Patents Examined by Sherry Estremsky
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Patent number: 7056252Abstract: A transmission (1) for distributing a drive torque to at least two output shafts (7, 8) which has at least two planetary gear sets (2, 3) with at least three shafts wherein each shaft (4, 5) of a planetary gear set (2, 3) is connected with one input shaft (6). Besides, each shaft of a planetary gear set (2, 3) constitutes one of the output shafts (7, 8) and at least one other shaft (9 or 10) of a planetary gear set (2 or 3) is operatively connected with one shaft (10 or 9) of one other planetary gear set (3 or 2). A torque of a shaft (9 or 10) dependent on operating state can be supported according to an operating state of the respective other shaft (10 or 9) via an operative connection (11) therewith in a manner such that when a rotational speed difference occurs between the output shafts (7, 8) a torque that changes the rotational speed difference abuts via the operative connection (11) on the planetary gear sets (2, 3).Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Detlef Baasch
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Patent number: 7052428Abstract: The invention starts from an actuating drive (10) with an electric motor (12), which drives an output shaft (32) via a toothed wheel gear (14) in a planetary design, which includes a first housing-mounted central wheel (16) and a second rotatable central wheel (18), whereby both central wheels (16, 18) each form gear steps with different step-down ratios with at least one planet wheel (20, 22) and the planet wheel (20) belonging to the first central wheel (16) is connected to the planet wheel (22) belonging to the second central wheel (18) in a torque-proof manner. It is proposed that the electric motor (12) drive a planet carrier (26) on which the planet wheels (20, 22) are pivoted.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Martin-Peter Bolz
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Patent number: 7052429Abstract: An expansion chamber for a hydrostatic transaxle to provide for expansion of the hydraulic oil during operation of the transaxle, where the expansion chamber is formed as part of the housing inside the main sump by ribs or other members extending from the housing and is closed by a cap to form a sealed chamber. A siphon tube may be secured to the cap or integrally formed therein, or formed by additional cast ribs or similar features formed into the housing and also sealed by the cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Eric S. Phanco, Kenneth J. Rawski, William H. Ward
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Patent number: 7044878Abstract: A differential rotation control apparatus for a vehicle having a differential, left and right output shafts of the differential, and left and right axle shafts, comprises variable displacement type left and right hydraulic pumps driveably provided between the left and right output shafts and the left and right axle shafts, a first hydraulic passage interposed between a discharge port of the left hydraulic pump and a suction port of the right hydraulic pump, a second hydraulic passage interposed between a discharge port of the right hydraulic pump and a suction port of the left hydraulic pump, and a controller for calculating a displacement ratio between the left and right hydraulic pumps based on a target turning radius and for controlling a rotation speed ratio between the left and right axle shafts so as to coincide with the calculated displacement ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mamoru Murakami
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Patent number: 7044882Abstract: A switchable gearbox of a handheld power tool has a gear having a first switching stage and a second switching stage arranged sequentially in an axial direction of the gear, wherein the gear comprises a gear arrangement movable in the axial direction of the gear between the first and second switching stages. An actuator is rotatable about an axis parallel to the axial direction of the gear. At least one shifting gate is rotatable together with the actuator wherein the shifting gate interacts with the gear arrangement for moving the gear arrangement in the axial direction. The shifting gate has a central area extending linearly and at a slant relative to a circumferential direction of the gear and end sections on each end of the central area, wherein the end sections extend parallel to the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Atlas Copco Electric Tools GmbHInventor: Armin Eisenhardt
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Patent number: 7041029Abstract: An apparatus and method for a floor maintenance vehicle comprises a transaxle rear drive system and a powered front wheel steering system; and a joystick control system providing integrated control of the transaxle rear drive system and the powered steering system by controlling the traverse speed of the transaxle drive with respect to the steering angle such that the sharper the steering angle the lower the maximum traverse speed. A joystick control process for controlling a floor maintenance vehicle comprises receiving a turn signal to a steering control function from a joystick representing an operator desired turn angle, and outputting from the steering control function a turn angle signal; and receiving a speed signal to a traverse control function from a joystick representing an operator desired speed, and receiving the turn angle signal and outputting a transaxle speed control signal based on the speed signal and the turn angle signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Alto U.S. Inc.Inventors: Trent A. Fulghum, Emert R. Whitaker
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Patent number: 7033300Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, an actuation mechanism, and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes a driveshaft driven by the geartrain, a cam driven by the driveshaft, and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a cam member with ramp surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the ramp surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the geartrain. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Aaron Ronk
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Patent number: 7033296Abstract: A drive unit equipped with an electric motor including an input shaft that is connected to an engine, an electric motor shaft, a counter output shaft, and a planetary gear set, wherein the input shaft and the counter output shaft are connected respectively, on one side of the planetary gear set, to two other elements which are different from an element with which the electric motor shaft is connected, an outer circumference of both edge portions of the counter output shaft is supported by a drive unit case, and an outer circumference of the input shaft is supported by an inner circumference of the counter output shaft by the drive unit case through the counter output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Takenaka
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Patent number: 7029420Abstract: A vehicle status change-over device is disclosed wherein an ignition switch 4 and a case 5 are fixed to a steering column cover, a case 5 supports a rotator 6 for rotational movement while fixing a shift position switch 8, a dial 9 is mounted to the case 5 for rotational movement about a center on substantially the line as a rotational center of the rotator 6, a shift lock solenoid 15 is mounted to an outer periphery of the case 5 at an area corresponding to a bore 14, and a lock pin 6 is provided to be moveable with the shift lock solenoid 15.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Sekino, Yoko Horiuchi
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Patent number: 7029412Abstract: An electro-mechanical power transmission equipment, consisting of casing (3–3d) and inside the casing (3–3d) the power transfer arrangement having the power-in-axle (1) and the power-out axle (8), and between them an electricity generating and torque-transferring main generator arrangement (17,20,21,22) rotated by the axle (1), and an electric motor arrangement (29,30,31,31) that rotates axle (8), and the incoming rotational power is divided by the first planetary gear set (e.g.2b,4,5,6,7) between power-out axle (8) and the electric power transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Interbak LTDInventor: Taimo Majalahti
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Patent number: 7028571Abstract: An apparatus and method for lubricating an internal-combustion engine includes a shaft extending through a gearbox, a gear and a sliding sleeve coupled to rotate with the shaft and adapted to move axially along the shaft, a gearshift fork in mating engagement with the sliding sleeve and moveable parallel to the shaft, a rib in the gearbox adjacent the shaft, and a duct extending into the gearbox. The duct preferably directs a lubricant onto the gearshift fork and the sliding sleeve. Preferably, the rib directs the lubricant from the duct onto the gearshift fork and the sliding sleeve. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the lubricant flung from the shaft, gear, and sliding sleeve contacts the rib and is directed onto the sliding sleeve and the gearshift fork. Further preferably, a projection extends from the rib to direct the lubricant onto the sliding sleeve and the gearshift fork.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Harley Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventor: Stefan Fegg
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Patent number: 7025701Abstract: A power transfer device includes a casing, a lubricant reservoir in the casing having lubricant therein, and a shaft rotatably supported in the casing. The shaft extends into the lubricant reservoir. A lubricant driving structure is coupled to the shaft for common rotation. The lubricant driving structure includes at least one helically shaped member that extends longitudinally along and circumferentially about the shaft. The at least one helically shaped member is located in the lubricant reservoir. Rotation of the at least one helically shaped member drives the lubricant axially along the shaft and away from the lubricant reservoir. According to other features, an oil propeller wheel is mounted around a shaft in the power transfer device for rotation therewith. The oil propeller wheel communicates with the lubrication in the lubricant reservoir and is operable to direct the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir axially along the shaft toward the differential assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Yugang Cui, Theodore M. Joslin
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Patent number: 7021168Abstract: A selector transmission with countershaft design is described which comprises one input shaft (2), one output shaft (3), one main shaft (4) situated therebetween and one countershaft (5) interacting with the main shaft (4), shiftable gear wheel pairs being located upon the main shaft (4) and the countershaft (5). The main shaft (4) and the countershaft (5) are disposed at an angle (?) to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rolf Bürkle, Hermann Lanz, Martin Lamke
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Patent number: 7022042Abstract: Epicyclic gear train is comprised of a first gear coaxial to second gear and a satellite gear in a mesh with first and second gears. Satellite gear is an enveloping worm and is placed on a rotating carrier for supporting said satellite where carrier is coaxial to first and second gears. Axis of enveloping worm and axis of first and second matting gears are parallel, intersection or crossing. Epicyclic gear train could also be comprised of the first gear coaxial to the second gear and two coaxial enveloping worms attached to each other to rotate together in mesh with first and second gears. Enveloping worms are placed on a rotating carrier for supporting said satellites where carrier is coaxial to first and second gears. Axis of enveloping worms and axis of first and second matting gears are parallel or intersected.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Yakov Fleytman
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Patent number: 7022039Abstract: A planetary transmission includes a first gear set including a first sun gear and at least one first planetary gear in meshing arrangement with the first sun gear, a second gear set including a second sun gear and at least one second planetary gear in meshing arrangement with the second sun gear, a casing surrounding the first gear set and the second gear set, a first thrust washer between the first sun gear and the second sun gear, a second thrust washer between the second sun gear and the casing, and a lubrication system. The lubrication system comprises a passageway extending through the casing and placing a hollow interior of the second sun gear in fluid communication with a mesh point between teeth of the second sun gear and teeth of the at least one second planetary gear, such that when oil is forced from the mesh point the oil travels through the passageway, into the hollow interior of the second sun gear, and into contact with the first and second thrust washers.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Komatsu America Corp.Inventors: Nobuki Hasegawa, Danny L. Hillman
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Patent number: 7018317Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission for a recreation vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle that includes a locking assembly for locking a differential joint in the front- or rear-end portion of the transmission. A vehicle having both front and rear differentials may include separate locking assemblies for each differential to lock and unlock the differentials for various combinations of power allocation to wheels of the vehicle. A differential joint according to the invention may include a ring gear and spider gears that drive a universal joint coupled to wheels of the vehicle. A coupler of the locking assembly includes an inner surface configured to engage outer surfaces of the ring gear and the universal joint, and an outer surface configured to be engaged by an actuator. The actuator adjusts the coupler between a locked position wherein the ring gear and the universal joint are locked together, and an unlocked position wherein the universal joint is free to rotate relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Ole Tweet, Owen Stenvik
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Patent number: 7018321Abstract: A method and a device for stabilizing a vehicle having an engine and an automatic transmission for driving drive wheels of a first axle, the transmission having a free-wheeling position for interrupting the force flux between the drive wheels and the engine, and having rotation-sensing wheel sensors on the drive wheels and on wheels of a second axle of the vehicle. The device has gear shift means for shifting the transmission into the free-wheeling position when it is determined, using at least one of the rotation-sensing wheel sensors, that at least one wheel of the second axle is locked or is expected to lock.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Klaus-Peter Claar, Martin Lindmayer
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Patent number: 7017447Abstract: A driving device includes a power supply unit and a torque converter. The power supply unit outputs a constant power. The torque converter has a gear train that is connected to the power supply unit and interconnects a flywheel and an input shaft in order to respectively transmit a first part and a second part of the power to the flywheel and the input shaft. The input and output shafts have respectively first and second variable-diameter pulleys on which a belt member is trained. The effective diameters of the first and second pulleys are automatically varied in response to the torque exerted on the input and output shafts to maintain the rotational speed of the output shaft at a constant level while the flywheel compensates for power variation of the output shaft without changing the power of the power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventors: Chung-Nan Mu, Yu-Ta Tu
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Patent number: 7004876Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7004044Abstract: A transmission, having a first input shaft X1, a second input shaft X2, an output shaft Xs and an idle shaft XR, wherein two gears G1, G2 are carried on a sleeve SG fitted rotatably on said first input shaft X1, and one (G1) of said gears of said sleeve SG engages with a gear G16 being fixedly carried on said counter shaft Xs, while the other gear G2 engages with a gear G7 being fixedly carried on said output shaft Xo, and further, a coupling C1 is attached between said one (G1) of said gears and the other gear G2, to fix selectively said gear G1 or G2 to said input shaft X1, is provided in the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyohito Hosono