With Means To Vary Drive Ratio Or Disconnect Drive (e.g., Brake Or Clutch) Patents (Class 475/269)
  • Publication number: 20130059694
    Abstract: A supporting structure for a planetary gear mechanism includes a planetary carrier, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The planetary carrier includes a rotation shaft and an arm portion. The rotation shaft extends in an axis direction to support a planetary gear of the planetary gear mechanism to be rotatable about a rotational axis along the axis direction. The rotation shaft includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end along the rotational axis. The first and second bearings are disposed on a first side of the planetary gear in the axis direction. The planetary carrier is radially supported by the first and second bearings without a bearing which radially supports the planetary carrier in the casing and which is provided on a second side of the planetary gear in the axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Keiichi OOISO, Jun Aoki, Yoshio Akiba
  • Publication number: 20130053205
    Abstract: The gearing has an input element (8) which is connected in terms of drive to an output element (9) via gearing elements. One of the gearing elements is a regulating element (12) with which the rotational speed of the input element (8) can be changed for passing on to the output element (9). The rotational speed of the output element (9) is increased when the rotational speed of the regulating element (12) decreases. The torque present at the input element (8) is conducted on via the regulating element (12) to the output element (9) such that the input torque is present at the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: A+M FERTIGUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Edwin Palesch
  • Publication number: 20130012349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear train unit comprising a plurality of planetary gear train stages, which are connected one after the other and which each comprise a ring gear (4, 4a, 4b), a sun gear (2a, 21, 21a) and a plurality of planet gears (3, 3a, 3b) supported on a planet carrier (5, 5a, 6), wherein the sun (2a, 21, 21a) of each following planetary gear train stage is formed by the planet gear carrier (5, 5a) of the preceding planetary gear train stage. The gear train unit comprises a drive element (2), which forms the sun gear (2a) of the first planetary gear train stage, and an output element (17), which is connected in a torsionally rigid manner to the planet gear carrier (6) of the last planetary gear train stage. The gear train unit can be shifted in such a way that either a first or a second gear ratio can be set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: BRUDERER AG
    Inventor: Josef Thomas Hafner
  • Patent number: 8342553
    Abstract: A mounting device for a bicycle having a bottom bracket planetary gear system with a sun gear or ring gear, and a bottom bracket shell positioned at the convergence of a plurality of frame parts of a bicycle frame is disclosed herein. The mounting device preferably has a control plate, a drive side bearing flange, a control input and control pawl. The control pawl blocks the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier of the planetary system of the bicycle transmission thereby transferring the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier force to the control pawl then to the control plate and then to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Patterson Bicycle Transmission LLC
    Inventor: Sam Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120302392
    Abstract: A transmission assembly has a carrier, a first sun gear, a first planetary gear, a second planetary gear and a second sun gear. The first sun gear has a number of teeth N1. The first planetary gear engages the first sun gear and has a number of teeth N2. The second planetary gear is connected to and driven with the first planetary gear and has a number of teeth N3. The second sun gear co-axially aligns with the first sun gear, engages the second planetary gear and has a number of teeth N4. One of the group of the sun gears and the planetary gears (N1,N4 and N2,N3) has the same number of teeth, and the other group of the sun gears and the planetary gears (N1,N4 and N2,N3) has a difference of the numbers of teeth at most of two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Chao-Tien Liu
  • Patent number: 8296027
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission through an unlocking state of a clutch, the transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member includes decreasing a reactive torque acting upon the clutch, including overriding torque commands to the engine and to the electric machine, and simultaneously decreasing a clutch torque capacity, including, during a lead period selected according to an engine command reaction time, commanding an intermediate clutch torque command maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed an initial reactive torque calculated at an initiation of the unlocking state, and following the lead period, decreasing through a ramp down the clutch torque capacity, maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed the decreasing reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20120252623
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a power tool having a driving motor, a spindle with a front tool and a continuously variable transmission mechanism. The driving motor is configured to output any number of output rotations. The continuously variable transmission mechanism is configured to shift the number of rotations from the driving motor in any ratio and output the shifted rotation to the spindle. The driving motor changes the number of output rotations. The continuously variable transmission mechanism changes the ratio. Both the driving motor and the continuously variable transmission mechanism serve to alter the rotational speed of the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji HIRABAYASHI, Tadasuke MATSUNO
  • Patent number: 8267831
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a gear mechanism for imparting planetary motion about a central axle to a plurality of mandrels used for holding substrates in a process bath. The plurality of mandrels are mounted to a pair of end plates, the mandrels and end plates collectively comprise a carousel that rotates about the central axle. Each mandrel is also capable of selective rotation about their own mandrel axis parallel to the central axle. The substrates are held by the mandrels at their inner apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Olsen, Lee Ping Huang, Leslie Ramsay Betin
  • Patent number: 8251859
    Abstract: A multi step transmission, of a planetary design, which has an external housing and includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. First, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets are each accommodated within the transmission housing along with third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth shafts, and at least six shift elements. The at least six shift elements comprises first and second brakes and first, second, third and fourth clutches, whose selected engagement produces different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine separate forward gears and one reverse gear can be achieved. For each of the forward and reverse gears, only three of the six shift elements are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Christian Sibla, Stefan Beck, Josef Haupt, Gert Bauknecht, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 8241171
    Abstract: A multi step transmission comprising a drive shaft, an output shaft, four planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier and a ring gear, third, four, fifth, six, seventh and eighth rotatable shafts and at least six shift elements for selectively engaging different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine forward gears and one reverse gear can be implemented. For each one of the nine forward gears and one reverse gear only three of the at least six shift elements are engaged. The sixth shaft is operatively connectable to the sun gear of the third platentary gear set via either a direct connection or a releasable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Christian Sibla, Stefan Beck, Josef Haupt, Gert Bauknecht, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 8226517
    Abstract: A speed change mechanism in which the gear ratio is selected by changing the direction of rotation of the power input includes first and second planetary gear sets enclosed within a hub shell. A DC electric motor is coupled to the sun gears of both gear sets and drives them simultaneously in the same rotary direction. In one of the gear sets the carrier arm is fixed and the ring gear is the output and in the other gear set the ring gear is fixed and the carrier arm is the output. A first one-way clutch transmits drive from an output of the first gear set to the hub shell and second one-way clutch transmits drive from an output of the second gear set to the hub shell, both clutches operating in the same direction. The outputs of the gear sets are driven in opposite rotary directions so that drive is transmitted to the hub shell either through the first gear set or the second gear set depending on the direction of rotation of the power input to provide two different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Race Sturmey-Archer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Tsai, Hsin-Yang Su
  • Patent number: 8221279
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for selectively actuating a clutch includes a first actuator ring that is moveable between a first axial position and a second axial position along a rotational axis of the clutch, and a second actuator ring that is slidably received within the first actuator ring, and that is moveable between a third axial position and a fourth axial position by the first actuator ring. The first actuator ring receives a first actuation force, and when in the second axial position, transfers the first actuation force to the second actuator ring. The second actuator ring selectively receives the first actuation force and a second actuation force, and when in the fourth axial position, transfers one of the first and second actuation forces to the clutch. The actuator assembly is included with a transmission and actuates a clutch that provides an input to a planetary gear set of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Kevin C. Beckner
  • Publication number: 20120178572
    Abstract: A transmission system is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members a plurality of torque transmitting devices, a launch clutch, and a hydraulic circuit. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20120157258
    Abstract: A transmission housing includes an inner surface and circumferentially spaced first sets of teeth spaced about an axis of the transmission housing and configured to selectively engage a first clutch plate. Each first set is attached to the inner surface. The transmission housing also includes circumferentially spaced second sets of teeth spaced about the axis of the transmission housing and configured to selectively engage a second clutch plate. Each second set is attached to the inner surface. The teeth of at least one of the first or second sets extend axially and are narrower at a first axial end of the respective teeth than at a second axial end of the respective teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Scott Patrick MEYER, Brian James Oleson
  • Patent number: 8197376
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission with nine forward gears and one reverse gear comprising four planetary gear sets, eight rotatable shafts and six shift elements. The sun gear of the first set is connected to fourth shaft which is couplable to a housing by the first brake, the carrier of the first set is connected to the third shaft, which is coupled to the housing by the second brake, which is detachably connectable to the drive shaft, via the first clutch, and via a second clutch is detachably connectable to the seventh shaft. The seventh shaft is connected to the ring gear of the second set and with the sun of the fourth set, and the drive shaft is connected to the sun of the second set and to the carrier of the third set. The sixth shaft is connected to the ring gear of the first set, the carrier of the second set and the sun gear of the third set. The ring gear of the fourth set is connected to the fifth shaft which can be coupled to the housing via the third brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Christian Sibla, Stefan Beck, Josef Haupt, Gert Bauknecht, Peter Ziemer
  • Publication number: 20120142477
    Abstract: A multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission has a transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and a ratio varying unit having a rotating input and a rotating output, the rotational axes of the input and the output being coaxial. A shunt having first and second epicyclic gear sets is connected across the ratio varying unit. One gear set has an input driven by the input shaft and an input driven by one side of the ratio varying unit and the other gear set has an input from the first gear set and an input from one side of the ratio varying unit. The gear sets rotate about a common axis and are offset with respect to, and parallel to, the rotational axes of the input and output of the ratio varying unit. A clutch is operable to selectively connect the output of the second gear set to the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Duncan Winter
  • Publication number: 20120142479
    Abstract: A transmission module 1 has an input 3 which can be connected to a drive source, and an output 5 which can be connected to a differential. The transmission module 1 further has a clutch 7 and an epicyclic gearing 21 with three rotational members, of which a first rotational member 23 is connected to the clutch housing 9, a second rotational member 25 is connected to a brake 27 and a third rotational member 29 is coupled to the output 5. A transmission 31 also forms part of the transmission module 1. Between the clutch 7 and the epicyclic gearing 21 is located a partition 45 which is connected to the transmission housing 33 while a wet space 47 is formed between the partition and the transmission housing. The actuation cylinder 15 of the clutch, the operating cylinders 48 of the brake 27, as well as the oil pipes leading to it are fixed to the partition 45 as a result of which the actuation is arranged as a single module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens, Roell Marie Van Druten, Bas Gerard Vroemen
  • Patent number: 8187140
    Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism which has at least one drive unit, at least one output unit and a freewheel unit. The freewheel unit is provided for blocking a moment which is introduced at the output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Bogner
  • Patent number: 8162085
    Abstract: A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Burchett, Kenneth D. Schoch, Kevin C. Beckner, Michael D. Foster
  • Patent number: 8157694
    Abstract: In an outboard motor having a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of an engine to a propeller, the power transmission mechanism has a transmission ratio changing unit having a planetary gear train including a sun gear, planetary gears, and an internal gear. The internal gear is connected to an input side shaft on the engine side. The planetary gears are connected to an output side shaft on the propeller side. The sun gear is connected to a stationary portion via a one-way clutch. The planetary gears and the internal gear and/or the sun gear are connected by an on-off clutch. When the on-off clutch is disengaged, the one-way clutch is engaged and the speed from the input side shaft is outputted from the output side shaft with a reduced speed. When the on-off clutch is engaged, the speed from the input side shaft is outputted from the output side shaft with the same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Nakamura, Yoshihiko Okabe
  • Patent number: 8157698
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120088625
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a planetary gear set assembly, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The planetary gear set assembly includes first, second, third and fourth members The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8152681
    Abstract: A gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles has the advantages of improving power delivery performance and reducing fuel consumption as a consequence of realizing more than eight forward speeds by combining four planetary gear sets with three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kang Soo Seo, Hyu Tae Shim
  • Publication number: 20120077634
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) responsive to a device for supplying a rotational force. The transmission comprises a planetary gear system that further comprises: a control element, an output element, and an input element caused to rotate responsive to the device for supplying rotational force. The output element is engaged with the control element and the input element. The CVT further comprises a control module comprising a controllable brake connected to the control element for allowing the control element to rotate freely, for stopping the control element and for slowing the control element to a speed between free rotation and stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Harry Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120071291
    Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Five torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Larry D. Diemer, Farzad Samie, David W. Wright, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120058854
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission device for work vehicles, said transmission device being capable of being used with high-horsepower engines, without an accompanying loss of power transmission efficiency or fuel economy. The transmission device is provided with: an input shaft (20) that transmits power from an engine (3); a continuously-variable transmission (40) that is disposed on the input shaft (20) and outputs power transmitted from the input shaft (20), steplessly converting the speed thereof; and a reversing clutch device (50) that outputs, either in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction, power outputted from the continuously-variable transmission (40). The reversing clutch device (50) can be selectively switched, and the gear ratio can be steplessly changed by the continuously-variable transmission (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Shiozaki, Takeshi Ouchida
  • Publication number: 20120046141
    Abstract: An automated system for testing a variety of transmissions and drive line gearbox components, and more particularly helicopter transmissions, for reliability, life expectancy, efficiency, and the like on a semi-automated basis. The system powers a unit under test with a pair of AC, variable speed drive motors connected to the transmission through relatively low speed gearboxes which in turn drive the input(s) of the test unit through geared cartridge spindles (GCSs) employing planetary gearset inputs driving a higher speed machine tool type spindle with an output chuck system which can automatically couple to adapters preloaded on the unit under test. Similar GCSs couple the outputs of the test unit to AC motors which act as generators to power the driving motors and thereby reduce the required electric power input to the losses in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: REDVIKING GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald W. Blankenship, Christopher Lake, David Gonyea, Kevin Harris, Matthew Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120028752
    Abstract: A flywheel module comprises a coupling unit which has an input shaft and an output shaft. This coupling unit has a first coupling of which a first coupling half can be connected to a combustion engine and a second coupling half can be connected to a continuously variable transmission. The flywheel module further comprises a flywheel unit which has an in/output and is formed by a flywheel and a reduction gear unit connected to the flywheel. This flywheel unit is exclusively connected to the in/output via the coupling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Roell Marie Van Druten, Bas Gerard Vroemen, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens
  • Publication number: 20120028751
    Abstract: A shift mechanism for a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a shift cam engaged with a planetary gear assembly in the planetary gear transmission, the shift cam having a shift cam stop, a rotatable cable ring connected to a moveable cable, the cable ring comprising a ramped portion, a rotatable ramped ring, the ramped ring comprising a ramped portion cooperatively engaged with the cable ring ramped portion, and further the ramped ring having a stop cooperatively engagable with the shift cam stop, a rotation of the cable ring urges the ramped ring a predetermined distance in a direction normal to the plane of rotation of the cable ring, the shaft cam held against rotation by engagement with the ramped ring, and at which predetermined distance the ramped ring is allowed to rotate with the cable ring simultaneous with the axial movement of the ramped ring, and a spring connected between the cable ring and the shift cam, the shaft cam reacting to the spring force rotates upon rotation of the ra
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Serkh, Dean Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110306459
    Abstract: A transmission is has an input member, an output member, two stacked planetary gear sets, a third planetary gear set, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The stacked planetary gear sets have a first, second, third, fourth and fifth member and the third planetary gear set has a first, second and third member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20110300986
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 8062163
    Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include five clutches and one brake arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20110275471
    Abstract: A switchable planetary gearbox in a hand-held power tool includes multiple planet carriers having associated planet wheels, and is to be displaced between at least two gear ratios, such that the gear ratios are to be engaged via a displaceable switching ring gear. At least three planet carriers having associated planet wheels are provided axially behind one another, such that in a position fixed with respect to the housing, the switching ring gear is rotationally coupled to the planet wheels on the second-stage planet carrier and simultaneously to the planet wheels on the third-stage planet carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Heiko Roehm, Dietmar Saur
  • Publication number: 20110263375
    Abstract: A switchable free-wheel arrangement for a CVT transmission of a motor vehicle. Clamping bodies held in a cage are disposed between an outer ring and an inner ring. Each clamping body can be pressed with a relatively high force against the inner ring by an energy accumulator. The clamping bodies can be set up in the release direction or in the clamping direction by a switching mechanism. The energy accumulator generates a relative small setup force for setting up the clamping bodies. The energy accumulator includes two torsion springs disposed on the clamping body. It can, however, also have the shape of a helical spring that surrounds the clamping bodies and engages therein in special helical spring grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lászlo MÁN
  • Publication number: 20110251008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission unit for a vehicle driven by muscle force, comprising an input shaft which can be connected to cranks on opposite sides for driving the vehicle, comprising a first partial transmission. The first partial transmission comprises a countershaft, wherein a plurality of driving gear wheels is mounted on the input shaft, and wherein a corresponding plurality of driven gear wheels of the first partial transmission is mounted on the partial transmission shaft. The driven gear wheels of the first partial transmission are designed as idler gears that can be connected to the countershaft by means of shifting means in a rotationally rigid manner. The countershaft forms an input shaft of a second partial transmission. A plurality of second drive wheels are mounted on the output shaft, wherein the second partial transmission comprises an output shaft, on which a corresponding plurality of second driven gear wheels are mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: PINION GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Schmitz, Christoph Lermen
  • Publication number: 20110233840
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Michelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, JR., Demetris P. Young
  • Patent number: 8025605
    Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20110207571
    Abstract: A switchable gear in a handheld power tool has at least two gear stages which are to be engaged via an adjustable switching member, the switching member being in a latched position via a retaining element fixedly held against a housing in a first gear stage. Furthermore, a spindle for receiving a tool may be driven via an axially spring-loaded gear wheel, the gear wheel being axially supported on the retaining element on the side opposite the switching member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Joachim Hecht, Heiko Roehm, Martin Kraus, Dietmar Saur
  • Patent number: 8002664
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20110201472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hub reduction gear (10) for a driving wheel (20) of a wheeled vehicle with a planetary gear unit, which has a sun gear (12) connectable to a drive shaft (38a, 38b), a carrier (14) for planet gears (16), which are in mesh with the sun gear (12), and a ring gear (18) being in mesh with the planet gears (16). The planet gear carrier (16) and the ring gear (18) are configured to be alternately connected to the driving wheels (20) of the vehicle and being alternately connectable to a body-fixed part (24). The invention also relates to a driveline for a multi shaft, wheel supported vehicle with a hub reduction gear (10) of planetary gear type at the driving wheels of the vehicle, wherein the planet gear carrier and the ring gear of the planetary gears on at least one side of the vehicle are configured to be alternately connected to the driving wheels of the vehicle and being alternately connectable to a body-fixed part of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: BAE Systems Hagglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Assar Christensen
  • Publication number: 20110198456
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable motorized screen mount comprising a stand (12), adapted to be placed on a floor or attached to a wall or a ceiling; a bracket (14), adapted to be attached to a screen; and a motor, arranged to rotate a motor output shaft such that, upon rotation of the motor shaft, the rotary motion is transmitted, via a mechanical transmission comprising a multi-stage hypocycloid reduction geat train, to a transmission output shaft which moves the bracket (14) relative to the stand 912).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Fieldler Innovations International AB
    Inventor: Joakim Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20110196375
    Abstract: A motor assembly for use in a surgical tool, has a motor and a gear train. The gear train has an output shaft, a fixed ring gear, a movable ring gear, a cover, and a multi-stage planetary gear set. Each gear stage has a sun gear, a carrier, and planet gears mounted on one side of the carrier. The planet gears are in mesh with a sun gear and either the fixed ring gear or the movable ring gear. The movable ring gear has inner teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface and one of the carriers has outer teeth formed on an outer peripheral surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Wai To LI, Yue Fu Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110177905
    Abstract: This invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting a driving force from a driving unit D to a driven unit F, a transmission adjustment system for adjusting the transmission system to obtain a continuous shift ratio, a guide cone system for maintaining a concentric circle of a rotation radius when a transmission element such as a chain is rotated, a guide cone/transmission adjustment system and a continuously variable transmission system which are made by combination of the above systems. The transmission system includes the transmission element with a tooth portion for transmitting the driving force from the driving unit D to the driven unit F. A transmission adjustment method in the transmission adjustment system is varied depending upon rotation or stop of a carrier. The guide cone system includes a guide cone having a portion of which comes in contact with the transmission element is formed in a shape of a cone having a constant slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Tae Soo CHOI
  • Publication number: 20110177907
    Abstract: The lockable or releasable gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output relates to a transmission structure, wherein the rotary direction of the input shaft of the gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed to make the direction of the output of the output shaft to be constant, which is characterized by releasing the lockable or releasable mechanism, the output shaft is moved reversely when reversely driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20110172049
    Abstract: A multi ratio drive including a first drive chain having a first drive chain engaged state and a first drive chain disengaged state; and a second drive chain having a second drive chain engaged state and a second drive chain disengaged state. The first drive chain drives the axle with a first gear ratio between the drive shaft and the axle when the first drive chain is in the first drive chain engaged state and the second drive chain is in the second drive chain disengaged state; the second drive chain drives the axle with a second gear ratio between the drive shaft and the axle when the second drive chain is in the second drive chain engaged state and the first drive chain is in the first drive chain disengaged state; and the first gear ratio is different from the second gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Michael L. Valesh
  • Publication number: 20110172044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a speed variation transmission device for a motor vehicle powertrain comprising an epicyclic gear train (26) with a sun gear (36) and a crown (50) connected to shaft (12) of thermal engine (10) of said vehicle, as well as a planet gear carrier (58) connected by a motion transmission track (102) to drive axle (16) of this vehicle. According to the invention, sun gear (36) and crown (50) are connected each to engine shaft (12) by a controlled coupling (28, 30) and to a fixed part (48a, 48b) of the vehicle powertrain by a one-way coupling (32, 34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Stéphane VENTURI
  • Publication number: 20110165982
    Abstract: A drive system includes a pulley, an engine, a variator including an input and an output, for varying a ratio of output speed and input speed, and a gearset driveably interconnecting the input, the output, the engine and pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 7974404
    Abstract: A system for providing power to a network interface device (NID) includes a primary power supply device (PPSD), a battery backup device (BBD), and an electrical bus connecting the PPSD, the BBD, and the NID in parallel. The PPSD is operable to power the NID. The BBD is configured to provide power to the NID in response to a power loss event, such as the PPSD failing to provide adequate power to the NID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: Dean A. Stoneback
  • Patent number: 7967718
    Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission basically includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported relative to the driver. The power transmission mechanism includes a downstream planetary gear unit and an upstream planetary gear unit disposed between the driver and the hub shell to selectively transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through one a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism is operatively coupled to the power transmission mechanism to select one of the power transmission paths. The downstream planetary gear unit includes at least a planetary gear carrier that meshes with planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hino
  • Publication number: 20110142649
    Abstract: A drive train for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor hub and one or more blades. The drive train includes a first stage carrier connected to the rotor hub. The first stage carrier includes one or more first stage planet gears that interact with a fixed first stage ring gear and a rotating first stage sun gear. A second stage planet carrier includes one or more second stage planet gears. The second stage planet carrier is rigidly connected to the first stage sun gear. The second stage planet gears interact with a rotating second stage ring gear and a non-rotating second stage sun gear. A generator includes a generator rotor and a generator stator, and the generator rotor is fixedly connected to the second stage ring gear so that both the generator rotor and the second stage ring gear rotate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Saravanan Ramanujam