling force for moving the clutch center member to the first position when positive torque acts on the clutch inner member from the clutch center member.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Miyazaki, Hideo Senmyo
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Patent number: 8137229Abstract: A modular transmission assembly includes a transmission housing that defines a hollow interior. The transmission housing extends along a central axis between a front end and a rear end. A rear motor module is disposed in, and is operatively connected to, the transmission housing. An inner module is disposed in, and is operatively connected to, the transmission housing. A main shaft is disposed along the central axis such that each of the rear and inner modules radially surround the main shaft. A front motor is disposed in the transmission housing and radially surrounds the main shaft. The inner module is axially disposed between the rear motor module and the front motor. An input module is connected to the front end of the transmission housing. The front motor is axially disposed between the inner module and the input module.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory W. Kempf, Kenneth D. Schoch, Fredrick R. Poskie, Douglas S. Burchett, Frederick W. Rhoads
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Patent number: 8137227Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus of hybrid vehicles that transmits torque from an engine and first and second motor/generators to an output shaft is provided. The apparatus may include: a first planetary gear set having a first operating member fixedly connected to the second motor/generator, a second operating member selectively connected to the first operating member, and a third operating member; and a second planetary gear set having a fourth operating member fixedly connected to the engine and selectively connected to the second operating member, a fifth operating member fixedly connected to the first motor/generator and selectively connected to the second operating member, and a sixth operating member fixedly connected to the third operating member and the output shaft. With the apparatus, fuel efficiency can be remarkably improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Byungsoon Min, Jongsool Park, Chanhyuk Song, Chang Wook Lee, Tal-Chol Kim
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Patent number: 8123649Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
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Patent number: 8113984Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
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Patent number: 8113089Abstract: An engine starting apparatus is provided that has a constantly engaged starter pinion and a one-way clutch lubricated with transmission fluid, without modification to the engine and without adding axial length to the transmission. Specifically, a starting apparatus for cranking an engine crankshaft using a starter motor is provided for an engine that is operatively connected to a transmission through a torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Joel M. Maguire
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Patent number: 8109377Abstract: In a clutch device wherein a plurality of clutch plates are relatively non-rotatably engaged with a clutch outer, a plurality of clutch disks disposed alternately with the clutch plates are relatively non-rotatably engaged with a clutch inner, and an end plate disposed so that the clutch plates and the clutch disks are disposed between itself and a piston slidably fitted in the clutch outer is relatively non-rotatably and axially movably supported on the clutch outer in the manner of being restricted in movement toward one end side in the axial direction, to prevent the clutch inner from coming out of position at the time of assembling the clutch device into position, thereby to enhance workability in the assembling operation, and to prevent the clutch inner from generating a collision sound by colliding against other member than the component members of the clutch device when the clutch is disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kinya Mizuno, Seiji Hamaoka, Eiji Kittaka, Kazuhiro Yasuda