Plural Outputs Patents (Class 475/74)
  • Patent number: 11971092
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a hydromechanical transmission. In one example, the transmission system includes a hydrostatic assembly including a variable displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor and a planetary gearset coupled to a multi-speed gearbox, a hydraulic motor, and an output shaft via separate gears and shafts. In the system the variable displacement hydraulic pump is coupled to an input of the multi-speed gearbox, the multi-speed gearbox includes one or more clutches and is coupled to a prime mover and the output shaft is designed to couple to an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: DANA ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Dalla Palma, Fabio Gunsch, Mario Gelmini, Giovanni Profumo
  • Patent number: 11953091
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a differential device, a continuously variable transmission unit, and a control device. The differential device includes a first rotation element connected to the input shaft, a second rotation element connected to the output shaft, and a third rotation element. The continuously variable transmission unit includes a conversion unit configured to convert rotational power of the third rotation element into an other power, and a reconversion unit configured to reconvert the converted other power into the rotational power and supply the reconverted rotational power to the output shaft. The control device includes a continuously variable transmission control unit configured to generate a control signal of the continuously variable transmission unit such that the other power generated by the conversion unit exceeds the other power input to the reconversion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Shogo Miyazaki, Shinya Kawakita, Kenichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 11536107
    Abstract: A mechanical service tool that may include one or more anchors, a cutter, a communication and control system, and one or more sensors, as well as methods for operating the mechanical service tool, are provided. The one or more anchors may extend radially from the mechanical service tool and the cutter may move relative to the mechanical service tool. The cutter may include a drilling bit. The communication and control system may obtain remote commands that control the cutter, the one or more anchors, or both. The one or more sensors may detect operational conditions of the mechanical service tool and may be operatively coupled to the communication and control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Kyle Wiesenborn, Matthew Dresel, Pierre-Olivier Gourmelon, Rex Mennem, Matthew Billingham, Todor Sheiretov, Nathan Landsiedel, Yoann Couble, Wade DuPree
  • Patent number: 11525499
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a drivetrain. In one example embodiment, a motor vehicle drivetrain is disclosed including a transmission arrangement for a motor vehicle with a primary engine. The transmission arrangement including a transmission input shaft which can be connected to the primary engine, and at least one transmission output shaft. The at least one transmission output shaft including a first summation planetary gear unit having primary and secondary first transmission input elements, and a first transmission output element, and a second summation planetary gear unit having primary and secondary second transmission input elements and a second transmission output element. The first transmission output element is connectable to the transmission output shaft via at least one first clutch and the second transmission output element is connectable to the transmission output shaft via at least one second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Dieter Stöckl, Josef Häglsperger
  • Patent number: 11420512
    Abstract: An integrated transmission includes a transmission housing having a first housing face through which the input shaft extends; a CVP housed within the housing; and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes an input arrangement contained within the housing and having at least one input transmission component selectively coupling the engine power and the CVP power; a variator arrangement contained within the housing, configured to receive the engine and CVP power and to selectively transfer the engine power, CVP power, and a summing of engine and CVP power as variator output power; and a transmission gear arrangement contained within the transmission housing engaged with the variator arrangement and configured to provide a selective gear reduction for transmission to an output shaft that extends out of the transmission housing. The integrated transmission includes a power electronics apparatus arranged within or on the transmission housing and electrically coupled to the CVP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Stacy K. Worley, Ronald D. Bremner
  • Patent number: 11137052
    Abstract: A transmission assembly is provided for a work vehicle powertrain having an engine delivering engine power to an input shaft. The transmission assembly includes a transmission assembly housing having a first housing side through which the input shaft extends and a second housing side; a continuously variable power source (CVP) at least partially contained within the transmission assembly housing; an input arrangement contained within the transmission assembly housing and having at least one input transmission component; a variator contained within the transmission housing with a first variator side oriented toward the first housing side and a second variator side oriented toward the second housing side and configured to receive the engine power and the CVP power through the input arrangement on the second variator side; and a transmission gear arrangement contained within the transmission assembly housing for transmission of output power from the variator to an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Ore, David Mueller, Rainer Gugel, Ronald D. Bremner
  • Patent number: 10487940
    Abstract: A hydraulic mechanical transmission includes a first hydraulic unit having a first shaft and a second hydraulic unit having a second shaft. The second hydraulic unit is connected in hydraulic fluid communication with the first hydraulic unit by high and low pressure lines. A mechanical torque transfer arrangement transfers torque between the first shaft of the first hydraulic unit and a rotatable housing of the second hydraulic unit. One of the first and second hydraulic units operates as a hydraulic pump and the other operates as a hydraulic motor, and both of the first and second hydraulic units have variable displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: QingHui Yuan, Matthew E. Creswick
  • Patent number: 10323739
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism configured for use with a transaxle housing includes a limited-slip differential assembly including a differential casing defining first and second output shaft openings that receive respective first and second axle shafts. A piston is slidably disposed in the differential casing and configured to actuate a clutch assembly. A bolt-on plenum assembly is configured to bolt onto the transaxle housing and includes a plenum assembly housing, a hydraulic coupling and a motor. The plenum assembly housing defines an axle opening configured to receive one of the first and second axle shafts therethrough. The hydraulic coupling can be arranged on the plenum assembly housing at the axle opening. The motor can be mounted on the plenum assembly housing at the axle opening and be configured to pump hydraulic fluid from the bolt-on plenum assembly, through the hydraulic coupling and into the differential casing to act onto the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Patent number: 9908407
    Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle is provided, the transaxle including a pump assembly having an input shaft extending from a housing and a pump disposed on a first hydraulic mounting member attached to the pump housing. The pump may be driven by an electric motor mounted on the vehicle. A motor assembly in a separate housing is also provided, and the transaxle may use a pair of dual planetary gear reduction mechanisms driven by a motor output shaft, each reduction mechanism driving an axle driving one of a pair of driven wheels of the vehicle. The axes of rotation of the pump shaft, motor shaft, electric motor output and the axles may all be located on a common plane to provide a compact unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, Scott W. Keller
  • Patent number: 9873325
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle with a bypass mechanism is disclosed, the transaxle having a center section attached to a housing, an axial piston pump disposed on the center section and driven by an input shaft, and an axial piston motor disposed on the center section having a cylinder block engaged to a motor output shaft. The bypass actuation rod has a cam formed on a first end that engages a block lift member. When the bypass actuation rod is rotated, the cam causes two legs of the block lift member to engage the cylinder block on either side of the motor output shaft and cooperatively lift the cylinder block of the axial piston motor off of center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan S. Buescher, Shane A. Deters
  • Patent number: 9695920
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for an agricultural vehicle, the transmission comprising a transmission casing and transmission components, the components including: an input shaft drivable by a prime mover, first and second output drive shafts for connection to driven wheels of the vehicle, a mechanical transmission branch which transfers torque mechanically from the input shaft to the first and second output shafts, and a further transmission branch having at least one continuously variable motor, wherein the first and second output drive shafts are additionally driven by the at least one motor so as to provide the first and second output drive shafts with continuously variable drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Heindl
  • Patent number: 9488263
    Abstract: Transmission for coupling to hydromechanical power source includes differential and range modules including planetary gear arrangements, a plurality of selectively engagable clutch assemblies, and a drop box module, which includes a final output member. First and second power source paths provide power to the differential module. The clutch assemblies are selectively engagable to provide variable rotational power from the differential module to the range module, and from the range module to the drop box module in a plurality of directional ranges. The drop box adapts the variable rotational power provided in the selected range for connection in a given application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gaurav Vasudeva, Michael G. Cronin
  • Patent number: 9441679
    Abstract: A synchronized shift device for locked connection of at least two shafts (30, 32), which shafts have different rotation speeds at the start of a shift procedure. An arrangement of first annular drive body (36), synchronization body (42) and first annular coupling element (44) bring about synchronization of the shaft speed prior to coupling by a synchronization sleeve (50). A further shaft (60), coaxially arranged, may be provided with a similar arrangement of annular drive body (62) and coupling element (66) for synchronized connection with one of the other shafts (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Heindl, Florian Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9303732
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft (INPUT) configured to allow a rotational force to be transmitted from a power source, an output shaft configured to be disposed in parallel with the input shaft so as to draw out power, and a plurality of shifting gear pairs including driving gears and driven gears installed on the input shaft and the output shaft respectively so as to be circumscribed in pairs and provide different shifting stages for respective pairs, wherein at least two of the shifting gear pairs are respectively configured so that one of the driving gear and the driven gear is connected to the input shaft or the output shaft so as to control power by planetary gearsets, and the other is connected to the input shaft or the output shaft so as to control power by a synchronizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Chon Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 9103425
    Abstract: A cost configurable drive system for machines having dual/tandem axle drive systems employs a split hystat power system. The system performance can be easily adjusted by the removal or installation of a planetary gear set and a clutch box. In this way, the system is configurable with components removed or substituted to allow for a less capable but lower cost offering, while allowing for very simple upgrade to a fully capable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Earl Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8958959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelling construction machine which has a chassis 1 which has wheels or crawler track units 1A, 1B. The construction machine according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the gear mechanism system 6 for transmitting the drive power from the drive unit 5, which comprises at least one internal combustion engine 5A, to the working unit 4, which comprises at least one working assembly 4A, does not have a conventional clutch with which the working unit can be activated but instead has a hydrodynamic gear mechanism 10 which has a drive shaft 10A and an output shaft 10B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried von Schönebeck, Sascha Schwippert, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8951155
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism can include a differential casing, a piston and an externally mounted plenum assembly. The differential casing can have a differential gear set configured to selectively rotate a first axle shaft and a second axle shaft. The piston can be slidably disposed in the differential casing and configured to actuate a clutch assembly. The externally mounted plenum assembly can include a plenum assembly housing, a hydraulic coupling and a motor mounted on the plenum assembly housing. The plenum assembly housing can define an axle opening configured to receive one of the first and second axle shafts therethrough. The hydraulic coupling can be arranged on the plenum assembly housing at the axle opening. The motor can be configured to pump hydraulic fluid from the externally mounted plenum assembly, through the hydraulic coupling and into the differential casing to act onto the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Patent number: 8915812
    Abstract: A hydrostatically power-splitting transmission (10), particularly for agricultural and construction equipment, comprises at least two hydrostats (H2), which are hydraulically connected to each other and operate as pumps or as motors, wherein at least one of the hydrostats (H2) can be adjusted or pivoted by means of a controller (16, 20, 21; SK1, . . . SK4), mechanical coupling means (K1, K2; Z1, . . . , Z12), which couple the hydrostats (H1, H2) to an inner drive shaft (W1) and an inner driven shaft (W7), a housing (14, 31) comprising a cover (14) and a housing bottom part (31), wherein the hydrostats (H1, H2), the inner drive and driven shafts (W1, W7), and the mechanical coupling means (Z7, Z9) are disposed and attached on the bottom of the cover (14), and in the lower housing part an outer drive shaft accessible from the outside and a driven shaft are supported, which are operatively connected to the inner drive shaft or driven shaft when the housing is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: MALI Holding AG
    Inventors: Josef Häglsperger, Peter Dziuba, Josef Bauer, Katharina Liebherr
  • Patent number: 8840503
    Abstract: A hydrostatic mechanical transmission according to the disclosure includes: a hydrostatic transmission which transmits power generated in an engine using a pump and a motor; a main transmission unit which transmits the engine power to a final driving unit through a driving shaft; a complex planetary gear which synthesizes and transmits the engine power transmitted from the hydrostatic transmission and the main transmission unit; and an automatic manual sub-gearshift which receives the synthesized engine power from the complex planetary gear so as to perform a transmission function and transmits the engine power to the final driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LS Mtron Ltd.
    Inventors: Su Chul Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Sang Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20140213404
    Abstract: A power split transmission, in particular for a traction drive, having at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft between which a mechanical first branch and a hydraulic or electrical second branch are provided that can be connected to one another at least in part by a planetary gear arrangement, wherein the second branch comprises a plurality of energy converters. The at least one drive shaft can be connected to a first energy converter and to a first connection element of the planetary gear arrangement, while the at least one output shaft can be connected to a second connection element of the planetary gear arrangement and the second and third energy converters can be connected to at least one or more further connection elements of the planetary gear arrangement and/or of the at least one output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbH
    Inventors: VIKTOR SCHINDLER, CLEMENS CHRIST
  • Patent number: 8747266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a transmission, comprising a summing planetary gear set (17) and a variator unit (13) and components that bring them into operative connection with each other and with an input shaft (1) and output shaft (3, 8) for influencing the output speed in a continuously variable manner at constant input speed. The device can be installed as a prefabricated module between an internal combustion engine and a conventional transmission of any configuration and is also suitable for splitting the drive power of an internal combustion engine among a vehicle drive and one or several power take-offs, with the speed of the vehicle drive and/or the speed of the power take-off being adjustable in a continuously variable manner by the device. The device is also suitable for retrofitting existing motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: VDS Getriebe GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Aitzetmueller, Dieter Stoeckl, Gerhard Hoermann
  • Patent number: 8574109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive arrangement for vehicles with at least two drivable vehicle axles (V, H). The drive arrangement is particularly suitable for utility vehicles and agricultural tractors. It has at least one first motor (11), which is propulsively connected to a first vehicle axle (H), and a second motor (12), which is propulsively connected to a second vehicle axle (V). At least one of the motors is a de-connectable motor (12), which can be disconnected from the propulsive connection to the associated vehicle axle (V). Regardless of whether the de-connectable motor (12) is propulsively connected to the associated vehicle axle (V) or is propulsively disconnected therefrom, a propulsive connection can be selectively made and broken between the first and the second vehicle axle (V, H).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Heindl
  • Patent number: 8454469
    Abstract: Power split drive (PSD) transmissions capable of energy recovery and suitable for use in automotive applications. Each PSD transmission includes a mechanical transmission system for mechanically transmitting mechanical power between a rotatable input shaft and a rotatable output shaft, and a hydraulic transmission system containing a fluid for hydraulically transmitting hydraulic power between the input shaft and the output shaft, and at least a third shaft operatively interconnected to one of the mechanical and hydraulic transmission systems. The hydraulic transmission system is operatively coupled by at least a first planetary gear train to the mechanical transmission system. According to the invention, the PSD further comprises means operatively associated with at least one of the mechanical and hydraulic transmission systems for storing and releasing energy within the PSD transmission, the energy storing and releasing means comprising a flywheel or an accumulator or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Monika Marianne Ivantysynova, Blake Adam Carl, Kyle Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 8298106
    Abstract: An infinitely variable hydromechanical crossdrive steering transmission having a multiple of forward and reverse ratio ranges and a separately selectable low ratio range in both forward and reverse. The forward and reverse ratio ranges are enabled to shift between ratio ranges in a synchronous manner in both speed and torque, thus smoothly propelling the vehicle from rest through the multiple transmission ranges to maximum speed in a stepless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Berkshire Powertech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Francis Larkin
  • Patent number: 7993230
    Abstract: A hydromechanical powertrain for a ground vehicle. The powertrain, more specifically a transmission, includes an input shaft that is coupled to a rotational power source and an output shaft that is coupled to a load. A first hydrostatic unit coupled to a first gear, while a second hydrostatic unit is selectively coupled to one of a pair of clutches. The first of the clutches has a first clutch gear that is selectably coupled to a first mode gear, which is in turn rotationally fixed to the output shaft. The second of clutches has a second clutch gear that is selectively coupled to a second mode gear, which is in turn rotationally fixed to the input shaft. Also coupled to the input shaft is a planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Werner Stettler, Jr., Douglas Rene Johnson
  • Patent number: 7942778
    Abstract: A hydromechanical variable speed transmission (1) including outer and inner differential gear trains each having a carrier carrying planet pinions meshing with two coaxial side gears, the side gears of the outer differential gear train being ring gears one of which is an input ring gear (11) and the other (52) of which rotatably drives the planet pinion carrier of the inner differential gear train, the side gears of the inner differential gear train respectively rotatably driving two coaxial output shafts which extend axially outwards through the ring gears (11, 52) of the outer differential gear train, the planet pinion carrier (14) of the outer differential gear train rotatably driving a hydraulic motor (2) which is fluidly coupled by a hydraulic circuit to rotatably drive a hydraulic pump (3) having a pump control for changing the displacement of the hydraulic pump (3) in response to rotation thereof, wherein the pump control is fixed from rotation to thereby isolate the input ring gear (11) from torque re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Geoffrey Allan Williames
  • Publication number: 20090270212
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a hydrostatic stepless speed change section 20 receiving an output of an engine 1, a planetary transmission section 3a having a plurality of planetary transmission mechanisms PF, PR and a plurality of output members 41, 42, the planetary transmission section being configured to combine a drive force outputted from the hydrostatic stepless speed change section 20 and an engine drive force that has not been subjected to any speed change action by the hydrostatic stepless speed change section 20, and a speed change output section 3b having an output shaft 70, the speed change output section being configured to output combined drives force outputted from the plurality of output members 41, 42 in a plurality of different speed ranges from the output shaft 70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ueda, Yoshiyuki Katayama, Shinichi Morita
  • Publication number: 20090227410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical and hydraulic composite transmission device which includes an engine, a transmission, a planetary gear case, a variable displacement hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor and a transmission gearbox. The engine is connected with and drives the transmission and the planetary gear case orderly. The planetary gear mechanism of the planetary gear case distributes the power driven by the engine to drive the variable displacement hydraulic pump and the center gear respectively. The variable displacement hydraulic pump is connected with and drives a hydraulic motor and a half shaft orderly. The half shaft converges a mechanical power flow driven by the center gear and a hydraulic power flow driven by the hydraulic motor, and extends out of the planetary gear case so as to export power. The half shaft is connected with and drives a transmission gearbox and then derives a rear-axle shaft to drive a vehicle to run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Hongjian ZHAO, Hongzhi ZHAO
  • Patent number: 7357750
    Abstract: A transaxle comprising a transmission, a pair of coaxial axles, a deceleration assembly for decreasing output rotational speed of the transmission, a differential assembly for transmitting power from the deceleration assembly to the pair of axles, and a common housing incorporating the transmission. The differential assembly includes a pair of gear train units disposed on the respective axles, and a bull gear for receiving output rotation of the deceleration assembly. Each of the gear train units includes a sun gear fixed on each of the axles, a holder relatively rotatably provided on each of the axles, and a planetary gear supported by the holder to mesh with the sun gear. The holders of the pair of gear train units are symmetrical with respect to a surface perpendicular to the pair of axles and joined to each other through the surface, and integrally fitted together in the bull common gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 7179188
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus for a working vehicle comprises a hydrostatic transmission, a sun-and-planetary gearing unit, and an auxiliary speed changing system. The hydrostatic transmission includes a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover equipped on the working vehicle, a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and a hollow motor shaft serving as an output shaft of the hydraulic motor. The sun-and-planetary gearing unit includes first, second and third elements arranged coaxial to the motor shaft. The first element is drivingly connected to the motor shaft so as to be rotated integrally with the motor shaft. The second element is drivingly connected to front wheels of the working vehicle. The third element is drivingly connected to rear wheels of the working vehicle and differentially connected to the second element through the first element. The auxiliary speed changing system is drivingly interposed between the hollow motor shaft and the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Koji Irikura
  • Patent number: 7063638
