Gearing Patents (Class 74/640)
  • Patent number: 7409891
    Abstract: To provide a harmonic drive gearing with high degree of freedom in terms of layout. A harmonic drive gearing 10 includes a circular spline 1?, having outer teeth formed on an outer peripheral surface; an flexible spline 2, positioned at the outside of the circular spline 1?, and having inner teeth, which are engageable with the outer teeth of the circular spline 1?, formed on an inner peripheral surface; and a rotor 16 which is disposed at outside of the flexible spline 2 and serves as a wave generator, wherein the rotor 16 deflects the flexible spline 2 by minor axis portions of the inner peripheral surface of the flexible spline 2 and engages the inner teeth of the flex spline with the outer teeth of the circular spline 1? and thereby the engagement position between the inner teeth and the outer teeth is adapted to move in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinari Takemura
  • Publication number: 20080173130
    Abstract: A flat type wave gear device is realized having a much improved load capacity. When d is an amount of radial flexing at a major axis location of a rim neutral circle of the flexible external gear of a flat type wave gear device flexed into an elliptical shape and t is the rim thickness of the flexible external gear, then (0.5237 Ln(R)?1.32)d?t?(0.8728 Ln(R)?2.2)d when the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is less than 80, and (1.5499 Ln(R)?5.8099)d?t?(2.5832 Ln(R)?9.6832)d when the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is 80 or more. Using this setting makes it possible to increase the tooth root fatigue limit strength of the flexible external gear, thereby making it possible to improve the load capacity of the flexible external gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: HARMONIC DRIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Xin Yue ZHANG, Keiji Ueura
  • Publication number: 20080163722
    Abstract: A teeth disk comprises one surface of the teeth disk having a plurality of recesses which do not penetrate through the teeth disk; and a bottom of each recess is formed as a stop. Each recess has a cambered shape which is arranged near an edge of the teeth disk. A plurality of teeth are formed along the edge of the teeth disk for engaging to a chain of a bicycle. The teeth disk has a ring structure with a hollow central hole for installing a crank. An inner edge of the central hole is protruded with a plurality of ears; and each ear has an ear hole for combining with a crank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Patent number: 7392775
    Abstract: A helical cam device for use with a wide variety of applications generally includes a first cam component, a second cam component and an axial guide. The cam components each have a helical cam track located on an axial end, so that coaxial alignment of the two cam components allows opposing cam tracks to contact and rotate against each other. The helical cam tracks, which are preferably divided into quadrant sections, are designed such that relative rotational movement between the cam components causes a corresponding relative axial movement. According to one embodiment, the axial guide is a cylindrical rod passing through the center of the cam components; in another embodiment, it is a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the cam components. Moreover, barrel slots, detents and/or truncated peaks can be used to control the travel of the cam components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Helical Cam, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Clarence Krozek
  • Patent number: 7377243
    Abstract: In an adjusting mechanism which is connected to first and second camshafts of a camshaft drive arrangement including a control device for adjusting the phase position of at least one of the camshafts relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, and having a drive device for driving the camshaft arrangement, a first partial mechanism for driving the first camshaft and a second partial mechanism for driving the second camshaft are provided so as to be driven in parallel by means of a common drive device for adjusting the angular position of the first and second camshafts relative to the crankshaft of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jens Meintschel, Thomas Stolk, Alexander Von Gaisberg-Helfenberg
  • Publication number: 20080078607
    Abstract: A gear mechanism usable in an electric power steering system is provided. The gear mechanism includes a gear housing including a passage formed therein, a gear positioned in the passage, and a signal transmission medium positioned in the passage adjacent the gear. A partition is inserted into the passage to prevent contact between the signal transmission medium and the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Eric D. Pattok, Rolf E. Kleinau
  • Patent number: 7328632
    Abstract: A wave gear drive, wherein a rigid internal gear is formed in a spur gear with a module m and a flexible external gear is formed in a conical gear having an opening side front end with a module m. The number of the teeth of the external gear is reduced by the quantity of 2n (n is a positive integer) less than that of the internal gear, and the amount of the deflection of the major axis of the elliptic rim neutral line of the external gear is set to 2 ?mn (?>1) at the opening side front end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Shoichi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080000321
    Abstract: A gear box power control system is disclosed to be consisting of a centrifugal clutch with integral bell housing drive, a gear train for speed reduction and torque enhancement, an output jackshaft with an engaging system to disengage and engage engine power to a primary drive sprocket for chain operation. The engagement and disengagement of engine power is done by an integral engager remotely controlled by steel cable and hand lever. A motorized vehicle is disclosed as consisting of a standard bicycle frame or modified bicycle frame, a tricycle frame, a go-cart frame, and a paddle wheel boat frame all with the gear box power control system of present invention installed on a gasoline four cycle engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Barton Grube
  • Publication number: 20070295161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reclining device that includes an external teeth gear and an internal teeth gear and in which the rotation axis of one of the external teeth gear and the internal teeth gear revolves around the rotation axis of the other, the external teeth gear having external teeth on the outer circumferential surface thereof and being disposed with one of a member on the seat cushion side and a member on the seat back side, and the internal teeth gear having internal teeth of which the number of teeth is larger than that of the external teeth of the external teeth gear and that are configured so as to engage with the external teeth and being disposed with the other of the member on the seat cushion side and the member on the seat back side. The present invention aims to provide a reclining device of which the operation force is small and the operation force varies little.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Masato Horie, Yoichi Takada
  • Patent number: 7297087
    Abstract: A micro gear system, operating according to the principle of a strain wave gear system, a Wolfrom gear system, or a similar planetary gear system comprises at least one sun wheel (14) and at least two planet wheels (16) meshing with the sun wheel (14). The sun wheel (14) is rotatably fixed to drive shaft (20) placed along a longitudinal axis (18) of the gear system. The planet wheels (16) indirectly or directly mesh with a toothing which is rotatably fixed to a drive shaft (28) placed centrally along the longitudinal axis of the gear system. The drive shafts (20,28) are embodied as hollow shafts (30,32) having continuous bore holes (34,36) such that information or fluid media can be directed through the gear system. A sealing system (42) comprising a labyrinth seal (44) which includes a plurality of annular grooves (46) is disposed between the hollow shafts (30,32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Micromotion GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Degen, Rolf Slatter
  • Patent number: 7296495
    Abstract: The system includes at least two power disc elements, each mounted for rotation on a central shaft which is typically fixed. The first power disc element includes a first peripheral gear portion by which the first power disc element may be turned by an input assembly. The first power disc element has a second gear portion which may have a substantially smaller diameter than the outside diameter thereof. A second power disc portion has a plurality of outer drive gears mounted for rotation to mate with the second peripheral gear portion on the first power disc element. A central gear, which may be substantially larger than the outer drive gears, is positioned to mate with the outer drive gear in the the second power disc element. The second power disc element drives an output assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Quinn Industries LLC
    Inventor: Todd C Quinn
  • Publication number: 20070261516
    Abstract: A harmonic gear drive includes a flexspline and a rigid spline which are meshed with each other, and a wave generator which deforms the flexspline to displace meshing points between the flexspline and the rigid spline. The length of each contact part between the flexspline and the wave generator always becomes shorter as viewed in a sectional plane containing a rotation axis of the wave generator than the width of the wave generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventor: Yasuji Saito
  • Patent number: 7284634
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus comprises a rotary shaft member connected to a steering wheel, an elongate member, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a ball screw mechanism constructed of a screw member, a nut member and a multiplicity of balls interposed between the screw member and the nut member, an electric motor unit, and a meshing type rotation decelerating mechanism including a plurality of meshing components. The meshing components include an output shaft pinion gear, a deceleration gear, and an intermediate gear, interposed between the output shaft pinion gear and the deceleration gear, having a contact portion composed of a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: NSK, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tatewaki, Hiroshi Eda, Toshihiro Fukuda, Jun Okada
  • Patent number: 7274805
    Abstract: There is no surveillance camera system optimum for monitoring an important monitor place by a surveillance camera mainly for crime prevention day and night without humans in attendance, which can automatically monitor the place without humans in attendance and, when something suspicious is found, follow the suspicious without humans in attendance, and accurately monitor the suspicious at high precision. The present invention provides a surveillance camera driving method achieving such a system having the function of obtaining video image signals by two or more surveillance cameras each having a three-dimensional positioning pan tilt head function, organically processing the video information, comparing the processed information with input data of a plane picture or the like or data of pictures of a front view and a side view or the like, and determining whether the processed video signal is the same as the input data or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Horie, Masafumi Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20070204723
