Belt Or Chain Drive Patents (Class 180/357)
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Patent number: 10392020Abstract: A bicycle component control system is basically provided with an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to output a control signal to operate both of a first bicycle electric component and a second bicycle electric component in accordance with a correspondence table between an operating state of the first bicycle electric component and an operating state of the second bicycle electric component. The first bicycle electric component includes one of a height adjustable seatpost and a suspension. The second bicycle electric component includes one of a gear transmission and the other of the height adjustable seatpost and the suspension.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Shingo Sakurai, Yuta Kurokawa
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Publication number: 20150040531Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system coupled to a main frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Siegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
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Publication number: 20140262586Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention teaches the use of two or more “floating pivot points” in a trailing/leading arm suspension system. A complimentary steering system is also described herein. The present invention eliminates a number of significant shortcomings of the traditional trailing/leading arm suspension type, thereby offering substantial performance improvements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: TEMPUS MOTOR WORKS LLCInventors: Winthrop Dada, Cameron Carlson, Aaron Prichard, Max Sluiter, Lydia Bostrom-Dada
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Patent number: 8668043Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled electric mower. The self-propelled electric mower comprises a cutter arranged on the machine body (1), an electric motor for driving the cutter to operate, and road wheels (2) arranged on the machine body. A driving device (3) for driving the machine body to walk is arranged on the machine body and comprises a transmission system (4) for driving the road wheels to move and a power source (5) for driving the transmission system to work. The transmission system comprises belt transmissions (4-1) connected with the power source, external gear transmissions (4-2) connected with the belt transmissions, and internal gear transmissions (4-3) connected with the external gear transmissions and in meshing connection with the road wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Changzhou Groundtools Co. Ltd.Inventors: Jian Yang, Xiaofei Li
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Patent number: 8585068Abstract: An independent rear suspension for a vehicle having a chassis and a pair of rear wheels including a pair of IRS units. Each IRS unit includes an X-shaped lower control arm with a forward pivot connection to the chassis in front of the centerline of the driven sprocket and a rearward pivot connection behind the centerline, and a camber link connected to the chassis at a single pivot connection behind the centerline. Each IRS unit also includes a shock absorber coupled with an anti-sway bar to the lower control arm at a mount, and including a secondary spring in series with a main spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Adam J. Schlangen, Jeffrey D. Bennett, Brian T. Utter, Stephen L. Nelson, Louis J. Brady
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Publication number: 20130291508Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an independent suspension system coupled to a main-frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
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Patent number: 8561750Abstract: A chain guide device wherein it is unnecessary to make a chain guide body a thick and heavy member to enhance the productivity of the chain guide body. The chain guide body is split into a left guide half having a left-side upper split surface and a left-side lower split surface which are formed along a longitudinal direction of a chain and a right guide half having a right-side upper split surface and a right-side lower split surface. The guide bodies, which are roughly U-shaped, can be easily demolded after injection molding to enhance productivity. The contact of the chain with the split surfaces is lessened, as compared with the case where split surfaces are inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Accordingly, wearing of the split surfaces is restrained, and it is unnecessary to make the chain guide body greater in thickness and weight.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takaya Kakimoto, Mikio Uchiyama
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Patent number: 8172032Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: John Buschena
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Publication number: 20120097469Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled electric mower. The self-propelled electric mower comprises a cutter arranged on the machine body (1), an electric motor for driving the cutter to operate, and road wheels (2) arranged on the machine body. A driving device (3) for driving the machine body to walk is arranged on the machine body and comprises a transmission system (4) for driving the road wheels to move and a power source (5) for driving the transmission system to work. The transmission system comprises belt transmissions (4-1) connected with the power source, external gear transmissions (4-2) connected with the belt transmissions, and internal gear transmissions (4-3) connected with the external gear transmissions and in meshing connection with the road wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Changzhou Groundtools Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jian Yang, Xiaofei Li
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Patent number: 8043179Abstract: A drive chain adjustment mechanism for simplifying the tension adjustment work of a drive chain of an all terrain vehicle. The drive chain is wound around a driven sprocket connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The mechanism includes a case to which the driven sprocket is coupled; a cam which moves the case in a fore and aft direction with respect to a vehicle body frame; and a bolt which is located rearward of a shaft portion of the driven sprocket, and which attaches the cam and the case to the vehicle body frame. When the case is moved in the fore and aft direction of a vehicle body, the tension of the drive chain is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bunzo Seki, Tomoaki Yamagata, Shigeto Inami
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Publication number: 20110203867Abstract: A chain guide device wherein it is unnecessary to make a chain guide body a thick and heavy member to enhance the productivity of the chain guide body. The chain guide body is split into a left guide half having a left-side upper split surface and a left-side lower split surface which are formed along a longitudinal direction of a chain and a right guide half having a right-side upper split surface and a right-side lower split surface. The guide bodies, which are roughly U-shaped, can be easily demolded after injection molding to enhance productivity. The contact of the chain with the split surfaces is lessened, as compared with the case where split surfaces are inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Accordingly, wearing of the split surfaces is restrained, and it is unnecessary to make the chain guide body greater in thickness and weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Takaya KAKIMOTO, Mikio UCHIYAMA
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Patent number: 7967101Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: John Buschena
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Patent number: 7950493Abstract: A speed reduction device of a vehicle for reducing the rotation of drive wheels includes a casing mounted on a vehicle frame, first and second drive axles rotatably mounted on the casing and connected to first and second drive shafts, respectively, and a driven sprocket wheel and a brake disc for braking the first and second drive axles are mounted on the first drive axle. The second drive axle is detachably joined to the first drive axle.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bunzo Seki
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Patent number: 7905803Abstract: In a V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) of an ATV, a movable sheave half of a primary sheave is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to a fixed sheave half, and a sheave drive mechanism for controlling the respective groove widths of the primary sheave and a secondary sheave through a driving force by an electric motor is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the movable sheave half of the primary sheave. A footboard of the ATV is located on the outer side of the V-belt CVT in the vehicle width direction and below a primary sheave shaft and a secondary sheave shaft. A portion of the electric motor is located above and in front of the primary sheave shaft as viewed in the sheave shaft direction. A straddle-type vehicle having the compact, yet durable V-belt continuously variable transmission achieves a speed change operation highly responsive to the vehicle running condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
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Patent number: 7900943Abstract: A rear suspension system for an all-terrain vehicle having a chassis and at least three wheels. Two trailing arms are pivotally connected to a chassis. Each of the trailing arms includes a drive shaft bearing. A CV joint pivot arm is pivotally connected to the chassis. A CV joint housing is connected to the CV joint pivot arm. The CV joint housing includes a CV joint bearing. A CV joint is housed inside the CV joint housing and is supported by the CV joint bearing. A drive shaft extends through the CV joint and is rigidly connected to the CV joint. The drive shaft is further supported by each of the drive shaft bearings attached to the trailing arms. A shock absorption system is connected between the drive shaft and the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, a cross bar is connected between the trailing arms for stability. Also, preferably, the rear suspension system includes a sway bar and linear shock absorbers acting in combination to provide optimum suspension.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventor: Craig Stewart
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Patent number: 7837000Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a caliper bracket that moves with the movement of a rear axle by the rotation of an eccentric hub. The eccentric hub rotatably supports the rear axle in a position eccentric to the radial center of an axle supporting section. The caliper bracket includes a range specifying section or, specifically, a first engaging portion, which engages with the rear arm, for specifying the rotating range of the eccentric hub according to the position of engagement with the rear arm. The rear arm includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Matsuura, Tomoyuki Hayashi
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Patent number: 7828108Abstract: A vehicle, including an independent rear suspension and a rear drive mechanism including a pair of dual offset joints mounted in a sprocket hub. Each dual offset joint is connected to a half shaft coupled to a wheel. A driven sprocket is connected to the sprocket hub at a location offset from a centerline of the vehicle. An external chain coupled to a drive sprocket coupled to the vehicle's engine and the driven sprocket to transfer rotational movement of the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, thereby causing rotation of the sprocket hub, the dual offset joints, the half shafts, and the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.Inventors: Adam J Schlangen, Jeffrey D Bennett, Brian T Utter, Stephen L Nelson
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Publication number: 20100212993Abstract: A belt drive and wheel support and suspension system for a personal wheeled vehicle has a drive pulley for fixed attachment to a rotating power source and a driven pulley for fixed attachment to a wheel of the vehicle. Each of the drive pulley and the driven pulley have a belt engagement face including a plurality of cogs arranged at an oblique angle on the belt engagement faces. An endless belt extends between the drive pulley and the driven pulley and has a plurality of cogs affixed to an inner face of the endless belt that are arranged at a like oblique angle with respect to the cogs on the drive and driven pulleys for positive intermeshing engagement with the cogs on the pulleys. A suspension arm is coaxially supported with the drive pulley and is pivotally moveable about a rotation axis of the rotating power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Brian Gagnon
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Patent number: 7748491Abstract: To enhance assembly and maintenance of a rear wheel suspension. Rear wheel axles extend to the left and right from a final case supported on a rear portion of a vehicle body frame, and rear wheels are independently suspended from left and right portions of a vehicle body. On the left and right sides of the final case, the rear wheel axles are connected to a left-side joint and a right-side joint, and the left-side joint is detachably attached to a side surface of the final case by a separate holder fitted with a driven sprocket meshed with a chain. A joint portion shaft of the right-side joint is borne on the final case through a bearing, a brake disk is attached thereto, and the joint portion shafts are spline connected. In assembling or disassembling, the separate holder can be attached and detached through petal-like cutouts formed in the driven sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bunzo Seki, Tomoaki Yamagata
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Patent number: 7673719Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Agco CorporationInventor: John Buschena
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Patent number: 7584040Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Stéphane Rimaux
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Publication number: 20080087483Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: Michael S. Ward
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Patent number: 7281603Abstract: An engine for an offroad vehicle including a crankcase, a transversely extending crankshaft, and a transmission connected to the crankshaft. The transmission includes a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and a drive belt connecting the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The driven pulley includes a fixed half and a movable half. A spring is adapted to bias the movable half toward the fixed half. A transmission primary shaft is connected to the drive pulley and is coaxial to the crankshaft. A transmission main shaft is connected to the driven pulley. A transmission case is connected to the crankcase. The crankcase includes a cavity and the transmission case includes an opening that corresponds with the cavity such that the main shaft extends through the cavity and the opening. The spring is at least partially positioned within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutaka Fukuda
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Patent number: 6964317Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Barry Stuart Groves, Patrick Michael Cadaret
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Patent number: 6749039Abstract: A modular go-kart assembly includes an acceleration assembly cooperatively working with a braking assembly for powering and stopping the go-kart assembly. The go-kart assembly further includes a central body, a front drive assembly, a rear drive assembly, and a protective cage assembly, each of which are modular for easy construction and disassembly. The go-kart assembly includes a motor having multiple power take off shafts to provide simple connections to an acceleration assembly and a braking assembly. Both the acceleration assembly and the braking assembly are controlled by one control pedal, so as to provide a safety measure for the operator, which is typically a child.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Ric Uphaus
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Patent number: 6702059Abstract: A transmission device for a self-propelled wheeled machine, this device, driven by a belt from a drive shaft, includes a housing mounted floating relative to the chassis of the machine containing a mechanism for reducing and clutching between an input shaft and at least one output shaft. This device is characterized in that the housing is constituted by half casings of which one includes a molded-on tongue loaded by a spring so as to exert on the housing a couple for swinging the housing about the output shaft, this tongue including, adjacent its end, an abutment immobilizing a sheath of a control cable acting on a clutch control lever of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: France Reducteurs S.A.Inventor: Robert Blanchard
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Patent number: 6675926Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system including a swing arm with a swing mount, an axle assembly rotatable along a transverse axle rotation axis, an axle carrier for mounting the axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm, a driven sprocket, a drive sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket, a roll movement device for allowing the flexible coupling to maintain the mechanical link between the driven and drive sprockets as the driven sprocket rolls about the suspension roll axis, and at least two shock mounts for mounting a shock absorber or a spring, the two shock mounts being positioned along sides of the axle carrier flanking the suspension roll axis at a distance away from the suspension roll axis. In another embodiment, the transverse axle rotation axis of the axle assembly is elevated above the suspension roll axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Martin B. Montague
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Patent number: 6488110Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprises a frame, a motor, a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly and an endless drive member. The motor is mounted to the frame and has a motor shaft powered by the motor. The first wheel assembly includes a first axle, a first drive wheel and a first riding wheel. The first axle extends generally transversely from the frame and is journalled for rotation relative to the frame. A proximal end of the first axle is operatively connected to the motor shaft in a manner so that rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the first axle. The first axle is operatively connected to the frame in a manner so that a distal end of the first axle is moveable in a generally vertical arcuate path relative to the frame about a first pivot axis. The first drive wheel and the first riding wheel are both mounted to the first axle. Similarly, the second wheel assembly includes a second axle, a second drive wheel and a second riding wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: MTD Products Inc.Inventor: Howard B. Price
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Patent number: 6446748Abstract: A recreational all terrain vehicle has a set of rear wheels attached to a frame assembly with a swing arm. The rear wheels are driven by a flexible transmitter, such as a chain. To tension the chain, a pair of laterally extending bolts are loosened while a generally longitudinally extending member is adjusted to move an axle associated with the rear wheels. The housing portion of the swing arm that receives the axle is substantially enclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehito Suzuki
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Patent number: 6425453Abstract: A transmission in a power machine includes an axle having an inboard and outboard end. The outboard end is coupled to a wheel through a universal joint. The inboard end is coupled, through a sprocket assembly and chain drive linkage to a hydraulic motor. The axle is supported at it inboard end by a single spherical bearing.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventors: Donald Knutson, Charles H. Krause, Kenneth R. Weber
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Publication number: 20020043422Abstract: A recreational all terrain vehicle has a set of rear wheels attached to a frame assembly with a swing arm. The rear wheels are driven by a flexible transmitter, such as a chain. To tension the chain, a pair of laterally extending bolts are loosened while a generally longitudinally extending member is adjusted to move an axle associated with the rear wheels. The housing portion of the swing arm that receives the axle is substantially enclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Takehito Suzuki
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Patent number: 6364041Abstract: A 6×4 utility vehicle utilizes a middle axle (21) which is suspended to the frame of the vehicle by means of a suspension assembly (22). The suspension assembly (22) allows the vehicle (10) to have a better ride quality, ride predictability, increased traction and better maneuverability.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventor: Kip S. Vangsgard
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Patent number: 6341660Abstract: A propulsion unit rotating shaft (10) for single track or multiple track vehicles, driven by an electric motor, particularly for motor scooters with a driving motor (14), which is disposed in the region of one end of an extended rotating shaft housing (12) and constructed as an electric motor, and a hub (16), which is mounted rotatably in the region of the other end of the rotating shaft housing and is intended to hold a driving wheel (18) of the vehicle. The driven shaft of the driving motor (14), which is passed into the rotating shaft housing (12), is positively coupled with the wheel hub (16) of the driving wheel of the vehicle by a transmission device (26), encapsulated in the housing for the rotating shaft, and facilities are provided for the pivotable mounting of the housing (12) of the rotating shaft about an axis at a distance from the axis of rotation of the wheel hub (16) and extending parallel to it at or in the frame or chassis of the motor-driven vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventor: Helmut Schiller
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Patent number: 6286619Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Uchiyama, Masamitsu Fukushima
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Patent number: 5706907Abstract: A directional drive transmission control system drivingly coupling a rotary output drive source of a powered vehicle with a pair of drive wheels thereof, includes right and left pairs of forward and reverse drive pulleys rotatably mounted on and rotatable relative to right and left transverse drive shafts and drivingly connected with the rotary output drive source so as to rotatably drive forward and reverse drive pulleys in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventor: Vernon A. Unruh
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Patent number: 5343974Abstract: A motor vehicle including modular units for operating two rear wheels of the vehicle the motive unit includes a rigid link which is pivotally connected between the rear wheel and the motive unit, and the motive unit is operable by a motor. A rigid link is pivotally connected, and the rear wheels are spring suspended mounted relative to the frame of the vehicle. In an electrical vehicle form, there is a slidable movable battery pack located in a rear compartment of the vehicle for easy installation and removal from the vehicle. Different traction characteristics can be provided to the motive unit including an integrated motor, integrated gear box, and power input-output shaft accessible to secondary power or an energy recycler unit. Steering is effected by a controller which operates the speed of the driven wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Inventor: Jan W. Rabek
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Patent number: 5263547Abstract: A stair climbing device, such as a wheelchair for handicapped comprises a frame having two sides, two wheel pairs each arranged on a respective one of the sides of the frame, each of the wheel pairs having two wheels each provided with a rim and a center axis, two drive shafts provided for each wheel pair, the drive shafts extending parallel to one another and to the center axis and being driven jointly, the wheels of each of the wheel pairs being turnable relative to the frame about the drive shafts, each of the drive shafts being provided with a hub disc with which it is eccentrically connected, the rim of each of the wheels being concentrically and rotatably supported on a a respective one of the hub discs.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1988Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: Haas & Alber Haustechnik und Apparatebau GmbHInventor: Ulrich Alber
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Patent number: 5199526Abstract: A small and ultralightweight vehicle, especially for automobile racing, is provided having a driver's cockpit laterally offset from the vehicle's longitudinal axis; an engine laterally oppositely offset from the vehicle's longitudinal axis, laterally adjacent the cockpit; a transverse drive shaft from the engine to the primary drive along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a final drive fixed to the center of a symmetric independently suspended rear axle. The rear axle comprises a central shaft and two outer swing shafts such that each rear wheel is fully independently suspended through use of suspension arms, springs and shock absorbers. The chassis comprises a welded tubular aluminum space frame and is outwardly clad with body panels. The engine, gear box and clutch are of motorcycle engine design having a lateral power takeoff shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Inventor: Peter R. J. Derviller
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Patent number: 5031711Abstract: A conveyance device has a high-temperature pulley and a low-temperature pulley rotatably mounted on a chassis at a prescribed distance from each other and an endless belt constituted of a shape memory alloy is wound around the two pulleys. The high-temperature pulley is maintained at a temperature higher, and the low-temperature pulley at a temperature lower, than the transformation temperature of the shape memory alloy. The pulleys are rotated and the chassis powered to move by the force produced by the shape memory alloy when it restores to its memorized shape.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & IndustryInventors: Makoto Tanaka, Keizo Saito
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Patent number: 4877097Abstract: The driving wheel of a vehicle is mounted on one side of an arm and is connected at least in rotation to the other side of the arm having a endless wheel, the arm having, prior to the connection with the arm part disposed transversally, a section of which the outer casing is crossed through by at least one of the two chain strands in a chain channel the walls of which cooperate in increasing the inertia of the arm section, and being applied to a rear arm of a chain driven motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1988Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignee: Elf FranceInventor: Daniel Trema
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Patent number: RE33130Abstract: An oscillating supporting arm assembly for the driving wheel of a motorcycle, includes an arm mounted to oscillate angularly about a connecting shaft of the motorcycle and cooperating with a suspension assembly between the arm and motorcycle, the wheel being removably fixed to a supporting shaft on one side of the free end of the supporting arm, the supporting shaft extending through the arm on two bearings, a wheel driving pinion is fixed to the supporting shaft, on the side of the arm opposite to the wheel and is driven by a chain mechanically connected to the driving assembly of the motorcycle, the supporting arm having the configuration of a U with two legs between which the rim and the tire of the rear wheel are located, one of the legs having hinge connections which cooperate with the connecting shaft of the motorcycle, the wheel has its median plane extending at substantially equal distances from the two hinge connections of the supporting arm, the wheel is rigidly connected to a brake disc cooperatingType: GrantFiled: November 17, 1987Date of Patent: December 19, 1989Assignee: Elf FranceInventor: Andre de Cortanze