Speed Responsive Control Adjusted Or Opposed By Torque Patents (Class 475/257)
  • Patent number: 11629766
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake and a vehicle including the same are provided. As an electro-mechanical brake according to an aspect of the present invention, an electro-mechanical brake including a pair of brake pads disposed on both sides of a disc, may include a motor that provides a rotational driving force; a rotating screw that rotates about a second rotating shaft parallel to a first rotating shaft of the motor; a power transmission unit that transmits the rotational driving force of the motor to the rotating screw; and a piston that is coupled to the rotating screw to be able to move forward and backward to press the disc with the brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: HL MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joon-Kyu Song, Pyeong Kook Son, Jin Seok Kim, Woochul Lim, Dae June Jung
  • Patent number: 10378623
    Abstract: A rotation/translation converter gear unit having a helical gear and a planetary gear for driving the helical gear. A spindle nut of the helical gear forms a planet carrier for planet wheels of the planetary gear. Situated between the planetary gear and the helical gear is an axial friction bearing, that at the same time forms a centering element which centers a sun wheel of the planetary gear between the planet wheels. In particular, the rotation/translation converter gear unit is used to drive a piston of a pressure generator for a brake control of a hydraulic vehicle brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Weh, Matthias Mayr, Andreas Ohm, Andreas Deberling
  • Patent number: 10288504
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axial rotary type torque sensor comprising a planetary gear set disposed along a central axis between an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft drives the sun gear which meshes with planetary gears, and the planetary gears mesh with the ring gear of the planetary gear set to rotate along the circumference of the central axis. The ring gear is connected with a plurality of strip-like beams. At least one strain gauge is attached to the beams. One ending portion of the beam is fixed and the other ending portion is used for bearing a tangential force applied on the ring gear to generate a deformation at a rotation direction of a circumference. A strain gauge which senses the strain of the deformation used as a torque sensing value between the input shaft and the output shaft, thereby improving the poor sensing accuracy and sensitivity of the conventional torque sensors and solving the problem that the radial volume cannot be effectively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: PRODRIVES & MOTIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yueh-Yang Hu, Chih-Cheng Chou, Meng-Jen Chiu
  • Patent number: 9080618
    Abstract: In line pressure control apparatus and method for a vehicle, a line pressure controller outputs a line pressure command to reduce an indicated pressure toward a required indicated pressure by which a required pressure can be secured and which is lower than an initial stage indicated pressure from the initial stage indicated pressure preset to be higher than the required pressure, while a state of each of an electrically driven oil pump (sub-O/P) and a mechanical oil pump (M-O/P) enters a first region (a) and outputs the line pressure command to hold the indicated pressure at a time point at which the first region is ended, while the state enters a second region (b), when a hydraulic pressure source is transitioned from the electrically driven oil pump to the mechanical oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Hiroki Kawakami, Shinya Mochiyama
  • Patent number: 8989970
    Abstract: There is disclosed a continuously variable ratio transmission assembly (“variator”) comprising a roller which transmits drive between a pair of races, the roller being movable in accordance with changes in variator ratio, a hydraulic actuator which applies a biasing force to the roller, at least one valve connected to the actuator through a hydraulic line to control pressure applied to the actuator and so to control the biasing force, and an electronic control which determines the required biasing force and sets the valve accordingly, wherein the valve setting is additionally dependent upon a rate of flow in the hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William Murray
  • Patent number: 8870700
    Abstract: Automatic transmission comprising: planetary gears arranged coaxially in a row, each planetary gear comprising a sun wheel, a planetary carrier carrying pivoted planetary wheels and an annulus gear, an input column connected to a sun wheel of a first planetary gear, a general gear positioned adjacent to the row of planetary gears next to a last planetary gear, n mediator gears mounted on an output column and connected to the output column via a freewheel assembly so the mediator gears are freely rotatable in one direction relative to the output column, each mediator gear in engagement with one of the planetary wheels, wherein a planetary carrier of the last planetary gear is fixed to the general gear, and a planetary carrier of each but the last planetary gear connected to a sun wheel of a following planetary gear, wherein rotation of any of the mediator gears can be stopped selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Hmood Mutliq Faheed Alshamri
  • Patent number: 8790210
    Abstract: A power tool is provided with a device for automatically switching transmission output, including at least one stage of transmission part having a sun gear, a planetary gear carrier, and a gear ring for transmission, a sensing system having a sensing component for sensing variation of operating condition, and a control device cooperated with the sensing system for controlling the transmission output of the transmission part. A first transmission output is generated when the sun gear, the planetary gear carrier, and the gear ring in the same stage are in a first transmission state, and a second transmission output is generated when the variation of operating condition received by the sensing component reaches a predetermined value and then being fed back to the control device by the sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Zhi Zhang, Jiang Li
  • Patent number: 8771140
    Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerry O. McCann, Yun Liu, Keith F. Harvey
  • Patent number: 8380403
    Abstract: A vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a stepped transmission including an input shaft and an output shaft, wherein the stepped transmission speed-changes power input to the input shaft while changing a shift speed and outputs the speed-changed power to the stepped transmission output shaft; a control unit that controls the engine and the stepped transmission in accordance with an output request from an operator. The vehicle also including input and output shaft rotation speed detecting units and an output limiting unit that limits the output of the engine by comparing the deviation of the input and output shaft rotation speed to a predetermined rotation speed relationship range. The vehicle also including an abnormality determining unit to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the stepped transmission when the rotation speed relationship exceeds the range of the predetermined rotation speed relationship for at least a first predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8285462
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states through selective application of torque transfer clutches. The torque machines are operative to transfer power from an energy storage device. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes operating the hybrid transmission in one of the operating range states, determining a first set of internal system constraints on output torque transferred to the output member, determining a second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member, and determining an allowable output torque range that is achievable within the first set of internal system constraints and the second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Bin Wu
  • Publication number: 20120190495
    Abstract: A dynamic damper device includes a planetary gear mechanism including plural differentially rotatable rotating elements, an elastic member that couples a rotating shaft rotated by being transmitted with a power with a first rotating element of the planetary gear mechanism, speed control devices that are coupled with second rotating elements different from the first rotating element and control rotation speeds of the second rotating elements, and a torque control device that is coupled with the first rotating element and controls torque acting on the first rotating element. Accordingly, the dynamic damper device achieves an effect that vibration can be appropriately reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kiyohito Murata
  • Patent number: 8133147
    Abstract: A clutching device that achieves torque modulation and/or speed trimming by manipulating only a fraction of torque transferred, but over a wider speed range, is provided. The clutching device has a planetary gear set connected to a prime mover. The planetary gear set includes a ring gear, a planet carrier with at least one planet and one sun gear disposed in the planet carrier the said planet gear engaged at one side with the ring gear, and at the other side with the sun gear. The device further includes a modulating device connected to the sun gear, and an output device connected to the planet carrier. Speed modulation between the prime mover and the output device is controlled by controlling the speed of rotation of the sun gear. Energy from the speed modulation is recoverable by the modulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: MiVa Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Vladimir Scekic, John Colbourne
  • Patent number: 7801657
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
  • Publication number: 20100105514
    Abstract: A drive assembly for use with a mobile machine is disclosed. The drive assembly may have a flywheel, a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears, and a damper operatively connecting the flywheel to the planet carrier. The drive assembly may also have a sun gear configured to mesh with the plurality of planet gears, a ring gear configured to mesh with the plurality of planet gears, and a friction clutch configured to inhibit rotation of the ring gear when a torque of the drive assembly is less than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew William Dames, Satish Dattatraya Savant
  • Patent number: 7695393
    Abstract: A propeller shaft and energy storage assembly includes a first power transfer mechanism for selectively drivingly interconnecting the propeller shaft and an energy storage device to store energy within the energy storage device. A second power transfer mechanism is operable to selectively retain and release energy stored within the energy storage device. A third power transfer mechanism selectively drivingly interconnects the energy storage device and the propeller shaft when vehicle acceleration is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott T. Costello
  • Publication number: 20090247343
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input shaft, output shaft and other coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, James B. Borgerson, Steven P. Moorman, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 7559870
    Abstract: A torque limiting coupling including: (a) an input gear (7) and an output (8) gear interconnected by a torque limiting device; (b) gear chain (9) interconnecting the input and output gears; and (c) a torque limiting device which retains the gear train (7, 8, 9) to prevent relative rotation of the gear train (7, 8, 9) and the input (7) and output gears (8) to provide a 1:1 input output ratio below a predetermined level of input torque and releases the gear train to allow relative rotation between the input (7) and output gears (8) at or above the predetermined level whereby excess torque is dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Orbital 2 Ltd
    Inventor: Raymond John Hicks
  • Patent number: 7537540
    Abstract: An electric motor-driven screw driving or drilling tool device with a planetary gear, comprising a ring gear and planet wheels mating with the ring gear, wherein the ring gear can be locked and fixed relative to the housing via locking bodies which are pretensioned by springs in a radially inward direction, the locking bodies being radially outwardly displaceable when a switch-off torque has been exceeded, such that the ring gear can be rotated relative to the housing, and the drive shaft is no longer driven. In order to improve the ease of operation of the device and reduce its size, the invention proposes leaf springs which extend in the peripheral direction of the ring gear, whose lever arm lengths can be adjusted in a peripheral direction to generate different bending forces acting on a respective locking body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Metabowerke GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Baumann, Christoph Maier
  • Publication number: 20090062996
    Abstract: A multi-ratio tractor transmission system including a series arrangement of a speed changing gearbox and a range changing gearbox. The system is selectively operable in a field working automatic mode and a road working automatic mode, wherein the transmission can only operate automatically within its speed change gearbox when the system is operating in the field working automatic mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Dominique Szymczak, Malcolm Shute
  • Patent number: 7473204
    Abstract: A propeller shaft and energy storage assembly includes a first power transfer mechanism for selectively drivingly interconnecting the propeller shaft and an energy storage device to store energy within the energy storage device. A second power transfer mechanism is operable to selectively retain and release energy stored within the energy storage device. A third power transfer mechanism selectively drivingly interconnects the energy storage device and the propeller shaft when vehicle acceleration is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott T. Costello
  • Patent number: 7422537
    Abstract: A power transmission system coupling (100) configured to provide a responsive and controllable clutch (110) using a torque split arrangement including a planetary gear set (106) for torque modulation, together with a locking device (134) to maximize torque transfer capability when modulation is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 7396311
    Abstract: An infinitely variable speed ratio planetary ball transmission comprising planetary members in rolling contact with moveable inner and outer races and a constant speed accessory drive system utilizing the transmission. The transmission is infinitely variable between ratios of approximately 0.3 and 1.0. A transmission input shaft is connected to a prime mover such as a vehicle engine crankshaft by a drive belt. The transmission comprises at least one output shaft that is coaxial with the input shaft. An output pulley is attached to the output shaft. A belt is engaged between the output pulley and various engine accessories. A second end of the transmission output shaft may be directly coupled to an engine accessory mounted on the transmission. An included control system senses a crankshaft speed. A processor analyses the crankshaft speed and accordingly adjusts the transmission ratio using a stepper motor connected to a worm drive to maintain a constant output speed regardless of crankshaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Imtiaz Ali, Alexander Serkh
  • Patent number: 7226378
    Abstract: A driving device includes a power supply unit and a torque converter. The power supply unit outputs a constant power. The torque converter has a gear train that is connected to the power supply unit and interconnects a flywheel and an input shaft in order to respectively transmit a first part and a second part of the power to the flywheel and the input shaft. The input and output shafts have respectively first and second variable-diameter pulleys on which a belt member is trained. The effective diameters of the first and second pulleys are automatically varied in response to the torque exerted on the input and output shafts to maintain the rotational speed of the output shaft at a constant level while the flywheel compensates for power variation of the output shaft without changing the power of the power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Chung-Nan Mu, Yu-Ta Tu
  • Patent number: 7070530
    Abstract: A method for power management in an electro-mechanical power-split infinitely variable transmission (eVT) designed to be operated within a designated speed ratio range for vehicular applications. The eVT is comprised of an input shaft coupled to the output shaft of a drive engine to receive power, a drive shaft, two electric machines, and a pair of planetary trains each having a sun member, a ring member, a set of planetary members, and a planet carrier. The eVT further contains one or more torque transfer devices to connect or disconnect members of the planetary trains for transferring torque. The drive shaft is coupled with a final drive of a vehicle for delivering or recapturing power to or from the vehicle drive wheels. The two electric machines are interconnected electronically via a power control unit and are coupled respectively with members of the planetary train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Xiaolan Ai, Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 7017447
    Abstract: A driving device includes a power supply unit and a torque converter. The power supply unit outputs a constant power. The torque converter has a gear train that is connected to the power supply unit and interconnects a flywheel and an input shaft in order to respectively transmit a first part and a second part of the power to the flywheel and the input shaft. The input and output shafts have respectively first and second variable-diameter pulleys on which a belt member is trained. The effective diameters of the first and second pulleys are automatically varied in response to the torque exerted on the input and output shafts to maintain the rotational speed of the output shaft at a constant level while the flywheel compensates for power variation of the output shaft without changing the power of the power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Chung-Nan Mu, Yu-Ta Tu
  • Publication number: 20040192489
    Abstract: A power transmission device that is capable of automatic speed switching according to external load is disclosed, including a frame in which a transmission mechanism and a torque feedback mechanism are received. The torque feedback mechanism includes a torque resistant member so that when the load torque is smaller than its resistant torque, the speed reduction mechanism of the transmission mechanism is retained at a first, high-speed low-torque stage. When the load torque is larger than its resistant torque, a sliding ring of the torque feedback mechanism pushes a shifting gear so that the speed reduction mechanism is shifted to a second, low-speed high-torque stage. The speed reduction mechanism automatically shifts the speed reduction mechanism when the load torque increases or reduces such that the mechanical efficiency of the transmission device can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Publication number: 20040152555
    Abstract: A planetary differential gear type reduction device of the present invention includes an output gear affixed to an output shaft connected to an object to be driven. A stationary gear has a smaller number of teeth than the output gear and is coaxial with the output shaft, but not rotatable. A planetary gear is rotatably mounted on a planetary gear shaft, which is driven by the torque of a drive source to revolve round the output gear and stationary gear, and revolves round the output gear and stationary gear in mesh therewith. The planetary gear has a first portion and a second portion meshing with the stationary gear and output gear, respectively, and having the same number of teeth as each other. At least one of the output gear, stationary gear and first portion and second portion of the planetary gear is implemented as a profile shifted gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Sadao Kakeno
  • Patent number: 6733413
    Abstract: Drive device for manually driving a blind, roller shutter or the like, comprising an epicyclic reduction gearbox consisting of the juxtaposition of two simple planetary gear trains of type I (A1, B1, a1,/A2, B2, a2), the sun wheels (A1, A2) of which are mechanically linked so as to be driven simultaneously at the same speed and the annulus gear (B1) of the first planetary gear train of which, on the input side of the reduction gearbox, is fixed and the other annulus gear (B2) of which can rotate. The reduction ratio is less than or equal to 3. This drive device makes it possible to obtain a low reduction ratio with a small diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Somfy
    Inventors: Eric Paul Lagarde, Yann Le Ru
  • Patent number: 6468176
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting the smooth engagement of a gear ratio shift wherein a planetary train (7) is engaged in direct gear by the action of centrifugal counter-weights (29) locking a clutch (18). The clutch release can be derived either from a hydraulic actuator (18) or from axial reactive forces of the ring helical toothing, reaction which is transmitted by an axial stop (B2). In order to prevent the clutch (18) from being suddenly locked by the action of the counter-weights (29) in particular when the torque to be transmitted quickly disappears, a control unit (453) detects the instantaneous ratio (VE/VS), and generates measured back pressure in the actuator (45) while the counter-weights (29) are locking the clutch (18). The invention is useful for adjusting the smooth engagement of gear ratio shifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Publication number: 20020068658
    Abstract: A planetary gear reduction device with a torque limiter function includes a housing, an input shaft rotatably supported by one end of the housing and connected to a power source so as to input a torque from the power source, an output shaft rotatably supported by the other end of the housing so as to output the torque from the power source, a reduction gear train provided between the input shaft and the output shaft and constituted of a plurality of gears meshing with one another, and a torque limiting mechanism mounted in the reduction gear train. In this device, when an excessive torque is generated in the output shaft, torque transmission from the input shaft to the output shaft is disconnected by the action of the torque limiting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Suzuki, Kunitake Matsushita, Kazuo Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6196943
    Abstract: Electric tool knob control apparatus comprises a compressing spring and a cam controller, which are set consequently on the sleeve of drive shaft base. Compressing spring is set between cam controller and base. On the sleeve, an external gearwheel is installed. Cam controller includes a spur cam-disk and a passive cam-disk. On spur cam-disk and passive cam-disk, a cam-disk flange and a cam-disk recess are circularly arranged and oppositely set up; therefore, cam-disk flange and cam-disk recess may engage to each other. On spur cam-disk, a plurality of planet gearwheel is set pivotally. By covering the outside of cam controller and sleeve with a knob with inward gear set inside diameter, planet gear wheel may engage with inward gear and external gear wheel in the same time. Also, passive cam-disk, which engages with knob, may rotate with knob and move in axial direction of knob. Passive cam-disk and spur cam-disk may be driven to rotate while knob is moved to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Trinity Metallize Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 6042500
    Abstract: The coupling device, such as a clutch, comprises an alternation of first discs (22) made from hardened steel and having teeth (25) for rotational coupling with a first member of the clutch, and second disc (19) having teeth (15) for rotational coupling with a second member of the clutch. The second discs (19) are made of carbon fibers embedded in a carbon base material, with no support inside the disc. The stable and progressive operation of the clutch and the life time of the discs are improved. Costs and space-requirement are reduced over all-carbon devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5860890
    Abstract: The coupling device, such as a clutch, comprises an alternation of first discs (22) made from hardened steel and having teeth (25) for rotational coupling with a first member of the clutch, and second discs (19) having teeth (15) for rotational coupling with a second member of the clutch.The discs (19) are made of carbon fibres embedded in a carbon former, with no support inside the disc.Use for improving the stability and progressive nature of the functioning of the clutch, and the longevity of the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5713813
    Abstract: A trans-planetary mechanical torque impeller utilizes at least two sets of input planetary pinion gears of differing sizes, which are supported by a planetary carrier. These input planetary pinion gears rotate with respect to primary and secondary annulus gears which, in turn, drive bevel gears which engage a differential pinion gear to drive an output shaft. The output shaft load causes the torque impeller to automatically vary its gear ratio to match the input shaft or motor power output capability to the output shaft load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: John W. von Greyerz
  • Patent number: 5709626
    Abstract: Motion is transmitted by means of a kinematic chain, comprising four members--a driving, driven, intermediate and support members. The driving, driven and supporting members rotate about a common axis. The intermediate member, by virtue of its operative linkages with the driving, driven and supporting members, rotates about the common axis and translates either parallel or, according to another version, perpendicular to the common axis. The supporting member is stopped during motion transmission. The intermediate member moves with respect to the driving, driven and supporting members during motion transmission. The directions of these motions define angles with the direction of motion of the driving member in the plane parallel or perpendicular, respectively, to the common axis. Changing the at least one of the angles can change the ratio of the speeds of the driving and driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Boris Borisovich Lopatik
  • Patent number: 5672136
    Abstract: This smoothly automatic changing ratios gear mechanism for use in devices as small as toys and as large as the heaviest industrial machines is an arrangement of planetary gear sets which provide divergent ratio gear tracks driven by an arrangement of components for dynamically positioning virtual fulcrum points along virtual balance beams thus automatically realizing a multiplicity of gear ratios. The gear ratio changes result from the relationship of the amplitude of force driving the system acting against the variable bias of spring and centrifugal forces that tend to keep the fulcrums positioned to affect high RPM output. The gear tracks are arranged as mirror images of each other and in a manner such that the ring gear of an input planetary gear set is tied to the sun gear of an output planetary gear set and vice versa thus forming divergent ratio gear tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hunts' Serendipity, Inc.
    Inventor: Grover C. Hunt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5645506
    Abstract: An infinitely variable ratio transmission is provided including coaxial first and second rotary shafts. A rotary carrier is journaled relative to the shafts and axially spaced first and second sun gears are mounted on the first and second shafts, respectively, for rotation therewith. The carrier includes sets of axially spaced first and second planet gears journaled therefrom and meshed with the first and second sun gears, respectively. Selectively operable first rotation inhibiting structure is provided operative to gradually inhibit rotation of the carrier and second selectively operable rotation inhibiting structure is provided operable to gradually inhibit orbiting of the first planet gears about the first sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Alexander E. Mleczko
  • Patent number: 5564992
    Abstract: A torque enhancer for use between a driving member and a driven member includes a housing and a gear set rotatably supported within the housing. The gear set has an input member, an output member, and a reaction member. Torque is transferred between the input member and the output member when rotation of the reaction member is resisted. A braking element is disposed within the housing and operably engages the reaction member to resist the rotation of the reaction member, thereby causing torque to be transferred between the input member and the output member. A controller means connected to the brake means modulates engagement of the reaction member by the brake means to maximize output member acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: James T. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5514044
    Abstract: The transmission apparatus comprises serially mounted two-speeds modules. Each module is responsive to speed and torque for shifting up when speed is relatively high and/or torque relatively low, and for shifting down in the contrary case. Speed sensitivity is provided by flyweights tending to engage a direct drive clutch. Torque sensitivity for shifting down is provided by the clutch having a limited torque capability, depending upon the force produced by the flyweights. Torque sensitivity for shifting up is provided by the helical gear teeth inducing an axial thrust which is able, or not, to oppose engagement of the clutch by the flyweights. Such a transmission apparatus can dispense with a centralized control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive North America B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5279527
    Abstract: Improvements to a Shiftless, Continuously-Aligning Transmission (SCAT) to provide the turbine member of a torque converter with variable torque-increasing gearing and give it additional work advantage over a work load and eliminate a vast amount of slippage in the converter, the improvements embodying reactive planetary gears mechanically engaging the turbine to a sun gear of a planetary gear set; mobile ring gears controlled by a drive shell extending rearward and engaged to a mechanical ring gear modulator which controls the direction and speed of the planetary ring gears to vary the output torque being delivered by the converter; a two-section input turbine shaft; a clutch mechanism to engage the two turbine shaft sections; a clutchless, continuously engaged overdrive planetary unit; hydraulic controls; and electrical braking controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Samuel J. Crockett
  • Patent number: 5263906
    Abstract: A multi-speed mechanical automatic transmission has two planetary gear trains, each including a sun gear, planet gears mounted in a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The first planetary gear train provides low gear and direct drive; the second train modifies low gear operation of the first train to provide an intermediate gear operation. The first sun gear is fixed to an input shaft, and the first planet carrier drives an output shaft. The second planet carrier is coupled to rotate the first ring gear in one direction, and free wheels or selectively actuated friction brakes prevent rotation of the first and second ring gears in the opposite direction. The first planetary train has helical gears, and a direct drive clutch selectively couples the first ring gear to the first planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive North America B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5259823
    Abstract: A series of all-geared, positive drive, stepless, shift-free exponential transmissions and geared neutral friction-free torque converters including two-stage and ultra high speed three-stage common axis and dual axis of rotation exponential mechanisms. Also included are combined transmissions/torque converting mechanisms and geared reversing attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Paul K. Coronel
  • Patent number: 5213551
    Abstract: A transmission (1) has an input (2) connected to an engine (3). At a speed above idling, a centrifugal clutch (9) connects the engine to a pump (8) of a torque converter (7) and also to a sun gear (14) of a planetary gear train (13). A turbine (11) of the torque converter is connected to a ring gear (16) of the planetary gear train, and a planet carrier (18) is connected to an output (4) of the transmission. A free wheel (22) mounted between the ring gear and a stationary housing prevents reverse rotation of the ring gear. At low engine speeds, the power passes via the sun and planet gears through the planet carrier to the output, while reaction torque exerted by the planet gears on the ring gear is greater than forward torque transmitted through the torque converter, so that the ring gear is held stationary by the free wheel. In this condition, the planetary gear train acts as a mechanical speed reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Mat Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen A. Antonov
  • Patent number: 4966575
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic adjustment of the variation ratio for distributing an input rotational force into a low speed power line having high variation ratio, and for combining the two power lines thereby providing an output with stepless variation is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventors: Jun Y. Lim, Jong O. Na