Including Housing For Drive Mechanism Patents (Class 301/137)
  • Patent number: 11938755
    Abstract: A split-type hard front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to the axle housing; an inner-C-forging located at an end of the axle tube for connecting with a kingpin knuckle; and a connection structure cooperated with the inner-C-forgoing, for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging on the axle tube. The axle tube is provided with a first angle adjustment structure. The inner-C-forging is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The inner-C-forging is sleeved on the axle tube, and the connection structure is inserted into the axle tube, to fix the inner-C-forging on the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure is capable of cooperating with different portions of the second angle adjustment structure to make the inner-C-forging have different installation angles on the axle tube, and a caster to pinion angle is different at inner-C-forging's different installation angles. A vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI LINGHUO TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dehui Du, Jia Fu
  • Patent number: 10183529
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a differential assembly, a first axle tube extending outwardly from a first side of the differential assembly and defining an axle bore, a first axle shaft rotatably received in the first axle tube, and defining an annular groove extending radially inwardly from its outer surface, a retainer nut axially fixed to a distal end of the first axle tube, the retainer nut having an annular flange extending inwardly into the axle bore and defining an annular outer raceway, a snap ring received in the annular groove, and an axial thrust component disposed in the axle bore of the first axle tube between the snap ring and the outer raceway of the retainer nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: KOYO BEARINGS NORTH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Scott Abrahamson
  • Patent number: 10166813
    Abstract: An axle assembly of a vehicle including a differential assembly, an axle tube extending outwardly from a first side of the differential assembly and defining an axle bore, an axle shaft rotatably received in the first axle tube and defining an annular groove extending radially inwardly from its outer surface, a retaining nut axially fixed to the distal end of the first axle tube, and a snap ring received in the annular groove of the first axle shaft, wherein the snap ring abuts the retaining nut, thereby preventing outward motion of the first axle shaft with respect to the first axle tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: KOYO BEARINGS NORTH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Scott Abrahamson
  • Publication number: 20150137586
    Abstract: A drive unit assembly including an input element, a first output element, a second output element and a drive unit housing containing a differential unit, the differential unit drivingly coupling the input element, the first output element and the second output element, the input element having input coupling features positioned externally of the drive unit housing, the first output element having output coupling features positioned externally of the drive unit housing, wherein the drive unit housing includes at least one mounting feature for securing the drive unit housing externally relative to an axle assembly and the second output element is suitable for driving an axle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Marco BASSI, Roberto GIANONE, Eugenio TIZIANI
  • Publication number: 20150108828
    Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a wheel housing flange is provided. The wheel housing flange includes a hole configured to receive a fastener, the hole extending from a first face of the wheel housing flange to a second face of the wheel housing flange. The method includes machining the hole to a machined diameter larger than an original diameter. The method further includes securing a first insert in the hole adjacent to the first face. The method further includes securing a second insert in the hole adjacent to the second face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Clark, Kristin A. Schipull, Deven J. Efta, Sheldon Lee David Zick, Jamie Krank
  • Patent number: 8979103
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular structure (1) that can form part of a motor vehicle axle, comprising at least one first tubular élément (15), at least one second tubular élément (16) and a Connecting piece (61, 62) fixing the first and second tubular éléments (15, 16) by welding, such that the Connecting piece (61, 62) is welded to one (15) of the two tubular éléments (15, 16) by at least one weld bead extending along a line forming said tubular élément (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Christophe Cazenave, Francois Le Gourvellec
  • Publication number: 20150057897
    Abstract: In a rigid axle assembly, a trumpet housing has a longitudinal axis (Z) and comprises a first portion (9a) extending along the axis with a substantially constant profile, and a second portion (9b) attached to the first portion and with a profile that increases in distance from the axis as the distance from the first portion increases. The housing further comprises, at a position (P2) adjacent the junction (P0) of the first and second portions, an attachment area shaped to receive a strain sensor (30) for determination of a wheel load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Stoiber, Stefan Fries, Eberhard Wurtelle
  • Patent number: 8925662
    Abstract: An in-wheel driving device disposed in a car wheel includes a motor including a stator and a rotor; a transmission unit disposed adjacent to the motor, having an opening therein, and configured to receive rotation power from the rotor and rotate the car wheel; and a rigid shaft inserted into the opening to fix the motor to a car body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Won Han
  • Publication number: 20140339888
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a ring gear received in the housing, a ring gear bearing, a pair of shafts, a differential mechanism and a pair of inboard bearings. The ring gear bearing contacts the housing and the ring gear to support the ring gear for rotation about an axis. The shafts are received in the housing and rotate about the axis. Each of the shafts has a bearing mount and a male splined segment. The differential mechanism has a pair of output members, each of which having a splined internal aperture into which the male splined segment of one of the shafts is slidably received. Each shaft bearing is disposed on the bearing mount of one of the axle shafts and supports the shafts for rotation on the housing. The differential mechanism is supported for rotation about the axis by the ring gear bearing and the inboard bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente, John C. Hibbler
  • Publication number: 20140265541
    Abstract: A machine axle housing includes a central body having an oil reservoir and a pair of axle legs. The central body includes a ring gear, an oil channel, and oil port for conveying oil through an oil conduit to each leg. Machine brakes within the central body include at least one disc rotatably adapted to centrifugally move oil radially outwardly of the brakes. A second oil channel collects oil from the disc, and a passageway extends from the second oil channel back to the central body to return oil from the legs back to the central body. The ring gear, first oil channel and first oil conduit define a first oil lubrication sub-system for moving oil from the central body to right and left legs, and the disc, second oil channel, and passageway define a second oil lubrication sub-system for moving oil from the legs back to the central body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Dockstader, Joshua Jensen, Jason Weber
  • Patent number: 8690172
    Abstract: An axle housing assembly for a work vehicle is adapted to be mounted in the work vehicle, and includes an axle housing and a disc-shaped member. The axle housing has a recessed portion for press fitting on an end thereof. The recessed portion is opened to a vehicle outer side, the recessed portion having a constant inner diameter. The disc-shaped member is press-fitted into the recessed portion, an outer peripheral surface of the disc-shaped member having a single reference dimension. A first region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged on an inner side in a press fitting direction and processed at a first tight fit tolerance range with respect to the reference dimension. A second region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged outwards of the first region and processed at a second tight fit tolerance range less than the first tight fit tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ohnogi, Fumiaki Nakada
  • Publication number: 20140021693
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Platt, David C. Johnson, Chane E. Myers, Harold W. Seeds, Andrew P. Maguire, Manoj V. Bhandiwad
  • Publication number: 20130334786
    Abstract: An axle assembly having two hubs, each for connection to a wheel, a housing for differential gears and a mounting arrangement for a braking system for braking a connected wheel. The housing has a depression formed therein. The depression is configured so as to accommodate: (a) when the mounting arrangement has a drum brake mounted thereon, movement of a slack adjuster of the drum brake in a direction away from one of the hubs nearest the drum brake so as to allow detachment of the slack adjuster; and/or (b) when the mounting arrangement has a disc brake mounted thereon, an air chamber of the braking system, wherein the air chamber is capable of being partially accommodated within the depression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Fabrizio Albergante, Davide Colombo, Dhanapal Vittala Raya, Marco Bassi
  • Publication number: 20130187360
    Abstract: An axle for providing a steering arrangement in a machine. The axle including a differential housing from which a first arm and a second arm are extending. A first support portion is disposed in the first arm. The first support portion is configured to receive a first steering actuator. Similarly, a second support portion is disposed in the second arm. The second support portion is configured to receive a second steering actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Springer, Bruno L. Risatti
  • Publication number: 20130181505
    Abstract: An axle housing assembly for a work vehicle is adapted to be mounted in the work vehicle, and includes an axle housing and a disc-shaped member. The axle housing has a recessed portion for press fitting on an end thereof. The recessed portion is opened to a vehicle outer side, the recessed portion having a constant inner diameter. The disc-shaped member is press-fitted into the recessed portion, an outer peripheral surface of the disc-shaped member having a single reference dimension. A first region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged on an inner side in a press fitting direction and processed at a first tight fit tolerance range with respect to the reference dimension. A second region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged outwards of the first region and processed at a second tight fit tolerance range less than the first tight fit tolerance range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ohnogi, Fumiaki Nakada
  • Patent number: 8469462
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a first member, an insert, and an object. The first member made of a first metal and has a first exterior surface and a first end. A pocket is formed in the exterior surface of the first end. The insert is made of a second, different metal. The insert is connected to the pocket and has a second exterior surface that is flush with the first exterior surface. The object is formed of the second metal and is resistance welded to the insert. The second metal is steel and the first metal is a metal that cannot be resistance welded directly to steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Doud, Blair J. Swanson, Jeffrey E. Rea
  • Patent number: 8398101
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a swing member, an axle tube, a cushion bracket, a protrusion, an axle, and a cushion member. The swing member is pivotable about a first axis. The axle tube is coupled with the swing member, the cushion bracket, and the protrusion. The axle is rotatable about a second axis. The cushion member includes lower and upper ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled with the cushion bracket and is pivotable about a third axis. The second and third axes reside in a first plane. The protrusion is located above the first plane and is spaced from the cushion member by a first distance having a minimum value. The lower end of the cushion member is spaced from the axle tube by a second distance having a minimum value. The minimum value of the first distance is less than the minimum value of the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Alexander, Yoshiaki Noda, Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8382213
    Abstract: A wheel hub assembly is fitted to a vehicle axle via a wheel bearing mounted on the axle. The assembly includes a hub mountable on the wheel bearing and rotatable relative to the vehicle axle and fastening members to releasably secure the hub relative to the wheel bearing. The hub can be removed without removing the wheel bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Cameri SpA
    Inventor: Oswaldo De Freitas
  • Publication number: 20120267945
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: U.S. Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Mamad Jahani, Colin Newport
  • Publication number: 20120217788
    Abstract: A wheel frame for a vehicle including a unitary cylindrical body having a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface surrounding a wheel axis and extending from an integrally formed mounting flange to an open hub end. The radially inward facing surface of the body including a portion adjacent the hub end of the body that is enlarged for receiving at least a portion of an electric motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Carlos A. Vallejo
  • Publication number: 20120175941
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular structure (1) that can form part of a motor vehicle axle, comprising at least one first tubular élément (15), at least one second tubular élément (16) and a Connecting piece (61, 62) fixing the first and second tubular éléments (15, 16) by welding, such that the Connecting piece (61, 62) is welded to one (15) of the two tubular éléments (15, 16) by at least one weld bead extending along a line forming said tubular élément (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Christophe Cazenave, Francois Le Gourvellec
  • Patent number: 7967045
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Jenkinson, Jeremy Tertzakian, Steven R. Miller, David Gonska, Tracy G. Ellis, Christopher J. Wittry, John D. Morgan, Richard Decaire, Norman D. Austin, Yenkai Wang
  • Patent number: 7931100
    Abstract: Auxiliary drive for a trailer such as a caravan. Said drive consists of a drive unit with a gearwheel. Through linear movement of the drive unit relative to the chassis, said gearwheel can be brought into engagement with a ring gear fitted either on the brake drum of a wheel of the vehicle or on an auxiliary part such as a covering drum fitted over said brake drum. The ring gear preferably lies in a plane outside the plane bounded by the inside of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Reich KG
    Inventors: Helmuth Bender, Steffen Bender, Michael Petrus van Schie
  • Patent number: 7900741
    Abstract: The other end of a hub portion is located farther from an attachment portion at a lateral portion, which is located in a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle, than at a vertical portion, which is located in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle. The vertical portion of the hub portion has a concave end face on the side of the other end of the hub portion, which is formed to get closer to the attachment portion as the concave end face approaches a portion closest to the attachment portion substantially at the center of the hub portion in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Nakazato, Tomoyuki Kano
  • Patent number: 7866759
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Arcelormittal Tubular Products Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Mamad Jahani, Colin Newport
  • Patent number: 7699405
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a vehicle includes an axle tube and a housing secured to the end of the axle tube. A hub includes a drive flange located axially outward from the housing and a spindle projecting from the drive flange into the housing. The hub spindle has a substantially solid body with drive splines about an external surface of the spindle. Rolling elements are located between the hub spindle and the housing for enabling the hub to rotate about an axis. The hub includes an inner race defining an inner raceway located around and carried by the hub spindle for engagement with the rolling elements. An axle shaft is positioned within the axle tube and includes splines that are coupled to the external drive splines of the hub. The axle shaft includes a substantially hollow end positioned within the housing having the shaft splines positioned within an inner surface of the hollow end of the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Mircea Gradu, Scott A Warren, Steven A Roman
  • Patent number: 7658262
    Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7641289
    Abstract: The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Batdorff, James J. Korson
  • Patent number: 7628457
    Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul David Pochatila, Mark Richard Knight
  • Publication number: 20090243373
    Abstract: The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Batdorff, James J. Korson
  • Patent number: 7543895
    Abstract: A vehicle axle formed having a composite tubular member and a pair of metal sheaths spaced apart from one another at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. The composite tubular member has an outer wall surface and an interior elongated channel, with the interior channel having an inner wall surface. The composite tubular member also has a first end wall and a second end wall at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. Each of the metal sheaths has an outer surface, an inner surface, an inner end portion having an inner end portion edge, and an outer end portion having an outer end portion edge. Each metal sheath inner end portion has a transition area, with the transition area having a first area of changing thickness and a second area of a substantially constant thickness. Each of the metal sheaths has stabilization keyways formed in the outer surface thereof to accommodate a key, with the key when positioned in the stabilization keyways precluding the rotation of a wheel hub about the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Jerald S. Burkett
  • Publication number: 20090051214
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a vehicle includes an axle tube and a housing secured to the end of the axle tube. A hub includes a drive flange located beyond the housing and a spindle projecting from the drive flange into the housing. The hub spindle has a substantially solid body with drive splines about an external surface of the spindle. Rolling elements are located between the hub spindle and the housing for enabling the hub to rotate about an axis. An axle shaft is positioned within the axle tube and includes splines that are coupled to the external drive splines of the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Mircea Gradu, Scott A. Warren, Steven A. Roman
  • Patent number: 7475892
    Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventors: Ashley Thomas Dudding, John Wayne Stuart, Jason Steby Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080265661
    Abstract: A driveshaft boot protector includes a curved main body, fastening members attached to the curved main body and extending from a main surface thereof, and wall members extending from the main surface of the main body. The fastening members are arranged to be attached to a knuckle assembly of a suspension system for a vehicle. The fastening members are either snap fit members which engage corresponding structures on the knuckle assembly or threaded fasteners. The driveshaft boot protector is removably attached to the knuckle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Bryan M. HARPER
  • Publication number: 20080258408
    Abstract: A boot for constant-velocity universal joint is retained to a shaft, which has a general surface, a tapered surface, or a vertical surface instead of the tapered surface, and a major-diameter surface that are disposed one after another in this order and coaxially. The boot includes a minor-diameter cylindrical portion, a major-diameter cylindrical portion, a tapered wall portion, or a vertical wall portion instead of the tapered wall portion, and a bellows. The minor-diameter cylindrical portion is retained to the major-diameter surface of the shaft. The major-diameter cylindrical portion is disposed separately away from the minor-diameter cylindrical portion and coaxially therewith. The tapered wall portion is in contact with the tapered surface of the shaft. The vertical wall portion is in contact with the vertical surface of the shaft. The bellows connects the tapered wall portion or the vertical wall portion with the major-diameter cylindrical portion integrally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicants: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kumazaki, Satoshi Suzuki, Osamu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080217991
    Abstract: A transaxle (1), having a hydraulic drive unit (20) and a pair of left and right wheel support units (2L and 2R), is suspended from a vehicle frame so as to be turnable around a turning-center axis oriented in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle. The hydraulic drive unit (20) comprises: a pair of left and right hydraulic motors (23L and 23R) having respective left and right horizontal motor shafts (23b); a center section (22) formed therein with an oil passage for hydraulically connecting at least one of the hydraulic motors to a hydraulic pump, the center section having motor attachment surfaces onto which the hydraulic motors are attached; and a pair of left and right axle casings (2L and 2R) containing the respective hydraulic motors and supporting the respective motor shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Koji IWAKI, Norihiro Ishii, Shigenori Sakikawa, Katsumoto Mizukawa, Manabu Kawakami, Kentaro Nagata
  • Patent number: 7413261
    Abstract: A wheel hub assembly is fitted to a vehicle axle via a wheel bearing mounted on the axle. The assembly includes a hub mountable on the wheel bearing and rotatable relative to the vehicle axle and fastening members to releasably secure the hub relative to the wheel bearing. The hub can be removed without removing the wheel bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Cameri SpA
    Inventor: Oswaldo De Freitas
  • Publication number: 20080129108
    Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Robert ABEND, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7377598
    Abstract: An axle housing assembly includes a cast iron tube having a pocket that is formed proximate a first end of the cast iron tube. The pocket is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cast iron tube. The axle housing assembly also includes an insert made of steel connected to the pocket. The steel insert permits the cast iron tube to be coupled to a cast iron carrier housing by welding steel plugs positioned in the carrier housing to the steel inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Doud, Blair J. Swanson, Jeffrey E. Rea
  • Patent number: 7341317
    Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly is provided including a hollow structure having a cavity with a hole. A bag is inserted into the cavity using a tube. The bag has an end with an opening extending out of the cavity through the hole. A device injects a structural foam such as a two-part epoxy into the bag. The bag is closed and the end of the bag is inserted into the cavity. A cap is installed over the hole. The foam expands to fill the cavity but is contained within the bag thereby providing localized reinforcement in the desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: David K. Platner, Jim Trotter, Xinyu Wen
  • Patent number: 7325821
    Abstract: A suspension mounting system and a method of assembly of the same are disclosed. The system has an axle housing having two hollow arms and an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one suspension bracket is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and through one of the hollow arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Myers, Nick E. Wainscott
  • Patent number: 7252347
    Abstract: A wheel structure driven by an endless track belt tensioned around a drive wheel and an idler wheel thereof, comprising a plurality of supporting mid-roller wheels provided between the drive wheel and the idler wheel, a second endless belt being tensioned around this plurality of mid-rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Camoplast Inc.
    Inventor: David Gingras
  • Patent number: 7137183
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Eugene Stuart, Timothy Bernard Allmandinger, Sean Karl Hoefer, Earl James Irwin, Parvinder Singh Nanua, Gregory James Maser
  • Patent number: 7021721
    Abstract: A suspension mount includes a flange formed directly into an axle housing. The axle housing includes a pair of housing halves that are attached to each other along a seam weld. Each housing half includes at least one transversely extending flange. Prior to welding, the flanges from the upper and lower housing halves are aligned with each other to define the suspension mount. The suspension is then attached to the axle housing at the flanges with fasteners or by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Dale J. Eschenburg
  • Patent number: 6994405
    Abstract: An axle assembly serves as a primary structural member for a motor vehicle and comprises an axle tube having a first end and a second end and with an opening located near the first end and a mounting module formed as a unitary extension of the axle tube. At least one steel insert is positioned near the first end, and the steel insert is adapted to be welded to a differential carrier to secure the axle tube to the differential carrier. The axle assembly may also have an axle tube formed unitary with the differential carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Citation Corporation
    Inventors: Xiao-Ming Li, Michael Wayne Johnston, Vincent Joseph Genise
  • Publication number: 20040041463
    Abstract: For an axle for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, with a rigid axle body, axle guidance and/or axle support is provided, making it possible to adapt to different transverse distances in the axle guidance or axle support which are predetermined on the body side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Giovanni Gabella, Guenter Niebauer
  • Patent number: 6676228
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft mounted to a wheel hub for driving a vehicle wheel. The output shaft is driven by a gear assembly mounted within a gear housing and operably coupled to an input shaft. The gear assembly includes an input gear driven by the input shaft, intermediate gears in meshing engagement with the input gear, and an output gear in meshing engagement with the intermediate gears. A tube has one end press-fit into the gear housing with an opposite end extending into a wheel hub cavity. Bearings are mounted directly between the tube and the wheel hub to support the wheel hub for rotation relative to the tube. The output shaft is received within the tube with an inboard end in direct driving engagement with the output gear and with an outboard end directly mounted to the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Tomaz Dopico Varela, Steven E. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20030181281
    Abstract: A vehicular axle assembly includes an electrical generator for generating electricity to supply power to one or more electrical components therein during operation. The axle assembly includes a hollow housing that rotatably supports a differential mechanism therein. An input shaft is rotatably supported in the axle housing and terminates in a pinion gear. The pinion gear meshes with the differential mechanism that, in turn, rotatably drives a pair of output shafts that extend to respective driven wheels of the vehicle. A stator is supported within the axle housing about the input shaft, while a rotor is supported on the input shaft. When the input shaft is rotated, the rotor generates electrical power that may be used to operate the electrical component, such as a piezo-based device supported on a driveshaft assembly connected to the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Duggan, Jun Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6557947
    Abstract: An three-quarter floating axle drive assembly comprising an axle housing having an elongated axle tube, a rotatable axle shaft extending through the axle tube, a hub member rotatably supported on the axle tube through an anti-friction bearing assembly and drivingly connected to an outboard end of the axle shaft, and an axle shaft retainer disposed at an inboard end of the axle shaft provided for preventing an outward axial displacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William Gordon Hunt
  • Patent number: 6550869
    Abstract: An axle unit with a vehicle axle a rigid axle body as an axle tube, with one radial arm each on both ends thereof. The radial arms are rigidly connected with the axle body, and one region of the arms forms the lower support for a spring element. The axle body and the two radial arms jointly are formed of two integral cast part halves that have been welded with one another along a partition line extending substantially in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik Keilberg
    Inventor: Johann Dantele