Planetary Gearing Divides Paths Patents (Class 475/36)
  • Patent number: 11566407
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment, among others, of the present disclosure is directed to a drain closure assembly. Such an assembly has a head of the drain closure assembly that is fastened to a top end of a stem, wherein the bottom end of the stem is insertable in a drain shoe. The assembly further includes a gasket fastened around an outer cylinder of the stem below the head. Accordingly, the gasket comprises a series of concentric annular platforms such that a force applied to a top surface of the gasket causes an upper concentric annular platform having a smaller outer diameter to be compressed before the lower concentric annular platform having a larger outer diameter is compressed, thereby creating a seal between the head of the drain closure assembly and the drain shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Clifton Jones, Jr., Muhammad Towheed Hossain, Casey J. Fregoe
  • Patent number: 11274744
    Abstract: A fault evaluation device for an automatic transmission evaluates a fault of the automatic transmission. The fault evaluation device is used for a vehicle having the automatic transmission and a control device configured to execute a learning process for correcting a target pressure for oil to be supplied to the automatic transmission such that variations in acceleration of the vehicle during shifting of the automatic transmission are small. The fault evaluation device includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores mapping data that prescribe mapping. The processor is configured to output an output variable, which is an evaluation value that indicates the presence or absence of the fault of the automatic transmission, when an input variable is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota Fujii, Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Ken Imamura
  • Patent number: 11236810
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for heavy duty vehicles, in which the classic hydraulic torque converter is permanently removed, comprising at least two planetary gear assemblies; a hydraulic pump, used as a gradual brake; a hydro-mechanical device for transforming the torque generated by the drive engine of the vehicle into a variable torque; a hydraulic regulator to control all torque variations in the hydro-mechanical device; a reverse drive mechanism that controls a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle; and a freewheel that allows for a transmission of a different variable gear ratios from the drive engine of the vehicle to at least one of the driving wheels or caterpillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Manuel Meitin
  • Patent number: 9366318
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission input element, a transmission output element and a gear ratio changing system in a torque path between the transmission input element and the transmission output element. A torsional vibration damping arrangement with an input region and an output region is provided in the torque path. A first torque transmission path and, parallel thereto, a second torque transmission path, and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths, are provided between the input region and the output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement includes a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Lorenz, Cora Carlson, Thomas Weigand, Thomas Dögel, Michael Kühner, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 8939860
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly torque converter, comprises a housing arrangement (12) which is filled or fillable with fluid, an impeller (20), a turbine (28), a lockup clutch (54), a torsional vibration damping arrangement (42) with an input region (52) and an output region (82), wherein a first torque transmission path (46) and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path (48) and a coupling arrangement (50) for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths (46,48) are provided between the input region (52) and the output region (82), wherein the torsional vibration damping arrangement (42) further includes at least in the first torque transmission path (46) a phase shifter arrangement (56) for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path (46) relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dögel, Ingrid Hoffelner, Michael Kühner, Mathias Kopp
  • Patent number: 8905883
    Abstract: A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits the torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque, wherein the torque of the engine is divided into two portions by a torque split device and each portion of the torque is transmitted respectively to first and second power delivery paths and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to a launching device, the second power delivery path is connected to a transmission device, and outputs of the launching device and the transmission device meet such that the torques increased at each power delivery path is added to each other and the final torque is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Duk Hwan Sung
  • Patent number: 8888640
    Abstract: A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits the torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque is provided, wherein the torque of the engine is divided into two portions by a torque split device and each portion of the torque is transmitted respectively to first and second power delivery paths, wherein the first power delivery path is directly connected to a driving wheel, and wherein the second power delivery path is provided with a launching device and a transmission device disposed in series so as to increase the torque, and output of the second power delivery path is added to the torque of the first power delivery path to output the final torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Duk Hwan Sung
  • Publication number: 20140309067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train for transmitting a variable power with variable input speed at a drive shaft and a substantially constant output speed at an output shaft for a power generation installation, driven by a continuous-flow machine such as a wind turbine or a water turbine, comprising a power-split transmission, having a first planetary gear as a superposition gear and a second planetary gear as an epicyclic gear, and a hydrodynamic component which takes up power from the output side and returns said power in a controlled manner to the power-split transmission. The invention is characterized in such a way that the two planetary gears are coupled to each other by a common planet carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Bernhard Ludas, Manuel Rathgeb
  • Publication number: 20120302389
    Abstract: A transmission device having power splitting. In the first driving range, the mechanical power branch transmits torque from the ring gear to the additional fixed gear by the fixed gear. In this case, power branches from the ring gear. The hydrostatic power branch branches from the second sun gear. The hydrostatic branch transmits power from the first to the second hydraulic unit. The first and second hydraulic units act respectively as a pump and a motor. On one of the hydrostatic shafts, the mechanical and hydrostatic powers are added and transmitted to the output. In the second driving range, power from the planet carrier partially branches to the ring gear and passes to the hydrostatic shaft for the second hydraulic unit. An auxiliary shaft can be coupled by a gear to a fixed gear operatively connected to a shaft of the power splitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Roland Fischer, Michael Siber, Robert Morrison
  • Patent number: 7955207
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a cover and a planetary gear set rotationally interfaced with a hydraulic circuit and arranged to modify torque received by the cover from an engine. In some aspects, the gear set includes first and second components rotationally secured to the cover and an impeller shell, respectively. In some aspects, the first and second components are a carrier and ring gear, respectively. In some aspects, the gear set further comprises third and fourth component rotationally connected to a turbine shell and the output hub, respectively. The third component is arranged to receive torque from a clutch or a hub connected to the clutch. In some aspects, the third and fourth components are a carrier and ring gear, respectively. The gear set includes a component rotationally fixed with respect to a torque converter axis, and in some aspects, a ratchet one-way stator clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wei Wang, Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, George Bailey, Christopher Shamie
  • Patent number: 7874953
    Abstract: A stator torque transmitting assembly for a vehicle including a stator shaft connected to a stator in a torque converter for the vehicle and arranged to transmit torque from the stator during a torque conversion mode for the torque converter. In some aspects, the assembly includes a first planetary gear set with a first sun gear, a first planetary carrier, and a first ring gear. The first sun gear is rotationally connected to the stator shaft and the first carrier is grounded. A first transmission input shaft is rotationally connected to the first ring gear and to a second carrier in a second planetary gear set in a transmission in the vehicle. A second transmission input shaft, rotationally connected to a turbine in the torque converter, is rotationally connected to a second ring gear in the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christopher Shamie, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 7762917
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a power transmitting assembly for a vehicle, including a transmission power output for a manual transmission in the vehicle and a torque-filling element. The torque-filling element is arranged for connection to an engine in the vehicle, is connected to the transmission power output and is arranged to modify engine torque from the engine and to provide the modified engine torque to the transmission power output during a shift to a gear in the manual transmission. The torque-filling element includes a hydrodynamic torque-transmitting device, a rotation adjustment element to modify rotational speed associated with the engine, and a coupling element to interface the engine torque with torque on the transmission power output. In some aspects, the rotation adjustment element is arranged for connection to the engine. In some aspects, the coupling element is arranged for connection to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Edmund Maucher, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 7568992
    Abstract: A two-stage, continuously variable transmission used to power a machine, incorporates self-adjusting features while ensuring a positive engagement. Power from an engine is transferred via a rotatable shaft of a first stage, which engages with a first stage differential gear. The first stage gear delivers power to each of (1) a low ratio and (2) a high ratio first stage output half shafts. A second stage includes each of (1) a low ratio and (2) a high ratio second stage input half shaft. The low ratio half shafts are engaged providing a first pathway. The high ratio half shafts are engaged providing a second pathway, both shafts in positive engagement. A second stage differential gear receives low and high gear ratio power simultaneously, over the first and second pathways and aggregates the power to be output at an automatically selected optimum gear ratio for the machine, determined by the kinetic status of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Fernando Sierra
  • Patent number: 7507175
    Abstract: A power-branched continuously variable transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, and a power divider transmission that divides the torque of the input shaft between two torque transmission paths. One path is connected to the output shaft. A variable speed drive unit connects the transmission paths with each other, and a start-up converter is located in one of the torque transmission paths between the power divider transmission and the variable speed drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Martin Vornehm
  • Publication number: 20080300081
    Abstract: A continuously variable, automatic transmission for a motor driven vehicle including heavy trucks, buses and light automobiles, wherein the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and driving wheels. The automatic transmission includes a hydraulic torque converter or other hydraulic device and at least one but preferably a plurality of at least two planetary gear assemblies wherein two corresponding portions thereof are operatively interconnected by a free wheeling connector assembly. As such, torque generated by the engine of the vehicle is variably transmitted from the at least one of the planetary gear assemblies to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Manuel Meitin
  • Publication number: 20080293533
    Abstract: A combination countershaft and planetary gear set transmission is provided that achieves at least nine forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios. The transmission includes a main shaft operatively driven by a transmission input member as well as first and second countershafts with each countershaft spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the main shaft. The countershafts utilize a split clutch arrangement in which one of the clutches is cantilevered off the countershaft, allowing the size of the countershaft as well as an intermediate support plate to be removed, reducing parts complexity, material and overall length of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dane L. Rodgers, II
  • Patent number: 6261198
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission constructed in such a way that it can speed-change the power inputted to an input shaft according to the load applied to an output shaft and transmit the power to the output shaft even though all the gears remain engaged, and in addition reverse operation can also be effectuated in a simple way. Reviewing the construction thereof, it is mainly composed of a speed change system, which receives power generated by an engine, changes speed and transmits it to the output shaft, a speed change controlling system which automatically adjusts the rotational ratio to correspond to the condition of the load on the output shaft, and a reverse rotation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Aprotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Il Moon, Wan Moo Yoo, Hyo Keun Oh, We Chool Ra
  • Patent number: 5857934
    Abstract: An automatic transmission apparatus has a transmission 3 having first and second input shafts 31 and 32 as well as a clutch or a brake, and also has a torque converter 2 having a main unit 10, a planetary gear train 11, lock-up clutch device 12 and a one-way clutch 35. The planetary gear train 11 has a ring gear r1 coupled to a turbine 16, planetary gears p1 meshing with the ring gear r1, a carrier 20 coupled to the first input shaft 31 of the transmission 3 and carrying the planetary gears p1, and a sun gear s1 coupled to a stator 17 and meshing with the planetary gears p1. The one-way clutch 35 transmits a power to the second input shaft 32 of the transmission 3 only when the stator 17 rotates reversely to the impeller 15 and turbine 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 5531652
    Abstract: A power transmission for a vehicle which operates on land and in water has an engine driven torque converter, a planetary gear arrangement and a pair of output members. The water or sea-drive is connected with one output member which is connected to the planetary gear arrangement through a selectively engageable clutch. The land-drive is connected with the other output which is connected with the torque converter through a selectively engageable clutch. The torque converter turbine is connected with a member of the planetary gear arrangement and is selectively connectible with the impeller through a selectively engageable bypass or torque converter clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur Hall, III, Ralph L. Najmon
  • Patent number: 5254051
    Abstract: A continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission wherein a power source input is split into three inputs. A torque provided by a power source proceeds to a bevel gear of a center boss. The torsional force of the lowest mechanical gear ratio is passed by means of an overrunning clutch to a planetary gear, the ratio being selected according to a required application. The torque of an intermediary gear translates hydrodynamically through the action of a fluid clutch to a collecting planetary gear at a given appropriate ratio. The torque of a direct gear translates mechanically through the action of a box drum directly to a torque output shaft. All three gear ratios participate in the transmission of torque simultaneously--either actively or passively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Matti Makila
    Inventor: Erkki Saarijarvi
  • Patent number: 5030178
    Abstract: The power dividing stepless speed change transmission system has no less than two power dividing zero points of different nonzero finite values whereat the drives is in the same direction. The system, to a great extent, reduces the branch power, thereby improving the efficiency of the power dividing transmission system expanding speed change range in high efficiency thereof. Examples listed comprise a system with a speed regulating device having two adjusted parts, a system with wheel train, a system with the wheel trains serially connected, a system of serially connected power dividing system and systems separately using a mechanical stepless speed change device, a hydraulic transmission device and a hydrodynamic torque converter as speed regulating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Law Ming-Luen