Overload Release Patents (Class 475/263)
  • Patent number: 11970053
    Abstract: An electric axle assembly includes a suspension frame and drive assemblies coupled to opposing sides of the suspension frame. The electric axle assembly engages with wheels of a vehicle for rotating the wheels to move the vehicle along a round surface. A drive unit transfers motive force to the wheels through one or more gearsets and axle shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Shaun Mepham
  • Patent number: 11951838
    Abstract: An energy storage arrangement includes a shaft for transmitting torque, a housing, an actuator configured to be axially moved, a freewheel disposed between the shaft and actuator and fastened to the shaft, the freewheel being configured to transmit no torque in one rotational direction, an energy store configured to store torque, a support element, an outer coupling between the housing and the support element, and an inner coupling between the support element and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Hector Ballester, Elias Zarzuela
  • Patent number: 11871701
    Abstract: A baling machine includes a rotary drive-transferring driveline including a rotary input shaft that is connected to provide rotary drive as an input to a transmission; a flywheel shaft supporting a flywheel that is rotatably driven as an output of the transmission, the flywheel shaft connecting directly or indirectly to a plunger of the baling machine; and the transmission that is drive-transferringly interposed between the input shaft and the flywheel shaft. The transmission includes one or more clutches for selectively drivingly connecting the input shaft and the flywheel shaft one to the other inside the transmission and the flywheel shaft is free of clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Xavier G. J. M. Bonte, Frederik Demon
  • Patent number: 11851985
    Abstract: A downhole nipple assembly includes a main body with a central bore configured to receive a hydraulically operated wireline-retrievable subsurface safety valve (WLSSSV and a pressure chamber open to the central bore via a sidewall port. The pressure chamber is configured to receive a volume of wellbore fluid from the central bore via the sidewall port as the nipple assembly is disposed within the wellbore prior to receipt of the WLSSSV in the central bore, and such that the sidewall port is in fluid communication with a pressure inlet port of the WLSSSV is locked in the central bore. The nipple assembly also includes an electrically operated piston assembly comprising a motor operable to drive a piston in response to an electric signal, thereby decreasing the volume of the pressure chamber and generating an increase in hydraulic pressure of the wellbore fluid at the pressure inlet port of the WLSSSV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: AbdulMalek Sulaiman AlMatrodi
  • Patent number: 11674577
    Abstract: Differential arrangement, e.g., for a drive axle of a motor vehicle. The differential arrangement comprises a drive wheel; a differential gear having an input part; a shift clutch operatively arranged between the drive wheel and the differential gear, wherein in the closed state of the shift clutch torque is transmitted from the drive wheel to the differential gear and in the open state of the shift clutch a torque transmission is interrupted. A first clutch part of the shift clutch is fixedly connected to the input part or to a differential housing of the differential gear, and a second clutch part of the shift clutch is fixedly connected to the respective other one of the input part and the differential housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Matthias Zingerle, Nikolaus Mayr, Sigmund Senoner, Hanspeter Putzer
  • Patent number: 11536349
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism includes first and second transmission, first and second shafts, a clutch, and a one-way bearing. In the first gear, power is output through the first driving transmission and the one-way bearing; and in the second gear, the power is output through the clutch, the second driving transmission and the one-way bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Cheng-Ping Yang, Meng-Ru Wu, Ming-Hsien Yang, Peng-Yu Chen, Jui-Tang Tseng
  • Patent number: 11293263
    Abstract: A technique facilitates rapid transitioning of a valve, e.g. a gate valve. According to an embodiment, a system comprises a valve actuator constructed for coupling with a valve to actuate the valve between closed and open positions. Hydraulic actuation fluid may be supplied to the valve actuator under pressure via a hydraulic supply system to enable selective shifting of the valve actuator, and thus the valve, from a closed position to an open position. The system also comprises a dump tank coupled to the valve actuator in a manner to receive hydraulic fluid. In a rapid valve actuation operation, e.g. closing operation, the dump tank receives hydraulic fluid from the valve actuator rather than returning the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic supply system. This, in turn, enables rapid shifting of the valve actuator and thus rapid shifting of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jermetris McLin, Mark McGilvray, Jr., Jerry Martino, Carl Toups
  • Patent number: 11220168
    Abstract: An electric axle assembly includes a suspension frame and drive assemblies coupled to opposing sides of the suspension frame. The electric axle assembly engages with wheels of a vehicle for rotating the wheels to move the vehicle along a ground surface. A drive unit transfers motive force to the wheels through one or more gearsets and axle shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Shaun Mepham
  • Patent number: 10641357
    Abstract: A planetary gear set, for a servomotor system, and including rotary components mounted in at least one assembly configuration, within a case, and producing a speed ratio of the planetary gear set, which is determined by this assembly configuration, between an input member and an output member. The rotary components allow changes in assembly configuration. Each assembly configuration produces a specific predetermined speed ratio. The invention is usable for servomotor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: BERNARD CONTROLS
    Inventors: Rémy Lepan, Yoann Denis
  • Patent number: 10533640
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electric motor and a first planetary gear stage having a first rotatable member drivingly connected to the electric motor and at least one second rotatable member. A second planetary gear stage includes a third rotatable member drivingly connected to the at least one second rotatable member and includes at least one fourth rotatable member. One of the third rotatable member and the at least one fourth rotatable member is connected to an output member. A passive one-way clutch and a selectable one-way clutch are associated with at least one of the first and second planetary gear stages for varying operation of the first and second planetary gear stages based upon an operation state of the selectable one-way clutch and a direction of rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Littlefield, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 10183392
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes: a shiftable transmission for driving a drive shaft, which transmission is situated in a gear housing and is shiftable at least between a first gear and a second gear via a shifting member; and a pivotably supported actuating element, which is configured as a bistable spring element and situated, at least in sections, in the area between the shifting member and the gear housing, is associated with the shifting member. The bistable spring element is actuatable for the gear shifting, and assumes a stable shift position in at least one shift position of the shifting member associated with the first or second gear, and assumes an unstable position in an intermediate position of the shifting member which is situated between shift positions of the shifting member associated with the first and second gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Brennenstuhl, Heiko Roehm, Andreas Heber
  • Patent number: 10151358
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a first plate, a second plate, a claw, a selector plate and an interposition member. The claw is provided in the first plate. The claw projects from the first plate toward the second plate. The claw meshes with a recessed portion disposed in the second plate when the second plate rotates in a predetermined rotation direction and the claw projects from the first plate. The selector plate is placed so as to be adjacent to the first plate. The selector plate rotates relative to the first plate between a locked position at which the claw is projectable and a released position at which the claw is maintained. The interposition member is placed between the selector plate and the second plate. Rotation of the interposition member relative to the selector plate is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Itagaki, Naofumi Magarida
  • Patent number: 9790997
    Abstract: An assembly for preventing abuse of a pump mounted to a driver equipment is provided. The driver equipment and the pump have a mutually intermeshed driver gear and a driven gear respectively. The assembly includes a coupler splined to a shaft of the pump and configured to transmit torque from the driven gear to the shaft. The assembly also includes fasteners that are configured to releasably fasten the coupler to an end face of the driven gear. The fasteners are configured to shear, and disconnect the coupler from the driven gear when a torque on the driven gear exceeds an operational torque of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart Bell
  • Patent number: 9657787
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a first plate, a second plate, a claw, a selector plate and an outer shell. The second plate is placed on the same axis as the first plate. The second plate has a recessed portion. The claw is provided in the first plate and meshes with the recessed portion in a state where the claw projects from the first plate only when the second plate rotates in a predetermined direction. The selector plate is placed between the first plate and the second plate. The selector plate changes a state of claw. The outer shell covers an outer periphery of the first plate. The outer periphery of the first plate and an inner periphery of the outer shell have a tapered shape in which a diameter is gradually reduced toward a direction distance from the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naofumi Magarida, Kenji Itagaki
  • Patent number: 8968150
    Abstract: A damper device includes a damper unit arranged on a motive power transmission path between a motive power source and a gear mechanism and configured for absorbing torque fluctuations that might be generated by elastic force between the motive power source and the gear mechanism. The damper device also includes a limiter unit that produces slip when the torque fluctuations have exceeded a preset value. The limiter unit is arranged on a motive power transmission path between the damper unit and the gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Misu, Tomohiro Saeki, Satoshi Nakagaito
  • Publication number: 20150018155
    Abstract: A torque limiter limits transmission of torque between an input shaft an output shaft. The torque limiter may be incorporated in a geared rotary actuator for actuating an aircraft control surface. The torque limiter is responsive to output torque associated with the output shaft instead of input torque associated with the input shaft. The torque limiter includes a structural ground and a gear assembly for transmitting rotational motion of the input shaft to the output shaft. The gear assembly includes a reference gear coupled to the structural ground such that movement of the reference gear relative to the structural ground is dependent upon an output torque at the output shaft. The reference gear is stationary relative to the structural ground when the output torque is below an output torque limit, and the reference gear moves relative the structural ground when the output torque exceeds the output torque limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Seth GITNES
  • Publication number: 20140323261
    Abstract: A transmission for shredding machines includes a drive shaft, a driven shaft, and an intermediate shaft, with at least two spur gears each, at least one hydraulic shift clutch each, and at least one overload clutch. The shafts can releasably be coupled with each other via the spur gears and the hydraulic shift clutches, and the driven shaft can releasably be coupled with an output shaft by way of the overload clutch. Use of the transmission in a shredding machine is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Komptech Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard MEISENBICHLER, Peter WOSCHIZKA, Christian OBERWINKLER, Gerd DIESSNER, Maik STERZEL, Eric ZICKLER
  • Publication number: 20140323262
    Abstract: An overload protection device in combination with a prime mover and gearbox transmission supplies torque through a gearbox transmission to a load. An input shaft with is driven by the prime mover and rotates therewith. An external spline on the input shaft mates with an input gear having an internal spline. Upon overload of the gearbox transmission, the input shaft fractures an annular groove in the input shaft. A bushing prevents travel of the portion of the input shaft which is driven by the prime mover and which continues to spin after the fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: FAIRFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: KENNETH E. CARLTON, DENNIS BUUCK
  • Patent number: 8808133
    Abstract: An overload protection device in combination with a prime mover and gearbox transmission supplies torque through a gearbox transmission to a load. An input shaft with is driven by the prime mover and rotates therewith. An external spline on the input shaft mates with an input gear having an internal spline. Upon overload of the gearbox transmission, the input shaft fractures an annular groove in the input shaft. A bushing prevents travel of the portion of the input shaft which is driven by the prime mover and which continues to spin after the fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Carlton, Dennis Buuck
  • Patent number: 8469115
    Abstract: In a speed change device of an electrical power tool, a reset arm is provided separately from a switch lever, which arm is operated by a reset motor. Due to tilting motion of the reset arm, a lock ring can be returned to an unlocking position in which a second stage internal gear can be rotated, so that the speed change device can be rest to a high speed low torque mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kondo, Yoshitaka Ichikawa, Katsuna Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8452500
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine and a continuously variable transmission including a planetary gear arrangement and a variator. An input drives the variator and the planetary gears. A first planetary output gear is connected to the first output of the planetary gear arrangement. A second planetary output gear is connected to the first output, and a third planetary output gear is connectable by a first clutch to a second output of the planetary gear arrangement. A first output member is connected to the third planetary output gear, a second clutch releasably connects the first output member with the first planetary output gear, a third clutch connects the first output member with the second planetary output gear, a fourth clutch connects the second output member with the first planetary output gear, and a fifth clutch connects the second output member with the second planetary output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Seipold
  • Patent number: 8262531
    Abstract: An actuator (100) includes a differential (105), the differential comprising a gear train comprising a first leg (106a) and a second leg (106b); a motor (101) configured to power a rotating ball screw (104) through the first leg (106a) of the differential (105); and a brake (103) connected to the second leg (106b) of the differential (105), the brake (103) having a holding force, such that in the event a torque in the differential (105) exceeds the holding force, the brake (103) is configured to dissipate the torque in the differential (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, David Lang
  • Patent number: 8220561
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement that includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission assembly that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission assembly and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission assembly to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission assembly is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8172713
    Abstract: A rotation output device including a lock mechanism for automatically locking an output shaft without inertia or a need to pivot the output shaft by the operator after the input shaft stops rotating. The rotation output device includes an output gear for inputting a rotation driving force; a lock ring restricted from rotating; output rings for rotating integrally with the spindle; a click spring for rotating the output rings with respect to the output gear; float gears which are held by the output ring to be urged radially outward and are fixedly engageable with the lock ring; and central pin insertion through-holes and side pin insertion through-holes provided in the output rings for releasing the float gears radially outward and fixedly engaging the float gears with the lock ring. The click spring relatively rotates the output rings by the stoppage of the rotation driving of the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventor: Daijiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8075439
    Abstract: An automatic opening-closing device, especially for a cover or seat of a toilet, has a motor having a motor shaft, a speed reducer connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gearbox driven by the speed reducer, an output axle for driving the cover between an open position and a closed position. A protection device limits the torque between the output axle and an output shaft of the planetary gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Jingning Ta, Zhiqiang Wu, Jicheng Pan
  • Patent number: 8015890
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a reversible electric motor which drives a spindle via a reduction gear with several stages and an activation element connected with it, and an overload clutch in connection with the first stage or one of the first stages in the reduction gear. This is advantageous in terms of structure and load and greater flexibility is achieved in the construction of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Bruno Christensen, Finn Jacobsen, Kjeld Kristiansen
  • Publication number: 20110183806
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a first race, a second race, and a biasing member. The torque transmitting device selectively transmits a torque in a rotational direction between a first member and a second member. The second member includes a surface that defines an annular bore having a decreasing diameter in an axial direction. The second race opposes the first race and includes a surface that opposes the second member and has the decreasing diameter in the axial direction. The first race and the second race define a predetermined torque limit. The biasing element biases the second race against the second member with a predetermined force that contributes to a predetermined holding torque between the surface of the second race and the surface of the second member that is less than the predetermined torque limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20110177906
    Abstract: A damper device includes a damper unit arranged on a motive power transmission path between a motive power source and a gear mechanism and configured for absorbing torque fluctuations that might be generated by elastic force between the motive power source and the gear mechanism. The damper device also includes a limiter unit that produces slip when the torque fluctuations have exceeded a preset value. The limiter unit is arranged on a motive power transmission path between the damper unit and the gear mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Misu, Tomohiro Saeki, Satoshi Nakagaito
  • Patent number: 7766791
    Abstract: A powertrain for a machine is disclosed. The powertrain has a power source and a transmission that is operably connected to the power source. The powertrain also has a differential that is operably connected to the transmission. The powertrain further has a first and second shaft that are operably connected to the differential. The first and second shaft respectively actuate a plurality of traction devices. The powertrain also has a clutch associated with the differential and configured to selectively reduce a total traction available to the machine by releasing the differential as a function of a torque produced by the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Timothy Alan Bruce
  • Patent number: 7731618
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes clutch members having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output. The clutch members are capable of slipping with respect to each other in order to prevent damage caused by overload conditions. The clutch mechanism further comprises an actuator associated with a clutch member. If the clutch members slip and a characteristic associated with slipping of the clutch members, such as the temperature rise of the slipping surfaces or the relative rotational speed of the clutch members is above a predetermined value, transmission of torque to the output is interrupted. The clutch mechanism is particularly suited for inclusion in a drive mechanism for the agitator of a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Guy James Burlington, Martin David Townsend
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7510495
    Abstract: Helical gears, which are provided for a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear, have helix angles ? of not less than 25 degrees and not more than 45 degrees. Pawls provided for lock sections and internal gear lock receiving sections of the internal gear have rising angles ?, respectively, that satisfy the relational expression, 0 ?tan ?<(?·di)/{dp·tan(90??)}, wherein ? is the helix angle of the sun gear, ? is the screw efficiency of the sun gear as a sliding screw, dp is the pitch circle diameter of the sun gear, and di is an outer diameter of the internal gear defining a center of application of torque of the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Ryuichi Masui, Masaki Imamura
  • 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: 7452304
    Abstract: A power tool with a housing, a motor, an output spindle and a transmission assembly with a transmission and a speed selector. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary transmission stages that couple the motor to the output spindle. The speed selector includes only one switch member that is slidably movable between three positions to cause the transmission to operate in a corresponding number of speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A Hagan, Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne
  • Patent number: 7410441
    Abstract: A portable power tool having a relatively compact multi-stage, three-speed transmission and a related method for operating a power tool with a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7404781
    Abstract: A method for operating a portable power tool having a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20080146401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear comprising a pinion being integral with a rotatably mounted shaft in a support by means of a cleavable element arranged to disengage the pinion from the shaft in case of an overcouple between the pinion and the shaft, characterized by the fact that a guiding module of the pinion, being pending, is arranged to maintain the pinion in rotation in the support in case of a disengagement of the pinion from the shaft. In a turbo-machine, a gear box comprising such a gear allows the driving of auxiliary machines in case of a breakdown of a shaft in the gear box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: HISPANO SUIZA
    Inventor: Alain VASSAUX
  • Patent number: 7377871
    Abstract: A power transfer unit is provided with a torque limiting coupling that limits the amount of torque that can be transferred to the driveline components when torque peaks occur while torque is transferred to the non-slipping wheels. The torque limiting coupling includes an engagement member disposed between an input from a driving member and an output to a driven member. The engagement member is located radially between and provides a frictional engagement between the input and the output. The engagement member is capable of slipping under heavy torque loads in order to protect the driveline components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7223195
    Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7220211
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7118507
    Abstract: An automatic reduction-ratio changing apparatus comprises a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear. When a load, which exceeds a predetermined torque, is applied to the internal gear, a pawl of a lock lever is engaged with a ratchet section of a housing to stop the rotation of the internal gear and lock the internal gear. When a displaceable member of an actuator is displaced from an outward route to a homeward route, the rotation of a motor is reversed, and an input shaft and a cam are rotated in a reverse direction to release from the locked state. Accordingly, the speed reduction ratio, which is transmitted from an output shaft to the actuator, is automatically switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Tomita, Motohiro Sotome
  • Patent number: 7101300
    Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6984188
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6875145
    Abstract: A geared rotary actuator comprising first and second reduction gear trains, an earth for fixing the actuator in use, and an output member moveable relative to said earth for connection to a component to be moved by the actuator, said first and second reduction gear trains each including a respective rotary input member and a respective output, said first and second gear train input members being arranged in use to be driven by respective sources of rotary movement and said gear trains having fixed, equal, step-down gear ratios between their input and output, and, the actuator further including output summing means interconnecting said outputs of said first and second gear reduction trains with said output member of the actuator whereby movement of said output member relative to said earth in response to rotation of said gear train input members is the sum of the movements of said gear train outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard John McKay, Richard James Clapham
  • Patent number: 6857983
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for limiting a torque output of the power tool. The clutch assembly includes an annular rotatable clutch member, which is coupled to the ring gear of a planetary gearset in a transmission, and an engagement assembly. The clutch member has a clutch face with a predetermined clutch profile. The engagement assembly has at least one follower member that abuts the clutch member and cooperates with the clutch profile to inhibit rotation of the clutch member relative to the follower member only when the magnitude of the torque output of the power tool is less than a predetermined maximum torque. The clutch face on the clutch member is located between the opposite axially ends of the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 6830531
    Abstract: Pursuant to the control strategy of the present invention, torque load may be shared between the low/reverse friction clutch and a one-way clutch to effect low and reverse gear ratios in a transmission. This may be accomplished by engaging the friction clutch during vehicle launch and keeping it engaged until the peak torque has passed. Once the peak torque has been passed, the load capacity of the friction clutch can be reduced to zero. In this operational mode, the one-way clutch is acting to support the remaining drive torque. Thus, with only the one-way clutch carrying a load at the time of the up-shift from first to second gear, a non-synchronous shift can be affected. In this way, the control strategy acts to share the torque load between the low/reverse brake and the low one-way clutch, thereby allowing a reduced capacity, lower spin-loss one-way clutch design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, R. Keith Martin, John M. Kremer
  • Patent number: 6824490
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Suzuki, Kunitake Matsushita, Kazuo Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20040180750
    Abstract: A center case has a force-receiving wall and a fixed wall, and is rigidly fixed in a starter. A gear-forming section is coaxially arranged with the center case, and has a forcing wall and a movable wall on the side of the center case. A cushion member is elastically received between the force-receiving wall of the center case and the forcing wall of the gear-forming section. The fixed wall of the center case and the movable wall of the gear-forming section are arranged to have a gap, and oppose each other. When an excessive torque works on the gear-forming section via an internal gear, the cushion member absorbs an impact force to move the movable wall by a predetermined distance. In this case, the movable wall contacts the fixed wall so that a compression rate of the cushion member can be restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Katoh, Kazuo Hirama, Hiroshi Kaneda
  • Patent number: 6715379
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprising a V-belt continuously variable transmission and a gear-type transmission, being capable of transmitting drive torque from an engine with controlled engine braking but without loss of the torque, thereby giving a rider an improved driving feel. The V-belt continuously variable transmission and the gear-type transmission are placed in this order from upstream in a power transmission path from the engine to wheels. A one-way clutch for transmitting only the drive torque from the engine to the wheel and a torque limiter for transmitting the torque less than a predetermined value are arranged in parallel, between, e.g., a countershaft and forward intermediate gears fitted onto the countershaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Miguchi, Yasutaka Kobayashi