Patents Assigned to Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
  • Transaxle for zero-turn vehicle
    Patent number: 9969258
    Abstract: A zero turn vehicle having an operator platform at the rear and a compact transmission design featuring a pair of transmissions disposed in a common housing and separate gear boxes permits a smaller, more efficient arrangement for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond Hauser
  • Drive device
    Patent number: 9914350
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a pair of driven axles, a center section and a pump and a motor rotatably disposed on one side of the center section. A clutch mechanism is located adjacent an opposite side of the center section to drive the pair of axles. The clutch includes at least one clutch fork disposed adjacent to the center section and being rotatable along an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the pump input shaft and motor output shaft, and also perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Michael L. Bennett, Nathan W. Bonny
  • Electric transaxle
    Patent number: 9908407
    Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle is provided, the transaxle including a pump assembly having an input shaft extending from a housing and a pump disposed on a first hydraulic mounting member attached to the pump housing. The pump may be driven by an electric motor mounted on the vehicle. A motor assembly in a separate housing is also provided, and the transaxle may use a pair of dual planetary gear reduction mechanisms driven by a motor output shaft, each reduction mechanism driving an axle driving one of a pair of driven wheels of the vehicle. The axes of rotation of the pump shaft, motor shaft, electric motor output and the axles may all be located on a common plane to provide a compact unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, Scott W. Keller
  • Integral power distribution assembly for engine
    Patent number: 9884553
    Abstract: A power distribution assembly integrated into the lower engine housing of an internal combustion engine, the assembly having a drive train with a T-box output configuration and power take off driven by the crankshaft of the engine. The drive train may power the input shafts of a pair of independent, variable drive transmissions. In one embodiment, a single actuator engages a manual clutch/brake mechanism that controls the output shaft of the power take off. In other embodiments, an electric clutch affords control of the power take off mechanism. In further embodiments, a hydraulic clutch/brake assembly allows control of the power take off, and an additional hydraulic clutch assembly may be used to control the outputs of the T-box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Nathan W. Bonny, Raymond Hauser
  • Hydraulic motor assembly
    Patent number: 9879671
    Abstract: A hydraulic motor assembly capable of precise control having a housing, a hydraulic mounting surface located in the housing, a cylinder block rotatably disposed on the hydraulic mounting surface, a motor shaft engaged to the cylinder block and supported proximate to a first end, a plurality of cooperating gears located in the housing and rotationally engaged to a second end of the motor shaft, an output shaft rotationally engaged to the plurality of cooperating gears, a speed sensor located proximate to one of the plurality of cooperating gears, wherein the speed sensor transmits a signal indicative of the rotational speed of the one of the plurality of cooperating gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael W. Taylor, Heath F. McCormick, Nathan W. Bonny, Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Drive apparatus
    Patent number: 9873325
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle with a bypass mechanism is disclosed, the transaxle having a center section attached to a housing, an axial piston pump disposed on the center section and driven by an input shaft, and an axial piston motor disposed on the center section having a cylinder block engaged to a motor output shaft. The bypass actuation rod has a cam formed on a first end that engages a block lift member. When the bypass actuation rod is rotated, the cam causes two legs of the block lift member to engage the cylinder block on either side of the motor output shaft and cooperatively lift the cylinder block of the axial piston motor off of center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan S. Buescher, Shane A. Deters
  • Utility vehicle with onboard and remote control systems
    Patent number: 9867331
    Abstract: A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second wheel motors, a drive controller in communication with the first and second wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with onboard steering and speed controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard steering and speed controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jake Siudyla, Alyn G. Brown, Ivan E. Fox, Jesse L. Probst, Scott W. Keller, K. Mike McCoy
  • Combination electric generator with electric clutch
    Patent number: 9866088
    Abstract: A generator and clutch assembly is disclosed for use in a vehicle and includes a rotatable input, an electric generator in a generator housing, a clutch rotor by driven by the rotatable input, and an electric clutch and brake assembly which may be integrated with the generator housing. A field coil may be mounted to an external surface of the generator housing. The generator and clutch may be offset and connected by means of a transfer system having a transfer housing, wherein a field coil is mounted to an external surface of the transfer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
  • Highly maneuverable mowing vehicle with Mecanum wheels
    Patent number: 9864396
    Abstract: Highly maneuverable utility vehicles having Mecanum wheels capable of traveling in a variety of different directions and turning in a zero turn manner may include one or more controllers in communication with drive units for powering the Mecanum wheels. A multi-axis interface, such as a joystick, may be connected to the controller for proportionally controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle, and for providing different manners in which the vehicle may enter zero-turn mode. The joystick may include at least one pushbutton for switching between programmed travel modes or selecting an auxiliary function. The controller may be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate in different operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alyn Brown, Scott W. Keller
  • Drive assembly and transmission
    Patent number: 9862268
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having a frame, a prime mover and a pair of driven wheels. The drive assembly includes a transmission having a housing in which a pump and motor may be disposed. The transmission may be pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between at least two positions. The transmission may include an internal reduction gear assembly driven by a motor output shaft, a transmission output shaft disposed generally parallel to the motor output shaft and driven by the internal reduction gear assembly, the transmission output shaft extending from the transmission at both ends thereof. Each end of the transmission output shaft may drive an external reduction assembly supported in part by the frame, and the external reduction assemblies power at least a driven wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Electronic steering apparatus
    Patent number: 9854736
    Abstract: An electronic steering and control apparatus and related control methods for a pair of variable drive units. The variable drive units may be hydrostatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), or other similar devices. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that may include a mowing deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Raymond Hauser, Christopher K. Wyatt
  • Shaft support for a drive device
    Patent number: 9856969
    Abstract: A drive device having a shaft support structure located within its housing, such as an axle support structure for providing additional support to a pair of output axles under load. The axle support structure comprises at least one aperture sized to receive a bushing that may have a non-rotation feature. The housing may also include a shaft support structure for other shafts, such as a jackshaft of a gear reduction system disposed between a transmission and the driven output axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Joseph P. Niemerg
  • Cooling pump assembly and cooling system for utility vehicle
    Patent number: 9840143
    Abstract: A coolant pump assembly having a combined hydraulic drive pump and a coolant circulating pump is disclosed herein, for use in connection with a utility vehicle, such as a ride-on or stand-on mower. Such a vehicle includes at least one combination pump assembly that utilizes a first fluid circuit to hydraulically drive a wheel of the vehicle and a second fluid circuit to cool one or more vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Scott W. Keller, Donald Rousser
  • Electric transaxle with integral power generating device
    Patent number: 9828025
    Abstract: The invention comprises a transaxle having an electric motor that is controlled by a vehicle user and that drives at least one output axle. The transaxle includes a power generating device that powers the electric motor and a reduction gear train engaged to and driven by the electric motor. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the electric motor, and the reduction gear system are each disposed. In dual-axle systems, the transaxle also includes a differential engaged to and driven by the reduction gear system to power a pair of oppositely extending output axles. The differential is also disposed within the common housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
  • Transmission with integrated drum gear brake
    Patent number: 9816611
    Abstract: A transmission having an integrated gear and brake mechanism is disposed in a housing, the transmission having a variable drive mechanism, gear train, and an output axle engaged to the gear train. The output axle is driven by a final drive gear having an integrated drum brake within its circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, Nathan W. Bonny
  • Transaxle having dual brake system
    Patent number: 9816536
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive unit for use in a vehicle or other application incorporates a motor connected to a pump through a porting system and an output shaft driven by the motor. A mechanical brake is used to brake the motor, while a valve provides a hydraulic brake for preventing flow between the hydraulic motor and the hydraulic pump. A brake actuator is connected to both the mechanical brake and the hydraulic brake, whereby actuation of the brake actuator causes both the mechanical brake and the hydraulic brake to be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Vehicle with steering mechanism
    Patent number: 9802646
    Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle having a frame and a prime mover is disclosed. Two steered wheels, steered by a steering mechanism, are near the front of the vehicle and a single non-steered wheel is near the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle has a deck that houses rotatable cutting blades. Portions of the deck are positioned in front of and adjacent each side of the rear wheel. A first rotatable cutting blade is positioned adjacent a first side of the rear wheel and a second rotatable cutting blade is positioned adjacent the opposite side of the rear wheel. One or more additional cutting blades are positioned in front of the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Transmission assembly
    Patent number: 9790931
    Abstract: A drive device incorporating a hydraulic pump having a swash plate. At least two structural ribs and skirting ribs are located on and extend along the length of the swash plate. A plurality of thrust ribs may be formed on an inner housing surface and adjacent to respective contact surfaces on the swash plate, the thrust ribs being located so that at least one, but fewer than all, of the ribs can be in contact with its respective contact surface on the swash plate at a time, permitting rotation while limiting axial movement of the swash plate. A trunnion shaft includes a free end disposed so as to be accessible from outside the housing through a bore formed therein, and a control arm having a shaft portion extends into and supports the distal free end of the trunnion shaft within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jesse L. Probst, Eric S. Phanco, Joseph P. Niemerg, Shane A. Deters
  • Electric actuator for drive apparatus
    Patent number: 9765761
    Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. The electric actuator has a rotary design incorporating a position sensor disposed to engage the end of a control shaft. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position the control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector. The actuator gears may be integrated in a common sump with the drive apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Austin J. Templin, Jesse L. Probst
  • Electric actuator for drive apparatus
    Patent number: 9765870
    Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Austin J. Templin, Jesse L. Probst