Motor As Source Of Power For Other Machine Patents (Class 180/53.1)
  • Patent number: 11780421
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric drive unit (EDU) having a motor-driven torque converter includes receiving a request signal indicative of a requested output torque of the EDU, and operating the motor at a target motor speed using the requested output torque. The target motor speed minimizes system losses while achieving the requested output torque. When the requested output torque remains below a calibrated threshold and a turbine speed is less than a corner speed of the motor, a torque converter clutch (TCC) transitions to or remains in a locked state. The controller commands the TCC to transition to an unlocked state to reach the target motor speed, thereby selectively enabling torque multiplication. A powertrain system includes a driven load and the EDU. A computer readable storage medium may include executable instructions for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Lei Hao, Chengwu Duan
  • Patent number: 11724594
    Abstract: Engine controllers and control schemes that facilitate skip fire engine operation in conjunction with use power take-off devices are described. In one aspect, a skip fire mode is exited when the power take-off unit is engaged and the current torque request exceeds a torque threshold. In some embodiments, the exit is delayed when the temperature of an after treatment system is below a designated temperature threshold. In another aspect, the engine transitions to the skip fire mode when the power take-off unit disengages. In some embodiments, exiting is conditioned on the current torque request being less than a torque threshold. In some embodiments, the transition is made immediately, whereas in others the transition only occurs when the power take-off unit is not reengaged for a period of time or is further conditioned on determining that the power take-off unit is likely to remain disengaged for the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignees: Tula Technology, Inc., Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Lisa A. Orth-Farrell, Steven E. Carlson, Aaron W. Beinborn
  • Patent number: 11560054
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive-train of a vehicle, such as a municipal or agricultural utility vehicle, having at least one drive machine, a vehicle transmission with at least two gears, at least one drive axle and at least one auxiliary power take-off. The method includes controlling or regulating a supply of normal power from the drive machine as a function of a normal torque characteristic. Depending on the operating situation, supplying additional power to the at least one drive axle and/or to the at least one auxiliary power take-off. The supplied additional power is controlled or regulated as a function of operating situation dependent torque characteristics which are called up as a function of the selected gear at the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Alexander Stöbich
  • Patent number: 11125309
    Abstract: A transmission assembly including a torque input shaft and a torque output shaft and input idler gears, input fixed gears and shift elements, each of which is associated with an input idler gear, are arranged on the torque input shaft, and output idler gears, output fixed gears and shift elements, each of which are associated with an output idler gear, are arranged on the torque output shaft, with the result that a plurality of different torque transmission paths from the torque input shaft to the torque output shaft may be implemented. The transmission arrangement has an additional torque transmission path that may be implemented. The additional torque transmission path runs from the torque input shaft through a double gear to the torque output shaft. The transmission assembly can be included in a corresponding overall transmission which can be installed in an agricultural machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Pauli, Stefan Igl, Thomas Oberbuchner, Michael Haas, Marco Devoti
  • Patent number: 10967865
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, electric machine torque is adjusted according to a wheel torque in a wheel torque creep mode where an engine provides torque to vehicle wheels. Operating the electric machine in this way may allow the electric machine to emulate wheel creep torque that is generated via an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Jason Meyer, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 10882528
    Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a motor vehicle includes a power generator that generates electricity to charge one or more auxiliary power system batteries. The motor vehicle includes an engine and drive train that distributes power from the engine to the drive wheels. The drive train can include a transmission, a drive shaft and a differential that connects the engine to the drive wheels. The power generator can be connected to the drive train (e.g., the transmission, the drive shaft or the differential) to draw power to generate electricity as well as to apply braking loads on the drive wheels to increase the ability to stop the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: BLACKBURN ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Amigo
  • Patent number: 10843565
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed. The utility vehicle is configured to support a removable implement. The removable implement may include one or more components configured to be powered by a power take off system of the utility vehicle. The removable implement may also include one or more components configured to be powered by a hydraulic system of the utility vehicle. An operator of the utility vehicle, without exiting a cab of the utility vehicle, can couple the implement to the utility vehicle such that the hydraulic components are hydraulically coupled to the vehicle's hydraulic system and such that the components of the implement configured to be powered by a power take off system of the utility vehicle are operably coupled to the power take off system of the utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Briese, Jacob D. Hanson
  • Patent number: 10667453
