Including Auxiliary System Feed Pump Patents (Class 60/488)
  • Patent number: 7275372
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for vehicle interposed in a drive-power transmission path between a driving power source and a driving axle for non-stepwisely changing the speed of the vehicle includes an HST housing; a hydraulic pump unit having a pump shaft with first and second ends extending in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle away from each other; a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft for outputting the drive power from the motor shaft whose speed is non-stepwisely varied in cooperation with the hydraulic pump unit; a PTO unit having a PTO shaft extending in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, the PTO shaft being operatively connected to the pump shaft; a charge pump unit for replenishing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump unit with the hydraulic motor unit, the charge pump unit including a charge pump body, and a charge pump case connected to the HST housing through its wall closer to the driving axle for supportin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shigenori Sakikawa, Shinya Sakakura
  • Patent number: 7275371
    Abstract: A bypass mechanism is provided for use in a hydrostatic transmission, to enable the user to open or close a valve between the two pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit of the transmission. An electrical mechanism is positioned to open or close the valve based on a signal which may be generated by a switch associated with the hydrostatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Patnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 7264593
    Abstract: Method for determining, monitoring and updating correction data for correcting measured value distortions and for calibrating liquid-filled transmission systems, via which signals from the patient detected in the body of a patient are transmitted to an external measured value receiver, in particular for invasive pressure measurements in cardiology, intensive care medicine and anaesthesia. The correction data are determined in the frequency range for each frequency from statistics of the signals from the patient measured at this frequency, in particular from the transmission function obtained from the signal from the patient. In the determination of the correction data, empirically checked assumptions about the corresponding statistics of undistorted signals from the patient and general properties of the transmission function are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignees: Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Medserv GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Wellnhofer
  • Patent number: 7257948
    Abstract: A dual pump apparatus having first and second pump housings is disclosed. A first end cap is mounted to the first housing to form a first sump and a first pump cylinder block is located therein. A second end cap is mounted to the second housing to form a second sump and a second pump cylinder block is located therein. A charge pump is sandwiched between the end caps to provide charged hydraulic fluid to one or both cylinder blocks. An input shaft having a first end external to the hydraulic pump apparatus extends into both housings to simultaneously drive the first pump cylinder block, the second pump cylinder block and the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7231765
    Abstract: There is provided a pump unit configured to be capable of transmitting a rotational power from a driving power source which is operatively connected thereto to an actuator through a pair of hydraulic fluid lines. The pump unit includes: an input shaft; a hydraulic pump main body; a PTO shaft; a PTO clutch mechanism; an auxiliary pump main body; a suction line; a discharge line; a charge line; a PTO hydraulic fluid line; a pressure-reducing valve; and a resistance valve. The PTO hydraulic fluid line and the charge line are fluidly connected to the primary side and a secondary side of the pressure-reducing valve, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventors: Masahisa Kawamura, Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa, Takeaki Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7225617
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus having a center section located in a housing includes a hydraulic pump and motor disposed thereon and in fluid communication with a hydraulic porting system in the center section. The pump is driven by an input shaft extending out of the housing and the motor drives an output shaft that is generally perpendicular to the input shaft. A bypass actuator extends into the center section perpendicular to both the input shaft and the output shaft. Rotation of the bypass actuator acts to lift the hydraulic motor from the center section to break the hydraulic interface between the hydraulic motor and the hydraulic porting system. The center section may include a second pump and motor with a second hydraulic porting system and a second bypass actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney, Shane A. Deters, Daryl Smothers, J. David Pratt, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 7178336