    Abstract: A harmonic gear drive includes: a rigid spline; a flexspline including an attachment portion, teeth, and a thin-walled flexible portion provided between the attachment portion and the teeth; and a member attached to the thin-walled flexible portion. The member is made of a material whose elastic modulus is lower than that of the flexspline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: Yasuji Saito
  • Publication number: 20070199405
    Abstract: In a wave gear device provided with a cup-shaped flexible external gear, the difference in the direction of the thrust force applied to the wave generator during speed reduction or speed increase is used to reduce the input-side holding torque. During speed reduction, thrust force F1 is applied to the wave generator in the direction toward the open side of the flexible external gear, and during speed increase, thrust force F2 is applied in the opposite direction The plug of the wave generator is pressed against the friction plate mounted on the motor housing by the thrust force F2 applied during speed increase, and the friction force that is produced is used as part of the input-side holding torque for restraining the wave generator from rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Masaru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7258643
    Abstract: A device for actuating a reciprocating recovery apparatus for recovery of underground fluid. The actuating device has a centrally aligned input component, that transversely receives an output component through a central aperture, and is engaged with a driving mechanism. Torque is increased about the central output component as a series of axially aligned, but centrally offset, lobes push a corresponding driver disc around the central output at reduced velocity and increased torque. Each driver disc moves in eccentric fashion, yet remains engaged with a corresponding, centrally aligned take off member, each of which is further in combination with the central output component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Epi- Energy, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Jones
  • Publication number: 20070180947
    Abstract: A wave gear drive comprises a circular rigid internal gear and a flexible external gear inside the rigid internal gear. A wave generator in the flexible external gear flexes the flexible external gear into an elliptical shape. The cross-section of the flexible external gear perpendicular to the axis at a point in the tooth trace direction of the flexible external gear is set as the main cross-section. The rigid internal gear and flexible external gear are gears with a module m, and the flexible external gear has a number of teeth that is smaller than the number of teeth of the rigid internal gear. The moving route M of a tooth of the flexible external gear with respect to a tooth of the rigid internal gear that accompanies rotation of the wave generator when meshing of the teeth in the main cross-section is approximated by rack meshing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: HARMONIC DRIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Shoichi Ishikawa, Noboru Takizawa
  • Patent number: 7249536
    Abstract: A diaphragm of a cup-shaped flexible external gear of a cup-shaped wave gear device having a high reduction ratio of 100 or higher is given a thickness t in a position of a radius r of the diaphragm whereby the thickness t is a value that satisfies the expression A/r2 when A is a constant. The constant A is preferably a value that satisfies the expression 0.0014 D3<A<0.0026 D3, where D is a pitch diameter of the flexible external gear, and the range of the radius r whereby the thickness t is defined as described above in the diaphragm is preferably set to satisfy the expression 0.6 d<r<0.4 D, where d is a diameter of a discoid rigid boss made continuous with an internal peripheral end of the diaphragm. Stress concentration can be alleviated, and it is possible for the allowable transmission torque to be increased compared to the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihide Kiyosawa, Noboru Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20070169584
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a projector lens comprises a seat bearing a lens, a shaft connected to the seat which moving on the shaft to adjust lens positions when the shaft rotates, a first gear pivoted on the shaft, a second gear engaging the first gear, a motor rotating the second gear, and an torque limiter joined to the first gear and the shaft. The motor rotates the shaft via the first and second gears. When the torque rotating the shaft exceeds a predetermined value, the torque limiter releases the first gear from the shaft enabling the first gear to rotate relative to the shaft to intercept the torque transmitted from the motor to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: BENQ CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yen Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 7247116
    Abstract: A motor suitable for use in a medical imaging environment has (a) a cylindrical outer gear having a bore with a centerline and an internal surface with circumferentially distributed and radially directed teeth, (b) a means for mounting this outer gear such that it is constrained to move in rotational motion about its centerline, (c) a cylindrical planetary gear having a bore and an external surface having circumferentially distributed and radially directed teeth, (d) a means located within the planetary gear bore for applying a fluid pressure driven force to cause it to move in translational-circular motion about the outer gear's centerline, and (e) wherein the teeth of these gears are configured so as to cooperate such that the translational-circular motion of the planetary gear causes the rotational movement of the outer gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The John Hopkins University
    Inventors: Dan Stoianovici, Louis R. Kavoussi
  • Patent number: 7243574
    Abstract: A rotating regulating device for the rotation and/or linear displacement of an actuating element of a valve, throttle, blowout preventer or similar, in particular in the field of gas or oil supply, exhibits a spindle drive and a drive train rotationally driving the spindle drive, the drive train exhibiting at least one reduction gear unit and a drive device. The rotating spindle or nut of the spindle drive exhibits at least one engaging element, essentially protruding radially outwards, which engages guide slots, whereby a first guide slot is fixed relative to a device housing and a second guide slot can be rotated relative to the device housing and/or is supported for displacement in the longitudinal direction of the rotating spindle. The guide slots exhibit at least different slopes in the longitudinal direction of the rotating spindle and the movable guide slot is connected for movement to the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Patent number: 7219579
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a control surface includes a first spur gear, a first drive assembly engaged with the first spur gear, a second spur gear, a second drive assembly engaged with the second spur gear, and a gear assembly capable of being coupled with the control surface and engaged with the spur gears. The gear assembly includes a first screw, a first gear engaged with the first spur gear, a thrust nut mounted to the first gear and threadedly engaged with the first screw, a second gear engaged with the second spur gear, a second screw mounted to the second gear and mechanically coupled with the thrust nut and a translation nut threadedly engaged with the second screw and capable of being coupled with the control surface. The second screw and the thrust nut rotate independently and translations of the thrust nut are transmitted to the second screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Turner
  • Patent number: 7216845
    Abstract: A highly efficient apparatus for actuating a valve. An input mechanism drives the apparatus through an input member. Torque is increased as a plurality of driver discs eccentrically rotate about a central shaft member and engage an output member via low-friction, roller means. The output member engages a valve stem which opens or closes the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Jones
  • Patent number: 7213487
    Abstract: An actuator has a motor and a wave gear reduction drive in which a wave generator is coaxially connected to an output shaft protruding forward from a front surface thereof. A shaft portion of the output shaft coaxially extends through inside a cylindrical trunk in the flexible internal gear of the wave gear reduction drive, and a magnetic encoder for detecting the rotation of the output shaft is mounted on the shaft portion. Since the dead space inside the cylindrical trunk is used as the space for disposing the magnetic encoder, an entire length can be reduced in comparison with an actuator in which the motor, the wave gear reduction drive, and the encoder are arranged in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tanioka, Kiyoto Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7199544
    Abstract: A device for steering a vehicle, particularly a helicopter or even a simulator, comprising a handgrip that can be moved in a manner that is linear to the drive of a drive device, particularly the power unit or motor. The linear motion of the handgrip is coupled with a rotational motion of a drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Wittenstein AG
    Inventor: Jörg Henle
  • Patent number: 7192375
    Abstract: A device for increasing torque about a central member as a series of driver discs eccentrically rotate about a central shaft input member and alternatingly engage an output component via a low-friction, rolling engagement mechanism. Each disc is engaged with the other through a series of rings and dowels partially embedded within each disc. As the central input shaft rotates, each disc alternatingly engages the output component so the output, and central member, rotate with increased torque, albeit at a reduced speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: EPI - Energy, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Jones
  • Patent number: 7185558
    Abstract: A variable gear ratio device featuring geared segments with variable gear ratio adapted for inclusion into mechanical machines, motors and pumps where there is a constant requirement for a variable transfer ratio for the variability and optimization of the load of torque that are formed by a driving shaft and driven shaft. The device features a plurality of engaged gears capable of eccentric rotation where the axis of rotation of the driven shaft is moved outside of the center axis of the driving eccentric geared segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Murin
  • Patent number: 7178427
