Fluid Control Patents (Class 476/9)
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Patent number: 11272658Abstract: A control panel, a self-propelled switch apparatus, and a power device (13). The control panel comprises a pushing rod (1) connected to a machine body and a panel assembly (2) reciprocatingly sliding on the pushing rod. The control panel further comprises locking assembly (41, 42) connected to the panel assembly. The locking assembly (41, 42) are adapted to lock the panel assembly on the pushing rod and unlock the control panel and the pushing rod. The control panel further comprises a self-propelled switch (134), and when the self-propelled switch (134) is triggered, a device in which the control panel is disposed can be switched from a manual-power driving mode to a self-propelled driving mode. By means of the solution, a garden tool can walk in a self-propelled manner, and can also be pushed to walk.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Globe (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Feng Jiang
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Patent number: 10111381Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: THE TORO COMPANYInventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
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Patent number: 9400051Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Allison Transmisson, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
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Publication number: 20140257649Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a motor vehicle transmission. At least one friction engagement device is fluidly coupled to a first pump, and a lubrication and cooling sub-system is normally fluidly coupled to a second pump. Illustratively, when a flow rate of the fluid in the first fluid passageway is less than a threshold fluid flow rate, a temperature of the fluid is greater than a temperature threshold and a fluid flow demand is greater than a fluid flow demand threshold, fluid flow from the second pump to the lubrication and cooling sub-system is blocked and fluid supplied by the second pump is instead directed to the at least one friction engagement device such that fluid is supplied by both the first and second pumps only to the at least one friction engagement device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W.E. Fuller
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Patent number: 8821340Abstract: A system and method for controlling the endload force of a variator includes reducing a net force applied to a variator input disc of the variator. The variator includes an endload chamber, a subtraction chamber, and a valve fluidly coupled between the endload chamber and the subtraction chamber. Each of the endload chamber and the subtraction chamber applies an opposing force to the variator input disc. The valve is activateable to reduce the net force applied to the variator input disc. The valve may be activated based on the variator ratio, the position of the variator roller, and/or other parameters of the variator or operation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
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Publication number: 20140066249Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing gear engagement control in an automatic transmission is provided. At least two friction engagement devices are configured to selectively engage and disengage a different gear ratio of the transmission. A trim system is configured to selectively supply engagement and disengagement pressures to at least one fluid passageway. A first control valve is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one fluid passageway and directly to each of the at least two friction engagement devices. The first control valve is configured to selectively route the engagement and disengagement pressures through the first control valve directly to the at least two friction devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller
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Publication number: 20130196815Abstract: A variator assembly for a transmission includes an input shaft, an input disc, an output disc, a roller, a trunnion, a piston, and a connection member. The input shaft defines an axis of rotation and the input disc is rotationally coupled to the input shaft and coaxial with the axis of rotation. The roller is disposed between the input disc and the output disc to provide a speed ratio between the input disc and the output disc. The trunnion is connected to the roller and includes a connecting feature. The piston defines a central bore. The connection member has a head portion, a shaft portion, and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is connected to the connecting feature of the trunnion, the head portion abuts the piston, and the shaft portion is disposed in the central bore of the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Shushan Bai, Edwin T. Grochowski
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Publication number: 20130143708Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventor: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
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Publication number: 20130123061Abstract: A fraction control arrangement for a variator (10) with a pair of races (12, 14, 26) and at least one roller (28) which transfers drive from one to the other. The roller is movably mounted. Its motion enables the speed of one race to be varied relative to the speed of the other race. The variator has a hydraulic traction load actuator (117) which receives a hydraulic traction load pressure and in response urges the races and the rollers into engagement in order to provide traction between them. At least one hydraulic roller control actuator (32) receives opposed first and second reaction pressures and in response to apply a reaction force to the roller. A traction control valve (119, 119a) controls the traction load pressure and is operable in at least two modes. The relationship between traction load pressure and reaction force is different in the two modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITEDInventor: John William Edward Fuller
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Patent number: 8235178Abstract: The invention is an elevator comprising a movable component, a vertical track mounted along an elevator shaft, a driven frictional engagement device for frictional engagement with one side of the track with a coefficient of friction, and a connected support disposed on an opposite side of the track. The frictional engagement device is pivotally mounted on a lever which pivotally supports an effective weight of the movable component whereby the lever makes an angle ?1 with the horizontal. The tangent of the angle ?1 is less than or equal to the coefficient of friction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Hans Kocher
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Publication number: 20120157261Abstract: A stepless gear ratio variator for wind generators wherein the transmission of motion between a driving member and a driven member takes place through friction of the respective convex contact surfaces translating simultaneously along respective incident axes of rotation; these surfaces being constrained, in use, to remain constantly in contact by means of a pair of support brackets mutually connected in an articulated manner by means of a pair of plates, pivoted to the same support brackets according to axes passing through the centre of the contact surfaces of the driven and driving members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Lucia Galassi
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Patent number: 8152687Abstract: The use of powder metal components in a variator is disclosed. Traction fluid of various sorts may be used in the variators, not just high performance synthetics or application specific lubricants.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Torotrack (Development) LimitedInventors: Richard Ruebusch, Adrian Lee
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Publication number: 20110269597Abstract: A variator torque control system adjusts a variator output so that the actual output torque of the variator closely matches an expected output torque. In an example, pressure values of an existing torque control map are supplemented in real time with calculated pressure supplement values based on the current operation of the variator. The pressure supplement value for each mapped pressure value may be derived based on a prior application of the same or another map value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: FRANK A. DEMARCO, BRIAN D. KURAS
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Publication number: 20110105272Abstract: In a continuously-variable-ratio-device (“variator”) of the type having races (12, 14, 26, 102) between which drive is transferred by rollers (28) which are movable in accordance with changes of variator ratio, it is necessary to apply a traction load urging the rollers and races into engagement. Each rollers is also subject to a transverse reaction force by a hydraulic reaction roller actuator (32) receiving a i controlled reaction pressure. It is desirable to create a relationship between traction and reaction force, and also to provide for adjustment of this relationship. In the present invention this is achieved hydraulically. A traction pressure related to the reaction pressure is applied to an actuator (72, 100) which creates the traction load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2004Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: John Fuller
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Publication number: 20110045946Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variation gearbox formed by a casing (1) containing opposing input (2) and output (3) shafts, so that the gearbox can operate in both directions, such that the input shaft (2) is associated with a double constant velocity joint (4) provided with a sliding axle (5) which transmits movement to a head (6) positioned facing a disc (7) that rotates about the output shaft (3). The head (6) can move radially on the surface of the disc (7) with the aid of a carriage (8) and said head contains a plurality of equiangularly distributed pressure columns provided with driving bolts that emerge selectively under the action of a series of wheels mounted on a fork which tilts and comes into contact with one of said pressure columns, thereby causing the aforementioned driving bolt to emerge and generating the movement of the disc (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Antonio Delgado García
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Publication number: 20100125018Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus of a continuously variable transmission of a hybrid vehicle may include a D-N control valve that converts a state, in which a hydraulic pressure is supplied from a line regulator valve to a solenoid feed valve through a second regulator valve according to changes of a driving pulley control pressure and a clutch lubrication control pressure with respect to driven pulley control pressure, and a state, in which the hydraulic pressure from the line regulator valve is directly supplied to the solenoid feed valve, into each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Yonguk SHIN
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Publication number: 20090318259Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling a variator in a continuously variable transmission such as a vehicle transmission. The arrangement comprises a user operable ratio control part such as a lever (50) and a device for operatively coupling the ratio control part to a movable torque transfer part of the variator such as its rollers (18). The coupling device is, in the particular embodiment described, a hydro-mechanical arrangement. By moving the user operable ratio control part (50), the user exercises control over the variator ratio. In accordance with the invention the arrangement further comprises a torque release device such as a valve (60) which is operable by the user to decouple the ratio control part from the movable torque transfer part. By doing so, the torque release device offers functionality which is in some ways analogous to that of a clutch in a conventional stepped ratio vehicle transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Robert Andrew Oliver
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Publication number: 20090170656Abstract: A friction drive device transmits torque by frictional contact between rollers. The friction drive device includes a casing, a drive roller that is supported for relative rotation with respect to the casing, a driven roller that is supported for relative rotation with respect to the casing, a cam mechanism that presses the drive roller and the driven roller into contact with each other, and a damper. The cam mechanism includes a surface that is disposed at an angle with respect to a tangent of the contact between the drive roller and the driven roller, and includes a rotational support part that is disposed on the surface and supports one of the drive roller and the driven roller such that displacement along the surface by the rotational support part maintains the frictional contact for transmitting the torque. The damper reducing vibration of the rotational support part.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7553254Abstract: A pressing apparatus including two pressing apparatus parts for two gear members running together is proposed, with the second pressing apparatus part partially accommodating the force applied by the first pressing apparatus part.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Christoph Dräger, Werner Brandwitte
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Patent number: 7540822Abstract: In a toroidal transmission with a continuously variable power transmission ratio, which is adjustable by displacement of a power transmission roller arranged between toric disks along an axis X-X under the control of an adjusting unit including a hydraulic piston, the adjusting unit has a bush which serves on the one hand to seal off the working space and, at the same time, forms two slide surfaces one for the piston and another for the guide bush, all in a small support space pivotally supporting a support member for the power transmission roller.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Jürgen Bassler, Steffen Henzler
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Publication number: 20080287250Abstract: A power transmission device includes a friction clutch operable to selectively transfer torque between an input member and an output member. An actuator is operable to provide an actuating force to the friction clutch. The actuator includes an electric motor having an output shaft drivingly coupled to a pump. The pump is operable to provide pressurized fluid to a piston acting on the friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Russell T. Capito, Charles G. Stuart, Paul J. Valente
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Publication number: 20080182709Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey, Paul D. Stevenson
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Publication number: 20080153658Abstract: A method for actuating a shift cylinder (1) of an electro-pneumatic control unit for the gearbox of a motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Josef Bader, Martin Miller
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Patent number: 7278951Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit is disclosed for a continuously variable transmission comprising a continuously variable ratio transmission unit (“variator”) 10, the circuit comprising a supply line 106 and means (which may take the form of a pump 110) for providing a flow of pressurised fluid in the supply line, means (which may comprise a pressure control valve 116) for generating a back pressure in the supply line, and at least one connection for feeding fluid from the supply line to a hydraulic actuator 100 acting on a movable torque transmission 23-37 element (which may comprise a roller 28) of the variator 10. The valve means 152 connected to the supply line allows pressure in the supply line to be selectively modified in response to rate of flow in the supply line.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Torotrak (Development) LimitedInventor: John William Edward Fuller
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Patent number: 7033302Abstract: In the inner and outer surfaces of the retainer 34b, there are formed recessed grooves 40a, 40a which serve as lubricating oil flow passages for allowing lubricating oil to flow into pockets. Where the axial-direction depth of the recessed groove 40a, 40a is expressed as H and the circumferential-direction width thereof is expressed as 2L, 0.20?H/L?0.97 can be satisfied. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which can prevent the damage of a retainer 34b incorporated into a thrust rolling bearing for supporting a power roller and also can enhance the lubricating efficiency of the present thrust rolling bearing.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Nogi, Norihisa Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6949854Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. The CVT comprises permanent magnets to couple power, a coefficient of coupling controlled by an electronic servo control loop. Wherein torque multiplication is achieved by “duty-cycle” modulation of the magnetic coupling “pulses”, between the input shaft and output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Michael Schlicht
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Patent number: 6659906Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a secondary oil pump is provided in addition to a primary oil pump driven by an engine. The secondary oil pump is driven in response to rotation of a road wheel. A hydraulic servo mechanism is connected to a trunnion to create an offset of the power roller from a neutral position for a tilting motion of the power roller. A feedback device is provided for feeding a degree of progress for ratio changing back to the hydraulic servo mechanism so that the power roller returns to the neutral position when a desired transmission ratio has been reached. When the road wheel is rotated in a stopped state of the engine, hydraulic pressure from the secondary oil pump is supplied to the hydraulic servo mechanism so that an actual transmission ratio is brought closer to a desired transmission ratio.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
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Patent number: 6645120Abstract: A speed change control valve (7) houses a spool (8) of comprising a land (83) which can face a supply port (7P) supplying an oil pressure, and lands (84, 85) which can respectively face a pair of drain ports (7D, 7D) formed on either side of the supply port (7P). Output ports (7L, 7H) which allow a first and second oil chamber of an hydraulic cylinder to communicate selectively with the supply port (7P) or the drain ports (7D) according to the displacement of a spool (8), are provided in the speed change control valve (7). In the neutral position of the spool (8), the lands (84, 85) respectively face the drain ports (7D), a width L1 of the land (83) is set to be equal to or greater than a width L1 of the supply port (7P), and a width L3 of the lands (84, 85) is set to a width at which the drain port (7D) can open.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoharu Nishio, Toshikazu Oshidari, Jun Sugihara
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Patent number: 6344012Abstract: A rotary power transmission device is disclosed in which output/input speed ratio is automatically and continuously adjusted as a function of both demand torque and demand speed by translation of a traction wheel upon the faces of two coaxial counter-rotating drive plates which are in concurrent tangential enforced contact with the wheel, with wheel serving as output. Translation of wheel is accomplished by applying opposed forces of a hydraulically actuated piston and a compression spring. Magnitude of hydraulic pressure upon piston is defined by combined action of pump speed and restriction of a flow control valve. By causing pump speed to be proportional to input speed, and valve restriction to be a function of an environmental variable such as inclination of a vehicle equipped with the transmission, traction wheel position and thus speed ratio is automatically adjusted as a function of both demand torque and demand speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventor: Steven R. Pedersen
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Patent number: 6086505Abstract: A pivotal feedback line has at one end thereof a follower member that is slidably put on a work surface of a precess cam actuated by a trunnion of a toroidal type continuously variable transmission. A speed control valve has a spool. The spool is moved for feeding a hydraulic actuator of the transmission with a hydraulic pressure to control the trunnion. An electric actuator has an output member. A speed change link is arranged to which the other end of the pivotal feedback link, the spool of the speed control valve and the output member of the electric actuator are connected through first, second and third articulated members respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiromasa Sakai
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Patent number: 6030311Abstract: A control system for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission which incorporates a toroidal continuously variable gear mechanism comprising an input and an output toroidal disk and a roller disposed between the input and output toroidal disks and continuously varies a gear ratio according to inclinations of the roller actuates a stepping motor, when a specific driving condition which causes the continuously variable transmission to switch between a first and a second control mode and directional reversal of torque transmission through the toroidal continuously variable gear mechanism occurs with a result of causing a shift of the roller from one side to another side of the neutral position, to operate a double-slider shift valve to cause the shift of the roller in advance.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Toshihiko Osumi
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Patent number: 5980421Abstract: The amounts of displacement of trunnions installed in first and second cavities are made equal to each other irrespective of the amount of resilient deformation. Also, if the worst should happen, the stability of the running of an automobile is secured. The supply and discharge of pressure oil to first and second actuators for displacing the trunnions installed in the first and second cavities are effected by first and second control valves independent of each other. A value is included for controlling so that the difference between oil pressure fed into the first actuator and oil pressure fed into the second actuator may not become great.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Machida, Shinji Miyata, Takashi Imanishi