Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transaxle including a housing in which is mounted a hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump unit and a hydraulic motor unit with a motor shaft drivingly connected thereto. A differential assembly is drivingly linked to the motor shaft and is used to drive output axle shafts of the transaxle. The differential assembly includes a rotatable gear which is maintained in frictional engagement with at least one bearing surface for frictionally inhibiting the rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: A symmetric pump having a symmetric end cap attached to a symmetric housing is disclosed. The end cap is attachable in a first position or a second position wherein the second position is rotated relative to the housing. A trunnion arm extends in a first direction and a system port opens in a first orientation when the housing is connected to the end cap in a first position. The end cap includes structure such that the housing may be connected in a second position so that the trunnion arm extends in a second direction while maintaining the system port opening in the first orientation. The end cap may be provided with a symmetric porting system. A control device for affecting movement of the swashplate is disclosed. Methods of locking the swashplate into a predetermined position are also taught.

Abstract: A improved differential design intended for use in a vehicle, such as a tractor using a hydrostatic transmission. The differential has a ring gear with an opening formed therein. A pair of axle shafts used to drive the vehicle engage respective bevel gears, which are also engaged to a pair of planet gears in the differential. The planet gears are rotatably mounted in the ring gear opening and may be mounted on a shaft. The differential includes a block having at least a first end and a second end which engage the ring gear opening, and the block has a longitudinal axis which is not coincident with the axis of rotation of the planet gear. The block thus increases the strength of the ring gear and allows use of a ring gear having a larger opening.

Abstract: A brake design for a hydrostatic transaxle having a center section mounted in the transaxle housing and a pump and motor mounted on the center section. A disk brake assembly having at least one rotor is connected to the motor shaft and is entirely mounted in the housing. The design may also include a rotatable actuator mounted in the housing and extending therefrom for engaging the brake assembly.

Abstract: Methods of controlling fluid pressure, including using a valve mechanism, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a valve mechanism for use in a hydrostatic transmission including a closed porting system for hydraulic fluid and a sump is provided. The valve mechanism includes a valve body mounted to the hydrostatic transmission whereby the valve body is open to the closed porting system at one end thereof and open to the sump at the other end thereof. The valve body has a first open position whereby hydraulic fluid is pulled into the closed system from the sump when the pressure of the fluid in the closed system is below a first pressure, a second open position whereby hydraulic fluid exists the closed system to the sump when the pressure of the fluid is at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a closed position when the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the closed system is at a third pressure higher than the second pressure.

Abstract: A hydrostatic zero turn transaxle is provided with two transmission housings, wherein the housings and the output axle for the hydrostatic transmission can be easily adapted to be use for left-hand or right-hand drive, without the need for changing the casing or any of the internal gearing. Such housing may be used to improve tracking efficiency in a zero turn vehicle. Another feature of the invention comprises the arrangement of axles and shafts relative to one another. A further feature of the invention is an improved parking brake feature comprising a brake shaft forming part of the output gear train and means for securing said brake shaft when the gear train is stopped to prevent movement of the gear train and the vehicle.

Abstract: A differential gear design is provided for use in a vehicle, where the planet gears are mounted in openings formed in a ring or bull gear. The planet gears are engaged to and drive bevel gears, which are engaged to output axle shafts to transfer power thereto. The ring gear openings support the planet gears in the direction of their axis of rotation so as to eliminate the need for a cross shaft which would engage and support the planet gears.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle using both hydraulics and mechanical gearing; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a more effective and efficient means for braking the transaxle, an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatic transmission having means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission, and the method for bypassing the hydrostatic porting to enable free wheeling of the vehicle. The bypass in one embodiment includes a plate or similar member and a rotatable lever or arm for engaging the plate to lift a hydrostatic pump or motor from its running urface in the hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: A control device for hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment in the control device is optimized for use with a hydrostatic transmission having a casing. The control arm is movably mounted to the casing and frictional structure engages the control arm to resist rotational movement of the control arm. A spring may be used to bias a wedge into frictional relation with the control arm to resist rotation of the control arm. The wedge may also be secured with removable attachments.

Abstract: Visual display monitors having a mirror providing a rear view are disclosed. The mirros include support structure to attach a reflective surface to the monitor such that the surface is rotatable while while maintaining a generally fixed orentation relative to the screen of the monitor. The mirror may include a case having front and rear portions rotatable relative to each other. The reflective surface may be rotatable within the front portion. Mirrors may be pivotally connected to monitors for some applications.

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.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission design incorporating a unique housing shape and configuration, including a vertical split of the two casing elements, which are shaped to conform to the internal components of the transmission. The center section of the transmission has a unique configuration including a trunnion mounted swash plate, means for mounting the center section to the transmission and a motor output shaft mounted below the pump running surface. The transmission also includes an expansion chamber, preferably secured externally to the sump, having a tube mounted therein to transfer hydraulic fluid between the chamber and the sump.

Abstract: A set of pliers for easily and quickly removing concentric or standard knockouts from steel outlet boxes and the like. The subject tool is a set of pliers, comprising a first arm having a first end and second end and a second arm having a first end and second end, where the first arm and the second arm are pivotally connected with respect to one another by an interconnecting mechanism located between the first and second ends thereof. The first arm forms a first jaw located above the interconnecting mechanism of the first arm and the second arm forms an opposing, second jaw located above the interconnecting mechanism. The first jaw includes a first projection that extends from an area between the first end of the first arm and the interconnecting mechanism. The second jaw includes a second projection that extends from the end of the second arm. The first projection abuts the second jaw and the second projection abuts the first jaw. Thus, the first and second projections do not touch.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission generally comprises a sump containing hydraulic fluid, a charge pump in flow communication with the sump for creating high pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid, a center section having hydraulic porting formed therein, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump through the hydraulic porting, and a manifold defining a gallery for storing the high pressure fluid. The gallery is in flow communication with the charge pump and the hydraulic porting.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission design incorporating a mechanical bypass having a filter housing mounted adjacent to check valves in a center section. The filter housing can be secured to the center section and acts to house the actuation member which moves to unseat the check balls and place the unit into bypass. An actuation rod is mounted external to the filter housing and can be rotated to move the actuation member into or out of the bypass position.

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 surface for frictionally inhibiting the rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: A hydrostatic zero turn transaxle is provided with two identical transmission housings, wherein the housings and the output axle for the hydrostatic transmission can be easily adapted to be use for left-hand or right-hand drive, without the need for changing the casing or any of the internal gearing. A further feature of the invention is an improved parking brake feature comprising a brake shaft forming part of the output gear train and means for securing said brake shaft when the gear train is stopped to prevent movement of the gear train and the vehicle.