Nonplanetary Variable Speed Or Direction Transmission Combined With Planetary Transmission Patents (Class 475/207)
  • Patent number: 7544144
    Abstract: A geared disk driven by a repositionable drive gear, with two independent and concurrent axes of rotation; both axes rotating and orbiting on one plane, about the transmission's central axis. The first axis of rotation being the gear's center. The second user-actuated axis of rotation concurrently varying its motive pivot point between the disk's center and edge, while concentrically transversing around the disk, to infinitely variably swing the disk gear. This variable swing motion is mechanically extracted and cycled through the transmission to progressively compound the combined motions to modify and sustain user-selected, infinitely variable, output speeds. Two interconnecting, clutch-free, geared-neutral, bidirectional, output mechanisms are included; one integrated within the transmission, and one separated from the transmission, to produce a continuously engaged, all-geared, complete range of transmission functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Kay Coronel
  • Publication number: 20090131213
    Abstract: A sliding block type stepless autoshift speed changer includes a holder sleeve affixed to a main transmission shaft and holding two weights by means of two torsional members, an eccentric block radially movably coupled to the holder sleeve; a driving wheel supported on a ring round the eccentric block and having radial sliding grooves on two sides, two clutch wheels respectively fastened to a wheel hub and a secondary power output shaft, each clutch wheel having an annular sliding groove respectively facing the driving wheel, sliding blocks respectively sliding in the annular sliding grooves of the clutch wheels, each sliding block having a roller respectively coupled to and movable along the radial sliding grooves of the driving wheel, a plurality of beveled guide surface portions, and a plurality of rolling cylinders rotatably supported on and movable along the beveled guide surface portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Shih-Tzou Wen
  • Patent number: 7534186
    Abstract: A reversing gearset of a continuously variable transmission, in particular a continuously variable belt transmission has a drive input shaft (6), a primary shaft (10), a simple planetary gearset with a sun gear (2), a web (3) for the planetary gears (4) and an annular gear (5) and two shift elements (7, 8) for shifting to the forward or the reverse directions. The transmission ratio of the reversing gearset (1), in the reverse direction, is greater than one (i.e., it is a speed-drop ratio), such that in the forward direction, the transmission ratio of the reversing gearset (1) is equal to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Transmission Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rudolf Kauffeldt
  • Publication number: 20090118052
    Abstract: An axle driving unit includes an axle, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor having a motor shaft on which an output gear is provided to be drivingly connected to said axle, a center section having a pump mounting surface and a motor mounting surface onto which the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are mounted respectively so as to be fluidly connected with each other through the center section, a housing constituted by a first housing part and a second housing part joined to each other at a joint surface, a projection integrally formed on the center section so as to be fitted to the housing, thereby fixing a position of the center section relative to the housing, and a fastener fastening the center section to the first housing part. The pump mounting surface and said motor mounting surface may be disposed perpendicular to each other. Said pump mounting surface and said motor mounting surface are disposed perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Robert ABEND, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7520833
    Abstract: In a vehicular driving force distribution system, an oil pump which produces a hydraulic pressure for operating a torque distribution mechanism is driven, via gears and a rotating shaft, by the rotation of a differential case of a differential device. Therefore, regardless of the rotational condition of right and left wheels, namely, even if one of the right and left wheels stops, the oil pump is driven by the driving force of the rotating differential case, thereby reliably operating the torque distribution mechanism. Also, a pump unit for housing the oil pump is supported on a partition wall that separates the differential device from the torque distribution mechanism, thereby easily supporting the oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Honda, Yoshihito Kurizuka
  • Publication number: 20090065282
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body in front-rear direction of the vehicle, a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and adapted to be transversely mounted on a vehicle body, includes an input shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, and a transmission case, wherein the first and third gear mechanisms are arranged close to the engine, the second gear mechanism is arranged more distant from the engine, the second counter shaft is arranged above the input and the first counter shaft, and the transmission case forms a cut-out portion at an upper portion of the back wall portion of the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7497798
    Abstract: A hybird power train structure having a toroidal variator. The hybird power train structure is constructed such that drive force generated by an engine and drive force generated by a motor are appropriately combined and transmitted to a drive wheel, thus having a quiet variable speed change characteristic despite having a relatively simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yeon-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090017957
    Abstract: Structures of automatic vehicle transmissions are described which have a planetary gear train connected to an input shaft. The planetary gear train is connected through a CVT variable speed drive that includes two variable speed drive shafts and through at least one gear pairing to an output shaft. Rotationally fixed connections corresponding to different gear ranges are producible between shafts of the transmission through gear pairings and or shaft connections provided with clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Andreas Triller, Emmanuel Simon
  • Patent number: 7470206
    Abstract: A transmission is provided that combines first and second countershafts with a planetary gear set, and uses first and second head gear sets to provide ratio. Each of the countershafts supports gears in no more than five co-planar, intermeshing gear sets (and in most embodiments no more than four co-planar, intermeshing gear sets), thus minimizing the overall length of the countershafts. The transmission provides at least nine forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio and utilizes only eight torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Dane L. Rodgers, II
  • Patent number: 7461626
    Abstract: A powertrain for driving a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine including first and second rotors supported for rotation about an axis, a first epicyclic gear unit including a first component fixed against rotation, a first driving component, and a first driven component, a first power path alternately producing a first drive connection between the driven component and the first rotor, and opening said first drive connection, and a second power path producing a second drive connection between the driven component and the second rotor, and opening said second drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20080261745
    Abstract: A power takeoff and gearbox is configured for use with an associated vehicle transmission to provide rotational power to an associated auxiliary component. The power takeoff and gearbox includes a housing. An input gear set includes an input gear and a transfer gear mounted for common rotation. The input gear is driven by the associated vehicle transmission. A primary drive gear is disposed on a drive shaft. The primary drive gear is meshed with the transfer gear for rotation with the transfer gear. A planetary gear system includes a carrier, a plurality of planet gears mounted for rotation within the carrier and a sun gear disposed central to the planet gears. The carrier is connected to the primary drive shaft for rotation with the shaft and for rotation of the planet gears relative to the carrier. An output is mounted to the sun gear for providing rotational power to the associated auxiliary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS
    Inventors: DuWayne E. Paul, DuWayne R. Cookman, Shawn M. Green, Chad M. Orthaus, Patrick W. Kruper
  • Patent number: 7427252
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes a differential gear set having five coaxial gear elements and an output member. Two of the gear elements are controllable via torque transmitting mechanisms such as electric motors to establish a plurality of speed ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft. Two of the other gear elements are selectively operatively connectable to an output shaft via a gear arrangement that allows for a plurality of speed ratios between the gear elements and the output shaft. Additional torque transmitting mechanisms such as clutches are selectively engageable to provide continuously variable speed ranges between the input shaft and the output shaft, fixed gear ratios and an electric drive mode. The various speed ratios enable a plurality of compound split operating modes as well as an input split mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20080190228
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system is provided for a transmission, which is preferably a countershaft transmission, that has a three-position dog clutch actuator valve to control the position of a three-position dog clutch. At least one of the positions of the dog clutch actuator valve is established by pressurized fluid directed to the dog clutch actuator valve by two logic valves, both of which are controlled to direct pressurized fluid elsewhere in the hydraulic control system, as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Bryan H. Hagelskamp
  • Publication number: 20080182700
    Abstract: A transmission is provided that combines first and second shaft members in a countershaft configuration with a planetary gear set and first and second head gear sets to provide ratios. Each of the shaft members includes gears in no more than four co-planar, intermeshing gear sets (and in some embodiments no more than three co-planar, intermeshing gear sets) and two sets of radially nested clutches, thus minimizing the overall length of the shaft members. At least one gear concentric with each shaft member is supported by a bearing on the adjacent gear rather than on the shaft member, thereby minimizing the weight of each shaft member. The transmission provides at least seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio and utilizes at most eight torque-transmitting mechanisms. A method of reducing the length and weight of a transmission package is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: DAVID EARL EARHART
  • Publication number: 20080153652
    Abstract: A differential gear having first and second driven shafts connected with a drive cage via a planetary or differential gear and a stationary gear housing. An intermediate gear with a planetary unit is provided with the first driven shaft, wherein the planetary unit includes a planetary wheel support and a planetary wheel pair having a first planetary wheel and a second planetary wheel. The first and second planetary wheels having different effective diameters, wherein the planetary wheel pair is arranged on planetary wheel pair shafts. A first sun wheel engaged with the first planetary wheel and a second sun wheel arranged coaxially with the first sun wheel. A brake device including a braking force applicator and a braking torque that brakes the planetary unit with respect to the stationary gear housing, and wherein the planetary unit includes active surfaces for introducing the breaking torque into the planetary unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Thomas Deigner
  • Publication number: 20080146398
    Abstract: A power-split transmission having several ranges of transmission ratios with continuously variable speed reductions. A drive shaft is connected to two shafts of a variable speed drive unit via a distributor gear whose shafts are in turn connected with the input shafts of a parallel gearbox via respective clutches. Two ranges of ratios only differ from each other through the reduction of the input shaft of the parallel gearbox and their output shafts. An additional embodiment includes a variable speed drive unit, a first planetary drive that is connected with a drive shaft, an input shaft of the variable speed drive unit and a connecting shaft, as well as a second planetary drive that is connected with the connecting shaft of the output shaft of the variable speed drive unit, and an output shaft and an electric motor that is nonrotatably connected with the connecting shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger, Hartmut Faust, Michael Reuschel
  • Patent number: 7384361
    Abstract: The transmission is constructed so that the rotation of the input shaft is outputted to the second transmission portion via the first intermediate output path and the second intermediate output path accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path, and the first rotary element is selectively connected to the first driven gear via the first clutch and is selectively connected to the second driven gear via the third clutch, the second rotary element are selectively connected to the first driven gear via the second clutch and are selectively connected to the transmission case operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake, the third rotary element is connected to the output gear, the fourth rotary element is selectively connected to the transmission case via the second brake, and the fifth rotary element is selectively connected to the second driven gear via the fourth clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
  • Publication number: 20080127758
    Abstract: In a utility vehicle transmission having an input shaft, a main shaft and an output shaft, a countershaft is provided which can be decoupled in direct gear, a high number of gears wherein power is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft directly via the main shaft while providing for a high number of gears by two shiftable input constants with different transmission ratios which are selectively engageable with either of the various forward transmission stages and the reverse transmission stage but which also permit the return flow of power from the input shaft to the main shaft via the input constants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Carsten Gitt
  • Patent number: 7381144
    Abstract: A gearbox assembly, in particular for a wheel drive of a vehicle with a hydrostatic gearbox having, according to a first driving mode, the sun gear of the single planetary stage in effective interaction with a ring gear of the planetary stage via a first coupling, so that the output speed of the planetary stage is a linear function of the output speed of the hydrostatic gearbox and that, according to a second driving mode, the ring gear is in effective interaction with the hydrostatic gearbox, wherein, at the same time, the sun gear is in effective interaction with a gearbox input shaft via a second coupling so that as a consequence of power distribution, the speeds of the ring gear and the sun gear overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Lohmann & Stolterfoht GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Meise, Bernhard Langenbeck, Steffan Reiblein, Frank Nagel
  • Publication number: 20080125268
    Abstract: A drive unit located in a power path between a transmission output and the wheels of a vehicle for reversing the direction of the transmission output includes a gear set including an input driveably connected to the transmission output, and a gearset output alternately rotating in a forward rotary direction and an underdriven reverse rotary direction relative to the speed and direction of the transmission output. A drive mechanism transmits power between the gearset output and the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Publication number: 20080026899
    Abstract: A drive train for use with a tractor having an engine includes a transmission module having an input side coupled to the engine and an output side. The output side is rotatable in response to rotation of the input side to define a transmission speed ratio. A differential module includes a drive input coupled to the output side, and including an axle. The axle is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the drive input to define a differential speed ratio. A control module is coupled to the transmission module and to the differential module, and is configured to independently vary the transmission speed ratio and the differential speed ratio. The drive train operates using a single lever control and does not require a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Carlson, Bryan Danner
  • Patent number: 7311629
    Abstract: A branched power transmission having several transmission ratio ranges with a steplessly adjustable transmission ratio. A drive shaft is connected to both shafts of a variable speed unit through a distributor transmission, which shafts in turn are connected with the input shafts of a parallel gearbox through respective clutches. Two transmission ratio ranges differ from each other through the transmission ratio of an input shaft of the parallel gearbox and its output shaft. Additionally, the power-producing transmission can include an electrical machine. A further embodiment includes a variable speed unit, a first planetary transmission connected with a drive shaft, the input shaft of the variable speed unit and a connecting shaft, and a second planetary transmission that is connected with the connecting shaft of the output shaft of the variable speed unit and an output shaft, and an electrical machine that is non-rotatably connected with the connecting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger, Hartmut Faust, Michael Reuschel
  • Patent number: 7217214
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for use with motor vehicles includes an ECU, an automated gear unit, a variator, an input gear set, an input fixed ratio element and an output fixed ratio element. The automated gear unit has multiple gear ratios and engages one of the gear ratios responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator varies a ratio of torque between its input and output shafts responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator output shaft connected to the gear unit input shaft. The input gear set is connected to the variator input shaft. The input fixed ratio element reduces torque from the input gear set to the variator, and is disposed between the input gear set and the variator input shaft. The output fixed ratio element increases the torque from the variator, and is disposed between the variator output shaft and the gear unit input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy John Morscheck
  • Patent number: 7186203
    Abstract: The transmission 10 is constructed so that, in the first transmission portion 36, the rotation of the input shaft 16 is outputted to the second transmission portion 38 via the first intermediate output path M1 and the second intermediate output path M2 accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path M1, and, in the second transmission portion 38, the first rotary element RE1 (S2 and S3) is selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the first clutch C1 and is selectively connected to the second driven gear CG2B via the third clutch C3, the second rotary element RE2 (CA1 and CA2) are selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the second clutch C2 and are selectively connected to the transmission case 12 operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake B1, the third rotary element RE3 (R1, R2 and CA3) is connected to the output gear 28 operating as an output rotating member, the fourth rotary element RE4 (S1) is selectively connected to the transmission
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 7166049
    Abstract: A drive and a method to control the drive of an agricultural vehicle, especially of a tractor, is described. The drive includes a combustion engine (M) and an infinitely variable electro-mechanical torque split gear. To avoid dissipation of reactive power the drive includes a shift gear (F) which has at least two input shafts (2, 3) each connected to at least one transmission step. Each of the at least two input shafts (2, 3) is in driving condition via a clutch (K1,K2) with a planetary gear (P1, P2) each with two inputs. The first input of each planetary gear (P1, P2) can be driven by a clutch (KV) from the driven shaft (1) of the combustion engine (M). The second input of each planetary gear (P1, P2) can be driven by a respective electric motor (S1, S2). At least one of the planetary gears (P1, P2) is designed to be locked-up. The drive can be operated in pure electric mode, in electro-mechanical mode or in pure mechanical mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Saller
  • Patent number: 7086977
    Abstract: A geared, power transmission mechanism for a hybrid electric vehicle wherein multiple power flow paths are established between an engine and vehicle traction wheels and between an electric motor and the vehicle traction wheels. At least one of the power flow paths is characterized by at least two ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Supina, Shailesh Kozarekar
  • Patent number: 7070534
    Abstract: A power transmission includes a plurality of ratio gear members, a planetary splitter, and a plurality of splitter control gear members. The ratio gear members are divided between two countershafts and two input clutches such that two power paths are provided from the transmission input. The splitter control gear members are disposed on the output of each of the ratio gears to establish input power paths to the planetary splitter, which delivers power to the transmission output shaft. By providing selective engagement of two selectively operable input clutches, a plurality of mechanical clutches and the planetary splitter gearset eight forward speed ratios are provided. A ninth forward ratio is provide by a mechanical clutch directly interconnecting one of the input clutches with the transmission output shaft in bypassing relation to the planetary splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Pelouch
  • Patent number: 7056254
    Abstract: A non-slip continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses the positive engagement of gear teeth and does not rely on friction to transmit torque. The transmission has a ring gear with spur gear teeth at its periphery and conical teeth at its top surface adjacent to an offset circular track. The circular track or channel guide is a slightly smaller diameter than the ring gear and is positioned within the ring gear. Short plates with worm gears pivoted on cantilever brackets are constrained to move within the circular path defined by the channel guide. Due to the offset from the ring gear, a plate traversing this path will engage the conical teeth of the ring gear over a short arc of travel as the worm gear enters and then leaves engagement. This ability to move the ring gear over an arc by passing a worm gear plate around the near region of the circular channel can be reversed in both direction and in principal by having the ring gear move the worm gear plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Frank A. Fragnito
  • Patent number: 6986725
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for use with motor vehicles includes an ECU, an automated gear unit, a variator, an input gear set, an input fixed ratio element and an output fixed ratio element. The automated gear unit has multiple selectively engaged gear ratios and engages one of the gear ratios responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator varies a ratio of torque between its input and outout shafts responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator output shaft is connected to the gear unit input shaft. The input gear set is connected to the variator input shaft. The input fixed ratio element reduces torque from the input gear set to the variator, and is disposed between the input gear set and the variator input shaft. The output fixed ratio element increases the torque from the variator, and is disposed between the variator output shaft and the gear unit input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Patent number: 6958028
    Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input, first and second input shafts, a layshaft, drive elements connecting the input shafts to the output and layshaft, couplers, a first clutch for connecting and disconnecting the input and the first input shaft, and a second clutch for connecting and disconnecting the input and the second input shaft. A first torque path driveably connects the first input shaft to the layshaft. A second torque path driveably connects the second input shaft to the layshaft. A third torque path driveably connects the layshaft and output. A bridge torque path driveably connects the first input shaft and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin, Donald E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6939262
    Abstract: A gearing switch device includes a switch assembly that is switched to one of positions to engage one of the gears in an idle gear set with an input gear and a transferring gear of a speed reduction device. The transferring gear drives a ring gear that is engaged with planetary gears device connected to one side of a disk and an output gear is connected to the other side of the disk. By the different types of engagement between the gears of the idle gear set and the transferring gear, the speed of the disk is changeable so as to have desired output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Ling-Ling Yu
  • Patent number: 6910984
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprises a cone shaped member having a shaft centrally positioned therethrough and having a plurality of radially extending wings. The cone shaped member may be slidably moveable axially with respect to said drive shaft. A ring gear encircles the cone shaped member in interlocking communication. The ring gear may be enclosed by a housing and pivotable about a fixed point. A plurality of linkage arms may be pivotally connected to the radially extending wings and each said linkage arm is pivotally connected to a joining member. Each radially extending wing comprises a ledge portion for receiving a linkage arm, wherein each linkage arm comprises a slider member for slidably engaging the ledge. The transmission controls the sliding of the cone shaped member horizontally along the axis of the drive shaft, which results in a proportional angular displacement of the ring gear about the point of pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Frank A. Fragnito
  • Patent number: 6909953
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously-variable transmission shift control apparatus includes a controlling section to control an actual transmission ratio toward a target transmission ratio by producing a control command in one of a forward traveling control mode for a forward vehicle traveling state, and a reverse traveling control mode; and a control modifying section arranged to select one of the forward traveling control mode and the reverse traveling control mode in accordance with a first parameter representing a driver's intention. The control modifying section is configured to detect a change of the vehicle traveling direction in accordance with a second parameter which is the actual transmission ratio, and to modify the shift control of the toroidal continuously-variable transmission so as to shift the actual transmission ratio to a speed decreasing side upon detection of the change of the vehicle traveling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Joe, Taketoshi Kawabe
  • Patent number: 6892837
    Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Gerald P. Simmons, Michael E. Vanderham
  • Patent number: 6869379
    Abstract: An automatic variable-speed transmission for setting up a plurality of gear steps with an input shaft, an output shaft and two transmission units which form two parallel branches. One branch has a multi-step transmission and the other a summing transmission with a friction clutch for starting and for central synchronization, the friction clutch having a first friction element and a second friction element, one of the friction elements being connectable to various transmission elements by means of at least one shift element, with at least one first power command range for gear-step changes between low gear steps and at least one second power command range for at least the gear change into the highest gear step and for the highest gear step. In this case, the at least one shift element connects the one friction element to transmission elements such that there is reduced reactive-power flow in any operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Getrag Innovations GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Voss, Oliver Nicklass
  • Patent number: 6849023
    Abstract: An infinitely-variable transmission comprises a rotational input member, a rotational output member, first and second non-circular driving gears coupled to one of the rotational members, and a plurality of variable velocity-ratio gear assemblies disposed about the one rotational member. Each gear assembly comprises an intermediate shaft including first and second non-circular driven gears respectively meshing with the first and second non-circular driving gears. Each gear assembly also comprises a multi-directional coupling associated with the pair of first driven/driving gears and the pair of second driven/driving gears, and an actuator for coupling the first and second variable-ratio gear pairs to the rotational members. The transmission also includes a phase angle variator associated with the variable-ratio gear pairs for varying the rotational angular displacement between the first gear pairs and the second gear pairs of each gear assembly so as to vary the velocity ratio of the transmission as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ker-Train Holdings Ltd
    Inventor: John Hugh Kerr
  • Patent number: 6846257
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism is disclosed for use with a hybrid electric vehicle wherein the electric motor-generator and engine are arranged in a series configuration. The clutch mechanism is positioned between and in communication with the electric motor-generator and engine to allow for either direct drive or a predetermined gear ratio between the electric motor-generator and engine. The electric motor-generator is preferably an integrated electric motor and generator. The engine is preferably a combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Baker, Russell E. Monahan, Richard Jacobson
  • Patent number: 6837824
    Abstract: A final control element for superimposed steering engagement of a vehicle steering system with a superposition gear having two input shafts and one output shaft, in order to attain a radial freedom from play, the superposition gear is provided with a two-stage, modified planetary gear, having a planet carrier, at least one stepped planet comprising two axially aligned planet wheels connected to one another fixed against relative rotation, and two sun wheels or ray wheels; the first input shaft is connected to one sun or ray wheel, and the output shaft is connected to the other sun or ray wheel, fixed against relative rotation, while the planet carrier is drivable via the second input shaft, and the at least one stepped planet and the sun wheels are biasing toward provided for suppressing a tooth flank play that occurs between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, IMS Morat Soehne GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Reimann, Michael Bock, Willi Nagel, Rolf Knecht, Heinz Gert Hagedorn, Ruediger Tinter, Stephan Oberle, Ralph Eble
  • Patent number: 6835153
    Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission comprising an angular velocity input member (12), an angular velocity output member (14), two parallel stages (18, 20) of cyclic angular velocity generating devices (24, 30), a drive arrangement (16) for applying angular velocity from the input member (12) to each of the angular velocity generating devices (24, 30), extraction devices (26, 32) which are each driven by a cyclic angular velocity generating device (24, 30) in each of the two stages (18, 20) means for varying the amplitude of the cyclic angular velocity produced by at least one of the stages (18, 20) and an arrangement (28, 34, 22) for summing and combining the pulsating angular velocity outputs from the extraction devices (26, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Varibox (PTY) Limited
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
  • Publication number: 20040224811
    Abstract: A branched power transmission with several transmission ratio ranges with a steplessly adjustable transmission ratio includes a drive shaft (2) that is connected to both shafts (14, 16) of a variable speed unit (4) through a distributor transmission (12), which shafts in turn are connected with the input shafts (18, 20) of a parallel gearbox (20) through respective clutches (K13, K2R). Two transmission ratio ranges only differ from each other through the transmission ratio of an input shaft of the parallel gearbox and its output shaft. Additionally, the power-producing transmission can include an electrical machine (61).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger, Hartmut Faust, Michael Reuschel
  • Publication number: 20040220012
    Abstract: A continuously-variable transmission includes two transmission members each having coupling elements engageable to couple the transmission members for movement together. At least one of the transmission members is a rotary member rotatable about a rotary axis; and at least one of the groups of coupling elements is radially displaceable towards and away from the rotary axis to change the conversion ratio of the transmission. The coupling elements of one group on one transmission member are of a fixed configuration defining projections alternating with depressions each of a fixed configuration formed on a surface of the transmission member between opposite side faces and having the same pitch for every cross section of the surface perpendicular to the mentioned rotary axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ran Siman-tov
  • Publication number: 20040166984
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a rotation transmission shaft; first, second and third planetary-gear-type transmissions; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; a third power transmission mechanism; and, a switching mechanism, wherein the second sun gear and one of the first and third sun gears are rotated together with the rotation transmission shaft to thereby execute the power transmission through the rotation transmission shaft and one of the first and second planetary-gear-type transmissions, and, in a state where the power transmission through the third planetary-gear-type transmission is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft is stopped while the input shaft is rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040157695
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, includes: an input shaft; a pair of mutually opposed input and output disks disposed side-by-side in an axial direction of the input shaft; a pressing mechanism pressing said input disk toward said output disk; a hollow shaft disposed around an outer periphery of the input shaft concentrically with the input shaft, and connecting the pair of input disks to each other; an oil hole formed in a no-penetrating portion of the input shaft where the input shaft does not penetrate through the hollow shaft, and opened on an outer peripheral surface of the no-penetrating portion; and, an oil passage formed between an inner peripheral surface of the hollow shaft and an outer peripheral surface of a penetrating portion of the input shaft where the input shaft penetrates through the hollow shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Ishikawa, Masami Tanaka, Takashi Imanishi
  • Publication number: 20040157694
    Abstract: In a variable speed transmission arrangement including an infinitely variable drive having two toroidal input and toroidal output traction wheels with a central shaft connected for rotation with an input traction wheel and extending through the output and the other toroidal input traction wheel and being connected to a planet carrier of a planetary summing gear set while the toroidal traction output wheel is connected, by way of a hollow shaft receiving the central shaft, to the sun wheel of the planetary summing gear set, and the other toroidal traction input wheel is directly connected to the planet carrier by way of a rotational interlocking means rotationally interlocking the planet carrier and the other toroidal traction input wheel, but permitting relative axial movement to facilitate asembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Elser, Steffen Henzler, Dinh Cuong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6761661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a general-purpose mechanical holonomic element for a gear with variable changing of the rotation moment and can be used for the machine tool industry, mechanical engineering and haulage. In the first variant, the general-purpose mechanical holonomic element for a gear with variable changing of the rotation moment comprises an axis mounted in such a way that it can rotate with respect to an output shaft; and an additional gear wheel interlocking with planetary pinions which are arranged on the opposite end of an input shaft is fixed to the output shaft. Two gear wheels are fixed to the input shaft in such a way that the additional wheel can be connected to planetary pinions arranged on the other end of the input shaft. The invention makes it possible to obtain a rotation frequency of the output shaft which exceeds the rotation frequency of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Eduard Korotkov, Marina Korotkova
  • Patent number: 6758782
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for axial setting purposes, comprising three discs which are supported co-axially relative to an axis and of which a central disc is rotatable relative to the two outer discs, between the central disc and each of the outer discs, there are arranged sets of balls, the balls each run in pairs of circumferential grooves in the faces of the central disc and of one of the outer discs facing one another, the circumferential grooves comprise a circumferentially variable depth whose extension is such that, over the entire relative angle of rotation, the first outer disc moves axially from a first end position via a central position into a second end position which deviates from said first end position, and the second outer disc moves axially from a first end position via a second end position deviating therefrom back into the first end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Mätzschker, Karl-Heinz Hülsebusch
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040082421
    Abstract: A split performance power train is proposed, comprising a friction wheel variable speed transmission and a planetary gear set laid out as an accumulated set of gears. A first planetary gear set (2) and a third planetary gear set (4) are envisioned and the friction wheel variable speed transmission (1), the first planetary gear set (2) and the second planetary gear set (3) are laid out as an accumulated set of gears and the third planetary gear set (4) is coaxial and arranged consecutively in the direction of the flow of the power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jurgen Wafzig
  • Patent number: 6716128
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a torque cam mechanism and a clutch actuator for compressing a clutch disc pack for clutch engagement through the torque cam mechanism. The clutch actuator includes a first fluid chamber for pushing the torque cam mechanism from a first position for all-time clutch disengagement, to a second position toward the clutch disc pack, and a second fluid chamber for pushing the torque cam mechanism from the second position to a third position for all-time clutch engagement toward the clutch disc pack. At the second position, the torque cam mechanism functions as a one-way clutch by extending axially in response to relative rotation between both sides in one rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kuramoto, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Publication number: 20040058772
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has: a casing; a rotary shaft; outside disks; an inside disk; support members; a plurality of support plates; an actuator body; a pair of support posts including support ring portions, the support ring portions respectively existing in middle portions between the inside disk and the outside disks, wherein the respective one-side end portions of the two support posts are connected and fixed to the actuator body in a state that the rotary shaft is inserted through the support ring portions of the two support posts, the axial-direction two end portions of the inside disk are rotatably supported on the support ring portions of the two support posts, and the support plates are supported on the neighboring portions of the respective two end portions of the two support posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Inoue, Shinji Miyata