Relatively Rotatable Patents (Class 301/36.2)
  • Patent number: 10589848
    Abstract: A landing-gear assembly (1) for an aircraft, the landing-gear assembly comprising: an axle shaft (2); a leg (3) presenting a first portion (3a) carrying said axle shaft (2) and a second portion (3b) connected to a carrier structure of the aircraft; a main damper (5); and a first secondary damper (6a) distinct from the main damper (5). The first secondary damper (6a) is carried by the axle shaft (2) and comprises: an inertial mass (M); and connection means (7a) between the inertial mass (M) and the axle shaft (2) damping movements of the inertial mass (M) along a first axis (X1) of movement of the inertial mass (M) relative to the axle shaft (2), said first axis of movement (X1) extending in a plane (P) perpendicular to said steering axis (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Florent Dauphin, Florent Fortier, Sébastien Dubois
  • Patent number: 10259263
    Abstract: A dual wheel swivel caster includes a swivel assembly, a horn, a rig hub, a solid axle, at least one ring of roller bearings, first and second wheel assemblies, and at least one ring of bearings. The first wheel assembly has a first wheel axis, and includes an annular plate element. The torque limiter is configured to rotatably couple the first and second wheel assemblies with the solid axle when the torque between the annular plate element and the torque limiter is below a preset value. The torque limiter is configured to rotatably decouple the first wheel assembly from the solid axle and the second wheel assembly when the torque exceeds the preset value. The ring of bearings is configured to allow the first wheel assembly to rotate independently of the solid axle and the second wheel assembly about the rotational axis when the torque exceeds the preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Patrick L. McCartney
  • Patent number: 9068644
    Abstract: A gear hub assembly is disclosed that has a sealed housing that includes an input gear and an output gear that are meshed together to provide a gear pump to move fluid between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on opposite sides of engagement of the input and output gear. The housing defines an axle shaft-receiving aperture and a wheel spindle-receiving aperture to allow the gear hub assembly to transmit torque from a vehicle axle shaft to a wheel spindle while operating as a gear pump. The fluid inlet and outlets can be coupled to a hydraulic system to provide braking (or kinetic energy recovery) by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid which in turn resists rotation of the gears in the gear hub, and thus can act to slow the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Tonand Brakes Inc.
    Inventor: Antonio Cannata
  • Patent number: 8955623
    Abstract: A hub arrangement has hub parts which are rotatable relative to one another. Each hub is assigned a braking device, which is actuatable jointly with the braking device of the respective other hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kessler & Co. GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günter Bittlingmaier, Thomas Bauer
  • Patent number: 8905490
    Abstract: A wheel assembly and a wheel are suitable for use with a mobile platform. The wheel assembly comprising a first wheel and a second wheel, each wheel comprising a hub having a central axis of rotation, and at least two wheel lobes coupled to the hub, the wheel lobes extending radially from the hub and spaced around the central axis of the hub, where the first wheel is rotatably mounted to the second wheel on a common axis, and a control mechanism rotates the first wheel with respect to the second wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Robosynthesis Limited
    Inventor: Philip Norman
  • Patent number: 8327896
    Abstract: A tire has a first and second beads mounted on a rim. A first sidewall extends upward from the first bead to a first edge of a horizontal tread face located substantially directly above the first bead. A second sidewall extends upward from the second bead and curves toward a second edge of the tread face such that a curved tire surface is provided between the second bead and the second edge of the narrow tread face. Two tires are mounted on a rear motorcycle axle such that a gap is defined between first sidewalls of the right and left tires, and a drive extends through the gap to the axle. When the motorcycle is leaned in a curve, one of the wheels is above the ground surface, and the motorcycle is supported on the curved tire surface of the other tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Rod Hunter
  • Publication number: 20120223570
    Abstract: A dual wheelend for an axle assembly having a rotatable axle shaft. The wheelend comprises a spindle defining a first axis. An intermediate hub is supported on the spindle for rotation about the first axis during rotation of the axle shaft. An inner wheel hub and an outer wheel hub are adjacent one another and are each supported on the intermediate hub for rotation about the first axis. A differential mechanism interconnects the inner and outer wheel hubs. A pin is disposed through a pinion along a second axis and couples the differential mechanism to the intermediate hub for driving the wheel hubs during rotation of the intermediate hub and permitting relative rotation between the wheel hubs relative to the intermediate hub. The pin includes proximal end with a head disposed on the proximal end for engaging the pinion and sandwiching the pinion between the head and the intermediate hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL IP HOLDING, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Chien, Alexandru Florea, Tim G. Langlitz, Ken L. Phillipi, Craig R. Roble
