Vehicle Has Plural Power Plants Patents (Class 180/69.6)
  • Patent number: 11959234
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved paving vehicles for following a supply truck for use in paving asphalt roadways. The paving vehicles of the present invention need not be transported on a trailer, and are capable of traveling at low or relatively high speeds on their own. This is accomplished through the use of novel chassis and propulsion systems having two rear axles, with each axle coupled directly to its own hydraulic motor, such that each of the two hydraulic motors provides power to one axle. Embodiments of the invention also include reciprocating conveyor apparatus and methods, such that the conveyor apparatus may be moved to a lowered position to receive the gravity discharge of materials from a hopper and supply truck during a paving operation, and moved to a raised position in order to provide a wide margin of ground clearance when driving the paving vehicle, or loading or unloading the paving vehicle from a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Reed International
    Inventors: Kevin Clark, Jeffrey Reed, Douglas Hogue
  • Patent number: 11807091
    Abstract: An axle drive (1) for a motor vehicle axle includes at least a first drive unit (2), a second drive unit (2), and an output axle (6). The first and second drive units (2) are arranged such that an overall center of gravity (7) of the axle drive (1) is situated proximate to a center of the output axle (6) and/or an axis of rotation of a vehicle wheel of the motor vehicle driven by the axle drive (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignees: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, ZF DRIVETECH (SUZHOU) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Frank Seemann, Paul Lenz, Andreas Grossi, Werner Hechberger, Kai Borntraeger, Maik Woerl, Marco Di Sarno, Cong Ren
  • Patent number: 11760196
    Abstract: A tandem wheel assembly for a work vehicle includes a tandem wheel housing having a center opening disposed about a pivot axis and first and second wheel end openings disposed about associated first and second wheel axes that are substantially parallel with the pivot axis. A center sprocket within the tandem wheel housing is rotatable about the pivot axis. First and second wheel end assemblies include first and second wheel end shafts, sprockets and housings. The first and second wheel end sprockets are mounted to the associated shafts and are aligned to engage the center sprocket with at least one chain which transfers rotation of the center sprocket about the pivot axis to rotate the first and second wheel end sprockets about the associated first and second wheel axes. The first and second wheel end housings support the first and second wheel end shafts for relative rotation about the associated first and second wheel axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Gordon E. Miller, Jackson Baca, Prashant Shinde
  • Patent number: 11519154
    Abstract: A working machine includes a first section with a first frame and at least one oscillation axle holding a first pair of ground engaging members; a second section with a second frame and a second pair of ground engaging members; a joint arrangement pivotly connecting the first frame to the second frame; a motor configured for driving one ground engaging member of the first pair of ground engaging members in order to create propulsion forces; a propulsion force transfer arrangement adapted to transfer propulsion forces from the ground engaging member of the first pair of ground engaging members to the second pair of ground engaging members, via the joint arrangement. The propulsion force transfer arrangement includes a connecting element extending centrally in a longitudinal direction of the working machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Norbert Rosenpek, Tore Oscarsson
  • Patent number: 11459098
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission is disclosed, with a transmission apparatus which includes a planetary gear set having a ring gear and a sun gear. The variable speed transmission further includes a primary engine for powering the sun gear, a braking device engaging the ring gear, and a controller configured to alter the rotational speed of the ring gear by adjusting the braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory Forrest Heath, Stephen C. Slaughter, Robert J. Atmur, William Patrick Sargent, Tse-hua Shen, Bryant Scott Owen, Alice A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11285936
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle comprises a projected driving route calculating part calculating a projected driving route up to a destination, a target charge amount setting part setting a target amount of charge of the battery at each point on the projected driving route, an operating schedule setting part setting the operating schedule of the internal combustion engine and rotary electrical machine so that the amount of charge of the battery becomes the target amount of charge, and an operating schedule resetting part resetting an operating schedule when the difference between the amount of charge of the battery and the target amount of charge becomes a reset request value or more. The operating schedule resetting part is configured so as to reduce the reset request value when the remaining distance on the projected driving route is short compared to when it is long.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11096847
    Abstract: An exoskeleton wheelchair system includes a base, one or more wheels coupled to the base, a body support connected to the base. The body support includes a back support, and one or more leg supports pivotally coupled to the back support. The exoskeleton wheelchair system also includes an actuator linked with the one or more leg supports and configured to rotate the one or more leg supports, a processor, a memory module, and machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to rotate the one or more leg supports with the actuator. The one or more leg supports pivot about a first axis when the back support is in a standing position mode, and the first axis is maintained at a fixed position when the one or more leg supports pivot about the first axis while the back support is in the standing position mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Moore, Christopher Paul Lee
  • Patent number: 11046177
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle including a main transmission and a hydraulic transmission, in which, in the absence of a setpoint on the brake, and when the hydraulic transmission is activated, a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic transmission is controlled in such a way as to establish a predetermined pressure inside a hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic transmission, and in the event of a setpoint applied to the brake, the hydraulic transmission is then controlled according to an acceleration setpoint applied to the vehicle. If the acceleration setpoint is greater than or equal to an acceleration threshold value, and the speed of travel of the vehicle is less than or equal to a speed threshold value, the hydraulic transmission is controlled in such a way as to apply a tractive force. If the acceleration setpoint is less than the first threshold value, the hydraulic transmission is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Claude Didierjean
  • Patent number: 10994600
    Abstract: A front compartment is provided with an engine, an air cleaner, a radiator, a reservoir tank, a motor unit, an auxiliary battery, and an EFI-ECU. The engine, the reservoir tank, the motor unit and the EFI-ECU are aligned in a vehicle's width direction. The air cleaner and the auxiliary battery are also aligned in the vehicle's width direction. The air cleaner is located in front of the motor unit. The motor unit includes a power control unit and a transaxle. The air cleaner is located in front of the power control unit. The auxiliary battery is located diagonally forward to left of the motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Marukawa, Shuichi Iwata, Hiroshi Yaguchi, Naoyuki Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 10994614
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted pump system is disclosed for use with a service vehicle. A chassis can be configured to be secured to the service vehicle, and a frame can be supported by the chassis. A plurality of pumps can be supported by the frame, with each of the pumps being configured to pump liquid for dispersal external to the service vehicle. A power source can be supported by at least one of the chassis and the frame. A power transmission system can be configured to transfer power from the power source to the plurality of pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: MONROE TRUCK EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Holverson
  • Patent number: 10967904
    Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency vehicle (1) designed as a heavy truck, comprising a vehicle body (2) having an underbody assembly (9), a roof assembly (10) and at least one longitudinal wall (11, 12). Furthermore, a central longitudinal beam (8) is provided that is disposed in a manner extending in vehicle longitudinal direction. The central longitudinal beam (8) is joined directly and securely to the vehicle body (2), wherein it forms an integral constituent of the underbody assembly (9) of the vehicle body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Rosenbauer International AG
    Inventors: Edmund Penz, Alexander Ronacher, Stefan Zauner
  • Patent number: 10745885
    Abstract: A system for operating a circle drive gear of a machine includes a pump configured to output pressurized fluid, an implement control valve fluidly coupled to the pump, a bi-directional hydraulic motor located downstream of the implement control valve and fluidly coupled to the implement control valve via a first delivery line and a second delivery line. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft that is configured to be rotatively driven by pressurized fluid output by the pump. A brake is disposed on the output shaft of the hydraulic motor and engages with the output shaft with the help of a spring force for reducing a rotational speed of the output shaft in a brake engage state. The brake operatively disengages from the output shaft in a brake release state with the help of fluid pressure in at least one of the first delivery line and the second delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Everett Stoops, William Norbert O'Neill, Bruce Raymond Vahling
  • Patent number: 10464409
    Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain has an internal combustion engine selectively drivingly engaged with an input of a stepped-ratio transmission through a torque converter and through a speed direction changing device. An output of the stepped-ratio transmission is selectively drivingly engaged with a vehicle output. An intermediate gear set is drivingly engaged with the speed direction changing device and drivingly engaged with the input of the stepped-ratio transmission. A hydraulic machine in fluid communication with a hydraulic accumulator assembly, a transmission shaft of the hydraulic machine being drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the intermediate gear set for providing energy to the intermediate gear set and for absorbing energy from the intermediate gear set. Also disclosed are methods of operating the hydraulic hybrid powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Belgium, N.V.
    Inventors: Giulio Ornella, Fabrizio Zendri, Lorenzo Serrao, Ettore Cosoli
  • Patent number: 10399572
    Abstract: A method of propelling a vehicle with a hybrid mode and a hydrostatic mode includes determining if a current propulsion mode is hybrid and if a selected mode is hydrostatic. A first transition mode is entered if the selected mode is hydrostatic and the current mode is hybrid. An engine-pump displacement target is set in the first transition mode. The method may include determining if the current mode is hybrid, hydrostatic, or a no-propulsion mode and if the selected mode is hybrid, hydrostatic, or no-propulsion. The engine-pump displacement target may be matched to a system consumption and an accumulator isolation valve closed when an engine-pump output matches the system consumption in the first transition mode. The method may include entering a second transition mode if the selected mode is hybrid and the current mode is hydrostatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Isaac Meehan, Michael William Olson
  • Patent number: 10023447
    Abstract: A wheelchair accessible forklift is provided. The wheelchair accessible forklift includes a forklift assembly having an operator station having a flat platform portion. The flat platform portion has a first end and a second end. The flat platform portion is configured to support a wheelchair thereon. A ramp is hingably connected to the second end of the flat platform portion to allow the wheelchair to enter and exit the flat platform portion. The first end of the flat platform is removably attached to the forklift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Harlan Greenfield
  • Patent number: 9670990
    Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle, having a drive unit which comprises a prime mover, a multi-step transmission and a power-splitting device which distributes the driving power between a first and a second drive shaft of a driven axle. The transmission comprises a transmission input and a first sub-transmission and a second sub-transmission. The prime mover is directly connected to the transmission input, wherein each of the two drive shafts is assigned a first and a second friction clutch. The first friction clutches connect the respective drive shaft to the first sub-transmission. The second friction clutches connect the respective drive shaft to the second sub-transmission. The first friction clutches and the second friction clutches form the power-splitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: GETRAG GETRIEBE- UND ZAHNRADFABRIK HERMANN HAGENMEYER GMBH & CIE KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Moosmann, Klaus-Dieter Wolf
  • Patent number: 9518489
    Abstract: A gas treatment system for a vehicle contains: a gas charging unit, a gas exhausting unit, and a tail gas treating unit. The gas charging unit includes a plurality of air inlets arranged on a roof and a peripheral side of the vehicle and communicating with a body of the vehicle, the plurality of air inlets also connect with an air inlet channel for charging fresh air. The gas exhausting unit includes a gas discharge channel for discharging waste gas, and the gas discharge channel has an outlet segment arranged on an upper side thereof and extending out of a top surface of a tail end of the vehicle. The tail gas treating unit includes an electrode absorber disposed on a lower end of the outlet segment of the gas discharge channel to treat the waste gas from the gas discharge channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventors: Hing Kau Yip, Sze chung jon Yip
  • Patent number: 9476418
    Abstract: A system for determining mechanical stress of a compressor is provided. The system includes a reciprocating compressor. The system also includes a magnetostriction sensor coupled to the reciprocating compressor and configured to measure a change in magnetic permeability of a target material of the reciprocating compressor. Furthermore, the system includes a processor configured to convert the measured change in the magnetic permeability of the target material into an estimated mechanical stress under which the target material is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Terrance Hatch, Lam Arthur Campbell, Pekka Tapani Sipilä
  • Patent number: 9365110
    Abstract: While a vehicle speed is between a first certain vehicle speed and a second certain vehicle speed lower than the first certain vehicle speed, it is determined whether to perform vehicle control in accordance with conditions excluding a condition based on the estimated road surface slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Matsuda, Shouta Hamane, Motoyuki Hattori, Kouichi Mori
  • Patent number: 9259999
    Abstract: A motor integration assembly includes a supporting structure for connecting a transmission of a vehicle to a drivetrain of the vehicle, wherein the support structure includes a housing to receive a portion of the drivetrain of the vehicle. The motor integration assembly also includes a torque transfer unit for transferring torque from an electric machine to the portion of the drivetrain of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: XL Hybrids
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Leach, Neal Ennis Brenner, Joseph Paul Hafer, Joseph D. McCabe
  • Patent number: 9205734
    Abstract: A motor integration assembly includes a supporting structure for connecting a transmission of a vehicle to a drivetrain of the vehicle, wherein the support structure includes a housing to receive a portion of the drivetrain of the vehicle. The motor integration assembly also includes a torque transfer unit for transferring torque from an electric machine to the portion of the drivetrain of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: XL Hybrids
