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.

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.

Abstract: A transaxle includes an expansion bladder disposed in a sump for a hydraulic transmission, where the expansion bladder forms an air chamber separate from the sump and open to atmospheric pressure. The expansion bladder includes a set of ribs formed on an internal surface of a wall structure and extending into the air chamber to prevent unwanted collapse of the expansion chamber and improve its ability to collapse in a controlled manner as oil in the sump expands.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive device having a pump and motor is disclosed, where the pump swash plate includes a pair of structural ribs and the housing has a pair of thrust ribs on an inner surface. Only one thrust rib is in contact with one of the structural ribs at a time, to permit arcuate rotation of the swash plate while limiting axial movement of the swash plate. The axes of rotation of the swash plate trunnion, input shaft and output shaft are in a common plane. A rotary bypass shaft for engaging transmission check plugs includes an external bypass arm. A pair of detents are externally formed on the housing, and the bypass arm includes separate pairs of openings to engage the pair of detents when the bypass arm is in different positions.

Abstract: A drive assembly for powered equipment includes a housing having a gear drive disposed therein, with an input shaft extending into the housing and having a first end engaged to and powering the gear drive, and an output shaft powered by the gear drive. The output shaft extends out of the housing and has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the input shaft. A support shaft for one of the gears in the gear drive is also located in the housing, where the support shaft has a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to both the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A compact gear drive assembly for powered equipment includes a housing having a first opening, and an input shaft having a first end located in the housing and a second end extending from the housing through the first opening. The gear drive assembly further includes a first stage gear reduction engaged to and driven by the first end of the input shaft, a second stage gear reduction engaged to and driven by the first stage gear reduction, and an axle engaged to and driven by the second stage gear reduction.

Abstract: A compact gear drive assembly for powered equipment includes a housing having a first tubular extension, and an input shaft having a first end located in the housing and a second end extending from the housing through the first tubular extension. The gear drive assembly further includes a first stage gear reduction engaged to and driven by the first end of the input shaft, a second stage gear reduction engaged to and driven by the first stage gear reduction, and an axle engaged to and driven by the second stage gear reduction.