Patents Examined by Nathan O. Jensen
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Patent number: 5643129Abstract: A speed reduction and differential mechanism assembly includes an input shaft; first and second output shafts; a planetary gearset comprising a sun gear, ring gear, carrier and planet gears rotatably supported on the carrier and in continuous meshing engagement with the sun gear and ring gear: and means for shifting the gearset between positions spaced mutually along the input shaft, a first position where the input shaft driveably engages the sun gear, the first and second output shafts driveably engage the carrier and the ring gear is held against rotation; a second position where the input shaft driveably engages the carrier, the sun gear driveably engages the first output shaft, and the ring gear driveably engages the second output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: John A. Richardson
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Patent number: 5643130Abstract: 056431307A disclosed power train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, which includes a device for making a continuous shifting operation in the low speed region, directly connecting the power train with the output shaft of the engine so as to reduce the shifting shock impulses, and reducing the number of the one-way clutches so as to simplify the whole structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Donghoon Park
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Patent number: 5643120Abstract: A motor drive system is provided with two drive units so that the system may be driven not only by operating one of the drive units but by simultaneously operating both of the drive units in accordance with load condition. Both of the first and second drive units are provided with a motor and a gear reduction mechanism. The output gear of the second drive unit is mounted as a planetary gear of a planetary gear mechanism on the carrier. When the current is supplied simultaneously to both the motor of the first drive unit and to the motor of the second drive unit, the output gear of the first drive unit comes into mesh with the output gear of the second drive unit, combining the output forces of the first and second drive units to drive the load driving shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuharu Murashima, Junichi Tanii, Yoshito Konishi, Ken Tanino
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Patent number: 5628704Abstract: A drive system for driving at least one and preferably, a plurality of driven components. The drive system includes a multi-drive plate for securedly mounting and accurately positioning a plurality of drive system components on a single support structure. The drive system also has a single drive belt for being driven by at least one driving member. The multi-drive plate supports and aligns pulleys connected to the driving member and the driven component so that the single drive belt drives at least one driven component. The driving device may include a clutch for allowing the drive system to be driven by a main driving device or by an auxiliary drive device. The driving device and the at least one driven component are mounted on the same side of the multi-drive plate. The pulleys attached to the driving device and the at least one driven component and the serpentine belt are mounted on another side of the multi-drive plate so that the serpentine belt is easily accessible.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventors: Richard Fischler, James D. McCusker
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Patent number: 5628703Abstract: A flywheel/clutch arrangement for a synchronized manual-shift change-speed gearbox having a flywheel drivably connected to an engine, the gearbox drivably connected to a planetary gear unit having a sun gear, a ring gear, and planet gears in meshing engagement with the sun gear and ring gear, the planet gears supported by a planet carrier drivably engaged with the engine, the clutch removably engaging the ring gear and the flywheel and the sun gear being drivably connected to an input shaft of the change-speed gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1996Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Hartmut Roeper
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Patent number: 5626533Abstract: A hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission, which includes a line pressure regulator for regulating the hydraulic pressure supplied from an oil pump to the hydraulic control line, and a shift structure for selectively delivering the regulated hydraulic pressure to the friction elements, wherein the shift structure further comprises a manual valve operatively linked with a shift lever for delivering the regulated hydraulic pressure according to shift ranges, a plurality of solenoid valves controlled on/off by a transmission control unit to control the friction elements, a first to a fifth pressure control valves for simultaneously controlling both releasing and connecting end of the friction elements, a first-to-second shift valve for making a port change by the hydraulic pressure flowing out from the pressure control valves to deliver the pressure to the friction elements, a forward drive clutch release valve, a second-to-third shift valve, and a reverse drive clutch valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jaeduk Jang
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Patent number: 5624350Abstract: An automated clutch (16) control and calibration method. Clutch control parameter values (TP and AP) corresponding to the clutch touch point condition and the approach point condition, respectively, are determined and are utilized to control reengagement of the automated clutch. While awaiting reengagement, the clutch is caused to assume and dwell in the approach point condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Ian R. J. Bates
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Patent number: 5624343Abstract: A differential gear assembly comprising a rotatable case, a spider having at least one shaft mounted on the case for rotation therewith, a pinion gear rotatably mounted on the shaft and a thrustwasher non-rotatably mounted on the shaft and disposed between the pinion gear and the case. The thrustwasher includes an outer, arcuate side disposed in opposition with the casing and an inner, substantially flat side disposed in opposition with an outward side of the pinion gear. The thrustwasher includes a central opening for accepting the shaft and substantially flat surfaces forming a portion of the opening and cooperating with longitudinally extending flats formed on the shaft for preventing rotation of the thrustwasher relative to the shaft. The thrustwasher is preferably made of powdered metal and includes lubrication channels which cooperate with lubrication passages formed in the shaft so as to permit the flow of lubricant from the shaft across the outward side of the pinion gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1994Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: James A. Krisher
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Patent number: 5611746Abstract: A hydraulic coupling (32,32a) includes a lock (204) for selectively preventing the level of torque transmitted from a coupling casing (34) to a pair of rotary members (26,28) from affecting torque transfer between the rotary members. The coupling (32) also includes an adjuster (216) for adjusting resistance of fluid flow from a hydraulic pump (48) through ports of the coupling to control coupling of the pair of rotary members (26,28) to each other. One embodiment of the coupling (32) operates in a supercharged pumping manner, while another embodiment of the coupling (32a) pumps the fluid through a clutch actuating piston (72) of the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Asha CorporationInventor: Theodore E. Shaffer
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Patent number: 5611749Abstract: Electronic and hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission for automotive vehicle and method for controlling hydraulic pressure whereby line hydraulic pressure can be compensated. A hydraulic pressure state within the electronic and hydraulic control system is precisely detected and the signal of this detected hydraulic pressure is transmitted to a transmission control unit such that the malfunction of the valves and the correct gear shifting stage can be determined. Since the hydraulic pressure state can be detected to be compensated by the control of the TCU, such that the shift quality can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jaeduk Jang, Taekyun Kim
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Patent number: 5609540Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a full-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. The CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: James S. Brissenden, John D. Zalewski
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Patent number: 5609073Abstract: A differential mechanism (10) having two output cam members (16, 17) rotatable about an axis (A) each cam member having an annular cam surface of undulating form comprising pairs of mutually inclined surfaces (24, 25; 26, 27). The inclined surfaces are engaged by end surfaces (29, 30) of cam followers (28) so that relative contra rotation of the output cam members (16, 17) causes the cam followers to slide axially. An input element (11-14) engages and supports the followers (28) and moves the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members and a component (11, 14) of the differential which rotates during use of the differential drives oil pump means (70) for forcing oil into the differential.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1994Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Automotive Products, plcInventors: John Spooner, Alastair J. Young, John P. Chippendale
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Patent number: 5609067Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for detecting a fault condition in a transmission having a plurality of rotating components, a plurality of clutches, and a transmission control. The diagnostic system includes speed sensors producing speed and direction signals representative of the rotational velocity of the rotating components, a processor for calculating the relative rotational speed between two or more clutches and for indicating a fault condition in response to the relative rotational speed and a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Randall M. Mitchell, Ashok Kajjam, Alan L. Stahl
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Patent number: 5607372Abstract: A transmission having a power input and output that run along the same axis without having to use parallel shafting. The transmission is of the type which includes a toroidal drive and a co-axial drive, with the co-axial drive having a rotating planetary carrier that bisects the reaction path between one disk pair of the toroidal drive.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: The Torax Company, Inc.Inventor: Charles B. Lohr
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Differential motion gear system to control the speed ratio by means of the change of input direction
Patent number: 5607369Abstract: A differential motion gear system to control the output speed ratio by changing the input direction. The gear system utilizes a planetary gearset to achieve the desired results. The input shaft may be directly connected to the sungear, the differential motion gear set, or to the ring gear. One or more one-way drive mechanisms are connected between a stationary case and one or more of the planetary gearset elements and between the planetary gearset elements and the output shaft. Selective braking of the planetary gearset elements, in conjunction with the change of direction of the input shaft causes the output shaft to rotate in a single direction, but at different output speeds.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1996Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: Tai-Her Yang -
Patent number: 5606890Abstract: A drive-end gear wheel is engaged by a drive disc through an intermediate cushion that accepts slave bars of the driving disc and reinforcement ribs of the drive-end gear wheel. The reinforcement ribs couple an inner hub with an outer ring gear flange of the drive-end gear wheel. The reinforcement ribs are formed with transition curves that uniformly transmit tangential and radial deformation stresses to the outer ring gear flange, ensuring reliable and durable operation of the drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Luckas
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Patent number: 5603246Abstract: An automotive differential assembly for a vehicle having a driving case enclosing a pair of driving members operably coupled with a pair of driven members. The driven members are secured to output shafts and the driving members are forcibly driven by a driving shaft having its opposite ends in engagement with the driving case. The driving shaft passes through eccentric or angled apertures formed by cooperating arcuate surfaces provided in opposing surfaces of the driving members. The driving members and the driven members are urged together respectively by at least four dampening springs providing both axial and radial force which dampens or eliminates sudden impact encountered when the shaft moves back and forth within the apertures. The driving members may be loosely aligned and interrelated by pins and enlarged holes, by pins and laterally opened holes or by a key and keyway or channel construction.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Inventor: John Zentmyer
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Patent number: 5601510Abstract: A sensor failure and erroneous signal detection system for use in automobiles equipped with cruise control. This system prevents cruise control from operating if certain predetermined conditions occur. Further, the system will determine if the cruise control signal has been erroneously generated and set up an error "flag". A failure is determined in the cruise control system if either one of the following conditions is present when a cruise control signal is generated: (1) the vehicle is traveling below a predetermined speed; (2) the brake switch is on; (2) the shift range is in "N", "R" or "P"; or (4) either (1), (2) or (3) continues for a predetermined period of time. Upon occurrence of (1), (2), (3), or (4), an error has been detected and the automatic transmission is instructed to return to normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuzo Sakakiyama, Kiminaga Shirakawa, Kazunari Tezuka
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Patent number: 5599249Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed having a part-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. As such, the CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Patent number: 5599254Abstract: A slip condition of a torque converter is learned at a predetermined operating condition with a lock-up mechanism disengaged, and a diagnosis condition (for example a start time or judgement level of the fault diagnosis) used in diagnosing a fault in the lock-up mechanism on the basis of slip conditions of the torque converter which change after issue of a disengage command to the lock-up mechanism, is corrected in accordance with the learned result. As a result, the diagnosis condition which is conventionally set assuming a maximum viscosity for the operating fluid, can be changed to correspond to the actual viscosity of the operating fluid being used.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Naoki Tomisawa, Keita Yoshizawa