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Leach, Neal Ennis Brenner, Jason Paul Hafer, Joseph D. McCabe
  • Patent number: 9182312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a hybrid excavator including an engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine to drive a hydraulic actuator by hydraulic fluid, a generator driven by the engine to generate electric energy, and an energy storage device charging the electric energy generated by the generator and supplying the electric energy to an electric actuator, the control system comprising: a required torque detection means for detecting a torque that is required to drive the hydraulic pump; a charge amount detection means for detecting a charge rate (or charge amount) of the electric energy storage device; a memory storing a generation degree (or generation amount) in accordance with the torque and the charge rate (or charge amount); and a hybrid control means for controlling the generator in accordance with the torque value detected by the required torque detection means and the generation amount in a memory means that corresponds to the charge rate value (or charge amount) detected
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Jae-Hong Kim, Chun-Han Lee
  • Patent number: 9162582
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, including at least one electric motor connected to at least one rechargeable energy storage unit that stores electrical power, wherein the charging operation of the energy storage unit is carried out in such a way that a charging state limit that lies below the maximum charging state of the energy storage unit is not exceeded, wherein upon activation of at least one vehicle starting system, which is designed to automatically carry out a maximum acceleration of the motor vehicle from the standing position, the charging operation of the energy storage unit is carried out before the acceleration of the motor vehicle in such a way that the energy storage unit is charged up to a further charging state limit that lies above the first charging state limit and/or at least one further rechargeable energy storage unit is connected in series
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Stefan Ullmann
  • Patent number: 9085218
    Abstract: An auxiliary power system and method distributes and controls excess electric power that is available from a trailer box refrigeration system. The trailer box refrigeration system may have either a generator for generating direct current (DC), or an alternator for generating alternating current (ac). The generator/alternator produces power to power refrigeration system loads and excess generated power may be distributed to auxiliary loads not associated with the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Nader S. Awwad
  • Patent number: 9010467
    Abstract: A power delivery system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power delivery system includes a chassis engine configured to power driving functions of the vehicle and an auxiliary engine configured to power non-driving hydraulic functions of the vehicle. The power delivery system may also include a power boost system comprising a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with each other. The hydraulic pump may be coupled to a power output of the chassis engine while the hydraulic motor may be coupled to a power output of the auxiliary engine. In one embodiment, the power delivery system has a power sharing mode in which power is transferred from the chassis engine power output to the auxiliary engine power output via the hydraulic pump and motor such that the non-driving hydraulic functions of the vehicle are simultaneously powered by the chassis engine and the auxiliary engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Burnier, John D. Padgett
  • Patent number: 8936118
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an emergency drive for a construction machine, comprising a hydraulic motor which is connectable with a pump transfer gearbox of a drive of the construction machine via a first mechanical shaft and a port provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Gebele
  • Patent number: 8893841
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a vehicle cooling system that cools a vehicle engine. The work vehicle also includes a service pack cooling system configured to cool a service pack engine of a service pack. The work vehicle includes valving fluidly coupling the vehicle cooling system to the service pack cooling system. The valving is configured to allow independent or integrated operation of the vehicle cooling system and the service pack cooling system. The valving is also configured to permit the vehicle cooling system and the service pack cooling system to operate at different pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Gene Peotter
  • Patent number: 8875829
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine, wherein an upper slewing body comprises a slewing frame and first and second power units, and wherein the second power unit comprises a second engine, a second controller to control driving of the second engine, a second hydraulic oil tank, a second hydraulic pump configured to be driven by the second engine to thereby suck hydraulic oil from the second hydraulic oil tank and discharge the hydraulic oil toward a hydraulic actuator, a second fuel tank configured to store fuel, and a second support member supporting the second engine, the second hydraulic oil tank, the second hydraulic pump and the second fuel tank, and wherein the second support member is configured to be attachable and detachable with respect to the slewing frame independently of a first support member of the first power unit, and the second hydraulic pump is detachably connected to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Asakage, Hironori Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8844663
    Abstract: A twin engine improves fuel efficiency in a low-load section and generates sufficient output in a high-load section by selecting a specific bank or operating all of the banks in accordance with necessity of required load. The twin engine may include a plurality of engine banks that independently operates in a unit of a cylinder block equipped with a plurality of cylinders, transmissions that are provided at the same number of engine banks and disposed between output ends of engine banks, a power controller that selectively collects the power output from the output ends of transmissions and transmits the power to driving wheels, and a driving controller that controls the operations of the engine banks and the power controller, such that the engine banks are selectively or simultaneously operated in accordance with traveling conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wonjin Jo, Hyunwook Shin
  • Patent number: 8813879
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric steering and drive system for a vehicle having a wheel-based steering system, having drive elements for traction tracks or for wheels and having two drive shafts, the first end of which is connected to the drive element of the respective one vehicle side and the second end of which is connected to a differential gear mechanism arrangement, and at least one traction motor is connected to at least one of the two drive shafts, and having an electric steering drive which is drive-connected to the differential gear mechanism arrangement, it being possible for the traction motors and steering drives to be supplied with electric current from at least two energy sources which are independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: RENK Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alexander Walter
  • Patent number: 8727053
    Abstract: In the case where a vehicle 3 runs forward, when both two electric motors 2A, 2B power the vehicle, an oil pressure controller 48 releases hydraulic brakes 60A, 60B; when both the two electric motors 2A, 2B perform a regenerative braking, actuates the hydraulic brakes 60A, 60B. When one of the two electric motors 2A, 2B powers the vehicle and the other motor performs regenerative braking, the oil pressure controller 48 controls releases or actuates the hydraulic brakes 60A, 60B based on a power driving torque and a regenerative braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Sei Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8720621
    Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle equipped with a battery usable for running in which a power generation unit of engine driven type that charges the battery is detachably mounted on a vehicle body, includes including a first connection part that brings a high-voltage system in which the battery and the power generation unit are electrically connected together into a connected state in a state in which the power generation unit is mounted in a mounting position and brings the high-voltage system into a disconnected state in a state in which the power generation unit is dismounted from the mounting position, whereby the first connection part switches a connection state of the high-voltage system in accordance with installation or removal of the power generation unit. The first connection part includes a connector on the vehicle side and a connector on the power generation unit side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Jingu, Shintaro Utsumi, Satoko Tofukuji, Kazuhito Sakai, Hirotsugu Ojima, Atsunori Kumagai, Hiroki Murata, Takanobu Arai
  • Patent number: 8718897
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Wrightspeed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Wright, Ryan Cash
  • Patent number: 8700245
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having two, in particular electrical, drives, a partial torque is in each case intended to be assigned to the individual drives from a demanded total torque, to be precise taking account of the energy efficiency on the one hand and the stability of the vehicle on the other hand. A first controller is responsible for taking account of the energy efficiency, and predetermines a bandwidth of possible partial torques for an individual drive. This bandwidth may be restricted by a second controller, when driving stability requires this. The second controller is coupled to appropriate sensors (yaw rate sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, longitudinal acceleration sensor) and knows the steering angle ?. In the course of interchanging data signals with a first control device, the partial torques are defined with the involvement of the second control device, for which purpose the first control device emits control commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Michael Wein, Sebastian Strasser, Martin Werner
  • Patent number: 8631885
