Independently Operable Drive Motors Patents (Class 180/6.48)
  • Patent number: 11746481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground milling machine, comprising: a machine frame supported by front and rear travel units and at least partially height-adjustable; a milling drum housing arranged on the machine frame, comprising a milling drum that is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the milling direction; a retaining device arranged in front of the milling drum housing in the milling direction with an adjustment device that enables the height adjustment of the retaining device in relation to the milling drum housing and the machine frame; and a ground contact device arranged in front of the milling drum housing in the milling direction with a contact runner and a mounting lever. The contact runner is adjustable in relation to the retaining device within a height-adjustment range and is mounted on the retaining device by way of the mounting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Gerome Dzomo, Thomas Thelen
  • Patent number: 11639730
    Abstract: A device for the deaeration of a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system has at least one hydraulic motor arrangement and a hydraulic fluid storage which is hydraulically coupled with this hydraulic motor arrangement. A suction device for sucking out the hydraulic fluid is associated with the at least one hydraulic motor arrangement such that the suction device guides hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic motor arrangement into the hydraulic fluid storage by means of vacuum pressure (?p). The suction device is constructed as a jet pump and is integrated in the return line between the hydraulic motor arrangement and hydraulic fluid storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: CLAAS Material Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Dueckinghaus, Christian Ostfechtel, Markus Wiefel
  • Patent number: 11414830
    Abstract: The present Application discloses a trenching device with two operational modes, Mode 1 and mode 2. In Mode 1, the trenching lever is disengaged, the device does not trench, but only functions as a transporting unit in a forward direction with a maximum speed. In Mode 2, the trenching lever is engaged, the device starts trenching, but stops functioning as a transporting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Gerard G. Betz, II, Ryan W. Cunningham, James Kuemper, Michael H. Benedict
  • Patent number: 11376953
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission housing has first and second axle housings pivotably connected to opposite ends of the transmission housing and a stand-on platform may be connected to the assembly. A first gear train in the first axle housing drives a first axle having a first axis of rotation. A second gear train is disposed in the second axle housing drives a second axle having a second axis of rotation collinear with the first axis of rotation. The axle housings are both capable of pivoting about the transmission housing about a third axis that is parallel to the first and second axes. The first and second axle housings may also be separately rigidly or flexibly connected to one another. This assembly permits adjustment of the ground heights of the platform with respect to a vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Nathan W. Bonny
  • Patent number: 11303240
    Abstract: Provided is a traveling control device capable of appropriately controlling the turning and the speed of a traveling vehicle. The traveling control device includes: an instruction receiving portion that receives an operation instruction directed to each of the pair of left and right driving wheels; a speed instruction value calculation portion that calculates a speed instruction value that is to be instructed to the traveling control unit; an operation instruction determination portion that determines whether the operation instruction is an operation instruction to rotate the pair of driving wheels in the same direction or an operation instruction to rotate the pair of driving wheels in different directions; and a speed instruction value correction portion that corrects, if the operation instruction is an operation instruction to rotate the pair of driving wheels in the same direction, one of the speed instruction values, based on the other speed instruction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ito, Yasuhiro Manji
  • Patent number: 11242870
    Abstract: Disclosure herein are hydraulic systems and method of use thereof. The hydraulic systems can include a hydraulic cylinder and a manifold. The hydraulic cylinder can have a first end and a second end. The hydraulic cylinder can include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port can be located proximate the first end. The second port cane be located proximate the second end. The third port can be located in between the first port and the second port. The manifold can include a first valve and a second valve. The first valve can be in fluid communication with the first port and the third port. The second valve can be in fluid communication with the second port and the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Norwood Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Matt Meyer
  • Patent number: 11130531
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Patent number: 11084414
    Abstract: A self-propelled module for oversize loads includes two ground movement assemblies with oil-pressure controlled actuation; a transverse rocker arranged between the movement assemblies, which are coupled thereto independently; oil-pressure controlled suspension elements, arranged on corresponding oscillating supports coupled to the transverse rocker; and a load-bearing frame, supported by the oil-pressure controlled suspension elements. The load-bearing frame includes an oil-pressure controlled circuit adapted to serve the ground movement assemblies and the suspension means elements. The module further includes a rotary distribution unit, having a vertical axis, mounted on the load-bearing frame for supplying the ground movement assemblies and the oil-pressure controlled suspension elements, a first part of the rotary distribution unit being fixed to the load-bearing frame, and a second part being free to rotate about the vertical of the resting surface with respect to the load-bearing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Massimo Bettella
  • Patent number: 11035430
    Abstract: A damping system for damping rotary movements of a tailing arm. The system includes a chassis, a main shaft, and a rotary damping mechanism. The rotary damping mechanism includes a first externally-threaded gear attached fixedly to the main shaft, a guide rail attached fixedly to the chassis, a linear shock absorber, an internally-threaded gear associated with the first externally-threaded gear, and a first actuator configured to decouple the first externally-threaded gear from the linear shock absorber and couple the first externally-threaded gear with the linear shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Maryam Ghassabzadeh Saryazdi, Mehrdad Daghagh, Mohammad Soltani Velashjerd
  • Patent number: 11021032
    Abstract: A bogie positioning system and method for a work machine. The bogie positioning system adapted to selectively engage a wheel of a work machine to a ground surface through a bogie assembly wherein the bogie assembly may have a front wheel coupled to a rear wheel through a bogie coupling mechanism. The bogie coupling mechanism comprising a beam with a rotary joint. The rotary joint allowing the front wheel to rotate about a rotary axis relative to the rear wheel. The beam is coupled to a chassis of the work machine with at least one actuator coupled to the beam. A control unit is in communication with the bogie assembly, a user input interface, and a plurality of sensors, generating command signals to actuate the actuator based on the input signals, thereby selectively engaging the front wheel or the rear wheel with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Rahul Chourey, Bryon P. Neumann, Adam J. Eisbach
  • Patent number: 10889341
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a mining vehicle includes a frame, a housing coupled to the frame, and a motor positioned in the housing. The motor includes a motor frame with a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end. The drive assembly also includes a transmission that is positioned at least partially within the frame. The transmission is coupled to the motor frame at the first axial end. The drive assembly further includes a support assembly that couples the second axial end of the motor frame to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventor: Owen J. Warr
  • Patent number: 10844942
    Abstract: A power split and creep drive system for street sweeper or like specialty vehicle having a single engine is disclosed. The system intends to retrofit and convert on-highway truck chassis into specialty vehicles capable of performing work function and moving at creeping speed, such as a street sweeper. It includes a hydraulic work circuit or power-take-off (PTO) port, a planetary gear set, a hydraulic system comprising pumps and motors to drive the working devices and balance the demand between propulsion and work function such as sweeping. The planetary gear set includes an input shaft connecting to a transmission output shaft of the chassis, a first output shaft connecting to a hydraulic machine, and a second output shaft to vehicle propulsion drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaolun Huang
  • Patent number: 10830348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic machine, in particular to a hydraulic motor with two working lines, from one of which a high pressure line and from the other one a low pressure line is branched off. An electronic control unit and a servo displacement unit are provided to control the displacement of the displacement volume of a drive mechanism of the hydraulic machine, wherein the displacement volume can be determinated by the displacement of a servo piston within the servo displacement unit. For this, the servo piston can be loaded at least on one side via a servo pressure line with hydraulic fluid under servo pressure, wherein the servo pressure level can be adjusted by a control spool arranged moveable within a control valve. For this, hydraulic fluid from the low pressure line or, perhaps, from the high pressure line is guidable via the control valve to the servo pressure line if a suitable control signal is available at a switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Suenje Marsch, Bernd Hames, Michael Hein, Arne Streblau
  • Patent number: 10820586
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a pump stack in a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize a pump stack mounting arrangement including a pump stack, a crossmember with a web having an opening providing clearance for passage through the opening of at least one successive pump of the pump stack, and a removable mounting plate adapted for attachment to the crossmember and the at least one successive pump on an opposite side of the crossmember from a proximal end of the pump to provide support for a distal end of the pump stack. By removing the mounting plate, detaching any successive pump in the stack from its immediately preceding pump in the pump stack, and moving the detached part of the pump stack axially through the opening, clearance is provided for servicing a pump in the stack without removal of the whole pump stack or the crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: David Hafvenstein, Richard Kerner
  • Patent number: 10801617
    Abstract: A propel system of an agricultural vehicle has an active pump displacement control system for equalizing or balancing pressure output of hydrostatic pumps of a tandem pump propel arrangement. The active pump displacement control system may include a pressure sensor(s) for determining output pressure of hydrostatic pumps and use the output pressure values within a feedback loop to provide coil input values of coils that control displacement of the hydrostatic pumps so that the pressure outputted by the hydrostatic pumps can be equalized in real-time while on the go during use of the agricultural vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Tollefsrud, Daniel Connolly, James Keppers, Peter Meyer
  • Patent number: 10676130
    Abstract: A vehicle drive and control system includes an input shaft driven by a prime mover and extending into a housing to drive a generator. An electric motor powered by the generator drives an output axle, which may be a single axle extending out one side of the housing, or a through shaft extending through the electric motor and out both sides of the housing. The input shaft may be parallel to the axle. A power controller is configured to back-drive the generator when certain predetermined conditions are met. A motor controller may control an output of the motor based on input received via an operator control device, and the motor controller is configured to operate the motor as a generator under certain operating conditions. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the motor, and controllers for the generator and electric motor are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Alyn G. Brown
  • Patent number: 10660256
    Abstract: A towed agricultural machine includes a converter, configured to convert a first voltage potential generated by a generator to a second voltage potential. The second voltage potential powers a component of the towed agricultural machine. Further, the towed agricultural machine also includes a switch that senses the absence of the second voltage potential from the converter and switches to powering the subcomponent with a second voltage potential received from a source external to the towed agricultural machine. The second voltage potential output by the converter can also be combined, on a power bus, with the second voltage potential from the external source or another source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Eric R. Funk, Matt D. Bartelson, Quintin D. Rigert, Grant J. Wonderlich, Matthew L. Spencer, Pranay K. Bajjuri
  • Patent number: 10655717
    Abstract: An electric drive axle assembly and a vehicle having the same are provided. The electric drive axle assembly includes: an electric powertrain, an axle housing assembly, and a central parking module. The electric powertrain includes a power motor, a transmission and a differential with an input end and two output ends; and the power motor is connected to the input end of the differential through the transmission. The axle housing assembly includes an axle housing component and two half axles; the two half axles and the differential are disposed in the axle housing component; the two half axles are connected to the two output ends of the differential respectively; and the electric powertrain is installed on the axle housing component. The central parking module is installed on the axle housing component and used for braking the input end of the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dongdong Li
  • Patent number: 10610190
    Abstract: Provided is a portable medical device including a drive motor configured to provide power to move the portable medical device; at least one camera configured to capture an image of a periphery of the portable medical device; an ultrasonic sensor configured to emit an ultrasonic signal to the periphery of the portable medical device and detect the ultrasonic signal reflected from a first obstacle located in the periphery of the portable medical device; a torque sensor configured to detect a torque value of the drive motor; a processor configured to generate information about the first obstacle based on the image captured by the at least one camera and/or the detected ultrasonic signal and calculate an expected movement path of the portable medical device based on the torque value detected by the torque sensor; and a display configured to display a periphery image using the image captured by the at least one camera, the information about the first obstacle, and the expected movement path of the portable medical
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-jyh Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10614925
    Abstract: A modular portable cask transfer (MPCT) facility is capable of transferring a canister containing spent nuclear fuel materials from or to a transportation cask respectively to or from a storage overpack. A transfer cask is utilized for the transfer. Telescoping legs enable movement of the transfer cask independent of the canister, which is moved using a hoist. Due to its modular configuration, the MPCT facility can be assembled, disassembled, and moved from one nuclear power plant to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: NAC INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: George C. Carver, Vadim Z. Shtylman, Jay G. Wellwood, Michael Yaksh, Suresh Babu, Sing Gee Lin
  • Patent number: 10605361
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the torsional output of a hydrostatic transmission of a work vehicle may include pilot-operated first and second valves. The first valve configured to be actuated to a closed position to occlude fluid flow through a first fluid conduit when a pressure within such conduit at a location downstream of the first valve drops below a first threshold. Moreover, the second valve configured to be actuated to a closed position to occlude fluid flow when a pressure within the second fluid conduit at a location downstream of the second valve drops below a second threshold. As such, when one of the first or second valves is actuated to the closed position, an increased flow of fluid is delivered through the other of the first valve or the second valve to increase a torsional output of an associated hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Mauro de Azevedo Barretto, Murilo Martinho de Oliveira, Paulo Jose de Andrade Alves
  • Patent number: 10589783
    Abstract: A method for performing operations onboard a vehicle is provided. The method obtains a steering calibration command, by a computing device communicatively coupled to a steering mechanism for the vehicle; initiates execution of the steering calibration command, by the computing device via the steering mechanism; determines at least one maximum steering angle of the vehicle, based on execution of the steering calibration command, the at least one maximum steering angle being associated with a maximum potential position of the steering mechanism; identifies a zero-position center of the steering mechanism, based on the at least one maximum steering angle of the vehicle; stores the zero-position center and the at least one maximum steering angle, by the computing device, for future use; and broadcasts the zero-position center and the at least one maximum steering angle, via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus of the vehicle, by the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alexander M. Allan, Addney T. Biery, II, Paul A. Kilmurray
  • Patent number: 10562364
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel positioning and steering apparatus particularly useful for aerial work platforms comprises a support chassis and chassis support legs pivotally connected to the chassis. Steerable wheel assemblies are operably connected at ends of the support legs and powered actuators are operably connected to the chassis and legs for pivotally moving the legs and wheel assemblies relative to the chassis between transport and working positions. Variable length linear wheel steering actuators comprise one link of four bar parallelogram steering linkages between the chassis and wheel assemblies and the support legs each comprise second bars of the four bar parallelogram steering linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Crook
  • Patent number: 10526025
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Patent number: 10407112
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Patent number: 10370045
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes left and right track assemblies, each track assembly having a main frame, a pivot member, a pivot shaft coupled to the pivot member, and an electrical actuator coupled between the pivot shaft and the main frame. The work vehicle also includes a control system having a controller communicatively coupled to each electrical actuator of the track assemblies. The controller includes processors that control the electrical actuator to steer the work vehicle about a generally vertical steering axis. Each pivot member is mounted to the main frame of the track assemblies. Each track assembly is pivotal about a generally horizontal pitch axis of the pivot shaft to permit pitch movement of the track assembly. Each track assembly is pivotal about a generally horizontal camber axis through a portion of the pivot member to permit camber movement of the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Marvin A. Prickel, Shivakumar Prodduturi, Tom Lykken, David Allen Zach
  • Patent number: 10344454
    Abstract: A system for automatically coordinating a direction of travel with a position of a turret rotatably mounted on an undercarriage of a hydraulic machine including a hydraulic transmission circuit for connecting a main pump to a bi-directional hydraulic travel motor. The circuit includes a travel control distributor able to vary a driving direction of the motor. The system includes a second hydraulic circuit disposed downstream of a pilot pump providing a pilot pressure. The second circuit includes: a valve controller for controlling a direction of travel, activatable by the operator and able to switch the control distributor by sending different command signals; and a reversing valve, interposed between the valve controller and the control distributor. The system further includes a coordination circuit able to switch or maintain the reversing valve according to the position of the turret and to the command signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Francesco Chioccola
  • Patent number: 10294683
    Abstract: A walk-behind floor scraper machine for removing floor covering from a floor surface is disclosed. In one aspect, the machine includes a base frame, an electric motor secured to the base frame, and a scraper assembly movably secured to the base frame and driven by the electric motor. The machine also includes a rear wheel arrangement including a pair of wheels having a rotational axis. In one aspect, the machine includes a hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic motor has a drive axle coupled to the wheels, wherein the drive axle is coaxially aligned with the rotational axis. In one aspect, the machine can include a hydraulic tank-frame integral to the chassis of the machine that simultaneously stores hydraulic fluid and structurally supports the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Anderson Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Martin L. Anderson, Quinn M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10259493
    Abstract: An emergency steering pump system for a primary pump providing a standby pressure via a primary output line includes a load sense line that is configured to branch-off from the primary output line. The load sense line has a first orifice disposed therein. A secondary pump is included for providing a margin pressure via a secondary output line that is coupled to the primary output line at a point downstream of the load sense line. A communication line is coupled to the primary output line at a point upstream of the load sense line. The communication line has a pressure control mechanism disposed therein. An output of the pressure control mechanism is coupled with an unloader valve of the secondary pump such that the pressure control mechanism is configured to bring about the margin pressure from the secondary pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward William Mate, David Mork, Steven Edward Johnson
  • Patent number: 10253461
    Abstract: A system for automatically varying the mold width and thus the paving width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. An external stringline reference is used to control the height and direction of a first side of the paving machine. A slope sensor is used for automatic control of the height of the second side of the machine frame. A starting point signal generator provides a signal to initiate the automatic width transition. A controller controls width actuators for controlled variation of the mold width in response to the starting signal and a pre-programmed function of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Engels, Martin Lenz, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10232755
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom having a seat frame. An air bladder is mounted to the frame. A seat cushion is spaced vertically from the seat frame by the air bladder at height-adjustment distance being variable. The cushion defines a seating surface. A height-adjustment distance between the frame and the seating surface is increased as the air bladder is inflated, thereby adjusting a height of the seating surface without adjusting the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Brines, William Webster
  • Patent number: 10215198
    Abstract: To make it possible to efficiently utilize rated output torque of a prime mover by performing total torque control with high precision through precise detection of absorption torque of another hydraulic pump by use of a purely hydraulic structure and feedback of the absorption torque to the side of one hydraulic pump, delivery pressure of a main pump and a load sensing drive pressure are supplied to a torque feedback circuit, which modifies the delivery pressure of the main pump to achieve a characteristic simulating the absorption torque of the main pump, and outputs the modified pressure. An output pressure of the torque feedback circuit is supplied to a torque feedback piston, which controls displacement of the main pump so as to decrease the displacement of the main pump and thereby decrease maximum torque as the output pressure increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiwamu Takahashi, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Yoshifumi Takebayashi, Kazushige Mori, Natsuki Nakamura, Yasuharu Okazaki, Hiroyuki Nobezawa, Kenji Yamada
  • Patent number: 10183694
    Abstract: A vehicle drive and control system includes an input shaft driven by a prime mover and extending into a housing to drive a generator. An electric motor powered by the generator drives an output axle, which may be a single axle extending out one side of the housing, or a through shaft extending through the electric motor and out both sides of the housing. The input shaft may be parallel to the axle. A generator controller is configured to back-drive the generator when certain predetermined conditions are met. A motor controller may control an output of the motor based on input received via an operator control device, and the motor controller is configured to operate the motor as a generator under certain operating conditions. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the motor, and controllers for the generator and electric motor are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Alyn G. Brown
  • Patent number: 10151331
    Abstract: An electronic begin of regulation (EBOR) control system and method is disclosed for a hydraulic motor of a machine having an engine for producing power and a track system for moving. The EBOR system includes a flow source, variable displacement motor, pressure sensor and control unit. The operator sets a pressure setpoint. The flow source generates flow in a loop with the motor. The pressure sensor senses loop working pressure. The control unit adjusts motor displacement based on comparisons between the pressure setpoint and sensed loop working pressure. The flow source can be bidirectional, and different pressure sensors can be used depending on the direction. The pressure setpoint can be varied during operation, and the control unit can adjust the displacement of the motor based on comparisons between the latest pressure setpoint and the loop working pressure sensed by the appropriate pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Chris McDonald, Mikael C. Nielsen, Matthew J. Ramler, Bryon P. Neumann
  • Patent number: 10131224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic transmission device for a vehicle, said device comprising a first pump and a second pump, a first hydraulic apparatus and a second hydraulic apparatus, a first supply circuit connecting the first pump to the first apparatus, and a second supply circuit connecting the second pump to the second apparatus and wherein a non-return valve between the supply circuits, the valve having a direction for passing from the first to the second supply circuit, a first return circuit connecting the first apparatus to said pumps, a second return circuit the second apparatus to the admissions to said pumps so that the return circuits are in permanent fluidic communication with each other through a junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Jean Andre Heren, Cyrille D'Hersignerie
  • Patent number: 10080328
    Abstract: A self-propelled mower includes a rotary cutter bar that feeds cut crop to a driven crop conveying arrangement which delivers the crop to a windrow forming arrangement. The speed at which the crop conveying arrangement delivers crop to the windrow forming arrangement is controlled so as to be a predetermined ratio of the ground speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Timothy J Kraus
  • Patent number: 10060526
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of modifying a transmission valve body to increase a line pressure response in certain hydraulic shift control system configurations. In one example, a Daimler Chrysler 46RE or 47RE transmission valve body may be modified to have a higher and more rapid line pressure increase when the transmission is in fourth gear and when the torque converter clutch (TCC) is engaged. Aspects of the present disclosure also include methods of modifying a transmission valve body to allow TCC engagement in any gear. Aspects of the present disclosure also include replacement valve bodies, as well as kits for modifying a 46RE or 47RE valve body to perform like a 48RE valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Sonnax Transmission Company
    Inventors: James A. Dial, MacKenzie M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10012561
    Abstract: An objective of this invention is to provided apparatus and methods to test the integrity of empty and full tanks. Another object of this invention is to provide a granular inspection of the tank. Another object of this invention is to provide precision positioning information of sample points. Another object of this invention is to provide automated inspection pattern and correction. Another object of this invention is to minimize hazardous working conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sonasearch, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Walker, Sheldon Rubin
  • Patent number: 10005489
    Abstract: A method for operating a ratchet assembly. The method includes, when a ratchet lock mechanism is in a first locked position, causing a drive mechanism to rotate by operating a steer cylinder in a selected direction until a first predetermined value, which may be associated with an amount of rotation of the drive mechanism, is reached. The method includes unlocking the ratchet lock mechanism, and resetting the steer cylinder by operating the steer cylinder in an opposite direction until a second predetermined value is reached. The method includes locking the ratchet lock mechanism in a second locked position, and, upon locking the ratchet lock mechanism in the second locked position, causing the drive mechanism to further rotate by operating the steer cylinder in the selected direction until a third predetermined value is reached, wherein the third predetermined value is associated with a selected amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GOMACO Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Farr, Kevin L. Klein, Mark W. Brenner, Kevin D. Kottke, Jason D. Wulf, Stephen B. Jones
  • Patent number: 9963331
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an example device including a frame. The frame includes a body, a first fork extending from the body, and a second fork extending from the body. The device also includes a first wheel coupled to the first fork of the frame, a second wheel coupled to the second fork of the frame, and a third wheel coupled to the body of the frame. The device also includes at least one steering motor to rotate the first wheel about a first steering axis and the second wheel about a second steering axis. The device also includes a second steering motor to rotate the third wheel about a third steering axis, and a traction motor to rotate the third wheel about a rolling axis. The device also includes a controller configured to operate the at least one steering motor, the second steering motor, and the traction motor to cause the device to navigate within an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Robert Andre Holmberg
  • Patent number: 9926007
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a steering system for an agricultural implement system includes a first actuating cylinder configured to rotate a first track relative to an implement frame where the first actuating cylinder is connected to a first frame of the first track, and a second actuating cylinder configured to rotate a second track relative to the implement frame where the second actuating cylinder is connected to a second frame of the second track. The steering system also includes a first fluid control conduit extending to a cap end of the first actuating cylinder, a second fluid control conduit extending between a rod end of the first actuating cylinder and a rod end of the second actuating cylinder, a third fluid control conduit extending to a cap end of the second actuating cylinder, and a steering control valve in fluid communication with the first and third fluid control conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Alihaider Maniar, Marvin A. Prickel, Shivakumar Prodduturi
  • Patent number: 9894827
    Abstract: The purpose is to provide a working vehicle such that, when a reverse switch coupler is detached, or when a wire connecting a reverse switch to a control device is disconnected, driving of a PTO shaft can be reliably prevented and reliability of the reverse switch can be improved. In a tractor, a reverse switch includes a normally closed type first contact, and a normally open type second contact that is switched in association with the first contact. When an input voltage from the first contact is higher than a set voltage, and when the input voltage from the first contact is lower than the set voltage and an input voltage from the second contact is equal to or lower than the set voltage, a control device controls the actuator such that the PTO clutch is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsunori Kato
  • Patent number: 9846675
    Abstract: A system for controlling the wheel or track motors of a vehicle based on information from a joystick-type control. In one embodiment, the system includes a joystick control configured to generate X and Y coordinates, and a vehicle controller configured to receive the X and Y coordinates from the joystick control and to determine an adjusted X and Y coordinate combination for each of four vehicle control quadrants. The four vehicle control quadrants include a right-reverse quadrant, a right-forward quadrant, a left-reverse quadrant, and a left-forward control quadrant. The adjusted X and Y coordinate combination for a particular control quadrant is determined based on a control value for that quadrant and a previous control value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael G. Kandel, Steven J. Bernardy
  • Patent number: 9803749
    Abstract: A system for hydraulically coupled multi-variator actuation is disclosed. One system includes: a first hydraulic variator comprising: a first hydraulic pump; and a first hydraulic motor linked to the first hydraulic pump. The system may further include a second hydraulic variator comprising: a second hydraulic pump; and a second hydraulic motor linked to the second hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Barngrover
  • Patent number: 9796419
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. Each driven wheels is driven by a hydraulic motor with a continuous adjustment of the motor displacement, with the motor being driven by a pump also having continuous displacement. The motor displacement is controlled by an electronic controller in response to stroking of the speed control lever to manage the displacement to provide required drive torques at different points in the stroke. There is provided an automatic steering system having a guidance controller arranged to receive GPS position information which controls the steering by differentially adjusting the displacement of the motors so that the automatic steering is independent of the manual steering which controls the pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Phil Otto, Don MacGregor, Leonard Bergman
  • Patent number: 9744989
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for steering rear caster wheels of a work machine. The control system has a steering mode that proportionally controls the steering of rear caster wheels while compensating the circuit to keep steering performance independent from the load generated by the rear caster wheels, a no steering mode that maintains the position of the rear caster wheels in the absence of a steering command, and a freewheeling mode that permits the rear caster wheels to rotate freely 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Glenn Mark Mahony, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9696147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for aligning tracks of a roadwork machine, characterized by using a track alignment detection unit that is attached to a first track unit for allowing detection of an orientation of the first track unit, and frame orientation detection means that are attached to the machine frame for allowing detection of an orientation of the machine frame, the method comprising determining an initial orientation of the machine frame, and determining an initial orientation of the first track unit, determining whether a difference between a most recently determined orientation of the machine frame and a most recently determined orientation of the first track unit is within a predefined threshold value, initializing a pivoting of the first track unit, determining a changed orientation of the first track unit after the pivoting, and determining an orientation of the machine frame after the pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Jeremy Dokter, Adriaan Bakker
  • Patent number: 9538706
    Abstract: A zero turn mower steering system including left and right motion control levers independently pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions to rotate left and right rear drive wheels respectively at forward, neutral and reverse speeds. Left and right position sensors on the left and right motion control levers provide electronic signals to an electronic controller that provides a left front wheel steering angle signal and a right front wheel steering angle signal. Each steering angle signal is based on a distance the electronic controller calculates from each of the left and right rear drive wheels to an instantaneous center point of a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert D. Haun
  • Patent number: 9493094
    Abstract: A seat tilt angle control device includes a tilt unit including a drive mechanism for tilting the tilt unit within a predetermined range and a mounting assembly, a control unit angularly adjustably mounted in the mounting assembly of the tilt unit and including a switch electrically coupled to the drive mechanism and movable between a first angle range where the switch controls the drive mechanism to be movable and a second angle range where the switch controls the drive mechanism to be immovable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MERITS HEALTH PRODUCTS, CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Chuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 9481393
    Abstract: An integrated clutch steering system for an automated vehicle (AV) can include an offset gear having a first gear endpoint and a second gear endpoint. The offset gear can be mounted to a steering column of the AV at the first gear endpoint. The integrated clutch steering system can further include an AV steering motor coupled to a steering clutch, which can be coupled to the offset gear at the second gear endpoint. The AV steering motor can be operated by an AV control system to apply torque to the steering column via the steering clutch and the offset gear to control steering of the AV. When a predetermined amount of torque is exceeded on the steering column, the steering clutch can slip to enable manual steering of the AV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Meyerhoffer, David Rice