Abstract: The invention combines the features of a supercharger, a turbocharger and turbo-compounding into one system, utilizing a hydraulic or mechanical continuously variable transmission to drive the turbocharger up to a specific speed or intake manifold pressure and then holding the ideal speed to keep it at the right boost pressure for the engine condition. The benefits of a supercharger, which is primarily good for high torque at low speed, and a turbocharger, which is usually only good for high horsepower at high speeds are merged. Once the exhaust energy begins to provide more work than it takes to drive the intake compressor, the invention recovers that excess energy and uses it to add torque to the crankshaft. As a result, the invention provides the benefits of low speed with high torque and the added value of high speed with higher horsepower or better fuel economy all from one system.

Abstract: A hybrid driving unit in which a first electric motor (20), a second electric motor (23), a transmission (22) and a power splitting planetary gear (21) are disposed in order from the front side (the side of an internal combustion engine) on an axis within a casing member (14). Since the first electric motor (20) and the second electric motor (23) are disposed adjacently to each other, partial cases for storing these first and second electric motors (20) and (23) may be combined, thus facilitating the accommodation for producing the unit in series.

Abstract: A method for controlling and regulating a power train of a hybrid vehicle and a power train of a hybrid vehicle having one internal combustion engine, one electric machine, one shifting element and one output in a power flow of the power train and designed with continuously variable transmitting capacity and one clutch device and the internal combustion engine. The electric machine can be operatively interconnected via the clutch device, the hybrid vehicle being optionally driveable via the electric machine and/or via the internal combustion engine and the internal combustion engine can be started via the electric machine. In the operation of the power train, the transmitting capacity of the shifting element during the starting operation of the internal combustion engine is adjusted so that on the output of the power train, a torque abuts which is independent of the starting operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus comprises a rotation transmission mechanism 4 which connects a first shaft 3 connected to an operating member 2 with a second shaft 5 connected to vehicle wheels 9 so as to enable the rotation to be transmitted. An actuator 61 rotatably drives one of a plurality of rotation transmission elements in the rotation transmission mechanism 4. The control device 65 has a steady control mode in which the actuator 61 is controlled such that the rotation speed of one of the rotation transmission elements becomes equal to the determined rotation speed of the first shaft 3. The rotation transmission ratio becomes 1 when the rotation speed of one of the rotation transmission elements becomes equal to the rotation speed of the first shaft 3.

Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle structured so as to be able to attain an interrupting state of inertia of a drive motor under a predetermined condition. Therefore, the drive unit for a vehicle has a drive motor able to transmit driving force to a drive wheel, and an operation lever for selecting a shift range for switching the drive motor between drive and non-drive. Further, the drive unit for a vehicle has a control section having a shift position detector for detecting the shift range selected by the operation lever. The drive unit for a vehicle also has brakes for attaining a neutral state by interrupting the power transmission between the drive motor and the drive wheel when the selection of a parking range is detected by the shift position detector.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism has an electric motor apply apparatus. The electric motor is operable to control a drag torque on a rotatable plate for a torque-to-thrust apparatus. The control of the rotatable plate by the electric motor and drag torque results in a thrust force being applied to the torque-transmitting mechanism such that the torque-transmitting mechanism is conditioned to transmit torque between two members of a power transmission.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission system, driven by a prime mover, includes two epicyclic gearsets connected between input and output shafts, and two electrical machines having their rotors connected to respective elements of the two gearsets. The torque on the output shaft is boosted by a controller, which dumps energy from the system when one of the machines is acting as a generator and the other as a motor.

Abstract: A printing unit of an offset printing press includes a first plate cylinder, a first blanket cylinder for selectively contacting the first plate cylinder, a first inker for inking the first plate cylinder, a second plate cylinder, a second blanket cylinder for selectively contacting the second plate cylinder, and a second inker for inking the second plate cylinder. A first inker drive gear connects to the first inker for driving the first inker, and a motor uniquely associated with the printing unit is configured to drive the first inker drive gear. In addition, a gear train engaging the first inker drive gear is driven by the first inker drive gear so as to drive the first plate cylinder, the first blanket cylinder, the second blanket cylinder, the second plate cylinder and the second inker.

Abstract: An engine starter equipped with an impact absorber. The impact absorber is arranged between a planetary gear train and an overrunning clutch of the starter. The absorber includes a friction plate which is disposed between a clutch outer and a carrier plate of the overrunning clutch and urged elastically into frictional abutment with the carrier plate. This structure eliminates the need for installing the friction plate on an internal gear of the planetary gear train, thus permitting the internal gear to be reduced in size.

Abstract: A manual input device contains a rotatable operating member, a motor that exerts a rotational force on the operating member, a planet gear mechanism having a sun gear fixed to an output shaft of the motor, planet gears engaging and moving around the sun gear, a ring gear engaging the planet gears on the inner peripheral side thereof, a carrier rotatably supporting the planet gears and rotating along with the planet gears, and a carrier shaft rotating integrally with the carrier and the operating member. A motor holder has at least one projection which abuts against at least one side surface of an end portion of the motor, is disposed on a side of the motor holder opposite from an output shaft side of the motor holder, and is configured to hold the motor.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle of the present invention includes a brake 62 that fixes a sun gear shaft 31a linked with a sun gear 31 of a power distribution integration mechanism 30, and a clutch 64 that mechanically connects a drive shaft 36 with a motor MG2 and releases the mechanical connection of the drive shaft 36 with the motor MG2. In the case of a relatively low vehicle speed, the power of an engine 22 is subjected to torque conversion by the power distribution integration mechanism and motors MG1 and MG2 and is output to the drive shaft 36, while the brake 62 is in OFF position and the clutch 64 is in ON position. In the case of a relatively high vehicle speed, on the other hand, the power of the engine 22 is directly output to the drive shaft 36, while the brake 62 is in ON position and the clutch 64 is in OFF position.

Abstract: To realize a determination whether or not a failure has occurred in a one-way clutch, a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine 11, a generator motor 16, an output shaft coupled to a driving wheel 41, a differential gear unit that is provided with at least three gear elements, the elements coupled to the engine 11, the generator motor 16, and the output shaft, respectively, a one-way clutch that is placed in a free state when the engine 11 rotates in a forward direction and in a locked state when the engine 11 begins to rotate in a backward direction, and a failure occurrence determination process means 91 that determines that a failure has occurred in the one-way clutch if an engine speed is a negative value. Since it is determined that a failure has occurred in the one-way clutch when the engine speed is a negative value, a damage of the one-way clutch can be prevented from being aggravated.

Abstract: A method of returning an electro-mechanical axial setting device, wherein the axial setting device includes two setting rings centered on a common axis, one of which is axially held, and one of which is rotationally fixedly held in a housing. The two setting rings each include circumferentially extending grooves. Each of the grooves define a depth which rises in the circumferential direction. Pairs of grooves in the setting rings each accommodate a ball. The rotatingly drivable setting ring is connected to an electric drive motor. The axially displaceable setting ring is loaded by pressure springs towards the axially held setting ring. When applying a positive voltage to the electric motor, the axial setting device moves into an advanced position and when the voltage is disconnected from the electric motor, the axial setting device is returned into a starting position.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a fuel cell power source, an electronic control unit, and an electrical energy storage and retrieval assembly, which are interconnected to communicate electrical power. The powertrain also includes a multi-range electro-mechanical transmission, which supplies driving power to the transmission output shaft and from there to the vehicle drive wheels and also supplies power to a power take-off drive unit, such that cooling airflow and hydraulic power is supplied to the vehicle.

Abstract: The trunnion (23) of a vehicle toroidal continuously variable transmission is displaced by a step motor (52) via a control valve (56) and oil pressure servo cylinder (50) in order to vary a speed ratio of the transmission. A controller (80) calculates a target value (z*) of a control variable (z) based on an accelerator pedal depression amount (APS) and output disk rotation speed (&ohgr;co) (S5). Further, a time-variant coefficient (f) showing the relation between the trunnion displacement (y) and variation rate ({dot over (&phgr;)}) of the gyration angle (&phgr;) of the power roller, is calculated (S10). The error between the speed change response of the transmission and a target linear characteristic can be decreased by determining a command value (u) to the step motor (52) under a control gain determined based on a time differential ({dot over (f)}) of the coefficient (f) (S20).

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for a front and rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the power of an electric motor is transmitted to rear wheels includes an output shaft adapted to rotate together with the electric motor, a middle shaft which is parallel with the output shaft, a drive shaft which is parallel with the output shaft and is adapted to rotate together with the rear wheels, a first pair of reduction gears for reducing the speed of rotation of the middle shaft relative to the output shaft, a second pair of reduction gears for reducing the speed of rotation of the drive shaft relative to the middle shaft and a rear differential disposed closer to an electric motor side than the second pair of reduction gears and coupled to the reduction gear and the drive shaft.

Abstract: An input-compound split electromechanical drive configuration includes a two-mode planetary gearset arrangement coupled to an internal combustion engine and first and second electric machines. The drive configuration includes a transverse output for driving a hybrid front wheel drive vehicle, and the electric machines are disposed on opposite axial ends of the planetary gearset arrangement. A first mode provides reverse, neutral and low forward ranges, and a second mode provides a high efficiency forward range. Shifting between the first and second modes occurs synchronously, and at a zero speed of the second machine, contributing to an exceptionally smooth shift, and the machines are independently operated in motoring or generating modes to control drivetrain power flows while satisfying the vehicle power requirements.

Abstract: An auxiliary-bicycle torsion sensing and large gear plate minimization apparatus, arranged in transmission apparatus of an auxiliary-bicycle, includes a sun gear, a unidirectional device, a planet gear set and a sensing device. The sun gear of planet gear set is connected to the crank axle of auxiliary-bicycle and driven directly with it. The stepping power of crank axle is output to the large gear plate of auxiliary-bicycle through the transmission of sun gear, planet gear and unidirectional device. Also, one side of swing arm, used for pivotally arranging sun gear and planet gear, is arranged with the sensing device. When crank axle is rotated by the stepping force of rider, the swing arm will generate a rotation torsion, and sensing device senses the torsion value to control the power output of driving motor.

Abstract: A simplified method is provided for controlling a motor of a bicycle component, especially a power assisting apparatus for a derailleur or a suspension. The method of controlling a motor of a bicycle assembly, basically comprising the steps of supplying current to the motor to move a bicycle component between a first position and a second position, and monitoring current flow to the motor during movement of the bicycle component. Then, stopping flow of current to the motor upon detection of an overcurrent to the motor due to the bicycle component reaches one of the first and second positions after being driven from the other of the first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle which prevents a frequent gear shift called “busy-shift” caused by a varying driving condition. A plurality of wheels, a first power source, a second power source, an electric power supply, and a transmission between the wheel and at least one of the power sources are mounted in the vehicle. The apparatus for controlling the vehicle includes a detecting and a torque change. The detecting means detects a selected gear ratio of the transmission. Since torque of the second power source is increased or decreased in response to the selected gear ratio which is detected by the detecting, a fluctuation of the driving torque of the vehicle is restrained. Consequently, a frequent gear shift “busy-shift” can be avoided.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with an engine 1 which generates a driving energy for the vehicle, planetary gears 4 and 6 comprising sun gears, planet gears and ring gears, motors 8 and 9 for respectively controlling the sun gears, and a clutch 14, the planet gears being connected to an input shaft driven by the engine and the ring gears connected to an output shaft for driving wheels, wherein gear ratios from the input shafts to the output shafts in the planetary gears 4 and 6 are set at a value different to each other. A stepless speed changing function which permits vehicular operation in a high engine efficiency region while minimizing an electrical energy loss is realized by a small-sized transmission using small-sized motors. The vehicle, which uses the transmission, can be operated in a high engine efficiency region while keeping an electrical energy loss to a minimum.

Abstract: The control system and method includes a plurality of clutch actuators adapted to be connected to clutches disposed for connecting members of the transmission to an input or output, respectively; first and second electrical motor/generators connected to respective members of the transmission and operable in a motor mode for controllably rotating the members and in a generator mode controllably rotated by the members to generate electrical energy; a sensor for sensing a speed representative of a rotational speed of the input or output; and a processor operably connected to the sensor, the motor/generators and the clutch actuators, the processor being operable for operating one of the motor/generators in the generator mode while operating another of the motor/generators in the motor mode powered by the one of the motor/generators so as to controllably rotate selected of the members of the transmission at speeds corresponding to a sensed rotational speed of the input or output for disconnecting one of the select

Abstract: A front-and-rear wheel drive vehicle includes: an engine driving one of pairs of front wheels and rear wheels; a motor driving the other pair of wheels; a wheel speed sensor detecting wheel speeds of the other pair of wheels; a dog clutch provided between the motor and the other pair of wheels; a motor rotation number estimating unit estimating the motor rotation number from the current value and the duty value of the motor; and a control unit controlling the motor rotation number and the engagement of the dog clutch. The control unit engages the dog clutch after the control unit controls the motor rotation number such that the motor rotation number estimated by the motor rotation number estimating unit coincides with motor rotation number corresponding to wheel speeds detected with the wheel speed sensor.

Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain system is provided including a first engine system, a second engine system and an electric motor. During normal driving conditions, a single engine is utilized for providing driving torque to the drive wheels. During periods of operation where increased levels of torque are required, the electric motor is operated temporarily while the second engine is started and brought up to speed to assist the first engine in providing driving torque to the driving wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid drive, in particular for vehicles has a variable-ratio gear unit with a branch which can be driven by a primary motor. The gear unit is also connected in a rotationally rigid manner to a rotatable part of a first electric machine. A branch of the gear unit is connected in a rotationally rigid manner to a rotatable rotor of a second electric machine. Another branch connected in a rotationally rigid manner to an output shaft and to which the likewise rotatably arranged other machine component of the first electric machine is connected in a rotationally rigid manner. The rotor of the second machine can be fixed or released for rotation by a brake.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmission comprising a mechanism for distributing energy of a drive source into a plurality of differential mechanisms; a plurality of motors connected to said plurality of differential mechanisms, respectively; and a mechanism for synthesizing energies outputted from said plurality of differential mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with an engine 1 which generates a driving energy for the vehicle, planetary gears 4 and 6 comprising sun gears, planet gears and ring gears, motors 8 and 9 for respectively controlling the sun gears, and a clutch 14, the planet gears being connected to an input shaft driven by the engine and the ring gears connected to an output shaft for driving wheels, wherein gear ratios from the input shafts to the output shafts in the planetary gears 4 and 6 are set at a value different to each other. A stepless speed changing function which permits vehicular operation in a high engine efficiency region while minimizing an electrical energy loss is realized by a small-sized transmission using small-sized motors. The vehicle, which uses the transmission, can be operated in a high engine efficiency region while keeping an electrical energy loss to a minimum.

Abstract: A baler for agricultural products has a chassis, a pickup, a transporting passage, a pressing chamber, a binding device, a discharging device, a working element performing working operations in the baler, a main drive shaft connected with the working element for driving the working means, at least one planetary summing transmission connected with an operative for driving the main drive shaft, a first drive unit including a cardan shaft and transmitting rotation with a first rotary speed to the planetary summing transmission, and a second drive unit transmitting a rotation to the planetary summing transmission with a second regulatable rotary speed, so that the planetary summing transmission summarizes the rotary speeds of the first and second drive units and produces a rotation with an output speed for driving the main drive shaft.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, hybrid transmission having an input member for receiving power from a prime mover power source and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. The transmission utilizes four planetary gear sub sets, three torque transfer devices as well as first and second supplemental power receiving/delivery units--either electric motor/generator units or hydrostatic pump/motor units. At least one of the gear members in the first and second planetary gear sub sets are connected to the first supplemental power receiving/delivery units, and at least one of said gear members in the second, third and fourth planetary gear sub sets are continuously connected to the second supplemental power receiving/delivery units. Torque transfer devices selectively connect the carriers associated with the first, second and fourth planetary gear sub sets to each other and to the output member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmission comprising a mechanism for distribution energy of a drive source into a plurality of differential mechanisms; a plurality of motors connected to said plurality of differential mechanisms, respectively; and a mechanism for combining energies outputted from said plurality of differential mechanisms.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for fans and pumps. An impeller is connected to a primary motor and an auxiliary motor/generator through a transmission. The transmission includes an epicyclic gearing system. The primary motor is run at constant speed. The auxiliary motor/generator is driven at variable speeds to control the speed of the impeller. The device may be used to retrofit an existing pump or fan system.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizing an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor/generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage means, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator. The transmission employs three planetary gear subsets which are coaxially aligned. Each planetary gear arrangement utilizes first and second gear members, and each first and second gear members meshingly engage a plurality of planet gears rotatably mounted on a carrier. The first and second motor/generators are coaxially aligned with each other as well as the three planetary gear subsets which are circumscribed by the first and second motor/generators. At least one of the gear members in the first or second planetary gear subsets is connected to the first motor/generator.

Abstract: An automatic transmission (10) comprising a housing (12); a planetary gear train (14) mounted within the housing; an input drive shaft (16) connectable to main drive means (38) to provide input drive to the planetary gear train; an output drive shaft (18) from the planetary gear train; and an auxiliary drive means (E) for providing a variable auxiliary drive input (34) to the planetary gear train; wherein the planetary gear train includes a first planetary gear set (40) and a second planetary gear set (42); the first planetary gear set including a sun gear (44) having a drive input (26) connectable to the input drive shaft and a reaction input (28) connectable to the housing, a pinion gear (46) interengaging with the sun gear, and a pinion carrier (48) on which the pinion gear is rotatably mounted, the pinion carrier having a drive input (24) connectable to the input drive shaft and a reaction input (30,32) connectable to the housing, and being connected with the auxiliary drive input; the second planetary ge

Abstract: A transmission which allows for relative rotation between an input shaft in an output shaft while lowering fuel consumption. An electric motor/generator has one element fixed to a reaction-force element of a planetary gear unit in low gear. Consequently, when the vehicle is halted, the relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft in the transmission can be utilized as a reaction-force to drive the motor/generator as a generator. Since electric power is generated by means of the motor/generator, the generated energy is collected and fuel consumption by the engine is reduced. In other gear stages, the motor/generator is adapted to receive the energy produced when the vehicle is decelerated by means of regenerative braking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a motor mechanism provided with first and second motor units as well as a differential gear unit. The differential gear unit is provided with three rotating members which are engaged mutually and rotate in constant differential ratio rates. One of the rotating shafts is provided in one of the motors, and a second of these rotating shafts is provided in the second motor. A differential pinion gear rotation axle shaft corresponds to the third rotating shaft. The differential gear unit will cause a drive axle shaft to rotate. The rotating shaft of the first motor rotates at a differential speed with respect to the rotating shaft of the second motor which is due to the difference of revolution between the differential gear axle and the revolution of the rotating shafts of both first and second motors.

Abstract: A dual-motor electric drive system is particularly suited for driving track-laying vehicles. The propulsion motors of the drive system are each individually selected to provide the speed and torque for selected portions of the operational requirements of the vehicle. The electric drive system utilizes a primary motor to provide the maximum speed requirements and a secondary motor to provide the high torque requirements for low speed operation. The primary and secondary propulsion motors are interconnected by a predetermined drive ratio so that the secondary motor provides torque until it attains a maximum predetermined speed whereupon it is disconnected from the primary motor.

Abstract: An improved hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Both the motor and the engine provide torque to drive the vehicle directly through a controllable torque transfer unit. Typically at low speeds or in traffic, the electric motor alone drives the vehicle, using power stored in batteries; under acceleration and during hill climbing both the engine and the motor provide torque to drive the vehicle; and in steady state highway cruising, the internal combustion engine alone drives the vehicle. The internal combustion engine is sized to operate at or near its maximum fuel efficiency during highway cruising. The motor is operable as a generator to charge the batteries as needed and also for regenerative braking. No transmission is employed. The motor operates at significantly lower currents and higher voltages than conventionally and has a rated power at least equal to that of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rear-wheel steering apparatus for a wheeled vehicle has a linkage mechanism for steering a set of dirigible rear road wheels. The steering apparatus includes a planetary gear unit, the carrier of which is adapted as an output element drivingly connected to an input member of the linkage mechanism, a first electric motor, the output shaft of which is drivingly connected to a sun gear of the planetary gear unit, a first electromagnetic brake mechanism arranged to be activated only when the vehicle is travelling at a higher speed than a predetermined speed for restricting rotation of the sun gear, a second electric motor, the output shaft of which is drivingly connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear unit, and a second electromagnetic brake mechanism arranged to be activated only when the vehicle is travelling at a lower speed than the predetermined speed for restricting rotation of the ring gear.

Abstract: Reduction-distribution unit for gearshift units, particularly for industrial machines, including a first hydrostatic motor and a second hydrostatic motor which are operatively associated for the transmission of the motion to the axles. The unit also comprises an epicyclic train which adds the power of the hydrostatic motors, the first motor being associated with the shaft of the sun gear and the second motor being associated with the shaft of the crown gear of the epicyclic train. A first brake and a second brake are respectively associated to the shaft of the sun gear and to the shaft of the crown gear.

Abstract: A driveline is provided for vehicles with two or more driving wheels in which power is carried between the transmission and each wheel through a parallel shaft differential with two internal gear pairs. A traction balance, connecting the differentials, counterbalances reactive torque. Relative wheel traction is varied by change gears within the traction balance or by control torque applied to traction balance components.

Abstract: A drive system for driving an endless chain of a mineral mining installation employs one or more chain wheels each driven by an electric motor and gearing including planetary gearing. The planetary gearing has a ring gear which can be held stationary to permit drive to be transmitted. The ring gear is coupled through a clutch, reduction gearing and a braking device to another load-balancing electric motor. Load sensors in the reduction gearing disengage the clutch in the event of overloading. The ring gear is automatically held stationary by the braking device when the load-balancing motor is inoperative. When the motor is switched on the braking device is released to permit the motor to rotate the ring gear in one direction or the other at controlled speed to vary the transmission ratio and effect load balancing.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying compressed air to the auxiliary system of a vehicle such as an aircraft, or other device powered by a gas turbine engine, comprises an auxiliary compressor which is connected by a differential to the main drive shaft of the compressor of the gas turbine engine. A controller receives a signal from a pressure sensor at the output of the auxiliary compressor representing the pressure and/or flow rate of the compressed air discharged from the auxiliary compressor and compares that signal with a signal from the auxiliary system representing its requirements for compressed air which can be set at predetermined levels or dynamically determined during operation of the vehicle. The controller is effective to control a variable speed motor connected to the differential which speeds up or slows down the auxiliary compressor and thus varies the compressed air output from the auxiliary compressor to the auxiliary system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A high performance drive system for a mineral mining installation employs separate main and auxiliary drives with wheels around with a chain is entrained. Each drive is composed of an asynchronous motor and spur gearing. An additional over-ride planetary gearing unit is incorporated in at least one of the drives to distribute loading as evenly as possible. The planetary gearing is operable to provide a transmission ratio which can be varied in accordance with load or rotational speed of the drive(s). The planetary gearing unit has two sets of planet wheels on a common carrier. One set of planet wheels mesh with an input sun wheel and the other set of wheels mesh with an output sun wheel. The sets of planet wheels are disposed so that one wheel of one set meshes with an adjacent wheel of the other set. A further control motor drives a pinon which meshes with the carrier and this further motor is operated in accordance with e.g. the load or rotational speed of the drive(s).