Including Traction Motor Of Kind Driven By Noncompressible Fluid Received Under Pressure From A Pump Patents (Class 180/305)
  • Patent number: 7537075
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an integrated drive module coupled to an axle thereof. The module includes a hydraulic motor configured to provide motive power at an output shaft, and a differential for distributing the motive power to right and left portions of the axle. The hydraulic motor and the differential are encased within a common housing. The vehicle may include a second integrated drive module having, within a housing, a second hydraulic motor (or multiple hydraulic motors), and a second differential coupled thereto and configured to distribute motive power to right and left portions of a second axle. The second module may also include a transmission within the same housing. The transmission may be a two speed or other multi-speed transmission. The second module is configured to operate in neutral while power demand is below a threshold, and to engage while the power demand exceeds the threshold. The second module may be configured to remain engaged for full-time four-wheel-drive operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Daniel W. Barba
  • Patent number: 7537078
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus which has a housing and a hydrostatic transmission therein separate from the housing with fluid conduits in a center section connected to hydrostatic rotatable cylinder blocks operatively connected to axle shafts, the improvement involving check valves associated with the fluid conducting conduits and including check valve balls to affect fluid flow through the conduits and being positioned to move in a vertical path in a direction at right angles to the axes of the axle shafts, and a movable bypass arm mounted in the housing and movable to open or close the fluid conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan W. Johnwon
  • Patent number: 7520346
    Abstract: A compact dual hydraulic pump unit having a low profile configuration. The inlet and outlet ports of the pumps may be located on opposite transverse sides of the unit for easy connection to adjacent motors coupled to the drive wheels of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignees: Parker-Hannifin Corporation, The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jeremy John Tate, Xingen Dong, Steven Clark Finker
  • Patent number: 7516807
    Abstract: The dual-pump fluid distribution system of the present invention preferably includes a sump having hydraulic fluid disposed therein. A first pump driven by an electric motor and a second pump driven by an engine are disposed in fluid communication with the sump. A plurality of vehicle systems are disposed in fluid communication with the first and second pumps. The first pump is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to the vehicle systems when the engine is off. The first and second pumps are both configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to the vehicle systems when the engine speed is at or below a predetermined value. The second pump is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to the vehicle systems when the engine speed exceeds the predetermined value. Accordingly, the hydraulic pressure needs of the vehicle systems are met for any given engine speed. A corresponding method in accordance with the present invention is similarly provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20090078488
    Abstract: A vehicle having an auxiliary power system for supplying power to an implement is disclosed. The power system includes a power enablement device having an enablement component that allows or prevents supplying power to the implement, and an auxiliary actuator operably coupled to the power enablement device. The auxiliary actuator can be manipulated between a first, de-actuated position and a second, actuated position. An operator actuable continuous actuation device is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, providing an actuation signal indicative of its position. A continuous enablement actuator is capable of engaging the enablement component when the enablement component is in the actuated position to discourage the enablement component from moving to the de-actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Timothy John Bock, Troy David Kraft
  • Patent number: 7506717
    Abstract: The present invention includes a hydraulic pump (11), a variable displacement hydraulic motor (5) for traveling driven by pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11), a motor displacement control means (17, 18) for adjusting a displacement of the hydraulic motor (5) in correspondence to a drive pressure at the hydraulic motor (5), an operating member (22) through which a forward travel command and a backward travel command for the vehicle are issued, a control means (12) to be driven in response to an operation of the operating member (22), for controlling a flow of pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11) to the hydraulic motor (5), a reverse operation detection means (41A, 41B) for detecting a reverse operation of the operating member (22) performed to a reverse side opposite from a direction along which the vehicle is advancing, and a cavitation preventing means (25A,25B) engaged in operation so as to prevent occurrence of cavitation at the hydraulic motor (5) when the reverse operation at the operating mem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tatsuno, Kazuhiro Ichimura, Hidetoshi Satake
  • Patent number: 7503418
    Abstract: A power system for a vehicle drivetrain including a cylinder, first and second pistons, and a pressure source. The cylinder defines a central bore, a first inlet adjacent a first end, and a second inlet adjacent a second end. The pistons are coaxially disposed within the central bore, and each includes a leading end, a trailing end, and a piston body. The leading end is movably sealed within the central bore. The trailing end extends from the cylinder for coupling to the drivetrain. The piston body defines an outer diameter that is at least 75% of a diameter of the central bore. The pressure source is in fluid communication with the inlets. Forced flow of working fluid into the first inlet and release of working fluid from the second inlet effectuates movement of the pistons, and vice-versa. Reciprocating movement of the pistons provides power to the drivetrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Randall C. Mann
