Assembly Feature Patents (Class 180/344)
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Patent number: 10703199Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle differential linked to and is arranged to move with a control arm and/or an a-arm of a suspension assembly, providing a floating differential suspension system. The differential is adapted to be mounted independent of the vehicle frame. Advantages of a floating differential suspension system include better alignment between the differential and the transfer case, reduced drive shaft movement in the vertical direction, minimal plunge at the drive shaft splines, longer axle length with increased wheel travel, decreased angle at mechanical connections, reduced camber change through the wheel travel, lower frame construction with increased range of suspension travel, and reduced risk of vehicle roll over without compromising the range of suspension travel.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Amanda Bent-Bolt CompanyInventors: Robert Gruschow, Wesley Scott Holmes, Nicholas Paul Stephey
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Patent number: 9647582Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a tandem starter-generator construction that includes an induction motor-generator, a permanent magnet motor-generator and power transmission unit disposed adjacent to the motor-generators. The induction motor-generator is utilized predominantly as a motor to provide mechanical power at relatively high efficiency as a motor, and as a generator to provide electrical power during regenerative braking. The permanent magnet motor-generator is used predominantly as a generator for very high efficiency power conversion and to capture additional electrical power during regenerative braking to compensates for the regenerative energy captured at lower efficiency by the induction motor-generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Altigreen Propulsion Labs Private LimitedInventors: John Bangura, Lasse Moklegaard, Amitabh Saran
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Publication number: 20150129346Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mounting structure. A transmission case is constructed by connecting a clutch case, a case main body, and an end case, which are split in the direction of a rotational center axis. The clutch case and the case main body are provided with projecting portions. The projecting portions are connected by co-fastening bolts. Fixtures are secured to the projecting portions by mounting bolts, which are installed from the direction of the rotational center axis. The transmission is installed to a vehicle through the intermediary of supports. The projecting portions are co-fastened by the mounting bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Ashimori, Mitsuo Kimura, Yoshimi Hirano
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Patent number: 9009941Abstract: It is intended to make it possible to, even in a situation where a program and/or data to be written to a memory device of an electronic control unit provided in an automatic transmission become different in content, depending on a specification of a vehicle to be mounted with the automatic transmission, manage the electronic control unit while distinguishing only by a difference in hardware configurations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Akihiro Mitani, Keiichiro Sueshige, Tsuyoshi Kiyooka
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Patent number: 8870489Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1, 1?) for the rotationally fixed connection of a drive-effective pin (3) of a gearbox to an articulated body (2) of a drive coupling of a drive shaft. In order to allow cost-effective and compact production and in order to simplify assembly and disassembly, the invention provides for the pin (3) and the articulated body (2) of the drive coupling to have respective mutually corresponding external axial toothings (11) and internal axial toothings (8) which are able to mesh with one another, and for an axial securing of the articulated body (2) and the pin (3) to be made possible by an axially displaceable bushing (12) arranged on the pin (3), which bushing (12) can be attached to a connecting portion (4) of the articulated body (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: IFA-Technologies GmbHInventors: Gerald Langer, John Sherlock
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Patent number: 8827030Abstract: A gearbox for a model car, comprising: a housing; an input gear; an output gear; and at least one intermediate gear. The housing provides a support for each of the input gear, the output gear and each intermediate gear; and in which the gearbox has: a first operating configuration where the input gear, the output gear and at least one intermediate gear are supported by the supports and mesh to form a gear train from input gear to output gear through each intermediate gear supported by the supports; and a second operating configuration where the input gear and the output gear are supported on the supports but fewer intermediate gears are supported by the supports, such that the input gear, the output gear and any intermediate gears supported by the supports mesh to form a gear train from input gear to output gear through any remaining intermediate gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Arrma Durango LtdInventor: Gerd Strenge
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Patent number: 8813896Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body is disclosed. A transmission casing includes a plurality of walls extending outwardly to a distal edge. One of the walls defines a first side and another one of the walls defines a second side. A power inverter module is coupled to the transmission casing to define a unit disposed in a first position when the unit is stationary relative to a first end of the vehicle body and a second position when the unit moves toward a second end of the vehicle body. The power inverter module slopes downwardly from the first side toward the second side to define a module angle relative to a longitudinal axis such that the power inverter module defines an angular position. The angular position of the power inverter module minimizes engagement of the power inverter module with a component when the unit is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joseph Ralph Littlefield, Anthony P. Tata, Michael O. Harpster, Jr.
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Patent number: 8640815Abstract: A boot assembly includes a boot and a retention band. The retention band includes a ring, a lever attached to the ring and a clasp associated with the ring and configured for selective engagement with the lever. The boot includes an annular wall defining a hollow interior configured to receive a portion of a drive assembly of a vehicle. The boot further includes a rib, the rib being integral with the annular wall and extending radially outwardly from the annular wall. The rib and the annular wall cooperate to define an annular channel that is configured to receive the retention band. The rib extends radially outwardly beyond the ring, the lever and the clasp of the retention band when the retention band is seated within the annular channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
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Patent number: 8607915Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David C. Johnson, James W. Platt, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
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Patent number: 8517139Abstract: With regard to a tractor having a high-powered engine, universal joints must be enlarged, whereby the attachment work of a power transmission shaft becomes difficult. Furthermore, the kind of the universal joints to be used is limited, thereby being inconvenient. Therefore, a tractor is constructed so that a transmission casing is arranged in a rear portion of a vehicle body, a front axle casing is arranged in the front portion of the vehicle body, and power from an engine is transmitted from an output shaft supported by the transmission casing through a power transmission shaft to an input shaft supported by the front axle casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Komatsu, Keiichi Hayashi
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Patent number: 8413759Abstract: An oil-pressure output device (electric pump unit) is arranged on an outer wall face of an automatic transmission which is positioned on an opposite side to an engine (left side of a vehicle). An arrangement position of the oil-pressure output device is out of a movable range of one of the steered driving wheels which is located on the opposite side to the engine (left front wheel). Accordingly, a simpler layout change between a case of attaching the oil-pressure output device to the automatic transmission and another case of not attaching the one can be provided, so that commonality of components or layout of the automatic transmission and its surrounding devices and structures can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Koshiro Saji, Shinsuke Yoshiura, Masako Shinohara
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Patent number: 8292016Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David C. Johnson, James W. Platt, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
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Patent number: 8261870Abstract: A method for replacing an endless power transmitting element in a motorcycle having a rear axle assembly with a pair of driven wheels. The method includes: removing the bearing caps from the carrier structure; disengaging the shafts from the differential assembly; moving the differential assembly away from carrier structure; mounting the endless power transmitting element about the differential assembly and through an opening in the carrier housing; replacing the bearing caps to the carrier structure; and re-engaging the shafts to the differential assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David C. Johnson, James W. Platt, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
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Patent number: 8177014Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James Winston Platt, David Charles Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold Wayne Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
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Patent number: 8172032Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: John Buschena
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Patent number: 8042639Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James Winston Platt, David Charles Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold Wayne Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
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Patent number: 7984782Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James Winston Platt, David Charles Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold Wayne Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
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Patent number: 7967101Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: John Buschena
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Patent number: 7866433Abstract: A carrier assembly has a unique architecture which allows the carrier assembly to be defined by a very small packaging envelope. The carrier includes a main carrier housing with an internal cavity for receiving a differential and a carrier cover that closes the internal cavity once the differential has been installed. Examples of architectural features include a differential lock actuator that is mounted to the carrier cover, dowel pins that accommodate differential leg thrust loads and align the carrier cover relative to the main carrier housing, and bolt-in differential leg structures to facilitate pinion installation. Further, the carrier assembly can be utilized with an independent suspension to provide a increased jounce travel range.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Robert J. Martin, III, Dale J. Eschenburg, Brian David Hayes
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Patent number: 7673719Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Agco CorporationInventor: John Buschena
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Patent number: 7665567Abstract: A shift actuator comprises a drive shaft and a housing that rotatably supports the drive shaft. A shift position detecting apparatus detects a rotational position of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to a shift mechanism by an operating lever and a shift rod. The operating lever and the housing are respectively formed with a through hole and a bottomed hole. The drive shaft can be temporarily secured in rotational position by inserting a lever positioning pin into the through hole and the bottomed hole. When secured, the shift position detecting apparatus can be attached to the housing and a length of the shift rod can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Kosugi
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Patent number: 7658262Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
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Patent number: 7628457Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Paul David Pochatila, Mark Richard Knight
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Patent number: 7591202Abstract: A gear box power control system is disclosed to be consisting of a centrifugal clutch with integral bell housing drive, a gear train for speed reduction and torque enhancement, an output jackshaft with an engaging system to disengage and engage engine power to a primary drive sprocket for chain operation. The engagement and disengagement of engine power is done by an integral engager remotely controlled by steel cable and hand lever. A motorized vehicle is disclosed as consisting of a standard bicycle frame or modified bicycle frame, a tricycle frame, a go-cart frame, and a paddle wheel boat frame all with the gear box power control system of present invention installed on a gasoline four cycle engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: Donald Barton Grube
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Patent number: 7559403Abstract: A dual control arm independent suspension mounts to a chassis of a high mobility truck for steering, non-steering, driving, and/or for non-driving. The dual control arm independent suspension has modular, tubular-frame and/or differential housing for attachment to front axle positions and/or to rear axle positions to simultaneously employ an upper control arm and a lower control arm. The upper control arm, the lower control arm and/or a half shaft position is offset and/or is staggered along a vehicle to minimize and/or to decouple a reaction of the dual control arm independent suspension from an excitement and/or a resonance. The dual control arm independent suspension is manufactured or is retrofitted to a manufactured swing-arm independent suspension chassis for utilizing an integral differential mount and/or an adapter plate. A modular dual control arm chassis provides tube sections and/or differential assemblies to be added or to be removed to support alternate vehicle configurations.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Inventor: Geoffrey W. Schmitz
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Patent number: 7503240Abstract: A power transfer device includes an input, a gear set for transferring power from the input to at least one output, a housing and a cover. The housing includes an access aperture sized for receiving the gear set. The access aperture includes a threaded wall. The cover closes the aperture and is threadably engaged with the threaded wall to secure the cover to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: John C. Hibbler, Dale R. Dick, Jr.
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Patent number: 7500410Abstract: A transmission for a tractor having a change speed device operable when an engine and the transmission are connected to transmit, in varied speeds, power from the engine to a driving wheel, a main drive shaft for receiving power from the engine when the engine and the transmission are connected, and a reverse and forward drive switching device disposed between the engine and the change speed device operable to switch a direction of rotation of power from the engine. The reverse and forward drive switching device being shiftable between a high-speed forward drive position, a low-speed forward drive position, and a reverse drive position, and including a high-speed forward drive clutch, a low-speed forward drive clutch, and a reverse drive clutch wherein each clutch is mounted on the main drive shaft for switching the reverse and forward drive switching device to each respective clutch drive position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventor: Kenichiro Tsuji
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Patent number: 7484437Abstract: A transmission unit particularly for driving screw feeders and auxiliary user devices of mixing trucks, comprising an off-center distribution device, which can be associated with an external power take-off and forms couplings for the connection of auxiliary user devices; a reduction unit, which is functionally connected to the off-center distribution device and can be associated with the screw feeders of a mixing truck; and a main friction clutch device, which is interposed between the off-center distribution device and the reduction unit, a device for reversing the direction of rotation of the screw feeders and an auxiliary friction clutch device for the reversing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Comer Industries S.p.A.Inventors: Achille Brunazzi, Andrea Gallo, Fausto Mora
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Patent number: 7404460Abstract: In mode switch control apparatus and method for a hybrid transmission, both of a torque transmission capacity of one of a predetermined clutch and a predetermined brake which is engaged when a mode switch is carried out and a torque change of one of motor/generators along with a polarity reversal in the one of the motor/generators when the polarity reversal is involved in the motor/generator before and after the mode switch is carried out are mutually interlocked.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
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Publication number: 20080173495Abstract: With regard to a tractor having a high-powered engine, universal joints must be enlarged, whereby the attachment work of a power transmission shaft becomes difficult. Furthermore, the kind of the universal joints to be used is limited, thereby being inconvenient. A tractor is constructed so that a transmission casing 23 is arranged in a rear portion of a vehicle body, a front axle casing 25 is arranged in the front portion of the vehicle body, and power from an engine 3 is transmitted from an output shaft 86 supported by the transmission casing 23 through a power transmission shaft 97 to an input shaft 101 supported by the front axle casing 25.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2004Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masakazu Komatsu, Keiichi Hayashi
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Patent number: 7354373Abstract: A vehicle drive unit including (a) a transversely-mounted engine, (b) a transmission receiving an output of the engine and having an output shaft, and (c) a differential gear device including a ring gear and arranged to transmit an output of the transmission to a pair of right and left drive wheels while permitting a differential action, and wherein the differential gear device is located on one side of the engine which is on the side of the right and left drive wheels, and rotary power transmitting elements between an output gear fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the transmission and the ring gear of the differential gear device are arranged in a single row parallel to the longitudinal direction of vehicle, so that the vehicle drive unit has a relatively small axial dimension in the transverse or width direction B of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Abiru, Shinji Ogawa, Koji Naito
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Patent number: 7325643Abstract: There is provided a reduction gear device applied to a vehicle having a motor unit with a motor shaft for outputting a driving force for driving a driving wheel. The reduction gear device includes an input shaft operatively connected to said motor shaft; a reduction gear unit operatively connected to said input shaft; a brake disk supported by the input shaft in a relatively non-rotatable and axially movable manner; an operating member for pushing and moving the brake disk toward a braking surface; a housing for accommodating the reduction gear unit, the brake disk and the operating member; and a brake operating shaft which is supported rotatably about an axis by the housing along a radial direction of the brake disk and has an engagement part engaging with the operating member.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Shimizu, Toshiyuki Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7255021Abstract: A hybrid electro-mechanical vehicular transmission is provided that may be selectively configured to accommodate a two-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive vehicular configuration. This is accomplished using a two-wheel drive adapter housing affixed with respect to the transmission end housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: William S. Reed, Joel E. Mowatt
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Patent number: 7231847Abstract: A power transfer device includes an input, a gear set for transferring power from the input to at least one output, a housing and a cover. The housing includes an access aperture sized for receiving the gear set. The access aperture includes a threaded wall. The cover closes the aperture and is threadably engaged with the threaded wall to secure the cover to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: John C. Hibbler, Dale R. Dick, Jr.
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Patent number: 7225705Abstract: A power transmission device includes a drive shaft, one end of which extends beyond a drive-side transmission case, a drive wheel mounted onto the one end of the drive shaft, a driven wheel journaled by a driven-side transmission case that is mounted onto the driven-side transmission case, and a cover member. The cover member is mounted on the driven-side transmission case and covers one end of the drive shaft, the drive wheel and the driven wheel from a location on an outer side of the transmission case. A regulating member is provided to regulate movement of the drive wheel in an axial direction relative to the driven-side transmission case. The regulating member and the cover member are each in separate abutment with corresponding abutment surfaces the driven-side transmission case. The abutment surfaces of the transmission case are substantially coplanar with each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., LtdInventor: Yoshihide Takano
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Patent number: 7225704Abstract: In a transmission for a working vehicle, a working unit includes a hydraulic power unit and a valve unit enclosed in a first bulging portion of a transmission case closer to an upper side or on a top surface thereof and connected with each other along a vehicle lengthwise direction. The first bulging portion is closer to a first lateral side along the vehicle width direction of the transmission case, while a hydraulic pump is located closer to a second lateral side. Hydraulic fluid is drawn from the transmission case, around a lower side of the hydraulic pump, through a suction port thereof, and discharged to a suction port of the valve unit. The hydraulic power unit includes a cylinder tube and piston, extending in the lengthwise direction, and a support shaft, extending along the width direction, which is supported by the transmission case and connected to a lift arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Hirohiko Kawada, Hideki Kanenobu, Hiroshi Tottori, Kentaro Nagata
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Patent number: 7211971Abstract: A linear actuator having a housing, a plunger slidably mounted to the housing between an extended and retracted position, and an electric motor drivingly connected to the plunger to move the plunger between its extended and retracted positions. A motor circuit controls the activation of the motor circuit and deactivates the motor circuit whenever the motor current exceeds a threshold value which varies as a function of the supply voltage to the electric motor and/or temperature. A memory storage unit stores the position of the plunger. Whenever the position of the plunger is in a state of transition between its retracted and extended position upon system initialization, the motor control circuit activates the motor to drive the plunger to a preselected extended or retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.Inventors: Mark Evans, Ross Miyao, John Nunneley, Lee Aho
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Patent number: 7096753Abstract: The cartridge type transmission is a transmission configured to be detachable and attachable from/to the crankcase, the main shaft is arranged on the cut surface BF of the crankcase, and the change spindle and the shift fork shaft are pivotally supported in the upper crankcase, which is positioned on the upper side of the cut surface BF. The counter shaft is pivotally supported in the lower crankcase, which is positioned on the lower side of the cut surface BF.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawakubo, Toru Gunji, Hiromi Sumi
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Patent number: 7089824Abstract: A traveling transmission apparatus for a work vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stepless change-speed unit receiving power from an engine, a gear transmission mechanism receiving power from the stepless change-speed unit and disposed rearwardly of the engine, a rear-wheel differential mechanism receiving power from the gear transmission mechanism and disposed rearwardly of the engine, and a transmission case accommodating the gear transmission mechanism and the rear-wheel differential mechanism and coupled to the rear of the engine. The stepless change-speed unit is disposed rearwardly of the gear transmission mechanism and rearwardly also of an output shaft of the rear-wheel differential mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Yasunobu Nakatani, Yoshifumi Horiuchi
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Patent number: 7051619Abstract: A motor vehicle axle assembly includes a hollow cylindrical, internally-splined input shaft that is adapted to be connected to an externally-splined shaft of an end fitting of a driveshaft assembly. By using the mass centerline or center of balance of the end fitting shaft as a common center of balance for a balanced driveshaft assembly and further as a locating centerline for the connection between the input shaft of the axle assembly and the shaft of the rear end fitting of the driveshaft assembly, eccentricities in the connection between the input shaft and the end fitting are minimized to reduce noise and vibration. This also provides an adequate seal between the input shaft and the carrier of the axle assembly to retain lubricant in the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies LLCInventor: Vincent J. Morgillo
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Patent number: 7047839Abstract: In a transmission for a working vehicle, a PTO input shaft is located with its rotational axis extending in a vehicle lengthwise direction substantially at a widthwise center of a transmission case along a vehicle width direction. A running power input shaft is located with its rotational axis extending in the vehicle lengthwise direction substantially at the same position as that of the PTO input shaft along the vehicle width direction and at a lower side of the PTO input shaft. The transmission case provides an accommodation space for accommodating a differential gear unit, which space is displaced to a first lateral side of the vehicle along the vehicle width direction. A running power transmission shaft is located on the front side of the space with its axis extending in the vehicle lengthwise direction, and the running power input shaft, the running power transmission shaft and the differential gear unit are interlocked to each other via a running power gear train.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Hirohiko Kawada, Hideki Kanenobu, Hiroshi Tottori, Kentaro Nagata
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Patent number: 7044883Abstract: The invention relates to a device for driving a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a hub for carrying the wheel in a rotationally fixed manner, a planetary gear connected between a driving axle and the hub, which planetary gear includes a planet carrier which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the hub, and an arrangement for fixing the hub and the planet carrier in the intended position relative to one another in the axial direction. Both the hub and the planet carrier include a hole which extends in the axial direction. At least one of the holes forms at least a part of a continuous opening through the hub and the planet carrier in the axial direction. The fixing arrangement comprises an elongate element arranged in the continuous opening and an arrangement for fixing the hub and the planet carrier relative to one another in the axial direction via the elongate element.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden ABInventors: Thomas Andersson, Lars Larsson, Mats Akerblom
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Patent number: 7026770Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating apparatus that can be used, for example, as an actuating apparatus for a motor vehicle transmission, the select function and the shift function being guaranteed by this actuating apparatus and it being possible to effect this using exactly one electric motor, and it being possible, starting from an original gear, to alternatively engage at least three different target gears without it being necessary in between to shift into an intermediate gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Jeff Hemphill, Trevor McConnell, Patrick Lindemann
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Patent number: 6964317Abstract: A high ground clearance drive assembly includes a drop box and an articulation drop box. The drop box is fixed to the vehicle frame and the articulation drop box pivots relative thereto as a suspension system is exercised. The articulation drop box is pivotable about a pivot pin which extends through both the articulation drop box and the drop box to provide an axial preload therebetween. A first chain interconnects an input sprocket on the input shaft and an intermediate sprocket assembly. A second chain interconnects a second intermediate sprocket and the output sprocket to drive an output shaft connected thereto. A hollow shaft supports the first and second intermediate sprockets about the pivot pin such that rotation of the articulation drop box relative the drop box is accommodated without additional complex structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Barry Stuart Groves, Patrick Michael Cadaret
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Patent number: 6923092Abstract: A control mechanism for a transmission such as a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle which simplifies construction and enables the user to change the orientation of the transmission in a vehicle. A first linkage member is rotatably mounted on a support rod and has first and second oppositely extending arms mounted thereon. The arms of the first linkage member are attached to the vehicle drive control and the transmission control arm. A second linkage member is rotatably mounted on the first linkage member and also has two arms oppositely extending therefrom which are connected to a vehicle brake control and the transmission brake mechanism. This second arm of the second linkage member may be engaged to a return arm that is connected to a transmission brake arm by a spring device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Thomas Wiley, Bryce E. Steenburg
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Patent number: 6848531Abstract: A small vehicle features a drive system that directs power from an engine unit to at least one driven wheel. The driven wheel is connected to a half shaft. The half shaft is driven by a ring gear. The ring gear is driven by a pinion gear. The pinion gear is connected to a longitudinally extending drive shaft. The pinion gear is axially adjustable along the rotational axis of the drive shaft relative to the ring gear. The pinion gear is not substantially axially adjustable relative to a cover member the partially defines a gear housing. The cover member is adjustably secured to the balance of the gear housing through a shim. The shim can be exchanged for varied shim sizes to effect proper meshing between the pinion gear and the ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiko Izumi, Hitoshi Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6779619Abstract: A parking pawl is implemented on a series type, hybrid electric vehicle by providing a transmission having a moveable locking plate. The locking plate is used to selectively engage and disengage from one of the power transfer gears of the transmission. While the locking plate is linearly moveable between engaged and disengaged position, it is locked against rotation and prevents rotation of the power transfer gear when engaged thereto. An electromagnet is used to pull the locking plate from an engaged position to a retracted, disengaged position. A compression spring biases the plate toward the engaged position with the rotating gear. The locking plate can be held in the retracted position by moveable locking pins to avoid any need to keep the electromagnet energized.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: James A. Thomas
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Patent number: 6519522Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a starting gear step for a vehicle with a stepped variable speed transmission with several gear steps. It is proposed that a maximum admissible value for a slip time (12) and/or a maximum admissible value for a frictional work (14) of the starting clutch during the starting process, the same as an available engine torque (10) for starting be determined, that beginning with a highest suitable gear step (18) for starting, values for the slip time (20) and/or the frictional work (22) be calculated in advance depending on the vehicle mass (8), that the precalculated values (20, 22) be compared with the maximum admissible values (12, 14), that the calculation loop be repeated with the next smaller suitable gear step for starting when at least one of the precalculated values is greater than the maximum admissible values and that a gear step be issued as starting gear step when the precalculated values are smaller than or equal to the maximum admissible values.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Andreas Wolf, Matthias Winkel, Christoph Rüchardt, Bertram Wengert, Jürgen Müller
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Patent number: 6419041Abstract: An HST used for vehicle with a vehicle body, which includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor fluidly connected with the hydraulic pump, a housing accommodating the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump block supporting the hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor block separately arranged from the hydraulic pump block and supporting the hydraulic motor. The housing constitutes at least a part of the vehicle body. The hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are disposed along the vehicle longitudinal axis via the hydraulic pump block and the hydraulic motor block. The present invention also provides a power transmission arrangement with the HST for vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shusuke Nemoto
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Patent number: 6401857Abstract: The swing arm device is divided into an arm body and a rear housing body. The arm body has a front end pivot shaft, a drive shaft case, a leg portion and a brake case provided behind the drive shaft case and is an integral aluminum casting. The rear housing body has a gear case, a left case portion and a rear axle case and is an integral aluminum casting. The dividing plane is almost perpendicular to the shaft axis of a drive shaft. The arm body and the rear housing body are separatably fastened together with a bolt. Therefore, in the swing arm device, a small number of parts are required, a welding work takes less labor and time, a necessary rigidity can easily be kept and an assembling work can easily be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazumasa Hisada, Kazuhiro Maeda