    Abstract: A relatively small, lightweight electromechanical actuator includes a motor assembly, a harmonic drive, and an interposed gear assembly that functions as an output mechanism. The motor assembly, harmonic drive, and gear assembly are coupled together in an in-line configuration, which reduces the overall size envelope relative to know actuators, and the relative weight and complexity of the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7165473
    Abstract: A wave gear device has a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear, a wave generator, and a cross roller bearing for supporting the gears in a relatively rotatable manner. A toroidal composite member that functions as the rigid internal gear and an inner ring of the cross roller bearing has an inner ring-forming member that functions as the inner ring, and an internal teeth-forming member that functions as the rigid internal gear, and the internal teeth-forming member composed of a ductile casting is integrated by diffusion bonding with the inner ring-forming member composed of bearing steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Masaru Kobayashi, Junichi Kurogi
  • Patent number: 7147583
    Abstract: Continuously variable speed power transmission with and without integrated motor/generator components. The transmission has an input member rotatable about an input axis, an output member rotatable about an output axis, a reaction control rotor with optional integrated motor/generator components for selective rotation about the input axis, a pericyclic motion converter mounted for pericyclic motion about the input axis, and a control means for selectively adjusting the rate of rotation of the reaction control rotor relative to the input member. A bevel gear construction is a preferred embodiment of the transmission. A method for varying speed ratios using pericyclic motion is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Alphonse J. Lemanski
  • Patent number: 7124658
    Abstract: A steplessly variable transmission has an input body rotatable about an input-element axis and an output body rotatable about an output-body axis and movable between a position with the axes coaxial and a position with the axes substantially parallel and offset from each other. An annular formation on one of the bodies is centered on the axis of the one body. A plurality of guides rotationally coupled to the other of the body are angularly equispaced about the axis of the other body. Respective control elements displaceable in the guides and angularly coupled to the other body are each displaceable relative to the other body between a torque-transmitting position engaging the annular formation and rotationally coupling the bodies and a no-load position disengaged from and out of contact with the formation. A controller is selectively engageable with the control elements for displacing same between the engaged and disengaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Satellite Gear Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Herwig Fischer
  • Patent number: 7107865
    Abstract: The power transmission apparatus for a vehicle has a main shaft having drive gears mounted thereto and a countershaft having driven gears mounted thereto, and the respective shafts are attached to a case. A reverse shaft attached to the case has an idler gear for reverse operation or a reverse idler gear rotatably attached thereto which is engaged with a drive gear for reverse operation and a driven gear for reverse operation. The reverse shaft has a projection which is integrally formed thereon and is in contact with one side surface of the reverse idler gear, and has a washer mounted thereto which is in contact with the other side surface of the reverse idler gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Masashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Tomita, Kiyotaka Fukui
  • Patent number: 7086309
    Abstract: A motor suitable for use in a medical imaging environment has (a) a centrally located means for actuating a radial wave, (b) a deformable flexspline having an inner surface and a toothed outer surface with a first specified number of teeth, and (c) a circular spline having a toothed inner surface with a second specified number of teeth which is different than the first specified number of teeth in the flexspline, wherein the actuation means is operable so that the action of its radial wave causes at least one of the flexspline teeth to engage at a point the toothed side of the circular spline in such a manner that an engagement point passes as a wave around the inner perimeter of the circular spine, with the movement of this engagement point causing the flexspline to rotate around its central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Dan Stoianovici, Louis R. Kavoussi
  • Patent number: 7086980
    Abstract: Disclosed are a combination of a drive power transmission device and a differential gear, which combination is decreased in the number of parts, increased in rigidity and reduced in weight as well as in manufacturing cost, and a method of manufacturing the combination. A gear shaft which is provided with a drive gear for a differential gear is rotatably supported in a differential case. The differential case is provided with a partition wall portion which extends outwardly from an opening end portion thereof from which the gear shaft protrudes. A clutch case is secured to the circumferential edge portion of the partition wall portion thereby to define a housing chamber. A housing with a clutch receiving chamber formed therein is rotatably supported on the clutch case inside the housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kushino, Hiroshi Takuno
  • Patent number: 7047923
    Abstract: A device for varying valve timing in an internal combustion engine comprises an adjusting mechanism for varying an angle of rotation between a drive pinion (2) and a camshaft (end portion of the camshaft 1), said adjusting mechanism being configured as a wobble transmission. The drive pinion (2) comprises a first front-end gearing (9) and a disk (10) comprises a second front-end gearing (11), which first and second front-end gearings mesh partially with each other, and the number of teeth of said front-end gearings differ from each other by at least one tooth. To reduce the overall dimensions of the device and avoid gearing lash, it is proposed, on the one hand, to connect the disk (10) rotationally fast to the camshaft (1) and on the other hand, to configure the disk (10) in axial direction of the camshaft (1) as a flexible element that can be deformed in axial direction by an adjusting device (thrust plate 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Patent number: 7044023
    Abstract: A knob adjustment device particularly for adjusting the temperature in valve units for water-heating apparatus. The device comprises a geared transmission interposed between the knob and an operating member of the valve unit in order to transmit a rotary movement to the member about its own axis as a result of a rotation of the knob. The geared transmission includes a reduction mechanism with a variable transmission ratio such that, for a first angular portion and a second angular portion of the rotation of the knob, the member is rotated with respective different transmission ratios (T1,T2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Sit La Precisa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Toniolo, Stefano Zanella, Silvano Zanon
  • Patent number: 7044876
    Abstract: A sprocket is adapted to be mounted to a sprocket support that rotates around an axle. The sprocket comprises a sprocket body having a side surface and an inner peripheral surface defining a sprocket-mounting opening, wherein at least one portion of the inner peripheral surface is adapted to contact the sprocket support. At least one lateral projection extends laterally from the side surface of the sprocket body in close proximity to the at least one portion of the inner peripheral surface that is adapted to contact the sprocket support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Kamada, Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 6968755
    Abstract: A lightweight bearing and wave gear drive are provided. An outer or inner bearing ring of the bearing has fixing holes to enable the ring to be attached to another member. The parts of the bearing on which raceway surfaces are formed are made of an iron-based material, while the main bearing ring member is formed of a lightweight material that is lighter than the iron-based material. Surface portions that constitute fixing bolt seats are plated to increase the strength of such portions. The wave gear drive includes a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear located inside the internal gear, and a wave generator located inside the external gear. The internal and external gears are coupled by the lightweight bearing in a way that allows the gears to rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Masaru Kobayashi, Rolf Slatter
  • Patent number: 6912930
    Abstract: A flex spline 1 used for a meshing type gear device includes an attachment portion 1a, a thin-thickness tubular portion 1b continuing to the attachment portion and capable of being elastically deformed, and external teeth 1c formed at the tip end portion of the tubular portion away from the attachment portion. The thin-thickness tubular portion 1b is formed in a conical shape with an opening angle ? which is tapered in a direction from the attachment portion 1a toward the external teeth 1c before inserting a wave generator 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongyou Wang, Toshio Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6874231
    Abstract: A rigid internal gear 2 of the wave gear device is composed by integrating a tooth-forming ring 12 formed with internal teeth, and a main gear ring 11 into a single body. The tooth-forming ring 12 is manufactured from a ferrous or copper material that has superior strength and abrasion resistance, while the main gear ring 11 is manufactured from a lightweight material, such as an aluminum alloy. The outer circumferential surface of the tooth-forming ring 12 is aluminized to form a dispersed aluminum coating 15, before the tooth-forming ring 12 is cast within the main gear ring 11 so as to integrate the main gear ring 11 and the tooth-forming ring 12. Both parts are reliably integrated so that a large amount of torque can be transmitted, whereby realizing a rigid internal gear that is lighter than conventional models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignees: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc., Harmonic Drive Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Masaru Kobayashi, Yoshihiro Tanioka
  • Patent number: 6848337
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle to drive four wheels instead of two differential mechanisms of prior art disposed on the front axle and rear axle. The transmission mechanism of the invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Xinjiang Shengsheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weijin Ma, Mingxue Yang, Yujiang Wang, Yingpu Wang, Bin Lang, Yongge Fan, Wenbin Pan, Feng Gao
  • Patent number: 6845689
