And Lock-up Clutch Patents (Class 475/320)
  • Patent number: 11897338
    Abstract: The controller of the electric vehicle is configured to control the torque of the electric motor using the MT vehicle model based on the operation amount of the accelerator pedal, the operation amount of the pseudo-clutch pedal, and the shift position of the pseudo-shifter. Further, the controller is configured to execute the stall production process for changing the engine output torque used for calculation of the driving wheel torque to zero when the calculated virtual engine speed using the MT vehicle model becomes lower than the prescribed stall engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichiro Isami, Yoshio Itou, Hiroyuki Amano, Tatsuya Imamura, Akiko Nishimine, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroaki Kodera
  • Patent number: 11760209
    Abstract: The controller of the electric vehicle is configured to control the torque of the electric motor using the MT vehicle model based on the operation amount of the accelerator pedal, the operation amount of the pseudo-clutch pedal, and the shift position of the pseudo-shifter. Further, the controller is configured to execute the stall production process for changing the engine output torque used for calculation of the driving wheel torque to zero when the calculated virtual engine speed using the MT vehicle model becomes lower than the prescribed stall engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichiro Isami, Yoshio Itou, Hiroyuki Amano, Tatsuya Imamura, Akiko Nishimine, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroaki Kodera
  • Patent number: 11746856
    Abstract: A shiftable planetary transmission (1) includes a planet carrier (2), a plurality of planet gears (3) rotatably arranged at the planet carrier (2), a sun gear (4), and a ring gear (5). The sun gear (4) and the ring gear (5) mesh with the planet gears (3). The planet carrier (2) includes at least one connecting element (6), which is axially displaceable therein. The at least one connecting element (6), on a first side of the planet carrier (2), is at least indirectly connected to an actuator (7) and, on a second side of the planet carrier (2), is at least indirectly connected to a first dog element (8). The first dog element (8) is displaceable, by an actuator actuation, between a first shift position and at least a second shift position due to an axial displacement of the at least one connecting element (6) in the planet carrier (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Fabian Kutter, Matthias Horn, Stefan Beck, Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier, Thomas Martin, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 11255419
    Abstract: An axle drive, comprising a drive shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft, a first planetary gear mechanism and a second planetary gear mechanism, it being possible for a drive torque of the drive shaft to be transmitted by means of the first planetary gear mechanism and the second planetary gear mechanism to the first and second output shaft, wherein the second planetary gear mechanism is configured radially on the outside coaxially around the first planetary gear mechanism, the internal gear of the first planetary gear mechanism forming the sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventor: Werner Lindtner
  • Patent number: 10946502
    Abstract: A power screwdriver is provided with a drive part having a drive motor, a gear case with gearing elements; an output shaft led out of the gear case; a support offset laterally relative to the output shaft and fixedly connected to the gear case, and a rotary joint with drive-associated ring connected to the drive part and gearing-associated ring connected to the gear case. An actuating ring is arranged coaxially to the output shaft and is movable relative to the drive-associated ring and relative to the gearing-associated ring. It is movable between a release position, in which the rings are rotatable relative to each other, and a blocking position, in which the rings are blocked relative to each other. A spring element acts on the actuating ring over its movement path, extending from blocking position to release position, in the direction of the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 10655708
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear train for a servomotor system includes a case, and, positioned in the case, a planet carrier carrying planet gears, a ring gear, and a sun gear. The epicyclic gear train includes a control for changing input and output speed ratio in response to an input applied from outside the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: BERNARD CONTROLS
    Inventors: Etienne Bernard, Rémy Lepan
  • Patent number: 10336187
    Abstract: A power take off device includes input and output shafts and an integral planetary gear set. The power take off device may be a single speed or a multi-speed device. The input shaft and the output shaft are mechanically connected through the planetary gear set. The output shaft may be driven in a forward direction and/or may be driven in a reverse direction. For example, the output shaft may be driven with a speed reduction, a speed increase, or at a 1:1 ratio with the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Horsfall, John Loeffler
  • Patent number: 8864619
    Abstract: A power take off device includes input and output shafts and an integral planetary gear set. The power take off device may be a single speed or a two speed device. The input shaft and the output shaft are mechanically connected through the planetary gear set. In one mode of operation of the power take off device, a substantial speed reduction and torque increase is provided between the input shaft and the output shaft. The power take off device may change to a second mode of operation without stopping to provide a direct one to one speed and torque ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. A planetary gear set clutch unit includes a two direction actuator that provides fluid pressure actuation and release of the clutch unit with a single input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Daniel Horsfall, John Loeffler
  • Patent number: 8808132
    Abstract: A torque vectoring differential includes a pair of planetary gear assemblies having a common planet gear carrier which is driven from the output of a transmission. Each of the planetary gear assemblies include a ring gear that may be individually and selectively grounded (braked) to a stationary housing by a friction brake and a sun gear that is coupled through an axle to a respective drive wheel. Selective activation of the brakes controls the distribution, i.e., vectoring, of torque to each of the drive wheels. Each planetary gear assembly includes elongated planet gears which mesh not only with their respective sun and ring gears but also with the planet gears of the other planetary gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8585523
    Abstract: A proposition is to provide a power transmitting mechanism for a hybrid vehicle having improved energy utilization efficiency. A power transmitting mechanism for the hybrid vehicle using powers of the engine and the motor/generator in a combined manner, the mechanism includes an engine drive shaft coupled to an engine output shaft via a main clutch; a motor output shaft of a motor/generator rotatably supported separately from the engine drive shaft; a drive shaft brake releasing/fixing the engine drive shaft; a motor-brake releasing/fixing the motor output shaft; and a planetary gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: UD Trucks Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8574115
    Abstract: An electric power tool includes a cylindrical reducer case accommodating the speed reduction mechanism. The speed reduction mechanism includes a planetary gear train and a movable member which is axially slidable to be engaged with or disengaged from the planetary gear train. The electric power tool includes the reducer case including a slide hole formed through a sidewall of the reducer case and axially extended and a rotary plate which is rotatable around a periphery of the reducer case about the axis, the rotary plate including an operation slot formed axially obliquely and overlapped with the slide hole; a supporting member radially outwardly protruded from the movable member and extended through the slide hole and the operation slot; and a biasing unit for applying a pressing force to the supporting member in a moving direction of the supporting member when the rotary plate is rotated to a position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Atsumi, Yutaka Yamada, Kenichiro Inagaki
  • Patent number: 8498791
    Abstract: A lock-up control apparatus includes a kick-down instruction detector configured to detect a kick-down shift transmission instruction during application of a lock-up clutch. A first lock-up control amount changer is configured to change the lock-up control amount when the kick-down shift transmission instruction is detected. An intermediate gear speed determinator is configured to determine whether the kick-down shift transmission instruction includes an intermediate gear speed shift transmission instruction to an intermediate shift transmission gear speed. A second lock-up control amount changer is configured to change the lock-up control amount when the kick-down shift transmission instruction includes the intermediate gear speed shift transmission instruction. A target gear speed shift transmission instruction detector is configured to detect a target gear speed shift transmission instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Muto, Masaaki Takamatsu, Yasuhiro Ijichi
  • Patent number: 8360926
    Abstract: A transmission has a housing and two input/output shafts. Inside the housing is a planetary gear set with three rotatable members which are connected to the housing and the two input/output shafts. Inside the housing is a clutch which can connect two out of three of the rotatable members. When the clutch is closed the input/output shafts are connected together one to one. The pressure plate of the clutch is connected to a brake disc of a brake system that is connected to one of the rotatable members. When the brake system is closed the input/output shafts are connected via the planetary gear set. The transmission further includes a lever which can move the brake disc in axial direction and can thus open the clutch during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Leonardus Gijsbertus Cornelis Lauwers
  • Patent number: 8306715
    Abstract: A controller has a command section, a control section, a time measurement section, and a command fixing section. The command section generates a command regarding the actuation state of a lock-up clutch in accordance with a condition value that is determined by the accelerator operating amount and the vehicle speed. The time measurement section starts to measure time when the accelerator operating amount drops to 0 with the current condition value maintained in a hysteresis range and the command section generates the acceleration slip executing command. When the accelerator operating amount is increased from 0, the time measurement section stops the measurement of time and resets the measured time to 0. The command fixing section fixes the command of the command section as an acceleration slip executing command in the period from when the time measurement by the time measurement section has started to when the measured time reaches a determination value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Moriya, Yoshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8303459
    Abstract: A forward-reverse switching device for a vehicle includes a planetary gear set and a one-way clutch coupled to any two rotating elements among first, second and third rotating elements, each corresponding to any one of a ring gear, a carrier and a sun gear, of the planetary gear set. The first rotating element is coupled to a driving force source. The third rotating element is coupled to a drive wheel. Rotation of the second rotating element is prohibited to rotate the third rotating element in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the first rotating element. The first to third rotating elements are integrally rotated to rotate the third rotating element in the same direction as the first rotating element. The one-way clutch is engaged when the rotational speed of the third rotating element exceeds the rotational speed of the first rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawai
  • Patent number: 8262532
    Abstract: A low-ratio transmission system configured to obtain the multiplication or reduction of speed, and the reduction or multiplication of stress between an input shaft and an output shaft with at least four different values, such that the input-output ratio can be close to one and furthermore that the four values form a geometric progression close to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sapa Placencia, S.L.
    Inventors: Pedro Aoiz Miguel, I{hacek over (n)}igo Garcia-Eizaga Telleria
  • Patent number: 8177160
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement, especially adapted for use in an aircraft nose wheel landing gear steering arrangement, includes a rotatable drive input, a rotatable output, and an epicyclic gear arrangement, and a carrier upon which the planet gears are mounted, the drive input being connected to the ring gear of the gear arrangement or the carrier, the output being connected to the other of the ring gear or the carrier, and a clutch operable to control relative rotation between the ring gear and the sun gear and to direct the major portion of the torque being transmitted therethrough the first of two transmission paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Richard Hadley, John Herbert Harvey, Andrew Robert Hawksworth, Edward George Hill, Mark Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20110059824
    Abstract: A device for changing the mode of a power-branching transmission, that includes a casing to be connected to the transmission, an epicyclic train with three inputs, a mechanism blocking a first input relative to the casing that can be selectively actuated to establish a first operation mode of the transmission, and a kinematic chain provided with a connection mechanism connecting the first input with a second input, when the connection mechanism is actuated, to establish a second operation mode of transmission. The kinematic chain includes at least one meshing between two gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Michel Buannec, Paulo Da Silva
  • Patent number: 7452304
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A Hagan, Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne
  • Patent number: 7445576
    Abstract: A planetary transmission, in particular for machine tools, with a drive shaft that is connected to a sun gear, with an output shaft that is connected to a planetary carrier and with an interior gear, that in a first operating position engages with the housing, and in the second operating position engages with the sun gear, with a hub that surrounds the drive shaft concentrically and with a sliding collar that surrounds the hub concentrically and that engages with the hub in an operating position. The sliding collar (5) engages in the loose end of the interior gear (4) with a centering diameter (7) concentrically located with the hub (6), which in the engaged position of the sliding collar (5) engages with the hub (6) in a concentric position with the hub's axle on its centering collar (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Harald Eckert, Ulrich Kuchelmeister, Eckhard Förster
  • Patent number: 7410441
    Abstract: A portable power tool having a relatively compact multi-stage, three-speed transmission and a related method for operating a power tool with a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7404781
    Abstract: A method for operating a portable power tool having a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7367910
    Abstract: A one-mode, input-split electrically variable transmission is provided with two motor/generators and a torque-transmitting mechanism that is operatively connected to a second member of a first differential gear set and selectively engageable to connect the second member of the first differential gear set with the stationary member, thereby establishing a fixed speed ratio between the input member and the output member of the transmission. Preferably, another torque-transmitting mechanism is also provided to lock any two members of the differential gear set to one another, thereby establishing a second fixed speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7344471
    Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a planetary gear train (PG) including a sun gear (S) connected to a first main shaft (3), a carrier (C) and a ring gear (R); a first gear train (G1) including a first drive gear (6) connected to the ring gear (R), and a first driven gear (7) disposed rotatably over a countershaft (5) and meshed with the first drive gear (6); a third gear train (G3) including a third drive gear (10) disposed rotatably with respect to the carrier (C), and a third driven gear (11) connected to the countershaft (5) and meshed with the third drive gear (10); a first brake (B1) for holding the ring gear (R) stationary, a first clutch (C1) for engaging/disengaging the first driven gear (7) to/from the countershaft (5); a third clutch (C3) for engaging/disengaging the third drive gear (10) to/from the carrier (C); and a fourth clutch (C4) for bringing the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) into engagement/disengagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichi Sugino, Tsukasa Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7229378
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Patent number: 7081064
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline, a second output shaft adapted for connection to a second driveline, an interaxle differential operably disposed between the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft, and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit, and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Patent number: 6984188
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6949042
    Abstract: A shiftable transmission in which at least two clutches (2, 7) actuated in closing direction by spring force and in opening direction by the exertion of pressure are arranged, wherein output of the transmission is stopped by unpressurized shifting of both actuation devices (9, 13) thereby closing both clutches (2, 7). When pressure is exerted upon the second actuation device (13), the actuation force of the first actuation device (9) is composed of a spring force of the first actuation device (9) and a hydraulic force from the pressurization of the second actuation device (13). The clutch belonging to the first actuation device can thus be impinged upon with different forces depending on whether or not the second actuation device is impinged upon with pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Helmut Eymüller, Siegfried Stützle, Jürgen Legner
  • Patent number: 6905436
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline, a second output shaft adapted for connection to a second driveline, an interaxle differential operably disposed between the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft, and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit, and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Patent number: 6862953
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system are adapted for use in a power transmission device. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing engaged and disengaged clutch modes. An alternate embodiment clutch assembly includes first and second rings non-rotatably coupled to one another. A third ring is selectively engageable with a rotary component to transfer power thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Fitzgerald, Douglas W. Conklin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040242369
    Abstract: A range gearbox with planetary gear (1) for motor vehicles intended to be connected to the output side of a basic gearbox. The ring gear (18) of the planetary gear is axially displaceable. The ring gear (18) can engage coupling rings (10, 16) alternatively. A synchronizing means or member (15) is intended to synchronize the rotational speed difference between the ring gear (18) and one or other coupling ring (10, 16). The synchronizing means (15) and the coupling ring (16) are arranged coaxially outside the ring gear (18). A second means or engagement member (25) for engaging the coupling ring (16) and a third means or engagement member (25, 25b) for driving said synchronizing means (15) are arranged on the external side, as seen radially, of the ring gear (18). The coupling ring (16) is arranged between the synchronizing means (15) and the first means (27).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sverker Alfredsson
  • Patent number: 6805652
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a mode shift system are adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish four-wheel drive modes. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode and a locked or part-time four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6743145
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected with any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft, the output shaft, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20040092358
    Abstract: A fastener with a reduced gear affect. The fastener of the present invention comprises a handle assembly having an end and an opening wherein a shaft assembly is positioned within the opening and extending from the opening. The fastener further comprises a switch assembly positioned between the handle assembly and the shaft assembly wherein the switch assembly reciprocates between a locked position and an unlocked position to control a ratio of revolutions between the handle assembly and the shaft assembly. A method of fastening comprising connecting a shaft assembly to a handle assembly and moving a switching assembly, connected to the handle assembly, to an unlocked position. Next, a gear assembly is connected to the switch assembly which engages the gear assembly to the handle assembly to increase a ratio of revolutions of the shaft assembly as compared to the handle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6716131
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions, which are individually employed in a powertrain, include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish a reverse speed ratio and at least six forward speed ratios between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. Each of the family members has a member of a first planetary gearset continuously connected with a member of the second planetary gearset, another member of the second planetary gearset continuously connected with a member of the third planetary gearset, and a third member of the second planetary gearset being continuously connected with a transmission housing. The input shaft and output shaft are continuously connected with at least one respective member of the planetary gearsets. At least two members of the planetary gearsets are non-continuously connected members. These members are components of the first or third planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6712733
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, first and second interconnecting members, and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another member of the third planetary gear set. The second interconnecting member continuously connects members of the first and second planetary gear sets with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members, the first interconnecting member, and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6702709
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes a multi-speed planetary gearbox, an automated shift system, and an electric motor/generator. The electric motor is operably controlled to drive the gearbox to establish an electric drive mode. The electric mode is further operable to provide a speed synchronization function during sequential gear shifting. The transmission includes plurality of power-operated clutches arranged to selectively engage components of the planetary geartbox to establish the distinct gear ratios. A central system functions to control automated operation of the power-operated clutches as well coordinated actuation of the engine and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6655470
    Abstract: A speed changing mechanism includes two planetary gear sets and a movable gear that is controlled to be movably engaged with one of the two planetary gear sets to generate two different speeds. A third speed can be output when the movable gear is moved to a position where the movable gear is not engaged with either of the two planetary gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 6645116
    Abstract: A family of transmissions has a plurality of members each of which includes three planetary gearsets, five torque-transmitting mechanisms, an input shaft, and an output shaft. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft of each family member. Each family member has two continuous interconnecting members, one of which interconnects a member the first planetary gearset with a member of the second planetary gearset, and the second of which connects another member of the second planetary gearset with a member of the third planetary gearset. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms complete the connections between the planetary gear members and/or the transmission housing which are necessary to provide the six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6612957
    Abstract: A two-speed full-time transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, a planetary gearset, an interaxle differential, and first and second clutch mechanisms. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear integral with the input shaft, an annulus gear, and pinion gears rotatably mounted on a carrier and which are meshed with the sun and annulus gears. The interaxle differential has an input driven by the carrier, a first output driving the first output shaft and a second output driving a transfer mechanism coupled to the second output shaft. The first clutch mechanism is a fluid-actuated bi-directional overrunning clutch operable for selectively braking the annulus gear. The second clutch mechanism is a fluid-released bi-directional overrunning clutch for selectively releasing the input shaft from coupled engagement with the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Sankar K. Mohan, James S. Brissenden
  • Patent number: 6579205
    Abstract: A full-time two-speed transfer case is equipped with an integrated planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The integrated planetary gearset assembly includes a first gearset which acts as a two-speed reduction unit and a second gearset which acts as an interaxle differential. The synchronized range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the first gearset and can be synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish automatic full-time and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6565476
    Abstract: A car clutch including a clutch base formed with a seating part and an input-side ring gear. An output shaft is fitted through the seating part and has first and second sun gears. A first carrier member is in contact with the clutch base and a second carrier member is installed on a clutch cover. A first planetary gear is meshed with the first sun gear and the input-side ring gear. A secondary planetary gear is meshed with the second sun gear. A first rotating member has an output-side ring gear which is meshed with second planetary gears. Clutch springs are installed on a second rotating member. Power shutoff rods are installed through the clutch cover and have a fitting projection fitted into a connecting part of the second rotating member. Lever-squeezing elastic members are each installed between each release lever and the clutch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Myung-soon Bae
  • Publication number: 20030092528
    Abstract: A full-time two-speed transfer case is equipped with an integrated planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The integrated planetary gearset assembly includes a first gearset which acts as a two-speed reduction unit and a second gearset which acts as an interaxle differential. The synchronized range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the first gearset and can be synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish automatic full-time and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6561943
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus including a clutch base having a supporting boss which has first spline grooves, a clutch cover, an output shaft having a sun gear, rotating bearings fitted around the output shaft such that the output shaft can be rotated in one direction and not in the other, planetary gear sections each possessing a guide shaft and a planetary gear which is meshed with the sun gear, a rotating member having a ring gear which is meshed with planetary gears and third spline grooves, a multiple disc clutch member having inner plates which are splined into the rotating member and outer plates which are splined into the supporting boss, a pressing plate letting the inner and outer plates to be tightly engages with one another, pressing means for applying pressing force to the pressing plate, and pressing force adjusting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Myung-soon Bae
  • Publication number: 20030040398
    Abstract: A power train assembly is driveably engaged with an input source and includes a transmission module having a casing and a drive member. The transmission module is driveably connected to the input source and a creeper module is driveably engaged with the drive member of the transmission module. The creeper module is detachably mounted to the casing of the transmission module. An output assembly is in driving engagement with the creeper module and a control interface is configured to selectively engage the creeper module to transform the speed of the drive member to a reduced speed of the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Karl A. Nerstad, James E. Winzeler, Craig R. Rust
  • Patent number: 6431289
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20020042318
    Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye, Janet Brown
  • Publication number: 20020035003
    Abstract: A power transfer system for a motor vehicle is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable to control actuation of the clutch assembly, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the hydraulic clutch actuation system in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
  • Patent number: 6056666
    Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly and a synchronized range clutch which can be selectively shifted on-the-move establishing high-range and low-range drive modes. The planetary gear assembly includes a ring gear, a sun gear, a carrier coupled for rotation with an output shaft of the transfer case, and a pinion gear rotatably supported from the carrier and which is meshed with the ring gear and the sun gear. The range clutch includes a first sleeve coupled for rotation with the ring gear and which is rotatably supported from a second sleeve coupled for rotation with an input shaft of the transfer case. With the range clutch in a first position, the first sleeve is uncoupled from the housing and the second sleeve is coupled to the carrier for driving the output shaft at a first speed ratio relative to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams