Differential Or Axle Housing Patents (Class 180/378)
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Patent number: 7188699Abstract: An axle assembly with a cooling pump. The cooling pump includes a disk-shaped wheel with a plurality of radially-spaced ducts formed therein. The wheel is positioned in proximity to the axle assembly and rotated, allowing the ducts to draw air therethrough and direct the air to the axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jason E. Moore, Frederick E. Zink
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Patent number: 7155827Abstract: A rigid drive axle assembly includes a support beam member having a substantially flat central plate section, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section through at least two threaded studs extending from the central plate section. The differential assembly module includes a differential carrier frame member having two bearing hubs receiving differential bearings. A method for verifying a predetermined bearing preload of the differential assembly module comprises the steps of preloading the differential bearings to the predetermined bearing preload, inserting mounting bores in the bearing hubs of the frame member onto the mounting studs, and determining that the differential bearings are properly preloaded if the mounting studs are received in the mounting bores in the differential carrier frame member without substantial resistance, or determining that the differential bearings are not properly preloaded if the mounting studs may not be received in the mounting bores easily.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Edward Eugene Stuart, Timothy Bernard Allmandinger, Sean Karl Hoefer, Earl James Irwin, Parvinder Singh Nanua, Gregory James Maser
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Patent number: 7143861Abstract: An improved suspending and stabilizing structure for a remote control car at least comprises a primary frame and two supporting arms moveably connected to two sides of the primary frame. The primary frame is provided with a holder on the bottom which can be provided with a cover at the front end. Besides, transmission shafts are connected to the primary frame for the installation of wheels. Corresponding holding holes and through holes are provided on the holder and the cover, respectively, while one end of the supporting arms may provided with a recession, on two sides of which are provided with corresponding holes. Threaded holes are provided at the outer sides of the holding holes and through holes, such that a front differential can be fastened thereto by way of screws, thereby the supporting arms can be lengthened to the greatest extent and that when the wheels run on rough roads, the oscillation range of the supporting arms can be reduced, thus enhancing the stability of the traveling vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: Daimler Chu
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Patent number: 7137183Abstract: A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward Eugene Stuart, Timothy Bernard Allmandinger, Sean Karl Hoefer, Earl James Irwin, Parvinder Singh Nanua, Gregory James Maser
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Patent number: 7077222Abstract: An articulate vehicle has first and second frames, which are coupled to each other at proximal ends thereof with respect to the vehicle through a coupling part so as to be relatively rotatable around a vertical axis according to steering operation. The first and second frames are distributed at front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus having first axles, and the second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus having a pair of second axles. A gearbox is disposed near the coupling part and provided with a pair of mutually drivingly connected horizontal shafts which are variable in relative angles thereof around the vertical axis according to steering operation. One of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to a power take-off shaft for extracting output power of a speed-changing arrangement in the first transaxle apparatus. The other of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to an input shaft of the second transaxle apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 7048087Abstract: An inverted portal drive axle includes an off-center driving input that is coupled to first and second axle shafts. The first axle shaft drives a first gear box that is coupled to a first wheel assembly. The second axle shaft extends underneath a vehicle floor and drives a second gear box that is coupled to a second wheel assembly. An axle housing extends between the first and second gear boxes. The second axle shaft includes an exposed central portion that is positioned directly between the vehicle floor and the axle housing. Seal assemblies seal first and second ends of the second axle shaft to the axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Lawrence D. Brill
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Patent number: 6991244Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes an axle. The axle assembly may be of an inverted portal axle configuration. The axle includes a boss having a threaded aperture. A suspension component, such as a suspension arm, may be secured to the axle by a fastener received by the threaded aperture. A bracket may be arranged in engagement with the boss between the suspension arm and the axle. The bracket may be used to connect a torsion bar to the axle. The bracket includes an aperture with the fastener disposed within the bracket aperture. The fastener, which is common for the suspension arm and bracket, creates a clamping load on the bracket. Moreover, the suspension arm and the torsion bar bracket share a common boss.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Brian D. Hayes, Lawrence D. Brill