    Abstract: A transmission for use with a power source and a load includes a primary sun gear adapted to be coupled to the power source, a hydrostatic power unit including a pump coupled to a motor, a ring gear driven by the motor, a secondary sun gear coupled to a first output shaft, a compound planetary gear carrier coupled to a second output shaft and a compound planetary gear carried by the compound planetary gear carrier and in engagement with the ring gear and the secondary sun gear. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are adapted to be selectively coupled to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Cecil A. Weeramantry
  • Patent number: 6830529
    Abstract: A torque transfer assembly including an input gear, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a planetary differential and a torque control system. In one embodiment, the planetary differential includes first and second planetary gear set pairs each with inner and outer planetary gear sets. The torque control system includes first and second torque control mechanisms each having a control element rotating with one of the planetary gear set components as well as a controller communicating with the first and second control mechanisms and selectively controlling a resistance torque exerted by the first and second torque control mechanisms on the first and second control elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry E. Phelan, Joseph Palazzolo, William P. Perkins, Todd A. Kendall
  • Patent number: 6821225
    Abstract: Sun-and-planetary gearing for differentially drivingly connecting the front wheels to the rear wheels is arranged coaxially to a motor shaft of a hydrostatic transmission so as to provide a compact transmission apparatus having the hydrostatic transmission for a working vehicle. The sun-and-planetary gearing includes a first element drivingly connected to the motor shaft rotating integrally with the motor shaft; a second element drivingly connected to front wheels of the working vehicle; and a third element drivingly connected to rear wheels of the working vehicle and differentially connected to the second element through the first element. A differential locking mechanism for locking the second and third elements with each other may be disposed in the transmission apparatus. At least one of the second and third elements may include a shaft drivingly connected to either front or near wheels so that the differential locking mechanism may be disposed on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 6773368
    Abstract: A power dividing device for a vehicle transmission to provide two rotating outputs having variable relative speed of rotation from a single rotatable input. The device includes a first rotational element and a second rotational element housed within the first element and rotatable about the same axis as the second rotational output. A first fluid chamber associated with the first rotational element and first regulating means to varies the volume of the first chamber in response to rotation of the first rotational element. A second fluid chamber associated with the second rotational element and second regulating means likewise varies the volume to the flow between the first and second chambers the relative timing of variation of the volumes of the first and second chambers determines the speed of the second rotational element in response to rotation of the first rotational element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Geoffrey Allan Williames
  • Patent number: 6651427
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission may be placed in a free-wheeling state by rotating a bypass actuator that lifts the motor from a motor running surface whereby hydraulic fluid flows into a transmission cavity. A bypass arm connected to the bypass actuator and to a bypass rod may be used to engage and disengage the bypass actuator via operation of the rod. Further, a bypass latch may be used to lock the bypass arm in an engaged position whereby the bypass actuator is engaged and the transmission is disengaged. The bypass latch arm is preferably linked to the brake pedal whereby actuation of the brake pedal disengages the bypass actuator through operation of the latching arm. The system may be designed to provide dynamic braking through transmission resistivity prior to application of a brake force to the axles or wheels by unlatching the bypass arm prior to actuating the brake arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Herb M. Poplawski, Raymond Hauser, John D. Schreier
  • Patent number: 6637293
    Abstract: A transmission mounted in a housing and including a hydrostatic pump and motor mounted on a center section, having a motor shaft engaged to and driven by the hydraulic motor. An axle may also be mounted in the housing. The center section is secured to the housing using a plurality of bolts or other fasteners having a longitudinal axis parallel to the motor shaft and for the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, John Schreier
  • Patent number: 6616559
    Abstract: A hydraulic and mechanical composite continuously variable transmission (HMT) is disclosed. The HMT includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission (HST) and a mechanical speed change mechanism using a group of planetary gears as the differential part. The output rotation of the HST and the rotation of the input part of the mechanical speed change mechanism that receives power from the engine are transmitted to the differential part which translates the rotation to a speed change output shaft. The speed change input part is formed at one end of a pump shaft and the differential input part is coaxially formed at the other end thereof. Further, the operator may manually set the speed ratio via electrical means on the mechanical speed chance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hori, Junichi Hitachi, Yukio Kubota, Kunihiko Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6533695
    Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission includes a hydrostatic transmission with coaxially arranged fixed and variable displacement hydrostatic units connected to a planetary gear set. The input shaft of the variable unit extends coaxially through the hollow shaft member of the fixed unit to drive the ring gear of the planetary gear set. The hollow shaft member drives the sun gear of the planetary gear set. An input clutch can be provided to allow the hydromechanical transmission to achieve zero output speed. A charge pump driven by the input shaft of the variable unit can be utilized to insure that the hydraulic units are primed whenever the input shaft turns. The input torque can be applied from either end of the variable unit. A power takeoff shaft option is available from the end of the transmission opposite the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic W. Pollman, Steven H. Gluck, Lyle R. Bretz, Thomas D. Pierce, John D. Moline, Bradly Roetman, Michael Todd
  • Patent number: 6487935
    Abstract: A transmission mounted in a housing and including a hydrostatic pump and motor mounted on a center section, having a motor shaft engaged to and driven by the hydraulic motor. An axle may also be mounted in the housing. The center section is secured to the housing using a plurality of bolts or other fasteners having a longitudinal axis parallel to the motor shaft and for the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, John Schreier
  • Patent number: 6450912
    Abstract: A transmission comprises: an input shaft intended to be coupled to a motor; an output shaft; an epicyclic reduction unit with an input sun wheel, a ring gear and first and second output shafts respectively fast and slow; a first clutch for connecting the input sun wheel to the ring gear of the said reduction unit; an hydraulic variator unit coupled between the input shaft of the transmission and the input sun wheel; second and third clutches operable to connect the input shaft of the transmission with the ring gear of the epicyclic reduction gear unit to give respective transmission ratios of opposite sign, respectively for forward and reverse gears. The arrangement is such that when the output speed of the variator varies over a predetermined range on either side of zero, and the first clutch is disengaged and the second or third clutch is engaged, the first and the second output shaft of the epicyclic reduction unit have respective speeds which vary over respective ranges of contiguous values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Same Deutz-Fahr S.p.A.
    Inventor: Eugenio Todeschini
  • Patent number: 6374604
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission may be placed in a free-wheeling state by rotating a bypass actuator that lifts the motor from a motor running surface whereby hydraulic fluid flows into a transmission cavity. A bypass arm connected to the bypass actuator and to a bypass rod may be used to engage and disengage the bypass actuator via operation of the rod. Further, a bypass latch may be used to lock the bypass arm in an engaged position whereby the bypass actuator is engaged and the transmission is disengaged. The bypass latch arm is preferably linked to the brake pedal whereby actuation of the brake pedal disengages the bypass actuator through operation of the latching arm. The system may be designed to provide dynamic braking through transmission resistivity prior to application of a brake force to the axles or wheels by unlatching the bypass arm prior to actuating the brake arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Herb M. Poplawski, Raymond Hauser, John D. Schreier, Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 6067878
    Abstract: A system for automatically preventing gear shift operation in a timber harvesting tractor when the tractor is moving. The system includes a drive train powered by a transmission. The drive train includes a transfer case which is shifted by the operator of the tractor through manipulation of an electrical control circuit. The electrical control circuit is rendered ineffective to shift the transfer case when the drive train is being driven by the transmission and the tractor is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad K. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 5890981
    Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission includes a hydrostatic transmission, a mechanical transmission having a planetary gearing mechanism, both being driven by an engine. The output of the hydrostatic transmission interacts with the mechanical transmission to provide infinitely adjustable power flow through the hydromechanical transmission. The planetary gearing mechanism includes three planetary gear set and five members to connected the hydromechanical transmission to an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Coutant, Stephen C. Garnett, Eric D. Stemler
  • Patent number: 5682315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling a split torque transmission having a hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission. The control system employs a transmission control and includes a transmission input speed sensor, a transmission output speed sensor, a motor speed sensor, a speed input mechanism, a direction control mechanism, and a range selector mechanism. A microprocessor including a fuzzy controller controls the transmission in response to a input from the speed sensors and the speed input mechanism, the direction control mechanism and the range control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Coutant, Michael G. Cronin, Jerry D. Marr, Sanjay Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 5597369
    Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle adapted to provide two- to four-wheel drive on-demand in the high range or four-wheel drive in the low range. The transfer case includes an input shaft coupled to the sun gear of a planetary gear set, a main drive shaft, a first output and a second output. Provided in fixed association with the main drive shaft is a viscous fluid coupling chamber, and associated with the chamber is a drive sprocket. A range clutch sleeve and locking clutch assembly is slidably disposed on the main drive shaft between the planetary gear set and the rotary member for selectively providing two- to four-wheel on-demand high range power, neutral, and four-wheel drive low range power. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surround the aft end of the main drive shaft for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Robert J. Wilson, Sanjeev K. Varma
  • Patent number: 5314387
    Abstract: An improved hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle using both hydraulics and mechanical gearing; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a more effective and efficient means for braking the transaxle, an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ray M. Hauser, Alan W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5201692
    Abstract: A transaxle with a hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for hydraulically reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a longer lasting, more effective means of preventing oil leakage from the axle shafts in the transaxle housing; a center section for the hydrostatic transmission supporting the output drive shaft, eliminating the need for additional bearing support; an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission also includes a pump and a motor whose orientation to one another may be varied according to the space requirements dictated by the size and configuration of the vehicle through the use of a helical gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alan W. Johnson, Ray M. Hauser
  • Patent number: 5156577
    Abstract: A power transmission having a four-shaft double planetary gear (I, II), which is driven on the one hand via a turning gear (WG) and on the other via a variable-displacement gear (HG) and is connectable on the power take-off side via selectable ratio gears via controllable clutches (K1A-K7A) to a power take-off shaft (AW3) and is connectable on the power take-off side retroactively via two of the selectable ratio gears (G4, G5) by means of a startup clutch (K0B), as a result of which with the turning gear (WG) disengaged, a fully hydraulic startup range is provided, and the other gear ranges are mechanically-hydraulically split in terms of power when the turning gear is engaged.All the clutches are double claw clutches.The startup clutch has a special construction, with a sliding sleeve.The transmission is especially suitable for agricultural machines, because it is fully reversible. Other versions are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Claas oHG
    Inventors: Nils Fredriksen, Jan-Hendrik Mohr
  • Patent number: 5129867
    Abstract: A power transmision with a hydrostatically branched variable-displacement gear (HG), a two-stage epicyclic gear (I, II) and a mechanical 8-speed transmission that can be operated in forward and reverse, and with a control system (ST) that triggers the clutches (VV, VR, V0-V8) of the mechanical gear means such that for starting, the variable-displacement gear (HG) is shifted unbranched to the output shaft (ASW) and the clutches are each shifted in a load-free manner, and only on shifting up to 6th gear via the clutch (K5) of the 5th gear and on downshifting to a selectable 4th gear via the 4th-gear clutch (K4) a synchronization of the intermediate shaft (ZW) is effected. Starting and reversing are done by hydrostatically; the efficiency is high; the mechanical transmission factor is approximately 60; synchronization wear is low; and there are only two synchronizing clutches (K4, K5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Claas oHG
    Inventors: Nils Fredriksen, Jan-Hendrik Mohr
  • Patent number: 5052987
    Abstract: A stepless hydrostatic mechanical transmission between a prime mover and a power output train in which an epicyclic differential is incorporated in the transmission and includes at least four shafts, a large and a small sun wheel, two planet wheels in mesh with the sun wheels, a web supporting the planet wheels and an annulus. Two main shafts constituting input and output shafts are connected with respectively different shafts of the epicyclic differential. Two hydrostatic machines are connected to the epicyclic differential such that in at least one working range of the power transmission the hydrostatic machines are adapted to be connected to the epicyclic differential and operated as pumps and motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Man Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventors: Faust Hagin, Hans Drewitz