Axle And Torque Tubes Patents (Class 74/607)
  • Patent number: 6401568
    Abstract: In a hydrostatic transmission or similar axle driving device, a bearing is used to support an axle in a separate axle chamber in the housing, and the bearing has an opening or lobe formed on the outer periphery thereof to allow fluid to flow from a chamber where the axle is housed and a separate chamber in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, John Schreier
  • Patent number: 6401869
    Abstract: A housing cannot be made compact by only securing a space corresponding to a reservoir tank at the upper part of the housing, and the space at the upper part of the housing cannot be utilized if the reservoir tank is integrally provided to the upper part of the housing. An axle driving apparatus comprising a tubular reservoir tank erected on the upper surface of the upper wall surface of the housing for accommodating an HST, wherein, since the reservoir tank is thinly elongated and is freely bendable, it can be disposed in a limited space. The housing is divided into a first room and a second room with which the reservoir tank communicates. Further, a first magnet is disposed at a position where the first and second rooms are connected, and a second magnet is disposed in the proximity of an oil filter connected to a closed circuit of the HST so that impurities can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Iida, Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20010053729
    Abstract: Vehicle differential with a differential housing (5) consisting of two pressed sheet metal halves (6). Each sheet metal half is made with radial, gutter-shaped depressions, which are limited at their outer ends by wall portions (14). A differential pinion shaft (15) is received in the depressions between the sheet metal halves. The wall portions (14) limit the axial movement of the differential pinion shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Grzegorz Janiszewski, Jan Christian Holmstrom
  • Patent number: 6327934
    Abstract: A front-axle output of an automatic transmission having situated in a sealed housing (15) a front-axle spur pinion (1) which is operatively connected via an intermediate gear (4) with a driving gear. The output spur gear (1) is also connected for transmitting a torque to a differential (5) with a co-axially positioned pinion shaft (3A) which has one pinion engaged with the differential (5). The output spur gear (1) is designed as one piece with a side shaft (2) which is connected with the pinion shaft (3A) in an area of low bending stress between a support (10) of the pinion (3) and the pinion shaft (3A) and an output spur gear support (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Lothar Barthel
  • Patent number: 6318535
    Abstract: In an arrangement for transferring brake torques of a vehicle drive line including a differential transmission having a housing, a driving pinion and two wheel shafts supported in the housing and a brake structure arranged adjacent the housing, a brake member is provided for rotation with the driving pinion and a braking member is supported by the housing of the differential transmission for engaging the brake member when the brake structure is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Rainer Herffurth, Uwe Mierisch, Christian Mosler, Werner Spielmann
  • Patent number: 6318201
    Abstract: A motor vehicle differential bearing pre-load mechanism which provides for the simultaneous use of a collapsible spacer which plastically deforms and has a close to linear load to deflection band on one side of a motor vehicle differential assembly and a threaded adjuster on the other side of the motor vehicle differential assembly to axially pre-load the differential bearings in motor vehicle differential axles or on any shaft with bearings which requires an axial pre-load. Typically, the axial pre-load of the differential bearings decreases as wear of the differential bearings occurs when mechanical shims or a threaded adjuster without a collapsible spacer have been used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6286619
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes an engine and a final drive assembly. The engine includes an output shaft that supports a drive sprocket or pulley. The final drive assembly comprises an input shaft that supports a driven sprocket or pulley and a brake disc. A flexible transmitter such as a belt or a chain connects the drive sprocket or pulley and the driven sprocket or pulley. The final drive assembly is formed separate of the engine and spaced apart from the engine when the two components are mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The driven sprocket or pulley is positioned on an upper portion of the final drive assembly while a lower portion of the final drive assembly is pivotally connected to the frame. The final drive assembly can be pivoted to adjust a tension level within the flexible transmitter. The final drive assembly can be selectively secured in a pivotal position by a support rod and/or a set of slotted brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Uchiyama, Masamitsu Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6257090
    Abstract: An axle housing assembly has a stable strength against a drive repulsive force and is superior in dimensional precision and maintenance. The axle housing assembly for a vehicle includes: a differential housing for receiving a differential gear; a pair of axle tubes mounted integrally on the right and left sides of the differential housing for receiving respective drive axles; and an axle bracket mounted integrally on at least one of the axil tubes for receiving a repulsive force. In the axle housing assembly, the interconnection between the differential housing and the axle tube and the interconnection between the axle tube and the axle bracket for receiving the repulsive force are performed by bolts, respectfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masayasu Arakawa, Mamoru Kuzuya, Hideaki Shima
