Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9958019
    Abstract: This application relates generally to a reversible force or torque transfer device. This device may be used in many different applications. The example used for the illustrative purposes of this patent is a wrench. The present invention devises a reverse mechanism that can resist any amount (up to the shear strength of the material) of randomly generated forces that may cause this effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLER CLUTCH TOOLS LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Douglass
  • Patent number: 9958020
    Abstract: A disc brake, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a brake-application device having a brake lever. An adjustment device, which is coupled to the brake-application device, in particular to the brake lever, is provided in order to adjust for the wear of brake pads and a brake disc. A wear sensor detects a wear value of brake pads and the brake disc. A brake control unit controls the disc brake. The disc brake has a clearance-monitoring device having a control device, which is connected to the wear sensor and the brake control unit. A corresponding method for monitoring a clearance of a disc brake is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Alf Siebke
  • Patent number: 9958021
    Abstract: A brake pad retainer is provided for a disc brake for a commercial vehicle. A pad retaining bracket is supported by pad retaining springs on both sides of a brake disc on a brake pad arranged in a brake caliper. The pad retaining bracket tensions a mounting opening of the brake caliper in the direction of the axis of the brake disc and is maintained at least on one side by a bolt-shaped securing element in a securing eye of the brake caliper. The brake pad retainer is designed such that the securing element is formed from an eccentric bolt having a shaft and at least one eccentric section which is positioned so that it is axially offset with respect the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Brandl, Michael Hidringer
  • Patent number: 9958022
    Abstract: An energy dissipating device which is capable of dissipating energy through its plastic axial deformation without undergoing buckling comprises at least three hysteretic elements, being interconnected in series in such a way, that at least one hysteretic element will be subjected to compression while at least another hysteretic element is subjected to tension when an external load is applied to the energy dissipating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MAURER SÖHNE ENGINEERING GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Christian Braun, Renzo Medeot
  • Patent number: 9958023
    Abstract: Rate-dependent, elastically-deformable devices according to various embodiments can be stretched and recovered at low elongation rates. Yet they become stiff and resistive to stretching at high elongation rates. In one embodiment, a rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device includes an elastically-deformable confinement member; one or more filaments placed inside the elastically-deformable confinement member; and a fluid that substantially fills the remaining volume inside the elastically-deformable confinement member. The resistance force to extension of the device is designed to increase as the extension rate of the device increases. At low elongation rates the filaments can readily slide past each other. At high elongation rates, the fluid transforms to a less flowable material that greatly increases the force and energy required for elongation; or transforms to a non-flowable material that resists elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Eric D. Wetzel, Paul T. Nenno
  • Patent number: 9958024
    Abstract: In an elastic partition member, a movable diaphragm outer circumferential section for supporting an outer circumference of an elastic movable diaphragm is formed integral with a relief valve. The elastic movable diaphragm is integrally formed with the elastic movable diaphragm. An upward circular arc projection that extends upwardly is provided on an upper part of the movable diaphragm outer circumferential section, and is fixed by a fixing portion provided in an upper member of a partition. A portion in the vicinity of a base portion of the relief valve is formed as a rectilinear unsupported portion that is flush with the elastic movable diaphragm. The base portion extends rectilinearly along the unsupported portion. When being opened, the relief valve is easily bent by the rectilinear base portion and is elastically deformable large enough to extend above the unsupported portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: YAMASHITA RUBBER KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirokazu Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 9958025
    Abstract: A structure for attaching a cooling fan includes: a fan attachment plate interposed between a ventilation cover of a servomotor and the cooling fan and having a cut-out hole; and a tubular vibration-proof member supported by the cut-out hole of the fan attachment plate and fixed to the ventilation cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SANYO DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daigo Kuraishi
  • Patent number: 9958026
    Abstract: A damping structure includes a first frame on which a driving portion is mounted, a second frame provided at a position facing the first frame in a state being connected with the first frame, a projecting portion provided projectively from one frame toward the other frame of the first and second frames, and a damping member compressively held between the projecting portion and the other frame. The damping member has rigidity lower than rigidities of the first and second frames and of the projecting portion and has a loss factor, measured by a mechanical impedance method in the state being compressed between the projecting portion and the other frame, of 0.05 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Rie Endo, Katsunori Yokoyama, Shinji Yamamoto, Kazuaki Takahata, Kazumasa Shibata, Hiroki Kasama
  • Patent number: 9958027
    Abstract: A vibration damping device in which vibration damping performance of a damper having a chamber holding a rolling member is improved. The vibration damping device is adapted to damp vibrations resulting from a pulsation of torque applied to a rotary member by an oscillating motion of a rolling member connected with the rotary member while being allowed to rotate relatively therewith. The vibration damping device is provided with a casing member enclosing the rolling member, and a sealing member that connects the casing member with the rotary member in a manner such that the rotary member is allowed to rotate relatively with the casing member, while preventing oil from entering into an inner space of the casing member where the rolling member is held to oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Sekiguchi, Hiroyuki Amano
  • Patent number: 9958028
    Abstract: A device for damping torsion oscillations comprises support rotatably movable about an axis. A pendular body comprises first and second axially spaced pendular masses movable relative to the support. The first mass disposed axially on a first side of the support and the second mass disposed axially on a second side of the support. A member connects the first and second pendular masses. Each mass includes an opening in which the connecting member is force-fitted. The openings have radially exterior and interior edges. The connecting member has radially interior and exterior edges. The radially exterior edge extends between two angular ends of the connecting member, each defined by a lug. Each mass exerts a force on each lug, and via a one nose piece projecting radially and carried by the radially interior edge of the opening or the radially interior edge of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Roel Verhoog, Franck Cailleret
  • Patent number: 9958029
    Abstract: A device for linking a conveyor belt includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate includes a highly extendable armature and the lower plate includes an inextensible or quasi inextensible armature. The two plates can be fastened onto the ends of a conveyor belt inserted between the two plates, which as such transforms this conveyor belt into an endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ASER
    Inventor: Horst Jakob
  • Patent number: 9958030
    Abstract: Chain element (2), particularly a chain pin (4) for joining at least two chain links (3), which element is formed from a base material (5) containing carbon, particularly steel, characterized in that it has a surface layer (7) containing boron and vanadium, wherein the surface layer (7) is produced by a method according to which, in a first method step, an intermediate layer (6) containing carbon and vanadium is formed by at least one measure for the diffusion of vanadium into surface regions close to the surface of the base material (5) and, in a subsequent second method step, the surface layer (7) is formed by the transformation of the intermediate layer (6) by at least one measure for the diffusion of boron into the intermediate layer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Poiret, Monir Asgarpour
  • Patent number: 9958031
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a wheel, a driving motor configured to provide the wheel with a driving force, and a clutch configured to connect transfer gears to the wheel or to cancel a connection between the transfer gears and the wheel. A body of the vacuum cleaner is able to actively travel because of the transfer gears are connected to the wheel when power is applied to the driving motor and the wheel smoothly rotates without having a detent torque of the driving motor when power is not applied to the driving motor. The wheel is provided with an internal gear, and one of the transfer gears is configured to transfer the driving force of the driving motor by making contact with the internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Uk Park, Seung Il Han, Jun Won Seo, Jea Won Lee
  • Patent number: 9958032
    Abstract: A transmission includes: a first input shaft selectively receiving power from an engine; a second input shaft continuously receiving power from the engine; a first output shaft arranged in parallel with the first input shaft and the second input shaft; a differential drawing power from the first output shaft and a second output shaft; a first shift unit providing desired gear shifts; a second shift unit to carry out duplicate gear shifts; and a one-way clutch to transmit power from the engine to the differential. In particular, the duplicate gear shifts has a gear ratio substantially identical to a gear ratio of one of the gear shifts made by the first shift unit, and the one-way clutch is arranged in a power transmission line for transmitting the power from the engine to the differential through the second shift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Hyun Chul Kim, Chon Ok Kim, Chae Hong Lim
  • Patent number: 9958033
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle provides at least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed by operating rotational elements of five planetary gear sets by controlling three clutches and three brakes. The planetary gear train further includes input and output shafts, and nine shafts. In particular, two shafts selected from the nine shafts are selectively connected to a transmission housing via the corresponding brakes, and also respectively connected to a corresponding rotation element of third and fourth planetary gear sets that is unconnected to another rotational element selected from the rotational elements of the five planetary gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Jong Soo Kim, Kyeong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 9958034
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle is provided that has at least nine forward shifting stages and one reverse shifting stage with a relatively small number of parts and a configuration such that an engine may be operated at desired operation points, thereby increasing fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and the engine may be operated more quietly, thereby improving the quietness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Seong Wook Hwang, Jae Chang Kook, Hyu Tae Shim, Seong Wook Ji, Won Min Cho, Kang Soo Seo, Myeong Hoon Noh
  • Patent number: 9958035
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, the planetary gear train may include an input shaft receiving power from an engine, an output shaft outputting shifted power of the engine, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotating elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotating elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotating elements, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotating elements, and six control elements which are disposed at positions where at least one of the rotating elements is selectively connectable with another of the rotating elements or disposed at positions where rotating elements are selectively connectable to a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seongwook Ji, Sueng Ho Lee, Jae Chang Kook, Dong Hwan Hwang, SeokJin Kim, Wonmin Cho, Hyun Sik Kwon, Jong Sool Park, Kyeong Hun Lee, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9958036
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle includes: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting the torque; a first planetary gear set including a first, a second, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventh, an eighth, and a ninth rotation element; and a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth, an eleventh, and a twelfth rotation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Sik Kwon, Seong Wook Hwang, Wonmin Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Seongwook Ji
  • Patent number: 9958037
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The planetary gear train may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; a fifth planetary gear set including thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth rotational elements. The planetary gear train improves power delivery performance and fuel economy by achieving at least ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: HUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Jong Soo Kim, Kyeong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 9958038
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission includes: an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fifth planetary gear sets each including first to third rotation elements, fourth to sixth rotation elements, seventh to ninth rotation elements; tenth to twelfth rotation elements, thirteenth to fifteenth rotation elements; a first shaft connected with the first rotation element and the input shaft; a second shaft connected with the fourteenth rotation element and the output shaft; a third shaft connected with the fifth, eleventh, and thirteenth rotation elements; a fourth shaft connected with the eighth and fifteenth rotation elements; a fifth shaft connected with the sixth and tenth rotation elements; a sixth shaft connected with the twelfth rotation element; a seventh shaft connected with the third, fourth, and seventh rotation elements; an eighth shaft connected with the second rotation element; and a ninth shaft connected with the ninth rotation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Jong Soo Kim, Kyeong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 9958039
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission includes: an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fifth planetary gear sets each including first to third rotation elements, fourth to sixth rotation elements, seventh to ninth rotation elements, tenth to twelfth rotation elements, and thirteenth to fifteenth rotational elements; a first shaft connected with the second rotation element and the input shaft; a second shaft connected with the fourteenth rotation element and the output shaft; a third shaft connected with the third and thirteenth rotation elements; a fourth shaft connected with the sixth and fifteenth rotation elements; a fifth shaft connected with the first, eighth, and twelfth rotation elements; a sixth shaft connected with the fourth and ninth rotation elements; a seventh shaft connected with the fifth and eleventh rotation elements; an eighth shaft connected with the seventh rotation element; and a ninth shaft connected with the tenth rotation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Jong Soo Kim, Kyeong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 9958040
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a tensioner and a rocking lever that have simple configurations and that enable an increase in the volume of a space provided inside a plunger, the tensioner and the rocking lever being capable of preventing a stopper pin from being damaged or falling out. A plunger pin hole 121 is formed in a plunger 120 of a tensioner 100. In a tensioner body 110, a body pin hole 113 is formed in a tip protruding portion 112 provided so as to protrude from a side of an opening of the plunger housing hole 121. One of lips 154 provided on opposite sides, in a width direction, of the pressing surface 153 of a rocking lever 150 so as to protrude from the pressing surface 153, has a thinned portion 155 thinned in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Takagi, Osamu Yoshida, Munehiro Maeda, Yuji Kurematsu
  • Patent number: 9958041
    Abstract: In some aspects, reciprocating engines can include a drive mechanism for generating a rotational motion output from reciprocating piston assembly, where the drive mechanism includes an axially translating y-axis component to reciprocate along a y-axis with the piston assembly; an x-axis component: i) configured to reciprocate substantially perpendicularly to the y-axis, ii) having an internal ring gear, and iii) having an orbital engagement component substantially concentric with the internal ring gear; an output shaft assembly having an output pinion gear engaging tangentially with the internal ring gear; and a stationary engagement component substantially concentric with the output shaft assembly, the stationary engagement component interfacing with the orbital engagement component, the interfacing between the stationary engagement component and the orbital engagement component applying a force to the x-axis component to maintain contact between the internal ring gear and the output pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Enfield Engine Company, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Ryan Thomas Kiley Sanders
  • Patent number: 9958042
    Abstract: An actuating device which comprises a housing inside of which a slidably displaceable actuating element and sensing means adapted to detect the positioning of the actuating element are provided, wherein the actuating element is coupled to at least one triggering part and the housing comprises at least one reading opening through which the positioning of the at least one triggering part at at least one sensing position can be detected; further wherein the sensing means are placed outside the housing at the reading opening and the at least one triggering part is completely housed inside the housing, the at least one reading opening being sealed with a cover made of a material adapted to allow the detection of the triggering part when placed at the at least one sensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PNEUMAX S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Bottacini
  • Patent number: 9958043
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a pulley constituting a driving-side rotor, an inner hub, a washer and a limiter which constitute a driven-side rotor, and a plate configured as a linking elastic member that connects the driving-side rotor and the driven-side rotor. A flat spring that elastically deforms in a direction along a rotation shaft is adopted as the plate. A distance in an axial direction between a pulley-side attachment portion of the plate which is attached to the pulley and a hub-side attachment portion of the plate which is attached to the inner hub is adjusted to fall within a predetermined standard range by interposing a shim as an adjustment member between the plate and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yousuke Nakamura, Manabu Saiki, Kiyomi Okuda
  • Patent number: 9958044
    Abstract: Provided are a power transmission switching mechanism allowing reduction in size and weight in a simple configuration with a minimized piece-part count, and a transmission provided therewith. The power transmission switching mechanism includes a sleeve that moves in an axial direction of a rotation shaft, a hub section provided integrally with a gear for holding a sleeve axially slidably and unrotatably, and a dog spline installed to a pulley piston fixed to the rotation shaft for meshing the sleeve. In a state in which the sleeve is held to the hub section, the rotation shaft is disengaged with the gear and a relative rotation thereof is allowed. Meanwhile, when the sleeve axially moves from the hub section, the rotation shaft engages with the gear and both thereof rotate integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Kidokoro, Shuhei Kobayashi, Satoshi Uchino
  • Patent number: 9958045
    Abstract: A drive device for four-wheel-drive motor vehicles includes a primary axle which is driven by a drive assembly via a center differential and a secondary axle which is driven via the primary axle and via a transmission. Side differentials are arranged on the output elements of the primary axle coaxially to the center differential of the primary axle. The drive elements of the side differentials have a drive connection to the output elements of the center differential, and the output elements of the side differentials have a drive connection to the driveshafts of the primary axle and to the driveshafts of the secondary axle via multiple belt drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Christian Meixner
  • Patent number: 9958046
    Abstract: A torque converter turbine core ring is provided. The turbine core ring includes a plurality of arc sections having an inner circumference and an outer circumference and a plurality of weakened sections connecting the arc sections to each other. The weakened sections each having a lesser strength than each of the arc sections. A torque converter turbine, a torque converter and a method of forming a torque converter turbine are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Scott Schrader
  • Patent number: 9958047
    Abstract: A differential includes a cross-pin assembly. The case can rotate about an output axis. First and second side gears can be rotatable about the output axis relative to the case. First, second, and third pinion gears can be meshingly engaged with the first and second side gears. The cross-pin assembly can include first, second, and third pin members, each having a cylindrical body and a finger fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the corresponding cylindrical body. The first, second, and third pinion gears can be rotatably disposed about the corresponding first, second, or third cylindrical body. The first, second, and third fingers can overlap along the output axis to non-rotatably couple the first, second, and third pin members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Balenda, II, Ryan Ettenhofer, Thomas E. Gansenhuber
  • Patent number: 9958048
    Abstract: A vehicle transfer case has a first input drive means, a first output drive means and a second output drive means. A first epicyclic gear set is provided in the transfer case. The first epicyclic gear set includes a first sun gear, a plurality of first planetary gears, a first planet carrier and a first ring gear. A first clutch means is configured to control the first epicyclic gear set. The first output drive means is drivingly coupled to the first input drive means; and the first clutch means selectively drivingly couples the second output drive means to the first input drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Russell Osborn
  • Patent number: 9958049
    Abstract: A drive module that includes a Ravigneaux gearset, a first input shaft, first through fourth gears, and a differential assembly. The Ravigneaux gearset has a carrier, a first sun gear, a second sun gear, and a plurality of first planet gears that are journally supported by the carrier and drivingly coupled to the first and second sun gears. The first input shaft is coupled to the first sun gear for rotation therewith. The first gear is coupled to the first input shaft. The second gear is meshingly engaged to the first gear. The differential assembly has a differential input and first and second differential outputs. The differential input is coupled to the second gear for rotation therewith. The third gear is coupled to the carrier for rotation therewith. The fourth gear is coupled to the first differential output for rotation therewith and is meshingly engaged to the third gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventors: Erik J. Sten, Gabriel Trönnberg
  • Patent number: 9958050
    Abstract: A belt pulley for a gear mechanism, in particular for a steering gear, having a cylindrical body having an outer surface on which a toothing made of a plastic material is provided, and a fastening flange which is provided with fastening openings, is characterized in that the toothing is configured integrally with the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Kolloch, Eduard Span, Rico Andersch, Thomas Roggow
  • Patent number: 9958051
    Abstract: A torsionally compliant sprocket system includes a first sprocket (250); a second sprocket (230) mounted in side-by-side relation to the first sprocket (250); a resilient member (270) that resiliently couples the second sprocket (230) to the first sprocket (250) to allow limited angular rotation of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250); and a locking structure (300, 600, 700) that is biased toward an engaged position in which angular motion of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250) is restrained and moves in response to rotation of the first sprocket (250) to a disengaged position in which angular motion of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250) is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Mariano Garcia, Matthew Crump
  • Patent number: 9958052
    Abstract: A system includes a gear unit, the gear unit including at least one housing cover, a sensor unit, on which sensors are provided, being provided on the housing cover, the sensors being connected at least electrically to an evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Antonius Bader
  • Patent number: 9958053
    Abstract: A reduction component is linked to the output shaft of a hydraulic motor, and reduces the rotational speed of the hydraulic motor. A housing component has a rotation-side housing that is rotated around a horizontal rotational axis by the rotation of the hydraulic motor whose speed has been reduced by the reduction component, and a stationary-side housing that rotatably supports the rotation-side housing. The housing component houses the reduction component. A sealing component is disposed inside a gap between the rotation-side housing and the stationary-side housing, and seals the gap. An oil splasher splashes up lubricating oil to provide the lubricating oil to the upper part of the sealing component. The oil splasher has a plurality of concave components formed in the portion of the rotation-side housing facing a seal disposition space in which the sealing component is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Ken Morizono
  • Patent number: 9958054
    Abstract: A transmission has a float level sensor in a fluid sump of the transmission case. A shield having a first panel and a second panel connected to and generally perpendicular with the first panel. The first panel cooperates with a first wall of the transmission case in the sump. The second panel cooperates with a second wall and a bottom wall of the transmission case in the sump. The first and second panels are adapted to cooperate with the first wall, the second wall, and the bottom wall of the transmission case to form a generally stagnant well within the fluid sump surrounding the fluid level sensor to decrease fluid motion adjacent to the sensor. The generally stagnant well and the sump are in fluid communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Craft, Michael C. Weddington
  • Patent number: 9958055
    Abstract: An automatic transmission (1) includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets (10, 20, 30) and a lubricant feed passage (L2). The first and second planetary gear sets (10, 20) form a two-stage planetary gear set (40). The third planetary gear set (30) is adjacent to the two-stage planetary gear set on one axial side of the automatic transmission. The lubricant feed passage (L2) feeds a lubricant to a bearing (25) of the second planetary gear set located on an outer periphery of the two-stage planetary gear set (40). The lubricant feed passage feeds the lubricant from a first inlet (37e) to the bearing via a first oil passage (37f) and oil passages (26a, 26b, 26c) in a pinion shaft. The first inlet (37e) is formed on a side of a carrier body (37) opposite to the two-stage planetary gear set and on an inner periphery of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Shinya Kamada
  • Patent number: 9958056
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus including a transmission, a case that accommodates the transmission, a counter drive gear to which power from the transmission is transmitted, and a counter driven gear that meshes with the counter drive gear, the power transmission apparatus including: a brake that fixes any rotational element of the transmission to the case so as not to be rotatable; and supporting member that is fixed to the case via a fastening member and that supports the counter drive gear so as to be rotatable, wherein the supporting member is integrally molded with a cylindrical drum portion that functions as a brake drum of the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Torii, Kentaro Kakuda, Kazuya Kawamura, Hiroaki Sanji, Akihito Hattori
  • Patent number: 9958057
    Abstract: An opposed-piston engine includes a backlash reducing gear with at least a first and second gear that move relative to each other because of a hydraulic pressure applied within the gear. A backlash control system that includes the backlash reducing gear can dynamically adjust backlash between at least two gears in the gear train of the engine during operation of the engine instead of setting backlash prior to operation of the engine. A method for adjusting backlash in a two-stroke-cycle, opposed-piston engine with a backlash reducing gear includes providing hydraulic fluid, such as oil, to the gear, and allowing the backlash reducing gear to adapt to changes in the engine that include temperature changes, torque reversals, changes in load and the like. The backlash reducing gear adapts to changes in the engine by controlled leaking and intake of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ACHATES POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Abhishek B. Sahasrabudhe, Sumanth Kashyap, John J. Koszewnik
  • Patent number: 9958058
    Abstract: The bar-end electric actuation device of a bicycle gearshift, comprising a body suitable for being mounted at an end of handlebars facing forwards in the direction of travel (X) of the bicycle and a first and a second electric actuation member acting on respective electrical contacts which are mounted in the body and are suitable for controlling gearshifting, upwards and downwards respectively. The first and the second electric actuation member are faced by said body according to a respective facing direction, angularly spaced apart by an angle (?) that is between 60° and 130°. Moreover, the body is suitable for being positioned externally around the end of the handlebars, leaving free access to the inside of the end itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luca Burato, Maurizio Valle
  • Patent number: 9958059
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and driven wheels each having an associated friction brake. A brake pedal is operable to engage the friction brakes. The vehicle includes a transmission having an input shaft driveably connected to the engine, an output element driveably connected to the driven wheels, and a gear mechanism adapted to establish at least one torque flow path between the input shaft and the output element. The transmission further includes a shift element that interrupts the torque flow path when disengaged. A gear selector is disposed in the passenger cabin and includes at least one forward-drive position, a reverse position, and a neutral position. At least one vehicle controller is configured to, in response to the gear selector being in the forward-drive position, a speed of the vehicle being zero, the vehicle being within a first predefined distance of a stoplight, and the brake pedal being depressed, disengage the shift element to put the transmission in neutral idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Guopeng Hu, Zhengyu Dai, Yang Xu, Weitian Chen, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9958060
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from a torque converter that is operatively associated with a lockup clutch. The torque converter is disposed upstream of an outlet regulator that maintains a predetermined pressure in the torque converter. Power transmission in a powertrain can be directed through the torque converter during a hydrodynamic mode and can be directed through the lockup clutch during lockup mode. To switch between the hydrodynamic mode and the lockup mode, the hydraulic circuit includes a diverter valve to selectively direct pressurized hydraulic fluid between the torque converter and the lockup clutch. When operating in the lockup mode, the diverter valve further diverts hydraulic fluid discharged for the torque converter to bypass the outlet regulator disposed downstream of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Boston, Eric J. Manning, Benjamin D. Nauman
  • Patent number: 9958061
    Abstract: A method for controlling a variator system of a machine is disclosed. The method includes storing a plurality of work cycle patterns associated with an operation of the machine in a memory module of a control system, and determining operating parameters of the machine based on inputs from a plurality of machine sensors. The method further includes classifying the current work segment as one of the plurality of predetermined work segments and determining an error value based on an actual output speed and a desired output speed of the variator. The method further includes determining a closed-loop gain value corresponding to the current work segment and the error value. The method further includes implementing the determined closed-loop gain and the determined current range to the actuator to adjust position of a swash plate of the variator, to control an output speed of the variator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xinyu Ge, Hua Gu
  • Patent number: 9958062
    Abstract: A CVTECU includes a secondary-pressure control section and a line-pressure control section that performs a same-pressure control to equalize a line pressure and a secondary pressure with each other if a predetermined start condition is satisfied. The line-pressure control section realizes a same-pressure state between the line pressure and the secondary pressure by lowering the line pressure below a target secondary pressure, and then controls the line pressure such that an actual secondary pressure is brought to the target secondary pressure by hydraulic feedback control while maintaining the same-pressure state. The secondary-pressure control section includes a restriction section that restricts an accumulation of integral term of an integral action for a duration between a time point at which the actual secondary pressure starts to be pushed down and a time point at which the same-pressure state between the line pressure and the secondary pressure is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoaki Honma, Seiichiro Takahashi, Takahiro Kobayashi, Takashi Eguchi, Hisao Nobu, Kenji Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 9958063
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a continuously variable transmission. The hydraulic control device includes a pressure regulating valve, a solenoid valve configured to control the pilot pressure, line pressure control means, and hydraulic control means. The pressure regulating valve includes an input port to which line pressure is input, an output port configured to supply an oil chamber of a second pulley with a second pulley pressure, a drain port configured to discharge the second pulley pressure from the oil chamber, and a spool moving according to pilot pressure to regulate the second pulley pressure. The line pressure control means is configured to control the line pressure on the basis of the second pulley pressure and first pulley pressure of first pulley. The hydraulic control means is configured to temporarily change the pilot pressure from set pressure to configure the line pressure identical to the second pulley pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Hashimoto, Seiichiro Takahashi, Tomoaki Honma, Tomoaki Kabe, Nobuhiko Morifuji, Nobuhide Kato, Hitoshi Goka, Koichi Sugita
  • Patent number: 9958064
    Abstract: A fast indexing mechanism that can be used to quickly and accurately change the axial position of a cone of a CVT. Said indexing mechanism comprises of a Rotation Providing Mechanism that is powered by springs that are tensioned by a pneumatic/hydraulic actuator (see FIGS. 41 and 42), a Rotation to Linear Converting Mover Mechanism (see FIG. 44), and an Indexing and Clutching Mechanism (see FIG. 43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Armin Sebastian Tay
  • Patent number: 9958065
    Abstract: A brake device of a transmission is provided. The brake device includes a friction plate set including fixed friction plates and rotatable friction plates alternately disposed with each other, an engaging piston, and a clearance adjusting piston. A clearance adjusting hydraulic chamber is formed on a side of the clearance adjusting piston opposite to the friction plate set, and a concave portion is formed in a surface of the clearance adjusting piston on a friction plate set side. A base part of the engaging piston on a side opposite to the friction plate set is slidably fitted into the concave portion of the clearance adjusting piston and an engaging hydraulic chamber is formed by the base part and the concave part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Shinya Kamada, Yasuhiro Ogauchi
  • Patent number: 9958066
    Abstract: A range switching device for switching supply and non-supply of a source pressure based on a hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure generating source to a parking device, the parking device being switched into a parking release state while the source pressure is supplied thereto and being switched into a parking state while the source pressure is not supplied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Ichikawa, Kazuki Kojima, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Koji Makino, Kenichi Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 9958067
    Abstract: A syringe for dispensing liquid materials to a substrate. In one embodiment, the syringe includes a barrel having a first end, a second end, and an interior reservoir. A piston is slidably disposed within the reservoir and is movable to increase or decrease a volume of the interior reservoir near the first end of the barrel. A first end of the piston has a hemispherically-shaped surface profile, with an elongated apex extending therefrom, to dispense liquid from the first end of the barrel when the piston is moved in a direction toward the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Warren N. Strong, Michael A. Vidal, Terrence Woldorf
  • Patent number: 9958068
    Abstract: A piston housing manufactured by an additive manufacturing process is provided. The piston housing may comprise a plurality of chambers. The chambers may be in fluid communication with one another via non-linear fluid passageways. The non-linear fluid passageways may be defined in structural members configured to stiffen the piston housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Jantzen Hinton, Nathaniel J. Herrmann, Scott Whittle