Planetary Gearing Or Element Patents (Class 475/331)
  • Publication number: 20090218866
    Abstract: A furniture member component drive mechanism includes a force multiplying gear assembly. A wire member can slide within a flexible sheath in opposed first and second directions. The wire member is connected to the gear assembly for axial displacement. A lever arm connected to the gear assembly defines a lever arm first axis of rotation. Rotating the lever arm in a first direction about the first axis of rotation axially incrementally displaces the wire member in the first displacement direction. The lever arm is rotatably connected to a pivot base defining a second axis of rotation of the lever arm transverse to the first axis of rotation. Rotating the lever arm about the second axis of rotation displaces the wire member in the second displacement direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7578764
    Abstract: A thrust bearing (16) for transmitting axial thrust forces between at least two gear parts (1, 5) rotating relative to each other in a gear arrangement is provided, with two coaxial, opposing race disks (17, 18) holding a cage (6) with a plurality of roller bodies (7) with radial play. To prevent discharge of lubricant to the greatest possible extent radially from the thrust bearing (16) and accordingly to be able to guarantee a sufficient axial supply of lubricant to the gear arrangement, it is provided that one race disk (17) has a smaller outer diameter than the other race disk (18), that both race disks (17, 18) each have external collars (19, 20) on the radially outer edge that extend axially inwardly, and the external collar (19) of the race disk (17) with the smaller outer diameter is covered axially by the external collar (20) of the race disk (18) with the greater outer diameter, such that an extensive encapsulation of the thrust bearing (16) against lubricant passage is guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: James Kevin Brown, Eric Clark
  • Patent number: 7578763
    Abstract: A drive shaft reduction gear using a planetary gear mechanism and having a high durability, wherein a rotation of a drive shaft is transmitted to a wheel hub via the planetary gear mechanism, a ring gear hub provided in a first ring gear in the planetary gear mechanism is hooked to a bearing holder attached to an axle housing via a split ring, thereby a movement in an axial direction of the first ring gear is regulated, and further, a shaft portion provided in the ring gear hub is non-rotatably supported by an inner peripheral surface of a shaft end portion of the axle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Morita
  • Publication number: 20090203492
    Abstract: A carrier of a planetary gear device has a lid portion that has the shape of a disk that extends in a radial direction from a boss joined to a second rotational shaft, a bottom portion opposing the lid portion, and a sidewall portion that extends from a perimeter of the bottom portion toward the lid portion. A shielding wall that extends to a side of the bottom portion is arranged inside a perimeter of the lid portion. An end of the sidewall portion is connected to a corner portion arranged with the perimeter portion and the shielding wall. A connecting surface portion is welded in a direction from an outside. This arrangement provides a planetary gear type transmission device that reduces weight and cost while a necessary strength of a carrier is ensured, and an outboard motor provided with the transmission device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Okabe
  • Publication number: 20090199416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a driver (1) for a twin cutting device (2), which comprises a first blade (4), which is non-rotatably arranged on a drive shaft (11) to be rotated about an axis of rotation (r) in a first direction, and a second blade (3), which is non-rotatably arranged on a drive socket (15), which encloses the drive shaft (11), to be rotated about the same axis of rotation (r) in a second direction opposite to said first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: INDOCEAN DIAMOND TOOLS (BERMUDA) LTD.
    Inventors: Hans Ericsson, Pankaj Bhukhanwala, Niraj Bhukhanwala
  • Publication number: 20090203491
    Abstract: In an outboard motor, a speed reduction mechanism includes an inner gear connected with an input shaft (i.e., second output shaft), a planetary gear that meshes with the inner gear and that rolls inside the inner gear, and a sun gear that meshes with the planetary gear and that is not rotatable. A shaft portion of a carrier that supports the planetary gear, and a shaft core portion of the sun gear, preferably have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. The shaft portion of the carrier is inserted and arranged to overlap with the shaft core portion of the sun gear in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the shaft. The output shaft (i.e., drive shaft) is inserted and coupled to the shaft portion of the carrier. Accordingly, this provides an outboard motor that makes it possible to prevent the size of a speed change device from increasing in size when a speed reduction mechanism is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiko OKABE, Hirotoshi YAMAUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090192003
    Abstract: By producing a planet (4) in accordance with the technology of sintered materials it becomes possible to solve the problems of structural complexity/space, because the planet (4) realized in this way can be directly mounted on the rotor of the driving shaft without the interposition of bushings, by relying on the very good tribological properties of sintered materials; moreover, this material, by virtue of its texture composed of micro-granules, has excellent properties of fatigue strength and yield/breaking tensions very near to the corresponding parameters of a compact material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: LA.ME S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Di Foggia, Mariano Migliaccio, Ottavio Pennacchia
  • Publication number: 20090190870
    Abstract: An outer needle bearing race and thrust washer assembly provides improved lubrication for a pinion gear of a planetary gear assembly. The bearing race and thrust washer assembly are used in pairs with the bearing races disposed within the planet or pinion gear and the thrust washers disposed adjacent the end faces of the planet or pinion gear. Each assembly includes a cylindrical bearing portion having a crowned, i.e., convex, inner surface which is secured at one end to a thrust washer. The outside face of the washer includes a plurality of shallow radial channels or grooves. A plurality of oil passageways extend from the grooved surface of the washer to its opposite surface inside the cylindrical bearing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Young-Long Chen, Jack M. Gayney, Angela P. Willis, Hun J. Kim
  • Publication number: 20090186740
    Abstract: A gear unit for a wind turbine having an input shaft connected to the rotor hub of the wind turbine and an output shaft for connection to an electrical power generator, characterized in that the gear unit is provided with a hollow tube which is concentric with the main rotation axis and which extends through the gear unit from the input shaft to the output shaft, whereby this hollow tube provides a sealing for the gear unit in storage and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicants: HANSEN TRANSMISSIONS INTERNATIONAL, naamloze vennootschap, GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.
    Inventors: Patrik SAENZ DE UGARTE, Javier BARANANO, Wim DERKINDEREN, Wim DE LAET
  • Publication number: 20090176615
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an epicyclic reduction gear with multiple modular stages (M1, M2, M3) for tubular motor reducers operating winding roller shutters, roller shades and the like. Each reduction stage is provided with a central toothed hub (1) on one side and a central splined hub (5) on the other side, in compliance with the said hub, the hub (8) of a stage being designed to be coupled with a pin (5) of the adjacent stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Paolo Gasparrini, Dante Postacchini
  • Patent number: 7556583
    Abstract: A planet carrier assembly has staking pockets for retention of the pinion pins. The staking pockets are substantially rectangular when viewed from the top view but display a ramp angle when viewed from the side view. The shape of the pocket provides for improved pinion pin retention within the planet carrier side plate while reducing the required staking forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenrong Wang, Hong Wai Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090170655
    Abstract: A planet carrier of a planetary stage, the planet carrier having a bogie plate, both sides of which planet wheels can be mounted, characterized in that the planet carrier with its bogie plate is made as one monolithic piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicants: Hansen Transmissions International, naamloze vennootschap, Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventors: Patrik SEANZ DE UGARTE, Javier BARANANO ETXEBARRIA, Warren Gregory SMOOK, Rik VERBIEST
  • Publication number: 20090156353
    Abstract: A planetary gear set includes: a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears externally meshed with the sun gear, and a carrier that interconnects the plurality of planetary gears such that the plurality of planetary gears revolve around a exterior circumference of the sun gear, and an arrangement of the plurality of planetary gears is rotationally non-symmetrical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Ku Lee, Wang Kweon Lee, Moosuk Kim, Sangik Ryu
  • Publication number: 20090139799
    Abstract: A gearbox includes a plurality of gear sets disposed within a gearbox housing. Each gear set includes at least two gears meshing with one another. Each gear includes one or more dimpled surfaces configured to hold lubricant for providing lubrication between the gears meshing with one another. A plurality of bearings is provided to support the plurality of gear sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mayank Tiwari, Prasad Raman Joshi, Nikhil Subhashchandra Tambe, Mandyam Rangayan Sridhar, Harith Vadari, Hombe Gowda
  • Patent number: 7534189
    Abstract: A planetary gear train includes a carrier having a first side plate, a second side plate disposed in parallel to the first side plate and pinions rotatably supported by the first and second side plates; and a ring member secured to an outer edge of the second side plate. The first side plate has a plurality of first convex portions whose edge portion form an outer edge and a plurality of first concave portions formed between adjacent first convex portions. The second side plate has a plurality of second convex portions whose edge portion form an outer edge and whose width in a peripheral direction is wider than the first convex portion, and a plurality of carrier bridges axially extended from a part between the plurality of second convex portions to the plurality of first concave portions and secured to the first concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Inagaki, Takuya Komatsu, Katsutoshi Shimizu, Satoru Wakuta, Junji Matsushita, Kazutoshi Motoike, Masatoshi Adachi, Kinya Yoshii
  • Patent number: 7527577
    Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic transmissions. In particular, the instant invention relates to an automatic transmission with improved resistance to deterioration with an increased effective life. The transmission of the instant invention comprises eight pinion gears assembled into one carrier utilizing a forward and a rear sun gear, a ring gear, a band drum and a one way roller clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: Scott R. Dalenberg, Theodore V. Kachel, John W. Creighton
  • Patent number: 7524261
    Abstract: Gear sets and methods for speed transformation are provided. In one aspect, an input gear is attached to an input motor shaft and a plurality of gear elements comprising an output element cooperatively engage the input gear, wherein a bearing means disposed about the input motor shaft supports the plurality of gear elements upon the motor shaft, the input motor shaft thereby functioning as a torque arm for the plurality of gear elements, the bearing means transferring an operational load comprising a total operative torque load of the gear set to an input motor through the motor shaft. In one aspect the bearing means comprises inner and outer high-speed bearings, and inner and outer disc bodies are disposed about the high-speed bearings and supported by the high-speed bearings. Embodiments include planetary gear and harmonic gear structures, and multistage gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Merritt Armstrong Osborn
  • Publication number: 20090105035
    Abstract: A planetary gearset provided with a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier that rotatably retains a plurality of pinion gears arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear as elements, in which one of the elements is made a fixed element and one of the other elements is made a rotating element, and which transmits torque between that rotating element and an external member provided in a location eccentric with respect to that rotating member. The planetary gearset is constructed such that the fixed element is movably retained in the direction of a load from the transmission of torque between the rotating element and the external member, and the load from the transmission of torque between the rotating element and the external member is received by a fixed portion that rotatably retains that rotating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi SHIMIZU, Hideto Watanabe, Hiroshi Hata, Masahiro Kojima, Hideaki Komada, Masataka Sugiyama, Kenji Odaka
  • Publication number: 20090105034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection of sheet metal components of a transmission, wherein the connection has at least one form fit between at least one first sheet metal component and at least one second sheet metal component, and here, the form fit is formed by means of at least one journal which projects out of the first sheet metal component, wherein the journal engages into an opening, which at least partially corresponds to the outer contour of the journal, on the second sheet metal component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Ramon Jurjanz
  • Publication number: 20090105033
    Abstract: A planetary gear set equipped with a pinion shaft and a carrier according to an exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes: a pinion shaft having a engaging portion that protrudes in a longitudinal direction on an end thereof; a carrier into which the engaging portion of the pinion shaft is inserted; and a fastener engaged to the engaging portion of the pinion shaft, such that a portion of the carrier is fixed to the pinion shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Yeon Cheon Woo
  • Publication number: 20090098975
    Abstract: A rotating power tool has a transmission assembly having a transmission casing, a common annulus, at least two planetary gear assemblies and a thrust washer assembly. The common annulus is tubular, is mounted securely in the transmission casing and has an inner surface and multiple teeth. The planetary gear assemblies are connected in series in the common annulus, and each planetary gear assembly has a sun gear, a planet carrier and at least three planetary gear assemblies. The planet carrier is an annular bracket. The planetary gear assemblies are mounted around and engage a sun gear and the teeth in the common annulus. The thrust washer assembly is mounted between adjacent planetary gear assemblies. Consequently rotation of the transmission assembly is smooth and stable. The thrust washer assembly damps reactive force to prevent damage and guarantee normal operation of the hand-held rotating power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: WELLCAM MACHINERY CORP.
    Inventor: Chien-Tsung LIU
  • Publication number: 20090088284
    Abstract: An enclosed bicycle drivetrain is provided that produces a range of drive ratios suitable for any riding purpose. The enclosure of substantially the entire drivetrain is made practical by the synergistic cooperation of a planetary drive system using a single chain ring and a streamlined rear derailleur system that separates the tensioning and chain guiding functions of a conventional rear derailleur, allowing the rear derailleur components to remain substantially within the shadow of the outer perimeter of the bicycle frame. The planetary drive system is provided with a unique compound pawl that may be easily disengaged from a planetary ratchet member under full riding loads by the application of a small force to destabilize the pawl. A unique shift buffer mechanism cooperates with the rear derailleur system to buffer and store up to the full range of available shift commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Sam Harwell Patterson
  • Publication number: 20090084154
    Abstract: A spline member manufacturing apparatus includes a shaving punch, a shaving die, a spline punch, and a stripper. The stripper supports a first surface of a base plate portion and an outer circumferential surface of a boss portion. The shaving punch is advanced relatively, while a material and the stripper are being pressed so that cutout portions are formed in an outer circumference portion of the base plate portion by the shaving punch and the shaving die. The shaving punch is further advanced relatively while the outer circumferential surface of the base plate portion is held by the shaving die, so that a spline portion is formed by inserting the spline punch along the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Nakajima, Hideyuki Nagai, Kazushi Nagashima, Ariyoshi Terao
  • Patent number: 7510498
    Abstract: A planetary gearset provided with a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier that rotatably retains a plurality of pinion gears arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear as elements, in which one of the elements is made a fixed element and one of the other elements is made a rotating element, and which transmits torque between that rotating element and an external member provided in a location eccentric with respect to that rotating member. The planetary gearset is constructed such that the fixed element is movably retained in the direction of a load from the transmission of torque between the rotating element and the external member, and the load from the transmission of torque between the rotating element and the external member is received by a fixed portion that rotatably retains that rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Shimizu, Hideto Watanabe, Hiroshi Hata, Masahiro Kojima, Hideaki Komada, Masataka Sugiyama, Kenji Odaka
  • Publication number: 20090058094
    Abstract: A drive train for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a low speed shaft connected to blades of the wind turbine and a higher speed shaft connected to a generator. The drive train also includes a bearing that substantially supports the weight of at least the low speed shaft. A compound planetary gear stage is connected to the low speed shaft and the higher speed shaft, and includes a rotating carrier, a non-rotating ring gear, a plurality of planetary gears, and a rotating sun gear. The sun gear is connected to the higher speed shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick L. Jansen, Ralph James Carl, JR., Robert J. Ciszak, Fulton J. Lopez, Aniruddha D. Gadre
  • Patent number: 7494441
    Abstract: A selector lever arrangement for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a selector lever which is pivotable about a pivot axis and has the purpose of generating a selector movement. It also includes connecting mechanism for transferring the selector movement to the automatic transmission, and a connecting arrangement for transmitting the selector movement from the selector lever to the connecting mechanism. The connecting arrangement includes a planetary gear mechanism. The selector lever is connected to the input side of the planetary gear mechanism and the connecting mechanism is connected to the output side of the planetary gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus Haefner
  • Publication number: 20090042687
    Abstract: An arrangement of two adjacent planetary gearsets (1, 2) in a housing of a transmission of a vehicle. In the arrangement a ring gear carrier (3) is connected to ring gear (19) of the first planetary gearset (1) and a sun gear (8) of the second planetary gearset (2), which is connected to a shaft (5) of the transmission, such that torque is transferred between the ring gear (19) of the first planetary gearset (1) and the shaft of the transmission (5). The ring gear carrier (3) is therefore engaged both with the shaft (5) of the transmission and with the sun gear (8) of the second planetary gearset (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter ZIEMER, Gert Bauknecht
  • Patent number: 7484437
    Abstract: A transmission unit particularly for driving screw feeders and auxiliary user devices of mixing trucks, comprising an off-center distribution device, which can be associated with an external power take-off and forms couplings for the connection of auxiliary user devices; a reduction unit, which is functionally connected to the off-center distribution device and can be associated with the screw feeders of a mixing truck; and a main friction clutch device, which is interposed between the off-center distribution device and the reduction unit, a device for reversing the direction of rotation of the screw feeders and an auxiliary friction clutch device for the reversing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Comer Industries S.p.A.
    Inventors: Achille Brunazzi, Andrea Gallo, Fausto Mora
  • Publication number: 20090005213
    Abstract: The invention proceeds from a planetary gear mechanism having at least one drive unit (10) and at least one output unit (12). It is proposed that the planetary gear mechanism comprises a freewheeling unit (26) which is provided for blocking a moment (30) which is introduced at the output unit (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Michael BOGNER
  • Publication number: 20080317509
    Abstract: A developing device includes a developing housing that supports a developer carrier, and a developer cartridge. The developer cartridge includes a cartridge housing that is configured to accommodate developer, an agitator that is provided in the cartridge housing and is configured to agitate the developer by a driving force, and a transmission gear that is configured to transmit the driving force to the agitator. The developing housing comprises a moving gear that is movable between a meshing position in which the moving gear meshes with the transmission gear and a spaced-apart position in which the moving gear is spaced apart from the meshing position. The moving gear is configured to transmit the driving force from the transmission gear to the agitator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Mori
  • Publication number: 20080300097
    Abstract: A planetary gear set includes a sun gear; pinions that are positioned around the sun gear and that mesh with the sun gear; and a ring gear that is positioned on the outer side of the pinions and that meshes with the pinions. Each pinion has a plurality of teeth on the outer surface thereof. Each tooth has a first tooth surface and a second tooth surface on opposite sides of the tooth, which can contact tooth surfaces of the sun gear and the ring gear. The deviation of the first tooth surface from the corresponding reference surface differs from the deviation of the second tooth surface from the corresponding reference surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Tanabe, Yota Mizuno, Hiroshi Hata
  • Patent number: 7455617
    Abstract: A traction-drive system that in one embodiment comprises an idler rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a plurality of rotatable and generally disc-shaped planet rollers each having an inner contact surface, a case contact surface and an idler contact surface, the inner contact surface being of a first diameter, the case contact surface being of a second diameter, and the idler contact surface being of a third diameter, the planet rollers distributed about the idler and each planet roller contacting the idler at its respective idler contact surface. The traction drive system of this embodiment also comprises an inner ring rotatable about the longitudinal axis adapted to contact the inner contact surface of each of the planet rollers, and a case ring adapted to contact the case contact surface of each of the planet rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson
  • Patent number: 7455616
    Abstract: A thrust washer retainer is provided and includes a first retainer portion, wherein the first retainer portion defines at least one first mating structure and includes a first interface structure, a second retainer portion, wherein the second retainer portion defines at least one second mating structure and includes a second interface structure, wherein the second retainer portion is disposed relative to the first retainer portion such that the first mating structure is associated with the second mating structure and a locking member having at least one locking structure, wherein the locking structure is associated with at least a portion of the first mating structure and the second mating structure such that the first retainer portion is non-movable relative to the second retainer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark Frederick Beltowski
  • Patent number: 7452305
    Abstract: A vehicular powertrain system includes a prime mover having an output, a multi-ratio transmission having an input, and a torque reduction coupling system coupling the prime mover output and the multi-ratio transmission input. The exemplary torque reduction coupling system includes a clutch and a planetary gear set selectively coupling the prime mover output to the multi-ratio transmission input. The exemplary planetary gear set includes one components of the planetary gear set being selectively coupled to the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Oliver, Craig S. Jacobs, David M. Preston, Timothy J. Morscheck, Jeff H. Skorupski, Thomas A. Genise
  • Publication number: 20080276734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a starter motor including a drive assembly disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive assembly includes a gear train disposed in the housing, with the gear train in operable communication with a first end of an armature shaft. A pinion gear is in operable communication with a second end of the output shaft. A spacer is disposed between the gear train and the housing. The spacer is disposed and configured to hold the gear train fixed relative to the housing but allow the gear train to rotate relative to the housing when a selected slippage torque is applied to the gear train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Fulton
  • Publication number: 20080272734
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of secure and efficient wheel assembly using fluid or solid stuffing materials so as to minimize the blowout risks, a wheel rim transmission assembly, an energy exchanging arrangement used in transporting system, and a vehicle energy storage system, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing and preparing such assemblies and arrangements in applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Wen Lin Ren
  • Patent number: 7445577
    Abstract: An internally geared hub ball pushing unit is configured to be mounted on a hub axle such that is less likely to experience a decrease in bearing durability resulting from deformation of the ball pushing surface. The ball pushing unit is provided with an inside member and an outside member. The inside member has a fitting part configured to be fitted onto the hub axle with a sleeve insertion recess disposed on its internal circumferential portion and an externally threaded or splined section disposed on its external circumferential portion. The outside member has a ball pushing surface on its external circumferential portion and an internally threaded or splined section configured to non-rotatably connect to the externally threaded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Urabe
  • Patent number: 7438663
    Abstract: A compound gear system and method comprising a flexible gear defining an array of gear elements in an articulating relationship, a rigid structure defining first and second spaced parallel pluralities of articulating gear support structures arrayed in a ring, the articulating gear reeved tightly about and engaging the support structures, thereby restraining the flexible articulating gear from moving inwardly or rotationally relative to the rigid structure while enabling the flexible gear to expand outward, and at least one sprocket gear having a plurality of sprocket teeth aligned to engage flexible gear element middle areas. The support structures transmit torque between the flexible gear elements and the rigid structure responsive to interaction of the flexible gear element middle areas with the sprocket gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Merritt Armstrong Osborn
    Inventors: Merritt A. Osborn, Theodore Radisek
  • Publication number: 20080240639
    Abstract: The difference between a revolution period of larger diameter-side balls and a revolution period of smaller diameter-side balls is smaller as compared with a conventional bearing. The relation, (??10)??<?, is established, where ?(°) represents a contact angle of the larger diameter-side ball, and ?(°) represents a contact angle of the smaller diameter-side ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Takimoto, Youzou Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7429231
    Abstract: A rotary drive for a belt tensioner includes a housing, a pinion rotatably mounted therein, and at least one driving gear coupled to the pinion, the driving gear being mounted in the housing and being adapted to be driven by pressurized gas introduced into a pressure chamber. Formed in the driving gear is a cavity having a substantially radially extending wall which, in the installed state, is opposite to a protrusion which projects into the cavity and is rigidly connected to the housing, the wall of the cavity and the protrusion forming part of a wall of the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Bieg, Thomas Moedinger, Gerhard Malbrich
  • Publication number: 20080220929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear mechanism, in particular to a planetary gear set, which can be used in a motor vehicle in order to make it possible, in an advantageous way in terms of energy, to drive auxiliary units of the motor vehicle from the main drive device in a speed-adapted and therefore power-adapted manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MBM Technologie GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Gebhardt, Andre Gopfert, Dominik Zschocke
  • Patent number: 7422540
    Abstract: A planet gear pin (4) is secured against axial displacement relative to a planet gear carrier (1) using an elastically deflectable or deformable retaining element (9, 9a, 9b) arranged in a location hole (10) in the planet gear pin (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Andreas Neudecker, Norbert Metten, Gustav Weidmann
  • Patent number: 7419454
    Abstract: A ring gear is an annular gear having an annular base portion with a predetermined constant width, and the annular base portion is provided with a gear on an entire periphery thereof. The base portion includes a first wall thickness portion having a first wall thickness, and a second wall thickness portion having a second wall thickness thicker than the first wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080200299
    Abstract: A turbine engine power generation system includes a gearbox that receives rotational drive from a low spool through an input gear, in one example. The gearbox includes first and second clutches that are coupled to an input shaft of an auxiliary component, such as a generator. First and second output gears are driven at different rotational speeds by the input gear and respectively associated with the first and second clutches. An actuator selectively engages at least one of the first and second clutches to select between first and second rotational speeds in response to a command from a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: David Everett Russ
  • Publication number: 20080194377
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for finishing the mating surfaces of a gear set or gear train including at least a first and second rotatably connected gear element in dynamic, lubricated contact. A hardness differential is employed between mating gear surfaces to balance surface damage imparted by friction and plastic deformation. The invention also includes subjecting the mating surfaces to a polishing process, preferably isotropic chemical finishing, to shape the surface asperity profile, thereby reducing accumulative damage due to friction and plastic deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Avinash Singh
  • Publication number: 20080184834
    Abstract: A machine tool gear mechanism (1) such as a spindle gear mechanism, transmits torque from an output shaft (3) of the gear mechanism directly to a spindle (6). The mechanism includes a rotary passage (14) as a device for delivering coolants, emulsions, oils or air between the output shaft (3) or the motor and the spindle (6). The rotary passage (14) is integrated in the spindle (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Harald Eckert
  • Publication number: 20080184845
    Abstract: A starter apparatus is disclosed. The starter apparatus includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, the motor having an armature shaft, and a planetary gear train disposed within the housing and in operable communication with the armature shaft. The planetary gear train includes a ring gear, a carrier shaft in operable communication with the planetary gear train for outputting a torque of the armature shaft transferred through the planetary gear train, and a dampener in exclusive connection between the ring gear and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter K. Farrar, Joel M. Gray, Wojciech M. Golab
  • Patent number: 7407461
    Abstract: A gatherer stitcher is provided having a common drive unit driving at least two operating shafts, at least one and/or at least two different operating units, such as more particularly a gatherer chain and/or stitching station and/or a feeder and/or stitching carriage and/or ejector and/or 3-cutter, comprising two operating shafts, which permits an automated change in the phase angle between the two shafts. According to the invention, this is achieved in that an adjusting apparatus having at least one adjustment drive (4) that can be monitored is provided in order to set a phase angle at least between the two shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hohner Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Numberger, Dirk Droege, Thomas Gerlach, Claus-Otto Hohner
  • Patent number: 7404779
    Abstract: A planetary transmission which has a drive shaft, an axial bearing, an internal gear, an axially displaceable sliding collar and a lubrication circuit and an output shaft which is mounted the transmission housing by an external bearing and an internal bearing. The housing is provided with an oil intake (13) which is connected to an oil line (16) with the external bearing (5) of the output shaft, which is linked by an oil feeding circuit with the axial bearing (9) of the output shaft. The axial bearing (9) is connected with an interior gear bearing by an interior gear (17), the interior gear (17) is encapsulated through a wall section (18). An oil discharge (14) is connected with an oil pump located outside the planetary transmission which, on the other hand, is connected with the oil intake (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Harald Eckert
  • Patent number: 7402121
    Abstract: A power transmitting system suitable for use with a hybrid vehicle is provided and preferably may comprise: (i) a first shaft and a second shaft; (ii) a planetary gear set; (iii) a power receiving apparatus that can receive power from the planetary gear set; (iv) a power transmitting member preferably in communication with the power receiving device and the second shaft to transmit power from the power receiving device to the second shaft. Because in preferred systems tension of a chain of a power transmitting system of a hybrid vehicle is not transmitted to a simple planetary gear set, damage to the simple planetary gear set may be prevented and the power transmitting system of the hybrid vehicle may be applied to many kinds of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Joo Woong Youn, Yeon Ho Kim