    Abstract: A flexible external gear of a silk hat shaped wave gear device has an annular body, external teeth formed on an outer circumferential portion of a first opening of the body, a circular diaphragm connected to a second opening portion of the body, and a circular boss connected to an outer circumferential end of the diaphragm. The shape of a connected portion of the diaphragm and the body is defined by a curved portion whose diameter decreases gradually from the diaphragm toward the body when viewed along a device axis. Since the body is wider on the diaphragm side, the wave generator 7 can be easily fitted into the flexible external gear from the diaphragm side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Tanioka
  • Patent number: 6843151
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a single differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle. The transmission mechanism of the present invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Xinjiang Sheng Sheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weijin Ma, Mingxue Yang, Yujiang Wang, Yingpu Wang, Bin Liang, Yongge Fan, Wenbin Pan, Feng Gao
  • Patent number: 6837821
    Abstract: The differential includes a differential casing configured to be rotatably driven by a motor under a driving force. The differential includes a differential mechanism which includes a pair of first and second side-gears for distributing a torque of the differential casing to first and second output shafts. The differential includes a frictional clutch for interconnecting the first and second output shafts. The frictional clutch includes first and second power-transmitting members connected to first and second output shafts respectively and first and second clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates are connected to the first and second power-transmitting members respectively. The differential includes an actuator for operating the frictional clutch. One output shaft of the first and second output shafts is axially displacable by the actuator under an engagement force to engage the frictional clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Teraoka, Tatsuhiro Tomari, Akihiro Iwazaki, Koji Matsubara, Yutaka Tashiro
  • Patent number: 6829457
    Abstract: A driving apparatus transmits a driving force from a drive source to a driven body via a multiple-stage gear train (including, for example, gears). In the multiple-stage gear train, the speed fluctuation phase of a mesh frequency occurring at each mesh point of the gear train including the gears to a target gear is set in a range in which the speed fluctuation amplitude of the target gear positioned downstream at the third stage or later is equal to or less than the speed fluctuation amplitude of the immediately preceding mesh gear positioned upstream. The invention also applies to an image formation apparatus using the drive as a drive of a driven body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Ryuzaki, Norio Hokari, Satoru Nishikawa, Susumu Kibayashi, Yoshihiko Mitamura, Tokuaki Hanzawa, Michiaki Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 6817267
    Abstract: An actuator has a housing, a motor and a wave gear reduction drive arranged axially in the housing, and a rotational shaft extending through the centers of these portions. The rotational shaft is supported at its rear side by a first bearing and at its front side by a boss of a flexible external gear of the wave gear reduction drive via a second bearing. The rotational shaft is formed integrally on its outer peripheral portion with a cam plate of a wave generator of the wave gear reduction drive. The actuator thus configured does not require a coupling mechanism between the motor and the wave gear reduction drive and needs fewer bearings to support the rotational shaft, making it possible to reduce the axial length of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Yukitoshi Kobayashi, Kunio Miyashita, Toshiki Maruyama, Yoshikazu Yajima
  • Patent number: 6805025
    Abstract: The refinement of such harmonic drives according to German Patent 1 98 33 290 C1=European Patent Application 0 974 773 A concerns damping of the noise generation as a consequence of the revolving displacement of discrete tappets (instead of the rotating deformation of the closed hub of a spoked wheel) on the non-round wave generator. Since the feet of the individual—not guided in a cage, but rather connected to one another by a flexible ring band—tappets are no longer solid, but rather split, they are to be able to elastically bend so they may press continuously against the drive core of the wave generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Oechsler AG
    Inventor: Martin Ruttor
  • Publication number: 20040200315
    Abstract: An adjustable timing gear assembly and the method of making same that can readily be adjusted in the field in a manner to permit precise cam timing adjustments without having to remove the engine timing belt from the gear member of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Edward T. Bourne, Sherman A. Durousseau
  • Patent number: 6799489
    Abstract: In a principal section of the flexible external gear of a wave gear drive, a position away from the major axis of an elliptically shaped neutral line of the rim of the flexible external gear is defined as the center position of the teeth meshing, and &thgr; is the angle of inclination of the tangent of that position with a point along the neutral line of the rim. The amount of flexing w of the principal section is defined according to the angle of inclination &thgr;, the number of teeth zF of the flexible external gear, the number of teeth zC of the rigid internal gear, radius ro of the pitch circle of the flexible external gear, and the radius rn of the neutral curve of the rim prior to deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Shoichi Ishikawa