Transmission Mechanism Patents (Class 180/337)
  • 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: 7273126
    Abstract: A traveling vehicle, wherein a power transmission system for traveling straight forward, a power transmission system for turning, a power transmission system for PTO, and a power transmission system for driving a pump are disposed in a transmission part integrally with each other and a transmission device for traveling straight forward and a continuously variable transmission device for turning are interlockingly installed in the transmission part continuously with each other in a parallel state, whereby the transmission systems can be compactly disposed in the transmission part, and all of the power transmission system for traveling straight forward, the power transmission system for turning, the power transmission system for PTO, and the power transmission system for driving the pump can be easily assembled by merely installing the transmission part on a body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignees: Yanmar Agricultural Equipment Co., Ltd., Seirei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Inoue, Kenshirou Kanou, Katsumi Fujiki
  • Publication number: 20070205036
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is arranged such that a driving force of an engine and a driving force of an electric motor can be transmitted to driving wheels through a transmission and that the engine and the transmission can be mechanically connected and disconnected by means of a clutch. When an upper limit decelerating torque generable by the electric motor is equal to or greater than a requested decelerating torque, a vehicle ECU disengages the clutch and controls the electric motor to generate the requested decelerating torque. Meanwhile, when the upper limit decelerating torque is smaller than the requested decelerating torque, the vehicle ECU engages the clutch and controls the engine and the electric motor so that the sum of a decelerating torque generated by the engine and a decelerating torque generated by the electric motor is equal to the requested decelerating torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Makoto Ogata, Tatsuo Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 7140457
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 7104151
    Abstract: An actuator is provided with an output shaft connected to a driving gear, a pair of cam followers turned by the shaft and driving the cams held on driven shafts urging members held in housings of the driving gear, a rotation retaining plate mounted on the output shaft so that the rotation retaining plate cannot be rotated relatively to the output shaft, a plurality of pressing parts formed on the rotation retaining plate so as to project therefrom, and slits for preventing the driving gear and pressing parts from interfering with each other. The rotation of the driving gear is transmitted to the output shaft via the springs and rotation retaining plate. When the rotation of the driving gear is continued with the output shaft locked and stopped, one of both end portions of each spring is pressed by the corresponding pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Inoue, Kenji Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7072748
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing a failure of an output shaft speed sensor of an automatic transmission is provided, which comprises: determining whether a current transmission is a forward driving range; determining whether a failure criterion exists based on a current gear, an input shaft speed, an output shaft speed, and an engine speed, if the current transmission is the forward driving range; and maintaining the current gear if a downshift criterion exists, or upshifting a gear if a upshift criterion exists, if the failure criterion exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyuk-Bin Kwon
  • Patent number: 7034481
    Abstract: To provide a power transmission device that can increase the range of speed variation between an engine and a power output shaft and effectively achieve reduction in size and cost of the device arrangement. The speed reduction ratios from an engine 1 to first output shaft 4c, 5c of first and second power distributors 4, 5 are different from each other. A speed change unit 10 is provided between the first output shaft 4c of the first power distributor 4 and a power output shaft 11 linked with driving wheels 2, 2 of the vehicle, and rotation transmission therebetween is achieved at a plurality of stages of speed reduction ratio. The rotation transmission from the first output shaft 5c of the second power distributor 5 to the power output shaft 11 is achieved via gears 20, 15b or rotation transmission mechanisms 15, 14 of a speed change unit 10 at a plurality of stages of speed reduction ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Imai
  • Patent number: 6854555
    Abstract: A single-wheel driving mechanism for floor transport vehicles is comprised of a gearing housing with at least one gear stage, a flanged-on drive motor, and a driven running wheel. For obtaining the smallest possible installation space or achieving a simplified installation or removal of the single-wheel driving mechanism, in conjunction with high transmission of force at the same time, the running wheel is directly connected with torsional strength with a gear of the transmission, and the gear of the transmission is rotatably supported on a support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Raue
  • Patent number: 6830116
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6827175
    Abstract: A torque arm mounting plate for a differential case housing a differential drive pinion gear. The mounting plate comprises an interface adapted to be circumjacently mounted about the differential drive pinion gear, and a torque arm bracket integral with the interface and spaced apart from the differential drive pinion gear. The torque arm bracket is adapted to fixedly engage one end of a torque arm. The torque arm mounting plate of the present invention provides a common interface between the torque arm and the differential carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Frazer, Gary J. Engelman
  • Patent number: 6819994
    Abstract: A transmission electronic control unit includes an operation detection section for detecting the operation state of a transmission, a pulse width control section for controlling the pulse width of a current flown into a linear solenoid for operating the transmission, a constant current control section for controlling the current flown into the linear solenoid to a constant value, and an energization control section. The energization control section is responsive to detection output of the operation detection section, for performing switch control between the operation of the constant current control section and the operation of the pulse width control section so that the constant current control section energizes the linear solenoid when the operation of the transmission is placed in a constant state and that the pulse width control section energizes the linear solenoid when the operation of the transmission is not placed in the constant state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Takafumi Shinohara, Hideaki Nagata, Ichiro Tomita, Naoyuki Takaishi
  • Publication number: 20040178007
    Abstract: A front transaxle device provided to a multi-wheel-driving vehicle comprises an input shaft for receiving power, a pair of left and right front axles supported in the front transaxle device, a differential connecting the left and right front axles differentially, a pinion shaft, a clutch device which engages the pinion shaft with the input and disengages, a rotary object which intervenes between the differential and the pinion shaft, and a brake device which brakes the rotary object. The brake device comprises a piston which can be moved hydraulically, friction objects which engage with each other by the force of the piston, and a mechanism which acts as to make a constant stroke of the piston from a position when the piston starts moving to a position when the friction objects start engaging with each other regardless of abrasive reduction of the friction objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Akihiro Ima
  • Publication number: 20040178014
    Abstract: A high ground clearance drive assembly includes a drop box and an articulation drop box. The drop box is fixed to the vehicle frame and the articulation drop box pivots relative thereto as a suspension system is exercised. The articulation drop box is pivotable about a pivot pin which extends through both the articulation drop box and the drop box to provide an axial preload therebetween. A first chain interconnects an input sprocket on the input shaft and an intermediate sprocket assembly. A second chain interconnects a second intermediate sprocket and the output sprocket to drive an output shaft connected thereto. A hollow shaft supports the first and second intermediate sprockets about the pivot pin such that rotation of the articulation drop box relative the drop box is accommodated without additional complex structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Axle Tech International IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Barry Stuart Groves, Patrick Michael Cadaret
  • Publication number: 20040144591
    Abstract: In a three-wheeled vehicle provided with a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the output of an engine to left and right rear wheels via a continuously variable transmission, a gear box and inner shafts of drive shafts as left and right output shafts, the inner shafts which are output shafts of the gear box are provided apart in a longitudinal direction of the body. The overall length of the drive shafts can be increased. When the rear wheel is vertically moved, an angle of the bend of the drive shaft can be minimized. Further, the tread of the wheels can be reduced. Therefore, the width of the body can be reduced and the mobility of the vehicle can be enhanced. In addition, the gear case can be separate from the crankcase and attached to the crankcase with the differential mechanism being housed in the separate gear case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Masahiro Kuroki, Shinji Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 6758301
    Abstract: A tractor comprising a vehicle frame, an engine including a flywheel, a first vibration isolator through which the engine is supported by the vehicle frame, and a transmission including an input shaft and a housing, wherein the input shaft is disposed at an upper portion of the housing and lower than a rotary axis of the flywheel. A pair of first and second universal joints are interposed between the flywheel and the input shaft. The first universal joint being nearer to the flywheel than the second universal joint. A second vibration is isolator interposed at least either between the flywheel and the first universal joint or between the input shaft and second universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Shiba, Toshikazu Matsubayashi, Yasuhiro Ikegami, Toshio Tsuda, Toshihiko Ibe, Takashi Goto
  • Patent number: 6754603
    Abstract: The virtual vehicle transmission test cell includes an electric motor which simulates a fuel driven engine, an output motor which simulates the load a transmission experiences in a vehicle, and an environmental element which controls the ambient environment of the transmission and the temperature of the transmission oil within the transmission. The virtual vehicle transmission test cell reduces in-vehicle testing, reduces testing with fuel-driven test cells, and enables development of a transmission design before a corresponding engine is completed and built for testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Marlin R. Turbett, Robert M. Senseney, Steven D. Nash, Michael R. Rosati, David T. Stark, Alfonso G. Hysko, Robert W. Tator, David L. Joseph, Paul A. Piorkowski, Gary L. Stecklein, Matthew S. Castiglione, Joe Steiber, Benjamin A. Treichel, Bapiraju Surampudi
  • Patent number: 6751542
    Abstract: In corrective control system and method for a liquid pressure control apparatus for a control valve unit, fundamental maps are preset on the basis of a hysterisis characteristic, the hysterisis characteristic being exhibited in such a manner that an output liquid pressure actually measured value which takes along a first hysterisis loop when the current value is increased toward a larger value is different from that which takes along a second hysterisis loop when the current value is, in turn, decreased toward a smaller value from the larger value and each fundamental map is a map representing a relationship between the output liquid pressure actually measured value and a current average value, the current average value being an average between the current value in the first hysterisis loop and that in the second hysterisis loop with respect to each of the same output pressure actually measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Jatco LTD
    Inventors: Shigeru Ishii, Masashi Sugiuchi, Tatsuaki Eguchi, Hisao Nobu
  • Patent number: 6725962
    Abstract: All all-terrain vehicle has a shiftable transmission that is coupled to a variable speed V-belt transmission. The variable speed V-belt transmission is joined to a crankshaft through a centrifugal clutching arrangement. The shiftable transmission enables an operator to go between low, high, neutral, reverse, and park. In the park position, the transmission is locked from substantial rotation such that the engaged wheels of the all-terrain vehicle are also locked from substantial rotation, whether or not the engine speed is sufficient to allow the centrifugal clutch to be engaged with the variable speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutaka Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6712172
    Abstract: In a power transmission path of a vehicle for traveling on uneven ground, a torque converter is provided so that torque transmission to a propeller shaft varies smoothly. Accordingly, it is difficult for the torque transmitted to the propeller shaft to exceed a tire slip limit. This arrangement suppresses slippage during traveling on uneven ground such as a muddy, marshy, sandy, snowy, or gravel road surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Inagaki, Toshio Shimada, Yoshiaki Hori, Takashi Shichinohe
  • Publication number: 20040040775
    Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is provided for a vehicle to prevent a shock from being generated when a clutch disposed between a subordinate drive source and subordinate drive wheels is transferred to a disengaged state during vehicle travel. When a transition is made from a four-wheel drive state to a two-wheel drive state, and a clutch is released during vehicle travel, the motor torque is maintained constant at a level of a clutch-release torque required by the electric motor as the output for bringing the torque on the clutch substantially to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Shimizu, Hiroyuki Ohya
  • Patent number: 6699147
    Abstract: A vegetation mower incorporating a drive train using two mechanical transmissions to selectively drive the ground engaging wheels at different speeds. The drive train incorporates a single pulley belt to transfer power from the mower engine to the drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Speece, Mark Kluck, Hartmut Kaesgen
  • Publication number: 20040026155
    Abstract: A switching valve is provided which operates hydraulic friction engaging elements in a combination to establish a fifth speed “5th” when in a first position, and in a combination to establish a third speed “3rd” when in a second position, when a first electromagnetic valve to a fifth electromagnetic valve fail so as to stop operating. As a result, in the event of failure while driving, the fifth speed “5th” is first established to enable the vehicle to continue running. Then, when the position of a manual valve is changed by an operation by the driver when the vehicle is stopped or the like, the switching valve shifts a transmission into the third speed “3rd”, which has a larger gear ratio than the fifth speed “5th”, to ensure the driving force required to take off again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Yoshihiro Iijima, Naoyuki Fukaya, Haruki Yamamoto, Fuminori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6684143
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission in a drive train of a motor vehicle having a transmission controller selecting and shifting gears of the transmission includes determining a new gear by reference to gear shift characteristic curves and generating a gear shift instruction as soon as a working point of the drive train exceeds a gear shift characteristic curve. The transmission controller determines a new gear that is expected to be engaged shortly. If the new gear differs from the current gear, an initial phase of the gear shift is carried out and the gear shift is completed as soon as the gear shift instruction has been generated. The initial phase is carried out as soon as the working point drops below a predefined distance from the gear shift characteristic curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Graf, Tibor Kiss, Martin Lachmayr, Bernd Last, Stefan Lauer, Martin Manz, Stephan Pindl, Tanja Roy
  • Publication number: 20030196845
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft wherein power is transmitted to a transverse shaft by a shaft gearing means with the transverse shaft having a first power take off end and a second power take off end with a plurality of bearing supporting the shafts within either a conventional longitudinal internal combustion engine or a transversely mounted engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: William H. Briggs, Eileen Elma Briggs
  • Publication number: 20030188913
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6571894
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6533060
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a frame supported by at least a left wheel and a right wheel. The left wheel and the right wheel being connected to said frame by a left suspension and a right suspension respectively. The independently suspended wheels preferably are drive wheels. The wheels are driven by an engine through a transmission. The transmission is connected to the left wheel by a left half shaft and to the right wheel by a right half shaft. Constant velocity couplings are used to coupling the half shafts to the respective wheels and to the transmission. The constant velocity couplings connecting the two half shafts to the transmission are joined in a single housing. The housing includes a body portion and a gear portion. The two portions can be integrally formed. A left cage and a right cage are mounted within a left axial bore and a right axial bore formed in the body portion. The cages are secured for rotation with the body portion but can move axially within the respective bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Seto
  • Patent number: 6524681
    Abstract: A friction material for a friction facing member useful for transmitting torque includes a backing having a front surface and a rear surface. A plurality of precisely shaped friction composites defining patterned friction coating are attached to the front surface of the backing. The precisely shaped friction composites include a plurality of friction particles dispersed in a binder. In one embodiment, the friction material has an elastic modulus of about 107 dynes/cm2 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Seitz, Elizabeth C. Edblom, Karl T. McKeague
  • Patent number: 6519521
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission performing change-over of a first engaging element and a second engaging element between two gear positions, for example between the fourth gear and the fifth gear, an oil pressure command value A to one of these two engaging elements is retained as a current value “a” and an oil pressure command value B to the other of these two engaging elements is retained as a current value “b” and at the same time the calculation of a calculation value of a downshift form the fifth gear is started when a target gear position changes to the fourth gear or lower during upshift between the two gear positions. When downshift calculation values Ad, Bd reach the retained values “a”, “b”, the oil pressure command values A, B are switched to the downshift calculation values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Jatco Transtechnology Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takatori, Osamu Sato, Yasushi Fujita, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Publication number: 20030006084
    Abstract: A single-wheel driving mechanism for floor transport vehicles is comprised of a gearing housing with at least one gear stage, a flanged-on drive motor, and a driven running wheel. For obtaining the smallest possible installation space or achieving a simplified installation or removal of the single-wheel driving mechanism, in conjunction with high transmission of force at the same time, the running wheel is directly connected with torsional strength with a gear of the transmission, and the gear of the transmission is rotatably supported on a support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Raue
  • Publication number: 20030006085
    Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly (10) operable to provide both return-side and supply-side filtration, as, for example, of a fluid entering and leaving a sump (14) as it circulates in a vehicle transmission (12). The fluid filtration assembly (10) broadly comprises a return-side filter (18) and a supply-side filter (20). The return-side filter (18) includes a filter media (33) operable to filter relatively small particles. Fluid flow through the return-side filter (18) maybe accomplished using any of three described alternative embodiments, including upflow, downflow, and direct feed. The supply-side filter (20) includes a filter media (42) for filtering needed fluid as it is drawn back into circulation. The supply-side filter media (42) is a low restriction filter media operable to filter only relatively large particles, thereby decreasing bottleneck effects and minimizing pressure drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Craig S. Caldwell, Clifford D. Loveland, George C. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020195291
    Abstract: A yoke is secured to the inner surface of an FRP pipe. The yoke has a first end and a coupling portion is located on the first end. The coupling portion has a peripheral surface and is secured to the inner surface of the pipe. A serration is formed on the peripheral surface of the coupling portion. The serration has teeth that can form grooves, which axially extend along the inner surface of the pipe when securing the yoke to the pipe. Recesses are continuously formed on the vertex of each tooth in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Yasunori Nonogaki
  • Patent number: 6490509
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-task system which can suppress the increase of required volume of RAM and which enables a multiplex interruption, and a car controlling unit utilizing that system. A memory area (RAM) utilized in executing a processing is divided into a task area 50 for carrying out a task processing and an interrupt area 60 for carrying out an interrupt processing. An interrupt level is given to the interrupt processing in accordance with its priority. The interrupt area is prepared so that the number thereof is same as that of the interrupt level. This system can suppress the increase of memory areas to be consumed as the interrupt area and can guarantee that all interrupt processings are operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Sato, Masaaki Takahashi, Hiroshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20020166712
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Kanzaki Kokyukoki MFG., Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Publication number: 20020153191
    Abstract: Equal response rear axles (“kera” axles) for vehicles having a front engine and rear wheel drive comprises a left and right rear axle which are sized to different predetermined dimensions. Conventionally, torque is delivered to the rear wheels unequally since the right side axle is longer than the left side axle, yet both axles have the same diameter in their effective length. The equal response axles are dimensioned based upon a formula for calculating spring rates or torsion bars. The calculations includes using the static loaded radius the dimension form the center of the axle to the ground and using either static or dynamic weight on the tire, that is the portion of the tire which is flat on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Hank Kleban
  • Patent number: 6467726
    Abstract: An aircraft including an airframe having a fuselage which extends longitudinally, and having fixed wings including a main wing, a horizontal tail wing and a vertical tail wing. A propeller-rotor torque transmission has a bevel gear which transmits the rotation of an input shaft simultaneously to a propeller shaft and to a rotor shaft. An engine gearbox supplies the above-mentioned input shaft with rotationalal motive power. The aircraft further includes a propeller collective pitch controller, a rotor collective pitch controller, an engine power controller which controls the output of the above-mentioned engine gearbox for the purpose of changing the rotational speed of the input shaft, and a flight control system having a directional (yaw) control system which controls the flight direction of the aircraft by controlling the positions of the above-mentioned control surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Rokuro Hosoda
  • Patent number: 6419041
    Abstract: An HST used for vehicle with a vehicle body, which includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor fluidly connected with the hydraulic pump, a housing accommodating the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump block supporting the hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor block separately arranged from the hydraulic pump block and supporting the hydraulic motor. The housing constitutes at least a part of the vehicle body. The hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are disposed along the vehicle longitudinal axis via the hydraulic pump block and the hydraulic motor block. The present invention also provides a power transmission arrangement with the HST for vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shusuke Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6411879
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (201) has an engine (201), a clutch (203), and a transmission (204) with a shift lever (230). A sensor (232) arranged at the shift lever (230) detects movements of the shift lever or forces applied to the shift lever. When the sensor (232) detects a movement or force, the activity is interpreted as a signal that the driver intends to shift gear. A detector system of the motor vehicle detects conditions such as the presence and magnitude of a mechanical play which can affect the process of shifting gears in the transmission (204).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Küpper, Michael Salecker
  • Publication number: 20020063010
    Abstract: A brake system is provided for a straddle-type ATV. The brake system includes a brake caliper configured to mount to a gear box of the ATV and a brake disk configured to connect to a coupling member of the gear box coupled to a shaft and positioned in operative relation relative to the caliper. The brake system additionally includes a brake-actuating control mechanism in communication with the brake caliper. The brake-actuating control mechanism controls the brake caliper to provide selective frictional engagement between the brake caliper and the brake disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent Morin
  • Patent number: 6390226
    Abstract: A differential lock actuating arrangement comprises a pedal assembly including a substantially elongate member, mounting means to mount the said elongate member on the chassis of a vehicle, means to connect the said elongate member to a differential lock actuator, rotating means to rotate the said substantially elongate member about its longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting means mounts the said elongate member for movement between a first differential lock engaging position and a second differential lock disengaging position, and wherein the arrangement further comprises biasing means to hold the elongate member in one of the said first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: ARGO Limited
    Inventors: Derek John Smith, David William Seccull
  • Publication number: 20020046894
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an automatic transmission having a controller that changes temporarily from the automatic operating mode, selected normally with a position D of a gear selection switch, to a driver-influenced operating mode if a second rocker switch, which is arranged on the steering wheel, is activated. The automatic operating mode is not discontinued permanently, because after a set time has elapsed, the automatic operating mode becomes active again. Each time the rocker switch is activated, the time starts running anew. Returning to the automatic operating mode is only possible if the current transverse acceleration is below a preset limiting value, and traction operation is in effect at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Willi Seidel, Josef Petersmann
  • Patent number: 6370464
    Abstract: For an automatic transmission (3) a downshift function is proposed in which, with the actuation of a brake pedal, a new downshift point (RA(NEU)) is calculated when the throttle valve is closed by adding to a basic downshift point (RS(ORD)) a characteristic variable (K1) wherein the characteristic variable (K1) is determined from a driving activity (FA) and a calculated brake pressure via a characteristic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kai-Uwe Herbster, Franz-Josef Schuler
  • Publication number: 20020033295
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. The frame defines a frame centerline extending longitudinally between the front and the rear sides. The ATV includes an engine with at least one cylinder having an axis that defines an engine centerline. The all terrain vehicle also includes an output shaft defining an output shaft centerline. A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) operatively connects the engine to the output shaft and defines a CVT centerline. The engine centerline, output shaft centerline, and CVT centerline are positioned with respect to one another and the frame centerline. In one embodiment, the engine centerline is disposed between the output shaft centerline and the CVT centerline. In this embodiment, the engine centerline also may lie between the frame centerline and the CVT centerline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Korenjak, Wilfried Ehlers, Johann Holzleitner
  • Publication number: 20020022917
    Abstract: The invention proceeds from a vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The clutch is mounted in the drive train of the motor vehicle and the transmission is mounted in the drive train and is changeable with respect to its transmission ratio. Furthermore, means are provided which generate a clutch signal which represents the actuation of the clutch. The essence of the invention is that a change of the transmission ratio is detected. According to the invention, monitoring means are provided by means of which a fault signal is generated in dependence upon the recognized change and the generated clutch signal. The fault signal indicates whether the means, which generates the clutch signal, operates properly. A further variation of the invention evaluates the clutch actuation with the first start of movement of the vehicle after the engine start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: MARTIN FROHLICH, MARIO BAJIC, KLAUS RIES-MULLER
  • Patent number: 6345216
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a vehicle, including a vehicle velocity sensor; an engine rotational speed sensor; a first clutch switch which becomes off when a clutch is fully engaged, and successively from the fully engaged state becomes on just before the clutch is placed in a partially engaged state; a second clutch switch which becomes off when a clutch is fully released, and successively from the fully released state becomes on just before the clutch is placed in a partially engaged state; and a motor control device for controlling so as to generate electricity by the motor, determining as the approval of the idling power-generating control state, when at least one of the following two conditions is satisfied: the condition that a vehicle velocity is zero and an engine rotational speed exceeds zero, and the condition that a vehicle velocity is zero and the second clutch switch is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Morimoto, Yoshiaki Omata
  • Publication number: 20020007980
    Abstract: A driving apparatus (2) for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit (21) for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit (22) for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis (12). Each of the first driving unit (21) and the second driving unit (22) has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft (40L) and a left second differential output shaft (44L) are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft (40R) and a right second differential output shaft (44R) are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit (21) and a second driving unit (22) receives power from engine (11) through a common single belt (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Kerwyn Stoll
  • Publication number: 20010054525
    Abstract: A steering device comprises a rigid steering axle (12) pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis, the wheels (5) of which are driven by a cardan shaft (4) arranged between the steering axle and the transmission (2) the transmission being spaced apart from the steering axle, comprising a power steering gear (22) actuatable by a steering wheel (14) and a steering shaft (23), the power steering gear having a pinion (30), which is connected with the steering linkage of the steering axle, and comprising a steering cylinder being an integral part of the steering linkage, the steering cylinder being actuatable by fluid under pressure supplied by the power steering gear, characterized in that a steering cylinder (21) is positioned coaxially with respect to the cardan shaft (4), the steering cylinder being connected with the steering axle (12) and comprising a hollow piston rod (28) to receive the cardan shaft (4), and that a first toothed rack (29) of the piston rod of the steering cylinder is in driving connec
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Honzek
  • Patent number: 6286619
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes an engine and a final drive assembly. The engine includes an output shaft that supports a drive sprocket or pulley. The final drive assembly comprises an input shaft that supports a driven sprocket or pulley and a brake disc. A flexible transmitter such as a belt or a chain connects the drive sprocket or pulley and the driven sprocket or pulley. The final drive assembly is formed separate of the engine and spaced apart from the engine when the two components are mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The driven sprocket or pulley is positioned on an upper portion of the final drive assembly while a lower portion of the final drive assembly is pivotally connected to the frame. The final drive assembly can be pivoted to adjust a tension level within the flexible transmitter. The final drive assembly can be selectively secured in a pivotal position by a support rod and/or a set of slotted brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Uchiyama, Masamitsu Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6250415
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a frame supported by at least a left wheel and a right wheel. The left wheel and the right wheel being connected to said frame by a left suspension and a right suspension respectively. The independently suspended wheels preferably are drive wheels. The wheels are driven by an engine through a transmission. The transmission is connected to the left wheel by a left half shaft and to the right wheel by a right half shaft. Constant velocity couplings are used to coupling the half shafts to the respective wheels and to the transmission. The constant velocity couplings connecting the two half shafts to the transmission are joined in a single housing. The housing includes a body portion and a gear portion. The two portions can be integrally formed. A left cage and a right cage are mounted within a left axial bore and a right axial bore formed in the body portion. The cages are secured for rotation with the body portion but can move axially within the respective bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Seto
  • Patent number: 6244370
    Abstract: A drive system for a grounds care device using two identical final drives in combination with two identical power units to provide directional drive to the wheels. The final drives and power units are assembled to each other differently for use on each side to provide the required relative reverse rotation of each drive wheel while maintaining the same direction of control movement for forward (or reverse) movement of each drive wheel (in regards to machine movement). Additionally, the drive belt for the cutting unit is routed between the power units (rather than under or over) to allow a lower center of gravity for increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Tim Peter