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump apparatus having an internal sump formed by a housing having an internal portion and an end cap secured to the housing. A rotatable cylinder block is located in the sump and driven by an input shaft extending into the housing. The pump apparatus also has a system of hydraulic porting in fluid communication with the cylinder block. The porting includes a pair of system ports located on a first side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, a fluid inlet on a second side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, opposite the first side, and a bypass valve positioned on the second side adjacent to the fluid inlet. A case drain may also be formed on a third side of the pump apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert E. Trimble
  • Patent number: 7168247
    Abstract: A charge pump for hydraulic drive device such as a hydrostatic transmission or integrated hydrostatic transaxle using hydraulic porting having high and low pressure sides mounted in a sump to connect a hydraulic pump and motor. The charge pump comprises a body connected between the high and low pressure sides of the porting to pull hydraulic fluid from a charge sump to the low pressure side of the porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert E. Trimble
  • Patent number: 7152403
    Abstract: A power unit includes an engine and a static hydraulic continuously variable transmission with a swash plate type hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, which are connected via a hydraulic pressure closing circuit. This power unit drives the hydraulic pump to rotate with the engine and performs swash plate angle control of the hydraulic motor. A crankshaft mechanism of the engine and a rotating mechanism of the static hydraulic continuously variable transmission are housed in a transmission housing. A cylinder of the engine is integrated with the transmission housing, and a swash plate control motor for swash plate angle control of the hydraulic motor is positioned at an area adjacent a root of the cylinder in the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7137250
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention involves a zero turn drive apparatus. The zero turn drive apparatus has a housing, which has a first and a second end. The housing has a first end cap mounted on the first end of the housing, and a second end cap mounted on the second end of the housing. A hydraulic pump is rotatably mounted on each end cap, and each hydraulic pump is driven by a pump input shaft. A gear chamber is interposed between each pump. A power take off mechanism is engaged to the housing, and an output shaft extends from the power take off mechanism. An input shaft, which is engaged to each of the pump input shafts, extends into the power take off mechanism and is selectively engaged to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: K. Mike McCoy, Lonnie E. Holder, Scott W. Keller
  • Patent number: 7127889
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus having a pair of hydraulic pumps and a pair of hydraulic motors mounted on a common center section in a housing is disclosed. Each hydraulic motor is engaged to an adjustable swash plate located in the transmission housing for adjusting the fluid displacement thereof and an actuator mechanism for adjusting the position of the swash plate. Separate axle housings are mounted on the ends of the transmission housing for housing output axles that are operatively connected to the output shafts of the respective hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnersship
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney, Shane A. Deters
  • Patent number: 7114332
    Abstract: A hydrostatic continuously variable transmission includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, supported by a common support shaft, and hydraulically connectable to each other through a hydraulic circuit including an inside passage and an outside passage. A clutch device includes a valve spool, which is slidably disposed in a hollow internal bore formed in the transmission support shaft. The valve spool is operable to make or interrupt fluid communication between the inside passage and the outside passage, according to the movement thereof. A governor mechanism is mounted to a pump casing of the hydraulic pump, and the governor mechanism generates a governor force corresponding to the rotating speed of a clutch cap, by use of centrifugal force generated by the rotation thereof. The valve spool is effectively moved in the hollow internal bore, using the governor force generated from the governor mechanism, to engage or disengage the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yoshida, Nobuyuki Yakigaya, Yoshihisa Kanno, Kenji Sakakibara, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Takehiko Nanri
  • Patent number: 7047736
    Abstract: A transaxle comprised of a hydrostatic transmission mounted in a transmission housing and having a pair of hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors operatively connected together through a center section mounted in the housing. First and second axle housings are mounted on opposite ends of the transmission housing, with output axles mounted in the axle housings and connected to the respective hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney, Shane A. Deters, Daryl Smothers, J. David Pratt, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 7007468
    Abstract: A charge pump design for a hydraulic drive apparatus such as a hydrostatic transmission, integrated hydrostatic transaxle or pump having a rotatable pump cylinder block mounted in a sump and connected to a hydraulic circuit by means of a center section or the like. A fluid gallery for charge fluid is in communication with the hydraulic circuit and the charge pump is mounted adjacent to and is driven by the pump cylinder block to provide hydraulic fluid from the sump to the fluid gallery. The charge pump can be of many different styles such as a gerotor, a centrifugal pump or a flexible impeller style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, John D. Scheier
  • Patent number: 7003950
    Abstract: A system and method for electronically controlling the displacement of hydraulic pumps, IHTs or HSTs. The IHT and HST includes a hydraulic transmission mounted within the casing that includes a rotatable hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a rotatable hydraulic motor and a moveable swash plate cooperable with the rotatable hydraulic pump for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of the rotatable hydraulic motor. The rotation of the hydraulic motor is used to drive an axle shaft. For controlling the positioning of the swash plate, the transaxle further includes a rotatable trunnion arm coupled to the moveable swash plate. The rotatable trunnion arm extends from the casing and is coupled to a control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Lonnie E. Holder, Raymond M. Hauser
  • Patent number: 6993906
    Abstract: A hydrostatic drive device comprising a hydrostatic transmission mounted in a housing and a single output shaft driven by the hydrostatic transmission and extending out of the housing. The hydrostatic transmission has a center section mounted entirely within the housing and a rotatable hydraulic pump and a rotatable hydraulic motor mounted on the center section and connected through hydraulic porting in the center section. A pump shaft extends into the housing to drive the pump block, and the longitudinal axis of the output shaft is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pump shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Daryl Smothers, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 6910982
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle apparatus comprises a housing in which an HST, a pair of axles, a differential unit differentially connecting the axles to each other, and a horizontal counter shaft interposed between the HST and the differential unit. The HST comprises axial piston type hydraulic pump and motor mounted on vertically opposite surfaces of a center section, respectively, so as to be fluidly connected to each other so that pump and motor shafts are disposed vertically coaxially to each other. The center section is disposed adjacently to the differential unit and one of the axles. A cooling fan is fixed on the pump shaft projecting outward from the housing. When along the pump shaft, most of the housing except portions thereof for housing the respective axles is disposed within an area of rotary locus of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Masaru Iida
  • Patent number: 6843056
    Abstract: A transaxle comprised of a hydrostatic transmission mounted in a transmission housing and having a pair of hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors operatively connected together through a center section mounted in the housing. First and second axle housings are mounted on opposite ends of the transmission housing, with output axles mounted in the axle housings and connected to the respective hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney, Shane A. Deters, Daryl Smothers, J. David Pratt, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 6802183
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for vehicle interposed in a drive-power transmission path between a driving power source and a driving axle for non-stepwisely changing the speed of the vehicle includes an HST housing; a hydraulic pump unit having a pump shaft with first and second ends extending in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle away from each other; a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft for outputting the drive power from the motor shaft whose speed is non-stepwisely varied in cooperation with the hydraulic pump unit; a PTO unit having a PTO shaft extending in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, the PTO shaft being operatively connected to the pump shaft; a charge pump unit for replenishing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump unit with the hydraulic motor unit, the charge pump unit including a charge pump body, and a charge pump case connected to the HST housing through its wall closer to the driving axle for supportin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shigenori Sakikawa, Shinya Sakakura
  • Patent number: 6782699
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle axle assembly for a vehicle has the housing is formed by three housing members, two of which are preferably separable on a parting plane coincident with the longitudinal axes of the axle shafts. One of the housing members being provided with an opening to allow a portion of one of the other housing members to extend through, and where the extending housing member contains within its interior a number of internal fluid passages for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Thoma Limited
    Inventors: Christian Helmut Thoma, George Duncan McRae Arnold
  • Publication number: 20040123596
    Abstract: A power unit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine including a cylinder block and a crankshaft. A speed change drive shaft is disposed at a position on the upper side of a static oil hydraulic type non-stage transmission and in parallel to the axis of the transmission. A plane connecting the axis of the speed change drive shaft and the axis of the transmission does not intersect with the axis of the crankshaft, and intersects with the axis of the cylinder center axis of the cylinder block at a position on the lower side of the axis of the crankshaft while making an acute angle with the axis of the cylinder center axis of the cylinder block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ito, Masaaki Negoro, Shinichiro Keyaki
  • Patent number: 6739127
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging a hydraulic system from a fluid reservoir includes a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a first conduit fluidly connected to the pump inlet and fluidly connectable to the fluid reservoir, and a second conduit fluidly connected to the pump outlet and fluidly connectable to the system. The apparatus also includes an accumulator operatively connected to the second conduit, a third conduit interconnecting the first conduit and the second conduit, and an electrically actuated fill valve operatively disposed in the third conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Andrew H. Nippert, Kevin J. Graf
  • Patent number: 6698197
    Abstract: A closed loop hydrostatic transmission including a pump (11) having a charge pump (23) and an assembly (25). The assembly (25) includes a pair of relief and check valve assemblies (65,67), and each one includes a check valve poppet (71) relatively fixed to a washer member (83) in the absence of high pressure. The washer member (83) moves within a bore to define a chamber (85) in which is the spring (87) biasing the check poppet (71) closed. A drain valve (97) has its inlet in fluid communication with the spring chambers (85), and in response to a predetermined input, such as an electrical input signal (101), the drain valve opens (FIG. 3), and drains the chambers (85). In this condition, both check poppets (71) open, and fluid can flow freely within the closed loop so that, for example, the vehicle may be towed a short distance, without overheating the fluid, and without the need to mechanically unseat the check valves as has been common practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Craig L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6694729
    Abstract: A pump unit having a pump cylinder block mounted in a housing on an end cap. The cylinder block is driven by a pump input shaft, where the input shaft has a first driven end and a second end, and the second end extends through the end cap and out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert Trimble
  • Patent number: 6682453
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle apparatus comprises a housing in which an HST, a pair of axles, a differential unit differentially connecting the axles to each other, and a horizontal counter shaft interposed between the HST and the differential unit. The HST comprises axial piston type hydraulic pump and motor mounted on vertically opposite surfaces of a center section, respectively, so as to be fluidly connected to each other so that pump and motor shafts are disposed vertically coaxially to each other. The center section is disposed adjacently to the differential unit and one of the axles. A cooling fan is fixed on the pump shaft projecting outward from the housing. When along the pump shaft, most of the housing except portions thereof for housing the respective axles is disposed within an area of rotary locus of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokykoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Masaru Iida
  • Patent number: 6637294
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission for vehicle with an HST interposed in a drive power transmission path that includes: a housing; a center section having a plate-like shape with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface with respect to a drive power transmission direction, and the center section being disposed within the housing; an input shaft extending through the center section; an output shaft disposed parallel with the input shaft and away from the same in a plate surface direction of the center section; a hydraulic pump body supported on the first surface of the center section and operatively connected to the input shaft; a hydraulic motor body supported on the second surface of the center section and being adapted to drive the output shaft upon receiving operational fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump body; a bearing plate fixed within the housing, facing either one of the first and second surfaces of the center section for supporting the input shaft; and an au
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shusuke Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6578450
    Abstract: A power-splitting transmission which consists of a hydraulic power branch (7) and a mechanical power branch. Leakage in the hydraulic power branch (7) as well as the activation apparatuses (12) in the mechanical power branch are supplied with a pressurized medium from a common pressure source (1). The common pressure source (1) transports pressure medium to the hydraulic power branch (7), through a damping apparatus (3), and simultaneously transports pressure medium to the activation apparatuses (12) of the shifting elements (13) of the mechanical power branch via a controller (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Prebeck, Michael Walser
  • Patent number: 6502394
    Abstract: A symmetric pump having a symmetric end cap attached to a symmetric housing is disclosed. The end cap is attachable in a first position or a second position wherein the second position is rotated relative to the housing. A trunnion arm extends in a first direction and a system port opens in a first orientation when the housing is connected to the end cap in a first position, The end cap includes structure such that the housing may be connected in a second position so that the trunnion arm extends in a second direction while maintaining the system port opening in the first orientation. The end cap may be provided with a symmetric porting system. A control device for affecting movement of the swashplate is disclosed. Methods of locking the swashplate into a predetermined position are also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert Trimble
  • Patent number: 6457546
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg., Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6427443
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission generally comprises a sump containing hydraulic fluid, a charge pump in flow communication with the sump for creating high pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid, a center section having hydraulic porting formed therein, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump through the hydraulic porting, and a manifold defining a gallery for storing the high pressure fluid. The gallery is in flow communication with the charge pump and the hydraulic porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Daryl Smothers, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 6425244
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pump unit including at least one hydraulic pump with inlet and outlet ports, a pump case for accommodating the hydraulic pump having an opening through which the hydraulic pump is insertable, and a lid, called a center section, closing the pump case. The center section forms a pair of inlet/outlet passages communicating an end with the inlet and outlet ports of the hydraulic pump and an end opening through a pump case abutting surface of the center section, and a first charging passage by which hydraulic fluid is fed through the pump case abutting surface of the center section. At least one of the pump case and the center section communicates the first charging passage with the pair of inlet/outlet passages via a first hydraulic fluid feeding valve preventing the reverse flow into said first charging passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa
  • Patent number: 6418714
    Abstract: The present invention meets these objectives providing an IDG hydraulic system that utilizes in flow series arrangement a scavenge pump, a spool valve and a boost pump. When spool valve detects an interruption in the supply pressure to the boost pump due to an adverse “g” condition, it reconfigures the system to a closed loop system. In this mode, the oil returning from the CVT is re-circulated back to the boost pump instead of back to the scavenge pump. Oil lost to leakage is replenished by an oil accumulator that use the gas pressure in the IDG's casing to expel fluid from the accumulator into the recirculating flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Todd Langston, Daniel Navarro
  • Patent number: 6381957
    Abstract: An engine crankshaft 2 and a wheel drive shaft 5 are connected through a static hydraulic infinitely variable transmission 3. The static hydraulic infinitely variable transmission 3 has a hydraulic pump 20 extending to an engine side of the transmission and a hydraulic motor 21 extending to a wheel drive shaft 5 side of the transmission and connected together using a closed hydraulic circuit. A control clutch 18 is fitted in the transmission system between the hydraulic motor 21 and the wheel drive shaft 5 so that the control clutch is disengaged when the engine is idling and when operation is suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Tohru Nishi, Michio Asumi
  • Patent number: 6367248
    Abstract: An hydraulic control system for an IDG includes in flow series arrangement a scavenge pump, a spool valve and a boost pump. When the spool valve detects an interruption in the supply pressure to the boost pump due to an adverse “g” condition, it reconfigures the system to a closed loop system. In this mode, the oil returning from the CVT is re-circulated back to the boost pump instead of back to the scavenge pump. A small accumulator of oil is used to make up for leakage in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Langston, Don Salafia
  • Publication number: 20010025488
    Abstract: A hydrostatic vehicle drive has a control (5) for controlling an output torque of the drive and another control device (5) for controlling the output torque of a hydrostatic drive, the control device (5) having a controllable pressure-limiting valve (6) by means of which the working pressure can be adjusted and which is used for sensitive control of the output torque of a hydraulic motor (3). The pressure-limiting valve (6) can be controlled by a proportionally adjustable pressure-reducing valve (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Martin Wustefeld, Jurgen Ploog, Bernd Hames, Bernd Hanisch
  • Patent number: 6279317
    Abstract: The hydrostatic drive with regeneration circuit comprises a geroter flow divider which operates in conjunction with a two position three way valve and a check valve to provide regeneration flow for the hydrostatic drive when the valve is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: George H. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6233929
