Patents by Inventor Gordon Dowen

Gordon Dowen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE HAVING AXIAL PISTON MOTOR AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING TRANSAXLES
    Publication number: 20070037653
    Abstract: A modular hydrostatic transaxle includes an axle module removably connected to a hydrostatic transmission module. The axle module includes a differential connected to a reduction gear train and disposed in an axle casing. A pair of axles are connected to the differential and supported within the axle casing. The hydrostatic transmission module comprises a transmission casing separate from the axle casing and hydraulically connected pump and motor disposed in the transmission casing. The motor output connection includes a shaft piloted to an input drive of the reduction gear train, which constitutes the alignment mechanism of the transmission and axle modules. The pump and motor cylinder barrels are hydraulically connected through the pump and motor block at 90° orientation, and a portion of the pump and motor block forms an inclined surface which supports a face of a thrust bearing. At least one homogeneous low friction bearing strip is confined between the swash plate and the interior portion of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Norman Jolliff, Richard Ruebusch, Gordon Dowen, Gary Twaddle
  • Hydrostatic transaxle having axial piston motor and method for manufacturing transaxles
    Publication number: 20050003920
    Abstract: A modular hydrostatic transaxle includes an axle module removably connected to a hydrostatic transmission module. The axle module includes a differential connected to a reduction gear train and disposed in an axle casing. A pair of axles are connected to the differential and supported within the axle casing. The hydrostatic transmission module comprises a transmission casing separate from the axle casing and hydraulically connected pump and motor disposed in the transmission casing. The motor output connection includes a shaft piloted to an input drive of the reduction gear train, which constitutes the alignment mechanism of the transmission and axle modules. The pump and motor cylinder barrels are hydraulically connected through the pump and motor block at 90° orientation, and a portion of the pump and motor block forms an inclined surface which supports a face of a thrust bearing. At least one homogeneous low friction bearing strip is confined between the swash plate and the interior portion of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Norman Jolliff, Richard Ruebusch, Gordon Dowen, Gary Twaddle