Independently Operable Drive Motors Patents (Class 180/6.48)
  • Patent number: 7677345
    Abstract: Within a moving robot of narrow footprint, having quick traveling performance on a plane-surface, as well as, anti-tumbling function, and further being suitable for operations under coexistence with a human being, being able to travel coping with traveling situations on a level difference, etc.: in front and rear of main driving wheels 2 and 3, each being controlled through the inverted pendulum control, are disposed supporting legs 4 and 5, tips of which can be lifted up and down, wherein the tips of the supporting legs 4 and 5 are positioned to keep a predetermined distance between a traveling surface, when running on the inverted two-wheels travel, and the supporting legs 4 and 5 are fixed or either one in the fall-down direction is thrust out into the fall-down direction, so as to protect it from falling down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Hosoda
  • Patent number: 7673712
    Abstract: A power transmission system for a working vehicle comprises: a vehicle frame; a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame; a pair of left and right drive wheels; a pair of left and right transaxles juxtaposed on the vehicle frame, wherein each of the left and right transaxles includes a single axle for individually driving each of the left and right drive wheels in forward and rearward directions; a working device; and a working power clutch unit disposed between the left and right transaxles so as to clutch on/off power transmitted from the prime mover to the working device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Iida, Hideki Kanenobu, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20090301797
    Abstract: Vehicles with open loop hydraulic steering systems may suffer from jerky steering due to the necessity to have safety valves in the open loop system to prevent uncontrolled vehicle movement. Traditional open loop steering arrangements allow steering by controlling fluid quantities flowing from the pump to the drive motors. The disclosed vehicle has an open loop hydraulic drive system including first and second variable displacement motors for driving ground engaging mechanisms at first and second sides of the vehicle, respectively. The system includes a control mechanism configured for steering the vehicle by changing the displacement of one of the first and second motors. This allows the operator to change the drive motor speed range during travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew John Smith
  • Patent number: 7624826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of portable power-saving and foldable electric wheel chair, characterized in that there is a hand control direction device on the left elbow 10 to control the specific running direction of the electric wheel chair; the left and right rear wheels 3 are integrated with the motors 30 respectively, so as the two motors 30 can directly drive the two rear wheels; two disc brakes 20 are installed on the left and right rear wheels 3, the two disc brakes are connected to the brake handle 15 via the main steel string 24, by means of a single hand press brake handle 15, the two rear wheels 3 braked simultaneously; switches 18 for positive or inversion running control the main running direction of electric wheel chair; an intellectual control rod may also be installed on the right elbow 12 to replace the speed-adjusting turning handle 14 and switches 18 for positive or inversion running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tianyun Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090288892
    Abstract: A control device for the active steering of a vehicle comprising a driving differential that is positioned between a steering wheel and steering control means, said differential which furthermore receives at a first input a counter-steering command supplied by a turn correction motor, wherein said steering wheel is linked to a second input of said differential by non-return means preventing any force feedback from said differential to said steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: NEXTER SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Bourdet, Guy Le Trouher, Olivier Pape
  • Patent number: 7621354
    Abstract: A drive system for a tracked vehicle having an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft aligned transversely to a direction of travel includes a steering drive; a differential transmission having traction drive elements, steering drive elements, and a pair of drive outputs for a drive axle aligned parallel to the crankshaft; and a steering drive connection connecting the steering drive to the steering drive elements. A further drive element, which may be a change speed gearbox or an electric traction motor, is arranged in line with the internal combustion engine and transmits power to the traction drive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: RENK Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Max Witzenberger, Rolf Döbereiner
  • Patent number: 7621353
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission having a pair of left and right HSTs for driving respective axles is applicable for a riding lawn mower. The transmission comprises a center casing incorporating a distributing drive train. In the fore-and-aft direction, an input shaft of the distributing drive train projects from the center casing toward a prime mover, and a PTO shaft for driving a mower unit projects from the center casing opposite to the prime mover. A pair of left and right deceleration drive train casings for incorporating respective deceleration gear trains and supporting the respective axles are disposed on respective left and right sides of the center casing. A pair of left and right stepless transmission mechanisms, each of which is drivingly interposed between the distributing drive train and each of the deceleration gear trains in the deceleration gear train casings, are mounted on left and right side portions of the center casing opposite to the prime mover in the fore-and-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7617890
    Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a self-propelled vehicle includes a wheel spindle on which the wheel is rotatably mounted, a steering motor turning a steering tube defining a generally vertical steer axis, a propulsion drive motor turning a propulsion drive shaft extending through the steering tube, and a plurality of gears providing a gear reduction ratio between the propulsion drive motor and the wheel. The wheel is offset from the steer axis and rotates on the wheel spindle if the steering motor turns the steering tube while the propulsion drive shaft is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bernard Edwin Romig
  • Patent number: 7597160
    Abstract: A four wheel drive system for bilaterally symmetric vehicles is characterized by separate drive systems for the front and rear wheels. Each drive system is operable to independently drive each wheel. The rear wheels of the vehicle are steering wheels which are connected with the vehicle frame for independent rotation about a vertical axis. Steering and driving of the wheels is controlled by a controller. The combination of independent steering for the rear wheels and independent powering of all four wheels provides the vehicle with a zero turning radius for improved mobility as well as improved traction on unstable surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Towles Lawson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7581603
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 7581604
    Abstract: A motorized wheelchair having transmission rollers to transmit the rotation of rear wheels to front wheels while being disposed at a transmission position between circumferential surfaces of front and rear wheels, a roller supporting arm for rotatably and oscillatingly supporting the transmission rollers in the front-rear direction of the wheelchair, and transmission roller pressure-contact springs for urging the roller supporting arm in a direction of the transmission position. An operation lever constrains the roller supporting arm in an interlocking manner in the direction away from the transmission position when being at the regular position, and releases the constrains when the operation lever being at the working position so as to allow the transmission rollers to be disposed at the transmission position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Kanto Auo Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Torita
  • Patent number: 7578362
    Abstract: A vehicle having a frame with an engine mounted thereon. The engine has an output shaft that is connected to the input shaft of at least one hydromechanical transmission with a drive belt. A second hydromechanical transmission can then be used in association with the engine, first hydromechanical transmission and drive belt in order to provide an output to actuate driving elements in order to drive the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic W. Pollman, Michael A. Olinger, Eric R. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20090205880
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional security, patrol and surveillance vehicle that includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. An observation platform including an operators control station is mounted to the frame on a lift such that it is capable of selective elevation for superior vantage points. A cab preferably encloses the operator's station. A plurality of swivel casters disposed on distal ends of telescopic outrigger arms are circumpositioned about the circular frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 7575075
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved personal tracked vehicle consisting of a platform pivotally mounted on top of a housing, the platform having a right and left side and a central axis. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position wherein the right side of the platform is below the left side of the platform and a second position wherein the left side of the platform is below the right side of the platform. The platform has a forward portion, a rearward portion and middle portion between the two, the middle portion being arched upwardly. The vehicle further includes a pair of parallel right and left tracks mounted to the housing below the platform, the right track being coupled to a right track transmission and the left track being coupled to a left track transmission, the right and left track transmissions both being coupled to a motor for driving the transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Ryan Fairhead
  • Patent number: 7523795
    Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 7520346
    Abstract: A compact dual hydraulic pump unit having a low profile configuration. The inlet and outlet ports of the pumps may be located on opposite transverse sides of the unit for easy connection to adjacent motors coupled to the drive wheels of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignees: Parker-Hannifin Corporation, The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jeremy John Tate, Xingen Dong, Steven Clark Finker
  • Publication number: 20090095544
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels is described. The vehicle includes a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel and corresponding endless center track. A pair of driving wheels are mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. Two independently operated motors are included, each supplying power to only one of the driving wheels. A differential gear set is operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel. The gear set is formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. The gear set also imparts a minimal force to the center track drive wheel when each of the motors are operating to drive the pair of driving wheels in opposing directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7510035
    Abstract: A hydraulic transaxle comprises: a housing having a fluid sump therein, the housing including mutually joined housing parts; a pair of first wheels disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle; an axle disposed in the housing; a center section disposed in the housing, the center section being formed therein with a pair of fluid ducts; a hydraulic pump disposed in the housing, fitted to the center section, and communicating with the fluid ducts; and a hydraulic motor disposed in the housing, fitted to the center section, and communicating with the fluid ducts so as to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic motor includes a cylindrical motor shaft relatively rotatably and coaxially penetrated by the axle and drivingly connected to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Irikura
  • Patent number: 7506717
    Abstract: The present invention includes a hydraulic pump (11), a variable displacement hydraulic motor (5) for traveling driven by pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11), a motor displacement control means (17, 18) for adjusting a displacement of the hydraulic motor (5) in correspondence to a drive pressure at the hydraulic motor (5), an operating member (22) through which a forward travel command and a backward travel command for the vehicle are issued, a control means (12) to be driven in response to an operation of the operating member (22), for controlling a flow of pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11) to the hydraulic motor (5), a reverse operation detection means (41A, 41B) for detecting a reverse operation of the operating member (22) performed to a reverse side opposite from a direction along which the vehicle is advancing, and a cavitation preventing means (25A,25B) engaged in operation so as to prevent occurrence of cavitation at the hydraulic motor (5) when the reverse operation at the operating mem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tatsuno, Kazuhiro Ichimura, Hidetoshi Satake
  • Publication number: 20090057040
    Abstract: With a hydraulic traveling vehicle, a controller is configured and arranged to switch a merging/diverging valve to a merging state when a working equipment is driven with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state and with turning of the hydraulic traveling vehicle being carried out, and when a required flow rate parameter for pressurized oil of the working equipment is greater than or equal to a prescribed threshold value, and to maintain the merging/diverging valve in the diverging state when the required flow rate parameter is less than the prescribed threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Takeo Yamada, Jun Koizumi
  • Patent number: 7497283
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing traction in a zero turn mower having a riding frame, a pair of front caster-type wheels, a primary right-side rear wheel and a primary left-side rear wheel, and an asymmetric drive system to said rear wheels for driving and steering, comprising: a) auxiliary right-side and left-side rear wheels rotatably mounted on stub axles positioned rearwardly of said primary rear wheels; b) a first rigid member extending between and pivotally coupled to said auxiliary right-side rear wheel and said primary right-side rear wheel; c) a second rigid member extending between and pivotally coupled to said auxiliary left-side rear wheel and said primary left-side rear wheel; d) a first drive coupling member for driving said auxiliary right-side rear wheel in tandem with said primary right-side rear wheel; and e) a second drive coupling member for driving said auxiliary left-side rear wheel in tandem with said primary left-side rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Hurley
  • Publication number: 20090038862
    Abstract: An omni-directional vehicle (ODV) with a circular frame revolvably coupled to an appendage ring using a full circumferential coupling assembly. The appendage ring serves as a point of attachment for a push bar, trailer, tool, vehicle chassis, or other device. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The ODV is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The ODV can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Publication number: 20090032314
    Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine has a frame, an implement attached to a front end, a power source, a first and a second drive motor, a left front and rear axle, and a right front and rear axle. The first and second drive motors are powered by the power source, and each has an inner and an outer sprocket. The left rear axle is coupled to the inner sprocket of the first drive motor and rotatably coupled to the frame. The left front axle is coupled to the outer sprocket of the first drive motor and rotatably coupled to the frame. The right rear axle is coupled to the inner sprocket of the second drive motor and rotatably coupled to the frame. The right front axle is coupled to the outer sprocket of the second drive motor and rotatably coupled to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Justin D. Speichinger, Michael C. Layko
  • Patent number: 7467677
    Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the movement of a zero turning radius power mower includes a single control arm movable in a forward direction and a rearward direction, and pivotable in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction. The control arm is connected via a pair of control linkages to a right hydraulic pump and to a left hydraulic pump such that when the control arm is moved in a forward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels forward, and when the control arm is moved in a rearward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a clockwise direction the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel forward and the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel forward and the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Scott D. Barrier
  • Patent number: 7455130
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame, a laterally turnable wheel disposed at one side of the vehicle frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed at the other side of the vehicle frame, a steering operation device, a traveling operation device for setting the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle, and a pair of transmissions for controlling the rotary speed and direction of the respective drive wheels. The transmissions are operationally connected with the steering operation device so as to create a difference of rotary speed between the drive wheels according to operation of the steering operation device. The transmissions are operationally connected with the traveling operation device so as to drive the drive wheels in a common rotary direction from their stationary state according to operation of the traveling operation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Irikura
  • Patent number: 7455132
    Abstract: A hydraulic axle combination includes a housing having first and second pump chambers containing spaced, axially aligned, first and second hydrostatic pumps with respective pump shafts and input gears; first and second hydraulic motors connected with respective first and second pumps via intermediate manifold blocks thereby enabling closed-loop internal drive systems between the associated pumps and motors and forming first and second independent hydrostatic transmissions wherein the hydraulic motor output shafts serve as first and second axle shafts; an input shaft, extending between the two transmissions, includes a gear for supplying torque to and meshing perpendicularly with the pump shaft input gears and forming, therewith a T-shaped gear box, the housing optionally including: an internal sump serving as an integral combination fluid reservoir for the axle combination, at least one breather cap, a fluid filter assembly and a drain port and plug, all mounted in various housing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Barun Acharya, Xingen Dong
  • Patent number: 7454908
    Abstract: A transaxle including a hydrostatic transmission mounted in a transmission housing and having a pair of hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors operatively connected together through a center section mounted in the housing. First and second axle housings are mounted on opposite ends of the transmission housing, with output axles mounted in the axle housings and connected to the respective hydraulic motors, and the output axles are offset so that the axes of rotation of the axles do not intersect any portion of the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney, Shane A. Deters, Raymond Hauser
  • Publication number: 20080230284
    Abstract: A wheel driven utility vehicle includes a frame and two small volume high speed alternating current electric motors arranged side by side for driving the vehicle. Alternatively high speed direct current, hydraulic or pneumatic direct current motors may be used with suitable controls. Each motor has an output shaft which drives an offset planetary gear reducer. Each offset planetary gear reducer is affixed to the electric motor and includes an output carrier interconnected with an output shaft. Each output shaft includes first and second chain drive sprockets which drive chains interconnected with shafts driving the front and rear wheels respectively. Each offset planetary gear reducer enables use of space saving high speed relatively low-torque alternating current electric motors with attendant large speed reductions. Gear reduction enables the production of sufficient torque at the wheels of the vehicle. Applications in addition to utility vehicles are also specifically contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: BENJAMIN WARREN SCHOON
  • Publication number: 20080164078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device, including a movable structure configured to support and transport a building. At least four drive devices are coupled to the movable structure, each of the at least four drive devices including at least two wheels and at least two motors, each of the being motors adapted to drive one wheel. An input control device is configured to allow an operator to direct the movement of the transport device. The device can include a global positioning receiver. A control system is configured to calculate the desired heading and velocity of the transport device using differential steering based on inputs from the operators and the global positioning receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Rhodes Design and Development Corporation
    Inventors: James Rhodes, Matthew Priddy, Aidan J. Bradley, Jeff Anderson, Gabriel T. Manville, Kevin T. Parent, Frank K. Weigand
  • Publication number: 20080135311
    Abstract: A retaining strip arranged to impede the rotation of a stop screw is disclosed. The retaining strip connects with the stop screw on both sides of an attachment bracket. The retaining strip is stretched over the bracket and applies a pressure to the screw that serves to maintain screw rotational position during vehicle operation. The retaining strip does not hamper the adjustment of the screw during adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Corey L. Fornes, Michael Paul Langseth
  • Patent number: 7360613
    Abstract: A transmission for speed changing and steering of a vehicle comprises a first HST and a first differential for speed changing and a second HST and a second differential for steering. The first HST is a combination of a hydraulic pump and motor. The pump is driven by an engine and the motor is drivingly changeable by operation of a speed change pedal. Output power from the motor is transmitted into a pair of first differential output shafts as axles through the first differential. The second HST is a combination of a hydraulic pump and motor. The second pump is driven by output power from the first HST and the second motor is drivingly changeable by operation of a steering wheel. A pair of second differential output shafts are rotated in opposite directions by output power of the motor, so that when turning, the first differential output shaft on the opposite side of the turning direction is accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tuff Torq Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Travis S. McCloud, Keith J. Andrews, Robert Abend
  • Publication number: 20080083570
    Abstract: A universal linkage assembly for a power machine is disclosed. The universal linkage is adaptable for different control configurations or patterns. For example, in embodiments disclosed, the linkage assembly includes a first control interface connectable to one of a first or second joysticks to operate one of a left or right drive motor or other function and a second control interface connectable to either the first or second joystick to operate the other of the left or right drive motor or other function with separate joysticks or the same joystick depending upon the control pattern desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Bares, Ryan J. Dotzenrod
  • Patent number: 7338061
    Abstract: The present invention provides a critical breakthrough in wheeled vehicle concepts, by enabling stable vehicle operations, where wheelbase configuration varies in relation to the need for roll preventing force. This enables a new form of automobile that is especially suited for electric adaptation. The invention is an articulated vehicle that includes a stabilizer part and a carriage part where the two parts are linked by a two axis joint that locks the parts together in regard to relative roll motion, but allows pitch attitude and yaw attitude of each part to be mutually independent. Such a joint allows wheels to maintain firm contact with road surfaces while liking to cause the carriage to follow the stabilizer, and enables roll stabiliztion effects. In a turn condition, the stabilizer extends a wheel toward the outside of the turn such that upward force on that wheel counters roll torque that occurs due to radial acceleration due to the turning radius and speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Patent number: 7331411
    Abstract: A hydraulic traction system for vehicles is described. The system comprises a hydraulic vane motor mounted at each wheel of the vehicle, and equal number of identical hydraulic vane motors operated as engine driven pumps, and a control system for regulating the flow and direction of hydraulic oil during operation. The hydraulic motor is of a novel design that has a hollow non-drive shaft that accepts incoming hydraulic oil, this allows internal components of the hydraulic motor to be arranged in such a way to improve the efficiency of the hydraulic traction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Alper Shevket
  • Patent number: 7331412
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame, a laterally turnable wheel disposed at one side of the vehicle frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed at the other side of the vehicle frame, a steering operation device, a traveling operation device for setting the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle, and a pair of transmissions for controlling the rotary speed and direction of the respective drive wheels. The transmissions are operationally connected with the steering operation device so as to create a difference of rotary speed between the drive wheels according to operation of the steering operation device. The transmissions are operationally connected with the traveling operation device so as to drive the drive wheels in a common rotary direction from their stationary state according to operation of the traveling operation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Irikura
  • Patent number: 7328759
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a mobile robot base with a decoupled turret mechanism, including a turret (80), a turret motor (1) provided on the turret (80), an actuating motor unit provided on the turret (80) to actuate a plurality of wheels (90), an actuating gear train unit to transmit an actuating force generated from train (10) coupled between the turret (80) and the turret motor (1), and a differential gear train unit coupled to both the turret gear train and the actuating motor unit, so that the differential gear train unit subtracts the rotation of the turret (80) from the rotation of the actuating motor unit, thus transmitting a subtracted rotation to the plurality of wheels (90), and thus, only the rotation of the actuating motor unit is transmitted to the plurality of wheels (90). the actuating motor unit to the wheels (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hanool Robotics Corp
    Inventors: Ui Jung Jung, Goon Ho Choi, Byung Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7328763
    Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a vehicle comprises a combustion engine (1), a transmission (2), a first clutch (3) disposed between the engine (1) and the transmission (2), a rotating electric machine (4) which serves as a motor as well as a generator, a second clutch (30) disposed between the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2), and a storage device (9). When the second clutch (30) is commanded to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2), a control unit (10) controls the rotating electric machine (4) so as to decrease the difference between the rotation speeds of the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2) (S2) and cause the second clutch (30) to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2) only after the difference decreases to a allowable value (S3, S4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Gouda, Mitsuhiro Nishina, Yuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7325636
    Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of a right front wheel and a left front wheel on a work machine includes receiving a speed command based at least partially on an operator input and monitoring at least one wheel steering angle of at least one front wheel. A first front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. In addition, a second front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. The first front wheel speed command and the second front wheel speed command may be output to independently control the speed of the right and the left front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John Andrew Yeoman, Michael Dan Strnad, Kevin Lynn Claytor, Stephen Victor Lunzman
  • Patent number: 7316287
    Abstract: There is provided a working vehicle having first and second hydraulic pump units operatively driven by a driving source and arranged away to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. In the working vehicle, each of the first and second hydraulic pump units includes a pump body; a port block formed with an oil passage for supplying/discharging an operating fluid to/from said pump body; a pump case connected to the port block so as to define a pump body accommodating space for surrounding the pump body; and a pump shaft for rotatably driving the pump body, the pump shaft having an input end operatively connected to said driving source. A drain port for opening the pump body accommodating space outward and a charge suction port for drawing in an oil from an oil tank in order to supply a charge oil to a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting with the corresponding hydraulic motor unit are provided respectively in first and second assemblies formed by the corresponding pump case and port block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Manabu Kawakami, Shigenori Sakikawa, Takeaki Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7306062
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driven wheels are driven by hydraulic motors each having their own drive pump the output of which is controlled by a cam plate. The speed control is effected by a manually operable lever through a servo-cylinder which locates a speed control arm moving both cam plates to the set position. In a maximum speed position both cam plates are engaged against a stop. The steering is effected by moving the cam plates differentially to drive the wheels at different speeds. The piston rod of the servo-cylinder includes a spring relief so that the speed control arm can back off from the maximum position by moving the servo-cylinder body when steering in the maximum speed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: James Thomas Dunn
  • Patent number: 7302789
    Abstract: An apparatus, systems and methods for automatically disengaging and re-engaging a cutting implement on a mowing machine by disconnecting and connecting, respectively, electrical power to an implement drive means. Power to the implement drive means is disconnected or connected according to gear positions of transmission control levers provided on the mowing machine. At designated gear positions, cut-out switches associated with the implement drive means are effective to interrupt power to the implement drive means. Repositioning the control levers to non-designated gear positions restores power to the implement drive means. The automatic disengagement/re-engagement of the cutting implement based on the gear position of transmission control levers may be used for two lever zero-turn-ride-on mowing machines or more traditional single lever ride-on mowing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Sr., Guenter F. Plamper
  • Patent number: 7299610
    Abstract: A zero turning radius mower is provided with twin operating levers that are manipulated by the driver to control steering, speed and forward or reverse direction of the mower. When the two drive levers are in the neutral mode, they may be swung outwardly to widespread positions to facilitate operator dismount. If both drive levers are spread apart, a park lever may be operated by the driver to position blocking bars into the path of the levers to prevent their return from the widespread positions. Once the engine is shut off, it can only be restarted when the mower is in its park mode with the park lever engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Incorporated
    Inventor: Alan F. Piontek
  • Patent number: 7285896
    Abstract: The device includes a housing and an outer shell including tightly wound wire coils fitted within the housing. Rotatable armatures including associated commutators are disposed at outer end portions thereof. The armatures further include spring loaded brushes and a plurality of wire coils wrapped intermediately spaced adjacent to the commutators. The device further includes a drive shaft having bearings selectively spaced therealong that defines a fulcrum axis for the armature coils and output shafts connected to the drive shaft. A power supply source is electrically coupled to an A.C. or D.C. motor and disposed external of the housing. The armatures define an epicyclical train for connecting the drive shaft in a linear path so that a driving force can be equally divided between the vehicle wheels to thereby permit one vehicle wheel to revolve faster than another vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Eugene R. Mallory
  • Patent number: 7281601
    Abstract: A fluid driven differential, having a fluid filled housing, an input shaft, and a pair of output shafts. The input shaft is attached to an automobile driveshaft outside of the housing and to a propeller inside the housing. The output shafts are each attached to an axle and wheel outside the housing and to a turbine inside the housing. When the driveshaft rotates the input shaft, the propeller generates a fluid current that turns the turbines and thereby turns the output shafts, the axles, and the wheels. A pair of return conduits direct fluid from the vicinity of the turbines to the vicinity of the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Salvatore Palazzola
  • Publication number: 20070235232
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven vehicle is disclosed which is moved or turned by driving left and right hydraulic transmissions with one engine and driving left and right drive wheels with these hydraulic transmissions. The vehicle includes a gear-shifting mechanism for converting the actions of an operator and transmitting the result to the hydraulic transmissions, which mechanism is comprised of a first swinging member that is swung by a vehicle speed cable, and left and right second swinging members that are placed on the first swinging member, that are swung by left and right steering cables, and that push and pull push-pull rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jitsumi Hanafusa
  • Patent number: 7270200
    Abstract: A working vehicle having a pair of left and right HSTs having hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors and trunnion shafts for regulating the drive speed of the hydraulic motors by varying compressed oil from the hydraulic pumps into the hydraulic motors, in which one hydraulic pump is disposed parallel to the other hydraulic pump in the forward or rearward direction, including drive wheels driven by the HSTs, respectively, a pair of relay shafts between a pair of steering levers for independently operating the trunnion shafts and a pair of trunnion shafts, first connection members for connecting the steering lever and the relay shaft to each other, and second connection members for connecting the relay shaft and the trunnion shaft to each other, and first connection members for connecting the steering lever to the relay shaft to each other, and second connection members for connecting the relay shaft and the trunnion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Renshi Goto, Suguru Okamoto, Shinya Yoshiki
  • Patent number: 7270201
    Abstract: A vehicle for moving trailers that are not coupled to their usual towing vehicle in which steering is conducted by an operator walking next to the vehicle and moving separate ones of a pair of levers for a pair of hydraulically driven wheels that control speed and direction of rotation. Two sets of levers are provided, one at each side of the vehicle so that the operator can use either set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Coach House, Inc.
    Inventor: William Cryer
  • Patent number: 7267188
    Abstract: An electric vehicle has a control unit having a decelerating control function of decelerating an electric motor disposed on a side of a vehicle body corresponding to a turning direction of the electric vehicle, and an accelerating control function of outputting an accelerating control signal for performing acceleration control to accelerate the electric motor when operation of the electric vehicle is switched from a first traveling mode to a second traveling mode. When the electric motor has a speed not exceeding a predetermined reference speed, the accelerating control function performs the acceleration control such that a level of the accelerating control signal is increased abruptly for a temporary time from the switching of the operation of the electric vehicle from the first traveling mode to the second traveling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Wakitani, Norikazu Shimizu, Toshiaki Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7264068
    Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a steering controller that monitors the speeds of the left and right wheels and steers those wheels in directions that are calculated to reduce, eliminate or minimize wheel skidding with respect to the ground while the vehicle is turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Edward H. Priepke
  • Patent number: 7258181
    Abstract: An omni direction vehicle (ODV) with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter rotatably coupled to a trailer mule hitch assembly having an axle, wheels and a fifth wheel plate located generally above the axle. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the ODV frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The ODV is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The ODV can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the combined ODV/trailer mule hitch assembly can rotate about the center of the fifth wheel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds