Power Take-off Patents (Class 74/11)
  • Patent number: 6173225
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling a power takeoff (PTO) shaft of a work vehicle (e.g., a tractor). The work vehicle includes an engine and an operator station, and the PTO shaft transfers power from the engine to an implement. The control system includes a remote switch, a vehicle speed sensor, and a control circuit. The remote switch is located remotely from the operator station and provides a remote switch signal to the control circuit to engage and disengage rotational movement of the PTO shaft. The vehicle speed sensor provides a vehicle speed signal to the control circuit representative of a speed of the work vehicle. The control circuit receives the remote switch signal and the vehicle speed signal and, when the vehicle speed signal exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed, the control circuit prevents engagement and disengagement of the PTO shaft with the remote switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stelzle, William L. Schubert, William A. Itzenhuiser
  • Patent number: 6151975
    Abstract: A power take-off unit and hydraulic control system includes an external manifold having a plurality of internal passageways formed therein. Pressurized fluid from a source is supplied to an input port provided on the manifold. A solenoid valve is mounted on the manifold and is selectively operable in a first and second mode modes to control the flow of pressurized fluid therethrough to a clutch actuation port of the power take-off unit. Low pressure fluid is supplied from a low pressure port of the manifold to the power take-off unit so as to provide internal lubricating fluid thereto. A temperature switch and a pressure switch may also be mounted directly on the manifold. A bracket or other mechanism may be provided to mount the manifold on a support surface, such as on a side rail of a frame assembly for the vehicle. Alternatively, the plurality of internal passageways may be formed within a housing for the power take-off unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Kirkpatrick, Kudlip Raina, Brian L. Rang, Russell K. Warner
  • Patent number: 6138069
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven utility vehicle which supports and powers work attachments. An electronic system is incorporated in the vehicle for having the vehicle traverse the ground at a selected speed and for operating the attachment at a selected speed so that the work of the attachment can be performed in a uniform rate, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Ellertson, Mark W. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6134494
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling a power takeoff shaft of a work vehicle having a hitch includes automatically initiating engagement of the power takeoff shaft as the hitch is lowered such that the power takeoff shaft reaches clutch lockup approximately at a predetermined hitch position setpoint. A method of controlling the engagement of a power takeoff shaft of a work vehicle having a hitch includes calculating a hitch drop time from a first hitch position to a second hitch position based on a hitch drop rate, comparing the hitch drop time to a power takeoff shaft engagement time, and decreasing the hitch drop rate if the power takeoff shaft engagement time is greater than the hitch drop time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stelzle, William L. Schubert, William A. Itzenhuiser
  • Patent number: 6129187
    Abstract: A monitoring and control system for a tractor having a power-take-off (PTO) shaft comprises inductive sensors (9, 11) associated with toothed wheels (8, 10) on the input and output shafts respectively of a PTO gearbox (5). Each type of PTO shaft will carry a toothed wheel having a different number of teeth, and thus the ratio between the frequencies of the signals generated by the sensors (9, 11) is indicative of the type of PTO shaft and the ratio engaged in the PTO gearbox. This information can then be displayed on a control/monitoring unit (14) and also used to automatically control the engagement rate of a PTO clutch (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Agco SA
    Inventors: Regis Bellanger, Yvon Le Clezio
  • Patent number: 6120257
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus which can function as a torque limiter during an overload condition. A Belleville spring is provided for generating mutual frictional engagement in areas between a flange part integral to an inner holder member, a washer, arc shaped projections of a flange part of a hub and a washer. As a result, during a normal condition of a compressor, the rotating movement of the inner holder member located adjacent to the rotating movement source is transmitted via the frictional engagement mechanism to a hub and then to a rotating shaft. Contrary to this, during an overloaded condition, a slippage is generated in the area between the washer and the arc shaped projections of the flange part of the hub as a frictional engaging area of a lower coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Manabu Saiki, Junichi Ohguchi, Hiroyasu Sakamoto, Yuuichi Aoki, Takashi Honda, Mikio Matsuda, Toshitada Nagasawa, Youichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6099191
    Abstract: A power take off (PTO) shaft safety retainer provides for the retention of the output end of a PTO shaft at its connection to a driven machine, in the event of accidental disconnection of the output end of the shaft from the driven machinery due to breakage of a U-joint, dislodging of a safety pin, failure of the gearbox, etc. The device essentially comprises an attachment to the relatively stationary portion of the driven machine, with an arm or strut extending therefrom and supporting a selectively openable retaining band adjusted to surround the PTO shaft near its connection with the driven machinery. The attachment and strut are axially offset from the axis of the PTO shaft, in order to avoid interference with the connection of the shaft to the drive means of the driven machinery. The attachment may be removably or permanently secured to the machinery by opposed flanges and bolts, over center latches, hinges with removable pins, or welded, etc., as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond W. Werner
  • Patent number: 6095297
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a power-take-off in a utility vehicle is described, having a pump (8) supplying hydraulic fluid to the clutch (1), the brake (2) and a lubricating circuit, a control valve for engaging and releasing the clutch and a device containing a pressure-limiting valve (12) which makes a high system pressure available when the clutch is engaged and a lower system pressure when the clutch is released.In order to keep loss of power in the pump as low as possible and reduce the number of components required in a hydraulic system of this type, the system pressures are controlled by the pressure applied to the engaged clutch. Consequently, the system pressures can be adjusted regardless of the design of control valve used. This means that less expensive 3/2-way valves or 3/2-control valves can be used. This also has an advantage in that different system pressures can be produced using a single pressure-limiting valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Theodor Bosl, Jakob Mayer, Johann Reisch
  • Patent number: 6092013
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a power takeoff shaft of a work vehicle having a hitch includes a hitch position sensor and a control circuit. The hitch position sensor is configured to generate a hitch position signal. The control circuit is coupled to the hitch position sensor and is configured to receive the hitch position signal, to compare the hitch position signal to a first predetermined hitch position and a second predetermined hitch position, to engage the power takeoff shaft when the hitch crosses the first predetermined hitch position and to disengage the power takeoff shaft when the hitch crosses the second predetermined hitch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stelzle, William L. Schubert, William A. Itzenhuiser
  • Patent number: 6045485
    Abstract: A circuit interfaces the brake, the drivetrain, and an accessory driven from the engine through a power take-off with the engine control so as to disallow application of the brake from discontinuing running of the engine at running speed set by the throttle control input whenever there is concurrence of a first input selecting placement of the accessory device in driven relationship to the power shaft, of a second input distinguishing that the transmission is in non-neutral position, and of a third input indicating vehicle speed is below a certain limit. The circuit allows a driver of the vehicle to apply the brake and operate the accessory without interrupting the set running speed of the engine so long the vehicle speed is below the certain limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney J. Klinger, Brian P. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6003391
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism having a PTO transmission system and a traveling transmission system and used for a working vehicle, which is so constructed that a input shaft 8 is coaxially freely perforated through a hollow traveling clutch shaft 13, both ends of input shaft 8 projects from the traveling clutch shaft 13, one projecting portion is journalled between a bearing wall 1b of a front transmission casing 1 and a front bearing plate 4 for covering an opening at the front end of the wall 1b, and a selecting device A including a forward and rearward movement switching clutch B, as an embodiment of an auxiliary speed change device, is disposed at this projecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kojima, Masashi Inanaga, Akinobu Rugou
  • Patent number: 5979622
    Abstract: A power take-off release mechanism for automatically disengaging a power take-off unit and accessory equipment powered thereby is disclosed. The power take-off release mechanism interconnects a clutch foot pedal mechanism of a vehicle having a manual transmission to a throw out arm on the power take-off unit. The power take-off unit includes a mechanical cable linkage which functions to engage the power take-off unit in a conventional manner. Thereafter, whenever the manual clutch foot pedal is depressed to put the vehicle in gear under normal driving conditions, the power take-of mechanism of the present invention is automatically actuated to disengage the power take-off unit thereby preventing the same from being operated at higher engine revolutions under normal driving conditions. In one embodiment, the power take-off release mechanism includes a mechanical cable linkage that interconnects the clutch foot pedal with the mechanical throw out arm on the power take off unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Lee R. Daniel
  • Patent number: 5971888
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling engine speed during power take-off (PTO) operation. A technique is disclosed which enables accelerator pedal over-ride of PTO operation, wherein PTO operation is resumed when the accelerator pedal induced engine speed value decreases to a preset PTO engine speed. Also, a high-speed governor is employed to limit accelerator pedal-based engine speed during PTO over-ride operation to thereby limit maximum engine speed. In accordance with the invention, the operator of a vehicle can thus accelerate the engine, via actuation of the accelerator pedal, to engine speeds in excess of the preset PTO engine speed without disengaging PTO operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Goode
  • Patent number: 5937697
    Abstract: In a tractor comprising a hydraulic lift case (13) mounted on an upper surface of a tractor rear housing (4), a support plate (65) is disposed in an opening (57) in a top wall of the rear housing. This plate is mounted to the rear housing preferably through the lift case which covers the opening. A power take-off shaft (68) is supported in the lift case and is connected to a transmission shaft (34), driven by engine, at a location below the opening through a gear train (60, 61, 62) which passes through the opening and includes an intermediate gear (61) supported by the support plate. This take-off shaft permits taking off power to a spare space at an outside location of the lift case, where at least one pump (71; 72) driven by this shaft is preferably disposed. Another power take-off shaft (36) extending rearwardly of the rear housing is provided and is connected to the transmission shaft through a PTO-clutch (37) and through a speed change mechanism (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mizuya Matsufuji
  • Patent number: 5913547
    Abstract: A system for providing sufficient space to accommodate a wrench for tightening the securing nuts in the restricted confines of a power take off mounted to a vehicle's transmission which employs step studs whose large diameter ends are threaded into the standard S.A.E. hole pattern apertures of the transmission P.T.O. window, while the studs are designed to have significantly smaller opposite ends which protrude through the aligned P.T.O. housing apertures, thus allowing smaller nuts to be used to make room for the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Muncie Power Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey J. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5806640
    Abstract: A power take off (PTO) clutch control system for an agricultural tractor is disclosed herein. The PTO clutch is a hydraulic clutch which is operated by a proportional valve capable of pressurizing the clutch with hydraulic fluid at a pressure related to the pulse width of a pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal applied to the valve. The PWM signal is produced by a controller which monitors the input shaft speed and the output shaft speed. A first control signal is applied to the valve when both the input and output shaft speeds are greater than zero. A second control signal is applied to the valve when the input shaft speed has decreased by a predetermined amount and the output shaft speed is substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Satish L. Kale
  • Patent number: 5740044
    Abstract: A control for limiting the torque output of an engine when operating in a PTO mode is provided. The control includes a microprocessor connected to a PTO on/off switch, a set/resume switch and a torque limit on/off switch. When the torque limit switch is in an on position, the microprocessor limits the maximum torque output to an operator programmed value. The operator can reprogram the torque limit value with a programming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Ehrenhardt, Gregory S. Gauger, Prasad V. Parupalli, Thomas R. Sandborg
  • Patent number: 5611751
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a power take off ("PTO") controller used on a vehicle. The controller includes a PTO on/off switch, a brake/clutch ignore switch, and a PTO set/resume switch connected to an electronic controller. The controller sets the engine speed command to a PTO default speed in response to the PTO on/off switch being in an on position. By placing the brake/clutch ignore switch in an ignore position, the vehicle operator can use the brake or clutch without affecting the PTO engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Ehrenhardt, Gregory S. Gauger, Prasad V. Parupalli, Thomas R. Sandborg
  • Patent number: 5494142
    Abstract: A power take off (PTO) clutch control system is disclosed herein. The PTO clutch is a hydraulic clutch which is operated by a proportional valve capable of pressurizing the clutch with hydraulic fluid at a pressure related to the pulse width of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal applied to the valve. The PWM signal is produced by a controller which monitors the output shaft speed and movement to determine the time at which the shaft begins movement. Prior to shaft movement, the PWM signals control the proportional valve to engage the clutch slowly and smoothly to avoid producing unacceptably high torques in the PTO shaft connected to the clutch during clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Satish L. Kale
  • Patent number: 5458100
    Abstract: A pilot ring assembly is provided for locating various power driven apparatus with respect to a power source housing such as an engine or motor. The ring assembly obviates having to machine locator steps of various diameters in flanges on the engine block or motor housing. This is effected by machining locator steps in flanges at a predetermined position and then placing pilot rings of varying outside diameters to accommodate the locator rings of the power driven apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Edward W. Neuenfeld
  • Patent number: 5400862
    Abstract: A straddle bearing incorporates a U-shaped frame receiving bearings which support an output shaft of a PTO assembly. The bearings flank or straddle a sheave or other drive member which is fixed to the output shaft. Radial loads imposed on the drive member are transmitted to the U-frame as opposed to the clutch and flywheel. The sheave and U-frame are dimensioned to permit replacement of belts or other torque transfer elements without disassembling the U-frame. In addition to being supported on the clutch housing, the U-frame can be supported on a beam and/or a bracket connected to the prime mover frame or a frame of the driven device. The configuration of the U-frame permits adjustment of the orientation of the U-frame with respect to the clutch housing, and also permits the mounting of an auxiliary drive member on the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Twin Disc Incorporated
    Inventors: Darwin D. Behlke, Joseph C. Terranova, Alvin G. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5311961
    Abstract: A safety system for automatically shutting off the power-take-off of a tractor in an emergency to thereby stop the machine being driven by the power-take-off. The system includes at least one machine sensor for detecting the presence of a foreign body adjacent a portion of the machine, and a shut-off, responsive to the sensor, for shutting off the power-take-off when the sensor detects the presence of a foreign body adjacent the machine. Sensors can also be provided to monitor the power-take-off shaft The sensors are preferably a photocell. The system optionally include an alarm that sounds when the sensor detects the presence of a foreign body adjacent the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Eugene E. Stabenow
  • Patent number: 5299129
    Abstract: A control system of a power take-off (PTO) apparatus for taking off power from an automatic transmission by meshing PTO gear with drive gear of the automatic transmission includes a control unit, to which are inputted ON signal from PTO switch and vehicle-speed signal from vehicle speed detecting unit, for outputting actuating signal to actuating unit of the PTO apparatus. The control unit actuates the PTO apparatus by outputting the actuating signal to the actuating unit of the PTO apparatus in response to input of the ON signal from the PTO switch, and stops output of the actuating signal when a vehicle speed greater than a predetermined speed is detected during output of the actuating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaya Uchida, Toshinori Murahashi
  • Patent number: 5287939
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for engaging a power takeoff employed primarily to drive a load from a truck engine having a solenoid with a high energy coil that is energized for a short interval to produce engagement of the power takeoff and a low energy coil to maintain engagement of the power takeoff. The mechanism includes an armature movable from a retracted to an activated position to move the power takeoff engagement mechanism to a power takeoff engaged position and a high rate spring which is compressed if the power takeoff does not engage whereby to return the armature to its retracted position upon de-energization of the high energy coil. A second lower rate spring moves the armature to its retracted position upon de-energization of the lower energy coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Muncie Power Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey J. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5247845
    Abstract: A power takeoff adapter for extending a power shaft such as the crankshaft of an engine. The power takeoff adapter includes a male pin adapted to be received in a complementary female receptacle in the crankshaft, wherein torque applied during operation initially tightens the coupling between the adapter and the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Grayson
  • Patent number: 5237883
    Abstract: An apparatus fitted with a power take-off (PTO) drive connectable to ancillary equipment and means for actuating and deactuating the PTO drive is disclosed wherein an interlock system includes sensor means for sensing whether the PTO drive is operative and producing an output signal representative thereof, timer means coupled to the actuating and deactuating means and initiated when said means is operated, and means responsive to the sensor output signal and coupled to timer means and operable to produce a deactuating signal if the sensor output signal is of a predetermined nature when the timer times out. The deactuating signal is applied to a selected component of the apparatus to deactuate that component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Churchill, Michael E. Langford, John G. Appleton, Alvin J. Budd, Michael P. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5070982
    Abstract: A pneumatic PTO engagement mechanism (100) is provided having a feed shaft which (18) passes through a central bore in the input PTO gear (2) in known manner and which is rotationally and axially fixed in the PTO housing (1). The PTO input gear is slidable and rotatable over the shaft, an intermediate seal (28) enables this; and a coil spring (23) to resist engagement of the PTO acts directly on the piston (26) and is received in a blind bore (12A) in the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Trevor Pitchford
  • Patent number: 4920813
    Abstract: Power take-off control apparatus which automatically shifts a vehicle speed range transmission into neutral whenever a power take-off mechanism is engaged to prevent accidental engagement of a drive gear while the power take-off mechanism is in use. A piston is moved in response to fluid pressure to shift the speed range transmission between high and low speed gear ranges. The power take-off mechanism is engaged in response to fluid pressure from a control valve. Whenever fluid pressure is applied to engage the power take-off mechanism, the fluid pressure moves the piston to an intermediate neutral position to disengage the vehicle drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: George A. Willford
  • Patent number: 4856355
    Abstract: A transmission for a tractor, in which a hydraulic working machine lift is mountable at the position lower than the conventional, on the upper surface of a mission case so that an operator cab is lowered to that extent, whereby a high and low transmission unit, a multistage transmission unit and a PTO transmission unit are entirely disposed before a bearing wall of the mission case, a rear portion thereof housing therein a diff gear unit is depressed, and the hydraulic working machine lift is loaded on the depressed portion. Also, a rear axle housing is reduced in length not to largely laterally project and a disk brake device is used to simplify the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg., Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 4685340
    Abstract: A two speed power take-off with a reversible adaptor flange and a connected drive shaft for connection to either of two drive flanges rotating at different speeds. The adaptor flange has an inner and outer transition area with a plurality of bolt holes drilled in each area. The axes of the bolt holes in each area are at different angles such that the holes in one transition area match with receiving holes in one drive flange and, when the adaptor flange is reversed, the holes in the other transition area match with the receiving holes in the other drive flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Versatile Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan E. Shust, Fergus J. MacCourt
  • Patent number: 4618016
    Abstract: A tractor has a hydraulically driven PTO shaft disposed at one side and generally centrally so that it can be connected to an input shaft of an implement extending laterally from the tractor's rear lifting device. The tractor's engine is between its wheels and its drive shaft is transverse to the tractor's longitudinal centerline. The width of the engine is less than the width from outboard side to outboard side of the tractor's front wheels. The fuel tank is offset on one side of the tractor opposite the aforesaid PTO. The front wheels of the tractor are situated within the tracks of the rear wheels so that the tracks do not overlap and are about equal distances apart. All wheels are driven by individual hydraulic motors. Hydraulic motors also drive the aforesaid PTO shaft and two further PTO shafts which extend to the tractor's rear, one centered with respect to the tractor's three-point lifting device and the other to one side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4610175
    Abstract: An adaptor plate assembly for use in interfacing a transmission gear housing having a standard bolt/hole pattern with a power takeoff unit having a non-standard bolt/hole pattern is disclosed. An adaptor plate is positioned between the gear housing and the power takeoff unit. The adaptor plate has passageways in alignment with standard apertures in the gear housing and with openings in the power takeoff unit. Guide and support fasteners having guide heads are initially positioned in ones of the passageways of the adaptor plate and in the housing apertures. The power takeoff unit is initially guided and supported by the guide heads. Securement fasteners are then used to complete the connection of the power takeoff unit to the adaptor plate and the gear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Weis, Richard A. Cook
  • Patent number: 4606429
    Abstract: A vehicle having driving wheels both on the left and right sides of the chassis frame thereof. The vehicle has a power unit including an engine and a transmission system for transmitting the power from an output shaft of the engine to the driving wheels independently. The power unit has a casing constructed as a rigid member supporting the driving wheels and rockably connected through a pivot shaft to the chassis frame so as to permit vertical movement of the driving wheels. The vehicle also includes a differential gear having a case connected to the output shaft. The transmission system includes a left and a right input sections extending from a left and a right side gears of the differential gear and output sections through which the input sections are drivingly connected to respective driving wheels. The output sections include V-belt type automatic transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kurata
  • Patent number: 4572712
    Abstract: A forage blower having a power transmission unit which is secured to the side wall of the blower housing and to the hub of the blower fan. The mounting arrangement eliminates components required in prior art machines. The unit can be reversed, end for end, to provide two different speeds to the blower fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Gehl Company
    Inventor: Dean E. Seefeld
  • Patent number: 4522420
    Abstract: Structurally integrated equipment is selectively, individually or conjointly detachably attachable to a three-wheeled vehicle for preventing rearward tipover, carrying cargo, rendering the vehicle waterborne, enhancing travel over snow or providing power takeoff. Supports extending from the framework of the vehicle are adapted to receive and retain with quick disconnect fittings frame elements of the equipment. The frame elements may be adjustable to accommodate load variations and variances of the surface traversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Gerald J. Hannappel
  • Patent number: 4478099
    Abstract: In a driving gear, a wheel is mounted on a supporting plate. The wheel has a rim with teeth on its inside surface and a pinion mounted on the supporting plate is in meshed engagement with the teeth. A housing, attached to the supporting plate, encloses the wheel. Entrainment surfaces on the outside circumference of the wheel engage an elongated power take-off member supported within and extending through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Metallwerk Max Brose GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Peter Hess, Gunter Muhling, Gerhard Schust
  • Patent number: 4463787
    Abstract: A log splitter is electrically powered and is portable in that it can be disassembled in discrete components for transportation in a car trunk. The splitter is rapidly operable, and is safe to operate, besides being highly portable and easy to use in remote places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Yukon Energy Corporation
    Inventor: John I. Lenertz
  • Patent number: 4418485
    Abstract: A snowblower housing containing a scraper and impeller has a plurality of mounting stations located on the rear wall. A gearbox is mounted at one of the stations having its output shaft in communication with the impeller and scraper. The gearbox is mounted detachably so that it can be repositioned between any one of the plurality of mounting stations by rotating the gear box about the output shaft. The gear box is generally comprised of a casing having first and second casing halves detachably mounted to each other and defining an enclosed chamber. Rotatably mounted in the casing is an input shaft carrying an enclosed gear. The output shaft is rotatably mounted in the casing, carrying an enclosed second gear. The gear box further contains a plurality of colinearly aligned bores for the mounting of a countershaft and associated gear for providing a means of communicating the first gear with the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Herren
  • Patent number: 4418731
    Abstract: A log splitter attachment for use with a garden tiller. The log splitter attachment is comprised of a frame portion which is releaseably attached to the roto-tiller drive shaft, a log splitting screw which is releaseably attached to the tiller drive shaft to allow for rotatable movement of said splitting screw in unison with the garden tiller drive shaft, and a log support bar attached to the frame portion and extending outwardly for ground engaging support to provide a log rest support during use, and to stabilize the frame portion and the tiller during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventors: Roger M. Smith, Steven J. Smith
  • Patent number: 4411345
    Abstract: In an agricultural vehicle in which a power takeoff modulating valve is shifted in response to a control lever so as to pass pressurized hydraulic fluid through a groove in the outer surface thereof between recesses in an adjacent bore wall for application to a power takeoff clutch to cause engagement of the clutch, application of the hydraulic fluid pressure to the clutch is modulated by an arrangement which selectively diverts the pressurized hydraulic fluid away from the clutch and to a sump in accordance with the rate of pressure increase of the hydraulic fluid to prevent excessively rapid engagement of the clutch. The hydraulic fluid is sumped by a trimmer valve having a first end which immediately responds to high fluid pressures by sliding into a position which sumps the conduit supplying hydraulic fluid to the clutch by an amount directly related to the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Haight, Kendall D. Tjepkes
  • Patent number: 4376387
    Abstract: A shock absorber testing device wherein the vehicle body is raised relative to the vehicle wheels, and is then released. The vehicle wheels are not raised. Upon releasing of the raised spring-suspended body of the vehicle, the resulting oscillations of the movement of the body is sensed, and various quality factors (h.sub.1, h.sub.2, h.sub.3) are determined and displayed to display the dampening proficiency of the shock absorber. The damping proficiency of a pair of shock absorbers located opposite each other on the vehicle (the pair of front shock absorbers, for example) may have their damping proficiencies displayed simultaneously and compared, and the difference therebetween also displayed to indicate uneven wear or imbalance of the shock absorbers of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Products and Patents Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernard Stevens, Gregg W. Squires
  • Patent number: 4349092
    Abstract: A universal joint shaft and a power take-off shaft, particularly between an agricultural implement and a tractor, may be coupled and uncoupled by a device which includes a coupling sleeve adapted to be axially locked and unlocked relative to the power take-off shaft by operation of a control ring which is moved in generally parallel relationship with the power take-off shaft between a first and a second position. The coupling sleeve is locked in axial engagement with the power take-off shaft by a spring device which, when engaged by the control ring when the control ring is moved to its second position, operates to unlock the coupling sleeve from the power take-off shaft. The control ring is pivotally mounted and is subjected to the force of an over-center snap spring which maintains the control ring in its first or second position under a spring-biasing force, with the control ring when in its first position being out of engagement with the locking spring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Jean Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Geisthoff
  • Patent number: 4335762
    Abstract: This invention resides in a log splitter attachment for garden tiller, a unique bearing arrangement for same, and the combination of a garden tiller and such an attachment. The attachment includes a rigid ground engaging base frame having means thereon to support the tiller tine shaft of a garden tiller and a log to be split. Preferably the base frame will also support the garden tiller itself when used with the log splitter attachment. An auger is provided and is mounted on a shaft adapted to slip over one end of the tiller tine shaft. The auger shaft is secured to the tiller tine shaft and supported in a bearing member which is affixed to the base frame. The other end of the tine shaft is engaged within a spacer located in a corresponding bearing member and the spacer is attached to the tine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Magna American Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard V. Reaume, James O. Hall
  • Patent number: 4296649
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated control arrangement for a transmission includes a spring-loaded pressure regulating valve which slides into a position to cut off an exit chamber for hydraulic fluid from an input chamber for pressurized hydraulic fluid so as to route the incoming hydraulic fluid exclusively to the transmission for various control and lubricating functions when hydraulic fluid pressure in the input chamber falls below a first threshold value. Hydraulic fluid applied to the input chamber continues to feed a first plurality of functions within the transmission via the input chamber and a second plurality of functions in the transmission via an intermediate chamber disposed between the input and exit chambers and in communication with the pressure regulating valve until such time as the hydraulic fluid pressure at the input chamber drops below a second threshold value so as to permit the pressure regulating valve to cut off the intermediate chamber from the input chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gordon L. Marquart
  • Patent number: 4223707
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for splitting wood such as logs, comprising a prime mover selectively connectable to an elongated screw member to rotate the screw member in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, the screw member being mounted for rotation with a thrust bearing at one end of the screw member, an elongated bed structure, a trolley mounted for movement along the elongated bed structure, a nut having screw threads complementary to the screw member defined therethrough attached to the trolley and receiving and engaging the threads of the elongated screw member, and an abutment and a cutting blade, one of which is mounted to the trolley and the other of which is mounted to the bed structure adjacent the thrust bearing such that a log may be placed between the splitting blade and abutment and the blade urged into the log by moving the trolley towards the log by rotation of the screw member with the screw member being in tension during the splitting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignees: Lawrence E. Livingston, Victoria A. Livingston
    Inventors: Bruce W. Jensen, David L. Bacon
  • Patent number: 4218881
    Abstract: A system for mechanically or hydraulically driving or powering equipment in underground mines off an advance flight of a belt conveyor, in which an assembly of a spaced and drivably connected drive roller and pump and a common base is releasably mountable on wire ropes or other supporting members at opposite sides of the conveyor for selective positioning longitudinally of the conveyor beneath the conveyor belt's advance flight and is vertically adjustable relative to the advance flight for adjusting the driving engagement of the drive roller with that flight for either continuous or intermittent drive of the drive roller and pump while the belt is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventors: Robert P. Huffman, Jesse Thomas
  • Patent number: 4217537
    Abstract: Apparatus and method employing the engine unit of a conventional chain saw to power an electrical generator. In a first embodiment, a generator is detachably mounted to the engine unit, with an endless belt drivingly connecting the two. A second embodiment includes an engine unit of the above-described type operatively connected to a vehicle-mounted alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Inventor: David E. Hamm
  • Patent number: 4196859
    Abstract: A material unloader having a conveyor and a distributing unit includes a control assembly operative from the tractor or towing vehicle by a single hydraulic control. A jaw clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the distributing unit drive and the power shaft. A variable speed pulley assembly is operable to engage and disengage the conveyor drive and power shaft and to vary the speed of the conveyor over a wide range of values. The jaw clutch and variable speed pulley assembly are simultaneously controlled by a cam operated shifter assembly. The cam is mounted on a control shaft along with a pawl and ratchet mechanism indexed by a hydraulic cylinder to sequentially establish various combinations of conveyor and distributing unit drive conditions, including a condition wherein the distributing unit is disengaged and the conveyor is operating at a relatively high speed for fast cleanout of the unloader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Clarence R. Trott, Gerardus A. Veldhoven, Rory Rae
  • Patent number: 4191270
    Abstract: A tractor having a hydraulically driven power takeoff shaft in which manipulation of a control handle in the forward direction causes the speed of the shaft to be varied in accordance with the position of the handle and also in accordance with engine speed. When, however, the control handle is moved to the extreme forward position, the power takeoff shaft is operated at either of two selected constant speeds regardless of engine speed as long as the engine speed is adequate to maintain such constant speed. When the control handle is moved in the opposite direction towards reverse position, the power takeoff shaft is driven at a variable speed, dependent on the position of the handle and on the engine speed. This speed is relatively low as compared with that of the forward speeds.The tractor is provided with a manually operated energy shutoff control adjacent the power takeoff shaft, in the form of a push button switch which can be actuated whenever a sudden termination of the shaft operation is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: Steiger Tractor, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Monteith
  • Patent number: 4191157
    Abstract: An adapter kit for converting a battery powered motorcycle ignition system to a magneto ignition system comprising a drive mechanism adapted to be mounted in the tachometer drive take-off port of a motorcycle for driving a magneto by the gear provided for driving the motorcycle tachometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Inventor: David L. Shaw