With Means To Vary Drive Ratio Or Disconnect Drive (e.g., Brake Or Clutch) Patents (Class 475/269)
  • Publication number: 20090250307
    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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Kevin C. Beckner
  • Publication number: 20090221391
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously or infinitely variable transmissions (C/IVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a C/IVT. In another embodiment, a lubricant manifold is adapted to cooperate with the main axle of the C/IVT to supply lubricant to the interior of the C/IVT. Embodiments of a drivetrain housing and housing cover plate are adapted to house components of a C/IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the C/IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the C/IVT. Shift control interfaces for a C/IVT are disclosed that include, for example, a shift actuation subassembly having a translatable and rotatable shift pin collar. Mechanisms that facilitate shifting of the C/IVT are disclosed that include a shift rod and shift cam adapted to supply lubricant to the interior of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Bazyn, Jeremy Carter, Charles B. Lohr, Curtis Malone, Loren T. McDaniel, Peter D. Poxton
  • Publication number: 20090203479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle transmission device which, in order to form a plurality of gears, forms a Lepelletier transmission, wherein at least one torsional damper is provided in the Lepelletier transmission, and also to a motor vehicle drivetrain having a motor vehicle transmission device of said type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Thorsten KRAUSE, Jan LOXTERMANN
  • Publication number: 20090118056
    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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20090118057
    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 a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090118055
    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 a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20090069140
    Abstract: An arrangement is proposed for a planetary gearset (2) with an axially adjacent shift element in a housing (1) of a transmission of a vehicle, such that the planetary gearset (2) is connected to the shift element for torque transfer, and such that a non-destructively detachable connection is provided between the shift element and the planetary gearset (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSCHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Gerhard HOCKL
  • Publication number: 20090069141
    Abstract: An arrangement of a planetary gearset (2) with an axially adjacent shift element in a housing (1) of a transmission of a vehicle. The planetary gearset (2) is connected to the shift element in a detachable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter ZIEMER, Hermann Maier, Jorg Brockstieger
  • Publication number: 20090065274
    Abstract: A hybrid driving unit (7) is mounted to a vehicle by coupling a coupling section (14d) at the front end of a casing member (14) with an internal combustion engine (5) and by mounting a mounting section (14c) at the rear end of the casing member (14) to a part (4a) of a body (4). Still more, a first electric motor, i.e., a heavy device, is disposed in the rearmost part among a power splitting planetary gear, a second electric motor and a transmission disposed on an axis (13) in the casing member (14). Thereby, the vibration occurring in the casing member (14) is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicants: AISIN A W CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seigo KANO, Kenji Omote, Satoru Wakuta, Tomochika Inagaki, Masatoshi Adachi, Masahiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 7491148
    Abstract: A kit for improving the repair of a transmission. The kit presents components in a well organized fashion. The kit includes certain individual components and groups of components in preassembled subassemblies. For example, a subassembly can be preassembled to factory level tolerances. Thus, during the repair, the defective, subassembly can be removed and the preassembled replacement can be installed, saving a significant amount of repair time. It also makes the refurbished transmission less likely to fail. If the kit contains all of the transmission parts, then it is likely that all or only a portion of the parts will be used during the repair. Any unused parts can then be placed back into the kit, along with the used parts, and the kit can be returned for a partial refund or a credit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Autocraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Miles, Barry Eugene Wilson, Michael Joseph Standifer
  • Publication number: 20090036260
    Abstract: A transfer case comprising a rotational input member, a rotational output member, a rotational planetary gear portion operatingly engaged between the input member and the output member, a moveable cam member selectively engagable with the planetary gear portion, whereby the rotation of the planetary gear portion is stopped when the cam member is engaged with the planetary gear portion, the rotational direction of the output member is in the same direction as the input member when the cam member is not engaged with the planetary gear portion, and the rotational direction of the output member is opposite the rotational direction of the input member when the cam member is engaged with the planetary gear portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Andrzej Dec
  • Patent number: 7485066
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for transferring power flow from a multidisplacement engine to a transmission. The device includes an enclosed housing having a first shell on the engine side, a second shell on the transmission side, with the housing at least partially filled with oil and connected to an external oil pump. The device also includes a planetary gear set comprising an outer ring gear, a set of intermediate planet gears contained within a planet carrier, and a sun gear attached to a stator, a first clutch pack connecting the housing and the ring gear when engaged, a piston means designed to engage the first clutch pack, and a second clutch pack which connects the ring gear with the sun gear when engaged. A preloaded diaphragm spring connects the second clutch pack with the ring gear. First and second damper spring assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: George Bailey, Michael Davis, Philip George, Jeffrey Hemphill, Patrick Lindemann, David Smith, Michael G. Swank
  • Publication number: 20090005210
    Abstract: A multi-speed internal bicycle hub transmission assembly includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift control mechanism. The driver and the hub shell are rotatably supported to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell. The shift control mechanism includes a shift controller and a positioner. The shift controller is movable in rotational directions relative to the hub axle to a plurality of orientations. Each orientation of the shift controller corresponds to selection of a corresponding one of plurality of power transmission paths of the power transmission mechanism. The positioner is non-movable in the rotational direction relative to the hub axle and is biased into contact with the shift controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Fukui, Shinji Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20080305911
    Abstract: A transmission includes four planetary gearsets and five torque transmitting devices operative to provide eight forward speed ratios. At least one of the torque transmitting devices is engaged during two different speed ratios. The torque transmitting device includes a piston partially defining two separate and independently pressurizable chambers. Accordingly, the transmission enables both chambers to be pressurized for speed ratios in which a high torque capacity is required of the torque transmitting device, and only one of the chambers to be pressurized for speed ratios in which a low torque capacity is required of the torque transmitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, John E. Marano, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20080254932
    Abstract: The invention concerns an automated motor vehicle shift transmission (1) with an input shaft, an output shaft and several selectively engaged gears, the input shaft (W1) being connected to a drive motor (M) via an engine clutch (K) that can be engaged and disengaged. To avoid an interruption of the traction force during a shift process, a controllable friction clutch is provided as a change-under-load clutch (K5) to connect the input shaft (W1) directly to the output shaft (W3, W4) when necessary. The invention also concerns a method for controlling the gearshifts of an automated motor vehicle shift transmission comprising an input shaft, an output shaft and several selectively engaged gears, and in which the input shaft is connected to a drive motor via an engine clutch that can be engaged or disengaged, such that in a shift process between a loaded gear that is engaged and a target gear to be engaged, the engine clutch remains closed during the gear change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann
  • Publication number: 20080242471
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has four planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms packaged in at least one of six possible zones within the transmission casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20080242470
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission includes an input, an output, a first gear unit drivable connected to the input and including a component rotating at the speed of the input and a first gear unit output, the first gear unit producing a gear ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of the first gear unit output, a planetary gear unit including a modified Simpson gearset, the gear unit being secured to first, second, third, fourth and fifth rotating members, the fifth member being secured to the output for rotation therewith, a first clutch being operable to connect the first rotating member and the first gear unit output, a second clutch being operable to connect the second rotating member and the first gear unit output, a third clutch being operable to connect the third rotating member and an element rotating at a speed of the input, a fourth clutch being operable to connect the fourth rotating member and said element rotating at the speed of the input, a first brake being operable to hold the fourth rot
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Steven G. Thomas, Donald E. Hoffman, Gregory D. Goleski
  • Publication number: 20080227585
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism transferring a power output from an engine to a propeller includes a transmission planetary gear train that transforms the output power of the engine before it is transferred to the propeller. The transmission planetary gear train includes a transmission sun gear, a transmission double planetary gear set, and a transmission internal gear, in which the transmission sun gear is connected via the first clutch to the input end shaft extending into the engine, and the transmission sun gear is also connected via the second one-way clutch to the housing. In addition, the transmission double planetary gear set is connected via the second clutch to the input end shaft extending into the engine, and the transmission double planetary gear set is also connected via the first one-way clutch to the housing. Further, the transmission internal gear is connected to the output end shaft extending toward the propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA MARINE KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiko OKABE
  • Publication number: 20080227584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission assembly having a clutch housing, a gear arrangement disposed within the clutch housing, and a fixed component coupled to the clutch housing. A brake having a housing and a hub is also included. The housing is coupled to the fixed component and the hub is coupled to the gear arrangement. The brake is disposed external to the clutch housing and cooperates with the gear arrangement to provide at least one forward or reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick R. POSKIE, Elizabeth I. WOODEN, Scott H. WITTKOPP, James W. HAYNES
  • Publication number: 20080227586
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and tree fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20080220927
    Abstract: An automatic transmission including a first number of dry clutches; a second number of brakes; a third number of actuators; and transfer elements. The transfer elements are connected to respective clutches and brakes by respective uninterruptible mechanical paths. The actuators are arranged to displace respective transfer elements to operate the dry clutches and brakes. The third number is less than a sum of the first and second numbers. The transmission can include an input to a drive unit; a gear set; a damper connecting the drive unit and gear set; and an uninterrupted torque path between the drive unit and gear set. The transmission can include: a fluid chamber; dry portions; a six speed gear set at least partly in the chamber; three shafts at least partially disposed in the chamber; and three sealing elements forming a fluid-tight seal among the shafts, chamber, and dry portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Edmund Maucher, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Publication number: 20080207373
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and multiple additional planetary gear sets as well as at least four torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish a reverse electrically-variable operating mode, at least three forward electrically-variable operating modes, including two low range forward electrically-variable modes and a high range forward electrically-variable mode
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Brendan M. Conlon
  • Publication number: 20080200298
    Abstract: A forward and rearward motion switching device to be used in an automatic transmission system for a vehicle, comprises a planetary mechanism provided with an input element, an element to be fixed and an output element which are disposed coaxially and are rotatable relative to each other, the planetary mechanism outputting a rotational driving force of an internal combustion engine transmitted to the input element as a rotational driving force in the reverse direction to the rotation of the input element from the output element through the input element, the element to be fixed and the output element, and a brake capable of fixing the element to be fixed of the planetary mechanism. The brake comprises a rotational drum which is integrally formed with the element to be fixed and has an outer peripheral surface, and a brake band that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the rotational drum to fix the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Moriya SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20080182704
    Abstract: A multiple-speed automatic transmission includes an input, output, a first gear unit drivable connected to the input and including a component rotating at the speed of the input and a first gear unit output, the first gear unit producing a gear ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of a first gear unit output, the gear ratio being greater than unity, and a Ravigneaux gear unit for producing multiple ratios of the speed of the input and a speed of the output, the Ravigneaux gear unit being driveably connected to first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rotating members and the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Steve G. Thomas, Donald E. Hoffman, Gregory D. Goleski
  • Publication number: 20080182705
    Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20080167157
    Abstract: An automatic transmission assembly is constructed or modified to minimize effects of wear thereon and maximize its operational life. The assembly includes a transmission case and has a modified ring-shaped center support that is to be secured against rotation within the transmission case. A center support plate, which is attachable to and detachable from the ring-shaped center support, includes protrusions thereon that engage between cooperating protrusions defined on the transmission case to secure the ring-shaped center support against rotation within the transmission case. The invention is particularly useful when the modified ring-shaped center support is a worn, original equipment support that has deteriorated in function. A process of modifying an automatic transmission assembly is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Axiom Automotive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Creighton, Scott Dalenberg, Grady Jackson Smith
  • Publication number: 20080161150
    Abstract: A power tool with a housing, a motor, an output spindle and a transmission assembly with a transmission and a speed selector. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary transmission stages that couple the motor to the output spindle. The speed selector includes only one switch member that is slidably movable between three positions to cause the transmission to operate in a corresponding number of speed ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Todd A. Hagan, Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne
  • Publication number: 20080155974
    Abstract: An engine suitable for a motor vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, and a related transmission is provided. The transmission is provided with a hydrostatic device and a planetary transmission leading to a driven shaft. In order to optimize the engine with regard to construction and function the hydrostatic device of the transmission cooperating with the internal combustion engine is in an effective connection to the planetary transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Hofer Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH Co KG
    Inventors: Heinz Aitzetmueller, Dieter Stoeckl, Reinhard Flachs, Johann Paul Hofer, Markus Hofer
  • Publication number: 20080132374
    Abstract: A transmission used in a hybrid vehicle comprising a planetary gear set and a synchronizer. The planetary gear set having a plurality of members and the synchronizer coupling and decoupling one of the members to change a speed ratio in the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Publication number: 20080108472
    Abstract: A eight-speed powertrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle combining four simple planetary gear set with a plurality of clutches and brakes to realize seventh forward speed or eighth forward speed and two reverse speeds can improve power delivery performance and reduce fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Kang Soo Seo
  • Patent number: 7344470
    Abstract: A power transmission incorporates an input planetary gearset and an output planetary gearset, which are interconnected by a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish at least seven forward speed ratios. The input planetary gearset has one member selectively connected with the input shaft and another member continuously connected with a stationary member. The output planetary gearset has one member continuously connected with the output shaft and a plurality of the members interconnected either with a stationary member through the torque-transmitting mechanisms or with the third member of the input planetary gearset to the torque-transmitting mechanisms, or with the input shaft through a torque-transmitting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Adolf, Cyrille Bridier, Matthieu Rihn
  • Publication number: 20070254766
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, which are arranged in parallel on a first output shaft and a second output shaft, respectively. An input shaft is connectable with a first ring gear through first input drive and driven gears of the input shaft and the first output shaft, being connectable with a second pinion carrier through a second input drive and driven gears of the input shaft and the second output shaft. The first output shaft is connectable with a first pinion carrier, the second output shaft being connectable with a second ring gear. A second pinion carrier is fixable to a transmission case. The first and second sun gears are connectable with the input shaft through the first input drive and driven gears and through the intermediate gear, being fixable to the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 7223199
    Abstract: Transmission systems are disclosed which include a dual sunwheel system having an output sunwheel (70) and a control sunwheel (80). A planet cage (18) is arranged around the dual sunwheel system and includes a planet gear (62) in mesh with the sunwheel (70) and a planet gear (64) in mesh with the sunwheel (80). The planet gears (62, 64) are coupled to one another. The drive ratio of the transmission is controlled by controlling the cage (18) or the control sunwheel (70). The speed of rotation of the input (22), output (20) and control sunwheel (70) are sensed by sensors (90) and control signals are generated to control a control device to thereby control the rotation of planet cage (18) or the control sunwheel (80) to thereby set the drive ratio of the transmission. The control devices can include a motor, one or more magnetic powder clutches, a variable centroid system and a mechanical pitch transfer gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Aimbridge Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Eric P. Willmot, Lance Pidgeon
  • Patent number: 7192377
    Abstract: The powertrain includes an arrangement of three single planetary gearsets to form six operational elements, among which a first operational element that always operates as an input element. A second operational element selectively operates as an input element and a stationary element. A third operational element selectively operates as an input element. A fourth operational element selectively operates as a stationary element. A fifth operational element always operates as an output element. A sixth operational element selectively operates as a stationary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyu Tae Shim
  • Patent number: 7163482
    Abstract: Antifoam compositions for functional fluids contain antifoam agents comprising perfluoropolyether compounds (PFPE). An automatic transmission fluid is provided containing the antifoam composition in a lubricating base oil, along with conventional additives such as antiwear agents. Automobile transmissions are provided that contain an automatic transmission fluid containing the new antifoam compositions. In a further embodiment, methods are provided for reducing foam in an engine oil or unwanted noise in an automobile transmission during operation, comprising lubricating the engine or transmission with a lubricating fluid containing the antifoam compositions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Reuben Sarkar, Brent D. Calcut, Thomas J. Chapaton, Marie-Christine G. Jones
  • Patent number: 7101301
    Abstract: A simple planetary gear arrangement is provided for a transfer case. The transfer case includes a carrier connected to the transfer case input. The ring gear is connected with a rear axle. The sun gear is connectable with a front axle through a clutching arrangement including a one-way clutch and a dog clutch in parallel. The one-way clutch and the dog clutch are independently engageable. The sun gear is selectively groundable through a friction clutch. Accordingly, the simple planetary gear set functions as a gear ratio producing device when the friction clutch is engaged, and as a center differential when the dog clutch or one-way clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 7090608
    Abstract: A wheel transmission for a heavy construction vehicle, which can be applied to specially-equipped vehicles as well as heavy construction vehicles such as a forklift truck and a mechanical shovel. The wheel transmission (200) is intended to drive a pair of right and left wheels independently, and includes a planetary gear assembly (210), a change clutch part (230), a one-way clutch part (300), and a brake part (270) housed in an axle hub at which opposite ends of a drive axle shaft are located, turning force from an engine of a heavy construction vehicle being transferred to the drive axle shaft through a torque converter, a driving shaft, a final reduction gear and a differential gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Wooyoung Hydraulics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Woo Han
  • Patent number: 7083542
    Abstract: An internal hub transmission for a bicycle comprises a drive member rotatably supported around a hub axle, a hub body rotatably supported around the hub axle, a planetary gear mechanism disposed in a force transmission path between the drive member and the hub body that communicates rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through a plurality of power transmitting paths, and a clutch member that controls the planetary gear mechanism. A one-way clutch mechanism is disposed in a force transmission path between the drive member and the clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Itou, Tetsuya Hino
  • Patent number: 7052432
    Abstract: The present invention provides a powertrain of an automatic transmission that includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set has first, second, and third operational elements that occupy sequential positions in a lever diagram. The second planetary gear set has fourth, fifth, and sixth operational elements that occupy sequential positions in the lever diagram. The third planetary gear set has seventh, eighth, and ninth operational elements that occupy sequential positions in the lever diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Sool Park
  • Patent number: 6997843
    Abstract: In a shift control apparatus for an automatic transmission, there is provided a target speed change permitting means which; at the time of a dual changeover shift which is a shift from an Nth speed achieved by bringing a first friction element and a second friction element to an engagement state, to an (N-?)th speed achieved by engaging a third friction element and a fourth friction element, and which has at least one intermediate speed, between the Nth speed and the (N-?)th speed, achieved by engaging the second friction element and the third friction element; checks a driver's shift intention again at the time of attainment of the gear ratio corresponding to the intermediate speed, and permits the target speed to be changed to the speed according to the driver's intention when the target speed is different from the (N-?)th speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventor: Yuuji Saitou
  • Patent number: 6991577
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6979275
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes at least an auxiliary transmission for supplementing a main transmission. The auxiliary transmission includes a damper which has a damper characteristic adapted to a low speed select state of the auxiliary transmission, and which is disposed in a low speed transmission path used for transmission of torque in the low speed select state of the auxiliary transmission. The auxiliary transmission further comprises a bypass member defining a bypass transmission path bypassing the low speed damper. The bypass transmission path is a torque path used for transmission of torque in a high speed select state of the auxiliary transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryozo Hiraku, Shin Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6955627
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission capable of producing five underdrive gear ratios, one direct drive ratio, four overdrive ratios, and four reverse ratios includes four interconnected planetary gearsets, multi-plate clutches and brakes controlling the gearset elements, and a coupler that changes between forward drive and reverse drive by holding and releasing alternate gearset components against rotation on the transmission case. The transmission in combination with a single-speed transfer case having either an on-demand transfer clutch, or a full-time all-wheel drive system, are formed in an integrated package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Thomas, Matthew Hammond
  • 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: 6926634
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided for a vehicle having front and rear axles. The transfer case includes a planetary gear set with first, second and third members. The first member is continuously connected with the front axle and the second member is continuously connected with the rear axle. An input shaft is selectively connectable with the first, second or third member. The transfer case provides rear-wheel drive when the second member is connected with the input shaft, all-wheel drive when the third member is connected with the input shaft, and front-wheel drive when the first member is connected with the input shaft. It is important that the specific members of the planetary gear set be chosen so the absolute value of the torque of the third member is equal to the sum of the absolute value of the torques of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 6913556
    Abstract: A compact longitudinal transmission has an input shaft rotatably supported in a front end wall, an output shaft rotatably supported in a rear end wall, and a housing interconnecting the front end wall and the rear end wall. Three planetary gearsets disposed within the housing are controlled by five torque-transmitting mechanisms including four friction disc or plate mechanisms and one band mechanism. The band mechanism being disposed radially outboard of the rearmost one of the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paula J. Armstrong, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 6857983
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for limiting a torque output of the power tool. The clutch assembly includes an annular rotatable clutch member, which is coupled to the ring gear of a planetary gearset in a transmission, and an engagement assembly. The clutch member has a clutch face with a predetermined clutch profile. The engagement assembly has at least one follower member that abuts the clutch member and cooperates with the clutch profile to inhibit rotation of the clutch member relative to the follower member only when the magnitude of the torque output of the power tool is less than a predetermined maximum torque. The clutch face on the clutch member is located between the opposite axially ends of the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 6852060
    Abstract: A planetary gear assembly comprising a primary array (2) of co-axial planetary gear sets and a secondary array (3) of co-axial planetary gear sets, planetary gear set being provided with an associated gear engagement means (21), the arrangement being such that in use each planetary gear set and the associated gear engagement means are arranged for relative translational movement which is substantially parallel to the axis of the respective array of planetary gears and a rotational input drives a selected primary gear set which is engaged with the associated gear engagement means, the rotational output of the engaged primary gear set (2) being transmitted through the associated gear engagement means (21) to gear engagement means which is engaged with the associated selected secondary gear set (3), the output from the selected secondary gear set being transmitted to rotational output means (18, 49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Adrian Ash
  • Patent number: 6837822
    Abstract: An improved structure of a gear cluster for a bicycle having a crankset mounted with a crankshaft provided with a planetary gear module, wherein the planetary gear module includes a big wheel and a small wheel section and the planetary gear module drives an inner gear module mounted onto a gear plate, One lateral side of the crankshaft is provided with a driving structure including a second driving wheel and a third driving wheel engageable with the big and small wheels and the crankshaft is provided with a regulating structure for the positioning of the driving structure. The regulating structure includes two sets of a second and a third ratchet blocks for the positioning or free rotating of the second and the third driving wheels. The regulating structure is provided with a triggering structure to act on different ratchet block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Chin Fu Wu
  • Patent number: 6835157
    Abstract: A planetary transmission has a plurality of torque-transmitting synchronizer mechanisms that are controlled to engage and disengage positions. The control of the torque-transmitting synchronizer mechanisms is accomplished through a plurality of cam slots and control rods that are disposed between a control mechanism and each of the torque-transmitting synchronizers to enforce engagement and disengagement of the synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka