Patents by Inventor Hideaki Okada

Hideaki Okada has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040195027
    Abstract: A articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada
  • Publication number: 20040172939
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20040139745
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle apparatus comprises a housing in which an HST, a pair of axles, a differential unit differentially connecting the axles to each other, and a horizontal counter shaft interposed between the HST and the differential unit. The HST comprises axial piston type hydraulic pump and motor mounted on vertically opposite surfaces of a center section, respectively, so as to be fluidly connected to each other so that pump and motor shafts are disposed vertically coaxially to each other. The center section is disposed adjacently to the differential unit and one of the axles. A cooling fan is fixed on the pump shaft projecting outward from the housing. When along the pump shaft, most of the housing except portions thereof for housing the respective axles is disposed within an area of rotary locus of the cooling fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Masaru Iida
  • Publication number: 20040134704
    Abstract: An articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Michio Tsukamoto, Robert Abend
  • Patent number: 6732828
    Abstract: A articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada
  • Publication number: 20040074686
    Abstract: A articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada
  • Publication number: 20040069553
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shalt receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first anid second flames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 6715283
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6682453
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle apparatus comprises a housing in which an HST, a pair of axles, a differential unit differentially connecting the axles to each other, and a horizontal counter shaft interposed between the HST and the differential unit. The HST comprises axial piston type hydraulic pump and motor mounted on vertically opposite surfaces of a center section, respectively, so as to be fluidly connected to each other so that pump and motor shafts are disposed vertically coaxially to each other. The center section is disposed adjacently to the differential unit and one of the axles. A cooling fan is fixed on the pump shaft projecting outward from the housing. When along the pump shaft, most of the housing except portions thereof for housing the respective axles is disposed within an area of rotary locus of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokykoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Masaru Iida
  • Publication number: 20040011195
    Abstract: An operation mechanism for a variable displacement hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is disposed in a housing filled with 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 fluid filled in the casing. The casing is fitted into the hole provided in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Koji Irikura
  • Publication number: 20030213625
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus of the invention is available for an economical vehicle having a belt type stepless transmission. The axle driving apparatus comprises a pair of axles connected to respective drive wheels, a propelling transmission mechanism, and a steering transmission mechanism. The propelling transmission mechanism is drivingly connected to said prime mover through said belt type stepless transmission so as to transmit speed-variable output rotation of said belt type stepless transmission to both said axles, thereby rotating said axles together at various speeds in a common direction selected from two opposite directions for forward and backward traveling of said vehicle. The steering transmission mechanism is drivingly connected to said prime mover so as to transmit two oppositely directive output rotations to said respective axles, thereby differentially rotating said axles at various differences of rotational speed between said axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Norihiro Ishii, Robert Abend, Krista Winfree
  • Patent number: 6449949
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20020088223
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6413181
    Abstract: A differential gear provided for differentially connecting a pair of axles. A pair of side bevel gears are fixed onto the respective axles. A bevel pinion engages with both the side bevel gears. A pinion shaft rotatably supports the bevel pinion therearound while the pinion shaft is applying a certain brake force onto the bevel pinion. An input gear is provided with a through hole, in which the pinion shaft is disposed. A lock member is provided for selectively bringing one of the side bevel gears into non-relatively rotatable connection with the input gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Publication number: 20020012327
    Abstract: Unicast path control for a mobile host is performed by inserting/deleting a path for each host in/from a unicast path table. A multicast group management table is managed by broadcasting a multicast address and a unicast address of a host which requests to receive a packet addressed to the multicast address, within the range where the communications control system according to the present invention can be applied. A multicast path table is created based on the unicast path table and the multicast group management table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Publication number: 20010021680
    Abstract: A differential gear provided for differentially connecting a pair of axles. A pair of side bevel gears are fixed onto the respective axles. A bevel pinion engages with both the side bevel gears. A pinion shaft rotatably supports the bevel pinion therearound while the pinion shaft is applying a certain brake force onto the bevel pinion. An input gear is provided with a through hole, in which the pinion shaft is disposed. A lock member is provided for selectively bringing one of the side bevel gears into non-relatively rotatable connection with the input gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 6233929
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission (HST) including a hydraulic pump is contained in a housing having upper and lower housings. An input shaft of the hydraulic pump projects outward from the upper housing. A cooling fan is provided on an upper end of the input shaft. A conduit is disposed within an area between the fan and the upper housing. The conduit extends between first and second couplings and is in communication with an oil sump formed in the housing. A pumping device, which rotates with the input shaft, is disposed within the second coupling for forcedly circulating oil between the conduit and the sump. Alternatively, a reservoir is disposed on an outer wall of the housing forming a second oil sump. A level of oil in the second oil sump is lower than a level of oil in the oil sump formed in the housing. The second oil sump communicates with the atmosphere whereas the oil sump formed in the housing is separated from the atmosphere. A siphon communicates both sumps with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 6088738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a communication between plural host computers connected to terminal apparatus. The communication controlling apparatus includes a storage unit for storing information relating to upper apparatus names, information relating to program names and information relating to pseudo program names.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: RE37049
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus has in a housing a hydrostatic transmission with a variable displacement type hydraulic system having a slantingly movable swash plate. In one embodiment, the movable swash plate is manually slantingly operable. A leg member integrally extends from an inner wall of the housing, a lid for closing an opening of the housing, or a center section. The leg member has a support portion for supporting a shaft provided on an axis of rotation of the movable swash plate. Accordingly, the movable swash plate is suspended in the housing for slanting or pivoting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Toshio Nagai, Hidemi Harada, Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: RE36807
    Abstract: In order that a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor of a hydrostatic transmission hitherto disposed to the exterior are attached to a hydrostatic transmission support member provided in a mission case, a charging pump hitherto attached to the hydraulic pump at the hydrostatic transmission is also attached to the hydrostatic transmission support member, and an oil filter hitherto attached to the outside of mission case is disposed therein, they are interposed between the lower surface of hydrostatic transmission support member and the charging pump. Furthermore, an outward takeout pump also is supported in the mission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada