Gearing Patents (Class 184/6.12)
  • Publication number: 20130180803
    Abstract: A lubricating device for a gear train (5) including a plurality of gears meshing with each other includes a shroud (7) configured to cover the gear train (5) and a housing (9) configured to cover the shroud (7). The shroud (7) includes: an oil supply nozzle (25) configured to supply oil (OL) to a meshing position (21) of the gear train (5); and oil-drain ports (41) through which the oil (OL) is discharged from the shroud. The housing (9) includes, at its lower part, a draw-out port (43) through which the oil (OL) discharged from the oil-drain ports (41) is drawn to the outside of the housing. Guide members (47) are provided between the shroud (7) and the housing (9). The guide members (47) guide the oil (OL) discharged from the respective oil-drain ports (41) of the shroud (7) such that the oil (OL) flows downward through space (S) between the shroud (7) and the housing (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tanaka, Tatsuhiko Goi, Hidenori Arisawa, Motohiko Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8485222
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preventing oil migration in an engine lubrication system. The system includes a gearbox, a shaft disposed at least partially in the gearbox, an oil reservoir in flow communication with the gearbox, an oil supply pump in flow communication with the oil reservoir and coupled to the shaft, an oil scavenge pump coupled to the shaft and configured to pump oil from the gearbox, and an oil cooler in flow communication with and disposed between the oil scavenge pump and the oil reservoir. The system also includes a bypass drain line disposed between the oil source and the oil supply pump, a drain valve disposed in the bypass drain line configured to close when the pressure is above a predetermined pressure, and a check valve disposed between the oil supply pump and the gearbox configured to open when the pressure is above the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Restivo, Frank J. Zupanc
  • Patent number: 8484942
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan, first and second compressor stages, first and second turbine stages. The first turbine stage drives the second compressor stage as a high spool. The second turbine stage drives the first compressor stage as part of a low spool. A gear train drives the fan with the low spool, such that the fan and first compressor stage rotate in the same direction. The high spool operates at higher pressures than the low spool. A lubrication system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8475314
    Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing assembly including a housing structure having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump having a liquid lubricant level, and a differential mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The differential includes a ring gear generating an annular stream of lubricant adjoining the ring gear above the liquid lubricant level during operation of the differential at a rotational speed greater than a predetermined rotational speed. The housing structure includes an interior surface on which a deflector is coupled. The deflector extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Gatti Corless, Mark Alan Harnden, Mark Stephen Waack
  • Publication number: 20130091862
    Abstract: An exemplary lubrication system includes a flow path that carries fluid from a fluid supply through at least a portion of an auxiliary power unit to an outlet separate from the fluid supply. The fluid supply is pressurized to move the fluid along the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Omar I. Osorio
  • Publication number: 20130075198
    Abstract: A gear unit comprises shafts for connecting to an external mechanical system, at least one gear stage between the shafts, a lubrication pump for circulating lubricating oil through the at least one gear stage and bearings of the gear unit, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the lubricating oil and supplying a temperature signal, an electrical motor for driving the lubrication pump, and an electrical device for controlling the electrical motor so that torque directed to the lubrication pump is below a torque limit. The torque limit is determined dynamically on the basis of the measured temperature of the lubricating oil. This arrangement makes it possible to protect the lubrication pump against mechanical faults during a cold start process so that an unnecessarily strict torque limitation, which would slow down the cold start process, can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MOVENTAS GEARS OY
    Inventor: MOVENTAS GEARS OY
  • Patent number: 8393248
    Abstract: A baffle plate support structure supports a baffle plate inside a casing of a transmission. The baffle plate support structure includes a fixing portion and a supporting portion. The fixing portion secures a fixed end of the baffle plate to the casing by tightening bolts. The fixed end is one end of the baffle plate. The supporting portion supports a supported end of the baffle plate with respect to the casing. The supported end is another end of the baffle plate. The supporting portion has protruding ribs formed on an inner surface of the casing. The supporting portion is positioned such that the protruding ribs have a clearance of predetermined distance with respect to the supported end of the baffle plate in a vibrating direction of the supported end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Nagahama, Isamu Shinbori, Yoshimichi Tsubata
  • Patent number: 8387754
    Abstract: A method for oiling the axial stops (10) on components (6, 17, 18) fixed on a shaft (1), provided for loose wheels (2, 3) arranged on the shaft. According to the method, oiling of the axial stops (10) occurs by supplying oil through an axially extending bore or oil duct (5) of the shaft (1) and through grooves (11, 12) formed on the axial stop (10) with the grooves being in fluid flow connection with the oil duct (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jan-Peter Konig, Michael Drabek, Harald Klose
  • Patent number: 8365866
    Abstract: A gearbox including a gear-train including an input and an output and a rotating conduit internally traversing the gear-train is provided. The rotating conduit is configured to receive lubrication fluid from one or more components downstream of the rotating conduit and deliver lubrication fluid to one or more components upstream of the rotating conduit. The components downstream of the rotating conduit rotate at a different speed than components upstream of the rotating conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert John Ciszak, Keith Marsden, Timothy Kuzma
  • Patent number: 8356586
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for rotationally controlling a bearing assembly using a geared coupling system in combination with a supercharger including an input shaft. Generally, the geared coupling system includes a bearing assembly rotatably supporting a high speed shaft associated with an impeller, the bearing assembly including at least one inner bearing and at least one outer bearing; a drive gear associated with the input shaft and including a plurality of engaging members; and a geared coupler extending from a towards a plurality of engaging members adapted for engagement with the low speed gear, the geared coupler presenting an inner surface for receiving said inner bearing and an outer surface for receiving said outer bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glennon J. Roderique
  • Patent number: 8356695
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved lubrication of a spline connection between a PTO driver and a bevel gearbox in which lubricant from the bevel gear housing is directed to a location above and radially outwardly from the splined connection and the apparatus then directs the lubricant flow toward the splined connection by force of gravity. The apparatus is configured to be self-aligning when installed in an existing receptacle in the gearbox housing thereby enabling the apparatus to be conveniently installed in a housing designed to utilize gearbox lubricant to lubricate the splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Mark T. Scuffham, Benjamin A. Heiser, Philip J. Ehrhart
  • Publication number: 20130011263
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes at least one turbine blade coupled to a rotor and configured to rotate about a central axis, a gearbox having an input configured to receive rotational input from the rotor, and an output configured to direct rotational output to a generator, a flow passageway configured to receive a lubrication fluid and direct the lubrication fluid to at least one component within the gearbox and a primary variable orifice device positioned along the flow passageway and configured to selectively vary an area of an orifice within the passageway in dependence upon at least one of a temperature or a viscosity of the lubrication fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Pradip Radhakrishnan SUBRAMANIAM, Gangumalla Venkat RAO
  • Publication number: 20130001017
    Abstract: Oil level maintenance system for a gearbox (3) in a wind turbine comprising an intermediate tank (7) for determining the inlets (8.1, 8.2) and outlets (9.1, 9.2) of connection between the multiplication stages (6) of the gearbox (3) in the wind turbine and the external tank (5) for oil destined for the gearbox (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Saenz de Ugarte Sevilla, Jose Maria Zabala Zabala
  • Publication number: 20130001018
    Abstract: A lubricating structure of a differential gear unit includes a differential case that rotatably supports side gears and pinions; a differential housing that rotatably supports the differential case via a bearing; and a lubrication hole that leads lubricating oil from a first chamber space formed between the differential case and the differential housing to a second chamber space formed around one drive shaft. A third chamber space is formed inside the differential case. A smallest passage sectional area of a lubricating oil flow path that leads from the second chamber space to the first chamber space via the bearing is smaller than a smallest passage sectional area of the lubrication hole, and a smallest passage sectional area between the second chamber space and the third chamber space and a smallest passage sectional area in the third chamber space are larger than the smallest passage sectional area of the lubrication hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiko MASUDA, Masashi OGAWA
  • Patent number: 8342290
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a spline interface (20) includes at least one debris chamber (46) located radially outboard of the spline interface (20) of a first rotating component (16) and a second rotating component (18). Wear debris (44) is urged from the spline interface (20) toward the at least one debris chamber (46) by rotation of the first and second rotating components (16, 18) about a central axis (14). At least one lubricant reservoir (36) contains a volume of lubricant (40), wherein at least a portion of the volume of lubricant (40) flows toward the spline interface (20) in response to the wear debris (44) being urged from the spline interface (20) toward the at least one debris chamber (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 8337354
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a marine propulsion system includes a transmission arranged to change the speed of an output from an engine and then to transmit the output to a propeller shaft. Wet-type multi-plate clutches provided in the transmission include a plurality of clutch plates fitted to a clutch rotating body for axial movement with the clutch rotating body. The clutch rotating body includes an oil reservoir in its inner bottom portion and arranged to hold lubricating oil and a peripheral wall arranged to cover the oil reservoir from the radial outside and fit to each of the clutch plates to permit axial movement of the clutch plates. Communicating holes are arranged on the peripheral wall such that they communicate the oil reservoir side to the outside of the clutch rotating body in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Okabe, Hirotoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8333264
    Abstract: A side cover for use in a transmission includes an inner surface and a wall. The wall extends along the outer periphery of the side cover. The inner surface and the wall cooperate to define a cavity. A fluid control valve is disposed in the bottom of the side cover within the cavity. The fluid control valve controls the height of hydraulic fluid in the side cover by varying flow to the sump. The cavity includes a fluid storage portion in communication with the valve. The fluid storage portion has a volume that is greater at a bottom of the side cover than at a top of the side cover. The fluid storage portion controls the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tami A Curtis, Ronald A Spindler, Pete R. Garcia
  • Patent number: 8327978
    Abstract: A vertical power unit includes: an engine having a vertically arranged crankshaft; a vertically arranged output shaft provided below the crankshaft; and a torque converter providing a connection between the crankshaft and the output shaft. The torque converter is arranged so as to be offset from the crankshaft toward a cylinder block of the engine. A transmission device is provided between the crankshaft and the torque converter. The output shaft is arranged coaxially with the torque converter. Thus, the center of gravity of the vertical power unit is positioned as close as possible to the central portion of the engine, thereby minimizing bias of the center of gravity due to the weight of the torque converter and the output shaft to facilitate the handling of the vertical power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Ide, Yoshiyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8322493
    Abstract: A power unit provided with a dry sump type lubricating device includes a power unit case that is covered in part by a power unit case cover and is divided into a front unit case and a rear unit case. The power unit also includes a crankshaft rotatably supported by a crank chamber that is formed by the power unit case and a shift shaft rotatably supported by a transmission chamber that is provided adjacent to the crank chamber. The power unit also includes an oil tank disposed on the crank chamber side of an anteroposterior outside surface of the power unit case cover and a hydraulic control device for controlling a shift clutch, disposed on the transmission chamber side of the anteroposterior outside surface of the power unit case cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Mizuno, Yasushi Fujimoto, Masako Takahashi, Hiroshi Sotani
  • Patent number: 8312858
    Abstract: A lubrication system and method are disclosed. The system includes a main engine bearing and a crankshaft in operational association with the bearing. The crankshaft includes an end having a cavity with a power transmitting element (e.g., splines). The cavity can receive and engage a mating mechanism to transmit power thereto. The crankshaft further includes a first oil passage that is disposed within the end and a second oil passage that extends from the main engine bearing into the crankshaft. The first oil passage intersects the second oil passage. The system can also include a pump mechanism for circulating lubricating oil from the main engine bearing to the crankshaft through the second oil passage and the first oil passage, and to the cavity to lubricate the power transmitting element. During engine operation, a constant supply of lubricating oil can be provided to the power transmitting element to reduce component wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Peter J. McClave, George A. Jankuski, Laura K. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8298109
    Abstract: A transmission lubrication assembly includes a stator tube having a fluid passage and a sleeve bore, and a stator tube sleeve having a lubrication path provided along an external peripheral service thereof. In another aspect, the transmission lubrication assembly may include a solid input shaft rotatably received within the stator tube, a valve body, and a lubrication tube that provides fluid communication between the fluid passage and the valve body. In yet another aspect, a method of lubricating a transmission assembly includes providing a pressurized source of lubricating fluid, providing a stator tube comprising a fluid passage, and directing a portion of the lubricating fluid to a section of the transmission assembly by way of a stator tube sleeve, wherein the stator tube sleeve has an axial channel through which the lubricating fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Competition Cams, Inc.
    Inventor: James Kevin Steele
  • Publication number: 20120263497
    Abstract: A gear drive apparatus includes a gear train including a plurality of gears, and a holding unit accommodating the gear train and a lubricant to be supplied to tooth flanks of each of the plurality of gears, the holding unit including an inlet opening from which the lubricant is poured. The lubricant from the inlet opening is supplied to an engagement area where two gears of the plurality of gears are engaged with each other, or to a tooth flank area of one of the two gears at an upstream part from the engagement area along a rotational direction of the one of the two gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto NAKURA, Masaru KAWAMOTO, Naoto UEDA, Hirofumi OHKUSHI
  • Publication number: 20120247875
    Abstract: A lubrication structure is provided for supplying lubricating oil to a transmission of an engine. The engine includes a mission holder which includes a power transmission mechanism between a main shaft and a countershaft as a unit and is removably mounted in a mission chamber, and a clutch chamber having a clutch mechanism is provided adjacent the mission chamber for transmitting rotation of a crankshaft to the transmission. Two oil introduction ports are provided on the mission holder, which is between the clutch chamber and the mission chamber. The two oil introduction ports enable the two chambers to communicate with each other. Each of the oil introduction ports has an opening provided therein which opens upwardly on a clutch chamber side of the mission holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuta, Katsuhiko Ito
  • Publication number: 20120247874
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes a reserve housing configured to retain a lubrication fluid. A supply line in fluid communication with the reserve housing is configured to provide pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing. An overflow tube has an overflow port, the overflow tube being configured to prevent the volume of the lubrication fluid from exceeding a certain amount. A metering jet is configured to allow the lubrication fluid to flow from the reserve housing onto a component, such as a bearing, in the gearbox at a predetermined rate. The metering jet provides flow of the lubrication fluid onto the bearing even when the supply line no longer provides pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Scott D. POSTER, David A. ELLIOTT, Gary A. COPE
  • Patent number: 8266978
    Abstract: A gear train assembly includes a first gear, a second gear, a first lubricant receiver, and a second lubricant receiver. The first gear meshes with the second gear at an engagement portion. The first lubricant receiver is configured to catch lubricant from the first gear before the engagement portion. The second lubricant receiver is configured to catch lubricant from the first gear after the engagement portion. A minimum distance between the second lubricant receiver and the first gear is less than a minimum distance between the first lubricant receiver and the first gear. An image forming apparatus for forming an image includes the gear train assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Hirose
  • Patent number: 8267223
    Abstract: In a drive assembly of the invention, a first catch tank is provided above a casing that keeps lubricating oil accumulated in a bottom thereof for immersion of part of a rotor of a motor MG3 and of part of a differential ring gear of a differential gear. The first catch tank temporarily keeps the lubricating oil scooped up from the bottom of the casing by the rotation of the differential ring gear. The lubricating oil kept in the first catch tank is flowed down by the force of gravity and is fed to peripheral bearings. A second catch tank is arranged to temporarily keep the lubricating oil scooped up from the bottom of the casing by the rotation of the rotor of the motor MG3. The lubricating oil kept in the second catch tank is flowed down by the force of gravity and is fed to peripheral bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Shuji Nagano, Kunio Morisawa, Hiroki Maki, Koichi Okuda
  • Patent number: 8256318
    Abstract: A system for gearing, the system comprising a toothed wheel mounted on a shaft, the wheel being pierced by channels fed with lubricant, each channel opening out to the toothed periphery of the wheel. Said wheel is mounted on an end portion of the shaft, so as to be capable of being rotated by said shaft, said end portion being hollow so as to present an inside chamber, said chamber opening out to the end of the shaft via an orifice. Said channels communicate with said chamber. The system includes an injector for injecting lubricant into the chamber, the injector being situated outside the chamber and facing said orifice in such a manner as to inject the lubricant through said orifice, the lubricant penetrating into and flowing along the channels to the toothed periphery of the wheel under the effect of centrifugal force associated with rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza
    Inventor: Alain Vassaux
  • Patent number: 8257024
    Abstract: An exemplary geared turbomachine fluid delivery system includes a first fluid path configured to communicate fluid from a supply to a gear system of a geared turbomachine, and a second fluid path configured to communicate fluid from the supply to the gear system. The fluid introduced to the gear system by the first fluid path is cooler than that the fluid introduced to the gear system by the second fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kathleen R. Phillips, Thomas G. Phillips, Ethan K. Stearns, Federico Papa
  • Patent number: 8246503
    Abstract: A journal bearing that includes a central body having first and second passageways and a filter. The central body extends axially and is adapted to be supported at each outer end. The first passageway extends generally axially through a portion of the central body. The filter is disposed in the first passageway and is configured to trap debris from a lubricant fluid flowing therethrough. The second passageway extends between both the first passageway and an exterior surface of the central body to allow for delivery of lubricant fluid thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 8230973
    Abstract: A pump system for use in a transmission includes a first pump, a second pump, and a sump. A first fluid passage connects an inlet of the first pump to a sump filter connected to the sump. A second fluid passage connects an inlet of the second pump to the sump filter of the sump. A third fluid passage connects the inlet of the first pump with the inlet of the second pump. A bypass outlet is in communication with the third fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Rhein, Todd A. Frerichs
  • Patent number: 8215454
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Portlock, Michael E. McCune, Louis J. Dobek
  • Publication number: 20120168254
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lubricant distribution system for a combine harvester, the lubricant distribution system comprising: a plurality of gearboxes coupled to different locations on the combine harvester, each of the plurality of gearboxes comprising lubricating fluid; a reservoir configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of gearboxes; and a pump configured to pump the lubricating fluid received from the reservoir to the plurality of gearboxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Matousek, Joshua J. Wolters
  • Publication number: 20120145483
    Abstract: An oil path (9) as a lubricating oil collecting and guiding device is provided with a long gutter-shaped main unit (9A), a press-in pin part (21) pushed into a press-in hole (22) formed on an open side end face (4a) of a transmission case (4), and an insertion pin part (24) inserted into an insertion hole (25) formed on a bottom part side of the transmission case (4). By this, the operation of installation on the bottom part side of the transmission case (4) during installation of the oil path (9) on the transmission case (4) includes only inserting the insertion pin part (24) into the insertion hole (25) of the transmission case (25), the operator therefore no longer needs to insert a hand deeply inside the transmission case (4) for the operation, and the operability of installation of the oil path (9) on the transmission case is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Kenichi Araki
  • Patent number: 8196707
    Abstract: An arrangement for cooling oil in a gearbox of a vehicle which is powered by a combustion engine. An oil cooler is fitted in the vehicle close to the gearbox. An oil system circulates oil between the gearbox and the oil cooler. An oil circuit contains a circulating coolant to cool the oil in the oil cooler. A cooling element cools the coolant by air which flows through the cooling element. The cooling element is situated at a location in the vehicle where air at the temperature of the surroundings flows through it. The cooling circuit includes a line to lead the cooled coolant from the cooling element to the oil cooler. The oil in the oil cooler can thus be cooled to a temperature close to the temperature of the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventor: Zoltan Kardos
  • Publication number: 20120103728
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Portlock, Michael E. McCune, Louis J. Dobek
  • Patent number: 8167091
    Abstract: An oil scavenge system of a gas turbine engine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a housing defined about an axis of rotation, the housing confining an air/oil mixture in motion within the housing and defining an oil scavenge area below the axis of rotation. The housing further includes an outlet at a low location of the housing. A churning damper is supported within the housing and is located in the oil scavenge area. The churning damper includes at least one plate, allowing the air/oil mixture in motion to pass over or through the plate only in a peripheral area of the at least one plate to cause flow energy dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Alecu, Kenneth Parkman
  • Patent number: 8167758
    Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle assembly with first and second sumps for holding a lubricant. A rotating ring gear associated with a differential can rotate through the lubricant in the first sump to cause a portion of the lubricant to cling to the ring gear. A portion of the lubricant that has clung to the ring gear can be removed from the ring gear and transferred to the second sump. The lubricant in the second sump can be drained to lubricate teeth of a pinion that is in meshing engagement with the ring gear and/or to lubricate bearings that support the pinion. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P Downs, Herbert L Adams, III, W. Gordon Hunt, Gregory E Woodside
  • Publication number: 20120088624
    Abstract: A lubricating system for lubricating components across a rotation gap has an input that provides lubricant to a stationary first bearing. The first bearing has an inner first race in which lubricant flows. A second bearing rotates within the first bearing and has a first opening in registration with the inner first race such that lubricant may flow from the inner first race through the first opening into a first conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: William G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 8152675
    Abstract: A device for optimizing the oil delivery function of the ring gear of a differential to maximize the volume of oil flow. The device includes an annular disk (6) which, when viewed in an axially direction, is arranged adjacent the ring gear (1) on the side of the ring gear (1) facing the differential cage (5) and is coaxial with the ring gear (1). The annular disk (6) also serves as a scraper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Roland Altvaten, Sven Jabs, Martin Gluck
  • Patent number: 8152674
    Abstract: A carrier assembly includes an auxiliary lubrication pump that lubricates gear components positioned within an internal cavity of a carrier housing. A differential gear assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to rotate about an axis. The auxiliary lubrication pump includes a first gear that is driven by the differential gear assembly about the axis and a second gear that is driven by the first gear. The first and second gears of the auxiliary lubrication pump cooperate to direct and control lubrication with the carrier housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Hayes, Robert J. Martin, III
  • Publication number: 20120073905
    Abstract: An oil passage structure for a transmission includes a transmission case having a transmission housing chamber for reserving working oil and housing a continuously variable transmission mechanism therein, and a valve housing chamber for reserving the working oil and housing a valve unit therein. Further, the valve housing chamber housing the valve unit is disposed above an oil level in the transmission housing chamber. Furthermore, the valve housing chamber and the transmission housing chamber communicate with each other through a drain port closed with a drain plug. In demounting of the valve unit, the drain plug is pulled out to open the drain port. Hereby, the working oil can be transferred from the valve housing chamber to the transmission housing chamber, and the valve unit can be demounted without draining the working oil from the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kei AIDA
  • Publication number: 20120061184
    Abstract: This invention provides both a pump and a lubrication and cooling system with a pump which includes a pump housing, a rotor, a relief valve and a bypass valve. The relief valve is configured to relieve pump pressure when the pump pressure is indicative of an abnormal restriction of flow. The bypass valve is configured to direct fluid flow from an outlet chamber of the pump to an intake chamber of the pump when pressure in the outlet chamber is at a value associated with a predetermined speed of rotor rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert B. Craft, Paul J. Mason, Jerry J. Brittan
  • Publication number: 20120058853
    Abstract: A bearing lubrication device in a right angle gear reducer includes a gear housing having an interior portion and a lubricating fluid reservoir therein. An oil slinger, rotating pinion shaft, pinion shaft housing, and bearings for supporting the pinion shaft within the pinion shaft housing work together to provide a continuous supply of oil to the bearings. The pinion shaft includes two radially and longitudinally extending passageways therethrough which supply oil from a recess in one end of the pinion shaft to the bearings. Oil is slung from the reservoir into the recess of the rotating pinion shaft where it is forced outwardly and through the passageways to a chamber formed by the rotating pinion shaft, shaft housing and bearings. The roller bearings pump the oil from the chamber back to the fluid reservoir. Oil passageways in the shaft housing enable the return of oil from one bearing set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: FAIRFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: BENJAMIN WARREN SCHOON, JAMES R. DAMMON
  • Patent number: 8109174
    Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing assembly and a differential that is mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The axle housing assembly defines an interior cavity with a sump having a static liquid lubricant level. The axle housing assembly includes a housing structure and a cover that is coupled to the housing structure. First and second sets of ribs are coupled to the cover and extend into the interior cavity. The first and second sets of ribs are disposed on opposite sides of a ring gear associated with the differential and include a plurality of ribs. A first portion of at least one of the ribs extends below the static liquid lubricant level to thereby be immersed when a liquid lubricant fills the sump to a level that coincides with the static liquid lubricant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J Hilker, Kevin R Beutler, Kirk A Broome
  • Patent number: 8109366
    Abstract: A lubricating structure for a static hydraulic continuously variable transmission includes a central oil path axially formed at a center of a shaft of the transmission. A circumferential oil path is arranged at an inner circumferential part of a retainer between the retainer and an outer circumferential part of the transmission shaft. A diametrical oil path is in communication with the circumferential oil path and the central oil path of the shaft of said transmission. The diametrical oil path is provided with an orifice. A lubricant oil ejection hole is arranged at the retainer to eject lubricant oil from the circumferential oil path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yoshida, Toshimasa Mitsubori, Nobuyuki Yakigaya
  • Publication number: 20120024631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit and a method for feeding oil to rolling bearings in a turbomachine, the circuit comprising an oil supply, an oil duct connecting the supply to lubrication enclosures, each containing at least one rolling bearing, an oil feed pump located between the supply and the lubrication enclosures, an oil recovery pump connected downstream from each lubrication enclosure, and a pressurizing valve placed in the duct between the oil feed pump and the lubrication enclosures, said pressurizing valve being adapted to open when the pressure at its inlet exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure; a branch connection duct connecting the inlet of the pressurization valve to one of the lubrication enclosures in order to feed it with oil; and means for feeding the lubrication enclosures at a small oil flow rate so long as the pressure at the inlet of the pressurization valve has not reached the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: François Delamour, Jean-Louis Muller, Nicolas Alain Bernard Potel
  • Patent number: 8100229
    Abstract: First and second oil flow passages are defined in a wall portion of a transmission casing. The first oil flow passage has an open end exposed to an interior of the casing. The second oil passage is connected to the first oil passage through a connection opening defined by the first oil passage. A separate pipe member has a predetermined end portion that is inserted into the first oil passage from the open end of the same. The predetermined end portion comprises a cylindrical portion having a fixed length; an end opening defined by an end of the cylindrical portion and exposed to the first oil passage; and an orifice opening defined by a side wall of the cylindrical portion. The orifice opening is blocked by an inner wall of the first oil passage when the connection opening takes a first position relative to the open end of the first oil passage, and exposed to the second oil passage when the connection opening takes a second position relative to the open end of the first oil passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Kenji Matsubara, Hiromi Taguchi, Yasuhiko Kunii, Tsutomu Saitou, Tomoyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8096205
    Abstract: A gear comprised of a tooth surface and a hard carbon film formed on at least a part of the tooth surface. When the gear is used in lubricant including a specific component, a friction of a tooth surface of the gear is largely decreased, and therefore the gear performs an excellent power transmission efficiency. Further, when the gear is employed in a planetary gear mechanism or speed reducing mechanism which has a plurality of meshing portions of gears, the power transmission efficiency of the mechanism is also improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Okamoto, Yoshiteru Yasuda, Takuro Yamaguchi, Makoto Kano
  • Patent number: 8087424
    Abstract: A subsea valve actuator apparatus is disclosed for actuating a subsea valve. The valve actuator apparatus includes a housing which defines an enclosure and a rim. A cover cooperates with the rim for sealing the enclosure. A gearbox is disposed within the enclosure the gearbox including a worm wheel which is connected to the subsea valve for actuating the valve. The gearbox includes a seal which is disposed between the worm wheel and the housing for sealing the worm wheel relative to the housing so that lubricant disposed within the enclosure for lubricating the gearbox is sealed within the enclosure. A pressure compensator is disposed within the enclosure for maintaining pressure of the lubricant disposed within the enclosure at substantially the same pressure as the pressure of seawater outside the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: David D Swartzentruber, Tushar Kulkami
  • Patent number: 8079445
    Abstract: A transmission has a rotating shaft, a coupling sleeve fixedly coupled to the rotating shaft to rotate with the rotating shaft and a variable speed gear mounted on the rotating shaft. The variable speed gear is configured to rotate on the rotating shaft when a clutch gear that is embedded in a side surface of the variable speed gear is disengaged from the coupling sleeve and to be fixed to the rotating shaft when the clutch gear is engaged from the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve is moved in the axial direction between the engaged and disengaged states by a shifting fork F3. A lubricant supplying structure directs lubricant to the clutch gear by diverting the lubricant against a side surface of the shifting fork that faces the clutch gear and a side surface of the coupling sleeve that faces the clutch gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Aoyama, Yasuhiro Sawaki, Hisashi Kawai