Plural Power Paths To Planetary Gearing Patents (Class 475/218)
  • Patent number: 7004878
    Abstract: An automated multiple-gear transmission which includes a single planetary assembly having an annular gearwheel connected to a transmission output shaft, a first input shaft connected to one of the solar gearwheel or the planetary gearwheel web and a second input shaft connected to the other of the solar gearwheel and the planetary gearwheel web. A gearwheel assembly is connected from a transmission input shaft and includes a single countershaft and plurality of transmission ratio gearsets and a plurality of shift control elements for selectively connecting the first and second planetary assembly input shafts to the transmission ratio gearsets and a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Ralf Dreibholz
  • Patent number: 6984187
    Abstract: A multi-stage gearbox with a drive input shaft connected to a reduction planetary gear set, with a drive output shaft connected to a main planetary gear set, and with shift elements. An input speed of the drive input shaft can be transferred, by the engagement of at least seven forward gears to the drive output shaft, in such manner that to shift from one gear to the next-higher or next-lower gear, only one shift element is disengaged and another shift element is engaged. The reduction planetary gear set has an output shaft rotating at an output speed of the reduction planetary gear set. The main planetary gear set is connected to the drive input shaft. The main planetary gear set is connected to the output shaft of the reduction planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Biermann
  • Patent number: 6981928
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus is constructed by a combination of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit (11a) and a planetary-gear-type transmission unit (12c). The planetary-gear-type transmission unit (12c) includes a carrier (24d), a plurality of first planetary gears (44), a hollow rotary shaft (33), a first sun gear (45), a plurality of second planetary gears (46), a second sun gear (47) and a ring gear (48). The first and second planetary gears (44, 46) are meshed with the single ring gear (48) while said first and second planetary gears (44, 46) are supported on said carrier (24d) independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Inoue
  • Patent number: 6958029
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a first rotation transmission shaft; a first planetary-gear-type transmission; a second planetary-gear-type transmission; a second rotation transmission shaft; an output shaft; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; and a switching mechanism, wherein, in a state where the power transmission through the first power transmission mechanism is allowed and the power transmission through the second power transmission mechanism is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft be stopped while leaving the input shaft rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Inoue
  • 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: 6926636
    Abstract: A differential power coupling for generating forward and reverse motions and allowing stopping of the rotation for a vehicle using a rotational power supply to power a variable speed transmission having first and second outputs. The power coupling uses a rotational outside gear with an outside face coupled to the first power supply, a rotational support body coupled to the second power supply and adapted to rotate axles of differential gears around a central axis, and at least one differential gear rotationally mounted on the axle attached to the rotational support body and coupled to the inside face. The differential gear is further coupled to the output shaft and adapted to create a fully variable rotation of the outputs shaft including forward, reverse and stopped rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry Luper
  • Patent number: 6926635
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with an input shaft (1) and an output shaft (2) with two spur gear speeds (ST1, ST2) that are connected tightly on the input side with the input shaft (1) and generate two output rotational speeds (n1, n2), with a main gearset that is connected with the output shaft (2) and is constructed as a two webbed four shaft transmission with two coupled, shiftable planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2) to which the output rotational speeds (n1, n2) of the spur gear speeds (ST1, ST2) are transferable through several shifting elements (A to E) through their selective closing to the clutch of at least six forward gears and can be shifted without group shifting. A total of six shifting elements (A to F) are provided. The output rotational speed (n1) of the first spur gear speed (ST1) is transferable through the sixth shifting element (F) to the second shaft of the main gearset, and at least eight forward gears and maximally two reverse gears are shiftable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Biermann
  • Patent number: 6913555
    Abstract: A CVT transmission for agricultural tractors which envisages equipment for continuous variation of the motion by means of an epicyclic gear train. In the CVT transmission the input of the motion from an engine occurs in a direction substantially that is parallel to an axis of longitudinal symmetry of the tractor, whilst the axes of a shafts, respectively, between which there takes place variation of the transmission ratio, are transverse with respect to the axis of longitudinal symmetry of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Giancarlo Benassi, Giorgio Bordini
  • 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: 6866606
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system designable compact in size and manufacturable at a reduced cost by reducing the number of component parts and securing a maximum transmission ratio width. A toroidal continuously variable transmission has an input member connected to an output shaft of a prime mover, and an output member for outputting rotation of the input member at a continuously variable transmission ratio. A planetary gear mechanism has a first element connected to the output member, a second element connected to drive wheels, and a third element. A first clutch establishes and releases connection between the first element and the second element. A first gear train and a second gear train having a larger gear ratio, are arranged between the output shaft and the third element in parallel. Second and third clutches establish and release respective connections of first and second gear trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuo Ooyama
  • Patent number: 6852055
    Abstract: A continuously variable power split transmission (CVPST) system is described for use in a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle has a first motor, such as an internal combustion (IC) engine and a second motor, such as an electric motor. The system has a step-up gearbox for providing additional fixed speed ratios to extend overall transmission conversion range (CR) of the system. The system also has a speed variator and a countershaft being operatively connected to the second motor of the vehicle so that any power input applied by the second motor to the countershaft reduces the power flowing through the speed variator. Also, an adjustment of the variator speed ratio iv allows a passage from underdrive iUD to overdrive iOD range of speed ratios in the step-up gearbox to be synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: CKE Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Marek Kmicikiewicz
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6712730
    Abstract: A torque coupling connects the secondary driving wheels of an automotive vehicle indirectly to the power unit of the vehicle through a variable torque coupling, while the primary driving wheels on the vehicle are connected directly to the power unit. The coupling compensates for variations in the angular velocity of the primary and secondary wheels while still transferring torque to the secondary wheels. The coupling includes a magnetic particle clutch organized about an axis and a planetary gear set organized about the same axis. The coupling has two paths through which the torque is transferred, one a mechanical path and the other a clutch path. Most of the torque is transferred through the mechanical path, while the clutch path accommodates for slippage and controls the proportion of torque delivered to the secondary wheels, with the control being solely dependent on the magnitude of the current directed through the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 6659901
    Abstract: A three-way clutch unit (9) comprising a forward clutch (91), second clutch (92) and forward one way clutch (93) which sets a power recirculation mode, a high clutch (10) which sets a direct mode, and a mode change-over valve (175) which supplies an oil pressure to one of the high clutch (10) and second clutch (92), are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Sakai, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6616559
    Abstract: A hydraulic and mechanical composite continuously variable transmission (HMT) is disclosed. The HMT includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission (HST) and a mechanical speed change mechanism using a group of planetary gears as the differential part. The output rotation of the HST and the rotation of the input part of the mechanical speed change mechanism that receives power from the engine are transmitted to the differential part which translates the rotation to a speed change output shaft. The speed change input part is formed at one end of a pump shaft and the differential input part is coaxially formed at the other end thereof. Further, the operator may manually set the speed ratio via electrical means on the mechanical speed chance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hori, Junichi Hitachi, Yukio Kubota, Kunihiko Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6604039
    Abstract: The trunnion (23) of a vehicle toroidal continuously variable transmission is displaced by a step motor (52) via a control valve (56) and oil pressure servo cylinder (50) in order to vary a speed ratio of the transmission. A controller (80) calculates a target value (z*) of a control variable (z) based on an accelerator pedal depression amount (APS) and output disk rotation speed (&ohgr;co) (S5). Further, a time-variant coefficient (f) showing the relation between the trunnion displacement (y) and variation rate ({dot over (&phgr;)}) of the gyration angle (&phgr;) of the power roller, is calculated (S10). The error between the speed change response of the transmission and a target linear characteristic can be decreased by determining a command value (u) to the step motor (52) under a control gain determined based on a time differential ({dot over (f)}) of the coefficient (f) (S20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Joe, Taketoshi Kawabe, Itsuro Muramoto
  • Patent number: 6565471
    Abstract: A continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission. The transmission includes a transmission housing and a hydrostatic power unit associated with the housing. The hydrostatic power unit includes a pump coupled to a motor with the hydrostatic power unit coupled to a first input shaft and a first output shaft. The hydrostatic power unit is selectively coupled to a synchronous lockup clutch with the first output shaft, wherein a hydrostatic input speed range is selected. A compound planetary gear unit is mounted in the housing with the compound planetary gear unit including a second input shaft, a third input shaft, a fourth input shaft and a second output shaft. The compound planetary gear unit is selectively coupled to the load, selectively coupled to the hydrostatic power unit and coupled to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Cecil A. Weeramantry, Thomas H. Vu
  • Patent number: 6503166
    Abstract: A drive assembly for operatively connecting at least one drive input unit and at least one drive output unit in a motorized vehicle, including a transmission unit, with an epicyclic gearing operatively arranged in parallel to the transmission unit, one rotational member of the epicyclic gearing being provided with a flywheel function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Van Doorne's Transmissie B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll M. Van Druten, Marc A. Mussaeus, Bas G. Vroemen, Alexander F. A. Serrarens, Pieter A. Veenhuizen
  • Patent number: 6497634
    Abstract: An infinite variable transmission with input shaft (52), planetary carrier (28), planetary pulleys (36) and planetary gears (32) with planetary axles (30) equiangularly disposed on the carrier (28). Variable pitch pulley (41) adjust a serpentine belt (38) which adjust the rotation of the planetary gears (32) to adjust the output shaft (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Veritran, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bode, A. Keith Miller, Mark R. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 6494805
    Abstract: An engine is connected to a sun gear of a planetary gear train via a toroidal type continuously variable transmission. Driven wheels of a vehicle are connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear train. The sun gear and the ring gear are connected to each other by a first clutch. A shifter can connect a second clutch connected to the engine either to a carrier of the planetary gear train or the driven wheels. When the vehicle is started when a failure of the electronic central system has occurred, by engaging the first and second clutches with predetermined engagement forces while the second clutch is connected to the carrier by the shifter, change of the ratio of the toroidal type continuously variable transmission beyond either the LOW ratio or the OD ratio is prevented so as to avoid generating an excessive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Ooyama, Kunitoshi Shibasaki
  • Patent number: 6488605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission system, especially for use in a motorized vehicle. More particularly, the present invention discloses the use of a flywheel for assisting an engine in speeding up when acceleration is requested. The flywheel (135) is coupled to an epicyclic gearing (G) having three rotational members (41, 42, 43); this epicyclic gearing (G) is further coupled to a load (L) and to an engine (E), in parallel to a transmission unit (MT; CVT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Van Doorne's Transmissie B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll M. van Druten, Marc A. Mussaeus, Bas G. Vroemen, Alexander F. A. Serrarens, Pieter A. Veenhuizen
  • Publication number: 20020173399
    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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yorinori Kumagai, Tsukasa Takahashi, Tetsuo Naraki
  • Patent number: 6447417
    Abstract: A first clutch (2) is connected to an engine (1) of a hybrid vehicle. A motor/generator (6) is connected to an output shaft (4) of the first clutch (2) through a planetary gear set (3). A second clutch (10) is provided which connects an input shaft (5) of an automatic transmission (7) to the output shaft (4) so as to move the vehicle forward, and which connects the input shaft (5) to the motor/generator (6) so as to move the vehicle rearward. The second clutch (10) preferably comprises a dog clutch. When the vehicle commences forward motion, the torque of the motor/generator which is input to the automatic transmission (7) can be increased since the planetary gear set (3) decreases the rotation speed of the motor/generator (6) and transmits it to the output shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 6358179
    Abstract: An output shaft (4) of a continuously variable transmission (2) is joined to a sun gear (5A) of a planetary gear mechanism (5), and joined to a final output shaft (6) via a direct mode clutch (10). An output shaft (3C) of a fixed speed ratio transmission (3) is joined to a planet carrier (5B) of the planetary gear mechanism (5) via a power recirculation mode clutch (9). Oil pressure supply to the direct mode clutch (10) and power recirculation mode clutch (9) is controlled by a controller (80) via a mode fixing valve (160). A cam (280) which moves in synchronism with a trunnion (23) of the continuously variable transmission (2) locks the mode fixing valve (160) in a position which shuts off oil supply to one of the clutches (9), (10) when the speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (2) is smaller than a predetermined value lcC, and releases the lock when the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission (2) is larger than the predetermined value lcC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Sakai, Toshikazu Oshidari, Hiroyuki Hirano
  • Publication number: 20010019980
    Abstract: A first clutch (2) is connected to an engine (1) of a hybrid vehicle. A motor/generator (6) is connected to an output shaft (4) of the first clutch (2) through a planetary gear set (3). A second clutch (10) is provided which connects an input shaft (5) of an automatic transmission (7) to the output shaft (4) so as to move the vehicle forward, and which connects the input shaft (5) to the motor/generator (6) so as to move the vehicle rearward. The second clutch (10) preferably comprises a dog clutch. When the vehicle commences forward motion, the torque of the motor/generator which is input to the automatic transmission (7) can be increased since the planetary gear set (3) decreases the rotation speed of the motor/generator (6) and transmits it to the output shaft (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 6258004
    Abstract: A constant output transmission apparatus operable to transform a variable RPM input to an input shaft member through the use of double planetary gear set means and the use of a low range gear and clutch assembly and a high range gear and clutch assembly to transfer output through a ring gear and carrier assembly and an output ring gear assembly to an output shaft assembly to provide a constant RPM output to an output shaft member. The variable input to the input shaft member is constantly causing rotation of an input carrier plate assembly driving input planet gear members and, concurrently, driving an input drive gear assembly. The input gear drive assembly is operable to concurrently drive a low range gear and clutch assembly and a high range gear and clutch assembly. On activation of a respective low range clutch piston or a high range clutch piston, this operates to selectively operate and rotate a respective low range clutch assembly and a high range clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas A. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20010003108
    Abstract: An output rotational driving power of the engine is split into a first split power and a second split power. The first split power is transmitted to a continuously variable speed transmission that transmits the first split power by a shearing resistance of a fluid. The second split power is transmitted to a differential planetary gear system. An output power of the continuously variable speed transmission is transmitted to the differential planetary gear system to combine the first split power and the second split power in the differential planetary gear system. A variation of a rotating speed of the output rotational driving power is absorbed by the continuously variable speed transmission to adjust an output rotating speed of the differential planetary gear system to a constant speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha and NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Goi, Koji Kawakami, Kenichiro Tanaka, Takayuki Isano, Hisashi Machida, Hiroyuki Ito, Shinji Miyata
  • Patent number: 6190280
    Abstract: A mechanical power transmission system for an engine or motor driven vehicle is disclosed. The transmission of the present invention includes an input transmission, a compound planetary transmission, and an output transmission. The compound planetary transmission includes two input and two outputs. The input transmission has a single input connected to the engine or motor of the vehicle and two outputs connected to the two inputs to the planetary transmission. The output transmission includes two inputs connected to the two outputs of the planetary transmission and one output connected through suitable gearing to the wheels of the vehicle or any other mechanism to be driven by a motoring device at various speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Joachim Horsch
  • Patent number: 6053836
    Abstract: When second rotating bodies are made eccentric, the second rotating bodies move straight in the radial direction along first rotating bodies. Therefore, the cyclically changing angular velocity of the second rotating body changes so that the side on which the angular velocity is higher than the angular velocity of the input-side rotating body and the side on which the angular velocity is lower are symmetrical to each other. Also, on both of the side on which the angular velocity is higher and the side on which it is lower, the acceleration side and the deceleration side change symmetrically to each other. On the other hand, the angular velocity of the second rotating body such that the movement direction with respect to the first rotating body is shifted 180 degrees with each other with the input-side rotating body being the center changes symmetrically with respect to the angular velocity of the input-side rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Kenji Mimura
  • Patent number: 6042497
    Abstract: A mechanical assembly is operable as a variable speed transmission. The output shaft has a rotational force at speeds variable from an input applied to an input shaft. The mechanical assembly is a transmission device using a "positive traction" effect with a differential using a speed control (control shaft or hydraulic device) of relatively small controlling power to control transmission of power from the input shaft to the output shaft. Planetary gearing at a two-to-one ratio is used to convert the speed and direction supplied by the speed control to the output axle. The power input is applied to a differential carrier by a shaft mounted opposite of and collinear to the output axle. This eliminates the ring gear and pinion normally required. The carrier of a planetary gearing is used for speed control and is connected to the control shaft by a one-to-one ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Larry T. Scott
  • Patent number: 5971883
    Abstract: A simple planetary gearset and four transfer gear pairs are combined to provide five forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios in a power transmission. Three selectively engageable clutches controlling three of the transfer gear pairs are engaged in combination with two selectively engageable friction devices controlling the simple planetary gearset to establish four of the forward speed ratios and the two reverse ratios. A fourth selectively engageable clutch, controlling the fourth transfer gear pair establishes a forward ratio numerically central of the aforementioned four forward ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Klemen
  • Patent number: 5961414
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continually variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an input shaft and the output sheave assembly supported on an intermediate shaft, a first gearset for producing forward drive low gear and a range of continuously variable gear ratios, a second gearset for producing reverse drive, a first fixed ratio drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and a ring gear of the first gearset, a second fixed drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive located in a torque delivery path between the output shaft and a front drive shaft, a transfer clutch for connecting and releasing the output sheave of the variable drive mechanism and sprocket wheel fixed to that shaft, a coast brake and forward brake for holding alternately the ring gear of the first gearset, and a reverse brake for holding the carrier of the second gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Beim, Daniel Warren McCarrick, Barry John Melhorn
  • Patent number: 5876299
    Abstract: Disclosed is an infinitely variable speed transmission, including: a speed changing mechanism for primarily changing power from an engine into a necessary speed ratio, including: a sun gear disposed on an input shaft for transmitting power generated from the engine; a plurality of planet rollers which are disposed around the sun gear at a predetermined distance from each other, each planet roller having a truncated cone-shape and being revolvable around the sun gear and rotatable about its axis; a carrier for connecting the planet rollers with each other; a movable ring disposed to be circumscribed on outer tangential line of the planet rollers and movable by moving member along a longitudinal direction of the planet rollers to change a rotational speed of the planet rollers by varying an operating diameter so that an output speed outputted through the carriers connecting the planet roller with each other can be varied; and a second speed changing mechanism for changing the output speed from the speed changin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man Shik Kim, Jeong Cheol Kim, Tae Kwan Eum, Young Deok Choi, Kyeong Hwan Kim, In Wook Yeo, Jeong Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 5803859
    Abstract: A torque converter and a planetary gear arrangement are positioned in serial power flow relation between an engine and a final drive. A continuously variable unit (CVU) is positioned for serial power flow between a torque converter clutch and the final drive. The power path of the CVU includes a direct clutch which, when engaged, connects the CVU with the output member of the planetary gear arrangement. The power flow path of the planetary gear arrangement includes a one-way clutch which permits overrunning of the planetary input member when the direct clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond James Haka
  • Patent number: 5683324
    Abstract: The toroidal continuous variable transmission for four-wheel drive automobiles distributes a greater torque to the rear wheels than to the front wheels. The torque of the first driven gear is distributed 50% each to the first output shaft and the second output shaft. The torque of the second driven gear is transmitted 100% to the second output shaft. Hence, when the front wheels are connected to the first output shaft and the rear wheels to the second output shaft, the ratio between torques distributed to the front and rear wheels is about 1:3. In the event that only the front wheels should race reducing the transmitted torque, the torque transferred to the second side gear that is not racing also decreases. The rear wheels, however, are supplied with a torque from the second driven gear and therefore can secure at least 50% of the input shaft torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Eiji Inoue, Hirohisa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5593358
    Abstract: A six speed manual transmission having a double planetary gearset consisting of two simple planetary gearsets for use in a motor vehicle. The transmission includes an input shaft, a mainshaft rotatably connected by constant-mesh gearwheels to the input shaft, and an output shaft. This assembly provides two dissimilar fixed speed ratios, with a first power path using the first fixed speed ratio and a second power path using the second fixed speed ratio. The first power path includes a first sliding synchronizer clutch, a second sliding synchronizer clutch, and a first planetary gearset. The second power path includes a third sliding synchronizer clutch and a second planetary gearset. In addition, the first and second power paths share a common brake. The transmission provides a plurality of forward speeds, a braked neutral and a reverse drive. The transmission may be applied in either front wheel or rear wheel drive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry L. Frost
  • Patent number: 5573471
    Abstract: A transmission for an off-highway implement having a plurality of selectively operable gear meshes arranged between input and output shafts of the transmission. A two-speed planetary section is coupled between the output shaft and the transmission output drive shaft. The planetary section of the transmission includes a sun gear that rotates with the output shaft, a planetary carrier that rotates with the transmission output drive shaft and has a series of planetary gears arranged in intermeshing relationship between a rotatable ring gear and the sun gear. A pair of clutch assemblies selectively condition the planetary section of the transmission and thereby influence the turning ratio between the input shaft and the transmission output drive shaft. To rotatably turn the transmission output drive shaft in a third speed ratio condition relative to the turning speed of the output shaft, a selectively operated drive system is associated with the planetary section of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir D. Shubinsky, Leslie L. Pagel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5520588
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission has two simple planetary gear sets interconnected to provide a multi-speed planetary arrangement. The planetary arrangement has input members selectively connectible by a plurality of friction clutches to a prime mover through two distinct input ratio gear sets. One member of the one of the simple planetary gear sets is selectively connectible individually with both input ratio gear sets via two of the clutches. Two additional clutches and two friction brakes are also included, whereby eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds are attainable by engaging selective combinations of the clutches or clutch and brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Hall, III
  • Patent number: 5520587
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission has two simple planetary gear sets interconnected to provide a planetary arrangement. The planetary arrangement has input members selectively connectible by a plurality of friction clutches to a prime mover through two distinct input ratio gear sets. One member of one of the simple planetary gear sets is selectively connectible with both input ratio gear sets via two of the clutches. Two additional clutches and two friction brakes are also included, whereby six forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios are attainable by engaging selective combinations of the clutches or clutch and brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Hall, III
  • Patent number: 5503605
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for a motor vehicle includes first and second (36, 30) gearsets, two concentrically arranged planetary gear units (44, 54), certain elements of which are continually interconnected, friction clutches (76, 78, 90), brake band (88), friction brake (92), and overrunning coupling (80). The input shaft of the transmission is adapted to drive elements of the planetary gear units through an underdrive gear set and an over drive gear set. A single gear wheel (57) is formed with the ring gear (48) of the first gear unit and the sun gear (56) of the second gear unit. Carriers (50, 60) of the gear units are connected to an output shaft (64), which drives output gearing (66, 68) and a differential mechanism (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Rudolf Beim
  • Patent number: 5277670
    Abstract: In a load change-over gear with infinitely variable transmission, which includes a linkage gear (1) driven by a main drive shaft (5), a control gear (2) associated with the linkage gear (1), as well as a switching or change-over gear (4) series-connected after the linkage gear (1), linkage shafts (10 and 11) can be alternately coupled to the switching gear (4). To create a variable switching logic and to save structural components of the switching gear (4), a superposition gear (3) is series-connected after the linkage gear (1) whose input shaft (14) can be coupled alternately to linkage shafts (10 and 11). Superposition gear (3), in which the main drive shaft rpm can be superposed on the rpm of the input shaft (14), in turn includes a linkage shaft (21) that can be coupled directly to a main output shaft (24) or to the switching gear (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen, AG.
    Inventor: Peter Tenberge
  • Patent number: 5267913
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes first and second simple planetary gear units, certain of whose elements are continually interconnected and certain others are releasably connected through operation of friction elements and one-way couplings. The input shaft of the transmission is adapted to drive elements of the planetary gear units through an underdrive gearset and an overdrive gearset. The various speed ratios result by either underdriving or overdriving an element of the planetary gear unit or both underdriving one element and overdriving another element. Several parallel torque delivery paths include a series arrangement of the overrunning coupling in parallel with a friction element. This arrangement permits engine braking during coast conditions when the coupling overruns. The overdrive gearset is available to produce a speed ratio without involving the planetary gear units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Rudolf Beim, George E. Lemieux, Richard D. Moan
  • Patent number: 5195402
    Abstract: A direct drive system for a baler of large round bales. A plurality of driven gearboxes, each of which has a planetary gear system and an interconnected bevel gear system, are located on a side wall of the baler and are each drivably connected to one of a plurality of transverse driven shafts of the baler. A distribution gearbox on the side of the baler is connected through a right angle gearbox to the power take-off of a tractor. Power from the distribution gearbox is distributed to the plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of lateral drive shafts. The direct drive system of the present invention replaces substantially all of the roller chain and sprocket drive system of known balers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth R. McMillen, Wallace L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5176588
    Abstract: A continuously variable drive train or power train which is a fluid mechanical drive system which is self-contained and self-controlled. It is useful as in a power equipment drive train between a power source and a transfer case, for example. It includes first and second rotatable bell housings, two fluid couplers, and a plurality of inter-connected planetary gear assemblies for transmitting rotational energy from a power source (e.g., an engine) to an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: William A. Sackschewsky
  • Patent number: 5167594
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for adjusting the angular relationship of co-axial primary and second drives while both are running comprises a double planetary gear train having a freely rotatable common sun gear (201) and first and second ring gears (213, 223) rotatable relative to each other and each coupled to the sun gear by respective sets of caged planet gears (208, 218). One ring gear (213) is normally held against rotation and the other (223) is adjustable relative thereto. The gear cages are fast with the respective drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Michael J. Egan
  • Patent number: 5151067
    Abstract: A fully automatic transmission system for a vehicle eliminates the use of hydraulic or electromagnetic valves to control speed change, and instead utilizes clutches to change shift and disconnect power transmission, to minimize power consumption during idle shift, and to prevent slipping of the vehicle during climb on an upgrade, respectively, when no power is transmitted to the vehicle wheels, and without the need to brake the vehicle. When the revolving speed of the vehicle engine is slower that that of the transmission shaft, idle rotation of the system's clutch lining connector is automatically prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Huong
  • Patent number: 5129867
    Abstract: A power transmision with a hydrostatically branched variable-displacement gear (HG), a two-stage epicyclic gear (I, II) and a mechanical 8-speed transmission that can be operated in forward and reverse, and with a control system (ST) that triggers the clutches (VV, VR, V0-V8) of the mechanical gear means such that for starting, the variable-displacement gear (HG) is shifted unbranched to the output shaft (ASW) and the clutches are each shifted in a load-free manner, and only on shifting up to 6th gear via the clutch (K5) of the 5th gear and on downshifting to a selectable 4th gear via the 4th-gear clutch (K4) a synchronization of the intermediate shaft (ZW) is effected. Starting and reversing are done by hydrostatically; the efficiency is high; the mechanical transmission factor is approximately 60; synchronization wear is low; and there are only two synchronizing clutches (K4, K5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Claas oHG
    Inventors: Nils Fredriksen, Jan-Hendrik Mohr
  • Patent number: RE38887
    Abstract: An infinite variable transmission with input shaft (52), planetary carrier (28), planetary pulleys (36) and planetary gears (32) with planetary axles (30) equiangularly disposed on the carrier (28). Variable pitch pulley (41) adjust a serpentine belt (38) which adjust the rotation of the planetary gears (32) to adjust the output shaft (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Veritran, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bode, A. Keith Miller, Mark R. Vaughn