With Means To Vary Drive Ratio Or Disconnect Drive (e.g., Brake Or Clutch) Patents (Class 475/269)
  • Patent number: 6173624
    Abstract: An integrated cam and shift fork assembly is disposed on a rotating shift rail. The shift fork assembly includes a cylindrical body having a helical cam at one end. Adjacent the cam end of the body is a cam follower secured to the rotating shift rail. The opposite end of the body either includes a second cam and suitably disposed cam follower or a flat surface engaged by a return spring. The rotating shift rail is driven by an electric motor through a suitable speed reducing and torque increasing drive such as a worm gear set. One or both of the aforementioned cam configurations may be utilized in a transfer case on a single shift rail to, for example, select a high or low speed range, couple the primary and secondary drive lines together or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Decker
  • Patent number: 6149543
    Abstract: A transmission compounder assembly having a one-way clutch between an input shaft and an output shaft to establish a direct-ratio drive path therebetween. A planetary gearset can be selectively engaged to establish a compound-ratio drive path between the shafts. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear, a ring gear fixed to the output shaft, a carrier fixed to the input shaft, and a plurality of planet gears rotatably supported from the carrier and meshed with both the ring gear and the sun gear. A band brake is provided for selectively braking the sun gear. A controllable overrunning clutch is mounted between the carrier and the sun gear and can be selectively shifted between a locked mode and a released mode. The compounder assembly further includes an actuator for controlling actuation of the band brake and the overrunning clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Breen
  • Patent number: 6123639
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for actuating a switch shaft (30) which is operatively connected with a switchable bottom bracket bearing gear (10) for a bicycle or the like, which shaft is arranged and held coaxially in a drive shaft (35) which is provided on at least one end with a torsionally rigidly arranged crank (1,2). In order to achieve a change in the rotational speed a first coupling member (23) is arranged on the drive shaft (35), which member is displaceable in the axial direction by means of the switch shaft (30), as a result of which the power transmission elements of the bottom bracket bearing gear (10) can be brought into form-locked and non-positive engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Florian Schlumpf
  • Patent number: 6080075
    Abstract: An actuator for a speed control device is provided. The actuator includes a motor, first and second planetary gear assemblies, and an output shaft. The motor drives a shaft on which a first pinion is mounted. The first pinion, in combination with an internal gear, causes a first planetary gear to rotate which in turn causes rotation in a first carrier supporting the first planetary gear. Rotation of the first carrier causes a second pinion disposed on an opposite side of the first carrier to rotate. The second pinion, in combination with the above-mentioned internal gear, causes a second planetary gear to rotate which in turn causes rotation in a second carrier supporting the second planetary gear. Rotation of the second carrier is transmitted to the output shaft directly or through an intermediate clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Wussow, Jose L. Arras
  • Patent number: 6076031
    Abstract: A speed ratio of a toroidal continuously variable transmission is varied by a step motor (4). The step motor (4) is responsive to a command signal Astep which a controller (61) outputs corresponding to a target speed ratio. The controller (61) is programmed to initialize the command signal Astep when it is activated while the vehicle is running (S152) such that the command signal coincides with an actual operation position of the step motor (4). The controller (61) is further programmed to limit the command signal, after performing this initialization, within a first limiting range which is narrower than a second limiting range corresponding to a physical operation limit of the step motor (4) (S168, S170). By applying such a limitation to the command signal, the command signal is prevented from exceeding the operation limit of the step motor (4) even when a torque shift error is introduced into the command signal by the initialization while the vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Takizawa, Masato Koga, Mitsuru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6033335
    Abstract: A ring gear support member is supported radially immovably on the outer circumference of an input shaft through a ball bearing. A brake hub of a reverse brake, as supported by the ring gear support member, is made movable in the circumferential direction relative to the ring gear support member and is urged to a center position by a coil spring. When the reverse brake is applied to couple the ring gear support member unrotatably to a casing, the brake hub is supported through the coil spring by the ring gear support member. As a result, the meshing vibration, as generated at the meshing portion between pinions and a ring gear, can be prevented from being transmitted to the casing through the brake hub, thereby reducing noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Hotta, Tadami Kondoh, Motonori Ohnuki, Kazuya Kubo
  • Patent number: 6030177
    Abstract: A drive system for a variable diameter rotor system that includes a plurality of rotor blade assemblies with inner and outer blade segments. The outer blade segment being telescopically mounted to the inner blade segment. The drive system engaging a jackscrew for telescoping the outer blade segment with respect to the inner blade segment. The drive system includes a rotor hub that is pivotally mounted to the upper end of a main rotor shaft about a pivot point. A gimbaled bearing is disposed between and attached to the main rotor shaft and the rotor hub. The gimbaled bearing permits the rotor hub to pivot about the pivot point. A blade actuation shaft is concentrically disposed within the main rotor shaft. The blade actuation shaft has a constant velocity joint pivotally attached to its upper end about the pivot point. A planetary gearset engages the blade actuation shaft with the jackscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Lee N. Hager
  • Patent number: 6027424
    Abstract: A short boat motor transmission is presented that is less than five inches wide. The main parts of the transmission includes a high clutch drum which contains a Belleville spring, an input ring gear and clutch plates secured at the top by a pressure containment ring and snap-ring. The input ring gear is connected directly to the motor. This ring gear is also connected to a pinion carrier and four pinion planetary gears. The output shaft of the transmission is attached to the pinion carrier. The planetary gears in the pinion carrier are connected to the inner teeth of the input ring gear and to a sun gear. The outer part of the pinion carrier may also be mechanically connected in locked position to the input ring gear by clutch plates. The sun gear is connected to a one-way locking mechanism which only allows the gear to turn in one direction. Since all of the centers of the various parts are in alignment and since the various parts are nested the transmission is very short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Roger L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6019578
    Abstract: A rotor blade actuation system is disclosed for controlling extension and retraction of an outboard blade section of a rotor blade by varying the speed and direction of rotation between a main rotor shaft and a blade actuation shaft. The rotor blade actuation system includes a drive gear on the main rotor shaft and a blade actuation drive gear on the blade actuation drive shaft. A primary drive unit is engaged with and transmits rotary motion from the main rotor shaft to the blade actuation shaft. The primary drive unit includes an input gear engaged with the drive gear. A primary drive is engaged with the drive gear through an input gear and a master clutch. An output drive is engaged with the blade actuation drive gear. A forward clutch controls engagement of a forward planetary gearset with the primary drive and the output drive. The engagement of the forward planetary gearset causes the blade actuation shaft to rotate in the same direction as the rotation of the main rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Lee N. Hager, Paul C. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 5967936
    Abstract: An automatic variable transmnission, and a hydraulic pressure control system for the same, have a structure which can be installed in both rear and front wheel drive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jong-Pil Kim, Yeong-Soo Cho
  • Patent number: 5967934
    Abstract: A planetary transmission has a plurality of axially arranged planetary gear units each including sun gears, planet gears in mesh with the sun gears, and ring gears coaxial with the sun gears and in mesh with the planet gears, the arrangement being such that one of the ring gears in each planetary gear unit is blocked from being rotated while the other ring gear is made rotatable for allowing an output to be taken out, upon which the ring gear of which rotation is blocked is made selectable for changing over the reduction ratio, and a smooth bilateral change-over of speed change can be realized by executing the change-over between rotation-blocked and rotation-free states of the ring gear by means of a one-way clutch capable of releasing the rotation blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Ishida, Koichi Hashimoto, Hidenori Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5951433
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission, a small-capacity second clutch that does not engage for reverse drive is mounted forward of a counter drive gear, and the other engaging elements of relatively larger capacity, that is, first and third clutches and first to third brakes, are disposed rearward of the counter drive gear, so that an axially extending space is formed between the counter drive gear and the second clutch, which space is utilized to accommodate a parking gear. Such an arrangement of engaging elements allows the counter shaft to be placed closer to the input shaft without the parking gear interfering with the second clutch, thereby enabling a more compact automatic transmission. Furthermore, since there is no need to relocate the counter drive gear rearward, the length of the counter shaft can be reduced, thereby enabling still greater compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Mitsutaka Ito, Takuya Ogino, Akitoshi Kato, Tokuyuki Takahashi, Masafumi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 5919111
    Abstract: A gear train for a four-speed automatic transmission used in a vehicle includes an input shaft connected to an engine, an intermediate shaft disposed parallel to the input shaft, a compound planetary gear set mounted on the intermediate shaft, an output shaft aligned with the intermediate shaft and connected to the compound planetary gear set, and plurality of brakes and clutches for selecting input and output element. The compound planetary gear set includes a first simple planetary gear set receiving power from the input shaft and a second simple planetary gear set receiving power from the input shaft, the second simple planetary gear being combined with the first simple planetary gear set in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dong Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 5879260
    Abstract: In a toroidal type continuously variable transmission including a forward/backward switching device with a planetary gear unit, a loading cam device coaxially arranged behind the switching device to receiving a torque from the planetary gear unit, a speed change unit coaxially arranged behind the loading cam device to receive a torque from the loading cam device, and a fixed wall member arranged between the switching device and the loading cam device to rotatably support the planetary gear unit, there is provided a connecting device which directly connect a sun gear of the planetary gear unit with an input part of the loading cam device to achieve a united rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., JATCO Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Yoshida, Masaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 5868644
    Abstract: A multiple-speed epicyclic transmission produces speed ratios in response to movement of a brake band among components of the gearset and subsequent engagement with the gearset component that corresponds to the desired gear ratio. The brake band is biased into engagement with a corresponding gearset component by a spring and is released from that engagement using a hydraulic or electric actuator. A cartridge moves the band to the gearset component that must be held fixed against rotation to produce the desired gear ratio. Engagement of the brake band with a brake drum or ring gear holds the corresponding gearset component against rotation on the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Beim
  • Patent number: 5868645
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission producing a gear ratio in response to movement of a gear selector lever and manipulation of a clutch pedal includes three planetary gearsets each including a sun gear, ring gear, carrier rotatably supporting a set of planet pinions in continues meshing engagement with the corresponding sun gear and ring gear, and a brake drum driveably connected to one component of each gearset and adapted for alternate engagement by a brake band. The brake band is biased into engagement with the corresponding brake drum by a spring and is released from that engagement using a clutch pedal. A shift lever moves the band to the gearset that produces the desired gear ratio. Engagement of the brake band with each of the drums holds a component of the gearset against rotation on the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Beim, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 5865289
    Abstract: A hydraulic engagement apparatus for automatic transmissions includes a high clutch and a reverse clutch disposed adjacent to each other so as not to axially overlap with each other, each clutch including drive plates engaged with an inner surface of a clutch drum. When engaged, the high clutch and the reverse clutch serve to transmit rotation of an input shaft to a high-clutch hub and a reverse-clutch hub, respectively. A high-clutch piston and a reverse-clutch piston are arranged to axially spaced relative to each other, and to be movable with respect to the drive plates of the high clutch and the reverse clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: JATCO Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 5865703
    Abstract: Multi-stage change of speed between an input shaft and an output shaft on the same axis in a casing is achieved by planetary gear systems provided in multi-stages on the same axis in the casing. Sun gears 4 of plural groups of the planetary gear systems, having different velocity ratios, are fixed to one shaft. Carriers of each group of the planetary gear systems are connected to the other shaft to rotate as one body. A braking device can brake an internal gear of each group of the planetary gear systems individually, thus causing only the planetary gear system of a desired velocity ratio to perform transmission of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Shiokawa, Shozo Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 5853344
    Abstract: Smooth driving of a vehicle is achieved by eliminating busy shift by providing a small gear ratio step between the two highest gear ranges while maintaining structural compactness of the transmission. In the second highest gear range or state, a first pinion P1 has a diameter smaller than that of a second pinion P2, both pinions P1 and P2 being coupled integrally and at least partially determining the second highest gear ratio. The gear ratio .lambda..sub.2 in the second highest gear range is described as 1+(Z.sub.S2 /Z.sub.R1).times.(Z.sub.P1 /Z.sub.P2). Since (Z.sub.P1 /Z.sub.P2) is always equal to 1.0 or less, the gear ratio can be made smaller without enlarging the diameter of the ring gear R1 significantly to decrease the gear ratio step to the highest gear range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masaaki Nishida, Kengo Nomura, Takashi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 5846153
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism disposed between an engine (2) and a transmission (3) includes an input part (10) supplied with torque from the engine (2), an output shaft (11) of the transmission (3), a planetary gear train (12) and a clutch device having clutches (13) and (14). The planetary gear train (12) has a sun gear (31), planetary gears (32) meshing with the sun gear (31), a carrier (34) carrying the planetary gears (32), and an ring gear (33) meshing with the planetary gears (32). The clutch device is operable to selectively engage and disengage portions of the planetary gear train (12) such that one of two differing power transmission paths may be used to transmit torque. One power transmission path transmits torque at a lower speed than the other transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5842944
    Abstract: To perform the change-over smoothly between a uniform velocity mode and an acceleration mode and to relieve a shock at the time of changing-over the velocity, there are provided, in an auxiliary machine driving apparatus, a plurality of planet gears (2) rotatably supported on a carrier (21) connected to an input shaft (6), an internal gear (3) which meshes with the outer circumferences of the respective planet gears (2) and rotatably supported on a stationary portion, an electromagnetic powder brake (50) for connecting/disconnecting the internal gear (3) to/from the stationary portion, an output shaft (4) having a sun gear (41) which meshes with the inner circumferences of the respective planet gears (2) so as to be rotatably supported thereby, and a one-way clutch (8) provided between the carrier (21) and the output shaft (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Morishita, Katsumi Adachi, Ryuichi Ikeda, Kyoko Kurusu, Hideki Morikaku
  • Patent number: 5836849
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transmitting torque in a motor vehicle having an automatically-shifted transmission, which uses a friction clutch rather than a known hydrodynamic converter to transmit torque. An electronic control system controls the friction clutch automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Detlef Mathiak, Rahim Pour
  • Patent number: 5823909
    Abstract: A kinematic arrangement of a multiple-speed automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes three simple planetary gear units, hydraulically actuated clutches and brakes applied and released selectively, and an overrunning clutch that produces a one-way drive connection between the sun gear of the first gear unit and a nonrotating member, such as the transmission casing. Each planetary gear unit includes a sun gear, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear, a carrier, and a set of planet pinions in continuous meshing engagement with the sun gear and ring gear and rotatably supported on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Beim, Daniel W. McCarrick
  • Patent number: 5768952
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has a reduced axial dimension and includes a mission case portion providing a mounting surface for a valve body. Forces generated by a hydraulic servo in operation of a brake are confined to the inside of a rear cover joined to the mission case. An extension protrudes from the rear cover and extends into the interior of the mission case with a multi-plate brake splined thereto. The force generated in operation of the brake is received by the cylinder as a reaction force. However, since the hydraulic servo cylinder and the extension are both integral with the rear case, the reaction force is confined to the interior of the rear cover without acting on the mission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masaaki Nishida, Kaoru Ono
  • Patent number: 5735767
    Abstract: The two-speed compounder of the present invention is adapted to be mounted to an existing transmission and includes an input adapted to be driven by the transmission output shaft, an output adapted to be connected to the vehicle's driveline, a planetary gearset operably interconnecting the input to the output, and a power transfer mechanism for selectively transferring power from the input through the planetary gearset to the output at either of the direct speed ratio or the reduced speed ratio. The planetary gearset has a first gear component driven by the input, a second gear component, and a third gear component rotatably interconnecting the first and second gear components and driving the output. When it is desired to establish the direct drive speed ratio, the first and third gear components of planetary gearset are coupled together for preventing relative rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 5735376
    Abstract: A vehicular automatic transmission, for establishing a plurality of forward gear stages, includes: a transmission case; an input shaft; a transmission mechanism connected to the input shaft and including a plurality of transmission elements; an output shaft connected to the transmission mechanism; a clutch drivably connecting any one of the input shaft and the transmission elements individually; and a hydraulic servo for applying the clutch responsive to an oil pressure. The transmission case encloses the transmission mechanism, the clutch and the hydraulic servo, and includes axial end walls, on one of which is formed a stationary cylinder for the hydraulic servo. A piston is slidably mounted in the cylinder and together with the cylinder, defines an oil chamber for receipt of the actuating oil pressure. A bearing is arranged between the piston and the clutch for transmitting the thrust force from the piston to the clutch, while allowing relative rotation between the piston and the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuzo Moroto, Takao Taniguchi, Shoichi Miyagawa, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masaaki Nishida, Satoru Kasuya, Yutaka Teraoka
  • Patent number: 5711739
    Abstract: A planetary gear transmission gear system comprises a main planetary gear train composed of a main sun gear, a main ring gear, and main planet gears. The main sun gear is driven by an input rotary shaft to rotate. A sub planetary gear train is included to have a sub sun gear, a sub ring gear, and sub planet gears, and has a different gear ratio from the main planetary gear train. The sub sun gear is connected to rotate together with the main sun gear. A common carrier supporting the main and sub planet gears is rotatable about a common center axis and is drivingly connected to rotate an output shaft. A lock mechanism releasably fixes the main ring gear in order to allow the main planet gears to rotate about the center axis as the main sun gear rotates with the main ring gear fixed. A one-way clutch is connected to permit the sub ring gear to rotate in a first direction and to prohibit the sub ring gear from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Hashimoto, Akihiro Ishibashi, Ichiro Kishi, Yosuke Ishida, Hidenori Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5700223
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for an automatic transmission of a vehicle, including: an input axle for delivering power from an engine; a main-transmission mechanism having a compound planetary gear unit for outputting the power as four speed ratios; a sub-transmission mechanism having a simple planetary gear unit for increasing a speed ratio which is output from the main-transmission mechanism as a largest speed ratio of the four speed ratios; the main-transmission mechanism including a first friction element for selectively transmitting the power from the input axle to a first sun gear of the compound planetary gear unit, a second friction element for making a second sun gear of the compound planetary gear unit as an idling element, a third friction element for selectively transmitting the power from the input axle to a planet carrier of the compound planetary gear unit, and a fourth friction element for operating the sun gear as a reacting force element; and the sub-transmission mechanism in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.
    Inventors: Seonghyon Park, Jinseong Kim, Donghoon Park
  • Patent number: 5690578
    Abstract: A planetary gear transmission has a single sun gear, two ring gears and a carrier assembly having a first pinion gear meshing with the sun gear and one ring, and a second pinion gear meshing with the first pinion gear and the second ring gear. The carrier assembly is continuously connected with a transmission output shaft. Input drive to the planetary gearing is provided through two selectively operable rotating clutches which are connectable with the sun gear and one ring gear, respectively. The sun gear and both ring gears are provided with selectively operable brakes for establishing reaction members within the planetary gear arrangement. In another embodiment of the planetary transmission, a second input drive path is provided through a third selectively operable rotating clutch which is connectable with the other ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Hall, III
  • Patent number: 5575731
    Abstract: A speed changing device for a bicycle includes a tubular shell adapted to be mounted on a bicycle frame of the bicycle, a crank axle extending axially and rotatably through the tubular shell and having two end portions that extend respectively out of the tubular shell, and a gear wheel set disposed in the tubular shell. The gear wheel set includes a connecting shaft extending transversely from an intermediate portion of the crank axle, a driving bevel gear mounted rotatably on the connecting shaft, and first and second driven bevel gears mounted rotatably on the crank axle and disposed respectively on two sides of the connecting shaft. The first and second driven bevel gears mesh respectively with the driving bevel gear, and the first driven bevel gear can be locked selectively to the tubular shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignees: Chih-Yin Chung, Thian-Chye Ho
    Inventor: Chih-Yin Chung
  • Patent number: 5525115
    Abstract: A mechanical transmission for drive wheels, especially for mobile work machines, has a sprocket keyed on a drive shaft rotatably supported to a frame, an internally-cogged crown connected to a hub of a drive wheel of a work machine, and at least one intermediate gear wheel coupled to the sprocket and the crown and rotatably supported by an intermediate member. Two gear couplings are provided, each of which is equipped with own externally-activated means for command. The gear couplings connect the intermediate member with the frame and the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Oddone Vanzini
  • Patent number: 5520591
    Abstract: A method of converting a three-speed transmission to a two-speed transmission comprises the step of replacing a plurality of steel drive discs and a plurality of friction driven discs of a multiple disc clutch with a clutch bypass. Each of the replaced plurality of steel drive discs have teeth on an outer perimeter. Similarly, each of the replaced plurality of friction driven discs have teeth on an inner perimeter. The clutch bypass, which replaces these discs, has outer teeth on an outer perimeter which match the teeth of the plurality of steel drive discs, and has inner teeth on an inner perimeter which match the teeth of the plurality of friction driven discs. The transmission is convened from a three speed transmission to a two speed transmission by eliminating first speed, so that the transmission upshifts directly from neutral to second speed. First speed is eliminated by making the transmission operate in first speed as if it were in second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Automatic Transmission Design
    Inventor: Michael J. Hohnstein
  • Patent number: 5509865
    Abstract: A planet carrier for a compound planetary gear arrangement has four side plates supporting six pinion gears. One pair of side plates, supporting three of the pinion gears, have one of the other pair of side plates disposed axially between them. This allows the pinions to be in meshing relation between adjacent side plates which are each supporting three pinions, respectively. To complete the planetary arrangement, the outer side plates are sized to permit central access at respective sun gears and outer axial access at respective ring gears. The ring gears and sun gears do not encroach upon the meshing location of the pinion gears. With the judicious use of friction clutches and brakes and two input gear sets providing ratios, the compound planetary arrangement can be controlled to provide powertrains having from five forward speeds (the four friction devices) to seven forward speeds and two reverse speeds (with eight friction devices).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Hall, III
  • Patent number: 5482512
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical hybrid powertrain uses the electric motor during engine starting. A planetary gear arrangement is disposed in torque transmitting relation between the prime mover, the electric motor and the transmission output. A pair of brake members, which are self-engaging, are provided to establish reaction members in the planetary gear arrangement during engine starting. A fluid-operated piston selectively enforces disengagement of the brakes after the engine has started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5478290
    Abstract: The present invention employs a hydraulically operable piston and intermediate member to control two clutches in a first planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set includes a first sun gear, a first planet gear, a first planet carrier and an inner ring gear. The first planet carrier includes a gear which drives a second planetary gear set resulting in rotation of a wheel hub. With hydraulic pressure applied to the piston and the intermediate member a first clutch is engaged locking an inner ring gear to a stationary outer ring effecting a high ratio reduction. With no hydraulic pressure applied to the piston and intermediate member a second clutch engages the first sun gear and the first planet carrier locking them together such that the first sun gear, first planet gear, first planet carrier and inner ring gear rotate in unison effecting a low ration reduction. With no hydraulic pressure applied, the first clutch is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Buuck, James R. Dammon
  • Patent number: 5447477
    Abstract: An electric gear motor with reduction gears and automatic brake for shutters, wherein an emergency control is provided to allow the shutter to be manually maneuvered in the event of motor brake down or loss of power. A toothed ring is normally retained in a non-rotatable position relative to the reduction gears under the influence of a yieldable leg of a spring pin. The yieldable leg is movable away from the ring to permit the ring to rotate with the reduction gears and free of a motor drive shaft in the event the motor fails to activate in a normal manner thus enabling the shutters to be manually operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Simu
    Inventors: Rene Bresson, Christophe Bresson
  • Patent number: 5358458
    Abstract: A planetary gear unit made up of a number of inter-connected co-axial three element planetary gear trains (12, 13) each including a sun (15, 19) a planet carrier (17, 21) and an annulus (14, 18). One (12) of the planetary gear trains is a dominant train with a first element (14) connected to an input member (10) of the unit and a second element (17) connected to an output member (11) of the unit. The remaining train or trains (13) of the unit are connected to the third element (15) of the dominant train to vary, by the use of associated clutches (C1, C2, C3, C4) acting between elements of the trains and ground, the direction and speed of rotation of the third element (15), thus providing a number of overall gear ratios from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Massey-Ferguson Services, N.V.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Hicks
  • Patent number: 5346442
    Abstract: A synchronized shift arrangement is disclosed for shifting a planetary-type gear reduction assembly from a low-range operating mode to a high-range operating mode. This arrangement is particularly adapted for use in vehicular power transfer devices, such as four-wheel drive transfer cases, for allowing the vehicle operator to shift "on-the-fly" from a four-wheel low-range drive mode to a four-wheel high-range drive mode without the need of stopping the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Eastman
  • Patent number: 5267915
    Abstract: A planetary drive assembly for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a wheel mounting spindle. A stationary mounting hub surrounds a portion of the spindle and is fixed to the frame of a vehicle. Wheel bearings are provided between the hub and the spindle which permit rotation of the wheel mounting spindle relative to the mounting hub. A power input shaft is axially mounted with respect to an axial opening in the mounting spindle, and a planetary gear train is provided between the power input shaft and the mounting spindle. A coupling gear is provided between the planetary gear train and the spindle which is adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the spindle to and from the planetary gear train and the power input so that the spindle is capable of being disconnected from the power source and the gear train. When the vehicle is towed, therefore, it may be towed at normal highway speeds since rotation of the spindle does not cause rotation of the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Auburn Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale L. Estabrook
  • Patent number: 5263906
    Abstract: A multi-speed mechanical automatic transmission has two planetary gear trains, each including a sun gear, planet gears mounted in a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The first planetary gear train provides low gear and direct drive; the second train modifies low gear operation of the first train to provide an intermediate gear operation. The first sun gear is fixed to an input shaft, and the first planet carrier drives an output shaft. The second planet carrier is coupled to rotate the first ring gear in one direction, and free wheels or selectively actuated friction brakes prevent rotation of the first and second ring gears in the opposite direction. The first planetary train has helical gears, and a direct drive clutch selectively couples the first ring gear to the first planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive North America B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5190503
    Abstract: Weight and complexity concerns in geared rotary actuators and stop mechanisms for aircraft or the like may be minimized in the structure including a housing (18) adapted to be fixed to another structure, a rotatable input shaft (14) journalled by the housing (18), an output shaft (22, 28) journalled by the housing and a coupling between the input shaft (14) and the output shaft (22, 28) including at least one rotatable gear (42). The system includes a mechanical sensor (66) for sensing when the gear (42) has rotated close to an overtravel position and a first stop element (82) is associated with the input shaft (14) to be rotatable therewith. A second stop element (80) is movable into interfering relation with the first stop element (82) to stop rotation thereof and is carried by a gear part (19). Also included is an actuator (60, 62, 68, 70, 72) responsive to the sensor (66) for moving the second stop element (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Russ
  • Patent number: 5106353
    Abstract: A variable transmission is disclosed. An input shaft for rotational input has a first gear securably mounted at the terminal end of the input. A cross shaft is spaced apart from the terminal end of the input shaft and a second gear is securely mounted at the second end of the cross shaft with the second gear in direct mechanical communication with the first gear. A fifth gear with a hub is rotatably mounted on the input shaft. A third gear is securably mounted at the first end of the cross shaft with the third gear being in direct mechanical communication with the fifth gear. An output shaft terminates in a fourth gear with the fourth gear positioned opposite the fifth gear and in direct mechanical communication with the third gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Jong O. Ra, Joon Y. Lim
  • Patent number: 5059161
    Abstract: Rotational control apparatus in the form of fan clutches (C) are disclosed including a first, friction disc portion (12) splined on a hub (20) and rotatably mounted on a shaft (24). The friction disc portion (12) is reciprocal between a first position rotatably related to the facing (52) of a sheave (50) rotatably mounted on the hub (20) and a second position rotatably independent of the sheave (50). A second friction disc portion (212) is splined on the hub (20) and is reciprocal between a first position rotatably related to the facing (252) of a second sheave (250) rotatably mounted on the hub (20) and rotating at a different rotational speed than sheave (50). By selective engagement of the friction disc portions (12, 212), the hub (20) will be rotated on the shaft (24) at either the rotational speed of the first sheave (50) or the second sheave (250). In another form, a second, friction disc portion (112) is rotatably mounted on a reciprocal piston (100) and rotatable relative to the hub (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Horton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Bredt
  • Patent number: 5055097
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical rotary drive providing by electrical switching an output shaft speed change by substantially equal small steps. The drive includes an epicyclic differential transmission, with two or more members coupled individually to constant speed a.c. motor(s) all driving through a simple externally power transmitting member which has a base speed or speeds attributable to each coupled member, and an actual speed having combinations of its base speeds for forward, reverse, and zero speed operation of the coupled members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Samuel R. Wood
  • Patent number: 5049116
    Abstract: A speed changing gear device for a motor vehicle, including a first and a second single-pinion type planetary gear unit and a third double-pinion planetary gear unit, which are coaxially disposed so as to provide different speed reduction ratios. The three gear units have respective first, second and third sun gears, respective first, second and at least one pair of planetary pinions, respective first, second and third ring gears, and respective first, second and third carriers. The first and third ring gears are fixed to each other for rotation as a unit, or connectable to each other by clutch means. The first sun gear and the second ring gear are fixed to each other or connectable by clutch means. The second and third carriers are fixed to each other or connectable to each other by clutch means. The second and third sun gears are fixed to each other or connectable by clutch means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Asada
  • Patent number: 5045036
    Abstract: An electromagnetic speed change apparatus is effective to shift a sleeve from a first speed position to a second against the bias of a spring. In a preferred form, the apparatus includes an armature fixed to a shifting sleeve for rotation and axial movement therewith, one end of the shifting sleeve splined to an output shaft, the opposite end of the shifting sleeve selectively engagable with an internally splined aperture positioned in one end of an input shaft or with an internally splined carrier aperture axially spaced from the input shaft end. The shifting sleeve has a minor diameter portion and a major portion larger than the minor portion. The major portion is piloted by a support member disposed in the end of the input shaft. In a preferred form, a neck bridges the major and minor diameter portions of the sleeve, and provides a limit to axial movement of the shifting sleeve whenever the neck comes into contact with the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Reuter, Paul A. Larson
  • Patent number: 5019023
    Abstract: An electrically powered tool such as a drill has a gear holder drivable by a motor shaft and having a larger-diameter gear and a smaller-diameter gear, a transmission shaft rotatable by the gear holder for rotating an output shaft, the transmission shaft having a splined disc having first splines, a high-speed gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft and held in mesh with the larger-diameter gear, the high-speed gear having second splines, a low-speed gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft and held in mesh with the smaller-diameter gear, the low-speed gear having third splines, a pair of springs for normally urging the high- and low-speed gears to be axially held against opposite surfaces of the splined disc, and a clutch plate having internal axial teeth and axially slidably mounted on the splined disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hideki Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 4995861
    Abstract: A compact gearing arrangement in a transmission which can be shifted accurately with simple components and where strain on the step-down gearing components by high centrifical forces is largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Mannesman Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Erlbruch
  • Patent number: 4938738
    Abstract: A two-speed drive arrangement has input and output shafts operatively interconnected by a clutch and a planetary gear arrangement. The clutch us selectively movable to three positions to establish the direct drive, bypassing the planetary gear arrangement, a reduction drive through the planetary gear arrangement and a neutral condition. In both the neutral condition and the direct drive, the planetary gear arrangement is free of direct rotary influence from the input and output shafts and components thereof may remain stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Walter K. Fuelberth, Andrew Fedor, Jr., Richard J. Murphy