Having Separate Motor For Each Driven, Surface-engaging Member Patents (Class 180/308)
  • Patent number: 11919359
    Abstract: A mobile crane drive assembly axle includes mutually independent suspensions of wheel carriers arranged on both sides of the drive assembly frame of the mobile crane. The suspensions each include at least one transverse control arm which couples the wheel carrier onto the drive assembly frame and is connected to the drive assembly frame such that it can be rotated about an axis which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive assembly frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Bernd Backes, Dieter Stuhrwoldt, Frank C. Schnittker
  • Patent number: 11719335
    Abstract: An HST circuit has a hydraulic pump that converts a drive force of an engine into energy of oil, and a hydraulic motor that converts the energy of the oil converted by the hydraulic pump into drive energy. Pressure sensors detect a pressure of the oil within the HST circuit. A variable charge pump replenishes the oil into the HST circuit. A controller controls a capacity of the variable charge pump based on the pressure of the oil within the HST circuit detected by the pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Nakashima, Shinobu Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 11447006
    Abstract: An electric or hybrid electric vehicle comprises a vehicle chassis extending along a longitudinal axis and a rotatable vehicle drive axle disposed along a transverse axis and having opposed ends that are configured for attachment to a pair of opposed drive wheels. The electric vehicle also comprises a selectively movable electric propulsion motor comprising a rotatable motor shaft rotatable about a motor axis, the electric propulsion motor configured to be mounted within the vehicle chassis and operatively coupled to the rotatable vehicle drive axle and opposed drive wheels, the motor axis configured to be oriented in a substantially vertical direction, a selectively movable differential disposed on the drive axle and configured to operatively couple motive power of the electric propulsion motor that is transmitted to the rotatable motor shaft to the drive axle, and a motor actuator operatively coupled to the electric propulsion motor and the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey David Gaither, Robert C. MacArthur, Justin J. Chow
  • Patent number: 11433757
    Abstract: An electric wheel drive system, an electric generator, a hybrid internal combustion electric vehicle, and associated methods are described that include sleeve bearings rotating on support cylinders. Fluid pumps provide lubrication and cooling. Examples include hydraulic cylinders for steering one or more electric wheel drive systems independently. Suspension is also provided to individual electric wheel drive systems independently in some examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Autonomous Tractor Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Anderson, Robert S. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 11420677
    Abstract: A wheel-mounting assembly for an agricultural utility vehicle includes a chassis and a telescopic axle arrangement fixed to the chassis. The telescopic axle arrangement includes an inner axle telescopically received in an outer axle, which is fixed to the chassis. A wheel-support assembly is mounted to an outboard end of the inner axle. A steering-control actuator is connected between the inner axle and the wheel-support assembly. The steering-control actuator is connected to the inner axle through an opening provided in the outer axle, which allows the steering-control actuator to translate together with the inner axle when track width is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Aron Crowley, James McGrath Slawson, Nathan Stewart Felix
  • Patent number: 11225868
    Abstract: A method for design in indenter apparatus for plastically straining a workpiece including a weld nugget, adjacent heat affected zones, and the adjacent parent-metal portions or new metal portions, throughout the weld nugget volume and heat affected zone, to produce threshold levels of uniform plastic strain which meet or exceed plastic strain levels that provide, when the weld nugget and heat affected zone is heat treated, a recrystallized grain structure metallurgically comparable to the grain structure of the parent-metal. The indenter provided by the optimization methods may be used to advantageously in a method for the repair of damaged rotors, including integrally bladed rotors, in gas turbine engines, such as in aircraft engines. Blades for gas turbine engines, including integrally bladed rotors, may be advantageously provided constructed by the methods taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: STRESSWAVE, INC.
    Inventor: Eric T Easterbrook
  • Patent number: 11207971
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes an electric motor disposed in a wheel, a planetary gear mechanism, and a hub. The electric motor is configured to generate a drive force which drives the wheel. The drive force of the electric motor is transmitted to the planetary gear mechanism. The hub transmits a drive force of the planetary gear mechanism to the wheel. The planetary gear mechanism includes a pinion gear having a first pinion and a second pinion coaxial with the first pinion and having a smaller diameter than the first pinion, a fixed ring gear which engages with the first pinion, and a drive ring gear which engages with the second pinion and transmits a drive force to the hub. The first pinion is disposed at a position away from an end portion of the stator core in a direction in which a rotation center axis of the wheel extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Misu, Satoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11204089
    Abstract: A method for joining components of a vehicle drive axle assembly. The method includes heating an axle housing to a first predetermined temperature and cooling a pinion cartridge to be installed with the housing to a second predetermined temperature. Removing the axle housing from exposure to the first predetermined temperature and removing the pinion cartridge from the second predetermined temperature and rapidly installing the pinion cartridge within the axle assembly before the axle assembly and the pinion return to ambient temperature provides a frictional fit, joining the two components without use of additional fastening devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Brad Ketchel, Wade Smith, Ryan Strand, Ryan Shaw
  • Patent number: 10953715
    Abstract: Provided is a trailing arm riding mower suspension system that includes trailing arms adapted to support hydraulic motor units and having leading ends pivotally coupled to a mower frame by way of leading end spherical joints and trailing ends having hydraulic drive unit mounts, where the trailing arms are adapted to pivot about leading end pivot locations defined by the leading end spherical joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Bad Boy Mowers, LLC
    Inventors: Warren Long, Charles Bradley Covington
  • Patent number: 10899224
    Abstract: A ride-on vehicle, such as for a child, includes a vehicle body and one or more wheels that support the vehicle body relative to a surface. At least one of the wheels includes a hub motor arrangement that provides a drive torque for propelling the vehicle. The hub motor arrangement includes a housing defining an interior space. An axle or other mounting element(s) define an axis of rotation of the housing. Preferably, the axle or other mounting element(s) do not pass completely through the housing. A motor drives the housing through a transmission. Preferably, the motor is a standard, compact motor that is positioned on the axis of rotation and can be laterally offset from a central plane of the housing. In some embodiments, a traction element is carried directly by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: RAZOR USA LLC
    Inventor: Joey Chih-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 10617935
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle assembly includes an axle comprising a channel extending along a central axis of the axle, a socket positioned within the channel of the axle, and a motorized wheel configured to be mounted on an end the axle. The motorized wheel includes a boss configured to engage the end of the axle when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle, an electric motor, a tire mounted on the rotor, and a plug positioned within the boss, the plug configured to engage with the socket when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle. The electric motor includes a stator fixed to the boss and a rotor surrounding the stator, the rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator. The electric motor is configured to cause the rotor to rotate relative to the stator to cause the tire to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GLOBE INTERNATIONAL NOMINEES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Duncan Richard Quick, Peter Hill
  • Patent number: 10578211
    Abstract: A vehicle and a hydraulic propulsion system for the vehicle are provided with first and second motors diagonally arranged relative to one another on the vehicle, and third and fourth motors diagonally arranged relative to one another on the vehicle. First, second and third flow divider combiner assemblies are provided and are arranged in a closed fluid loop with the motors. A first port of each of the assemblies are fluidly connected to one another. The first assembly has a second port fluidly coupled to the first and second motors, and a third port fluidly coupled to the third and fourth motors. The second assembly has second and third ports fluidly coupled to the first and third motors, respectively. The third assembly has second and third ports fluidly coupled to the second and fourth motors, respectively. A method of controlling the hydraulic system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Terex South Dakota, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Clark
  • Patent number: 10495185
    Abstract: A planetary wheel drive uses: main bushings affixed to a rotatable housing between a stationary spindle permitting the rotatable output housing to rotate with respect to the stationary spindle, and, planet bushings affixed to rotatable planet gear between a planet pin permitting the planet gear to rotate with respect to the planet pin. The main bushings have two sides, a first side which is press fit into the rotatable output housing and a second side which includes a sliding layer which mates with a surface of the stationary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Martin, Yichen Li, Shou Zhang
  • Patent number: 10364886
    Abstract: A hydrostatic driveline has a power source and a hydrostatic pump in driving engagement with the power source; a primary driveline shaft in driving engagement with the power source. The driveline also has a first transmission portion and a second transmission portion in driving engagement with the first transmission portion. A hydrostatic motor is in fluid communication with the hydrostatic pump and is in driving engagement with the first transmission portion. A vehicle output is in driving engagement with the second transmission portion. The primary driveline shaft is also in driving engagement with the second transmission portion. The hydrostatic driveline may be operated in a hydrostatic mode or in a direct drive mode using the primary driveline shaft and the second transmission portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Italia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Bortoli, Ettore Cosoli, Giulio Ornella, Lorenzo Serrao
  • Patent number: 10293847
    Abstract: A drive device for a handling trolley, including: a chassis; a wheel carrier; a drive wheel; a steering motor for rotating the wheel carrier relative to the chassis; a reduction gear connecting the steering motor to the wheel carrier, the reduction gear including a planetary gear set including an internal sun gear, at least one planet gear, and a planet carrier on which the planet gear is mounted, a ring gear surrounding the internal sun gear and the planet gear. The shaft of the steering motor is fixed relative to the internal sun gear, the wheel carrier is fixed relative to either the planet carrier or the ring gear, and the chassis is fixed relative to the other one of the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventors: Didier Calmettes, Eric Coupart, Françis Sourisseau, Ago-Tchalim Pato
  • Patent number: 10226993
    Abstract: An assembly (20) comprising a radial piston hydraulic motor (10), comprising a fixed housing (15), a shaft (14) that can be driven in rotation by the hydraulic motor (10), a wheel hub (30) comprising a hub barrel (31) that engages on the shaft (14), a bearing (40), a bearing support (41), in which the bearings (40) are housed between the hub barrel (31) and the bearing support (41) of the hydraulic motor (10), the bearing support (41) forming part of the housing (15), such that the bearing function is carried out by the housing (15), the shaft (14) supporting only the weight of same and having only a torque function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Clement Philippe Recoura
  • Patent number: 10221869
    Abstract: A drive assembly having a housing forming an internal sump for a transmission, and an accumulator chamber formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the sump. A piston chamber in the housing is in fluid communication with the accumulator chamber. The transmission includes a pump, a pump running surface and an internal porting system in a center section, and a pump swash plate. A piston divides the piston chamber into first and second portions. The piston is biased by a spring force to pressurize hydraulic fluid in the piston chamber and thereby pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the internal sump when pressure in the piston chamber decreases below a set level. A second transmission may also be located in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 10066735
    Abstract: A planetary wheel drive uses a single wall output planet carrier includes an internal spline fixed against rotation through an interconnection with an external spline of the stationary spindle. A locking lug of the single wall output planet carrier extends into a notch of a bearing nut. The locking lug prevents the bearing nut from unthreading itself from the stationary spindle. An output planet thrust plate is bolted to an output planet pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Martin, Yichen Li, Matthew Richards, Randolph Dozier
  • Patent number: 10034429
    Abstract: The present invention provides an embedded-outer rotor motor direct driven mower driving wheel and a mower. The embedded-outer rotor motor direct driven mower driving wheel comprises a driving wheel main body formed by the assembling of a wheel side cover I, a wheel side cover II, and a wheel body sandwiched between the wheel side cover I and the wheel side cover II, the wheel side cover I, the wheel side cover II and the wheel body are enclosed to define a cavity, an outer rotor motor is mounted in the cavity, an outer rotor portion of the outer rotor motor is fixedly arranged relative to the driving wheel main body, an internal stator portion of the outer rotor motor is provided with a fixed shaft penetrating through the wheel side cover I and extending out of the driving wheel main body, and the wheel side cover I is provided with a shaft hole I allowing the fixed shaft to penetrate through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG YAT ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yaping Zheng, Daoyan Li, Zhiqiang He
  • Patent number: 9963333
    Abstract: A pallet-truck-compatible load elevator includes a vertical mast and a carriage coupled to the mast for vertical motion of the carriage along the mast. The retractable forks are housed in assemblies connected to the carriage and are beyond the front face of the carriage when in retracted position, such that access to the front face of the carriage is unobstructed to a pallet truck carrying a pallet. Each fork assembly includes an outer fork coupled to a support attached to the carriage and an inner fork coupled to the outer fork, the outer fork being horizontally movable with respect to the carriage and the inner fork being similarly movable with respect to the outer fork to provide telescopic extension and retraction of the fork assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: BISHAMON INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert M Stone
  • Patent number: 9902384
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a motor. A brake is to be actuated by an operation fluid to brake the motor when a hydraulic pressure is relieved and to release the braking when the hydraulic pressure is applied. A switch valve is to be switched to a first position and to a second position, the first position being provided for relieving the hydraulic pressure from the brake, the second position being provided for applying the hydraulic pressure to the brake. A first fluid tube is to connect the switch valve and the brake. A second fluid tube is connected to the first fluid tube at a connecting portion and communicated with a tank A first throttle is disposed on the second fluid tube. A second throttle is disposed on the first fluid tube and on an upstream side between the connecting portion and the switch valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Fukuda, Kazuyoshi Arii
  • Patent number: 9745018
    Abstract: A wheel hub motor includes a motor housing and a motor received in the motor housing. The motor housing includes a first holder, a second holder coupled to the first holder, and a protective ring detachably coupled to the second holder. The motor is received in the first holder and the second holder. An inner diameter of the second holder is equal to an outer diameter of the motor. An outer diameter of the protective ring is greater than the outer diameter of the motor. An inner diameter of the protective ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yen-Chi Chen, Chang-Yuan Shih, Shih-Hsin Hsu
  • Patent number: 9605739
    Abstract: A power transmission system comprises a transmission device, and a power supply device which powers the transmission device, wherein the transmission device comprises a cavity having a body, covers, an inlet and an outlet; at least a pair of rotors and a gear set that are assembled in the cavity; and a transmission shaft pivotally connected with the pair of rotors and the gear set; the power supply device comprises a power equipment available for transmitting a working fluid; shaft adapters connected with the inlet and the outlet of the cavity; and a connecting pipe connected between the power equipment and the shaft adapter; the working fluid is transmitted by the connecting pipe from the power equipment to the inlet of the cavity to provide the pair of rotors with normal force for radial motion in a reverse rotation direction and make pressure in the cavity increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GPOUER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsang-Lin Hsu, Jung-Feng Yeh, Jau-Huai Lu, Tien-Tung Chung, Jian-Hung Lin, Chia-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 9561943
    Abstract: A load-carrying truck has a fork lift mechanism mounted on a chassis, a pair of front wheels (24, 26) and a single rear wheel (30). At least one front wheel (26) and the rear wheel (30) are driven wheels whose speed is varied relative to one another differently depending on whether the truck is being driven in a forward reverse mode with the front wheels (24, 26) aligned generally parallel to the front-rear axis of the chassis and with steering controlled by steering the rear wheel (30), or a sideways mode with the rear wheel (30) aligned generally perpendicular to the front-rear axis of the chassis and with steering controlled by steering the at least one of the front wheels (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Martin McVicar, Robert Moffett
  • Patent number: 9452641
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes two parallel wheels installed at a front wheel set or a rear wheel set, and the axes of the two wheels are not configured to be aligned on the same horizontal line, and the two wheels are installed at a frame through an adjusting module movable with respect to the frame, and a fixing module is installed between the frame and adjusting module for controlling whether to move the adjusting module with respect to the frame. The recreational vehicle is capable of adjusting the width of the rear wheel that touches the ground to enhance the variability, adaptability and practicality of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: YVOLVE SPORTS LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9421823
    Abstract: A final drive includes a planetary gear assembly and at least one bearing. The at least one bearing defines an annulus having an internal space where at least a portion of the planetary gear assembly is located within the internal space. A final drive includes a planetary gear assembly, and at least one bearing, where the at least one bearing defines an annulus having an internal space, and where at least a portion of the planetary gear assembly is located within the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mirko Barbir
  • Patent number: 9359844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole driving unit (11) for insertion into a well, comprising a driving unit housing (51), a hydraulic motor (23) comprising a hydraulic motor housing (93), a wheel assembly (90) comprising a stationary part (91) and a rotational part (92), the stationary part being connected with the driving unit housing and being rotatably connected with the rotational part, the stationary part and the rotational part constituting the hydraulic motor housing, the rotational part comprising a wheel ring (99) closed from one end, wherein the wheel assembly comprises a spring member (113) assembling the hydraulic motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9228598
    Abstract: A fluid cooling device has at least one heat exchanger device (10) for cooling at least one fluid and has at least one filter device (12) also for filtering the fluid conducted to a hydraulic device (14). The device has a follow-up suction device (42) that, if required, conducts fluid to the suction side of the hydraulic device fluid cooling (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: HYDAC S.A.
    Inventors: Viktor Josef Lauer, Giuseppe Zeolla
  • Patent number: 9085256
    Abstract: A two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base having canted wheels is disclosed. In one embodiment, the two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base includes adjustable canted wheels in which the angle of the canted wheels is adjustable. In this embodiment, the two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base includes a pair of wheel assemblies mechanically coupled to a battery housing. Each of the wheel assemblies includes, for example, a mounting plate, a drive motor arranged in a motor housing, a canted wheel that is driven by the drive motor, and an angle-adjusting motor for adjusting the angle of the canted wheel. In another embodiment, the two-wheel movable platform, carrier, or base includes canted wheels that are set at a fixed angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: OPOBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Colin Parker, Vikram B. Shah
  • Patent number: 9046154
    Abstract: A wheel drive unit includes a planetary gear mechanism including a planetary gear and an internally-toothed gear. A casing is integrated with the internally-toothed gear, a wheel is attached to the casing, and the casing transmits rotation of the internally-toothed gear to the wheel. A bearing is fitted to an inner circumferential surface of the casing at a position more toward an interior of a vehicle than the planetary gear and rotatably supports the casing. An inner diameter of an outer race of the bearing is larger than an outer diameter of the planetary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masayuki Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8997914
    Abstract: A pump supplying reservoir oil reservoired in an input case to devices to be supplied with the reservoir oil and a filter for filtering the reservoir oil circulating in the input case are provided in the input case. A pump supplying reservoir oil in each of left and right axle cases to a hydraulic continuously variable transmission provided in each of the axle cases and a filter filtering the reservoir oil circulating in each of the left and right axle cases are provided in each of the left and right axle cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hideya Umemoto, Akira Minoura
  • Publication number: 20140367180
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes a hydraulic pump, a top housing that houses the hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic motor. An endblock sub-assembly has a pump running face for interfacing with the hydraulic pump, and a motor connection portion for interfacing with a hydraulic motor. The enblock sub-assembly forms a porting manifold for communicating hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor includes an internal rotor set, and the hydraulic motor is secured to the endblock sub-assembly in a manner that permits rotation of the rotor set. The top housing is fixed to the endblock sub-assembly such that the housing and endblock sub-assembly form a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid. The motor connection portion of the endblock sub-assembly supports the hydraulic motor externally to the top housing. The hydrostatic transmission is suitable for incorporation into various light vehicle categories, including zero-turn radius vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jason Scot Richardson, Richard C. Hynes, Michael Crosby
  • Patent number: 8886379
    Abstract: This device is an ultra-thin vehicle where no more than twenty five percent of its solar array extends beyond the vehicle when it is being driven and the solar array is undeployed. However, this same solar array will cover an area at least twice as large as the vehicle and approximately the same size as a parking space when the array is fully deployed. This solar array is also designed to make it possible to easily orient it towards the sun during the majority of time when it is parked. Hence, solar power can be the primary source of power for a typical driver due to the lowered power needs of this tapered ultra thin vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin David Freeman
  • Patent number: 8863885
    Abstract: A wheel hub unit includes a wheel hub, a hydraulic motor and at least one bearing for supporting the wheel hub and the hydraulic motor. The wheel hub unit comprises a first seal for protecting the at least one bearing from hydraulic oil from the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Ingemar Dagh, Martin Sjöholm, Lena Larsson
  • Patent number: 8820065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrostatic transmission closed circuit comprising a fluid tank (50), a hydraulic pump (12; 212), a first engine assembly (20; 220) and a second engine assembly (30, 40; 230), said first and second engine assemblies (30, 40; 230), each comprising at least one hydraulic engine, a booster pump (14; 214), an exchange unit (60; 260), said circuit being characterised in that it also comprises a supplementary boosting line (150; 350) which removes fluid at the outlet of the exchange unit (60; 260) and boosts the hydrostatic transmission circuit at the level of the series line (104; 204).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventor: Jean Heren
  • Patent number: 8668042
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic transmission including a hydraulic pump configured to be coupled to a prime mover, a hydraulic motor configured to be coupled to an output shaft, and fluid lines coupling the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor to provide a fluid circuit providing flow communication between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, such that operation of the hydraulic pump provides fluid flow to the hydraulic motor, and the hydraulic motor supplies torque to the output shaft. A controller is configured to control operation of the hydraulic transmission. The controller is configured to receive signals indicative of pressure in the fluid circuit and reduce an output of the hydraulic pump when the pressure in the fluid circuit reaches a pressure level, and a rate of response of the reduction of the output of the hydraulic pump is varied based on a temperature of fluid in the fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8627657
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission apparatus having a main pump, two main ducts that are respectively a feed main duct and a discharge main duct for first and second hydraulic motors serving to drive two drive members of a vehicle that are situated one after the other. At least the first hydraulic motor is a dual motor made up of two elementary motors, a first one of which is connected via a series link to the second hydraulic motor. A link selector can take up a first position in which a series loop including said series link coexists with a direct loop for directly linking at least the second elementary motor to the two respective orifices of the main pump, and a second position in which at least one of said direct and series loops is bypassed by a bypass link having a constriction valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventor: Jean Heren
  • Patent number: 8613342
    Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for use in powered lawn equipment is disclosed. The wheel hub assembly has a receiving member which is coupled to an intermediate shaft having an intermediate gear. The intermediate gear is coupled to an output shaft having an output gear. The output shaft is connected to an output hub; the intermediate shaft gear meshes with the output gear such that when the receiving pulley is rotated in one direction, the output hub rotates in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: GXi Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon W Jackson, William R. Best, Harold E. Mills
  • Patent number: 8548705
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated clutch, which comprises a hydraulic clutch actuating system having a hydrostatic actuator, the pressure of which is detected. The method includes using the pressure of the hydrostatic actuator to adapt the characteristic curve of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Eich, Markus Baehr
  • Patent number: 8505671
    Abstract: A drivable caster wheel assembly comprises a support socket defining a journal, a support frame with a post with a portion thereof positioned in the journal and being rotatable in the journal of the support socket about a substantially vertical axis. The support frame may include an arm mounted on the post. An axle is mounted on the arm. A wheel is mounted on the axle and is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. A hydraulic motor is mounted on the support frame and configured to rotate the wheel with respect to the support frame. A fluid transfer structure is configured to transfer fluid from a fluid power source on the mobile base when the support socket is mounted on the mobile base to the motor for driving the wheel while maintaining an ability of the support frame and wheel to rotate about the substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Brad Mohns
  • Patent number: 8464826
    Abstract: A hydraulic traveling vehicle includes a right-travel motor a left-travel motor, a hydraulic pump, a merging/diverging valve and a travel switching unit. The merging/diverging valve is configured to switch between merging and separating a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. The travel switching unit is configured to switch between a state where sharp turning takes place as a result of one of the right-travel motor and the left-travel motor being stopped and the other being driven, with the merging/diverging valve being in a merging state, and a state where gentle turning takes place as a result of the right-travel motor and the left-travel motor being driven at different rotational speeds, with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Yamada, Jun Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8459398
    Abstract: A wheel motor device applicable to a working vehicle including a driving power source, a hydraulic pump main body operatively driven by the driving source and a driving wheel, the wheel motor device comprising a hydraulic motor main body forming an HST in cooperation with the hydraulic pump main body, a motor shaft supporting the hydraulic motor main body in a relatively non-rotatable manner with respect thereto, an output member outputting toward the driving wheel the rotational power that has been operatively transmitted from the motor shaft, and a casing accommodating the hydraulic motor main body and supporting the motor shaft and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Iwaki
  • Patent number: 8408343
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a chair, a pair of drive wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a pair of front wheels. Each front wheel is part of a front arm assembly that is rigidly coupled to a drive via a mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the wheelchair frame by a pivot. The drives are transversely mounted. The batteries are disposed rearward of the drives. The wheelchair seat can be moved forward to provide access to the batteries without fully removing the wheelchair from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: John Puskar-Pasewicz, Kip D. Alder
  • Patent number: 8403098
    Abstract: A hydraulic power control system for a work machine is provided. The system may include a hydraulic power output device selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic motor and a work implement hydraulic actuator. The system may also include a variable displacement hydraulic pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power output device. The system may further include at least one pressure sensor configured to measure pressure of the hydraulic fluid at a location between the pump and the hydraulic power output device. In addition, the system may include at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the hydraulic fluid in the system. The system may include a controller configured to control a displacement of the pump based on a pressure measurement of the at least one pressure sensor and a temperature measurement of the at least one temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen V. Lunzman, Muhammed Were
  • Patent number: 8387377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic multi-motor drive (1) with a hydraulic pump (2) and at least one first pair of hydraulic motors. The two hydraulic motors (6, 7) of the first pair of hydraulic motors are connected to one another in series by means of a first working line section (12). A bypass line (15) is provided which connects a first connection (11; 10) of the hydraulic motor (7; 6), which is upstream in relation to a volumetric flow generated by the hydraulic pump (2), to a second connection (9; 8) of the downstream hydraulic motor (7; 6). A first valve unit (18) which interrupts the first bypass line (15) is arranged in the bypass line (15). A first minimum pressure maintaining device (25; 26) for maintaining a minimum pressure at the upstream connection (11; 10) of the downstream hydraulic motor (7; 6) is also arranged in the bypass line (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Loewe, Heinz-Gerhard Essig
  • Patent number: 8359145
    Abstract: In an energy storage and recovery system for a hybrid vehicle 1, the operating ratio range of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) 10 which transfers drive between the vehicle's driveline 8 and a flywheel 9 is effectively extended by the use of an integrated starter-generator (ISG) 13 connected to the flywheel shaft 12. When there is a high mismatch of rotational speed between the propshaft 8 and the flywheel shaft 12, prior to connecting the two shafts by a clutch 11, the ISG 13 either spins up or decelerates the flywheel 9 until its speed is brought within the optimum operating range of the CVT 10. This measure reduces wear and tear on the clutch 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy James Bowman, Donatus Andreas Josephine Kees
  • Patent number: 8342283
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, a heat exchanger to heat the compressed air, and an air motor driven by the heated air and connected to at least one wheel. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to a wheel. The vehicle also has a ventilation system for the passenger compartment, a heat exchanger, and a restrictive solenoid valve for directing ventilation system air to the heat exchanger. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, an aluminum compressed air tank, a carbon filament reinforced plastic layer over the tank, a fiberglass and aramid-fiber layer over the carbon filament reinforced plastic layer, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Deakin University
    Inventors: Bernard Frank Rolfe, Timothy Ian De Souza, Gregory Ryan Pitts, Stuart James McFarlane Hanafin, Steven Lewis Anthony Agius, Benjamin Paul Adamson, Michael Pio Gordon Pereira, Timothy John Black, Christopher James Hurren, Noel Egan Miller
  • Patent number: 8333069
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a main pump, two main ducts serving respectfully as feed and as discharge for first and second hydraulic motors that serve to drive disposed one after the other. A bypass valve can take up a reduced-speed position in which the feed main orifices are connected to the discharge main duct, and an increased-speed position in which one of the motors is bypassed, the feed main orifice of the motor being connected to the discharge main duct via a bypass link, while the other main orifices continue to have their respective links. The apparatus further includes a constriction suitable for being activated to restrict the flow of fluid through the bypass link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventors: Jean Heren, Philippe Lucienne, Andre Prigent, Cyrille D'Hersignerie
  • Publication number: 20120285753
    Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: The Toro Company
    Inventors: David J. Scherbring, Jesse R. Gamble, Jakie R. Gust
  • Patent number: 8306707
    Abstract: A system and method of dithering speed and/or torque for shifting a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump which can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic accumulator supplied by said motor/pump, and at least one reversible hydraulic driving motor for propelling the vehicle supplied with fluid by the hydraulic accumulator and/or by said motor/pump operating as a pump. A transmission unit connects the engine with the variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump during a first mode of operation (city mode) and connects the engine to a vehicle drive wheel during a second mode of operation. The system utilizes stored hydraulic energy to dither the output of the driving motor in order to achieve quick and smooth shifts between city and highway mode, or between various ranges within the city mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler