Differential Or Axle Housing Patents (Class 180/378)
  • Patent number: 11702141
    Abstract: In a vehicle subframe 1, a first side member has a first extending portion that extends while being deflected outward on one side in a width direction as approaching from a rear side to a front side, a second side member has a second extending portion that extends while being deflected outward on the other side in the width direction as approaching from the rear side to the front side, and a second cross member is further included which is opposed to the first cross member on the front side thereof and couples a portion of the first extending portion in which the degree of outward deflection on the one side in the width direction becomes large and a portion of the second extending portion in which the degree of outward deflection on the other side in the width direction becomes large to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: F-TECH INC.
    Inventors: Toru Kawai, Hiroyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 11439054
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement is provided for a side stabilizer of a rear power lift for an agricultural utility vehicle. The arrangement includes a movable bearing and a bearing bracket for the bearing. The bearing bracket is disposable in an installed operating position to achieve a mechanical coupling of the bearing bracket with the rear power lift. An axle housing includes a central longitudinal axis for a rear axle of the utility vehicle. The bearing bracket has a bearing point for the movable bearing of the side stabilizer and is connected to the axle housing by a clamping force. The clamping force is oriented parallel to a traction force acting on the bearing point in the installed operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin Heitlinger, Sven Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 10625556
    Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: EXONETIK INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Guifre Julio, Patrick Chouinard, Pascal LaRose, Caroline Fraser
  • Patent number: 10543758
    Abstract: Embodiments for reducing unwanted motion experienced by an occupant of a vehicle by a processor. In response to an anticipated movement of the vehicle, a motion of a seating surface of the vehicle is caused to at least partially compensate for the anticipated movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hardee, Maharaj Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 9718324
    Abstract: A damper control device includes a speed conversion unit configured to convert a damper speed to a control damper speed, and if the damper is accelerating, the damper speed is converted so that signs of the control damper speed and the damper speed accord with each other and an absolute value of the control damper speed becomes an absolute value of the damper speed or more, and if the damper is decelerating, the damper speed is converted so that the signs of the control damper speed and the damper speed accord with each other and the absolute value of the control damper speed becomes the absolute value of the damper speed or less, and a damping force of the damper is controlled by using the control damper speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoo Kubota, Masatoshi Okumura
  • Patent number: 9421862
    Abstract: A rear axle differential device of a vehicle, including a differential casing, two half-shafts, an input shaft, and an output shaft is provided. The differential casing includes a first casing and a second casing. A differential gear is disposed in the second casing having two coaxial half-shaft holes at two ends. The two half-shafts are coaxially fixed to the two half-shaft holes, respectively, and a direction of an axis of the half-shaft is a first direction. One end of the input shaft is fixed to the first casing, and the other end extends towards the second casing. The output shaft is located at one side of the input shaft, and one end is fixed to the first casing and the other end extends along a direction opposite to an extending direction of the input shaft. The axis of the output shaft is parallel to the axis of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG XINYANG INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heyuan Wang
  • Patent number: 8960362
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication to the components of the drive axle assembly. As the wheel differential rotates, lubricant is splashed and lubricates bearings and other associated components of the differential assembly. In addition, lubricant is pumped by rotation of the first and second spur gears and is fed to the radial face of a forward bearing through a lubrication passage through a plurality of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mirko Barbir
  • Patent number: 8899372
    Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle including a frame assembly; a differential supported on the frame assembly; a wheel hub connected to each of two half shaft assemblies engaging the differential and being pivotally connected to the frame assembly; and at least one air spring operatively positioned between the frame assembly and each of the wheel hubs. The air springs are connected to a rotating linkage which maintains a substantially linear axis of compression for the air springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Motor Trike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Vey, John Petry, Jeffrey D. Vey, Christopher Vey, Adam Schumann, Ryan Reineck
  • Patent number: 8794370
    Abstract: A powertrain system for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit (2), a differential module (3) and a propeller shaft (4) provided to extend in a frontward-rearward direction of a vehicle body to transmit drive power of the power unit (2) to the differential module (3). The propeller shaft (4) is divided into a front shaft segment (4a) a rear shaft segment (4b) through the intermediary of a third universal joint (43), and adapted to be contracted in such a manner that the front shaft segment (4a) is fitted into an end of the rear shaft segment (4b) over a contractable range D1, together with a part of the third universal joint (43). The differential module (3) has a module body (31), and a rear support section (33) which supports the module body (31) to allow a front portion of the module body (31) to be swingably moved downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Hiramatsu, Fumitaka Andou, Toshihide Koyama, Hiroaki Takeshita
  • Patent number: 8776937
    Abstract: A front differential-integrated engine support bracket, which may be mounted on an engine to connect the engine and an engine mount may include a connecting portion formed in a front thereof and connected to the engine mount, a fixing portion formed in a rear thereof and fixed to the engine, a fastening portion formed between the fixing portion and the connecting portion, wherein the engine support bracket may be fastened together with a front differential mounted on the engine by the fastening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Won Kim, Kong Sup Jung, Yong Jin Kim, Byoung Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 8668214
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a V-rod in a vehicle suspension includes an axle housing having a mounting cavity formed thereon and a joint member installed in the mounting cavity so that a joint coupling extends outward from the axle housing. The joint member may include a ball joint mounted on a post mountable in the mounting cavity. The mounting cavity may be formed in a boss provided on the axle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt T. Elliott, Mark Winders
  • Patent number: 8607915
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Johnson, James W. Platt, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
  • Patent number: 8573337
    Abstract: A tandem housing for a motor grader comprises an exterior multi-layer first wall, an exterior second wall, and an exterior rim. The first wall comprises a main plate and a reinforcement plate reinforcing the main plate. The rim is coupled to the first wall and the second wall so as to provide a periphery of the tandem housing laterally between the first wall and the second wall. The main plate, the reinforcement plate, and the rim cooperate to provide a weld groove. A weld is positioned in the weld groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Trent A. Luoma, Dharmendra Sharma
  • Patent number: 8517140
    Abstract: An independent rear suspension kit includes first and second mounting brackets configured to be fastened to a chassis of a vehicle, a cross-member interconnecting the first and second brackets, a differential housing supported by the cross-member, first and second upper control arms pivotably coupled to the cross-member, first and second lower control arms pivotably coupled to the differential housing, a first upright pivotably coupled to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm, and a second upright pivotably coupled to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Heidts Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: Vaughn E. D. West, Thomas E. Brown
  • Patent number: 8469462
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a first member, an insert, and an object. The first member made of a first metal and has a first exterior surface and a first end. A pocket is formed in the exterior surface of the first end. The insert is made of a second, different metal. The insert is connected to the pocket and has a second exterior surface that is flush with the first exterior surface. The object is formed of the second metal and is resistance welded to the insert. The second metal is steel and the first metal is a metal that cannot be resistance welded directly to steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Doud, Blair J. Swanson, Jeffrey E. Rea
  • Patent number: 8387741
    Abstract: A drive train arrangement for a vehicle comprising a main transmission and a transfer box which are both housed within a transmission housing. The transfer box comprises a drive output which is connected to a rear axle differential transmission and connectable, by a torque transmission element and a connecting shaft, to a front axle differential transmission. The connecting shaft is arranged at a predetermined angle relative to the drive output shaft of the main transmission. The end of the connecting shaft, facing toward the front axle differential transmission, is actively connected to the front axle differential transmission. The front axle differential transmission is fixed to the vehicle by at least one adaptor device allowing the front axle differential transmission to be adapted to a variety of arrangement positions along the rotation axis of the connection shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Mair, Thomas Rosemeier, Dietmar Gehring, Detlef Baasch, Lothar Beigang, Manfred Geier
  • Patent number: 8322736
    Abstract: A swing arm assembly is configured for pivotal coupling with a frame of a vehicle. The swing arm assembly includes first and second support arms. A first axle support bracket is attached to the first support arm and a second axle support bracket is attached to the second support arm. A first reinforcement member includes upper, lower, forward and rearward edges, and is welded to the first axle support bracket along at least a portion of the upper edge and at least a portion of the lower edge of the first reinforcement member. The rearward edge of the first reinforcement member is devoid of weld material. The first support arm is attached to the first reinforcement member. Vehicles including a swing arm assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8292016
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Johnson, James W. Platt, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
  • Patent number: 8261870
    Abstract: A method for replacing an endless power transmitting element in a motorcycle having a rear axle assembly with a pair of driven wheels. The method includes: removing the bearing caps from the carrier structure; disengaging the shafts from the differential assembly; moving the differential assembly away from carrier structure; mounting the endless power transmitting element about the differential assembly and through an opening in the carrier housing; replacing the bearing caps to the carrier structure; and re-engaging the shafts to the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Johnson, James W. Platt, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
  • Patent number: 8240421
    Abstract: An adaptor for an older Corvette drive train provides a structure for coupling the drive shaft extending from a front-mounted transmission to the differential of a C5 or C6 Corvette rear suspension in which the rear mounted transmission has been removed. A housing holds a stub shaft for rotation on front (outside) and rear (inside) bearings. The shaft has a coupling yoke mounted to its front end and engages the differential gearing at its other (rear) end. The housing mounts to the differential at the five mounting points of the removed transmission. A bracket which attaches to frame mounts can be mounted to either the top or bottom front (outside) face of the housing, depending upon the suspension-to-frame geometry. A circular flange on the shaft positions and holds the inside bearing and a rearward extending boss on the yoke positions and holds the outside bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Chassis Concept, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Lewis Leicht, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8230956
    Abstract: A drive train for a vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine including a first housing mounted on said engine, a second housing mounted in said first housing, a transmission mounted on the second housing operatively connected to the engine, a transversely disposed shaft disposed in the first housing drivingly connected to the transmission, an electrical motor disposed in one of the housings and operating interconnecting the engine and transmission and a clutch operatively interconnecting a rotor of the electric motor and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Audi, AG
    Inventors: Hendrik Schramm, Csaba Bencso
  • Patent number: 8177014
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Winston Platt, David Charles Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold Wayne Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
  • Publication number: 20120067663
    Abstract: An adaptor for an older Corvette drive train provides a structure for coupling the drive shaft extending from a front-mounted transmission to the differential of a C5 or C6 Corvette rear suspension in which the rear mounted transmission has been removed. A housing holds a stub shaft for rotation on front (outside) and rear (inside) bearings. The shaft has a coupling yoke mounted to its front end and engages the differential gearing at its other (rear) end. The housing mounts to the differential at the five mounting points of the removed transmission. A bracket which attaches to frame mounts can be mounted to either the top or bottom front (outside) face of the housing, depending upon the suspension-to-frame geometry. A circular flange on the shaft positions and holds the inside bearing and a rearward extending boss on the yoke positions and holds the outside bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: CHASSIS CONCEPT, INC.
    Inventor: Raymond Lewis Leicht, SR.
  • Patent number: 8132640
    Abstract: A frangible mount for a vehicle differential that includes a first horizontal mounting flange, a second mounting flange parallel to and vertically offset from the first mounting flange, and a generally circular differential shaft bushing holder portion with a central axis transverse to the first and second mounting flanges. The mount also includes a first transition integrally formed with, and between, the first mounting flange and the receiver portion, a notch defined between the first mounting flange and the first transition, and a second transition integrally formed with, and between, the second mounting flange and the receiver portion. When an axial force is applied to the bushing holder portion in excess of a threshold value, either the first transition or the first mounting flange fracture and either the second transition or the second mounting flange fracture, thus, allowing the bushing holder portion to be displaced apart from the first mounting flange and second mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Heitkamp, Stephen Rosepiler, Kishore Pydimarry
  • Patent number: 8042644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-propelled forage harvester (1) that is equipped with a front attachment (3) and includes a rigid axle (5), a transmission (10) and two wheel gears (9), which are installed upstream of the drive wheels (7) and are coupled with the transmission (10) in a driving manner, the drive axle (5) being composed of a center part (31) and axle carrier units (28) rigidly flange-connected on the right and left sides of the center part (31), each axle carrier unit (28) including wheel gears (9) that extend forward, in the direction toward the front attachment (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Isfort, Manfred Gersmann, Werner Engenhorst
  • Patent number: 8042639
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Winston Platt, David Charles Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold Wayne Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
  • Publication number: 20110253472
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Buschena
  • Patent number: 7984782
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Winston Platt, David Charles Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold Wayne Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
  • Patent number: 7959172
    Abstract: A push-in-bung assembly is provided that improves vibration and lateral movement control for vehicle suspension systems. The push-in-bung assembly includes a bung formed of rigid material and having a first end configured to connect to a vehicle frame and a second end configured to connect to a vehicle differential. A track bar can be included between the bung and the vehicle frame. The track bar can connect with the vehicle frame using a bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Nashawaty, Stephen Nashawaty
  • Patent number: 7922185
    Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Worman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7900740
    Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Doyle Roley
  • Patent number: 7900943
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Craig Stewart
  • Patent number: 7757805
    Abstract: In a working vehicle in which a backhoe support frame for reinforcing is provided in a rear end portion of a vehicle body frame, and a transmission case is mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle body frame so as to be close to the backhoe support frame, each of support brackets provided in an outer side surface of a rear portion of each of main frames constructing the vehicle body frame so as to protrude outward is connected to a protruding end portion protruding to rightwardly and leftwardly relative to each of lower brace members in a reinforcing plate supporting a lower surface of the transmission case in a state in which a rear axle case protruding outward from the right and left side surfaces of the transmission case is sandwiched from upper and lower sides, in order to dissolve a risk that a load generated at a time of traveling in a backhoe installed state or at a time of an excavating work by the backhoe is propagated to the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensaku Wakuta, Kazuhiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7730992
    Abstract: A mounting unit is mounted to the frame cross member of a vehicle. The mounting unit includes a bottom unit which is bolted to the frame cross member and a top unit which is bolted to the transmission/transfer case adapter. The top and bottom units are bolted to one another. The mounting unit allows the motor, transmission, and transfer case to move freely with respect to each other during hard use conditions, including extreme four-wheeling, without damaging the mounting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Randy Randall
  • Patent number: 7658262
    Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7631721
    Abstract: A tilting chassis vehicle has a differential gear driving opposed half shafts (16,18). Each half shaft is connected to a respective wheel hub. Pivoting tie rods (24,26) are provided between the chassis (12) and these wheel hubs, and a control arm (48) is provided between the chassis and the differential carrier to constrain movement thereof. The arrangement gives a novel tilting vehicle with shaft drive and low centre of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Hobbs
  • Patent number: 7628457
    Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul David Pochatila, Mark Richard Knight
  • Patent number: 7597174
    Abstract: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear set of the central differential gear, and an exterior side of the hollow part is provided with a plurality of pivoting holes. The pivoting holes correspond to through-holes on the chassis for locking the central differential gear, thereby locking and fixing the board. In addition, the hollow part is locked at columns of the central differential gear by transfixing screws from bottom to top into the pivoting holes and the through-holes. On the other hand, front and rear ends of the board provide for connection of two support arms, thereby constituting the anti-deflection structure for the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Daimler Chu
  • Patent number: 7559404
    Abstract: A modular axle assembly includes a first tube assembly and a second tube assembly interconnected by a center section. A number of different modular axle assemblies are constructed by using different center sections. For example, a non-driving axle includes a sleeve interconnecting first and second tube assemblies. A driving front axle includes a differential housing interconnecting the first and second tube assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold W. Seeds, David M. Morse
  • Patent number: 7513330
    Abstract: A height adjustable golf car suspension system includes an axle housing and first and second brackets connected to the axle housing. The first and second brackets each include a first U-shaped member welded to the axle housing, a second U-shaped member welded to the first U-shaped member, and a flange of the second U-shaped member having first and second apertures created through the flange. The first and second apertures receive a mounting fastener of a shock absorber and coil spring assembly. The first aperture is positioned above the second aperture. A height of the suspension system is adjustable by insertion of the mounting fastener into a select one of the first and second apertures of both the first and second brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Furman, James Agerton, II
  • Patent number: 7490692
    Abstract: An axle driving unit includes an axle, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor having a motor shaft on which an output gear is provided to be drivingly connected to said axle, a center section having a pump mounting surface and a motor mounting surface onto which the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are mounted respectively so as to be fluidly connected with each other through the center section, a housing constituted by a first housing part and a second housing part joined to each other at a joint surface, a projection integrally formed on the center section so as to be fitted to the housing, thereby fixing a position of the center section relative to the housing, and a fastener fastening the center section to the first housing part. The pump mounting surface and said motor mounting surface may be disposed perpendicular to each other. Said pump mounting surface and said motor mounting surface are disposed perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20080308340
    Abstract: In a transaxle, a transaxle housing includes a first divisional housing member and a second divisional housing member joined to each other. A transmission is disposed in the first divisional housing member. An axle is disposed in the mutually joined first and second divisional housing members and drivingly connected to the transmission in the first divisional housing member. A brake device is provided on the axle. The second divisional housing member is formed integrally with a brake chamber portion joined to the first divisional housing member so as to incorporate the brake device in the brake chamber portion. The transaxle is provided with a power take-off device for taking off power from the transmission, including a power take-off casing. A connection shaft is interposed between the transmission and the power take-off device. The second divisional housing member is formed integrally with a mount portion expanded from the brake chamber portion radially with respect to the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Shuji NISHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20080296081
    Abstract: A device operable to distribute driving forces to left and right wheels of a vehicle, includes: a differential mechanism, a driving-force adjuster and a differential limiter. The differential mechanism is operable to distribute a driving force from a drive source of the vehicle to the left and right wheels as distributed driving forces, while allowing a rotation difference between the left and right wheels. The driving-force adjuster is operable to adjust each of the distributed driving forces. The differential limiter is operable to limit rotation difference between the left and right wheels by applying a limiting torque to the differential mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Takuya YAMAMURA, Yuichi Ushiroda, Kaoru Sawase
  • Patent number: 7387185
    Abstract: An axle driving unit includes a pair of axles, a differential unit for differently connecting the pair of axles to each other, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a motor shaft, an output gear on said motor shaft for drivingly connecting to said differential unit, a center section having a pump mounting surface and a motor mounting surface onto which said hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are mounted respectively, a housing constituted by a first housing part and a second housing part joined to each other at a joint surface, and a fastener fastening the center section to the first housing part. The center section is entirely disposed in the first housing part, whereby the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic motor and the output gear are entirely contained in the first housing part. The motor mounting surface may be disposed in parallel to the joint surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7377598
    Abstract: An axle housing assembly includes a cast iron tube having a pocket that is formed proximate a first end of the cast iron tube. The pocket is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cast iron tube. The axle housing assembly also includes an insert made of steel connected to the pocket. The steel insert permits the cast iron tube to be coupled to a cast iron carrier housing by welding steel plugs positioned in the carrier housing to the steel inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Doud, Blair J. Swanson, Jeffrey E. Rea
  • Patent number: 7364528
    Abstract: An axle system includes an axle shaft offset located within an axle center beam housing. The axle shaft is located in a recess in a top wall of the axle center beam shaped with slopes to maximize clearance to the bottom of the vehicle floor panels. The pneumatic brake cylinders define a cylinder axis angled within an angular range from a generally vertical orientation for enhanced packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Brill, Corrado A. Conti, Brian D. Hayes, Steven E. Hunter, Fabio Maineri, Tomaz Dopico Varela
  • Publication number: 20080017434
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a combined wet brake and rear gear assembly supported by a pair of frames. The combined wet brake and rear gear assembly includes a housing having at least one gear and a wet brake provided therein. An input shaft is connected to the gear and to the engine of the vehicle. The wet brake is located between one of the pairs of frames and the input shaft in the transverse direction of the vehicle in a top plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Bryan M. HARPER, Andrew METZGER, Bruce YOUNGGREN, Brian WOLF
  • Patent number: 7296644
    Abstract: A reduction-drive device has a first and a second reduction mechanism and distribution device. The first reduction mechanism has a planetary carrier, a planetary gear rotatably supported by the planetary carrier, an internal gear in mesh with the planetary gear and a sun gear. The first reduction mechanism is supported by the housing so as to reduce driving force of the electric motor. The second reduction mechanism is positioned between the electric motor and the first reduction mechanism so as to reduce an output of the first reduction mechanism. The differential device is supported by the housing so as to distribute the output of the second reduction mechanism to a wheel side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 7261178
    Abstract: An articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Hideaki Okada, Michio Tsukamoto, Robert Abend
  • Patent number: 7188699
    Abstract: An axle assembly with a cooling pump. The cooling pump includes a disk-shaped wheel with a plurality of radially-spaced ducts formed therein. The wheel is positioned in proximity to the axle assembly and rotated, allowing the ducts to draw air therethrough and direct the air to the axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason E. Moore, Frederick E. Zink