Patents Issued in January 21, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160017950
    Abstract: A hydraulic damping device includes a cylinder 11, a cylinder 12, a piston 30 that partitions a space in the cylinder 11, a piston rod 20 that is connected to the piston 30, a bottom valve 40 that separates the interior of the cylinder 11 from a reservoir chamber R and has a communication passage of a liquid between the interior of the cylinder 11 and the reservoir chamber R, and a check valve mechanism 50 that is disposed in a radial direction of an area where movement of the piston 30 in the cylinder 11 is restricted or an area extended axially on an outer side of the cylinder 11, and permits a flow in one direction between the interior of the cylinder 11 and the reservoir chamber R caused by the movement of the piston 30 and restricts the flow in the other direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gota NAKANO, Takashi TSUKAHARA
  • Publication number: 20160017951
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a reservoir between a cylinder and an outer tube, in which hydraulic liquid and gas are sealed; a middle tube between the cylinder and the outer tube; a connecting pipe in the lateral wall of the middle tube, which includes a tip end extending toward the outside of the outer tube; an opening in the outer tube, allowing hydraulic liquid to flow from the outside of the outer tube into the reservoir through the outer side of the connecting pipe; and a partition member in the reservoir, which includes a partition wall that configured to regulate hydraulic liquid's upward flow from the opening in the reservoir. The partition member is made of flexible resin or rubber, provided with a fitting hole, and fitted to the connecting pipe with interference with the connecting pipe inserted through the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Hiroyuki MATSUMOTO, Shigeo KATAYAMA, Yohei KATAYAMA, Umi TANABE, Yusei KIMURA, Yoshie MIDORIKAWA, Hideki HATA, Osamu SHIOUME
  • Publication number: 20160017952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a body valve assembly for a shock absorber, which is capable of improving ride comfort by improving the degree of freedom of the adjustment in damping force and preventing the damping force from being rapidly changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Hark Joo KIM, Nam Ho KIM, Jun Hyuk LIM
  • Publication number: 20160017953
    Abstract: A redundant seal assembly for an aircraft shock absorber comprises a changeover unit and dual dynamic seals for sealing a fluid chamber formed between an inner member and an outer member of the shock absorber. The first dynamic seal functions as a primary seal, and the second dynamic seal functions as a backup seal in the initial operation of the shock absorber. A fluid passage is formed from the fluid chamber to the first dynamic seal. The changeover unit has a spool provided in the fluid passage. The spool has a channel that forms pat of the fluid passage. A changeover activator is movable to open and close the fluid passage at the spool to apply or remove the fluid pressure on or from the first dynamic seal so as to change over the functionality as the primary seal between the first dynamic seal and the second dynamic seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: V-Bond Lee
  • Publication number: 20160017954
    Abstract: Rotary dampers and systems for use and installation within a rotary winged aircraft, and related methods, are provided herein. In some aspects, a rotary damper includes a housing having a rotor assembly positioned inside the housing. The rotary damper may further include at least one resilient member disposed adjacent to an outer portion of the housing. The at least one resilient member is externally visible from outside of the rotary damper. In some aspects, the resilient member includes a torsional spring of the rotary damper. In certain aspects, the resilient member is disk shaped and slidable within a portion of the rotary damper. In some aspects, at least one primary liquid orifice is provided in a portion of the at least one rotor member. In some asects, at least one pressure equalization port is disposed within a portion of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Brian McGILL, Keith R. PTAK, David M. CATANZARITE
  • Publication number: 20160017955
    Abstract: A balance system for a single cylinder engine is described. The single cylinder engine generates forces, that if left unbalanced, cause significant vibrations or movement to the single cylinder engine and devices driven by the single cylinder engine. The balance shaft includes a primary balance shaft for a first type of forces and at least one secondary balance shaft for a second type of forces. The secondary balance shaft is driven directly by the primary balance shaft. In one example, only one secondary balance shaft may be used, which may leave some forces unbalanced but is more space and cost effective. In another example, two or more secondary balance shafts may be included in a drive chain such that one secondary balance shaft drive the next secondary balance shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Scott C. Sajdowitz, Christopher D. Thorn, Jonathan T. Bykowski, Tyler W. LeRoy, Roger W. Albert
  • Publication number: 20160017956
    Abstract: An unbalanced shaft for compensating inertial forces and/or moments of inertia for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes at least one shaft section and a bearing journal adjacent to the at least one shaft section and an unbalance mass disposed on the shaft section. The bearing journal is formed from at least two parts including a first solid bearing segment and a second solid bearing segment, and a center of gravity of the shaft section and the bearing journal is eccentric to an axis of rotation of the unbalanced shaft. The first solid bearing segment includes a portion projecting into the second solid bearing segment and the second solid bearing segment include a portion projecting into the first solid bearing segment such that the first and the second solid bearing segment are secured at least axially relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Riad Bauch, Daniel Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20160017957
    Abstract: A window covering includes a movable window covering material, lift cords for moving the material, a lift cord take-up shaft for gathering and releasing lengths of the lift cords to move the window covering material, and a motorized lift assembly. The motorized lift assembly includes a motor assembly including a motor, a gear train drivingly connected to and operated by the motor, and a driveshaft drivingly connected to the gear train and to the lift cord take-up shaft. The gear train includes a plurality of planetary gear stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Graybar
  • Publication number: 20160017958
    Abstract: Dual-clutch transmission assemblies for use with electric vehicles include a first shaft having a plurality of input gearwheels mounted thereon. The assembly further includes a second shaft having a plurality of intermediate gearwheels that are freely rotatable with respect to the second shaft and situated to mesh with respective input gearwheels on the first shaft. The assembly also includes a first clutch mounted to the first shaft and a second clutch mounted to the first shaft, the second clutch being spaced apart from the first clutch along a longitudinal axis of the first shaft. The assembly can further include a gear selector disposed on the second shaft to selectively engage at least one of the intermediate gearwheels of the second shaft to lock the at least one intermediate gearwheel to the second shaft such that the at least one intermediate gearwheel co-rotates with the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: UVic Industry Partnerships Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Wu, Zuomin Dong
  • Publication number: 20160017959
    Abstract: The multi-stage transmission comprises a drive shaft (1), an output shaft (2), which are arranged parallel to each other, three planetary gear sets, whereas the first planetary gear set (P1) is arranged coaxial to a first axis, which is defined by the drive shaft (1), and the second and third planetary gear sets (P2, P3) are arranged coaxial to a second axis, which is arranged parallel to the first axis and is defined by the output shaft (2), whereas the drive shaft (1) is detachably connectable, through a first clutch (13), to a third shaft (3) connected to the sun gear of the first planetary gear set (P1), which is attachable to the housing (G) of the transmission through a first brake (03), whereas the drive shaft (1) is detachably connectable, through a second clutch (17), to a seventh shaft (7) connected to the ring gear of the first planetary gear set (P1) and a sixth shaft (6) is in operative connection with the bar of the first planetary gear set (P1) and, through a second spur gear stage (S2), with t
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Stefan Beck
  • Publication number: 20160017960
    Abstract: A transmission (G) is provided with four planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3, P4), several shafts (W1-W7) and a first, second, third, fourth and fifth shift element (B1, B2, K1, K2, K3), the selective meshing of which brings about different transmission ratio relationships between a transmission input shaft (GW1) and a transmission output shaft (GW2). The transmission (G) includes a sixth shift element (K4), through which the fifth shaft (W5) is connectable to the sun gear (So-P4) of the fourth planetary gear set (P4), either directly or through the second shift element (B2), and whereas the fourth shaft (W4) is connectable through the fourth shift element (K2) with the sun gear (So-P4) of the fourth planetary gear set (P4), either directly or through the second shift element (B2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Martin Brehmer, Josef Haupt
  • Publication number: 20160017961
    Abstract: A transmission (G) is provided with four planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3, P4), several shafts (W1-W8) and a first, second, third, fourth and fifth shift element (B1, B2, K1, K2, K3), the selective meshing of which brings about different transmission ratio relationships between a transmission input shaft (GW1) and a transmission output shaft (GW2). The second shift element (B2) and/or the fifth shift element (K3) is arranged, in a series at a sixth shift element (K4), in the power flow between the fifth shaft (W5) and a sun gear (So-P4) of the fourth planetary gear set (P4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Martin Brehmer, Josef Haupt
  • Publication number: 20160017962
    Abstract: A transmission (G) is provided having four planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3, P4), several shafts (W1-W8) and a first, second, third, fourth and fifth shift element (B1, B2, K1, K2, K3), the selective meshing of which brings about different transmission ratio relationships between a transmission input shaft (GW1) and a transmission output shaft (GW2). The transmission (G) includes a sixth shift element (K4), through which the fifth shaft (W5) is connectable to the sun gear (So-P4) of the fourth planetary gear set (P4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Martin Brehmer, Josef Haupt
  • Publication number: 20160017963
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction member, such as a belt, for an internal combustion engine, the tension device comprising a pulley rotatably mounted on an eccentric hub also rotatably mounted on a shaft. One end of the shaft comprises a shoulder against which abuts a plate for attaching the device onto the internal combustion engine. The tensioning device further comprises a torsions spring mounted around a tubular portion of the hub extending along a longitudinal direction of the hub between the hub and the attachment plate. The tensioning device also comprising a spring holder interposed between the spring and the attachment plate. An end turn of the spring is attached around an axial portion of the spring holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Dirk ALBRECHT, Nicolas TRONQUOY
  • Publication number: 20160017964
    Abstract: A control module of a window shade includes a drive axle affixed with a sleeve, an arrester assembled around the sleeve, a cord drum connected with an operating cord, a clutch operable to couple and decouple the cord drum with respect to the drive axle, and a release unit including a stick that is operatively connected with the arrester. The arrester blocks rotation of the drive axle in a locking state, and has an unlocking state allowing rotation of the drive axle. The operating cord is pulled to drive the cord drum in rotation and turn the clutch to a coupling state, such that the rotation of the cord drum is transmitted through the clutch to drive the drive axle in rotation for raising the shading structure. Moreover, the stick is operable to switch the arrester from to the unlocking state for lowering the shading structure by gravity action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai YU, Chin-Tien Huang
  • Publication number: 20160017965
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes: a pinion shaft coaxially coupled to a motor shaft; a driven gear that is engaged with a pinion gear on the pinion shaft; a nut that rotates with the driven gear; a feed screw mechanism that converts rotation movement of the nut into linear movement of a rod; a coupling part allowing an outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft to be serration coupled to an inner peripheral surface of a vertical hole in the pinion shaft; and a pressurizing unit that generates a pressure that axially acts between e motor shaft and the pinion shaft in the coupling part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Tomioka, Ryousuke Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20160017966
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing, motors, actuator members, clutch members, a base, a clutch driver, and a pulling handle. The motors are disposed in the housing. The actuator members are respectively disposed in the housing and corresponding to a respective one of the motors. Each clutch member is connected between a respective one of the motors and a respective corresponding one of the actuator members. The base is disposed on an outer surface of the housing, a flange is disposed on an outer surface of the base, and a guiding slot is formed on the base. The clutch driver is in the base and connected to each of the clutch members. A cam contacting against the flange is formed on an end of the pulling handle, and a shaft is inserted through the end. The shaft is inserted through the guiding slot to connect the clutch driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Chou-Hsin WU
  • Publication number: 20160017967
    Abstract: An actuator includes a ball nut, a ball screw, and a ball screw stop. The ball nut is adapted to receive an input torque and in response rotates and supplies a drive force. The ball screw extends through the ball nut and has a first end and a second end. The ball screw receives the drive force from the ball nut and in response selectively translates between a retract position and a extend position. The ball screw stop is mounted on the ball screw proximate the first end to translate therewith. The ball screw stop engages the ball nut when the ball screw is in the extend position, translates, with compliance, a predetermined distance toward the first end upon engaging the ball nut, and prevents further rotation of the ball screw upon translating the predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Casey Hanlon
  • Publication number: 20160017968
    Abstract: A drive-train for a vehicle with at least one electric drive, which can be coupled via a driveshaft (2) to at least a first transmission ratio stage (i1) and a second transmission ratio stage (i2). At least one shifting mechanism is provided for engaging the transmission ratio stages (i1, i2). To carry out powershifts, the shifting mechanism includes at least one interlocking shifting element (5) and at least one frictional shifting element (6, 6A). Each of the transmission ratio stages (i1, i2) can be engaged by the interlocking shifting element (5) and at least one of the transmission ratio stages (i2) can be engaged both by the interlocking shifting element (5) and by the frictional shifting element (6). Methods for carrying out a powershift, between a frictional shifting element (6, 6A) and an interlocking shifting element (5) in the drive-train, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Johannes KALTENBACH, Matthias REISCH, Ulrich KEHR, Michael PREUß, Kai BORNTRÄGER
  • Publication number: 20160017969
    Abstract: A stator according to the present invention includes a stator hub, a large number of blades radially provided in a projecting manner at regular intervals on an outer periphery of the stator hub, and a stator core formed so as to surround outer ends of the respective blades. The stator is integrated by separately molding a front side stator member and a rear side stator member as two axially split members, respectively, and then joining the front side stator member and the rear side stator member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouzou Mori, Tatsuyuki Aoki
  • Publication number: 20160017970
    Abstract: A lock-up device is a device disposed in a space produced between a front cover and a turbine in a torque converter so as to mechanically connect the front cover and the turbine, and includes a clutch part and a release part. The clutch part is disposed in a power transmission path from the front cover to the turbine, and is configured to be in a clutch-on state of transmitting a power from the front cover to the turbine in a set posture. The release part is configured to be actuated by means of a hydraulic pressure, turn the clutch part of the clutch-on state into a clutch-off state, and block transmission of the power from the front cover to the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki AOKI, Kozo YAMAMOTO, Ken MOTOTSUNE, Yoshihiro MATSUOKA
  • Publication number: 20160017971
    Abstract: A torque converter comprising: an axis of rotation; a first seal at a first radial distance relative to the axis of rotation; a second seal at a second radial distance relative to the axis of rotation; an impeller shell and a balancing plate defining at least a portion of a first hydraulic chamber; a piston plate sealed via the first seal to the balancing plate defining at least a portion of a second hydraulic chamber; a cover sealed to the piston plate via the second seal defining at least a portion of a third hydraulic chamber. A clutch plate is radially outward relative to the balancing plate. The sealing arrangement, effective at preventing drift-on or drift-off of the clutch due to dynamic pressure, features a first radial distance that is the same or equal to the second radial distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Sayre, Matthew Smith
  • Publication number: 20160017972
    Abstract: A lock-up device having multistage torsional characteristics includes a retaining plate, a driven plate, a plurality of pairs of outer peripheral side torsion springs configured to elastically couple the both plates, a support plate and a plurality of inner peripheral side torsion springs. The support plate is rotatable relative to the retaining plate and the driven plate, and causes the outer peripheral side coil springs in each pair to act in a series-like manner. Each inner peripheral side torsion spring has a length shorter than that of each outer peripheral side torsion spring. Additionally, the support plate is configured to be restricted from rotating relative to the driven plate when stopper parts of the support plate contact intermediate stopper parts of the driven plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ken MOTOTSUNE, Naoki TOMIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160017973
    Abstract: An assembly, comprising at least an expansion machine and a gearing, wherein the expansion machine, through which a fluid flows, has an output shaft, which is led out of an expansion machine housing, and wherein the output shaft is operatively connected to the gearing. According to the invention, an assembly comprising an expansion machine operatively connected to a gearing is provided, wherein the assembly is designed to be operationally reliable and durable in interaction with additional components. This is achieved in that a torsional vibration damper is arranged on the output side of the gearing, and that an output of the gearing is connected directly to an input of the torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper is designed as a fluid coupling and comprises a turbine wheel and a pump wheel, wherein the pump wheel is connected directly to the output of the gearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Steidten, Andreas Gruenberger
  • Publication number: 20160017974
    Abstract: For a valve closing device (8), including an output shaft (9) for connecting a valve (3) and an input shaft (10) for connecting an actuating drive (2), it is provided that an emergency drive (11) for driving the output shaft (9) in the event of a mains power failure is designed as a constant force spring motor (28) and/or a force flow from the emergency drive (11) to the output shaft (9) is merged with a force flow from the input shaft (10) to the output shaft (9) by an overriding gear arrangement (16) and/or the emergency drive (11) is locked and released by a locking device (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: AUMA Riester GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Benjamin Hofmann, Wilfried Platzer
  • Publication number: 20160017975
    Abstract: A drive-side coupling part of a drive transmission mechanism includes: a base including a first opposed surface facing a driven-side coupling part of the drive transmission mechanism in an attached state; a semispherical projection from the first opposed surface at a rotational center of the drive-side coupling part; and a cylindrical projection including an arcuate first projection centered on the rotational center, an arcuate second projection having a shorter inside diameter than the first projection, and a stepped portion between the first and second projections. The driven-side coupling part includes: a base including a second opposed surface facing the drive-side coupling part in the attached state; a columnar projection from the second opposed surface at a rotational center of the driven-side coupling part; a radially-extended peripheral projection on a periphery of the columnar projection; and a recess depressed from a top surface of the columnar projection at the rotational center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Kusukawa
  • Publication number: 20160017976
    Abstract: A compound gear including a first member and a second member has grooves between the interface therebetween. The grooves are inclined opposite to the torsion of the teeth so that, when they are released during molding and during rotation, the first member and the second member are not from separated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Gaku Iijima
  • Publication number: 20160017977
    Abstract: A pulley assembly comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, at least one row of rolling elements between the inner and outer rings, a pulley rotationally secured with the outer ring, having an outer radial surface for engagement with a chain or belt, a screw comprising a head and a stem radially housed inside the inner ring and having an outer peripheral groove, a mounting support element having a receiving bore or housing for receiving the screw head and an axial retaining member retaining the screw stem within the receiving housing, the member being engaged in the outer groove of the screw stem. The mounting support element includes a cavity that emerges in the receiving bore. When the screw is installed within the receiving bore, the outer groove is axially across from the mounting support element cavity and the axial retaining element is engaged in the mounting support element cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Dirk ALBRECHT, Romuald LESCORAIL, Frederic LIEGE, Nicolas TRONQUOY
  • Publication number: 20160017978
    Abstract: A pressed pulley is provided of which the inner diameter of an inner tubular portion can be increased without changing the outer diameter of an outer tubular portion. The pulley includes an annular connecting portion (13) connected to an end of the outer tubular portion (11) around which a belt is wound and an end of the inner tubular portion (12). The connecting portion is an annular bent portion having a circular arc-shaped section and formed with an inner circular arc-shaped surface (15) having a constant radius of curvature and connected to the radially inner surface of the outer tubular portion (11) and the radially outer surface of the inner tubular portion (12) through respective tangential lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi KODA, Tomoyoshi IZUTSU
  • Publication number: 20160017979
    Abstract: A belt pulley (1) for a belt drive and a plastic injection molding method for producing the belt pulley are provided. The belt pulley (1) includes an anti-friction bearing (2) and a running ring (3) which surrounds the bearing outer ring (7). An end side of the running ring has a multiplicity of molding points (13) which run on the sector radii (R) of circular sectors which have a common center point on the rotational axis (15) of the belt pulley and at least two center point angles (?) of different size. Part of the circular sectors are to have sector radii, on which the molding points have cross sections of different size. Here, the center point angle of the adjacent circular sector on the side of the larger molding cross section is larger than the center point angle of the adjacent circular sector on the side of the smaller molding cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lorenz Bell
  • Publication number: 20160017980
    Abstract: A gear unit is provided having a housing, that has a pot-like lower part and a cover plate mounted on it, the lower part having a bottom plate, the bottom plate having a bearing cross that accommodates bearings, especially the bearings of the shafts of the gear unit, the cover plate having a further bearing cross that accommodates bearings, especially the other bearings of the shafts of the gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Zili Wu
  • Publication number: 20160017981
    Abstract: A gear box housing has a hollow interior configured to contain a gear train. The gear train has a shaft extending from the housing hollow interior though an opening. The housing has a sump in the housing hollow interior for lubricating oil used for lubricating at least some portions of the gear train. A grease seal adjacent to the opening of housing is configured to seal around the shaft. The grease seal has a fill line that extends from an injection port located exterior of the housing, through a structural member of housing into the interior of the housing, and through the oil sump to the grease seal. The grease seal has a discharge line that extends from the grease seal, through the oil sump, and through a structural member of the housing to the exterior of the housing to a discharge port located exterior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Michael E. Konruff, Charles Richard Russell, Chuong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20160017982
    Abstract: A planetary gear train is lubricated via a distribution ring and a planet gear carrier oil supply passage in communication with the distribution ring. The gear train includes a sun pinion that engages a planet gear at a sun planet gear mesh. The planet gear is rotatably mounted to a planet gear carrier. The planet gear carrier is configured to drive an output shaft. The output shaft may be operatively connected to a load. The planet gear rotates within a ring gear at a planet gear ring mesh. The distribution ring surrounds a planet gear carrier and has a hollow interior that communicates with an oil supply. A planet gear carrier oil supply passage may extend through a planet gear carrier of the gear train and supply oil to a sun planet gear mesh and the planet ring gear mesh, and bearings of the planetary gear train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Michael E. Konruff, Chuong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20160017983
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment a rotary shifter for a vehicle transmission includes a selector, a motor, a controller and a brake. The selector is adapted to be communicated with a vehicle transmission and rotated to multiple positions corresponding to different transmission gears. The motor is coupled to the selector to selectively alter the force required to rotate the selector among the multiple positions of the selector, and the controller is coupled to the motor and responsive to rotation of the selector to control actuation of the motor at least in part as a function of the rotary orientation of the selector. The brake is coupled to at least one of the selector or the motor to selectively inhibit or selectively prevent rotation of the selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Steven P. Levesque, Brian D. Howe
  • Publication number: 20160017984
    Abstract: A system and method for improving manual transmission shifters by improving accuracy and precision without introducing undesirable vibration. The system and method of this invention addresses shifting difficulty while limiting vibration, especially in performance automobiles, by providing multiple connection points between the transmission and shifter. The claimed invention is particularly desirable in its ability to optimize semi-remote shifters where many previous attempts have not been able to adequately remedy this problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Steve Puffpaff
  • Publication number: 20160017985
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission having gear engaging mechanisms installed to engage one of gears to establish n-th speed when supplied with hydraulic pressure discharged from an oil pump driven by a prime mover, an electromagnetic pressure-regulating valve installed to pressure-regulate the hydraulic pressure, an electromagnetic shift valve installed at a hydraulic passage to supply the hydraulic pressure to the gear engaging mechanisms, and a current supply circuit to supply current to the solenoid valve, cut-off of current supply to the solenoid valve from the current supply circuit is delayed by a predetermined time period, when the ignition switch is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Yusuke YOSHIMURA, Hideaki YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20160017986
    Abstract: In an apparatus for determining failure of a double-clutch automatic transmission having a line pressure-regulating valve, pressure-regulating valves and select valves, it is determined whether the pressure regulated by the line pressure-regulating valve is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure and it is determined that the line pressure-regulating valve has failed if the pressure regulated by the line pressure-regulating valve is determined to be less than the predetermined pressure, whereas it is determined that one from among the pressure-regulating valves and select valves has failed if the pressure regulated by the line pressure-regulating valve is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Yusuke YOSHIMURA, Takuya KUROKAWA
  • Publication number: 20160017987
    Abstract: In an apparatus for determining failure of an automatic transmission having gear engaging mechanisms that engage one of gears to input shafts and an output shaft to establish one of speeds corresponding to the engaged one of the gears, a first to third pressure-regulating valves, a first and second shift valves, the solenoid valve is energized to output clutch pressure to the one of the gear engaging mechanisms through the first oil passage when the clutch pressure is less than a prescribed pressure, determines whether the one of the gear engaging mechanisms operates based on output of an operating state detector, determines that the second pressure-regulating valve has failed when the one of the gear engaging mechanisms is determined to be inoperative, whereas determines that at least one of the solenoid valve and a pressure detector has failed when the one of the gear engaging mechanisms is determined to be operative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Yusuke YOSHIMURA, Takuya KUROKAWA
  • Publication number: 20160017988
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission connected to a prime mover mounted on a vehicle, having a torque converter equipped with a lock-up clutch, when predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle are satisfied at drive-off, a lock-up clutch engaging circuit is formed through a hydraulic supply circuit. Next it is determined whether engage-position sticking malfunction of the lock-up clutch has occurred based on a ratio of an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission relative to an output rotational speed of the prime mover and a change rate of the output rotational speed of the prime mover when the lock-up clutch engaging circuit has been formed, and fail-safe control is then implement when the sticking is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Masato Shigenaga, Yusuke Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20160017989
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission connected to a prime mover mounted on a vehicle, having a torque converter equipped with a lock-up clutch, when the automatic transmission is gear-shifted to a predetermined gear at deceleration of the vehicle and it is determined that predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle are satisfied, a lock-up clutch engaging circuit is formed through a hydraulic supply circuit. Next it is determined whether engage-position sticking malfunction of the lock-up clutch has occurred based on a ratio of an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission relative to an output rotational speed of the prime mover when the lock-up clutch engaging circuit has been formed, and fail-safe control is then implement when the sticking is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Shigenaga, Masaaki Takamatsu, Yusuke Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20160017990
    Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting abnormal hydraulic pressure of an automatic transmission having first and second input shafts that input rotation of an engine through first and second clutches and an idler shaft that inputs the rotation through a third clutch, and equipped with a hydraulic pressure supply circuit having a first pressure-regulating valve that generates line pressure, a line pressure-regulating valve that controls operation of the first pressure-regulating valve based on a line pressure command value, and first, second and third hydraulic pressure detectors that detect the hydraulic pressures of first, second and third oil passages respectively, it is determined whether abnormality that makes the high pressure abnormally high has occurred in the line pressure-regulating valve based on the hydraulic pressures detected by at least one of the first, second and third hydraulic pressure detectors and a line pressure command value, when predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle are satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yusuke Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20160017991
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve with at least two switching positions including a valve housing including a borehole which includes sections with different diameters along its longitudinal direction; a supply connection for supplying a hydraulic fluid; at least one first operating connection and a second operating connection; at least one first tank drain and a second tank drain for draining the hydraulic fluid; and a piston arranged in the borehole in the longitudinal direction of the borehole wherein the piston is supported at the valve housing at one end by a spring which imparts a spring force and wherein the piston is coupled longitudinally movable with a magnetic actuator which is provided for imparting a magnetic force, wherein a first control groove connects the first operating connection with the first tank drain or with the supply connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Drazen Boban, Andreas Knecht, Dieter Maisch
  • Publication number: 20160017992
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission utilizing a variator having a pump hydraulically interconnected with a motor wherein shutoff valves are provided between the pump and the motor and wherein the motor includes an output line having a restricting valve therein such that the pump may be hydraulically decoupled from the motor and the restricting valve on the motor output may be controlled to achieve a desired motor torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Lister
  • Publication number: 20160017993
    Abstract: A control device includes: a clamping force determination unit that determines a clamping force Fs so that a transmission gear ratio R of a stepless transmission is a target transmission gear ratio; a correction unit that corrects the clamping force Fs determined by the clamping force determination unit, based on an oil temperature TO of a lubricant interposed between each of pulleys and a belt and the transmission gear ratio R; and a clamping force control unit that controls clamping of the pulleys and to be performed with the clamping force Fs corrected by the correction unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Toru YAGASAKI, Ryohta AOKI, Ryo KATAYAMA, Ukyo OGATA, Hideaki AOYAMA, Yuichiro TAKEMORI
  • Publication number: 20160017994
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission in which a torque transmitting capacity thereof is changed hydraulically, and an engagement device which is connected to the continuously variable transmission in series and in which a torque transmitting capacity thereof is changed hydraulically. The hydraulic control system comprises a selecting means that selects a command pattern for setting an engagement pressure of the engagement device out of a plurality of patterns when an initial pressure is lower than a steady pressure for a normal running of the vehicle. The selecting means is configured to select the command pattern in such a manner that the torque transmitting capacity of the engagement device does not exceeds the torque transmitting capacity of the continuously variable transmission, based on at least any of conditions of the initial pressure that is lowered to be lower than the steady pressure, and a rotational speed of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kyohei SUZUMURA, Shinya TOYODA, Kazuya ISHIIZUMI, Akira HINO, Sei KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20160017995
    Abstract: A control apparatus for automatic-transmission provided with input-clutch through which drive force generated by engine is input to automatic-transmission, released-side frictional coupling device being placed in released state to perform shifting action of automatic-transmission, and engaged-side frictional coupling device being placed in engaged state to perform shifting action, control apparatus including: first shifting mode control means including slipping means for placing input-clutch in released state, engaging means for placing input-clutch in engaged state, and releasing/engaging switching control means for controlling shifting action of automatic-transmission being performed in first shifting mode wherein released-side frictional coupling device is brought into released state, and engaged-side frictional coupling device is brought into engaged state, while input-clutch is placed in released or slipping state under control of slipping means, and input-clutch is then brought into engaged state under
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shuntaro SHINOHARA
  • Publication number: 20160017996
    Abstract: A multiple ratio transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft and oncoming clutch and off-going clutch for effecting ratio upshifts is provided. The transmission also includes a transmission controller configured for controlling shifts. During the torque phase of a ratio upshift, the controller increases input torque. Next, the controller estimates an oncoming clutch target torque. The controller controls a torque input to ensure the off-going clutch remains locked. The controller measures an actual transmission value for a torque transmitting element of the transmission and corrects the oncoming clutch target torque using the actual transmission value whereby an increasing torque for the oncoming friction element is achieved with minimal torque transients along the output shaft during the upshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20160017997
    Abstract: A servo piston having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The second end has a servo piston head disposed within a servo piston bore. The servo piston head has at least two grooves disposed about an outer edge of the servo piston head. At last one sealing ring is received within each groove. The use of rings in at least two grooves reduces side/transversal vibration and the servo bore load. At the same time, the space between the two grooves creates a pressurized oil squeeze film between the servo piston head and servo piston bore, sealed by the rings, which provides both a sealing and damping function at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jaromir Tvaruzek, Vince Ewald, Michael J. Romey, Charlie Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20160017998
    Abstract: A technique facilitates tool operation with mobile pistons submitted to differential pressure. The technique utilizes a mobile piston slidably mounted in a corresponding piston passage. The piston passage is defined by a passage wall surface, and the piston may be moved linearly along the piston passage under the influence of an actuating fluid or to pump a fluid. The exterior surface of the piston and/or the passage wall surface have a groove or a plurality of grooves located and arranged to collect particulates from the fluid. Removal of the particulates facilitates actuator piston function by reducing, for example, third body abrasion and jamming of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Guy James Rushton
  • Publication number: 20160017999
    Abstract: A gasket for compressible placement between a first surface and a second surface is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gasket has a cellular metal skeleton embedded in a viscoelastic, pliable, deformable tacky polymer body. The skeleton has multiple strands, which connect to form multiple interconnected cells or pores. The skeleton, prior to being encapsulated in the tacky polymer body, is typically about 75% or more void space. The void space is substantially filled in the manufacture of the gasket, with the tacky uncured polymer. The uncured polymer will set up or cure, and then the gasket may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: MATT BOYD, JEFF BUSBY, KENT BOOMER, MIKE DRY, EMILY SAMUELSON