  • Publication number: 20080314664
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy recovery drive. Said drive comprises a first driving shaft (3) and a second driving shaft (4). The second driving shaft (4) is connected to a hydrostatic piston engine (5). Said hydrostatic piston engine (5) is connected to a first accumulator (11) and a second accumulator (12) for accumulating pressure energy. The first drive shaft (3) and the second drive shaft (4) can be connected to each other via a gear train (6), said gear train (6) comprising at least one first gearwheel (7) and a second gearwheel (8) which is configured as a sliding gearwheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BOSCH REXROTH AG
    Inventors: Matthias Mueller, Steffen Mutschler
  • Publication number: 20080314675
    Abstract: A hydraulic wheel-drive working vehicle according to the present invention makes it possible to change a driving state by a driving-mode switching valve between a right-left differential-lock driving state in which a pair of driving wheels are driven in an independent manner to each other with hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump and having respective amounts defined by a flow dividing/combining mechanism and a right-left differential driving state in which the pair of left and right driving wheels are driven in a hydraulically differential manner to each other, and also to supply the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the pair of hydraulic motors without being subjected to fluid load of the flow dividing/combining mechanism at the right-left differential driving state, thereby enhancing transmission efficiency at the right-left differential driving state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Takeaki NOZAKI, Toshifumi Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20080307784
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic transmission assembly for a ground vehicle comprises a pump unit and a hydraulic motor assembly connected to the pump unit. The pump unit includes a driven shaft configured to operably connect to a motor of the ground vehicle. The hydraulic motor assembly includes a motor housing configured to rotatably mount to a wheel assembly of the ground vehicle. The housing has a central opening. A stationary output shaft has a first end section received in the central opening and a second end section configured to rigidly attach to a frame of the ground vehicle. The output shaft includes at least one internal fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one fluid passage of the pump unit. Pressurization of the hydraulic motor assembly via the pump unit rotates the motor housing relative to the stationary output shaft which, in turn, rotates the wheel assembly in one of a first direction and second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: WHITE DRIVE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Hollis N. White, JR.
  • Patent number: 7464778
    Abstract: Provided are an engine 111, a generator-motor 113, a clutch 112 connecting/disconnecting power therebetween, a battery 115, and a loading pump 117 for driving a fork 118. The generator-motor 113 is set either in a generator mode or in a motor mode. When a cargo handling load (detected by a loading lever position sensor 145 and the like) is smaller than a predetermined value, the clutch 112 is set to a disconnection state, the engine 111 is stopped or idled, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the generator-motor 113 in the motor mode. When the load is increased to the predetermined value or more during cargo handling work in a state where the clutch 112 is released, an increase of the number of revolution of the engine is started while an output of the generator-motor 113 is being increased. When the number of revolution of the engine 111 is made equal to the number of revolution of the generator-motor 113, the clutch 112 is set to a connected state, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the engine 111.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Norihiko Kato, Masaru Sugai
  • Patent number: 7458431
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a steering operation device, a pair of running-driving wheels, which differentially drive when the steering operation device is manipulated, a pair of steerable running wheels interlocking with the steering operation device, and a steering mechanism interposed between the steering operation device and the pair of running-driving wheels. The steering mechanism includes a pair of drive gears interlocking with the steering operation device and a pair of follower gears interlocking with the respective steerable running wheels. The drive gears mesh with the respective follower gears so as to control lateral turning of the respective steerable running wheels. A gear radius of the drive gear may be greater than that of the follower gear meshing with it. A gear ratio between the mutually meshing drive and follower gears may be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Irikura
  • Patent number: 7458438
    Abstract: A working vehicle with a speed maintaining apparatus having a plurality of wheels including at least one driven wheel; a vehicle body supported by the plurality of wheels; an engine supported by the vehicle body; a stepless transmission driven by the engine and capable of changing speed of power to the driven wheel; a neutral return device for biasing the stepless transmission toward a neutral position; a change speed pedal operatively connected to the stepless transmission; a speed maintaining device for maintaining the stepless transmission in a desired speed position; a speed setting lever movable to a retreat position and to positions in a forward speed range for setting the stepless transmission to the desired speed position in which the stepless transmission is maintained by the speed maintaining device; a relay rocking element connected to the stepless transmission through an auxiliary rocking element pivotable relative to the relay rocking element; and a control member provided in the speed maintainin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akifumi Nishino, Yutaka Inubushi
  • Patent number: 7455145
    Abstract: A steering transaxle comprises: left and right drive shafts drivingly connected to respective steerable wheels; a differential gear unit differentially connecting the drive shafts to each other; a transaxle casing having an opening, the transaxle casing incorporating the differential gear unit and the drive shafts; a cover for covering the opening of the transaxle casing; a variable hydraulic motor having a movable swash plate, the hydraulic motor being provided on the inside of the cover; a motor control mechanism for controlling the movable swash plate, the motor control mechanism being provided on the outside of the cover; and a hydraulic oil port for oil supply and delivery to and from the hydraulic motor, the hydraulic oil port being provided on the outside of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Irikura, Norihiro Ishii, Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Patent number: 7455143
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit, for quickly recovering a grip even if a wheel slips, in which in a slip state or at a time when the slip state is going to be generated, by pulsating a torque applied to the wheel, an angular velocity W of the wheel is changed so as to change the slip ratio S close to a slip ratio at which a friction coefficient becomes maximum, and thus, an average of a friction coefficient ? is enlarged and an average of a vehicle driving force F generated by a wheel is enlarged. Since the vehicle driving force is enlarged, the vehicle is accelerated and is easily gripped. Further, in a grip state or at a time of traveling at a high velocity, a vibration and an undesired sound are suppressed by doing away with the torque pulsation or making the fluctuation band of the torque pulsation small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Takehiko Kowatari, Tatsuyuki Yamamoto, Masaru Ito
  • Patent number: 7455144
    Abstract: A transaxle apparatus comprises: a housing; a hydrostatic transmission disposed in the housing, the hydrostatic transmission including a hydraulic pump receiving power from a prime mover, a first hydraulic motor driven in response to fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump, and a center section including an inner fluid passage for fluidly connecting the first hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump; a first axle disposed in the housing and driven by the first hydraulic motor; a hydraulic actuator disposed outside the housing so as to drive a second axle disposed outside the housing; a port opened outside the housing so as to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator; and a block interposed between the center section and the port in the housing, wherein a fluid passage is disposed in the block so as to connect the port to the inner fluid passage in the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hideaki Okada, Shinichi Hirose, Hironori Sumomozawa
  • Patent number: 7445080
    Abstract: A variable steering rack system in one embodiment includes a pair of stop rings and a stopper moveable between the rings. The stopper may be rotatable in one embodiment during translational movement between the rings by a motor. Preferably, the stopper may stop due to a frictional engagement between the stopper and the stop rings. Noise may be reduced, and because the motor may rotate at a high speed, motor performance may not be degraded under low temperature circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Woock Ryu
  • Patent number: 7445077
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for a vehicle includes an axle, a vertical pump shaft, a hydraulic pump having a movable swash plate, a pair of trunnion shafts provided coaxially at respective opposite sides of the movable swash plate, a hydraulic motor having a motor shaft drivingly connected to the axle, and a housing containing the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic motor, and the axle. The housing includes a first housing member and a second housing member separably jointed along a vertical plane perpendicular to a rotary axis of the axle. A rotary axis of the hydraulic pump is substantially parallel to the vertical plane. The hydraulic pump is entirely disposed in the first housing member. A rotary axis of the trunnion shafts is substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7434651
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus includes a housing for supporting an axle, a hydrostatic transmission including a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, and a center section. The center section has a pump mounting surface and a motor mounting surface substantially perpendicular to each other. A rotational axis of a motor shaft is disposed lower than a plane located at the pump mounting surface. The center section includes a narrow portion and a wide portion. The narrow portion is defined between a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a direction along the rotational axis of the motor shaft. The wide portion is formed adjacent to the narrow portion. A first extension of the wide portion is defined by a width that extends from the first side in the direction along the rotational axis of the motor shaft and a length that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the motor shaft. A second extension of the wide portion is generally defined by the pump mounting surface formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7431122
    Abstract: A transaxle (1), having a hydraulic drive unit (20) and a pair of left and right wheel support units (2L and 2R), is suspended from a vehicle frame so as to be turnable around a turning-center axis oriented in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle. The hydraulic drive unit (20) comprises: a pair of left and right hydraulic motors (23L and 23R) having respective left and right horizontal motor shafts (23b); a center section (22) formed therein with an oil passage for hydraulically connecting at least one of the hydraulic motors to a hydraulic pump, the center section having motor attachment surfaces onto which the hydraulic motors are attached; and a pair of left and right axle casings (2L and 2R) containing the respective hydraulic motors and supporting the respective motor shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Iwaki, Norihiro Ishii, Shigenori Sakikawa, Katsumoto Mizukawa, Manabu Kawakami, Kentaro Nagata
  • Patent number: 7431124
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic transmission assembly for a ground vehicle comprises a pump unit and a hydraulic motor assembly connected to the pump unit. The pump unit includes a driven shaft configured to operably connect to a motor of the ground vehicle. The hydraulic motor assembly includes a motor housing configured to rotatably mount to a wheel assembly of the ground vehicle. The housing has a central opening. A stationary output shaft has a first end section received in the central opening and a second end section configured to rigidly attach to a frame of the ground vehicle. The output shaft includes at least one internal fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one fluid passage of the pump unit. Pressurization of the hydraulic motor assembly via the pump unit rotates the motor housing relative to the stationary output shaft which, in turn, rotates the wheel assembly in one of a first direction and second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: White Drive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hollis N. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7416045
    Abstract: The modular transmission uses only a pair of small and light hydraulic machines of remarkably improved volumetric efficiency with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. The two hydraulic machines operate in a closed loop, one being used as a pump driven by the vehicle's engine, and the other used as a motor. Each machine has a fully articulatable swash plate. By computer control, the angles of the swash plates of the two machines are infinitely varied to provide an appropriate optimum ratio of engine/wheel speed for all conditions from start-up, city driving, hill climbing varied according to load and steepness, and over-drive for highway. This complete vehicle operation is attained while the vehicle's engine continues to operate at relatively constant speeds and relatively low RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Torvec, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
  • Patent number: 7407030
    Abstract: A pump system includes a housing, an input shaft, a pump shaft; a hydraulic pump body, a PTO shaft, a power transmission gear train, and a PTO clutch mechanism. The housing has a narrow gear accommodating space surrounding a region including a mesh point between the first and second transmission gears of the power transmission gear train, a PTO clutch accommodating space which surrounds the PTO clutch mechanism and which is fluidly communicated with the gear accommodating space, and a pair of first and second suction/discharge ports which communicate the internal space of the housing with an outside of the housing. The first suction/discharge port is arranged within the gear accommodating space so as to be positioned in an opposite side to the PTO clutch accommodating space with the mesh point between the first and second transmission gears interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Yasuda, Shigenori Sakikawa, Hiroshi Kitagawara
  • Patent number: 7377354
    Abstract: A hydrostatic propulsion system includes a hydrostatic circuit fluidly connecting left front and right front motors in parallel with an outlet of a pump, left rear and right rear motors in parallel with an inlet of the pump, left front motor and right rear motor in series, and the right front motor and left rear motor in series. A valve system has a first relief valve line providing flow from a right rear motor inlet side to a left rear motor inlet side, and a second relief valve line providing flow from a left rear motor inlet side to a right rear motor inlet side. A first check valve line provides flow from a right rear motor outlet side to the right rear motor inlet side, and a second check valve line provides flow from a left rear motor outlet side to the left rear motor inlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan D. Smalley
  • Patent number: 7377353
    Abstract: A hydrostatic propulsion system includes a hydrostatic circuit fluidly connecting left front and right front motors in parallel with an outlet of a pump, left rear and right rear motors in parallel with an inlet of the pump, left front motor and right rear motor in series, and the right front motor and left rear motor in series. A valve system has a first relief valve line providing flow from a right rear motor inlet side to a left rear motor inlet side, and a second relief valve line providing flow from a left rear motor inlet side to a right rear motor inlet side. A first check valve line provides flow from a right rear motor outlet side to the right rear motor inlet side, and a second check valve line provides flow from a left rear motor outlet side to the left rear motor inlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan D. Smalley
  • Patent number: 7370714
    Abstract: A power-dividing device for a working vehicle includes a case member, an input shaft supported by the case member so that a first end portion of the input shaft can be operatively connected to a driving source, a PTO unit having a PTO shaft supported by the case member so as to be offset with respect to the input shaft, a power transmission mechanism accommodated in the case member to transmit power from the input shaft to the PTO shaft, and a first pump unit having a first pump shaft operatively connected to the input shaft and being fluid-connected to an actuator disposed outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventors: Toshifumi Yasuda, Shigenori Sakikawa, Hiroshi Kitagawara
  • Patent number: 7363759
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a flexible port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected via piping to a directionally adjustable connection portion of the flexible port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 7357213
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle, which has both the function of supplying hydraulic oil to a transmission when the idle operation of an engine is stopped, and the function of providing start force when the engine is cold started, thus reducing space occupied by components, and enhancing assembling productivity due to modularized components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang-Woo Ji
  • Patent number: 7344000
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a base; a carriage assembly movable relative to the base; at least one cylinder coupled to the base to effect movement of the carriage assembly relative to the base; and a hydraulic system to supply a pressurized fluid to the cylinder. The hydraulic system includes an electronically controlled valve coupled to the cylinder. The vehicle further comprises control structure to control the operation of the valve such that the valve is closed in the event of an unintended descent of a carriage assembly in excess of a commanded speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, William C. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7337869
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an integrated drive module coupled to an axle thereof. The module includes a hydraulic motor configured to provide motive power at an output shaft, and a differential for distributing the motive power to right and left portions of the axle. The hydraulic motor and the differential are encased within a common housing. The vehicle may include a second integrated drive module having, within a housing, a second hydraulic motor (or multiple hydraulic motors), and a second differential coupled thereto and configured to distribute motive power to right and left portions of a second axle. The second module may also include a transmission within the same housing. The transmission may be a two speed or other multi-speed transmission. The second module is configured to operate in neutral while power demand is below a threshold, and to engage while the power demand exceeds the threshold. The second module may be configured to remain engaged for full-time four-wheel-drive operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Daniel W. Barba
  • Patent number: 7331416
    Abstract: This invention provides an oil-hydraulic vehicle whose driving force can be adjusted finely and which can be run smoothly and comfortably. The oil-hydraulic vehicle comprises a wheel-driving means 40 for driving a wheel 31, which includes an oil-hydraulic motor 45 to drive the wheel 31 and a means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45. The oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes an output shaft 45s on which the wheel 31 is mounted and a plurality of oil chambers 45a-45e. Each oil chamber contains (i) a driving cogwheel 46 which is mounted on, and drives, the output shaft 45s and (ii) a driven cogwheel 47 which engages with the driving cogwheel 46. The means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes a housing 42 with a circular rotor chamber 42h in it and a rotor 43 fitted in the circular rotor chamber 42h for free rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Corporation
    Inventor: Shigetomi Kumon
  • Patent number: 7325638
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a primary internal combustion engine is equipped with a secondary engine and an electric motor to supplement the power produced by the primary engine. The primary engine provides power for acceleration and hill climbing. When in a cruising mode of travel, the primary engine is deactivated, and the secondary engine, which is smaller and more fuel-efficient than the primary engine, provides the driving power. The electric motor adjustably augments the power provided by the secondary engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gregorio M. Belloso
  • Patent number: 7316283
    Abstract: An automatic transmission controller for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention is used for the hybrid vehicle being a four-wheel drive vehicle and including an engine and a generator motor on a front wheel side of the hybrid vehicle and a traction motor on a rear wheel side of the hybrid vehicle. The automatic transmission controller for a hybrid vehicle includes: an automatic transmission for transmitting a driving force from the engine to an output shaft of the hybrid vehicle; and an oil pump for supplying a speed-shifting clutch of the automatic transmission with pre-pressure to eliminate play of the speed-shifting clutch, when the hybrid vehicle is driven by a driving force from the traction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7316287
    Abstract: There is provided a working vehicle having first and second hydraulic pump units operatively driven by a driving source and arranged away to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. In the working vehicle, each of the first and second hydraulic pump units includes a pump body; a port block formed with an oil passage for supplying/discharging an operating fluid to/from said pump body; a pump case connected to the port block so as to define a pump body accommodating space for surrounding the pump body; and a pump shaft for rotatably driving the pump body, the pump shaft having an input end operatively connected to said driving source. A drain port for opening the pump body accommodating space outward and a charge suction port for drawing in an oil from an oil tank in order to supply a charge oil to a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting with the corresponding hydraulic motor unit are provided respectively in first and second assemblies formed by the corresponding pump case and port block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Manabu Kawakami, Shigenori Sakikawa, Takeaki Nozaki
  • Publication number: 20070284165
    Abstract: A regenerative system for a recharging vehicle batteries utilizing a hydraulic circuit having a hydraulic pump linked to a non-drive axle powering the pump, the pump providing power to at least one hydraulic generator so that the generator operates continuously within optimum operating parameters once the vehicle travels at or above a predetermined speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Rickie W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20070284176
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method, an article, and a control system for controlling a powertrain having a main and an auxiliary hydraulic pump, with each pump operative to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit of the transmission. It includes determining a main pressure and a desired main pressure, and controlling the auxiliary hydraulic pump. Determining a main pressure in the hydraulic circuit comprises estimating hydraulic pressure. The auxiliary pump is controlled to an operating speed. Control of flow from the auxiliary and main pumps can comprise an exclusive ‘either-or’ flow, or a blended flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Bryan R. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7287620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein an operator traverses the work machine within an operator selected speed range. The operator positions a speed-range control device to select the operator selected speed range, thus, sending a speed-range signal from the speed-range control device to an electronic control module indicative of the position of the speed-range control device. The speed-range signal is converted to a scaling factor to re-calibrate at least one drive map indicative of the scaling factor. The operator then may position a control device to traverse the work machine within the operator selected speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Dante T. Thomas, Mark A. Sporer, Michael S. Freberg, Paul A. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20070246278
    Abstract: A vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, is disclosed with a vehicle chassis, which is formed at least partly from two laterally spaced side members (1, 2) with C-shaped profile, comprising a vertical bar (1a, 2a) and two horizontal flanges (1b, 2b) and containing hydraulic lines in the space between the flanges, and with a radiator sub-assembly (5), fitted to the vehicle chassis, which consists of a carrier plate (6) fitted to the side members and several oil coolers (8, 9) supported by the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: AGCO GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Honzek, Gerhard Mariner, Guido Nagele, Georg Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7284627
    Abstract: An industrial truck, such as a fork-lift truck, has an electrical drive system and an energy supply based on gaseous media. At least one pressure vessel for the storage of at least one gaseous medium is installed in a mounting device which can be easily replaced together with the pressure vessel in the lower portion of the industrial truck (5) between the axles (7). Devices necessary for the generation of electrical energy from the gaseous medium can be advantageously installed in the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: STILL GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Leifert
  • Patent number: 7281601
    Abstract: A fluid driven differential, having a fluid filled housing, an input shaft, and a pair of output shafts. The input shaft is attached to an automobile driveshaft outside of the housing and to a propeller inside the housing. The output shafts are each attached to an axle and wheel outside the housing and to a turbine inside the housing. When the driveshaft rotates the input shaft, the propeller generates a fluid current that turns the turbines and thereby turns the output shafts, the axles, and the wheels. A pair of return conduits direct fluid from the vicinity of the turbines to the vicinity of the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Salvatore Palazzola
  • Patent number: 7278508
    Abstract: A control system of an industrial truck includes a first switch, a second switch and a hydraulic circuit. The first switch detects whether an operator sits on a seat, and carries out a first operation based on the result. The second switch detects whether a device for operating an actuator is operated, and carries out a second operation based on the result. The hydraulic circuit is used for operating the actuator. It a control valve, a first circulating line, a hydraulic line and a drive lock valve. The control valve includes a spool whose position is changed by the device. The first circulating line includes the control valve, through which the hydraulic fluid circulates. The hydraulic line connects the spool with the actuator. The drive lock valve is provided for the hydraulic line and blocks the hydraulic line, based on the first operation and/or the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Nakada, Katsumi Ueda, Toru Saito
  • Publication number: 20070227801
    Abstract: A power transfer system for a vehicle that comprises a an internal combustion engine, one or more drive wheels, and power transfer apparatus transfers power from the prime mover to the wheels for propelling the vehicle. The system further comprises an auxiliary hydraulic pump that has a drive shaft that coupled to a power take-off unit driven by engine, and to an auxiliary hydraulic motor powered by hydraulic fluid supplied from a hydraulic energy storage device such as an accumulator. As a result, the auxiliary hydraulic pump can be powered by hydraulic fluid from the accumulator when the prime mover is not operating, or by the prime mover when operating. A tandem arrangement of one way clutches can be employed to avoid the need to disconnect the auxiliary hydraulic pump from the prime mover during operation of the auxiliary hydraulic motor, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: John M. Loeffler
  • Publication number: 20070227803
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Jacob A. Hamburger
  • Patent number: 7273124
    Abstract: A prime mover control device of a construction machine according to the present invention includes a hydraulic pump (11) driven by a prime mover (40), a hydraulic traveling motor (5) driven with pressure oil output from the hydraulic pump (11), and a control valve (12) that controls a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11) to the hydraulic motor (5) in response to an operation of an operating member (22a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tatsuno, Hidetoshi Satake, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 7273122
    Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic drive system for a vehicle comprises a prime mover, a transmission connecting the prime mover to drive wheels, a fluid energy storage accumulator, and a reversible hydraulic machine in fluid communication with the energy storage accumulator and drivingly coupled to the prime mover upstream of the transmission. The hybrid hydraulic drive system is arranged such that in a retarding mode the reversible hydraulic machine retards the drive wheels of the vehicle by pumping fluid into the accumulator. In a driving mode the reversible hydraulic machine supplies a supplementary power to the drive wheels of the vehicle using the pressurized fluid from the accumulator to assist propulsion of the vehicle. In a neutral mode the reversible hydraulic machine is disconnected from the prime mover to render the reversible hydraulic machine substantially inoperative to exert any significant driving or retarding influence on the drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth Corporation
    Inventor: Kenric B. Rose
  • Patent number: 7273125
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a control system for a power machine that provides selected resolution of the adjusted speed control and other controls, such as attachment controls, to provide more options to the operator for fine positioning. The present disclosure includes a control system for a power machine. The power machine has a full speed. The control system has an adjustable propulsion controller that an operator can position along a range of movement. Examples of the adjustable propulsion controller include a joystick or an accelerator. The position of the propulsion controller along the range of movement selects the speed of the power machine between a first speed and a second speed, where the first speed is greater than the second speed. The first speed is selectable from a plurality of percentages of the full speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Scott N. Schuh
  • Publication number: 20070209856
    Abstract: This invention relates to an assistant propulsion mechanism for vehicle wherein grooves are made at side edge of tire, wheel and silicon plate of stator are tightened, silicon plate of stator is equipped with copper wires and magnets; axis is fixed at wheel, rotor turntable is covered onto axis, besides, rotor turntable is installed with magnets which are assembled in opposite to same pole of magnet of silicon plate of stator; mini gear wheel is installed on axis of gear wheel to mesh with gear wheel of rotor turntable, meanwhile, gear turntable is also equipped with eccentric shaft eccentrically; in addition, silicon plate of stator has cylinder of air compressor, and spring, piston and air push sheet are installed inside said cylinder, silent board is also installed in cylinder, air push sheet is pivoted with eccentric shaft; return wheel bar passes through axis to be fixed at center of rotor turntable; two push bars are installed oppositely and pivoted with two ends of return wheel bar respectively; copper
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Yong Bin WEI
  • Patent number: 7261170
    Abstract: A mobile machine, such as an industrial truck, includes at least two electrical drive systems (4, 5), at least one electrical control system (14) and at least one electrical power source (1). Excess electrical energy generated during deceleration of at least one of the electrical drive systems (4) is fed to at least one other electrical drive system (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: STILLGmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Leifert
  • Patent number: 7255192
    Abstract: A self-actuating robot or vehicle tether capable of moving itself, remaining free while traversing around obstacles, and free itself is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a valve is mounted to the tether or robot. An inflow conduit attached to or in the tether is connected to the valve. A fluid flows through the tether and the valve is opened and closed to create a waterhammer effect in the inflow conduit. The forces created on the tether from the waterhammer effect result in motion of the tether and in freeing of the tether from obstructions. Closing and opening the valve further creates pressure changes in the tether, thereby causing momentary dimensional changes in the tether. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of valves are placed along the tether. Pulsing of the plurality of valves while a fluid flows through the tether results in the tether effectively moving itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Douglas P. Perrin, Robert D Howe
  • Patent number: 7255193
    Abstract: An HST propel system includes first and second pumps having displacements variable in response to movement of first (31) and second (33) control shafts, respectively; and a linkage arrangement for moving the control shafts in unison in response to movement of an operator input (37). The linkage arrangement comprises a crank arm (35) rotatable about its axis in response to movement of the input device, first (41) and second (51) input arms fixed relative to the crank arm, and first (45) and second (55) elongated control rods pivotally connected to the input arms. The system includes a swivel connector (43) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.1), fixed relative to the axis of the crank arm, and a swivel connector (53) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.2), moveable relative to the axis of the crank arm for straight tracking adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russell G. Miller, James M. Casey