  • Patent number: 6244137
    Abstract: A transmission casing design including externally mounted protrusions or devices on the casing for creating a durable, visible coding system. The casing may include a plurality of housing sections for mounting a hydrostatic transmission or other type of transmission. The protrusions may be machined or otherwise durably marked to create an information code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Craig Wigness
  • Patent number: 6210299
    Abstract: A tubular beam motor vehicle differential axle assembly having two (2) tubular shafts, each of the tubular shafts having gear teeth formed on one end thereof, or alternatively having a gear mechanically connected to the end of the tubular shaft by, for example, a chemical bonding material, a weld, an interference fit and/or one or more mechanical fastener(s), and the other end of each of the tubular shafts having a flange to which a motor vehicle wheel is mounted. A tubular differential case partially houses the two (2) tubular shafts, a set of pinion mate gears and a pinion mate gear shaft. A ring gear is positioned outboard of the tubular differential case which receives rotational power from an input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6189410
    Abstract: A transaxle casing for a vehicle is adapted for various types of loading through the use of bearing holders. Power from an engine of the vehicle is transmitted to a differential in a transaxle casing. The transaxle casing has laterally outwardly extending left and right axle housing portions. Left and right driving axles are supported in the axle housing portions of the transaxle casing through bearings. Concavities are formed in each of the axle housing portions. When the transaxle casing is employed by a light vehicle or under a light load, needle bearings and seals are fitted in the concavities of the axle housing portions for journalling the ends of the left and right driving axles. When the transaxle casing is employed by a heavy vehicle or under a heavy load, the needle bearings and seals are removed and bearing holders containing ball bearings are attached to the ends of the axle housing portions by inserting convexities formed in the bearing holders into the concavities of the axle housing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Inoue
  • Patent number: 6189413
    Abstract: An improved housing, particularly one for an automotive differential assembly, is provided. The housing has a cast portion formed from a first material and a preformed insert member formed from a second material which is cast into the cast portion. The insert member is strategically placed in an area of the housing to selectively enhance or alter the properties of the housing at that location. The insert member may be encased in a wall of the cast portion or may extend partially through a wall of cast portion depending upon the characteristics which are being enhanced or altered. The properties which may be enhanced or altered include, for example the strength, electric or thermal conductivity, magnetic potential, chemical compatibility or the coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Morse, Rajendra G. Kumashi
  • Patent number: 6176152
    Abstract: A housing for differential mechanism is formed in two pieces using a cold flow-forming process. Each of the housing portions is formed with an internal hemispherical surface, and semi-circular recesses, which when aligned form circular recesses within which a pinion shaft is seated. A subassembly that includes the pinion shaft, pinion gears, side bevel gears, and a thin plastic liner surrounding the subassembly is located within a lower housing portion so that the pinion shaft is seated in the recesses. The upper housing portion is inserted within the upper portion and welded. A ring gear is joined to a housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Alfred Balacan Victoria, Kenneth H Goff, Jr., Lawrence Jensen Budge, Joseph A. Szuba, Christian Peter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6152825
    Abstract: A pre-assembled structural unit for driven axles of automotive vehicles, comprising a wheel flange (1), a brake disc (2), a wheel bearing (3), and a synchronizing joint including an inner part (5), an outer part (6), and an anti-friction bearing (7), can be mounted in a carrier unit (4) provided on the vehicle side.The structural unit provides that the inner part (5) of the synchronizing joint is integrally formed with a shaft journal (5a) which can be connected to the end of a driving shaft (8) in a non-rotating way.Hence, the pre-assembly interface hitherto located in the synchronizing joint is shifted toward the driving shaft so that the synchronizing joint with the sealing sleeve (10) completely mounted results in the pre-assembled unit, thereby substantially simplifying the final assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Andreas Doell
  • Patent number: 6135241
    Abstract: A deflector for an axle housing to deflect circulated oil towards the oil galleries. Preferably, the deflector is formed as an indentation of a cover plate of the axle housing and is positioned adjacent the ring gear of a differential. When the ring gear rotates, oil is picked up from a reservoir and is directed toward the deflector. Oil is in turn deflected outwardly toward the oil galleries proximate the bearing caps to supply lubricating oil to the axle shafts and wheel end bearings. This arrangement has proved to eliminate wheel end bearing oil starvation at vehicle speeds as low as 24 mph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Moi Ganguly, William John Hamm
  • Patent number: 6132329
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing the temperature of an axle assembly by moving the lubricating fluid from the hotter to the cooler portions of the axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing with a central portion and opposing legs extending from the central portion. A pair of shafts is disposed within the legs. Each of the shafts has an outer surface and first and second opposing ends, with at least a portion of the first ends located within the central portion. A differential gear set is arranged within the central portion and engages the first ends. To cool the lubricant, at least one helical protrusion extends from the outer surface of the shafts at a location adjacent to the differential assembly. The helical protrusions move the lubricating fluid from the first end in the hot central portion of the axle housing to the cooler second end at the extremity of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Tison
  • Patent number: 6122996
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission design including externally mounted protrusions or devices for creating a durable, visible coding system. A clip means is also disclosed for securing to the ends of the axle horns to protect the casing from contact with vehicle wheels. The transmission also includes a friction pack for improved control of the transmission, having a control arm which is not secured directly to the external housing of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Craig Wigness, Thomas Langenfeld, William Herbert Ward
  • Patent number: 6123175
    Abstract: Interconnected vents for a motor vehicle axle assembly, transmission or transfer case which interconnects multiple vents at different locations together with another vent positioned at the highest point the lubricant travels. This allows the lubricant to flow out of one vent and return to the other vent without leaking onto the ground. Such an interconnected vent arrangement will minimize the extent of external lubricant leakage due to such factors as foaming of the lubricant, air entrapment in the lubricant, volumetric expansion of the lubricant due to elevated operating temperatures, pumping or splashing of the lubricant by internal rotating or moving parts, flow of the lubricant due to tilting of the motor vehicle, and thus the motor vehicle axle assembly, transmission and transfer case, and/or acceleration or deceleration of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Fett
  • Patent number: 6070494
    Abstract: A straight axle type rotating axle structure comprises a housing, a sleeve, and a spindle. The inner part of the housing is formed as a container, one end of which is formed with an opening. A slot is installed on the inner wall of the opening. A plurality of spaced trenches are installed on the opening, and a joint end is formed on one end of the housing. The sleeve is fixed within the container in the housing. The two ends of the spindle are formed with an axle portion and a joint end, respectively. The convex ring is circularly installed between the axle portion and a joint end. A twisting force is provided by the friction force between the axle portion and the sleeve, and the convex ring is fitting into the slot of the housing. By above structure, a rotating axle structure is formed, by which a twisting force is provided by a coaxial manner. It has a simple structure and is easy to be assembled. Therefore, the manufacturing cost is reduced greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Chin Fu Horng
  • Patent number: 6065559
    Abstract: A transversely mounted vehicle powertrain includes a transmission differential encased in a housing, a half shaft bearing support, and a link shaft extending between the transmission differential housing and the half shaft bearing support. An inventive tubular member encircles the link shaft to increase the lateral ridigity of the powertrain. A bracket is attached to one end of the tubular member and is mounted to the transmission differential housing. The opposite end of the tubular member is secured to the half shaft bearing support. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubular member, the bracket, and the half shaft bearing support are cast as a single, integral metal piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Ludwik Cholewczynski, William Maciejka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6061907
    Abstract: A housing for differential mechanism is formed in two pieces using a cold flow-forming process. Each of the housing portions is formed with an internal hemispherical surface, and semi-circular recesses, which when aligned form circular recesses within which a pinion shaft is seated. A subassembly that includes the pinion shaft, pinion gears, side bevel gears, and a thin plastic liner surrounding the subassembly is located within a lower housing portion so that the pinion shaft is seated in the recesses. The upper housing portion is inserted within the upper portion and welded. A ring gear is joined to a housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Balacan Victoria, Kenneth H Goff, Jr., Lawrence Jensen Budge, Joseph A. Szuba, Christian Peter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6058805
    Abstract: An assembly that removes air from the housing of an axle assembly in combination with the axle assembly for use with a vhicle. The assembly is vomprised of a modified differential housing having an air flow channel therein extending from an inner chamber of the housing to a face of the differentiao housing which abuts ayoke of a drive shaft, the channel emptying into an area over which an seal protector is engaged for protecting a seal provided between the yoke and the differential, the seal protector having an edge port in a circumferential edge thereof which aligns with a cooperating cored hole in a corresponding circumferential area of the housing intermittently, the seal protector being engaged to the drive shaft yode and rotating therewith. The intermittent alignment of the edge port and the cored hole allows venting of the inner chamber of the differential housing to the outside atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventor: Michael B. Merkler
  • Patent number: 6056081
    Abstract: A steerable drive axle for improved steering is provided. The steerable drive axle includes a drive shaft housing and at least one axle shaft. A portion of the axle shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing in the drive shaft housing. The drive shaft housing has an actuator recess disposed therein. The steerable drive axle further includes a wheel drive shaft supported by a wheel bearing assembly in a wheel bearing support. An angle drive assembly connects the axle shaft to the wheel drive shaft, and a pivot assembly pivotally attaches the drive shaft housing to the wheel bearing support. In addition, the steerable drive axle includes an actuator coupled between the drive shaft housing and the pivot assembly. A portion of the actuator is located within the actuator recess of the drive shaft housing when the pivot assembly is pivoted relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Hatlen, Charles R. Busch, Michael J. Eifert
  • Patent number: 6041881
    Abstract: A transmission casing for a tractor, eg on agricultural tractor, having a three point linkage for lifting implements, incorporates reinforcing bars (22) running the length of the casing to the top and on each side. Turnbuckles (26) allow the bars (22) to be placed in tension, thereby placing in compression the upper parts of the castings (1, 2, 3) making up the body of the transmission casing. In this way, the load bearing capacity of the casing the and thus of the tractor may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Agco Limited
    Inventor: Sion Morgan Owen
  • Patent number: 6032967
    Abstract: A spring seat assembly and method of assembling the same reduces field failures related to existing axle and suspension attachment designs. The suspension is attached to the axle housing through an upper spring seat welded to the housing, and the upper seat is then supported by a weld-on lower strap to the lower section of the axle housing whereby the lower strap distributes the weld stress from the vehicle articulation into the lower channel. The upper spring seat and lower strap are subjected to a clamp load prior to welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Ogoniek
  • Patent number: 5971413
    Abstract: A unique trunnion mount for an axle assembly allows the axle to pivot about a longitudinal axis of a vehicle. The trunnion mount is comprised of two separate mounts, each of which is supported by an axle housing. The first mount is supported by the bearing cage on the input side of the axle housing. The second mount is attached to the opposite side of the axle housing and is comprised of a V-shaped bushing which presents angular exterior bearing surfaces which rotatably support the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Raji Said El-Kassouf
  • Patent number: 5951431
    Abstract: A differential case is provided including at least one assembly window formed therein for providing access to a chamber interior of the differential case. The assembly window in the differential case is defined by a pair of opposed circular edge portions of the differential case interconnected by a pair of opposed elongated edge portions of the differential case. The pair of opposed elongated edge portions have a dimension therebetween slightly larger than an outside diameter of a pair of side gears so as to allow angulated entry of the side gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to a longitudinal axis. The pair of opposed circular edge portions include a radius slightly larger than a radius of a pair of pinion gears to allow entry of the pinion gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to another longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Edward J. Eshelman
  • Patent number: 5937709
    Abstract: A shaft alignment apparatus includes a first bearing block having a first opening for receiving a first associated shaft, a first housing member having a first slot for receiving the first bearing block, a second housing member and fastening means for fastening the first housing member to the second housing member. The first housing member has a junction surface lying on a junction plane and an internal base surface lying on a base plane. The first associated shaft is positioned between the base plane and junction plane of the first housing member. To align a first associated shaft, its first end is mounted into an opening in a first bearing block. The second end of the first associated shaft is then mounted into an opening in a second bearing block. Both the first and second bearing blocks are then slid simultaneously into first and second slots, respectively, in the first housing member. Finally, a second housing member is fastened to the first housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Paul Alexander Crawford, Douglas Frederick Edwards
  • Patent number: 5897452
    Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transaxle including a housing in which a center section is supported. The center section supports a hydraulic pump unit and a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft drivingly connected thereto. A differential assembly is drivingly linked to the motor shaft and is used to drive a pair of axle shafts which are supported by the housing. The differential assembly includes a rotatable gear which is maintained in frictional engagement with at least one bearing surfaces for frictionally inhibiting the rotational movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: John Schreier, Matthew Hansen, Todd Horton, Ron Sporrer
  • Patent number: 5855416
    Abstract: A reinforced vehicle axle housing assembly includes a housing having an arm section including an axial portion adapted to receive a brake flange and a sleeve disposed in a cavity defined by the arm section. The sleeve at least partially overlaps the axial portion and is in reinforcing engagement with the arm section. The housing is formed by first and second housing halves joined together by a housing weld along the neutral axis. The housing weld penetrates through the arm section and secures the sleeve to the housing. A method for reinforcing a vehicle axle housing includes the steps of positioning a sleeve in the cavity so as to be encircled by the axial portion and securing the sleeve within the cavity so as to reinforce the arm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Kenneth Tasker, John Robert Ottewill
  • Patent number: 5846154
    Abstract: A single speed gear assembly suitable for use in a wheelchair is disclosed. The assembly incorporates a sun gear together with a plurality of planet gears which reduces the amount of torque required by the user in order to effect rotation of the wheel to which the assembly is attached. Specific ratios for the diameter of the sun gear to the each planet gear is taught. The assembly conveniently eases the use of a wheelchair by those confined to using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Handycare
    Inventor: Gary Godin
  • Patent number: 5839327
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly has a gear housing, two axle tubes extending outwardly of the gear housing, a lubricant reservoir in the gear housing and a gear assembly rotatably mounted in the gear housing that has a rotatable ring gear that is partially disposed in lubricant in the lubricant reservoir. The drive axle assembly also has a lubricant cooling system that includes a cooler cover that is attached to the gear housing to provide a lubricant passage in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via an inlet that is juxtaposed the rotatable ring gear. The lubricant passage has elevated outlets that are connected to the respective axle tubes. The axle tubes are connected to the reservoir via restricted outlet passages that are below the outlets of the lubricant passage. The outlets of the lubricant passage and the axle tubes a re sized so that there is a flood of lubricant in the axle tubes when the rotatable ring gear is driven at or above a predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett W. Gage
  • Patent number: 5782142
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus having a shaft sealing device to provide for compact and flexible packaging. The shaft sealing device includes an oil seal and a seal carrier for supporting the oil seal. The shaft sealing device can be used to provide a reliable fluid-tight seal for the axles and other shafts, thereby allowing the axles and other shafts to be located in different planes, and offset from the plane of the casing junction surface. The shaft sealing device may alternatively be configured as an integral unit that includes a shaft support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Hiroaki Shimizu, Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 5740697
    Abstract: A lubrication structure for a transfer mechanism distributing a driving force received from a transmission gear to two output shafts and outputting the driving force therefrom, wherein the lubrication structure comprises a slide tube section for a sliding yoke provided in a propeller shaft, the slide tube section externally mounted on a shaft section of the output shaft in a state where it can move in the axial direction but cannot relatively rotate; a lubricating oil hole provided in an extended section of a transfer case covering the slide shaft section; a lubricating oil groove provided in an internal surface of the extended section and communicating with the lubricating oil hole, the lubricating oil groove oriented in the axial direction of the extended section; a seal mechanism sealing between the slide tube section on the internal surface of the extended section at the outer end thereof; and a bushing provided between the extended section and the slide tube section so that the bushing covers the lubrica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yamase
  • Patent number: 5713247
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a support structure having at least one trunnion which is adapted to receive a generally cylindrical hollow tube. The trunnion includes an annular groove formed in an outer surface. The apparatus further comprises an annular reinforcing ring disposed in the annular groove. The support structure is preferably made of a non-ferrous metallic alloy and the reinforcing ring may be made of either a ferrous metal, such as iron or a steel alloy, or may be made of a composite material. The support structure may comprise an axle carrier or a disconnect housing of an axle drive assembly, or any other support structure having a trunnion which accepts a generally cylindrical hollow tube. The support structure may comprise a casting, and the reinforcing ring may comprise a prefabricated, one-piece construction which is cast in place in the trunnion groove of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Jack E. Skelton, Mark C. Barnholt, Patrick J. Ballinger
  • Patent number: 5709135
    Abstract: A clam-shell shaped differential housing including a lower portion for receiving the input shaft and the differential gearing, and an upper portion for enclosing the same within the differential housing. The clam-shell shaped differential housing allows for easy insertion and adjustment of the differential components. In addition, a lubricant reservoir may be formed in the area of the input shaft and pinion bearings to retain the majority of differential lubricant. The clam-shell shaped housing allows a pump to be easily positioned in the reservoir between the inner and outer pinion bearings to pump the lubricant from the reservoir to the differential components through channels formed in the housing. In this manner, the sump of the differential housing remains substantially dry. The pump may also be used to provide hydraulic pressure to a limited slip clutch assembly for the actuation thereof in conjunction with a valve control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph W. Baxter
  • Patent number: 5697677
    Abstract: A modular axle assembly incorporates a separate bearing support plate which is received at an open end of an axle housing. The separate bearing support plate supports the bearing at the open end, and is received within the open end of the axle housing. In the prior art, the large helical cover typically also provided the bearing support. The use of the separate bearing support plate allows the modular assembly of the axle assembly and further facilitates repair. In another feature of this invention, a threaded adjustment member is associated with both the bearing at the open end of the differential, and also with the bearing at the other end of the differential. The threaded adjustment members allow the control of gear positioning and the pre-load on the bearings such that precise positioning and pre-load adjustment are easily obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Rockwell Heavy Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Ruppert, Jr., William C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5655418
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a generally cylindrical hollow tube comprising at least one trunnion which is adapted for receiving a generally cylindrical hollow tube. The trunnion includes a radially stepped bore formed therein and extending between first and second ends of the trunnion. The stepped bore includes a first generally cylindrical portion extending axially from the first end toward the second end. The first portion of the bore has a diameter which is less than an outside diameter of the tube, so that the tube engages the trunnion in an interference fit throughout the first portion of the bore. The stepped bore further includes a second axially extending, generally cylindrical portion having a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the first portion of the bore and greater than the outside diameter of the tube, so that the tube does not engage the trunnion in an interference fit in the area corresponding to the second portion of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Barnholt
  • Patent number: 5647814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a one piece, four pinion mate differential gear assembly. The first pair of pinions are rotationally supported on a cross pin that contains a cross bore formed through the central area. A pair of hollow pinion support sleeves are located on opposite sides of the cross bore, seated on the cross pin. The second pair of pinion mates are rotationally supported on the hollow sleeves while retainer plates are also engaged with the outer end of each sleeve to retain each pinion thereon. A cross bolt is inserted through the sleeves, the cross bore, and the retainer plates to retain all of the components in position. The retainer plates seat on the differential case to provide additional support to the gear assembly and to receive torque from the differential case so that stress is not concentrated at the intersection of the cross pin and cross bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Krisher
  • Patent number: 5644955
    Abstract: In a structure for supporting driving reaction force acting upon a differential housing, a first arm portion on a differential carrier or carrier cover connected to the differential housing and a second arm portion on a front axle bracket fixed to a frame of the vehicle overlap each other in a vertical direction and are coupled to each other by means of a driving reaction force receiving bolt. A shim having a notch for putting the driving reaction force receiving bolt therethrough is inserted between the first arm portion and the second arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushi Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kenji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5620388
    Abstract: In a differential/mechanism for transmitting power from a drive shaft to the axle shafts of a motor vehicle, a shim cap surrounding the end of the axle shaft is located between a differential pinion shaft and a slotted washer seated within recesses formed on the axle shaft and on the side bevel gear, the shim cap having a crown whose thickness fills the axial space between the inner end of the axle shaft and the pinion shaft. The shim cap limits the range of axially inward movement of the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Schlegelmann, William D. Baedke, Michael M. Start
  • Patent number: 5540300
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly has a gear housing, two axle tubes extending outwardly of the gear housing, a lubricant reservoir in the gear housing and a gear assembly rotatably mounted in the gear housing that has a rotatable member that is partially disposed in lubricant in the lubricant reservoir. The drive axle assembly also has a lubricant cooling system that includes a lubricant passage in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via an inlet that is juxtaposed the rotatable member so that the level of lubricant in the lubricant passage is raised when the rotatable member rotates. The lubricant passage has elevated outlets that deliver lubricant to lubricant ducts disposed in the respective axle tubes when the lubricant in the lubricant passage rises above a predetermined level. The lubricant flows away from the gear housing in the lubricant ducts and returns to the reservoir along the interior of the axle tubes which cools the lubricant as it returns to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Dale A. Frank, Douglas B. Lutz, Charles L. Rasmer, Norman E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5522246
    Abstract: A process for cold forming tubular axles comprises placing a tubular blank within an open ended die having a constricted die throat, and pushing the blank through the die throat with a punch. The punch is provided with a portion that presses the blank axially through the die throat. In addition, the punch has at least one extension which is closely fitted within the blank so that as the punch pushes a portion of the tube axially through the die throat, the extension is arranged within the die throat to form an annular space between the extension and the die throat. The punch extension is substantially elliptical in cross-section while the die throat is substantially circular in cross-section. Thus, the portion of the blank extruded through the space is formed with a substantially circular exterior wall and a substantially elliptical interior wall which provides diametrically opposing thicker wall sections and diametrically opposing thinner wall sections that are 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Norina A. Simon
  • Patent number: 5442977
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a differential axle housing which is particularly adapted for use in a fork lift and by which productivity is improved and which can be produced in a manner minimizing the wast of materials. Its differential housing has a generally cylindrical roll-forged ring portion having open ends along an axis, and a cover closing one of the open ends. A pair of straight cylindrical flange portions, preferably roll-forged, are attached in diametrically opposite relation to each other on the peripheral wall of the ring portion, each surrounding an axle opening therein. These elements are welded to the ring portion after being individually formed. Thus, the differential housing is produced. A pair of axle tubes are then shrink-fit and welded to the respective flange portions, and fitting brackets for receiving the mast pivot brackets of a fork lift mast are attached to the respective of the axle tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Seiji Danjou, Katsuya Miyata, Shuji Ohta
  • Patent number: 5373923
    Abstract: A rotary motor with a counterbalanced torque arm adapted to be mounted within an auger housing. The torque arm is mounted on the stationary cylinder block of the motor which extends radially outwardly from the access of the cowling and is attached to the auger housing. The torque arm includes a pair of diametrically opposed torque arm members which support pairs of cylinders. The cylinders engage the housing and are interconnected such that diametrically opposed pairs of cylinders are in fluid communication. Accordingly, rotational torques exerted on the torque arm by the cylinder block, for auger screw rotation both in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, are born equally by the opposing torque arm members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Larry E. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5303985
    Abstract: A structure for a housing for an axle assembly and method for manufacturing same is disclosed. The housing includes a tube which is formed by casting. The tube is cast having a brake flange, a spring seat, a shock absorber pad, and an outer end for mounting wheel bearings, all of which are integrally formed therewith. The tube is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, but is formed having an outer circumferential surface which is generally circular in shape and an inner circumferential surface which is generally oval in shape. Thus, the wall thickness of the tube is not uniform about the circumference thereof. Rather, the wall thicknesses of the upper and lower portions of the tube are somewhat greater than the wall thicknesses of the side portions thereof. The wall thicknesses of the upper and lower portions of the tube are sized to accommodate vertically oriented loads induced therein which are generally larger than horizontally oriented loads which are normally encountered in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Barnholt, John Oswald, Ronald I. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 5297447
    Abstract: A steering axle includes a beam pivotally mounted on a load-bearing structure of a vehicle. A steering actuator is mounted on the beam and includes a casing which provides a journal formation for pivotally mounting the beam on the load-bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Carraro S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Massaccesi
  • Patent number: 5294350
    Abstract: A magnetic particle separator for a motor vehicle drive axle includes a slot in a wall of the drive axle and a magnet in the slot. The slot is located such that one side thereof defines a window open to a gear chamber of the drive axle. The slot has dovetail edges which define abutments for preventing dislodgement of the magnet into the gear chamber through the window. A cover of the drive axle closes and open side of the gear chamber and an open end of the slot to prevent dislodgement of the magnet through the open end. Ferromagnetic particles entrained in fluid lubricant circulating in the gear chamber are attracted by the magnet through the window and thereby separated from the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, General Motors of Canada Limited
    Inventors: Richard J. Murphy, Anthony J. Marlow
  • Patent number: 5292287
    Abstract: A hub rotatably engaged on a rear wheel axle of a multi-speed bicycle, a cone disposed on each end of the rear wheel axle, a bearing rotatably engaged between one end of the body and one of the cones, a barrel formed integral on the other end of the body and extended outward toward the other cone, another bearing rotatably engaged between the barrel and the other cone, whereby, the bearings are rotatably engaged on the ends of the rear wheel axle such that the rear wheel axle is stably supported in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Kinka Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5287768
    Abstract: A driveshaft for a motor vehicle is designed to be asymmetrical, with the center of symmetry of the central tube region or center of gravity of inertia being located outside the tubular shaft center. Thus, it is possible to obtain a driveshaft whose cross sectional area is distributed in such a way that it is functionally optimized and which meets the respective strength requirements, and noise reduction is achieved by displacing the natural resonance frequency of the driveshaft into a region of minimum external excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Peter Amborn, Klaus Greulich