Abstract: A self-propelled operating machine which transmits power from a power source via a hydraulic CVT to a transmission mechanism and transmits the power from the transmission mechanism to left and right axles is provided. On the transmission mechanism, the hydraulic CVT and a stand substantially enclosing the side peripheral surface of the CVT are disposed. On the stand, the power source is disposed. The power source, hydraulic CVT and transmission mechanism, which constitute a power train, are thus put together to reduce installation space. The stand has a cooling passage for allowing the passage of the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic CVT while cooling the hydraulic oil. The stand also serves as an oil cooler as well as supporting the power source.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a frame assembly and a rear arm that is pivotally attached to the frame assembly. A rear arm bracket is secured to the frame assembly. A pivot axis is defined through a portion of the rear arm bracket. The pivot axis is disposed rearward of the portion of the frame assembly to which the rear arm bracket is attached. The rear arm is connected to the rear arm bracket such that the width of the rear arm at its connection to the frame assembly is at least as large as the width of the frame assembly at that location.

Abstract: An axle support for motor vehicles has a U-shaped hollow frame with a transverse tube, a first curved transition portion connected to a first end of the transverse tube, and a second curved transition portion connected to a second end of the transverse tube, a first longitudinal tube connected to the first transition portion, and a second longitudinal tube connected to the second transition portion, wherein the first and second longitudinal tubes extend perpendicularly to the transverse tube in the same direction away from the transverse tube. The first and second longitudinal portions each have a curved section with a depression. The curved sections have an interior filled with an inner foamed member of hardenable foam.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a structure having, ground engageable propulsion means, a loader arm mounted for up and down swinging movement, an operator's cab, an engine having an output to provide power for said movement of the loader arm and propulsion of the vehicle and a drive to connect the output to the ground engageable propulsion means to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of land motor vehicle transmissions. The present invention serves the purpose of increasing the surface area of the brake band and preventing the band anchor from breaking in the land motor vehicle transmission. The present invention has an outer core layer and an inner core layer that are connected with each other using flexible connecters, that are capable of responding and withstanding high pressure and torque. The present invention also has attachment section that is used when the present invention is being attached to a transmission of a land motor vehicle. Each layer also has a multitude of slots that are arranged along surfaces of each layer. The present invention is fabricated from a soft metal to ensure flexibility.

Abstract: A removable shaft assembly having a drive shaft with internal splines defined therein and an output shaft positioned within the drive shaft and having a first set of external splines defined thereon adapted to engage the internal splines of the drive shaft is disclosed. The assembly further includes a cap axially aligned with the drive shaft having internal splines defined thereon which are adapted to prevent a axial movement of the output shaft relative to the drive shaft when the cap in a first position and allow axial movement of the output shaft relative to the drive shaft when the cap is in a second position. The output shaft may be removed from the drive shaft when the cap is placed in the first position by axially sliding the first set of external splines through the internal splines of the cap. A method of operating a removable shaft assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a variable-speed V-belt drive disposed on one side of a crankcase of an engine, a V-belt drive cover covering the variable-speed V-belt drive, a gear transmission of transmitting a power of the engine in cooperation with the variable-speed V-belt drive, and a speed sensing device. The speed sensing device includes a speed sensor of measuring a rotating speed of a member which transmits the power of the engine to the wheels. The speed sensor is disposed right under the V-belt drive cover.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A drive assembly of a motor vehicle is secured above a subframe to a separate cross member by way of two engine mounts, with a third mount being provided on a transmission housing or on a distributor drive. The cross member is secured separately and rigidly to the subframe at the vehicle body. The subframe is fastened movably transversely and lengthwise by an elastic mount on the vehicle body. The engine mounts are preferably located immediately adjacent to the engine housing at approximately equal distances from the lengthwise central axis of the assembly. The elastic transmission mount is arranged in a vertical lengthwise plane that runs through a lengthwise central axis.

Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle comprising a front differential, a pair of front halfshaft assemblies operatively connected to the front differential whereby the front differential supplies torque to the pair of front half shaft assemblies, each of the pair of front half shaft assemblies connected to a respective front wheel, a power takeoff unit operatively connected to the front differential, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit whereby the front differential supplies torque to the constant velocity joint through the power takeoff unit, a first propshaft having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the constant velocity joint, a plunging constant velocity joint connected to the second end of the first propshaft, a second propshaft having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the plunging constant velocity joint, a universal joint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the universal joint connected to the second end o

Abstract: A mount for securing a component, such as an engine, to a vehicle frame. Preferably, the mount includes a bottom and top isolator and a cross member that can be assembled and secured to the engine at an assembly station away from the primary assembly line. The cross member includes frame mounting surfaces that are vertically oriented at each side of the cross member, and the frame includes corresponding engine mounting surfaces. A receiver with a downward facing surface is also provided that is attached to the cross member. A stop support that is attached to the vehicle frame supports the weight of the engine with an upward facing support surface that abuts the receiver support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled adjustable height bearing support bracket is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing support bracket supports a rear end of a front drive shaft of an automotive drive train with a multiple piece drive shaft. A driver is provided to adjust the height of the bearing support bracket based upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The bearing support bracket height is adjusted to minimize the angle between the front and rear drive shafts during conditions of high torque transfer of the drive train to minimize launch shudder in the vehicle.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a vehicle drive/suspension system including a chassis having a front portion, a rear portion and a pair of sides; a drive axle having opposed end portions extending between said sides; an elongated rocker arm, having opposed end portions, connected to each of said opposed end portions of said drive axle and pivotally mounted to each of said sides substantially at said opposed end portions of said drive axle; a sprocket rotatably fixed to each of said opposed end portions of said rocker arms; a rotatable drive sprocket connected to each of said opposed end portions of said drive axle; and a drive link for each rocker arm connected to rotate said sprockets in conjunction with said drive sprockets.

Abstract: A vehicle powerplant including an engine-transmission assembly has the engine and transmission connected together at adjacent ends and includes four mounting points. The engine has opposite sides each including one of the mounting points. The transmission includes a housing also having opposite sides and having an inspection opening in the housing adjacent the engine. A cover is secured to the housing and closes the inspection opening. The cover has two opposite supporting portions extending beyond the opposite sides of the transmission and each supporting portion includes one of the mounting points. The four mounting points are connectable with brackets for mounting the powerplant in a vehicle. Optionally, the mounting points include mounting pads on supporting ears of the transmission cover.

Abstract: A transmission having a propeller shaft in the rear is mounted on a cross member which is connected with left and right side frames of a vehicle. The cross member has a closed cross section extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle and is connected at a central portion thereof with the transmission. Two sets of three mounting bolts disposed in a triangular relationship connect the cross member with the left and right side frames through bolt holes slotted in an outward direction of the vehicle on the cross member. When the vehicle has a collision, the transmission is displaced rearwardly and the cross member is deformed to absorb an impact load until the propeller shaft is disconnected from the floor panel.

Abstract: A drive train arrangement for a construction-type vehicle having a central frame member includes an engine, a transmission, and a transfer case extending between and interconnecting the engine and the transmission. The vehicle includes a side frame assembly which extends laterally from the central frame member, and which defines a drive train receiving space within which the engine, transmission and transfer case are received. A second side frame assembly extends laterally from the central frame member in an opposite direction, and is adapted to support an operator cab. The engine and the transmission extend along longitudinal axes which are substantially parallel to each other, and the transfer case drivingly interconnects the engine output with the transmission input. The transmission is drivingly engaged with a pair of drive shafts, which extend along a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the central frame member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a race car having a driveline assembled from a transmission and a rear end coupled to one another, wherein the rear end is coupled to the car's frame only through at least one driveline stiffening plate mounted to the frame adjacent to a location at which the transmission is mounted to the frame, whereby flexing between the transmission and the rear end is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A drive motor mounting module for a hybrid electric vehicle and the motor mounting module in combination with the hybrid electric vehicle. More specifically, the drive motor mounting module is comprised of a drive motor, a front motor mount support bracket, a chassis front support bracket, a chassis cross member, two rear motor mount brackets, two cross braces, two vertical channels and two motor module locating mounts. The entire module can be modularly assembled prior to installation to the vehicle chassis on a main assembly line. The mounting module engages the drive motor to the chassis by three point mountings.

Abstract: A mounting assembly mounts each end of a transmission cross member to a body rail. The mounting assembly includes a cross member sleeve which reduces pre-compression buckling of the transmission cross member. A rail sleeve stiffens the local area of the body rail while adding little weight. A cover plate is secured to the body rail via welding and to the rail sleeve with two bolts. A body rail bracket is also fixedly secured between the cross member sleeve and the body rail to increase the stiffness thereof. The increased stiffness reduces vibrational noise generated by a transmission of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a driveline in a motor vehicle, including supporting a transmission and a rear axle with the body of the motor vehicle. A driveshaft is supported at a first end with the transmission and supported at a second end with the rear axle. A center bearing is positioned to the body of the motor vehicle to further support the driveshaft. The position of the driveline is then measured and a shim thickness is calculated for installation between the center bearing and the body.

Abstract: A subframe supporting a fuel tank in an internal space therein includes a pair of front and rear cross-members extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, a pair of left and right upper side-members and a pair of left and right lower side-members which extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body to interconnect left and right opposite ends of the cross-members, respectively. Longitudinally intermediate portions of the adjacent upper and lower side-members are integrally coupled to each other by a vertically extending bracket. An upper arm is pivotally supported at an upper end of the bracket, and a lower arm is pivotally supported at a lower end of the bracket. The above construction makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the subframe, while providing an effective utilization of the internal space in the subframe.

Abstract: A break-away bracket for connecting structural beams in a vehicle such as connecting a transmission cross-member to a frame rail. The break-away bracket connects to the cross-member by use of a connecting pin. During normal operation, the cross-member is fixed to the bracket, which, in turn, is welded to the frame rail and acts as a normal fixed bracket. During the imposition of excessive loads on the front of the vehicle, a slot connecting between a hole for the connecting pin and an edge of the bracket allows the pin and cross-member to pull away from a portion of the bracket. The bracket yields, allowing axial displacement between the cross-member and the frame rail while still keeping the connection between the two components intact.

Abstract: An automobile power plant apparatus includes an engine, a transmission connected to the engine, a propeller shaft connected to the transmission, a front mount elastically supporting the engine, and a body provided with the engine, the transmission, the propeller shaft and the front mount. The transmission includes a mount engagement portion which is positioned substantially adjacent to a virtual center of the transmission in a vehicle lengthwise direction and which is positioned on a side of the transmission in a vehicle widthwise direction. The body includes a mount installation portion which is positioned substantially adjacent to the virtual center of the transmission in the vehicle lengthwise direction and which is positioned opposite to a side of the transmission in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the body further includes a rear mount which is installed to the mount installation portion and which engages with the mount engagement portion of the transmission.

Abstract: A drive train system for an automobile includes a power unit, a differential and a rigid frame coupling the power unit and the differential. The drive train system is oriented so that it extends in the lengthwise direction of the automobile, and has an engine mounted near the front end of the automobile body and providing the automobile with rear wheel drive. A structure used for mounting the drive train system includes power unit mounts for supporting primarily the power unit and a differential mount for supporting primarily the differential. The power unit mounts are disposed at a position or positions either in front of or behind the center of gravity of the whole drive train system in the lengthwise direction of the automobile, and the differential mount is disposed, depending on the position of the power unit mounts, at a position either rearward of or forward of axle shafts of the differential in the lengthwise direction of the automobile.

Abstract: A particular rear suspension supporting structure has a cross member secured to a vehicle body on opposite sides of a tunnel formed in a floor panel. A power plant, including a front power unit located in a front vehicle body portion and a rear axle differential located under a rear vehicle body portion, is located in the tunnel and extends transversely under the floor panel. The supporting structure pivotally supports rear suspension systems at its opposite ends. The cross member includes a center cross member, extending transversely over the tunnel and secured at its opposite ends to the vehicle body on opposite sides of the tunnel, and a pair of side cross members. Each of the side cross members is connected at one end to one end of the center cross member, and extends laterally so as to pivotally support the rear suspension system at another end thereof.