Abstract: An electric actuator for an automatic transmission includes an adapter to transmit rotary motion between the adapter and the automatic transmission. An electric motor has an output shaft operably connected to the adapter by a gear set which includes a ring gear. The gear set reduces speed and increases torque supplied by the output shaft of the electric motor and applied to the adapter. A release mechanism is operably connected to the gear set and includes a lock member movable between a first position wherein the lock member is in engagement with the ring gear to lock the ring gear against rotary motion in both directions and a second position wherein the lock member is out of engagement with the ring gear to permit rotary motion of the ring gear in both directions.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism, of either the locking Cr limited slip type, including a gear case rotatably disposed within an outer housing and a mechanism to limit rotation of side gears relative to the gear case; this rotation limiting mechanism including a member which is axially moveable between a first position and a second position. The mechanism includes a sensor assembly and a sensor element disposed adjacent the gear case. The axially moveable member includes a sensed portion surrounding an annular surface of the gear case, and disposed between the annular surface and the sensor element, in one embodiment. Movement of the sensed portion corresponding to changes within the mechanism between unlocked and locked conditions results in the sensor assembly transmitting an electrical output. The vehicle control logic can know the condition of the differential mechanism and control certain other parts or functions of the vehicle accordingly.

Abstract: An electric actuator for an automatic transmission includes an adapter to transmit rotary motion between the adapter and the transmission. An electric motor has an output shaft operably connected the adapter by a gear set which includes a ring gear. A release mechanism includes a solenoid which selectively moves a lock member. In a first position, the lock member engages the ring gear to lock the ring gear so that the adapter is rotated by rotary motion of the output shaft and the adapter rotates to a predetermined zone about a desired gear position. In a second position, the lock member is out of engagement with the ring gear to permit rotation of the ring gear so that the adapter is rotated by internal forces of the transmission and the adapter automatically self-aligns to the exact desired gear position when the adapter is within the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A differential planetary gear apparatus has a single-pinion-type structure in which one planetary gear (3) is arranged in a radial direction and one or more planetary gears (3) are arranged in a circumferential direction in a region between a sun gear (1) and a ring gear (2), a drive source (4), a speed-change motive source (5), and a driven unit (6) are disposed at any one of an input side (I), an output side (O), and a speed-change side (T). The speed-change motive source (5) includes an electric motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission includes sensing an output speed of a motor, determining an upper speed limit based on the output speed of the motor and a positive torque limit associated with the motor, determining a limited motor speed command based on the lesser of a motor speed command and the upper speed limit, and controlling the motor based on the limited motor speed command.

Abstract: Transmission method and arrangement for distributing tractive force in a vehicle between a first transmission branch (28a) and a second transmission branch (30). The transmission branches are connected to one another by way of a fork (28b) and one transmission branch (28a) is directly connectable to at least one wheel contact surface. The second transmission branch (30) is connected to the fork (28b) by way of a control unit (19), which is provided with control means (27) for varying the transmission ratio in this branch (30). The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle having at least two driving wheels (16, 16b, 17, 17b, 18, 18b) and the transmission arrangement specified above.

Abstract: A continuously variable ratio transmission including a planetary gear set having a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier having at least two planet gears carried thereon, a control element including a servogenerator capable of generating electric power, and at least one auxillary field coil adapted to be operatively connected to an output means to influence a power output level and AC power frequency of the output means, the at least one auxillary field coil being powered by the servogenerator and constituting a load to the servogenerator, the speed of the servogenerator being capable of being controlled by the load; and a means for controlling an electrical current to the at least one auxiliary field coil form the servogenerator; where the servogenerator is capable of being driven to produce electrical power by a rotation of one of the sun gear, the ring gear, and the planet carrier.

Abstract: An engine starter equipped with an impact absorber. The impact absorber is arranged between a planetary gear train and an overrunning clutch of the starter. The absorber includes a friction plate which is disposed between a clutch outer and a carrier plate of the overrunning clutch and urged elastically into frictional abutment with the carrier plate. This structure eliminates the need for installing the friction plate on an internal gear of the planetary gear train, thus permitting the internal gear to be reduced in size.

Abstract: A torque transmission mechanism includes a drive shaft (31; 51; 84) and a driven shaft (32; 52; 87). The drive shaft rotates about an axis. The driven shaft extends along substantially the same axis as the drive shaft. A torque accumulator (35; 53; 90) serves to accumulate a rotational torque of the drive shaft and to transmit the rotational torque to the driven shaft due to a frictional force. A controller (20, 21, 24; 54, 57, 60, 64, 71, 73; 81, 92, 95, 98, 104) serves to control the accumulation of the torque in the accumulator.

Abstract: A method for operating a transfer case synchronized range shift mechanism. The range shift mechanism can be selectively actuated for establishing a four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral mode, and a four-wheel low-range drive mode. The synchronized range shift mechanism is comprised of a first input gear system, a second input gear system, and an output gear system. The output gear system is comprised of a rotary output member that may be selectively engaged with either the first input gear system or the second input gear system, depending on which four-wheel-drive operating mode the vehicle operator selects. The range shift mechanism is further comprised of a synchronizing mechanism. The method for controlling the speed of the range shift as a means for reducing the time it takes to perform the range shift.

Abstract: A rotary actuator has a synchronous motor and an internally meshing planetary reduction gear having a first shaft rotated by the synchronous motor, an outer gear mounted to said first shaft with an eccentric part so as to be eccentrically rotatable around said first shaft, an inner gear with which said outer gear meshes internally, and a second shaft connected to said outer gear with a transmission means that only transmits said outer gear rotation on its axis to the second shaft. The synchronous motor and the internally meshing planetary reduction gear are accommodated inside a housing, and the first shaft doubles as a rotor shaft of the synchronous motor. An incremental encoder provided along a rotary shaft of the synchronous motor detects the rotation angle of a rotor of the synchronous motor.

Abstract: A differential having a driving member; an input member; first and second rotatable output members; differential gearing operable between the input member and the first and second output members, for transmitting rotation from the input member to the first and second output members and providing for differential rotation of the first and second output members relative to one another; an engaging device operable to establish a driving connection between the driving member and the input member; an inhibiting device operable to inhibit relative rotation between the first and second output members; and an actuating device for causing the operation of the engaging device and the inhibiting device.

Abstract: A limited slip differential system is disclosed where one or more eddy currents activate a ball-ramp actuator for engaging a clutch assembly to a differential case. The eddy currents create a braking torque in the ball-ramp actuator.

Abstract: A wheel drive preferably used in a low-platform bus for driving the wheels is driven by a drive motor (1) eccentrically arranged relative to the wheel axle (12) and a gearwheel (2). The driven gearwheel (2) of a reduction gear (3) is in intermeshing connection with two additional gearwheels (6) and one outer central wheel (5) in a manner such that the drive torque is distributed onto the gearwheels (6) and the outer central wheel (5) and the driven gearwheel (2) can be floatingly supported so that a uniform load distribution results.

Abstract: The invention concerns a starter (5) for an internal combustion engine (ICE), whereby the starter (S) comprises a drive (D).

Abstract: An infinite speed ratio continuously variable transmission comprises a power recirculation mode clutch (9) and direct mode clutch (10). At least one of the power recirculation mode clutch (9) and direct mode clutch (10) comprises an electromagnetic two-way clutch. The electromagnetic two-way clutch maintains the engaged state during excitation and can transmit drive force from both the drive side and non-drive side. On the other hand, when there is a change-over from the energized state to the non-energized state, a one-way clutch state is obtained wherein drive force is permitted only in the transmission direction of drive force in the instant of the change-over to non-excitation. When a drive force is input in the reverse direction to the drive force transmitted in the one-way clutch state, the one-way clutch state is disengaged, and the disengaged state of the clutch is maintained until subsequent re-excitation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for demagnetizing a differential which has a controllable electromagnetically actuated clutch. The apparatus includes sensors and a coil connected to a control module. The sensors receive vehicle inputs to indicate various measured values such as vehicle speed, brake pressure, magnetization current provided to the differential, and the like and generates signals which are transmitted to the control module. The control module initiates a demagnetization cycle when certain conditions have been satisfied as indicated by the input signals. The control module provides a DC voltage to the coil to generate magnetic flux for demagnetizing the differential and the components of the differential. In one embodiment a single coil is provided to which is applied both magnetization and demagnetization current. In another embodiment two coils are provided, one for generating magnetization flux and the other for generating demagnetization flux.

Abstract: A baler for agricultural products has a chassis, a pickup, a transporting passage, a pressing chamber, a binding device, a discharging device, a working element performing working operations in the baler, a main drive shaft connected with the working element for driving the working means, at least one planetary summing transmission connected with an operative for driving the main drive shaft, a first drive unit including a cardan shaft and transmitting rotation with a first rotary speed to the planetary summing transmission, and a second drive unit transmitting a rotation to the planetary summing transmission with a second regulatable rotary speed, so that the planetary summing transmission summarizes the rotary speeds of the first and second drive units and produces a rotation with an output speed for driving the main drive shaft.

Abstract: A driving unit (1), comprising: a motor (10), a driven shaft (2) driven by the motor, and a transmission device (20) coupled between the motor and the output shaft and having one input shaft (21) and two rotational output members (22) and (23), wherein the ratio of transmission from the input shaft (21) to the first rotational output member (22) differs from the ratio of transmission from the input shaft (21) to the second rotational output member (23). The first rotational output member (22) is coupled to the motor housing (11) via a slip coupling (30). A helical spring (60) arranged so as to be coaxial to the motor presses the first rotational output member (23) against the motor housing (11), wherein that helical spring (60) engages the motor housing (11) via a pressure ring (50). This pressure ring (50) has a helical channel (52) for receiving the helical spring (60). The pressure ring (50) is rotatable to enable setting the maximum value of the moment that can be supplied to the output shaft (2).

Abstract: A multispeed drive for a motor-cooling fan has a shaft extending along and defining an axis and a planetary transmission including a sun gear fixed on the shaft, a planet element rotatable about the axis on the shaft and carrying planet gears meshing with the sun gear, and a ring element rotatable about the axis on the shaft and meshing with the planet gears. A fan is rotatable about the axis and fixed to one of the elements and an input member is also rotatable about the axis on the shaft adjacent the fan. Concentric electromagnetic clutches each have an output side connected to a respective one of the elements and couplable to the input member for closing and coupling the respective output side to the input member and for opening and decoupling the respective output side from the input member. Thus when both clutches are open the fan is decoupled completely from the input member.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for fans and pumps. An impeller is connected to a primary motor and an auxiliary motor/generator through a transmission. The transmission includes an epicyclic gearing system. The primary motor is run at constant speed. The auxiliary motor/generator is driven at variable speeds to control the speed of the impeller. The device may be used to retrofit an existing pump or fan system.

Abstract: A control system for a multiple ratio transmission including two overrunning couplings acting in cooperation with friction clutches and brakes to effect controlled shifts between ratios to reduce inertia torque upon engagement of friction brakes associated with speed ratio downshifts that occur in time-controlled stages following a command for a downshift and for establishing an electronic pressure accumulator effect upon speed ratio upshifts following a command for an upshift.

Abstract: A transmission which allows for relative rotation between an input shaft in an output shaft while lowering fuel consumption. An electric motor/generator has one element fixed to a reaction-force element of a planetary gear unit in low gear. Consequently, when the vehicle is halted, the relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft in the transmission can be utilized as a reaction-force to drive the motor/generator as a generator. Since electric power is generated by means of the motor/generator, the generated energy is collected and fuel consumption by the engine is reduced. In other gear stages, the motor/generator is adapted to receive the energy produced when the vehicle is decelerated by means of regenerative braking.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for translating angular velocity and rotary motive force of an input drive to angular velocity and rotary motive force of an output drive, by providing a pair of devices rotatable at, relative to or about a common axis, and translating means for transmitting angular velocity and rotary motive force of a first of the devices to angular velocity and rotary motive force of a second of the devices. In a preferred embodiment, the translating means includes a variably and controlledly groundable reaction disk for varying the throughput from the input to the output. A generator captures energy spent on the rotating reaction disk.

Abstract: A dual-drive electric transmission operated by a generator that may be powered, for example, by an internal combustion engine. Left and right motor networks have a rotation rotor, the motor networks being powered by the generator. A speed control assembly independently effects rotation of the rotor in each motor network at selected speeds. Left and right combining differentials are associated with the respective left and right motor networks. Each combining differential has a sun gear, a ring gear and a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the sun and ring gears. An output carrier supports the planetary gears. The sun gear in each left and right combining differential is driven by the respective left and right motor network. The ring gears are conjoined for unitary rotation in order to provide a mechanical regenerative path between the combining differentials.

Abstract: An epicyclic train operates as a speed reducer between an input and an output when a clutch is released, and as a direct drive connection in the contrary case. The selective clamping is obtained by centrifugal weights, counter to biasing springs and to an helical teeth reaction force, which is proportional to the torque transmitted during speed-reducing operation. The reaction force promotes speed-reducing operation when the torque to be transmitted is high. Means are provided for applying a force pulse to the weights when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal. Since, upon a ratio change, the reaction force and the friction forces in the clutch vary so as to stabilize the newly created transmission ratio, a force pulse is enough for initiating a ratio change which will then be stabilized by a spontaneous variation of the reaction force and the friction forces.

Abstract: Transmission between electric motor and tool shaft, for instance for hand tools such as an electric screwdriver and the like, which transmission is provided with an adjustable breaking coupling for discontinuing the drive torque on the tool shaft when a predetermined resistance moment on this tool shaft is exceeded, wherein the breaking coupling in the form of two mutually slidable parts is provided with a signal generator for controlling a member influencing the motor feed, which signal generator comes into operation as soon as the two parts slide relative to one another when the set torque is exceeded, so that a disengagement takes place between motor and tool shaft immediately after the desired resistance moment is exceeded, wherein the inertia of the rotating parts no longer has any effect on the tool shaft so that it stops immediately.

Abstract: A motor-driven machine with variable torque setting feature, especially a screwing machine with a torque-controlled switching-off feature, has a shaft which is driven by a motor via a transmission for driving a tool, and a setting ring for presetting a torque at which the shaft is to be disconnected from the transmission and/or the motor will be switched off. In order to enable approximately identical torque curves to be achieved for hard and for soft screwing applications, a clutch with a variable tripping torque is provided whose tripping torque can be adjusted via an indexing ring, which latter can be adjusted together with the setting ring.

Abstract: A shift control system for an automatic transmission comprises: a gear train including a plurality of planetary gear sets having rotary components, an input shaft and an output shaft; a plurality of clutches for selectively connecting either the rotary components of the planetary gear sets with each other or the rotary components and the input shaft; and a plurality of brakes for holding the rotary components selectively in immovable states, any one of the planetary gear sets being adapted to take no part in the transmission of torque at one gear stage.

Abstract: A process for continuously controlling the degree of locking of open differential drives in a driven axle of a multi-axle vehicle, in the case of which a nominal value .DELTA..sub.v soll of the differential speed at the wheels driven via the differential gear is determined as a function of the vehicle speed v.sub.F determined at the non-driven wheels and which records the wheel speed differential .DELTA..sub.v ist between the wheels driven via the differential gear, which wheel speed differential .DELTA..sub.v ist is readjusted by varying the locking effect on the nominal value .DELTA..sub.v soll of the differential speed always deviating from zero.

Abstract: A conductor which is coupled to a rotatably supported first shaft and a magnetic field generating device which is coupled to a rotatably supported second shaft are rotatable relative to each other. A relative position changing device for changing the relative position between the conductor and the magnetic field generating device is provided therebetween, and a torque splitting device is provided between the first and second shafts. The degree at which the conductor cuts across the magnetic flux in the magnetic field is changed by means of the relative position changing device. The input torque is distributed between the first and second shafts by the torque splitting device. The torque splitting device includes multiplying gear unit provided between the first shaft and the conductor. If the torque splitting device is a planetary gear unit, the initial setting of torque distribution is easy. A lock-up clutch is provided between the conductor and the magnetic field generating device.

Abstract: A stepless hydrostatic mechanical transmission between a prime mover and a power output train in which an epicyclic differential is incorporated in the transmission and includes at least four shafts, a large and a small sun wheel, two planet wheels in mesh with the sun wheels, a web supporting the planet wheels and an annulus. Two main shafts constituting input and output shafts are connected with respectively different shafts of the epicyclic differential. Two hydrostatic machines are connected to the epicyclic differential such that in at least one working range of the power transmission the hydrostatic machines are adapted to be connected to the epicyclic differential and operated as pumps and motors.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a drive assembly (8) comprising a differential (16). The differential (16) comprises a driving carrier (18) and two driven output gears (19) connected to joints (11) to driveshafts (12). The assembly (8) also comprises a coupling (48) by which one of the gears (19) may be connected directly to the carrier (18). The joint (11) associated with said gear (19) is positioned outside the differential (16) directly adjacent thereto and extends coaxially around an outer part (26) of the joint (11). An inner part of the coupling (48) is connected to the outer part of the joint (11) and an outer part (31) of the coupling is connectable to the carrier (18). The coupling (48) may be a viscous coupling.

Abstract: A stepless variable ratio transmission is provided having an input drive axle connected to a sun gear of a planetary gear assembly, an output axle connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear assembly, and a planet or pinion carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of planet or pinion gears thereon, the pinion gears being meshingly engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear. A control means is also provided for controlling the rotational speed of the planet carrier, the control means comprising a worm gear driven by a servo or stepping motor, which is in turn controlled by a computer which senses various conditions in determining the desired transmission ratio. The planet carrier is provided with a plurality of gear teeth along a peripheral edge thereof to meshingly engage the worm gear. The design of the worm gear and the planet carrier is advantageously selected to improve the efficiency of the system by minimizing the power required to effect the rotational speed control of the planet carrier.

Abstract: An automatic activation apparatus for a differential pawl which is independent of intervention by an operator of a vehicle, the invention controls the energy supply to the actuator by means of a control logic with two signal inputs. The control logic is fed a wheel slip signal directly at one signal input, and via a break-delay timing element at its other signal input. The control logic is thereby designed so that, by the excitation of both signal inputs, it switches into a standby position and then into its active position only upon the excitation of its signal input connected with the timing element.

Abstract: A rotary electric tool in which a differential gear mechanism is mounted within a gear case fixed to a housing for example; projections are formed on the outer peripheral surface of an internal gear of a final planetary gear mechanism in the differential gear mechanism, the said projections being brought into engagement with a projection-formed surface of a torque adjusting cam; the internal gear and the torque adjusting cam can be changed in relative position axially by reaction force of the internal gear; and the rotation of an output shaft is changed over between high and low speed conditions according to an axial displacement of the internal gear.