Planetary Gearing Or Element Patents (Class 475/331)
  • Publication number: 20140194245
    Abstract: A planetary gear unit, having at least one first set of first planetary wheels arranged at a radial distance to a central axis, which mesh with a first sun gear that is rotatable around the central axis. The planetary gear unit further includes at least one second set of second planetary wheels arranged at a radial distance to the central axis, where the second planetary wheels mesh with a second sun gear that is rotatable around the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tom-Michel During, Ramon Jurjanz, Philip Wurzberger
  • Publication number: 20140194244
    Abstract: An axial mounting of the planetary gearwheels of a planetary gearset having a sun gear that meshes with at least one planetary gearwheel mounted on a planetary bolt that is supported on the planetary carrier. The at least one planetary gearwheel meshes with a ring gear. At least one check-plate, which has a hole for the planetary bolt and which is positioned on one side of the planetary gearwheel between the planetary gearwheel and the planetary carrier, is associated with each planetary gearwheel. The check-plate is completely flat and is axially symmetrical relative to its longitudinal and transverse axes. The at least one check-plate has two wings that extend in the longitudinal direction, which are positioned in recesses formed in the planetary carrier, when the check-plate is in the installed condition, to secure the check-plate against rotation. The check-plate is fixed relative to the planetary carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Tobias MILLER, Frank PAULITSCHKE, Stefan BROM
  • Patent number: 8771124
    Abstract: A planetary gear system includes a sun gear rotatable about an axis. Planetary gears are circumferentially arranged about and intermesh with the sun gear and peripherally with a ring gear. Each of the planetary gears is supported by a journal bearing arranged in a bore in a carrier wall. A carrier supports the journal bearings and is configured to rotate about the axis and carry the planetary gears. The carrier wall supports the journal bearings and has spaced apart lateral surfaces. A scupper is arranged between the lateral surfaces and provides an inlet in one of the lateral surfaces, in this example facing the sun gear. The inlet has a first circumferential dimension, and a passage fluidly interconnects the scupper to one of the journal bearings via the bore. The passage has a second circumferential dimension less than the first circumferential dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Dean A. Norem, David L. Wakefield
  • Patent number: 8764604
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an input shaft and a fan shaft rotatable about an axis. The fan shaft supports fan blades. An epicyclic gear train is connected between the input shaft and the fan shaft. The epicyclic gear train includes a plurality of star gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of star gears, a sun gear that meshes with the plurality of star gears and a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the plurality of star gears such that the sun gear is rotatable in a first direction and the ring gear is rotatable in a second, opposite direction. The ring gear includes first and second portions that each have an inner periphery with teeth. The first and second portions include respective recesses facing one another to provide an internal annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8763251
    Abstract: A method of mounting a gear train to a torque frame includes providing a unitary carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced connecting structure defining mounts for interconnecting the walls. Spaced apart apertures are provided between the mounts at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and mounts extending to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls. A plurality of intermediate gears and a sun gear are inserted in the carrier. A first ring gear half is placed about the outer periphery of the intermediate gears, and attach a torque frame to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 8758184
    Abstract: An automated system for testing a variety of transmissions and drive line gearbox components, and more particularly helicopter transmissions, for reliability, life expectancy, efficiency, and the like on a semi-automated basis. The system powers a unit under test with a pair of AC, variable speed drive motors connected to the transmission through relatively low speed gearboxes which in turn drive the input(s) of the test unit through geared cartridge spindles (GCSs) employing planetary gearset inputs driving a higher speed machine tool type spindle with an output chuck system which can automatically couple to adapters preloaded on the unit under test. Similar GCSs couple the outputs of the test unit to AC motors which act as generators to power the driving motors and thereby reduce the required electric power input to the losses in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: RedViking Group, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald W. Blankenship, Christopher Lake, David Gonyea, Kevin Harris, Matthew Thompson
  • Patent number: 8760313
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (54) for an actuator having at least one mechanical display element (10, 11) and a variable speed gear unit, particularly a signal gear unit designed as a variable speed gear unit, having at least two gears with differing transmission ratios, wherein there is a mechanical switching arrangement with which the different gears and/or transmission ratios of the variable speed gear unit can be selected and/or switched even when the display device is mounted operationally ready in a housing without intervention into the housing and without opening the housing from outside, and/or wherein the resolution of the display device (54) and/or the movement of the at least one display element (10, 11) on the actuating path to be displayed of a respective actuator and/or a respective armature can be selectively adjusted. The invention furthermore relates to an actuator having a said type of display device (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: PS Automation GmbH
    Inventor: Patrick Bernhart
  • Publication number: 20140165751
    Abstract: A positioning for positioning a measuring element (2) and a measuring device with such a positioning device have an object of providing a positioning device for positioning a measuring element or a measuring device with a measuring element and a positioning device that is a simplification compared to the prior art and that meets the requirements for positioning with respect to accuracy and reproducibility. The object is met in the positioning device in that three wheels are provided (3, 4, 5), which are designed as a ring gear (3), a sun and a planetary gear (5). The ring has an interior space (6) in which the sun and the planetary are arranged. Furthermore, the planetary is engaged with the sun and with the ring gear (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Christoph Baer, Sebastian Baer, Thomas Musch
  • Publication number: 20140171254
    Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8753243
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an epicyclic gear train that has a two-piece ring gear. Each portion of the ring gear includes radially outwardly extending flanges that are axially constrained to a turbo fan shaft by bolts secured circumferentially along the flanges. Knife edge seals are secured to the flanges to contain oil expelled through the ring gear into a gutter. The ring gear and turbo fan shaft can be rotationally balanced together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8753245
    Abstract: A wind energy plant comprising a gearbox with a gearbox housing, a rotor hub mounted outside of the gearbox and a satellite carrier in the gearbox housing, the satellite carrier having an input side and an output side. At the input side, the satellite carrier is only connected to the rotor hub and mounted in the gearbox housing without a bearing. At the output side, the satellite carrier is mounted in the gearbox housing via a torque bearing arranged in the gearbox housing on the output side of satellite carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Nitzpon
  • Patent number: 8753244
    Abstract: A bearing pin for a planetary transmission, which has a cylindrical base body with a radial bore formed in one axial end of the base body. A locking element is mounted with a salient radial portion in the radial bore and serves as an anti-rotation feature of the base body. The bearing pin creates a possibility of reliable fixing of a bearing pin in a planetary transmission with a low-complexity manufacturing procedure. Also, a carrier arrangement for a planetary transmission, which includes such a bearing pin is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Pabst, Andreas Ziegler, Frank Beeck
  • Patent number: 8747276
    Abstract: A drive device including a planetary gear reduction device having at least two stages and an output shaft, and a driven shaft to support a driven member rotatively driven by torque reduced by the planetary gear reduction device and transmit the torque from the output shaft to the driven member. Each stage of the planetary gear reduction device includes a sun gear, an outer gear, multiple planetary gears, a carrier, and a support shaft. The output shaft is provided to the carrier of the last stage. Central axes of the sun gear, the outer gear, the carrier, the output shaft, the driven shaft, and the driven member are all arranged coaxially with one another and at least one carrier is floatingly supported relative to the outer gear. The carrier is formed as a single integrated unit having holes into which both ends of the support shaft are fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Shimizu, Yasuhiro Maehata, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Tetsuo Watanabe, Hiromichi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8747275
    Abstract: A differential device has a differential case that houses a gear group, and a ring gear that is disposed fitted to the differential case. The differential case and the ring gear are supported rotatably about a drive shaft. The ring gear is made up of a helical gear. The ring gear abuts the differential case in the axial direction of the drive shaft. The ring gear and the differential case are welded at an abutting portion of the ring gear and the differential case in the axial direction of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Michitaka Tsuchida, Makoto Taniguchi, Yosuke Suzuki, Takahito Endo, Yoshitaka Murata, Tsuyoshi Ide
  • Publication number: 20140155218
    Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an axial fan drive and hub assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a drive unit having a planetary gear arrangement, and a fan hub coupleable to the drive unit. A sun gear of the gear arrangement can be driven by an input shaft, while either the planet gear carrier or the ring gear may be selected to be the output. The assembly can thus facilitate rotating a fan in the same or the opposite direction of rotation as the input shaft. The drive unit can further be easily interchangeable with other drive units having different gear ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: John Santoro
  • Publication number: 20140150610
    Abstract: A two-piece planet carrier for use in a power hand tool, the carrier comprising a drive portion mountable to a rotor of the tool and a pinned portion having a crank pin. The crank pin operatively connectable to a drive shaft of the tool to provide rotation and torque to the drive shaft. The pinned portion rotatably engaged with the drive portion such that rotation of the rotor will cause the drive portion and the pinned portion to rotate relative to each other as a function of a load applied to the drive shaft such that an offset between a crank pin center axis and a drive portion axis of rotation is variable as a function of the load, wherein the variance of the offset will vary a rotational speed and an amount of torque delivered to the drive shaft as a function of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventor: Mark McMenemy
  • Publication number: 20140155219
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a fan, and a fan drive turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine drives the fan through a gear reduction. The gear reduction includes at least two double helical gears in meshed engagement. Each of the at least two double helical gears are disposed to rotate about respective axes, and each have a first plurality of gear teeth axially spaced from a second plurality of gear teeth by a spacer. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer and each of the second plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer. Each first end of the first plurality of gear teeth is circumferentially offset from each first end of the second plurality of gear teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Ahmet Kahraman
  • Patent number: 8740740
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an input shaft and a fan shaft rotatable about an axis. The fan shaft supports fan blades. An epicyclic gear train is connected between the input shaft and the fan shaft. The epicyclic gear train includes a plurality of star gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of star gears, a sun gear that meshes with the plurality of star gears and a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the plurality of star gears such that the sun gear is rotatable in a first direction and the ring gear is rotatable in a second, opposite direction. The ring gear includes first and second portions that each have an inner periphery with teeth. The first and second portions include respective recesses facing one another to provide an internal annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Publication number: 20140148301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a backlash-free planetary gear unit with a sun gear and with a ring gear, which mesh with at least one first planet gear of a planetary stage, wherein the planetary stage comprises a first planet carrier on which the first planet gear is rotatably mounted, wherein there is furthermore at least one second planet gear in the planetary stage that also meshes with the ring gear and the sun gear, wherein the at least one second planet gear is rotatably supported at a second planet carrier of the planetary stage, wherein the two planet carriers are in the circumferential direction of the sun gear preloaded relative to each another such that also the at least one first planet gear is preloaded relative to the at least one second planet gear in the circumferential direction of the sun gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: MAXON MOTOR AG
    Inventors: Stefan WESTHOLT, Olaf KLEIN
  • Patent number: 8734288
    Abstract: A gearbox assembly comprising of at least one planetary gear set comprising one or more ring gears, one or more sun gears and a planet carrier. The planet carrier supports two sets of circumferentially spaced planet gear bearings, pins and planet gears. The bearings, pins and gears are able to self adjust in an angular direction relative to the carrier supporting disc whereby the rotation axis of the planet gears may remain perpendicular to the plane of the planet carrier or skewed from said plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Romax Technology Limited
    Inventor: Siu Yun Poon
  • Publication number: 20140141929
    Abstract: An article comprises a metal alloy substrate and a plated wear interface layer disposed over a surface of the metal alloy substrate. The wear interface layer has a chemical composition including between about 0.005 wt % and about 0.050 wt % of antimony (Sb), and the balance silver (Ag) and incidental impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hanlon, William P. Ogden, Eli N. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140141930
    Abstract: A remanufactured planet carrier is disclosed having a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from and oriented generally parallel to the first plate. Supports join and support the first and second plates. The remanufactured planet carrier further has a plurality of first pin bores in the first plate and a plurality of second pin bores in the second plate. The first pin bores are parallel and generally aligned with the second pin bores. A cylindrical member extends from a central axis of the second plate away from the first plate with a shaft bore formed within the cylindrical member. The first and second pin bores and the shaft bore each have a surface layer with a hardness of at least about 180 BHN and a strength of at least about 500 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Herbert Gerke, Daniel Thomas Cavanaugh, Kristin Ann Schipull, M. Brad Beardsley, Justin Curtis Embrey
  • Patent number: 8727934
    Abstract: A reduction gear includes a stationary sun gear, a coaxial mobile sun gear, planet gears, and a planet carrier. In order to ensure easy, reliable assembly for the reduction gear, while transmitting high torques having a considerable speed reduction, the helical gear teeth of the stationary and mobile sun gears are reversed relative to one another and are mutually separated in the direction of the main axis of rotation, thus forming a free space between them, which is suitable for adjusting the axial position of the planet gear or gears when assembling the reduction gear, such as to engage the first and second gear teeth of the planet gear with the respective gear teeth of the stationary and mobile sun gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: SKF Aerospace France
    Inventor: Bastien Roussey
  • Patent number: 8727933
    Abstract: A final drive assembly for a machine is disclosed. The final drive assembly may comprise a motor coupled with a motor housing, a driven component rotatably mounted on the motor housing by at least one bearing, and a planetary transmission configured to transfer power from the motor to the driven component. The planetary transmission may have a stationary carrier coupled with the motor housing, and the carrier may be adapted to retain the at least one bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Enderle, Sean McGrane, Christopher Demick
  • Publication number: 20140135164
    Abstract: A wheel drive unit includes: a planetary gear mechanism including a planetary gear and an internally-toothed gear; a casing integrated with the internally-toothed gear, a wheel being attached to the casing, and the casing transmitting rotation of the internally-toothed gear to the wheel; a bearing nut configured to prevent axial movement of the casing; and an oil seal provided more toward an interior of a vehicle than the planetary gear mechanism and axially fixed with respect the casing. An inner diameter of the detachment prevention member is smaller than an outer diameter of the externally-toothed gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masayuki Ishizuka
  • Publication number: 20140130356
    Abstract: A gear cage assembly configured to support a plurality of planet gear in an air turbine starter is provided including a main plate and a back plate. The main plate includes a plurality of legs that extend from a first surface. A pin protrudes from a one of the plurality of legs. A plurality of shallow openings formed in the first surface extends over only a portion of a depth of the main plate. The back plate includes a plurality of bearing holes substantially identical to the plurality of shallow openings. A biasing mechanism and at least one alignment feature protrude from the back plate. The at least one alignment feature and the biasing mechanism are configured to contact at least one of the plurality of legs. A bushing mounted within the back plate is configured to receive the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Yiwei Jiang, Jeffrey M. Makulec, Bradley Thomas Ryan
  • Patent number: 8708863
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear train includes a carrier that supports star gears that mesh with a sun gear. A ring gear surrounds and meshes with the star gears. Each of the star gears is supported on a respective journal bearing. Each journal bearing includes an internal central cavity and at least one passage that extends radially from the internal cavity to a peripheral journal surface of the respective journal bearing. The epicyclic gear train has a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8702558
    Abstract: A planetary gear transmission unit (10) includes a ring gear (17), a sun gear (18) and a planet carrier (19) driving a plurality of planet shafts (12) onto which planet gears (11) are rotatably mounted by way of planet bearings (13). The planet shafts are flexpin shafts (12) and each flexpin shaft (12) includes a pair of planet gears (11), each planet gear (11) of the pair being of the single helical type having a helix angle opposite to that of the other planet gear (11) of the pair. A gearbox (20) including a planetary gear transmission unit (10) according to embodiments of the invention and a wind turbine including such a gearbox (20) are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hansen Transmissions International N.V.
    Inventor: Warren Smook
  • Patent number: 8702549
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit includes an axle formed of an output shaft of a motor, and a first support shaft and a second support shaft arranged at both ends of the output shaft. A stator is held on a first holding plate and a second holding plate. The second holding plate and a bearing block form a carrier of planetary gears. The second holding plate includes a bearing holding portion. The second support shaft is supported on the bearing holding portion. The first support shaft is supported on the first holding plate. The output shaft is supported at one end on the first holding plate and the other end on the bearing holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshino, Hisashi Murakami, Satoshi Nakamura, Koji Aoki, Naoki Kamimura
  • Patent number: 8702556
    Abstract: [Object] A unidirectional clutch can reduce a backlash without increasing the number of components, and also can improve silence and durability. [Means of Solving Problem] In a planet gear member 4 including a planet gear 4a which meshes an internal gear 2b of an outer member 2, locking teeth 4b are provided coaxially and integrally relative to the planet gear through a flange 4c. In an inner member 3, U-shaped wall portions 3b receiving the locking teeth 4b are provided. In the U-shaped wall portion, an engaging portion 5 is provided so that teeth of one portion of the locking teeth can engage. A locked state is attained by the locking teeth, so that even if the planet gear receives a restriction of the number of teeth, the number of the teeth (pitch) of the locking teeth can be finely set arbitrarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Naoto Jimbo
  • Publication number: 20140106926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a planetary gear system having at least one planet carrier which comprises a planet carrier plate which is produced from plastic in one pieces together with at least one bearing pin for a planetary gear and which, on the output side, is rotationally fixed connected to a sun gear. According to the invention, a thrust collar that is connected to the planet carrier plate in one piece is provided between the planetary gear and the planet carrier plate of the planet carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: IMS GEAR GMBH
    Inventor: Heinz Gert Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 8690721
    Abstract: An example journal pin includes a generally cylindrical body disposed on an axis having a supply passage. A first chamber and a second chamber are disposed in the generally cylindrical body and are in fluid communication with the supply passage. A recess on an outer diameter of the cylindrical body is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and second chamber are each radially outward of the supply passage and including an outlet to the recess. The first chamber and second chamber each have a first section radially inward of a second section. A cross sectional area of the second section is greater than a cross sectional area of the corresponding first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 8684882
    Abstract: In a power tool, a tubular gear case is disposed frontwardly of a motor and configured to accommodate a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism, a tubular motor bracket is attached to the motor and configured to connect the motor and the gear case together, and at least one pin is pierced through the motor bracket and the gear case to connect the motor bracket and the gear case together. The pin is engaged with a first-stage internal gear located at a first stage of the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism whereby the first-stage internal gear is restrained from rotating and located in position in an axial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 8684883
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices including rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Publication number: 20140087914
    Abstract: A hub nut for a planetary transmission has a body configured to secure against unscrewing and to seal the planetary transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Magiera, Dietmar Bronheim
  • Publication number: 20140087913
    Abstract: A planetary transmission includes an annulus on which a cover is arranged and a planet spider having a planet spider journal facing the cover. The planetary transmission further includes an intermediate element connected to the planet spider journal or to a sun wheel shaft such that the intermediate element is arranged at least partially between the planet spider journal or the sun wheel shaft and the cover. One or more of the planet spider journal and the sun wheel shaft are configured to be moved relative to the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Reimann, Markus Magiera, Stefan Hesterberg, Christian Kapschick
  • Publication number: 20140080658
    Abstract: A pin for guiding a gear has a substantially cylindrical outer surface section, wherein the outer surface section comprises a substantially cylindrical rolling surface section, which is aligned and formed so as to make possible the guiding of the gear. The outer surface section further has a groove, which is formed so as to accommodate a retaining ring, wherein the groove is disposed with respect to the rolling surface section so as to make possible a guiding, directly or indirectly via the retaining ring, of a rolling-element assembly along the axial direction of the pin. In this way it is possible to provide a guiding of a gear wherein a small tolerance chain is implemented with respect to the axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Ludwig Edelmann, Dominic Namyslo
  • Patent number: 8672799
    Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8672800
    Abstract: A carrier is implemented which is capable of reducing the number of parts and the number of bonding steps. The carrier includes a pair of holding members that hold from both sides in an axial direction L a pinion shaft supporting a pinion gear. A first holding member as one of the pair of holding members includes a coupling portion extending in the axial direction L toward a second holding member as the other holding member. The second holding member is a disc-like member, and has an external outer peripheral gear integrally formed in its outer peripheral portion. The coupling portion is bonded to a coupling bonding portion provided on a radially inner side R1 of the outer peripheral gear in the second holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Nomura, Takaaki Kawashima, Hirotaka Shiratori, Masabumi Nishigaya
  • Patent number: 8672798
    Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8672801
    Abstract: A mounting system for a planetary gear train in a gas turbine engine comprises a support strut, a deflection flange and a deflection limiter. The support strut extends between a stationary engine case and a rotating engine shaft that provides input to the planetary gear train in the gas turbine engine. The deflection flange extends from a rotating output component of the planetary gear train. The deflection limiter is connected to the support strut and engages the deflection flange when the gear train becomes radially displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Gino Pagluica
  • Publication number: 20140073476
    Abstract: A driving device includes a drive source, a planetary gear decelerator, a drive-target shaft, a rotation speed detector, and a sensor mount. The planetary gear decelerator includes a planetary gear mechanism equipped with an output shaft, a sun gear, an outer gear, a plurality of planetary gears, and a rotatable first carrier. The outer gear is made of resin and includes a deformable portion at a drive target side, and the deformable portion is elastically deformable in a radial direction. The plurality of planetary gears engages the sun gear and the outer gear. The rotatable first carrier rotatably supports the planetary gears. The rotation speed detector detects a rotation speed of the planetary gear decelerator, and includes a sensor and a detection target disposed coaxially on the output shaft. The sensor mount supports the sensor and moves in the radial direction in accordance with elastic deformation of the outer gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro MAEHATA, Yasuhisa EHARA, Hiromichi MATSUDA, Katsuaki MIYAWAKI
  • Publication number: 20140070600
    Abstract: An in-wheel assembly is provided, and the in-wheel assembly includes an in-wheel actuator and a wheel. The in-wheel actuator includes a driving motor; a decelerator which is disposed inside the driving motor and configured to reduce a rotational speed of the driving motor; and a hollow shaft which is disposed inside the driving motor and configured to transfer a rotational force of the driving motor to the decelerator, which is accommodated in a hollow of the hollow shaft, and circulates fluid inside of the driving motor with respect to a surface of the decelerator when driven to rotate by the driving motor. The wheel accommodates the in-wheel actuator and receives a rotational speed reduced by the decelerator to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Sang PARK
  • Patent number: 8668619
    Abstract: Rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications are provided. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8668618
    Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8667688
    Abstract: A method of assembling an epicyclic gear train includes the steps of providing a unitary carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced apart apertures provided at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and extend to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls. A plurality of intermediate gears is inserted through the central opening and move the intermediate gears radially outwardly into the gear pockets to extend through the apertures. A sun gear is inserted through the central opening. The plurality of intermediate gears is moved radially inwardly to engage the sun gear. A gear reduction is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20140066246
    Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate. In some embodiments, engines include rotary mechanisms and are used in, for example, ground vehicles, marine vehicles, aircraft, or devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Christopher C. Sappenfield
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8663058
    Abstract: A brake assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The brake assembly may have a stationary spindle, and a main brake housing annularly connected at a first axial end to the stationary spindle and at least partially forming a first control chamber. The brake assembly may also have a park brake housing annularly connected to a second axial end of the main brake housing and at least partially forming a second control chamber, and at least one piloting feature disposed between an inner annular surface of the park brake housing and an outer annular surface of the stationary spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hoots, Barry D. Bliss
  • Patent number: 8663059
    Abstract: A transmission device for an automotive vehicle, which device includes a first spur gear transmission section, a second spur gear transmission section and a plurality of double planet pins. The double planet pins extend from a first side section to a second side section. Each of the double planet pins carries one first planet of the first set of planets and one second planet of the second set of planets. A plurality of supporting pins are also provided, each of the supporting pins carrying one third planet of the third set of planets. The supporting pins extend from the first side section to the second side section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tomas Smetana, Ramon Jurjanz
  • Patent number: 8662277
    Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a fixed housing in which the brake mechanism substantially resides. A plate closes the fixed housing and includes a cylindrical portion extending partially within the fixed housing. A parking piston and a service piston are employed to act against a brake stack which includes a plurality of stators and rotors interleaved together. A wear adjuster is press-fit onto the cylindrical portion of the plate and engages the service piston during actuation of the service piston and compensates for wear of friction material from the rotors or stators such that the distance between the service piston and the brake stack is substantially the same during the life of the brake mechanism. If neither the service piston nor the parking piston engage the brake stack prohibiting rotation of the input drive, the planetary gear set drives the rotating output drive with respect to the fixed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Schoon