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Patent number: 6988571Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to enable a crawler tractor to brake and stop certainly without applying a load to an engine and a driving mechanism, and without complicated operation. An operation link links a conic linkage (53) which links a steering wheel (7) with a main speed change lever (55) of the crawler tractor, and with an operation mechanism of a brake pedal (54). A neutral return mechanism for the operation link is provided. The operation link neutral return mechanism comprises a hook-like cam lever (61). When the brake pedal is depressed, the main speed change lever is moved to its neutral position before braking force occurs, and then, the brake is actuated. Accordingly, engine brake is used effectively, and the brake can be miniaturized.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventors: Eiichi Okamoto, Masakazu Komatsu, Yukio Kubota, Susumu Nochi, Susumu Akashima, Takashi Uno, Gaku Higashiguchi, Shinsuke Tani, Kazuo Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6983815Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing including at least two housing parts joined to each other through a joint surface, at least one of the housing parts including a recess formed in a wall thereof. The axle driving unit further includes a pair of hydraulic devices mounted perpendicular to each other on corresponding mounting surfaces of a center section. The center section further includes a portion extending outwardly parallel to the joint surface, the portion being fitted into the recess of the housing part.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6902017Abstract: An articulate vehicle has first and second frames, which are coupled to each other at proximal ends thereof with respect to the vehicle through a coupling part so as to be relatively rotatable around a vertical axis according to steering operation. The first and second frames are distributed at front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus having first axles, and the second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus having a pair of second axles. A gearbox is disposed near the coupling part and provided with a pair of mutually drivingly connected horizontal shafts which are variable in relative angles thereof around the vertical axis according to steering operation. One of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to a power take-off shaft for extracting output power of a speed-changing arrangement in the first transaxle apparatus. The other of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to an input shaft of the second transaxle apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6889790Abstract: A vehicle axle has two supporting members, which are engaged in rotary manner by respective vehicle wheels, are hinged to a frame of the axle, and are movable about respective hinge axes by at least one steering actuating cylinder acting on one of the supporting members; and a connecting bar having a central portion connected in sliding manner to the frame, and two lateral portions, each connected in rotary manner to one of the supporting members and to the central portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Pierluigi Pertusi
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Patent number: 6848533Abstract: In a drive system for tandem axles a prime mover (1) drives a reduction gear (2) in the housing (4) of which one differential (6), service brakes (7) and planetary gears (8) are situated. The output of the reduction gear (2) is connected, via universal shafts, in an easy manner with the drive train of the tandem housing (3). It is thus possible to situate the tandem housing (3) in the vehicle chassis (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Hermann Beck
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Patent number: 6845837Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shalt receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second flames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hideaki Okada
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Publication number: 20040262070Abstract: A transmission case housing a transmission mechanism for transmitting power to dirigible wheels includes an axle case having a main body and vertical bosses extending in a bent way from opposite ends of the main body, and pivoting cases supporting axles of the dirigible wheels. The axle case (8) is bisected into a first case half (8F) and a second case half (8R) at a split plane parallel to a direction of extension of the transmission mechanism (S) housed therein. The first case half (8F) and second case half (8R) are connected by connecting bolt (38). Each vertical boss (8b) has bearings (26), and each pivoting case (25) is attached to the bearings (26) to be pivotable relative to the vertical boss (8b).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Katsuhiko Uemura, Shoso Ishimori
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Patent number: 6827175Abstract: A torque arm mounting plate for a differential case housing a differential drive pinion gear. The mounting plate comprises an interface adapted to be circumjacently mounted about the differential drive pinion gear, and a torque arm bracket integral with the interface and spaced apart from the differential drive pinion gear. The torque arm bracket is adapted to fixedly engage one end of a torque arm. The torque arm mounting plate of the present invention provides a common interface between the torque arm and the differential carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Frazer, Gary J. Engelman
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Patent number: 6814176Abstract: In a transfer case the ring gear of the crown wheel and the meshing pinion are arranged on that side of the ring gear carrier of the crown wheel that faces away from the center of the differential gear of the transfer case. Stated simply, the pinion and the ring gear of the crown wheel are arranged so as to be “reflected”, that is, on the “other side” of the ring gear carrier of the crown wheel, as compared to a conventional differential gear. This feature allows the pinion shaft to be mounted rigidly and, thus, optimized for noise and efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Juergen Greil
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Patent number: 6805210Abstract: An engine half-trolley (10) of simplified structure for industrial vehicles set at the side of a vehicle chassis and comprising a casing (12) from which there comes out at least one wheel hub (13) for a respective wheel (14), an input shaft (17) to said half-trolley (10) being connected to a differential (16) of the vehicle, in the said half-trolley, between the input shaft (17) and the wheel hub (13), there being provided, in succession, two bevel-gear pairs (18, 19; 21, 23) housed in an arm (15, 115) forming part of the casing (12), in which at least one bottom area of the arm (15, 115), for attachment to the wheel hub (13), has ample bevels (26).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Dana Italia S.p.A.Inventor: Fabrizio Panizzolo
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Patent number: 6766877Abstract: A crash optimized bracket for removably affixing a propeller shaft to a motor vehicle. The bracket includes an elongated member having a plurality of weakened slots to allow the bracket and the propeller shaft to tear from the vehicle upon impact in a controlled and predictable manner in response to predetermined loads.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Amanda Blumke, Kevin Kaplan, Ramon Kuczera, Michael Rice, Mary Yonka
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Patent number: 6752235Abstract: A driveline assembly module includes a drivetrain assembly that is a rigid, substantially box-like member, that is the main support structure for all the driveline components. An independent suspension system having an associated wheel hub is also attached to the drivetrain assembly. By mounting the driveline components and independent suspension as an integral module, the components are replaced or serviced by replacement of the entire module. Thus, the individual mounting, replacement and servicing of the individual components, each having multiple independent attachment points, is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Dale K. Bell, Jay Sandler
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Publication number: 20040099466Abstract: A vehicle axle has two supporting members, which are engaged in rotary manner by respective vehicle wheels, are hinged to a frame of the axle, and are movable about respective hinge axes by at least one steering actuating cylinder acting on one of the supporting members; and a connecting bar having a central portion connected in sliding manner to the frame, and two lateral portions, each connected in rotary manner to one of the supporting members and to the central portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Pierluigi Pertusi
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Patent number: 6662896Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission for cars, preferably with driving of the front wheels, comprising an engine (2), a gearbox (8), a final gear (20), first link mechanisms (16A, 16B) which connect each axle shaft (12A, 12B) to said final gear (20), second link mechanisms (18A, 18B) which connect the other end of each of said axle shafts (12A, 12B) to its driving wheel (6) and preferably an intermediate transmission (4) between the engine and the gearbox (8), said final gear comprising two planetary gears (20A, 20B) which give an exchange gear reduction of between 1.2:1 and 10:1.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: UNIC AktiebolagInventor: Mats Karlsson
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Patent number: 6659209Abstract: A tractor having a mid-mount type mower includes a pair of frames extending in a fore and aft direction, and a transmission case extending and supported between the pair of frames. The transmission case houses a power take off clutch disposed above a rear wheel differential. A change speed gearing mechanism is disposed between a front surface of the transmission case and the rear wheel differential. With such an arrangement of the components, the transmission case has a reduced length in the fore and aft direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Masashi Osuga, Takashi Yoshii, Hiroshi Shimada
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Patent number: 6651529Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission mountable to a vehicle frame. The hydrostatic transmission is adapted to removeably receive an axle shaft. The hydrostatic transmission is also adapted to be mounted to at least one of two opposed side members of the vehicle frame. The opposed side members have openings though which the axle shaft passes. The vehicle may be a snow thrower.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Herb M. Poplawsli, Thomas D. Wiley, John D. Schreier, Michael L. Bennett, Lonnie E. Holder, Ralph A. McClelland
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Publication number: 20030192733Abstract: In a drive system for tandem axles a prime mover (1) drives a reduction gear (2) in the housing (4) of which one differential (6), service brakes (7) and planetary gears (8) are situated. The output of the reduction gear (2) is connected, via universal shafts, in an easy manner with the drive train of the tandem housing (3). It is thus possible to situate the tandem housing (3) in the vehicle chassis (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Hermann Beck
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Patent number: 6623020Abstract: Provided is a vehicle suspension member assembly suitable for a multi-link type rear suspension system. The suspension member assembly includes a pair of front and rear cross members and a pair of side members which are joined to constitute a generally rectangular suspension member subassembly. A pair of rear resilient supports are disposed at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the rear cross member. A pair of front resilient supports are disposed at the front end portions of the side members. The rear ends of the side members are attached to the front surface of the rear cross member. The front cross member is disposed between the side members and have opposite longitudinal ends attached to the inner side surfaces of the side members. To the rear cross members are provided a pair of brackets by means of which a rear connecting portion of a lower link is attached to the suspension member assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaharu Satou
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Patent number: 6588535Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly 10 having a pair of members 12, 14 which are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry 16 of the vehicle which is constructed by use of the frame assembly 10. Each member 12, 14 is connected by use of members 11, 18, 20, 21, and 13 and has a pair of portions 22, 24 which each have a relatively tall sectional height which include an aperture 28. A unique one of the half shafts 32, 34, 36, and 38 are received within each of these apertures 28, thereby allowing the portions 22, 24 to have a relatively tall sectional height and thereby allowing the frame assembly 10 to have a lowest resonant frequency mode in excess of about fifty hertz.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Robert Allen Jones
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Publication number: 20030089546Abstract: A coupling device for elastic interconnection of, e.g., arms (66) which are linked to a frame (60) of the vehicle. The coupling device (92) substantially comprises two annular, conical portions (112, 114) of a rubber elastic material and an axle (94). A radially internal side of these annular material portions (112, 114) abuts against contact portions (98, 100) at the ends of the axle (94). The coupling device (92) further comprises two axially opposite rings (124, 126) which are arranged to abut against respective external sides of the annular material portions (112, 114). The axle (94) and the rings (124, 126) have attachment areas (96, 121 and 123 respectively), via which they can be attached to the wheel axle housing (82) and the frame (60) respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Sven Bjorkgard
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Patent number: 6547028Abstract: The present invention provides an axle mounting arrangement for mounting an axle assembly to the frame of a vehicle. A plurality of attachment structures are provided on the frame, and at least one support structure is provides for coupling the axle assembly with the attachment structures at different locations along the frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Timothy E. Green
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Patent number: 6543797Abstract: An embodiment of a torque arm apparatus as disclosed herein includes a torque arm beam member and a plurality of axle tube support members. The torque arm beam member has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. Each one of the axle tube support members is attached at a respective first end thereof to the torque arm beam member adjacent to the first end of the torque arm beam member. Each one of the axle tube support members includes an axle tube mounting flange attached to a respective second end thereof. The axle tube mounting flange of a first one of the axle tube support members and the axle tube mounting flange of a second one of the axle tube support members are positioned adjacent to the first side and the second side, respectively, of the torque arm beam member.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Maximum MotorsportsInventors: Ehren W. Van Schmus, Charles G. Schwynoch
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Patent number: 6523844Abstract: A suspended axle (31) of the articulated-connection type for industrial vehicles comprises a central casing (32) from which two arms (34) extend, each of which carries, at one of its ends, a support (36) for a wheel, the axle (31) being connected to the chassis (52) of the industrial vehicle by means of first bars set transversely and second bars set longitudinally with respect to the vehicle, where the transverse bars comprise a Panhard rod (54). In addition, interposed between the axle (31) and the chassis (52) are hydraulic elements (84). The longitudinal bars each consist of a single strut (64) having one end connected to the central casing (32) and one, opposite, end connected to the chassis (52) with interposition of a ball-and-socket joint (68).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Dana Italia S.p.A.Inventor: Fabrizio Panizzolo
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Patent number: 6511084Abstract: An axle suspension of rigid axles is presented, on the axle body (1) of which a steering triangle (2) as well as two longitudinal control arms (3, 4), which are located at spaced locations from the steering triangle and have different vertical positions, and additionally a stabilizing device (5) are arranged. The steering triangle has two control arms (2.1 and 2.2), which form an angle with one another and are fastened to a central joint (2.3), on the one hand, and are connected to the vehicle body via a guiding joint (2.4 and 2.5) each, on the other hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: ZF Lemförder MetallwarenInventors: Reinhard Buhl, Wilfried Lustig, Werner Schmudde
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Patent number: 6460886Abstract: A tractor having a mid-mount type mower includes a pair of frames extending in a fore and aft direction, and a transmission case extending and supported between the pair of frames. The transmission case houses a power take off clutch disposed above a rear wheel differential. A change speed gearing mechanism is disposed between a front surface of the transmission case and the rear wheel differential. With such an arrangement of the components, the transmission case has a reduced length in the fore and aft direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Masashi Osuga, Takashi Yoshii, Hiroshi Shimada
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Patent number: 6439335Abstract: In the transfer attachment construction of a 4WD vehicle, to facilitate assembly by making the retainer attachment bolts easier to tighten, to improve the coupling reliability of the retainer and mount bracket, to make easier the manufacture of the retainer by simplifying its design, to improve yield, and to make it less expensive, the retainer attachment bolts are prevented from interfering with the bracket attachment bosses. The bracket attachment bosses are disposed close enough to the transfer pinion axle center to avoid overlapping between the bracket attachment bosses and the retainer attachment bolts.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Toshikazu Ubagai
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Patent number: 6412589Abstract: 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 oType: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.Inventors: John A. Barlage, Richard D. Frazer, Theodor Gassmann, Robert Genway-Haden, Werner Hoffmann, Philip Hutula
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Patent number: 6390226Abstract: A differential lock actuating arrangement comprises a pedal assembly including a substantially elongate member, mounting means to mount the said elongate member on the chassis of a vehicle, means to connect the said elongate member to a differential lock actuator, rotating means to rotate the said substantially elongate member about its longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting means mounts the said elongate member for movement between a first differential lock engaging position and a second differential lock disengaging position, and wherein the arrangement further comprises biasing means to hold the elongate member in one of the said first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: ARGO LimitedInventors: Derek John Smith, David William Seccull
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Patent number: 6318485Abstract: A tractor having a mid-mount type mower includes a pair of frames extending in a fore and aft direction, and a transmission case extending and supported between the pair of frames. The transmission case houses a power takeoff clutch disposed above a rear wheel differential. A change speed gearing mechanism is disposed between a front surface of the transmission case and the rear wheel differential. With such an arrangement of the components, the transmission case has a reduced length in the fore and aft direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Masashi Osuga, Takashi Yoshii, Hiroshi Shimada
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Patent number: 6286620Abstract: A differentially steered work vehicle is provided with a driving axle having a axle housing with an access opening. An access plate is secured to the access opening and is provided with steering components. The access plate is provided with a steering motor mount that passes through the access plate. A steering motor is mounted to the steering motor mount on the exterior side of the access plate. The interior side of the access plate is provided with a rotatable steering shaft having a first toothed end and a second toothed end. The first toothed end drives a first spur gear which is operatively coupled to the ring gear of a first planetary set. The second toothed end of the steering shaft is operatively coupled to a reverser gear that is also rotatably mounted to the interior side of the access plate. The reverser gear is mounted on a pin mounted to the interior side of the access plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: László Légmán, Lóránt Tar, Andor Opitz, Tibor Végh
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Patent number: 6209676Abstract: A differential mounting assembly 10 which allows a differential 12 to be selectively and securely mounted within a vehicle and which substantially reduces and/or eliminates undesirable roll and pitch of the operatively mounted differential 12.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventors: Robert Allen Jones, Paul Owen Davis
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Patent number: 6085859Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Mark L. Alderson
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Patent number: 5971881Abstract: A variable speed, reversible transmission that utilizes two gerotor pumps for variable controlling the speed of the output shaft or axle. A rotatable input member connectable to a drive source drives first and second epicyclic gear trains, which drive the two pumps. As the fluid flow through each pump is variably restricted, the epicyclic gears associated therewith revolve about the input member, causing a worm gear intermediate the input member and the output member to variably rotate in a forward or reverse direction. The worm gear transmits rotational power from the input member to the output member in response to the fluid flow restriction through each pump. The present invention also provides for the two pumps comprising a modular pump unit and a system of transmissions employing a common modular pump assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Tecumseh Products CompanyInventor: Norman E. Jolliff
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Patent number: 5884723Abstract: A bearing arrangement of a rear axle transmission case of a motor vehicle has a member frame having one respective linking at both ends of the transmission case situated in the driving direction which acts elastically in at least one direction. I order to have a softer construction with respect to its elasticity in the driving direction than in all other directions. The bearing takes place at least on one of the two ends of the transmission case exclusively by way of at least one lever which can be swivelled in a plane in parallel with respect to the vertical and longitudinal axis of the vehicle and which is linked in the direction of the vertical vehicle axis in mutually spaced positions to the transmission case and in the member frame. In this case at least the bearing arrangement of the lever in the member frame is implemented by means of at least one elastic bearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Einhard Kleinschmit, Harald Reimold, Peter Tattermusch
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Patent number: 5803200Abstract: A suspension for a ground vehicle which connects a rigid axle to the vehicle chassis and stabilizes the rigid axle in fore, aft, and rotational directions. The suspension comprises four links and a swivel. The four links extend within a predetermined number of degrees of parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and connect the rigid axle to the vehicle chassis. Two of the links are normally attached above, and two of the links are normally attached below the rigid axle centerline. Therewith, the swivel comprises an arm having two opposite ends and a centrally positioned pivot shaft. Each end of the arm being interposed between an end each of two of the four links thus the pivot shaft is held steadfast to the surface residing between the locations where the pair of link ends would otherwise attach. Said surface being either of the vehicle framework or of the rigid axle, whichever location is preferred.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Larry A. Brandt
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Patent number: 5803474Abstract: A rear suspension device for a ride-on mower includes a pivoting assembly coupled to the frame of the ride-on mower by a torsion bar which has a transversely extending back portion that can be trapped between projections on the rear portion of the frame of the mower and a front surface of the pivoting assembly. Portions of the torsion bar extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ride-on mower and have ends that extend through apertures in torsion bar brackets that are coupled to the pivoting assembly. The suspension device is capable of transferring weight from one portion of the ride-on mower to another portion of the ride-on mower, thereby enhancing stability.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Klas, Michael P. Schemelin, Daniel W. Schaefer
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Patent number: 5758738Abstract: A power train arrangement for an automotive vehicle having a front mounted internal combustion engine and a rear mounted automatic transaxle unit which are interconnected by a single one-piece propeller shaft which is in substantial axial alignment with the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the transaxle and which is connected to each of the shafts by a flexible coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Jeffrey P. Carroll, Diamond G. Ferraiuolo
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Patent number: 5712783Abstract: A semi-active control method for a controllable fluid damper used in seat supports. The present method filters a relative displacement signal phase shifting the relative displacement sine wave by an angle from greater than 0.degree. through an angle less than 90.degree. to get a relative rate. The sign of the relative rate is compared to that of an absolute velocity curve obtained by integrating the absolute acceleration value obtained by an accelerometer attached to the controlled seat. If the signs are the same, the output to the damper is set to a minimum; if the signs are different, the value is set at the absolute velocity multiplied by an input gain. Endstop limits can be implemented with this control method.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Lord CorporationInventor: David M. Catanzarite
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Patent number: 5644955Abstract: In a structure for supporting driving reaction force acting upon a differential housing, a first arm portion on a differential carrier or carrier cover connected to the differential housing and a second arm portion on a front axle bracket fixed to a frame of the vehicle overlap each other in a vertical direction and are coupled to each other by means of a driving reaction force receiving bolt. A shim having a notch for putting the driving reaction force receiving bolt therethrough is inserted between the first arm portion and the second arm portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Kabushi Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventor: Kenji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5549320Abstract: A suspension assembly comprising a combination torque rod and sway bar is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises two arms that are pivotally coupled at a first end to a first and second end of a crossmember, the second ends of the arms being coupled to a vehicle axle. By providing a suspension assembly in this manner, the arms function as torque rods to absorb the longitudinal stresses generated by the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The arms also work in combination with the crossmember to function as a sway bar, the pivotal coupling between the arms and crossmember allowing the assembly to transfer vertical forces from one side to the other, while still allowing the axle to cross-articulate. In this manner, the number of components, weight, and cost of manufacture is minimized, traction is improved, and component fatigue and failure is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: PACCAR Inc.Inventor: Svein Ellingsen
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Patent number: 5474315Abstract: A rear suspension device for a ride-on mower that includes a pivoting assembly coupled to the ride-on mower. The pivoting assembly is coupled to a torsion bar and the torsion bar is coupled to a rear portion of the ride-on mower. The coupling to the rear portion is accomplished by insertion of a portion of the torsion bar that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ride-on mower into an aperture coupled to the rear portion. The device is callable of transferring weight from one portion of the: ride-on mower to another portion of the ride-on mower, thereby enhancing stability.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Simplicity ManufacturingInventors: Kenneth H. Klas, Edward Freier, Jr., Michael P. Schemelin, Daniel W. Schaefer, Gary A. Hays
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Patent number: 5402859Abstract: A partially sprung differential gear system for a driving axle independent or deDion suspension system which embodies the mounting of the differential gear system to the suspension system such that the differential gear unit thereof travels in a ratio proportional to the wheel travel. The arrangement provides increased ground clearance and wheel travel for the driving axle independent suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Evan S. Boberg, Gerald P. Hentschel
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Patent number: 5366040Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking system for an axle driving system for a working vehicle. The braking system comprises disc brake units which are disposed in recesses provided at the right and left sides of a transmission case, and a brake pedal and/or a hand-brake lever which can operate the disc brake units simultaneously. The construction of the present invention results in increased durability and braking capacity. The present invention allows the vehicle to travel in a straight line while stopping, notwithstanding the presence of a differential gear. In addition, the braking device is easily assembled and results in increased support rigidity for the axles.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Irikura, Atsuo Yoshina