  • Publication number: 20110233991
    Abstract: A wheel assembly and a wheel are suitable for use with a mobile platform. The wheel assembly comprising a first wheel and a second wheel, each wheel comprising a hub having a central axis of rotation, and at least two wheel lobes coupled to the hub, the wheel lobes extending radially from the hub and spaced around the central axis of the hub, where the first wheel is rotatably mounted to the second wheel on a common axis, and a control mechanism rotates the first wheel with respect to the second wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ROBOSYNTHESIS LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Norman
  • Publication number: 20100289322
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle comprising a stationary spindle and a rotatable axle shaft. An intermediate hub is supported on the spindle. Adjacent inner and outer wheel hubs are supported on the intermediate hub. A differential mechanism interconnects the inner and outer wheel hubs for driving both of the wheel hubs and for permitting relative rotation between the wheel hubs. At least one differential bushing is disposed between the differential mechanism and the intermediate hub. A gear reduction system interconnects the intermediate hub and the axle shaft for providing torque multiplication. A wet disc brake device is coupled between the spindle and the intermediate hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL IP HOLDING, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Chien, Alexandru Florea, Tim G. Langlitz, Ken L. Phillipi, Craig R. Roble
  • Publication number: 20080315671
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle comprising a stationary spindle and a rotatable axle shaft. An intermediate hub is supported on the spindle. Adjacent inner and outer wheel hubs are supported on the intermediate hub. A differential mechanism interconnects the inner and outer wheel hubs for driving both of the wheel hubs and for permitting relative rotation between the wheel hubs. At least one differential bushing is disposed between the differential mechanism and the intermediate hub. A gear reduction system interconnects the intermediate hub and the axle shaft for providing torque multiplication. A wet disc brake device is coupled between the spindle and the intermediate hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Daniel Chien, Alexandru Florea, Tim G. Langlitz, Ken L. Phillipi, Craig R. Roble
  • Patent number: 7448457
    Abstract: A heavy vehicle of a mass greater than 40 metric tons and operable to generate a motive power is disclosed. The vehicle includes a first axle, at least two first tires mounted on the first axle, a second axle for transmitting at least part of the motive power, and four second tires mounted on the second axle. At most two of the second tires are driving or motive power transmitting tires. Each of the second tires is associated with a respective braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Durif
  • Patent number: 6910743
    Abstract: A stable wheel assembly has wheels, a connector, a wheel stand with a bracket and a resilient body. Each wheel has a center. The connector has two spindles and two protrusions. Each protrusion has a free end and an upright step integrally formed with the free end of the protrusion. The upright steps on the protrusions are mated with each other. The bracket is pivotally mounted on two protrusions with a fastener. When the scooter or electric motorcycle mounted the stable wheel assembly run on an uneven surface, the wheels is raised up and the protrusion connected to the raised wheels is pivoted around the fastener mounted inside the protrusion and bracket. Therefore, a scooter or an electric motorcycle with the stable wheel assembly can be prevented from turning over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Merits Health Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 6890039
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a dual wheel configuration includes independently rotating wheel hubs to reduce tire wear. Each wheel hub is supported on an axle spindle via a bearing member. Another bearing member is mounted between the wheel hubs to allow each wheel hub to rotate independently from the other. A fastening assembly retains the hubs on the spindle to prevent linear movement along the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: I-Chao Chung
  • Publication number: 20030168905
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a dual wheel configuration includes independently rotating wheel hubs to reduce tire wear. Each wheel hub is supported on an axle spindle via a bearing member. Another bearing member is mounted between the wheel hubs to allow each wheel hub to rotate independently from the other. A fastening assembly retains the hubs on the spindle to prevent linear movement along the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: I-Chao Chung
  • Patent number: 6527073
    Abstract: A variable engagement mechanism for a dual wheel assembly is provided. The mechanism includes a spindle having a drive axle defining a rotational axis. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and coupled to the drive axle for being rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is rotatable relative to the first wheel hub about the rotational axis. Friction members are provided between the first and second wheel hub. An actuator forces the friction members into engagement with one another to permit transfer of torque between the wheel hubs. The actuator may be operator controlled or integrated with a braking or other vehicle control system. In this manner, the first and second wheel hub may be selectively locked together for increased traction and/or braking. A differential assembly may be used between the first and second wheel hubs so that both wheels may be driven at all times while being permitted to rotate relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Bowman, Richard M. Clisch, Patrick D. Laper, Raji S. El-Kassouf, Michael G. Semke, Gary P. Ford, Joseph B. Saxon
  • Patent number: 6471301
    Abstract: A differential mechanism is provided for a dual wheel assembly including a spindle having a drive axle defining a first rotational axis. First and second wheels are supported on the spindle adjacent to one another. The wheels are driven by the drive axle and are rotatable relative to one another about the first rotational axis. A gear assembly having a second rotational axis transverse to the first rotational axis mechanically couples the wheels. A biasing assembly engages the gear assembly thereby preventing relative rotation between the wheels when a torque is applied to one of the wheels below a desired amount from a road input. That is, the biasing assembly and gear assembly cooperate with one another to lock the first and second wheels together so that they are driven together about the first rotational axis by the drive axle. This is desirable when the vehicle is traveling a straight path to provide maximum traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Heavey Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6419325
    Abstract: A dual wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes an axle assembly having an axle shaft disposed therein, which defines an axis. First and second wheel hubs are supported on outboard and inboard portions, respectively of the axle assembly. The first wheel hub is coupled to the axle shaft so that the first wheel hub may be driven about the axis and the second wheel hub is rotatable about the axis relative to the first wheel hub. A first bearing assembly is interposed between the first wheel hub and the outboard portion for supporting the first wheel hub on the outboard portion. The outboard portion has a first shoulder with the first bearing assembly abutting the first shoulder. Similarly, a second bearing assembly is interposed between the second wheel hub and the inboard portion for supporting the second wheel hub on the inboard portion, and the inboard portion has a second shoulder with the second bearing assembly abutting the second shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Bowman, Patrick D. Laper, Raji S. El-Kassouf, Michael G. Semke, Richard M. Clisch, Gary P. Ford, Joseph B. Saxon
  • Patent number: 6345868
    Abstract: A dual wheel axle assembly for a vehicle is provided for reducing tire wear caused by scrubbing during vehicle turns. The assembly includes an axle housing having an axle shaft arranged within the axle housing. The axle shaft defines a rotational axis. A first wheel hub is supported on an end portion of the axle housing and is mechanically coupled to the axle shaft. A second wheel hub is supported on the end portion adjacent to the first wheel hub. A fluid coupling is interconnected between the axle shaft and the second wheel hub. The fluid coupling has fluid for fluidly driving the second wheel hub through the axle shaft and permitting the second wheel hub to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first wheel hub during the vehicle turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Bowman, Raji S. El-Kassouf, Richard M. Clisch, Patrick D. Laper, Michael G. Semke, Gary P. Ford, Joseph B. Saxon
  • Patent number: 6254193
    Abstract: A dual wheel assembly is provided that includes a spindle having an axle shaft defining a rotational axis. The axle shaft has a drive pinion. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is positioned to be rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is also rotatable about the rotational axis. The second wheel hub may be supported by the first wheel hub or the spindle. A differential assembly is interconnected between the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub. The differential assembly permits both wheels to be driven for increased traction while allowing the second wheel hub to rotate relative to the first wheel hub. A gear reduction assembly interconnects the differential assembly and the drive pinion to provide torque multiplication to the wheel hubs. In this manner, the gear reduction assembly provides the additional torque required for heavy vehicles while the differential assembly allows relative rotation of the wheel hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Bowman, Patrick D. Laper, Richard M. Clisch, Raji S. El-Kassouf, Michael G. Semke, Gary P. Ford, Joseph B. Saxon