Having Common Clutch-element Support Patents (Class 192/48.91)
  • Patent number: 6786317
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch assembly is equipped with a spring-drive hydraulic clutch, which includes a gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and a clutch cylinder fixedly mounted on the transmission shaft, first and second friction elements respectively supported on the gear and the clutch cylinder in such a manner as to be slidable along an axis of the clutch (hereinafter sometimes referred to a clutch axis) and relatively non-rotatable thereto, a pressure disk disposed opposite to the friction elements, and a spring for moving the pressure disk towards the friction elements to bring the first friction element into engagement with the second friction element, in which the pressure disk is moved away from the friction elements by an effect of hydraulic pressure, thereby withdrawing the friction elements from engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mizuya Matsufuji, Takumi Fujita
  • Patent number: 6755090
    Abstract: A gear retaining mechanism is provided for a transmission comprising a rotary shaft, a hub fixed on the rotary shaft, a clutch slider axially slidably fitted on the hub, and a gear relatively rotatably provided on the rotary shaft. The hub is provided on an outer periphery thereof with a male spline having an axially tapered portion. The clutch slider is provided on an inner periphery thereof with a female spline meshing with the male spline of the hub. The gear is provided on an outer periphery thereof with a male spline to mesh with the female spline of the clutch slider. The male spline of the gear includes an axially tapered portion. The clutch slider is slid along the rotary shaft and located so as to fix the gear to the rotary shaft through the hub so that the female spline meshes with the male spline of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Akihiro Ima
  • Patent number: 6733412
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has: a primary transmission mechanism including: an input shaft; a planetary gear set having a sun gear, planetary gears and a ring gear, each being a helical gear, the ring gear and sun gear being respectively connected to the input shaft and to a stationary member via a one-way clutch, and a carrier for the planetary gears is connected to a primary output shaft; and an centrifugal clutch engaged/released the input shaft with/from the primary output shaft in correspondence with a centrifugal force by a weight and a thrust force by the helical gear; and a secondary transmission mechanism connected to the primary output shaft, for controlling a gear-shift into two or more speed-changed conditions. A multiplicity of change-speed gears is obtained by selectively combining the released and engaged states of the centrifugal clutch for each of the speed-changed conditions of the secondary transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yorinori Kumagai, Tsukasa Takahashi, Tetsuo Naraki
  • Patent number: 6669257
    Abstract: A power switching mechanism for selectively connecting a robotic system having two-degrees-of-freedom power input to a robot tool having a plurality of actuators. The two-degrees-of-freedom power input comprises a translation power input and a power shaft rotation input. The switching mechanism comprises an axially displaceable connector mounted to the power shaft rotation input for rotating therewith. An indexing mechanism is connected to the power shaft rotation input and is axially movable sequentially between a neutral position and an actuator engaging position for each actuator. The axially displaceable connector engages any one of the actuators in response to movement of the axial translation of the two-degrees-of-freedom power input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Université Laval
    Inventors: Thierry Laliberté, Clément Gosselin
  • Patent number: 6669594
    Abstract: A variable-ratio gear assembly comprising an input shaft, an output shaft, and at least two intercoupled independently-variable coplanar reverted gear train loops coupled to the input and output shaft. Each coplanar reverted gear train loop comprises a torque input member, a torque output member and a reactive member. A clutch is coupled to the coplanar reverted gear train loops for independently switching at least two of the members from coupling to one of the casing of the gear assembly, the input shaft and the output shaft to coupling to another of the casing, the input shaft and the output shaft for varying the velocity ratio of the coplanar reverted gear train loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ker-Train Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: John Hugh Kerr
  • Patent number: 6622840
    Abstract: A double clutch assembly comprising a first clutch area for the optional production of a torque-transmitting connection between a drive element and a first driven element, a second clutch area for the optional production of a torque-transmitting connection between the drive element and a second driven element, and a common engaging/disengaging mechanism, by means of which the first clutch area and the second clutch area can be actuated to produce or to nullify the torque-transmitting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Dau, Andreas Orlamünder, Reinhard Feldhaus, Jörg Randow, Gerhard Röll, Bernhard Schierling, Michael Peterseim
  • Publication number: 20030164278
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for positioning a coupling means in a gearbox in a first gear position, a second gear position and an intermediate neutral position. The apparatus includes a housing (5) that forms a working cylinder (6), a main piston (7) arranged in the working cylinder (6) in order to interact operationally therewith, and a piston rod (8) connected rigidly to the main piston and extending from a first side thereof out of the housing (5). The piston rod (8) is connected to the coupling means or mechanism (4) outside the housing. The main piston (7) is arranged displaceably between three different positions in the working cylinder that correspond to the first and second gear positions, and the neutral position. An auxiliary piston (11) is also arranged displaceably inside the housing. The auxiliary piston (11) is adapted to operationally interact with the working cylinder and is arranged on a second, opposite side of the main piston relative to the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS AB
    Inventors: Emil Knecht, Hakan Johansson, Johan Mohlin, Karin Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6595890
    Abstract: The invention herein of a torsion shift structure for the means of transportation mainly comprises of a transmission gear axle mounted between the power gear axle and the selective speed gear axle of the transmission structure of the means of transportation; the transmission gear on the transmission gear meshes the selective speed gear axle; a high speed gear and a low speed gear are formed on the power gear axle; the first and the second shifting gears are housed on the transmission gear axle and mesh respectively the high and the low speed gears; furthermore, a shifting shaft rod is inserted through the transmission gear axle for respectively controlling the interlocking between the first and second shifting gears and the transmission gear axle to change the driving of the high and the low speed gears and the transmission gear axle and to further achieve the output of the torsion shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Chuan Lo
  • Patent number: 6588561
    Abstract: A synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) for frictionally synchronizing gears (14,16) to a shaft (12), and jaw clutch teeth (28,30) engagable with jaw teeth (36a,36b) defined on a shift sleeve (34) for positive connecting the gears to the shaft. A plurality of self-energizing/blocker members (62) transmit shift force applied to the shift sleeve and self-energizing force to friction rings (40,42) via blocker surfaces (44r,44s,44p,44q) defined by blocker members (44) that have opposite ends (44c,44d) attached to the friction rings. The blocker members also disengage the friction surfaces of one cone clutch prior to engagement of to the friction surfaces of the other cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20030116397
    Abstract: A gear retaining mechanism is provided for a transmission comprising a rotary shaft, a hub fixed on the rotary shaft, a clutch slider axially slidably fitted on the hub, and a gear relatively rotatably provided on the rotary shaft. The hub is provided on an outer periphery thereof with a male spline having an axially tapered portion. The clutch slider is provided on an inner periphery thereof with a female spline meshing with the male spline of the hub. The gear is provided on an outer periphery thereof with a male spline to mesh with the female spline of the clutch slider. The male spline of the gear includes an axially tapered portion. The clutch slider is slid along the rotary shaft and located so as to fix the gear to the rotary shaft through the hub so that the female spline meshes with the male spline of the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Akihiro Ima
  • Patent number: 6581744
    Abstract: In a front housing (1) including at a front end portion thereof an engine flywheel (6), there are provided a primary drive shaft (8) which is co-axial with the flywheel, a transmission shaft (11) which is parallel to the drive shaft, and an output shaft (13) which is co-axial with the drive shaft. The output shaft is connected to a speed change mechanism (17, 20) in a transmission case (2) succeeding to the front housing. A first supplementary speed change mechanism (12) is disposed between the drive shaft and the transmission shaft, and a second supplementary speed change mechanism (14) is disposed between the transmission shaft and the output shaft. One of these supplementary change mechanisms is formed into a direction-reversing mechanism, and the other change mechanism is formed into a high/low speed-selecting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki, Mfg., Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mizuya Matsufuji
  • Publication number: 20030111313
    Abstract: A synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) for frictionally synchronizing gears (14,16) to a shaft (12), and jaw clutch teeth (28,30) engagable with jaw teeth (36a,36b) defined on a shift sleeve (34) for positive connecting the gears to the shaft. A plurality of self-energizing/blocker members (62) transmit shift force applied to the shift sleeve and self-energizing force to friction rings (40,42) via blocker surfaces (44r,44s,44p,44q) defined by blocker members (44) that have opposite ends (44c,44d) attached to the friction rings. The blocker members also disengage the friction surfaces of one cone clutch prior to engagement of to the friction surfaces of the other cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20030106762
    Abstract: In a synchronizing device (22) for shift clutches, specially of selector transmissions (2) for motor vehicles, having at least one pair of wheels of which the gearwheel coaxial with a sliding sleeve (28) has a clutch body (46) with outer tooth (48) which by axial displacement of the sliding sleeve (28), non-rotatably connected with a shaft (8) via a synchronizer body (24) and having an inner tooth (26), can be switched in and off the power flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Dirk Blechschmidt, Wolfgang Bernau, Kurt Bathe, Heinz Bassner, Thomas Ebert
  • Publication number: 20030074993
    Abstract: A shaft clutch which may be designed as a dog clutch. In order to save axial construction space, the two end regions of the dog clutch are utilized for the transmission of torque from the shaft to the motor vehicle transmission member to be coupled. The middle region between the two end regions has solely the function of axial fixing during torque transmission and can be made correspondingly short axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Carsten Schupp
  • Publication number: 20030075413
    Abstract: Hydraulically operated double clutch with first and second piston-cylinder devices for engagement and disengagement of the respective clutch unit. The cylinder chamber (17) of the first piston-cylinder device is delimited between its piston (18) and a first wall (4) of the clutch housing (1), while the cylinder chamber (24) of the second piston-cylinder device is delimited between its piston (25) and the first mentioned piston (18). A third cylinder chamber (30) is delimited between the piston (25) of the second piston-cylinder device and a second wall (6) of the clutch housing (1). Channels (31-34) are arranged for supply of pressure medium to and from the cylinder chambers, so that the pressure of the pressure medium in the engagement direction on either piston generates at the same time a return force on the other piston, balancing the force in the engagement direction generated by the centrifugal force on the pressure medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Sverker Alfredsson
  • Publication number: 20030047410
    Abstract: A clutch system includes a clutch device with at least one clutch arrangement for installation in a motor vehicle drive train between a drive unit and a transmission. The at least one clutch arrangement is actuated by a slave cylinder using a pressure medium which is supplied to the clutch device by a first pump. A further medium is also supplied to the clutch device by a second pump arrangement as an operating medium used during operation of the clutch device. The further medium is selectively supplied as a pressure medium to the slave cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Busold, Hans-Jurgen Schneider, Rainer Brand, Wolfgang Reisser, Olaf Moseler, Jochen Kuhstebe, Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Axel Rohm, Thomas John, Thomas Wirth
  • Patent number: 6523655
    Abstract: A shift linkage for a marine drive unit is provided with a groove that is aligned along a path which is nonperpendicular to an axis of rotation of the shift linkage. The groove, and its nonperpendicularity to the axis of rotation, allow a detent ball to smoothly roll or slide along the groove. This relationship helps to maintain the shift linkage in a desired vertical position as it passes from one gear selection position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Behara
  • Publication number: 20030024788
    Abstract: A twin clutch, in particular an actively closing, dry friction twin clutch is provided for a twin clutch transmission of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a crankshaft, and two transmission input shafts. The two transmission input shafts are connected to respective friction clutches and can be selectively connected to the crankshaft. At least one axial bearing is provided at the twin clutch such that axial forces, which are present when the clutch is actuated, can be transferred to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ansgar Damm, Wolfgang Schreiber, Wolf-Rudiger Lutz, Volker Becker, Georg Kruse, Frank Schade
  • Patent number: 6499578
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a multiple-clutch device, such as a double-clutch device, for arranging in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, wherein the clutch device has a first clutch arrangement associated with a first transmission input shaft of the transmission and a second clutch arrangement associated with a second transmission input shaft of the transmission for transmitting torque between the drive unit and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kundermann, Jörg Sudau
  • Patent number: 6499576
    Abstract: A stepping mechanism comprising a motor, a motor gear connectable to the motor and rotatable by the motor, a first one-way clutch and a second one-way clutch when the motor rotates the gear in a first direction so as to operate the first one-way clutch in a first mode and the motor rotates the gear in the second direction so as to operate the second one-way clutch in a second mode, wherein the first and second one-way clutch do not operate at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Walter F. Wafler
  • Patent number: 6464059
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a multiple-clutch device, such as a double-clutch device, for arranging in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, wherein the clutch device has a first clutch arrangement associated with a first transmission input shaft of the transmission and a second clutch arrangement associated with a second transmission input shaft of the transmission for transmitting torque between the drive unit and the transmission. It is suggested that a bearing arrangement is associated with at least one of the clutch arrangements, wherein the latter is supported or can be supported so as to be relatively rotatable by means of the bearing arrangement on at least one of the transmission input shafts, at least one of which is constructed as a hollow shaft and a shaft constructed as a hollow shaft encloses the other shaft, preferably at least at the radial outer transmission input shaft which is constructed as a hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kundermann, Jörg Sudau
  • Patent number: 6457572
    Abstract: A first clutch area produces a first torque-transmitting connection between a drive element and a first driven element, and a second clutch area produces a second torque-transmitting connection between the drive element and a second driven element. A common engaging/disengaging mechanism actuates the first clutch area and the second clutch area to produce and to nullify the first and second torque-transmitting connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Dau, Andreas Orlamünder, Reinhard Feldhaus, Jörg Randow, Gerhard Röll, Bernhard Schierling, Michael Peterseim
  • Patent number: 6443281
    Abstract: A baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) and jaw clutch teeth (36b, 28 and 36c, 30) for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). A plurality of rigid members (72) is drivingly interposed between blocker teeth (44,46) affixed to baulkrings (40,42) and self-energizing ramp surfaces (71a, 71b,73a, 73b) on self-energizing members (70,72) mounted on an outer circumference of a hub 32 affixed to the shaft (12). A shift sleeve (34) is slidably splined to the hub (32) and is moved by an operator shift: force (Fo) and an additive force (Fa) provided by the self-energizing ramp surfaces. Both forces (Fo and Fa) react against the blocker teeth to engage the friction surfaces. The self-energizing members (70,72) are slidable relative to the hub and are axially centered resiliently on the hub by detent assemblies (76,78).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Graeme Andrew Jackson, Carl Christopher John Smith
  • Publication number: 20020108832
    Abstract: A variable-ratio gear assembly comprising an input shaft, an output shaft, and at least two intercoupled independently-variable coplanar reverted gear train loops coupled to the input and output shaft. Each coplanar reverted gear train loop comprises a torque input member, a torque output member and a reactive member. A clutch is coupled to the coplanar reverted gear train loops for independently switching at least two of the members from coupling to one of the casing of the gear assembly, the input shaft and the output shaft to coupling to another of the casing, the input shaft and the output shaft for varying the velocity ratio of the coplanar reverted gear train loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: John Hugh Kerr
  • Patent number: 6431317
    Abstract: A tri-modal—energy storage mode, fail-safe mode, and operating mode—fail-safe actuator with low overall power consumption and specifically low fail-safe power consumption due to energy storage pawling mechanisms. Stored energy is discharged at a controlled rate in fail-safe mode. The actuator's sequencing through its three modes is enabled by a dual-cam/clutch system which is powered separately from the operational (shaft control) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Valvcon Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Coe
  • Publication number: 20020084164
    Abstract: In a gear-jumping-proof positive-locking clutch for connecting a vehicle transmission shaft to a transmission component mounted coaxially and rotationally with it, the positive-locking clutch includes an axially displaceable sliding sleeve on which at least one locking roller element may be supported which is displaceable in a radial locking recess with axial displacement of the sliding sleeve due to a radial force component. In a gear-jumping-proof positive-locking clutch which does not cause any transmission noise when disengaged, the positive-locking clutch is free of synchromesh bodies and the locking roller element is axially displaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Hans Burger
  • Publication number: 20020063030
    Abstract: A double-acting baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes fiction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) and jaw teeth and jaw teeth (28,54,30,56) for synchronizing and positively connecting forward and reverse gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). Initial engaging movement of a shift sleeve (34) from a neutral position activates pre-energizers (52 or 100) effect engagement of the friction surfaces for engaging blocker surfaces (44a,54a,46a,56a) that prevent asynchronous engagement of the jaw teeth. The pre-energizers include clearances and centering forces to prevent momentary engagement of the friction surfaces associated with the reverse gear and the forward gear when the shift sleeve is moved back to the neutral position from a position of engaged the jaw teeth (28,54 or 30,56) associated respectively with the forward and reverse gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6371336
    Abstract: The electrically operated dispensing appliance comprises a gear motor which is connected to the main shaft by a first gear and a first shifting sleeve in order to operate the advance and the relieving stroke under high loads, and for the operation at smaller loads, i.e. fast retraction and fast forward feed, it is connected to the main shaft by a second gear, a driving shaft, and a second shifting sleeve. An electromagnet is connected to said two shifting sleeves in such a manner that one or the other shifting sleeve is selectively connectable to the main shaft. A drive assembly of this kind is more economical and more silent than a solution with two gear motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6364083
    Abstract: A synchronizer (10) with improved blockers (41) and pre-energizers (43). The synchronizer includes blocker pins (40) that extend axially through blocker openings (41a) in a radially extending shift flange (32) and split pin pre-energizers (42) having pairs of members (44) extending axially through pre-energizer openings (43a) in the flange. The openings (41a,43a) are defined by blocker and pre-energizer rings (41,43) respective disposed in openings (32a,32b) in the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Gluys, Robert E. Servoss
  • Patent number: 6325315
    Abstract: A change-speed construction for a fishing rod includes a hollow cylindrical shaft, and a control shaft that is movable within the cylindrical shaft between an outer position and an inner position. A key member is carried on a carrier, which is disposed axially and movably within the cylindrical shaft. A coiled small compression spring has two ends that are fastened respectively to the carrier and the control shaft. Two gears are sleeved rotatably on the cylindrical shaft. The key member is engaged within a keyway unit in one of the gears when the control shaft is located at the outer position, and within a keyway unit in the other one of the gears when the control shaft is located at the inner position. As such, the key member is urged by the small compression spring to move smoothly between the keyway units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Liang-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6305517
    Abstract: A power transmission has axially aligned torque transmitting mechanisms. Each torque transmitting mechanism has a backing plate slidably disposed on a spline formed in the housing of the power transmission. Each backing plate has a locating ring to limit the axial movement of the backing plate and therefore the members of the torque transmitting mechanism during engagement. The locating rings are disposed in an L-shaped groove such that the outer locating ring is narrower that the inner locating ring. The backing plate of one of the torque transmitting mechanisms has an outer segmented annular extension that is aligned with the narrower locating ring to prevent interference between the backing plates when the one torque transmitting mechanism is engaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jay Cole
  • Publication number: 20010025760
    Abstract: A double clutch assembly comprising a first clutch area for the optional production of a torque-transmitting connection between a drive element and a first driven element, a second clutch area for the optional production of a torque-transmitting connection between the drive element and a second driven element, and a common engaging/disengaging mechanism, by means of which the first clutch area and the second clutch area can be actuated to produce or to nullify the torque-transmitting condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Dau, Andreas Orlamunder, Reinhard Feldhaus, Jorg Randow, Gerhard Roll, Bernhard Schierling, Michael Peterseim
  • Patent number: 6206161
    Abstract: A fluid operated selectively engageable torque transmitter has a fluid operated piston that is pressurized to initiate engagement of a plurality of friction plates. The plates are alternately splined to an input member and an output member. One of the input or output members has a hub member threadably engaged therewith. The hub member has one set of plates and an apply plate splined thereto. Also connected with the threaded hub is a reaction plate. When the piston is lightly pressurized, the hub will traverse the input or output member on which it is threaded until the apply plate abuts a reaction surface on the member at which point the torque transmitter will be fully engaged. Upon a torque reversal, the threaded hub will traverse in the opposite direction to disengage the torque transmitter, thereby providing a direction sensitive mechanism. When the piston is fully pressurized, the torque transmitter will respond in a normal manner to transmit torque in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Ross
  • Patent number: 6202812
    Abstract: A simplified shift actuator utilizes standard hydraulic components to achieve high neutral and low positions. A floating piston is movable within a cylinder, and abuts a spacer after a predetermined amount of movement. Once the floating piston abuts the spacer, further movement of the rod is prevented. This defines the neutral position. The use of the spacer and the floating piston provides a simplified arrangement for achieving the neutral position when compared to the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle
    Inventor: Michael G. Semke