    Abstract: An agricultural motor vehicle able to connect to a variety of agricultural implements, and comprising a structural set having four parts: a lower chassis, an intermediate structure, a front complementary structure, and a rear complementary structure. The set is supported over a set of front traction wheels and a set of smaller rear wheels and also houses a vibrating sieve, above which is located a beating cylinder, the front edge of which connects to a concentrating guiding roller and a hinged inlet nozzle, as well as a cockpit and a grain dumper located over the set. Preceding the grain dumper is a clean grain collection gutter, a motor power set, a suction cleaning set, a clean grain elevator and lastly, a retractable side belt, whose lower edge is hinged at its midpoint and located on the upper edge of the intermediate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: INDÚSTRIAS REUNIDAS COLOMBO LTDA
    Inventor: Luiz Henrique Bertino
  • Patent number: 10641372
    Abstract: A gearbox assembly that includes a system of stacked planetary gearsets; a clutch device including an input clutch shaft and an output clutch shaft; a large clutch wheel and a small clutch wheel mounted idle on the output clutch shaft; a clutch coupling device for coupling the small and large wheels with the output clutch shaft; an output shaft including a small output wheel meshing with the large clutch wheel and a large output wheel meshing with the small clutch wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE MECANIQUE AGRICOLE
    Inventors: Pascal Ladriere, Didier Folliot, Oscar Cuevas Melo
  • Patent number: 10640203
    Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe having an extending tail, a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly disposed at the airframe including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly, and a translational thrust system positioned at the extending tail and providing translational thrust to the airframe, the translational thrust system including a propeller. A gearbox system is operably connected to the main rotor assembly and the propeller to drive rotation of the main rotor assembly and the propeller. The gearbox is configured to maintain a main rotor assembly tip speed below Mach 0.9 and a propeller helical tip speed below Mach 0.88.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. Eadie, Patrick Boyle
  • Patent number: 10443523
    Abstract: A method for controlling power takeoff (PTO) clutch engagement includes determining an output clutch speed, adjusting a clutch current at a predetermined rate, estimating an inertial load of a PTO implement and adjusting the clutch current for one or more times at a time interval, and selecting a clutch control algorithm configured for the inertial load of the PTO implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kushan Vora, Haibo Guo, Brian Allen Hartman
  • Patent number: 10316475
    Abstract: A paving machine includes an auger drive system secured with a primary auger shaft, and a primary auger sleeve disposed for selective rotation with the primary auger shaft with engagement of a selectively-actuable primary auger clutch. The paving machine further includes at least a first auger extension that is selectively-engagable with the primary auger shaft with engagement of a first auger extension clutch. In this way, the primary auger sleeve and the first auger extension may be separately actuated for rotation with the auger drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Busch
  • Patent number: 10309512
    Abstract: An axle assembly and method of reworking an axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing and a differential carrier assembly. A central portion of the axle housing has an opening that is defined by an axle flange that has a first mating surface. The differential carrier assembly has a differential mounted on a carrier. The carrier has a carrier flange that has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is sealed to the second mating surface by seal. At least one of the first and second mating surfaces includes a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Cameri SpA
    Inventors: Fabio Santinato, Cesare Bonfa, Maurizio Lupi
  • Patent number: 10239534
    Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a motor vehicle includes a power generator that generates electricity to charge one or more auxiliary power system batteries. The motor vehicle includes an engine and drive train that distributes power from the engine to the drive wheels. The drive train can include a transmission, a drive shaft and a differential that connects the engine to the drive wheels. The power generator can be connected to the drive train (e.g., the transmission, the drive shaft or the differential) to draw power to generate electricity as well as to apply braking loads on the drive wheels to increase the ability to stop the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: BLACKBURN ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Amigo
  • Patent number: 10144083
    Abstract: An engine driven welder includes a generator configured to provide an electrical output, an engine coupled to the generator, an air compression system coupled to the engine, a first welding system coupled to the generator, and a second welding system. The engine is configured to drive the generator, and the air compression system is configured to provide a pneumatic output. The first welding system is configured to provide a first weld output, and the second welding system is configured to provide a second weld output. The second weld output is independent of the first weld output in an independent mode, and the second weld output is combined with the first weld output as a combined weld output in a parallel mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: David Edwin Radtke, Alan Fredrick Smith, George Harold Baus, Joseph Carl Gitter
  • Patent number: 10145461
    Abstract: A disconnecting power take-off unit having a housing, an input shaft, a gear shaft, a seal journal and a dynamic seal. The input shaft is rotatably disposed in the housing and includes a plurality of splines or teeth. The gear shaft is disposed about the input shaft and is supported on an end by a gear shaft bearing having an inner bearing race. The seal journal is received over the splines or teeth and is fixedly and sealingly engaged to the input shaft. The seal journal has an exterior seal surface that can be sized larger in diameter than the splines or teeth on the input shaft and/or the inside diameter of the inner bearing race of the gear shaft bearing. The dynamic seal is received over the spline teeth and is sealingly engaged to the housing and the exterior seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron C. Portman
  • Patent number: 10106379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for supplying power to multiple engine pumps (4, 5), provided in the superstructure (3) of a mobile crane for superstructure functions, by way of a drive motor (2) arranged in the undercarriage (1) of the mobile crane, comprising a hydraulic motor (7) which is arranged in the superstructure (3) and hydraulically driven by the drive motor (2) and which comprises a first mechanical output which couples at least one first engine pump (4) to the hydraulic motor (7) and a second mechanical output which couples at least one second engine pump (5) to the hydraulic motor (7). The invention also relates to a mobile crane comprising this drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Jann Reesing, Johannes Schuermann
  • Patent number: 10099402
    Abstract: A concrete mixing carrier, comprising a vehicle chassis and a mixing drum provided thereon. A drum housing of the mixing drum is cubic, supported horizontally on the vehicle chassis, and able to form an unloading state where a front portion is higher and a rear portion is lower; the mixing drum forms a closed drum housing; a feed inlet and a discharge outlet are respectively provided on a rear end plate; a rotary inner drum formed by splicing movable blades is provided in the drum body, and adjacent movable blades have therebetween a movement margin for rotation; each strip-shaped movable blade is supported at both ends by paired rollers respectively; stirring blades overhang towards inside of the drum body, backs of back plates are provided with drive racks, and drive gears, mutually engaged with the drive racks, are provided at corresponding positions of the drum body using a supporting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Hefei University of Technology
    Inventors: Qin Shi, Mansheng Dong, Chao Zhang, Yikai Chen
  • Patent number: 10086836
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operation may be adjusted in response to operating the hybrid vehicle in a four wheel drivel low gear range. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 10038397
    Abstract: A multi-engine power system is described that includes a load requiring a total amount of electrical power, a first engine configured to provide a first portion of the total amount of electrical power to be provided to the load, and a second engine configured to provide a second portion of the total amount of electrical power to be provided to the load. The system further includes a controller configured to determine the total amount of electrical power to be provided to the load, estimate a respective service time associated with each of the first and second engines, and control each of the first and second engines to provide the total amount of electrical power to the load and to coordinate the respective service times associated with the first and second engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Harvey Cline, Michael P. Dougherty, Richard Joseph Skertic, Robert J. Zeller
  • Patent number: 10024416
    Abstract: A transfer case for use with four-wheel drive vehicles incorporates a pass-through power takeoff shaft to drive remote secondary implements or accessory devices. The power takeoff shaft delivers rotational power from the vehicle transmission to the remote implement or accessory by passing through the housing of the transfer case to improve ground clearance and minimize driveline angles. The housing for the transfer case can mount bearings that rotatably support the power takeoff shaft. Alternatively, a tubular member can be mounted in the transfer case to provide a passageway through which the power takeoff shaft can pass through the transfer case. The points of engagement of the power takeoff shaft and the transfer case housing are sealed to prevent the loss of lubricating fluid from the transfer case. In each embodiment, the power takeoff shaft passes through the transfer case without engagement of or interference with the drive components therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Marco Equipment Sales, LLC
    Inventors: Duane Martin, Anthony M. Hostetter
  • Patent number: 9994102
    Abstract: A transmission includes a primary drive gear fixed to an input shaft and an idler gear meshing with the primary drive gear. A transmission pump is arranged to receive power from the idler gear. A power take-off unit is mounted to a case of the transmission and includes an input shaft having a first gear meshing with the idler gear and a second gear. An output shaft has a third gear meshing with the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Simon, Nicholas Brandon Chase, Joe Alexander Bousamra
  • Patent number: 9895696
    Abstract: A material processing apparatus comprising a rotary operating device coupled to a material processing device, especially a crusher. A primary drive system is coupled to the rotary operating device. An auxiliary drive system has a rotary drive member and is operable between a driving state, in which it is coupled to the rotary operating device, and a non-driving state in which it does not rotate the rotary operating device. The apparatus is operable in a primary mode in which the primary drive system rotates the rotary operating device and the auxiliary drive system is in its non-driving state, or in an auxiliary mode in which the auxiliary drive system is in its driving state. In the auxiliary mode, the auxiliary drive system may be operated to repeatedly rotate the rotary operating device alternately in both rotational directions to impart a back-and-forth rocking motion to the material processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Terex GB Limited
    Inventors: Jamie Hamilton, Robert Gilmour
  • Patent number: 9630608
    Abstract: A hydraulic component, in particular of a hydraulic braking system, includes a conduit section through which brake fluid flows. The conduit section has at least one reflection surface that is impinged by the brake fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf Stahr, Daniel Brenndoerfer, Michael Eisenlauer
  • Patent number: 9615502
    Abstract: A holder unit facilitates secure, safe and adjustable connection between an agricultural implement and a draft vehicle such as a tractor. The holder unit mounts to the tongue of the implement and engages a portion of a drivetrain, allowing the drivetrain to rest on a saddle of the holder unit. The holder unit features three adjustability orientations, a fore-and-aft adjustability, a height adjustability and a saddle pivot adjustability. These adjustability orientations are easily combined by the user to achieve accurate alignment for PTO-to-drivetrain connection irrespective of variations between the draft vehicle and the implement drivetrain connector device respective orientations and terrain unevenness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Alamo Group Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Smith, Jack Harrington
  • Patent number: 9487074
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle powertrain including a first prime mover and an electric traction motor/generator provides for electric operation of a power take off. A sensor indicates electric fraction motor/generator speed. A control system provides for limiting engagement of the power take off to the electric traction motor/generator through a transmission to periods when the electric traction motor/generator is turning a less than a predefined maximum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Bissontz
  • Patent number: 9439347
    Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a mower deck guard/chute includes a platform attachment assembly configured for attachment to a movable platform, a housing mount configured to be attached to a riding machine surface, and a linkage assembly having a break-away safety mechanism and configured to connect the platform attachment assembly to the housing mount and to thereby hold the movable platform in a variably raised position. The break-away safety mechanism is configured to break the connection between the platform attachment assembly and the housing mount when a tensile force is applied to the linkage assembly due to snagging or entanglement of the deck guard and/or apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Oehlsen
  • Patent number: 9377065
    Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic retarder includes directing fluid from a retarder pump to the retarder when the retarder is turned on, directing fluid from a main pump by way of a torque converter to the retarder when the retarder is on, but not filled. When the retarder is off or is on and filled, the method includes directing fluid from the main pump by way of the torque converter to at least one of a lube operation, the tank or a cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Guillotte, Travis Miller, Don Wilbur, Mark Batdorff
  • Patent number: 9377066
    Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic retarder including directing fluid from a retarder pump to the retarder when the retarder is turned on. Fluid from a main pump is directed to a torque converter, which fluid is directed to at least one of a lube operation, a tank or a cooler when the retarder is turned off. Fluid from the main pump by way of the torque converter is directed to the retarder when the retarder is on, but not filled, and to the tank or the lube operation when the retarder is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Guillotte, Travis Miller, Don Wilbur, Mark Batdorff
  • Patent number: 9359068
    Abstract: A drive unit (16) for an aircraft running gear (2) having at least a first wheel (4) and a second wheel (6) on a common wheel axis (A), wherein the drive unit (16) is drivingly coupleable to at least one of the first and second wheels (4, 6), is characterized in that the drive unit (16) comprises at least one power output assembly (122, 124) for driving at least one of the first and second wheels (4, 6), with each of the at least one power output assembly (122, 124) comprising a power transmission chain (136) selectively engageable with a sprocket element (108, 110) coupled to one of the first and second wheels (4, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS MAGNET-MOTOR GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Oswald, Manfred Heeg
  • Patent number: 9327728
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a power take off are presented. In one example, the power take off may be rotated in two different directions. The approaches may improve operation of a power take off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum
  • Patent number: 9038753
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a power assembly connected to a vehicle drive line. The power assembly is selected from the group consisting of a split shaft power take off assembly and a transfer case. At least one hydraulic pump is connected to the power assembly. At least one hydraulic consumer is drivingly connected to the at least one hydraulic pump. The at least one hydraulic pump is selected from the group consisting of a variable displacement pump and a constant displacement pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Leonard H. Hancock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9010467
    Abstract: A power delivery system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power delivery system includes a chassis engine configured to power driving functions of the vehicle and an auxiliary engine configured to power non-driving hydraulic functions of the vehicle. The power delivery system may also include a power boost system comprising a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with each other. The hydraulic pump may be coupled to a power output of the chassis engine while the hydraulic motor may be coupled to a power output of the auxiliary engine. In one embodiment, the power delivery system has a power sharing mode in which power is transferred from the chassis engine power output to the auxiliary engine power output via the hydraulic pump and motor such that the non-driving hydraulic functions of the vehicle are simultaneously powered by the chassis engine and the auxiliary engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Burnier, John D. Padgett
  • Patent number: 9010466
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle comprises a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt entrained around both pulleys in an opposite manner between the fixed and movable sheaves thereof. One pulley carries a selectively deployable stop that may be placed into position to mechanically limit the range of motion between the fixed and movable sheaves. This establishes an actual maximum transmission ratio that is larger than the nominal minimum transmission ratio but smaller than the nominal maximum transmission ratio achievable by the transmission during normal operation thereof. When such a transmission is used on a utility vehicle attached to a substance dispensing applicator operatively driven by the vehicle's engine, the application rate stays substantially constant despite changes in engine speed when the user keeps the transmission upshifted to the actual maximum transmission ratio set by the position of the deployed stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jamie R. Larson, Jeremy A. Fohrenkamm
  • Patent number: 9003902
    Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover and having a variable speed transmission disposed within a housing is disclosed. A power take off is driven by an output shaft of the prime mover and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8997904
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump powering system includes a mobile vehicle, a first electric current generator device, and one or more electric pump motors. The mobile vehicle has first and second prime movers. The first electric current generator device is disposed onboard the mobile vehicle and is configured to be mechanically coupled with the first prime mover to convert movement created by the first prime mover into first electric current. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current to power a hydraulic pump. The second prime mover is configured to generate movement that is converted into a propulsive force that propels the mobile vehicle. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current in order to power the hydraulic pump to pump a fluid into a pumping location located off-board the mobile vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Cryer, George J. Wnukoski, David Kamensky, Ramesh Krishnan, William Halli, Alexey Gaev, Ryan Martorella, Tarun Shivlani
  • Patent number: 8991274
    Abstract: A mounting surface of an agricultural work vehicle power takeoff system. In one example, an agricultural vehicle includes a power takeoff (PTO) device. The PTO device includes a drive shaft and a mounting surface. Furthermore, the mounting surface includes a plurality of threaded apertures for coupling an auxiliary system to the PTO device, and a pilot configured to engage with a complimentary pilot of the auxiliary system to facilitate alignment of the PTO device with the auxiliary system. The mounting surface and the auxiliary system have the same mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Thomas B. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8958958
    Abstract: In hybrid construction machine employing a hydraulic motor and an electric motor for the driving of the swing structure, satisfactory operability of a combined operation of the swing structure and other actuators is secured irrespective of the operating status of the electric motor. A control device of the hybrid construction machine executes control selected from: hydraulic/electric complex swing control for driving the swing structure by total torque of the electric motor and the hydraulic motor when a swing operating lever device is operated; and hydraulic solo swing control for driving the swing structure by the torque of the hydraulic motor alone when the swing operating lever device is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Kouji Ishikawa, Takatoshi Ooki, Shinji Nishikawa, Manabu Edamura, Takako Satake
  • Patent number: 8936118
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an emergency drive for a construction machine, comprising a hydraulic motor which is connectable with a pump transfer gearbox of a drive of the construction machine via a first mechanical shaft and a port provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Gebele
  • Patent number: 8919214
    Abstract: A transmission and power take-off unit assembly is provided including a transmission, a power take-off unit, and an alignment sleeve and seal assembly. The transmission and power take-off housing both include a bearing surface and locating surface that are machined by a tool having two coaxial cutting wheels. The alignment sleeve enables tighter tolerances for improved concentricity between the bearing surface and locating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Raymond Brooks
  • Publication number: 20140367180
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes a hydraulic pump, a top housing that houses the hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic motor. An endblock sub-assembly has a pump running face for interfacing with the hydraulic pump, and a motor connection portion for interfacing with a hydraulic motor. The enblock sub-assembly forms a porting manifold for communicating hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor includes an internal rotor set, and the hydraulic motor is secured to the endblock sub-assembly in a manner that permits rotation of the rotor set. The top housing is fixed to the endblock sub-assembly such that the housing and endblock sub-assembly form a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid. The motor connection portion of the endblock sub-assembly supports the hydraulic motor externally to the top housing. The hydrostatic transmission is suitable for incorporation into various light vehicle categories, including zero-turn radius vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jason Scot Richardson, Richard C. Hynes, Michael Crosby
  • Patent number: 8813881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a power take off are presented. In one example, the power take off may be rotated in two different directions. The approaches may improve operation of a power take off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum
  • Patent number: 8763734
    Abstract: A drive through crankshaft assembly which selectively provides rotational power to a vehicle accessory while continuously providing rotational power to a second vehicle accessory. Rotational power is selectively provided using a cone clutch assembly that is modular. The cone clutch assembly provides power to the first vehicle accessory when it is in an engaged state. The first vehicle accessory is turned off by putting the cone clutch assembly into a disengaged state using a clutch control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Travis L. Fetter, Michael R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8739905
    Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover that has a prime mover output shaft is disclosed. The drive apparatus has a housing and a power take off. The power take off is driven by the prime mover output shaft and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The drive apparatus further has a variable speed transmission disposed within the housing. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8739906
    Abstract: A hybrid-type construction machine includes a controller configured to control a revolution speed of an engine; a hydraulic pump configured to be driven by the engine; a motor generator configured to assist the engine; and a hydraulic circuit configured to supply an operating oil discharged from the hydraulic pump to a hydraulic load, wherein when the controller determines that the hydraulic circuit is in an excessive output state, the controller controls the revolution speed of the engine so as to be lower than an ordinary revolution speed of the engine while controlling the motor generator to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8720635
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a charging generator disposed on the crankshaft, a power-supplying generator driven by the engine and including a rotating shaft misaligned from the crankshaft, and a vehicle power generating apparatus. The power generating apparatus includes a clutch unit and a driving unit. The clutch unit includes a clutch disposed on the crankshaft, a driving gear disposed on the clutch, and a switching mechanism operable for driving the clutch. The motion transmitting unit includes a driven gear meshing with the driving gear, and an input shaft driven by the driven gear and connected to and co-rotatable with the rotating shaft of the power-supplying generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Han Chang, Chao-Chang Ho, Chine-Hong Lai
  • Publication number: 20140076643
    Abstract: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor, and at least one valve network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: EXTENDQUIP, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Osswald, Walter A. Osswald, Marcus F. Dack, Kenneth Buelt, Thomas E. Price, JR., Alan Severns, Jeffrey A. Wierschke, Joe A. Racz, David R. Bauer, Justin D. Gasal
  • Patent number: 8666621
    Abstract: A PTO control system for allowing selection between an independent PTO mode and an interlock PTO mode, comprising a mode-switch command input device 11 for giving an instruction on selection between the independent PTO mode and the interlock PTO mode, a PTO setting device 12 having an engaging position for producing an engaging command and a disengaging position for producing a disengaging command of the PTO clutch, and a PTO control unit for controlling a PTO clutch in response to a pedal operational position of a brake pedal, a mode selected by the mode-switch command input device, and a position selected by the PTO setting device. PTO mode switch implementation processing is suspended when the PTO transmission system is in a power transmittable state, while the PTO mode switch implementation processing is permitted when the PTO transmission system is in the power non-transmittable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yushi Matsuzaki, Susumu Umemoto, Akira Hiwatashi, Shota Nagasawa, Suguru Kagawa
  • Patent number: 8616310
    Abstract: The instant invention is an electric machine/tractor particularly intended for farming, gardening and landscaping and is nonpolluting and self charging. The tractor accommodates standard farm implements and can supply electrical power to remote areas. To achieve these goals, the machine is comprised of a frame and wheels which are driven independently by hydraulic motors powered by a variable volume, hydrostatic pump that is driven in line, by an electric motor that also drives a hydraulic lift pump and a power-take-off shaft through belts. The hydrostatic pump is controlled by the operator for forward and reverse motion. The electric motor is powered by batteries and the batteries can be recharged by an on-board photoelectric panel. A combination charger/inverter is located aboard the tractor to charge the batteries from any 110V A.C. power outlet or generate 110V A.C. electrical power from the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Gilbert Thomas Lopez
  • Patent number: 8606453
    Abstract: Messaging in a controller area network is modified to hide thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests originating with selected nodes with relatively low contention access priority from an engine controller and to route the messages instead through an intermediary controller which is an independent source of thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests. More specifically, in a hybrid vehicle having a body controller with operational control over power take off equipment, a hybrid controller and a thermal engine controller, angular velocity and torque change requests to support power take off operation are embedded in auxiliary input/output messages. The hybrid controller operates on these auxiliary messages, conflating the embedded angular velocity and torque change requests with its own and rebroadcast in conventional form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E Bissontz