Abstract: A method for producing a fillet on a gear as a function of a plurality of design criteria points in disclosed. The present method includes the steps of fitting a polynomial curve to the design criteria points, and producing the fillet on the gear, the fillet having a curved shape corresponding to the fitted polynomial curve. As a further step for control of the fillet, the actual shape of the fillet produced can be inspected and compared to the fitted curve, using a coordinate measuring machine or other suitable device. According to a further aspect of the invention, the fillet is produced using a tool having a curved surface corresponding to the polynomial curve.

Abstract: A planetary gear set is disclosed that includes self-aligning carrier shafts for the planetary gears that greatly reduces the wear to the carrier shaft caused by torque-induced loads on the planetary gear set. The carrier shaft includes a first cantilevered member extending from a carrier deck, which is connected, to a second cantilevered member that extends toward the carrier deck. A bearing member of the planetary gear is mounted to the second cantilevered member and the planetary gear is mounted to the bearing member. Under a torque-induced load on the planetary gear, the first cantilevered member is deflected in a first direction and the second cantilevered member is deflected in a second direction opposite the first direction, thus a carrier shaft designed in accordance with the present invention enables offsetting deflections under torque-induced loads leading to a reduction in the wear of the bearing member and the carrier shaft.

Abstract: A balanced free-planet drive mechanism includes a reaction ring gear, an output ring gear, an input sun gear arranged along a central axis, and a plurality of floating planet elements individually having a first planet gear engaged with the sun gear, a second planet gear engaged with the output ring gear, and a third planet gear engaged with the reaction ring gear. A required first rolling ring gear resists radially inward movement of the planet elements adjacent the third planet gear, and an optional second rolling ring gear resists radially inward movement of the planet elements adjacent the first planet gears to maintain the planetary elements essentially parallel to the central axis. A plurality of ring segments are connected to the output ring gear and engage a groove in each of the planet elements to maintain the planet elements in a preselected axial position and to transmit relatively low thrust forces.

Abstract: A vehicle final drive assembly includes a housing structure, a final drive gear having an internal coupling, an axis and a central load bearing plane transverse to the axis, a bearing assembly connected between the housing structure and the final drive gear for supporting the final drive gear for rotation about the axis, the bearing assembly being located substantially on the central plane of the final drive gear, and a shaft having an external coupling connected to and supported by the internal coupling of the final drive gear.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a rotary output member of a vehicle or the like includes a pair of orbiting members having outwardly-projecting teeth which engage with inwardly-projecting teeth of an output member. Hydraulically-actuated piston and cylinder means provide orbiting of the orbiting members to in turn rotate the rotary output member.

Abstract: A replaceable lubricating cartridge, adapted for installation in the end of a hollow rotating shaft, gear or the like, comprises a housing having an outer annular wall with a first end closed by an end wall and the other end partially closed by a first and second partition. The first partition forming with the housing a first closed chamber portion therein and the second partition forming with the housing a substantially closed second chamber portion therein adapted to be filled with liquid lubricant. An opening through the second partition permits the lubricant to be expelled as needed.