    Abstract: A power unit has: a conversion device (3, 106) for converting mechanical energy of rotation into a different form of energy which can be used for various purposes; a first internal combustion engine (1, 102); a second internal combustion engine (5, 104); a first clutch (2, 103) through which the first engine can be selectively coupled to a first axial end of a rotor shaft of the conversion device for transmitting mechanical energy of rotation to the rotor shaft when the first clutch is engaged; and a second clutch (4, 105) through which the second engine can be selectively coupled to a second axial end of the rotor shaft for transmitting mechanical energy of rotation from the second engine to the rotor shaft when the second clutch is coupling the second engine to the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Leo Oriet
  • Patent number: 8627913
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives air from the front of the tractor and channels the air through a center area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space that channels the air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of tractor rear wheels that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct channels air through ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A rear trailer louver system enables air in each duct to be channeled and pulled out of each respective duct, reducing drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Gemini Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Otterstrom
  • Patent number: 8573339
    Abstract: A hybrid industrial vehicle performs steering operation and the like during idling stop, without using a complicated mechanism. The hybrid industrial vehicle configured to transmit power of a first electric motor (23) and power of an engine (21) to a drive wheel (34) through a first gear train (32) comprises: a second electric motor (24) actuated when supplied with electric power from a battery (22); a first hydraulic pump (26) supplying pressure oil to a cargo handling hydraulic system; a second gear train (28) interposed among the engine and the second electric motor and the first hydraulic pump and capable of mutual power transmission among the engine, the second electric motor and the first hydraulic pump; a second hydraulic pump (27) supplying pressure oil to a steering hydraulic system; and a third electric motor (25) actuated to drive the second hydraulic pump when supplied with electric power from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Masataka Kawaguchi, Kiyomitsu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8561744
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a power train having primary and auxiliary internal combustion engines which selectively feed power to a jackshaft. The power accumulated in the jackshaft is conveyed to a speed change transmission. Fuel economy is achieved by utilizing only one engine when lesser power is needed by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Gregorio M. Belloso
  • Publication number: 20130248262
    Abstract: A system includes a motor coupled to an energy source and coupled to a hoist pump. During one mode of use or operation, the motor cars receive electricity from the energy source and provide mechanical power to the hoist pump. A method includes directing a motor to mechanically couple to the hoist pump, and directing electrical power to flow from an energy source to the motor, and thereby to control the speed of hoist activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young, Bertrand Bastien
  • Publication number: 20130240279
    Abstract: A tandem rear axle (28) suspended from a chassis frame (12) rearward of front steerable wheels (22, 24) has a first drive axle (30) with a driven wheel (32) on the right side and a driven wheel (34) on the left side and a second drive axle (36) rearward of the first drive axle and having a driven wheel (38) on the right side and a driven wheel (40) on the left side. A drivetrain couples a combustion engine (26) to the first drive axle for driving its driven wheels. A prime mover (52, 68, 70, 74) other than the combustion engine drives the driven wheels of the second drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Colin Jay Casey, Robert A. Weber
  • Patent number: 8528682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid drive-train of a motor vehicle (1) equipped with a mechanical all-wheel drive, said drive-train comprising a combustion engine (5) which can be drive-connected to two axles (5) by means of a transmission (6), and a transversally installed electric machine arrangement (10). In order to improve the hybrid drive-train, particularly with regard to an operational mode that is highly dynamic, the electric machine arrangement is arranged approximately central in relation to the transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Fuechtner
  • Publication number: 20130124065
    Abstract: A hydrostatic traction drive includes a pressure medium source configured to drive four hydromotors connected as pairs in series, the pairs arranged parallel to each other. In a respective pressure medium flow path between the hydromotors of a series, a pressure medium volume flow is extracted which is diverted via a respective valve device to a pressure medium sink to bypass the respective downstream hydromotor. The hydrostatic traction drive also includes a control valve configured to balance the pressure on pressure differences between the pressure medium flow paths, in particular on a steering movement of an articulated steering. The control valve is configured to connect the pressure medium flow paths together hydraulically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130081889
    Abstract: A twin engine improves fuel efficiency in a low-load section and generates sufficient output in a high-load section by selecting a specific bank or operating all of the banks in accordance with necessity of required load. The twin engine may include a plurality of engine banks that independently operates in a unit of a cylinder block equipped with a plurality of cylinders, transmissions that are provided at the same number of engine banks and disposed between output ends of engine banks, a power controller that selectively collects the power output from the output ends of transmissions and transmits the power to driving wheels, and a driving controller that controls the operations of the engine banks and the power controller, such that the engine banks are selectively or simultaneously operated in accordance with traveling conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wonjin Jo, Hyunwook Shin
  • Patent number: 8359864
    Abstract: A wind-gas engine assembly and a motor vehicle with the same are provided. The wind-gas engine assembly comprises a high pressure gas engine (20) and a wind resistance engine (22) independent of each other. The high pressure gas engine generates primary power through injection of the high pressure gas. The wind resistance engine comprises an impeller chamber (221) and an impeller (222). The impeller chamber is provided with an air inlet (51) for receiving external wind resistance airflow, by which the impeller is driven to rotate to generate auxiliary power. The present invention not only utilizes wind resistance, but also saves energy and protects the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Publication number: 20130024067
    Abstract: Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: James J. Troy, Scott W. Lea, Gary E. Georgeson, Karl Edward Nelson, Charles M. Richards
  • Patent number: 8346448
    Abstract: Detection-time torque of a drive source is determined when a value that varies in accordance with depression of an accelerator pedal has exceeded a predetermined value, first torque is determined on the vehicle speed and the transmission gear ratio, second torque is determined on the detection-time torque and the first torque, third torque is determined on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal and the second torque, and fourth torque is determined on the depression of the accelerator pedal, and the output torque is limited to the third torque as long as the third torque is less than the fourth torque. The third torque is determined such that in the case where the detection-time torque is greater than the first torque, an increase of the third torque is suppressed further than where the detection-time torque is not greater than the first torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kanazawa, Takeshi Kurata
  • Publication number: 20120185129
    Abstract: A first chassis and second chassis hingedly connects to the first chassis, wherein each of the first and second chassis includes a plurality of wheels which are operably connected to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor operably connects to an engine which is operably connected to the first chassis. A transmission pump operably interconnects the hydraulic motor and the engine and a flow divider operably interconnects the transmission pump and the hydraulic motor to regulate hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Brian E. Carrier
  • Publication number: 20120125705
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a PCU serving as a power control unit controlling the electric power for vehicle running, a battery storing the electric power for vehicle running, and an EHC serving as an electrically heated catalyst. The PCU includes a converter, an inverter, and a positive line and a negative line each connecting the converter and the inverter. The converter boosts a voltage VL output from the battery to a requested voltage value VHsys. The EHC has a positive end connected to the positive line. The EHC also has a negative end connected to the negative line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Hashimoto, Katsumi Tsuchida, Yasuharu Terada
  • Publication number: 20120111655
    Abstract: This invention provides an electric ride-on mower that can easily lift up and down the mower deck and can also lift up and down the mower deck so that it remains horizontal. The electric ride-on mower has driving motors, mower blades spinning for mowing grass, mowing motors for the mower blades, batteries for the driving motors and the mowing motors, a mower deck for covering the mower blades from the above and sides and for setting the mowing motors on, and a mower deck lifting device for lifting up and down the mower deck, wherein: the mower deck lifting device has a booster for assisting the mower deck lifting device in lifting up and down the mower deck, and the mower deck lifting device is set at the center on the mower deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ebihara, Kazuma Moriguchi, Keiichi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120073890
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a frame, a circle gear mounted to the frame to rotate relative thereto, a moldboard coupled to the circle gear to rotate therewith, and a circle drive gearbox comprising gearing, a first worm, and a second worm, the gearing meshing with the circle gear, the first and second worms meshing with the gearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Reginald M. Bindl, Fancisco Ruiz, Angel Torrado, Trent A. Luoma, Nathan J. Horstman