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission (HST) including a hydraulic pump is contained in a housing having upper and lower housings. An input shaft of the hydraulic pump projects outward from the upper housing. A cooling fan is provided on an upper end of the input shaft. A conduit is disposed within an area between the fan and the upper housing. The conduit extends between first and second couplings and is in communication with an oil sump formed in the housing. A pumping device, which rotates with the input shaft, is disposed within the second coupling for forcedly circulating oil between the conduit and the sump. Alternatively, a reservoir is disposed on an outer wall of the housing forming a second oil sump. A level of oil in the second oil sump is lower than a level of oil in the oil sump formed in the housing. The second oil sump communicates with the atmosphere whereas the oil sump formed in the housing is separated from the atmosphere. A siphon communicates both sumps with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 6192682
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission generally comprises a sump containing hydraulic fluid, a charge pump in flow communication with the sump for creating high pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid, a center section having hydraulic porting formed therein, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump through the hydraulic porting, and a manifold defining a gallery for storing the high pressure fluid. The gallery is in flow communication with the charge pump and the hydraulic porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Daryl Smothers, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 6109033
    Abstract: A hydrostatic axial piston transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio includes an axial piston pump driven by an input shaft, the pump having an annular pump cylinder block with a ring of cylinders in which pump pistons reciprocate to pressurize and displace fluid from the pump cylinders. The pump is also coupled to an output shaft for conveying reaction torque from the input shaft directly to the output shaft as a first output torque component. An axial piston hydraulic motor has an annular motor cylinder block with a ring of motor cylinders in which motor pistons reciprocate in a power stroke to apply output torque to the output shaft, and a displacement stroke in which spent fluid is displaced from the motor cylinders for return to the pump cylinders. The pump cylinder block is concentrically disposed within the annulus of the motor cylinder block, and the input shaft and the output shaft lie on a longitudinal axis through the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Folsom Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Folsom, Clive Tucker
  • Patent number: 6073443
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission (HST) including a hydraulic pump is contained in a housing having upper and lower housings. An input shaft of the hydraulic pump projects outward from the upper housing. A cooling fan is provided on an upper end of the input shaft. A conduit is disposed within an area between the fan and the upper housing. The conduit extends between first and second couplings and is in communication with an oil sump formed in the housing. A pumping device, which rotates with the input shaft, is disposed within the second coupling for forcedly circulating oil between the conduit and the sump. Alternatively, a reservoir is disposed on an outer wall of the housing forming a second oil sump. A level of oil in the second oil sump is lower than a level of oil in the oil sump formed in the housing. The second oil sump communicates with the atmosphere whereas the oil sump formed in the housing is separated from the atmosphere. A siphon communicates both sumps with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 6039666
    Abstract: A power of an input shaft driven by an engine is divided by a power dividing device and transmitted to first and second output shafts and a hydraulic pump of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission is driven by the first output shaft, whereas a hydraulic motor is driven by the second output shaft through a mechanical transmission device and also by the hydraulic pump. A main oil pump is provided at the input shaft which rotates at the same speed as an engine speed, and a subsidiary oil pump is provided at the first output shaft which decreases rotational speed thereof to zero with an increase in the engine rotational speed. In a low rotational speed region of the engine, oil is supplied by both the main oil pump and the subsidiary oil pump, whereas in a high rotational speed region of the engine, oil is supplied by only the main oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Okuda, Koichi Fushimi, Hiroshi Terayama
  • Patent number: 5956952
    Abstract: A charge pump for a hydrostatic transmission, having a self-charge relief function, in which a first toothed wheel, a second toothed wheel, and a pump casing, housing therein the first and second toothed wheels, are molded of heat resistant resin material, thereby reducing the weight of the charge pump, stabilizing its charge relief function and reducing the wear of the lower surface of a center section. Check valves are housed in the pump casing so that operating oil sealed between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor can always be maintained at a proper level, regardless of whether the charge pump is driven or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 5951421
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission provided with a variator for adjusting the transmission ratio of the transmission and one or more hydraulic circuits for lubrication, cooling and transmission control, one or more pumps being installed for the hydraulic circuit. The transmission comprises at least one electric motor to give the transmission better sizing and an improved efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Van Doorne's Transmissie B.V.
    Inventor: Bastiaan Andreas D'Herripon
  • Patent number: 5927073
    Abstract: The present invention is an electric hydraulic hybrid motor which can be made smaller in size and can provide excellent performance. To this end, a hydraulic pump (20) and a hydraulic motor (60) are respectively placed inwardly of the stator (12) of an electric motor (10) and the rotor (14) of the electric motor (10), and the hydraulic pump (20) includes a cylinder block (21) for the pump and a plunger (23) for the pump which are adapted to rotate together with the rotor (14), and the hydraulic motor (60) includes a cylinder block (61) for the motor and a plunger (23a) for the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Ishizaki, Kazuo Uehara, Hiromasa Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5862664
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission and a charge pump for supplying operating oil which are housed in a housing, in which a pump casing of the charge pump is mounted to a center section of the hydrostatic transmission without using mounting bolts. A spring is interposed between the pump casing and the inner surface of the housing. For defining pump discharge pressure, the center section receives all of the radial force generated in the pump casing. Between the center section and the charge pump is interposed a plate of material made of less friction resistance so as to reduce the sliding resistance. The charge pump is simple in construction and inexpensive to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 5850736
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission constructed so that a check valve and a relief valve are made as compact as possible to supply oil to a closed circuit for connecting a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, and to regulate maximum pressure in the closed circuit. A check valve and a relief valve are contained in a valve casing. A valve body of the relief valve is disposed opposite to a valve body of the check valve. A relief spring of the relief valve is retained by a cover detachably mounted to an open end of the valve casing, thereby facilitating pressure setting of the relief valve. The valve body of the relief valve is contained in a relief valve casing slidably disposed in the valve casing. A plunger, capable of urging the check valve in the opening direction via the relief valve casing, is provided in the cover, thereby enabling the check valve to be manually opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Sakakura, Ryota Ohashi, Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Patent number: 5819535
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission generally comprises a sump containing hydraulic fluid, a charge pump in flow communication with the sump for creating high pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid, a center section having hydraulic porting formed therein, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump through the hydraulic porting, and a manifold defining a gallery for storing the high pressure fluid. The gallery is in flow communication with the charge pump and the hydraulic porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Daryl Smothers, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 5775103
    Abstract: A purification apparatus for removing gases and water from a fluid in a system, including a tank which has an expansion chamber for fluid in the system. A pump pumps the fluid in a circulation circuit of which the purification apparatus is an integral part. A closed chamber has a fluid-free upper part and contains a level-sensing device which controls flow of fluid to the closed chamber. The fluid-free upper part of the closed chamber is connected with a vacuum pump which sucks gases from the closed chamber and creates a lower pressure in the closed chamber than at an outlet of the apparatus. A pressure-generating device sucks fluid from the closed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Hakan Ingvast
  • Patent number: 5771758
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus is provided an includes a main casing, a cap plate coupled to the main casing along a first split line where the first split line is substantially disposed in a horizontal plane, and an axle cap coupled to the main casing along a second split line where the second split line is substantially disposed in a vertical plane. A center section is supported solely by the main casing and has connected thereto a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor where the center section is disposed offset from both the first split line and the second split line. A pump shaft is linked to the hydraulic pump and is supported by the main casing where the pump shaft has an axis disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane and parallel to and offset from the vertical plane. A motor shaft is linked to the hydraulic motor and has an axis parallel to and offset from the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Ray Hauser
  • Patent number: RE36807
    Abstract: In order that a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor of a hydrostatic transmission hitherto disposed to the exterior are attached to a hydrostatic transmission support member provided in a mission case, a charging pump hitherto attached to the hydraulic pump at the hydrostatic transmission is also attached to the hydrostatic transmission support member, and an oil filter hitherto attached to the outside of mission case is disposed therein, they are interposed between the lower surface of hydrostatic transmission support member and the charging pump. Furthermore, an outward takeout pump also is supported in the mission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada