Nonplanetary Gearing Differential Type (e.g., Gearless Differentials) Patents (Class 74/650)
  • Patent number: 12115852
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an electric drive axle of a vehicle are provided. A gear train in an electric drive axle system includes, in one example, an input shaft configured to rotationally couple to an electric motor-generator and including a first gear and an intermediate shaft including a second gear rotationally coupled to the first gear and a third gear and a fourth gear each configured to rotationally couple to a separate gear on an output shaft. In this example, the second gear, the third gear, and the fourth gear have different sizes, the third gear includes an axial extension having at outer surface, and an interior surface of the second gear circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the axial extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Engerman
  • Patent number: 12055189
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a positive clutch that has a high rigidity and simple structure, reduces friction loss, prevents noise generation, allows a size reduction, and helps extend a service life. The object is achieved by the following configuration: Roller support parts are formed on one of an outer circumferential surface of the inner race and an inner circumferential surface of the outer race, and pocket parts are formed on the other one of the inner race and outer race. The clutch is configured to stop relative rotation of the inner race and outer race by holding the rollers, which are disposed between the inner race and the outer race, between the roller support parts and pocket parts in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: SUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Yuji Kurematsu
  • Patent number: 12044275
    Abstract: A shaft-hub connection system with angular play for bidirectional transmission of driving torque, comprising a shaft, a hub provided with a hole inside which the shaft is accommodated, and elements for connection which are interposed between the hub and said shaft. The connection elements comprise at least one functional assembly which comprises a slot in which a corresponding coupling element is accommodated so that it can move and is adapted to assume alternately a first position, in which it is retracted within the slot, a second position, in which it protrudes partially with respect to it along a first orientation, and a third position, in which it protrudes partially with respect to it along a second orientation, elastic compression elements interposed between the slot and the coupling element, a first seat and a second seat for the abutment of the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: COMER INDUSTRIES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Tenca, Andrea Burato, Massimo Tondelli
  • Patent number: 11619291
    Abstract: A differential device is provided with: a ring gear having a tooth row arranged around an axis to mesh with an input gear; an outer case combined with the ring gear and rotatable about the axis; an inner case rotatable about the axis relative to the outer case and having a toothed end with axially projecting dog teeth; a differential gear set supported by the inner case and to be coupled with a pair of axles to allow differential motion between the axles; a clutch member engaging with the outer case and disconnectably connecting with the dog teeth so as to prevent the inner case from rotating relative to the outer case; and perforations penetrating the outer case and opened on an outer face of the outer case, the perforations being so disposed as to expose the dog teeth radially outwardly from the outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ohashi, Hideki Nonaka, Koji Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11592094
    Abstract: A differential having an overrunning clutch provided. The differential includes an inertial compensation assembly that is configured to counteract movement of a roller cage relative to a clutch cam housing to prevent unintended roller cage and clutch cam housing engagements. Unintended roller cage and clutch cam housing engagements may occur when the differential is subject to rotational accelerations caused, for example by, vehicle acceleration/deceleration, sudden braking, sudden changes in traction, road irregularities, bumps, jumps, u-joint phasing, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Hamrin, Jordan Murphy
  • Patent number: 11339860
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the rotational timing between driveshafts rotated by an output shaft. The system includes a flange coupler configured to be coupled to a first of the driveshafts to prevent rotation therebetween. The flange coupler defines openings therein. A coupler input gear defines openings therein and is configured to rotatably mesh with a second input gear coupled to a second of the driveshafts. Fasteners are configured to the extend through the openings in the flange coupler and the openings in the coupler input gear to rotationally fix the flange coupler and the coupler input gear, which are fixable at multiple rotational orientations therebetween. The rotational timing between the driveshafts is adjustable by rotating the coupler input gear into different orientations of the multiple rotational orientations relative to the flange coupler prior to fixing the flange coupler to the coupler input gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua S. Smith, Brian D. Bielen, Thomas G. Theisen
  • Patent number: 11193573
    Abstract: A differential includes a unitized double row angular contact ball bearing supporting a pinion stub shaft. The bearing includes two inner rings which are slightly separated before assembly. As the stub shaft is inserted into the bearing, one of the inner rings is pushed against a land such as the back of the pinion gear. Pushing the inner rings together ensures a suitable pre-load. The inner rings have an interference fit with the stub shaft such that friction maintains the pre-load without a nut. The bearing and shaft are then inserted between halves of a two-piece case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Apurva Shelke, Alaa Makke, Stefan Tojcic, Ossama Saada
  • Patent number: 11187313
    Abstract: A differential includes a driven body, an output element, and a clutch assembly radially interposed between the driven body and the output element. The clutch assembly includes a first wedge clutch configured to rotationally lock the output element to the driven body in a first direction and to overrun in a second direction, and a second wedge clutch configured to rotationally lock the output element to the driven body in the second direction and to overrun in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Brian Peet, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 10925440
    Abstract: Drive mechanism for a multi-function food processor with three drive outlets each couplable separately to a food processing component. The drive mechanism including: at one end of a motor, an output shaft having a first cone gear of a cone gear set and a worm; a first central drive shaft having a second cone gear meshing with the first cone gear, the first central drive shaft associated with the first and second drive outlets; the second drive outlet associated with the first central drive shaft by a first reduction gear arrangement which includes a first gear train meshing with a sun gear sleeved on the first central drive shaft; a second central drive shaft having a worm gear driven by the worm, the second central drive shaft associated with the third drive outlet; the third drive outlet associated with the second central drive shaft by a second gear reduction arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Huiyang Allan Plastic & Electric Industries Co., Limited
    Inventors: Chi Yin Chung, Wang Kei Kong, Sing Wai Kwok, Bin Hui Xiao
  • Patent number: 10830326
    Abstract: A mechanical locking differential includes a driving ring in a differential housing between right and left active components. The driving ring is in line with the input bevel gear. The differential housing has a thin wall in a single, integral shell around the driving ring. Several hollow cylindrical shaft pins are used to attached the driving ring to the differential housing, with the shaft pins being driven radially relative to the transverse axis of the differential outputs in an interference fit with the housing and the driving ring. The shaft pins are held from axially backing out by two small rivets. The shaft pins preferably have a threaded inner diameter which assists in removal. The shaft pin attachment allows the bevel gear to extend closer to the transverse axis without obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenxiang Kuang, Fuying Cheng, Jiajun Li
  • Patent number: 10801596
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes first and second engaging elements, a power transmission, and first and second bearings. The first engaging element is rotatable with a first rotation shaft about a rotation axis. The second engaging element is rotatable with a second rotation shaft about the rotation axis. The power transmission is provided between the first engaging element and the second engaging element. The first bearing is provided between the rotation axis and the second engaging element in a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis and supports a first part of the second engaging element. The second engaging element is between the second bearing and the rotation axis in the radial direction. The second bearing supports a second part of the second engaging element. The second part is farther from the first engaging element in an axis direction than the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Niwata, Nobutaka Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10788089
    Abstract: A speed differential device for a common double overrunning clutch includes a left input unit and a right input unit being combined together as a combination structure; a left input unit 1 with a cam unit and a right output unit with a cam unit being installed with the combination structure of the left input unit and the right input unit; a left rolling post retainer and a plurality of left rolling posts being installed between the left input unit and the left output ring; a right rolling post retainer and a plurality of right rolling posts being installed between the right input unit and the right output unit; the left rolling post retainer being installed with a left returning spring; the right rolling post retainer being installed with a right returning spring; the left returning spring and the right returning spring being interacted with a clutch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: NEW KAILUNG GEAR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jen-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 10533648
    Abstract: A production method of a ball screw device is provided. The ball screw device includes a ball screw portion, a ball nut, rolling balls, and a retainer. The production method of the ball screw device includes: a first preparation step of preparing a nut subassembly as a standard product; a second preparation step of preparing the ball screw portion in plurality by types as ranked products; a measuring step of measuring a relative displacement in a thrust direction between the standard product and each ranked product; a determination step of determining whether the displacement meets a displacement specification; a replacing step of, if the displacement does not meet the specification, replacing the ranked product with another ranked product; and an assembling step of, if the displacement meets the specification, assembling the standard product and the ranked product into the ball screw device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Asakura, Takuya Nakayama, Keisuke Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10167938
    Abstract: A compact planetary differential includes a drive input ring gear having external teeth and a planet gear carrier connected rotationally fixed to the drive input ring gear. First planet gears are located on a first axial side of the planet gear carrier, and second planet gears are located on a second axial side, with the first and second planet gears being arranged in intermeshing pairs, and the planet gear carrier including interface openings. Pin plates include aligned openings for first planet gears and the second planet gears. Pinion shafts extend through these aligned openings and pinion shaft openings in the planet gear carrier. A single one of the first or second planet gears is rotatably supported on each respective one of the pinion shafts. A first sun gear engages with the first planet gears, and a second sun gear engages with the second planet gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Marion Jack Ince, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 9856930
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch for transmitting torque to drive axle halves includes a clutch housing that attaches to an input gear, and hubs that attach to the axle halves. A pair of roll cages located within the housing adjacent to the hubs have rollers. The rollers wedge between the hubs and first tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated forward relative to the housing, and between the hubs and second tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated in the opposite direction. Springs hold the rollers engaged with recesses in the hubs, but let the rollers lift to permit relative rotation of the hubs and roll cages. Relative rotation between the roll cages is limited: when one roll cage is wedged, the other can move only as far as a free position midway between the first and second tapered portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, David C. Ochab
  • Patent number: 9683611
    Abstract: A front axle shift mechanism configured to be operably associated with a front axle housing having a front differential and a first lubricant is provided. The front axle shift mechanism includes a disconnect feature housing defining an inner cavity to house a shifting mechanism configured to selectively provide power to front wheels of the vehicle, the shifting mechanism configured to rotatably couple to the front differential. The inner cavity is configured to receive a second lubricant to facilitate providing lubrication to the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear. The second lubricant is fluidly separate from the first lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bhapinder Puri, David M. Hreha, George Spears
  • Patent number: 9669657
    Abstract: A bidirectional hub assembly includes an axle unit, a hub shell mounted on the axle unit, a driving unit mounted on the axle unit, and a plurality of right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive units that are mounted to the hub shell. Each of the right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive units has a pawl engageable with the driving unit. The bidirectional hub assembly serves as a right-hand-drive hub when the pawl of at least one of the right-hand-drive units is in an enabled state and the pawl of each of the left-hand-drive units is in a disabled state, and serves as a left-hand-drive hub when the pawl of at least one of the left-hand-drive units is in an enabled state and the pawl of each of the right-hand-drive units is in a disabled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Kun Teng Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hubert Chen, Yung-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 9404414
    Abstract: A turbocharger for use with an internal combustion engine is provided. The turbocharger comprises a differential device having a carrier portion, a compressor portion, and a turbine portion. The compressor portion is in driving engagement with a first portion of the differential device. The turbine portion is in driving engagement with a second portion of the differential device. The carrier portion of the differential device is in driving engagement with an infinitely variable transmission. The infinitely variable transmission is in driving engagement with the internal combustion engine. The turbocharger is simply controlled, reduces turbo lag, decreases a boost threshold of the turbocharger, and increases an efficiency of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: DANA LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark RJ Versteyhe, Thibaut E Duchene, Matthias W J Byltiauw, Donald J Rembroski
  • Patent number: 9334940
    Abstract: A power transfer assembly is described for power transmission from a power source to one or more rotating components. The power transfer assembly includes a power source capable of providing torque output, a first one-way clutch configured to receive torque input from the power source, and a second one-way clutch configured to receive torque input from the power source. The first one-way clutch is configured to transmit at least a first portion of the received torque input to a first half-axle. The second one-way clutch is configured to transmit at least a second portion of the received torque input to a second half-axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Clayton P. Neumann
  • Patent number: 9334941
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a differential including a differential case adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation. The differential also includes a cross-shaft operatively coupled to the differential case such that the cross-shaft and the differential case rotate together about the axis of rotation; left and right clutch actuators having opposing inboard sides between which the cross-shaft is positioned; and left and right axle hubs positioned on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. A left clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the left clutch actuator and the left axle hub about the axis of rotation when a left clutch engagement pressure is applied to the left clutch pack and a right clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the right clutch actuator and the right axle hub about the axis of rotation when a right clutch engagement pressure is applied to the right clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Creager
  • Patent number: 9169912
    Abstract: A drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a stationary housing in which a rotatably drivable differential housing having an axle differential gear unit is rotatably mounted by differential bearings, at least one driveshaft being rotatably drivable by the differential housing. At least one driving gear wheel is arranged on the at least one driveshaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the latter. The at least one driving gear wheel meshingly engage by oppositely directed helical teeth with at least one driven gear wheel for driving road wheels of the vehicle and generating axial forces directed toward the center of the axle differential gear unit. At least one thrust bearing arrangement is supported axially with respect to the at least one driveshaft at a radial supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Horst Sigl, Paul Lenz, Peter Haselberger, Rudolf Neumüller, Klaus Alesch, Alexander Enderl, Daniel Dudek
  • Patent number: 9156349
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with four drive wheels mounted on first and second axles, including: a transfer shaft connected to the first axle and a controlled coupling that can transfer part of the torque from the transfer shaft to the second axle; a mechanism determining respective speeds of the first and second axles, and a torque distribution control system configured to determine a slip value representative of the speed difference between the first and second axles and to control the coupling. The torque distribution control system is further configured to control the coupling such as to suppress any torque transfer via the coupling when the average slip value over a pre-determined period exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Stephane Guegan, Richard Pothin, Nicolas Romani
  • Patent number: 9061586
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle drive arrangement having a main drive train for driving a main axle and an auxiliary drive train for driving an auxiliary drive axle, with a power shift clutch for connecting the auxiliary drive train to the main drive train, the auxiliary drive train comprises at least one switching unit for engaging the power shift clutch which is arranged in the power flow in series with the switching unit without a differential speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventor: Christian Krajewski
  • Patent number: 8931373
    Abstract: A drive-force-distribution control device includes an input-side bevel gear and an output-side bevel gear, a center shaft, left and right clutches, a housing, a bearing and a shim member. The output-side bevel gear is supported on the center shaft such that the output-side bevel gear meshes with the input-side bevel gear. The housing can be divided in the radial direction of the output-side bevel gear. The bearing is disposed at one end of the center shaft. The shim member is inserted in an axial-direction gap between the housing and the bearing. The output-side bevel gear and the center shaft can be attached to the housing from the radial direction. The axial end of the center shaft is located towards the other end with respect to the axial end of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Suzuki, Daisuke Hiroi
  • Patent number: 8919513
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, David C. Ochab, James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke
  • Patent number: 8894543
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power to drive the first transmission device (T101), and is individually installed with the output end transmission devices to the output end of the first transmission device (T101), so as to drive the loading wheel sets installed at the two sides of the common load body (L100), as well as installed with individually controlled output end clutch devices for controlling the driven wheel sets and the wheel shafts to perform engaging transmission or terminating transmission, and between the wheel shafts of the loading wheel sets at two lateral sides of the common load body (L100), a flexibility transmission device is installed, thereby through the flexibility transmission device performing the flexibility transmission with differential rotational speed from the engaging transmission side to the terminating transmission side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8857294
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential for controlling torque transmission between a pinion input shaft and at least one output hub. The clutch having a clutch housing and the roll cage mounted within the housing. An engagement control assembly is provided for controlling the relative position of the roll cage with respect to a cam surface on the clutch housing. The engagement control assembly includes an electronically controlled actuation device, such as a coil or solenoid, which when activated causes the roll cage to rotate into a second position relative to the clutch housing to engage the rolls with the cam surface and an outer surface of the hub. A spring is engaged with the clutch housing and has an end engaged with the roll cage for biasing the roll cage into a neutral position when the roll cage is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: J. Brendan Brewer, Kelly P. Heath, James E. Palmer, Howard J. Knickerbocker, John Michael Hasson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8702553
    Abstract: An assembly includes first and second components, a shaft supported on the components, a gear wheel transmitting torque between a transmission output and a differential mechanism, and a bearing supporting the gear wheel on the shaft, transmitting axial force in a first direction between the gear wheel and the first component, and axial force in a second axial direction opposite the first direction between the gear wheel and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Janson, Jeffrey E. Maurer
  • Patent number: 8671800
    Abstract: A transmission device includes a drive shaft and two driven shafts. The drive shaft is connected to a wheel and first engagement rotors are arranged therebeside so that the wheel is located therebetween and can rotate together with them. The first engagement rotors having an axial hole in which a driven shaft is rotatably arranged, the first engagement rotors are coupled or uncoupled with second engagement rotors coaxially arranged therebeside, by extracting or retracting, respectively, at least one mobile tooth rotatable in a seat of the first engagement rotors, each driven shaft being keyed to a second engagement rotor. Driving rotors are arranged around the driven shafts between the wheel and the first engagement rotors and are provided with a brake, so that relative rotation of the driving rotors with respect to the first engagement rotors causes extension or retraction of the mobile tooth according to the relative rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bi.Ci.Di. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Angelo Cibien
  • Patent number: 8656809
    Abstract: In a gearing, in particular coaxial gearing, hollow shaft gearing, hypoid gearing, axial gearing or linear gearing, with a driving element (7), an element (3) and an output element (11), a stepping-up and transmission of a driving torque between driving element (7) and output element (11) are to take place via a plurality of movable tooth segments (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Wittenstein AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bayer, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8641574
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle includes a shaft supported on first and second components, a gear wheel for transmitting torque, and a bearing supporting the gear wheel on the shaft, transmitting axial force in a first axial direction between the gear wheel and the first component, and transmitting axial force in a second direction opposite the first direction between the gear wheel and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 8627746
    Abstract: A transmission installed between a drive machine and a unit to be driven, the transmission being fitted with a drive shaft and a driven shaft, wherein the drive shaft is in driving connection with the driven shaft for speed/torque conversion, and wherein the driven shaft is supported in the transmission using at least one primary axial bearing. The transmission including a starting unit absorbing axial loads of the driven shaft, wherein the starting unit comprises a secondary axial bearing, and wherein the starting unit is formed in such a way that when the unit is actuated, the axial loads of the driven shaft are substantially completely absorbed by the secondary axial bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Clemens Kraus, Ulrich Kempter
  • Publication number: 20140000411
    Abstract: Differential locking systems for a surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that is powered by a rotary drive shaft assembly that is movable between a plurality of discrete axial positions. In various forms, at least one retention formation is provided on the rotary drive shaft assembly that corresponds to each one of the discrete axial position. At least one lock member is operably supported relative to rotary drive shaft assembly for retaining engagement with the at least one of the retention formations when the rotary drive shaft assembly is moved to the discrete axial positions associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 8607665
    Abstract: A rotary table with a main frame, at least two driving wheels, at least two driven wheels, a round inner seal plate and a round outer seal plate. The main frame is provided with an inner and outer annular track region. Driving-wheel emplacement regions are at proper locations on the outer annular track region and driven-wheels are installed in a drive-wheel annular track region between the inner and outer annular track regions. The driving wheels are installed in the driving-wheel emplacement regions of the main frame. A side of the drive-wheel is connected with a sliding block. The driven wheel is matched and gnawed with the driving wheel which can drive individually the matched and gnawed driven wheel to rotate and displace to perform plural manufacturing processes of a short machine-hour and plural fixed sites, such that all the manufacturing processes can be accomplished simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Kun-Jung Hung
  • Patent number: 8591375
    Abstract: A clutch device is used in combination with a differential device. The clutch device is comprised of: a clutch housed in and rotatable with the differential device and axially movable from a disengaged state into an engaged state; a plunger slidably fit on the differential device and being axially movable from a first position where the plunger does not force the clutch to a second position where the plunger forces the clutch into the engaged state; an anti-rotated solenoid configured to drive the plunger; and a retainer supported by the differential device and in contact with both the plunger at the first position and the solenoid, whereby the plunger is barred from going beyond the first position and the solenoid is axially positioned in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Maruyama, Toshiaki Komatsu, Noriyuki Sudou, Masaaki Fusegi, Hiroyasu Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8534161
    Abstract: The shiftable bottom bracket gear train according to the invention for a bicycle or the like comprises a bottom bracket tube, a gear train housing having an associated sprocket and a disk arranged parallel thereto, and a drive shaft, which penetrates the bottom bracket tube in the axial direction and is operatively connected to pedal cranks and in which a shifting axle is arranged, which is connected to a coupling piece and can be actuated from the outside by means of a shifting element. In the shiftable bottom bracket gear train, the torque support of the gear train engages on the bottom bracket tube (1) or on an adapter (2) inserted in the bottom bracket tube (1), and is implemented by using screws (8) or screw connections (4,5,12), pins (9, 17), cams (14), or clamps (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumpf Innovations GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Schlumpf
  • Patent number: 8535191
    Abstract: A differential flange assembly is disclosed herein that includes a flange member and a washer member. The flange member is defined by an engagement face and having an aperture therethrough. At least one slot is formed on the engagement face so as to extend radially outward from the aperture. The washer member has at least one tab extending from a peripheral edge of the washer member and at least one opening. The tab is configured to be seated within the slot to mate the washer member to the engagement face of the flange member. The interaction of the slot of the flange member and the tab of the washer member prevent rotation of the washer member with respect to the flange member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Gall, Kevin J. Kaplan, Eric James LaMothe
  • Publication number: 20130228042
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power to drive the first transmission device (T101), and is individually installed with the output end transmission devices to the output end of the first transmission device (T101), so as to drive the loading wheel sets installed at the two sides of the common load body (L100), as well as installed with individually controlled output end clutch devices for controlling the driven wheel sets and the wheel shafts to perform engaging transmission or terminating transmission, and between the wheel shafts of the loading wheel sets at two lateral sides of the common load body (L100), a flexibility transmission device is installed, thereby through the flexibility transmission device performing the flexibility transmission with differential rotational speed from the engaging transmission side to the terminating transmission side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
  • Patent number: 8485065
    Abstract: A transmission device for an automotive vehicle of the type includes, mounted on an output shaft formed by at least two wheel drive half-shafts of a vehicle mounted to freely rotate one relative to the other, at least one rotary gearwheel, and two clutch mechanisms with clutch sleeves arranged on both sides of the gearwheel. This device includes, on the one hand, two clutch sleeve configurations: the driving configuration of the gearwheel, and the engine brake configuration of the gearwheel, and, on the other hand, a declutching control mechanism that includes at least one clutch sleeve pilot unit, coaxial to the gearwheel, mounted relative to the gearwheel that moves angularly between two end positions. The declutching pilot unit can be driven into each of the end positions by the two wheel drive half-shafts when they are driven at a speed of rotation that is different from that of the gearwheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: France Reducteurs
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8430776
    Abstract: A planetary gear set includes a ring gear having an inner diametric surface that defines an inner ring gear portion. A carrier assembly is arranged within the inner ring gear portion. The carrier assembly includes a carrier member having a carrier member body including a planet gear support surface and at least one carrier plate support member that extends substantially perpendicularly from the planet gear support surface. The at least one carrier plate support member includes a carrier plate support element having an opening. At least one planet gear pin extends from a first end portion arranged at the planet gear support surface to a second end portion, and at least one anti-rotation pin extends from a first end section arranged at the planet gear support surface through the opening in the carrier plate support element to a second end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Remy Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Attila Nagy, Andrew Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130042721
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle. The transfer case may include a rotation direction portion and an output mode portion configured to be driven by the rotation direction portion. The rotation direction portion may provide torque in different directions to the output mode portion. The output mode portion may selectively provide output torque to one or more outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Klemm, Todd R. Ekonen
  • Patent number: 8365636
    Abstract: A transaxle for a working vehicle including a housing, an integrated hydrostatic transmission (IHT) disposed within the housing, and a bi-directional overrunning clutch disposed within the housing and coupled to an output shaft of the IHT. The bi-directional overrunning clutch includes an input gear having a central opening, a roller assembly disposed within the central opening of the input gear, a plurality of rollers for selective engagement with the input gear, and a pair of hubs. Each hub is disposed at least partially within the roller assembly. The transaxle further includes a pair of clutch covers. Each clutch cover is disposed at either end of the roller assembly and each clutch cover is coupled directly to the roller assembly. The bi-directional overrunning clutch further includes a pair of friction members. Each friction member is disposed between one of the hubs and respective clutch cover. The transaxle also includes a pair of shaft segments of a primary drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Irikura, Donald Wieber
  • Publication number: 20130025406
    Abstract: An example mechanical transmission assembly receives an input rotating at a first rotational speed and provides an output rotating at a second rotational speed. The mechanical transmission selectively adjusts the second rotational speed. The input is provided by a prime mover. The output is provided to a hydraulic pump assembly that rotatably drives a motor-generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn C. Lemmers, JR., David S. Behling
  • Patent number: 8256593
    Abstract: A driving force transmitting devices is able to engage a main clutch with a small amount of hydraulic pressure. The driving force transmitting device includes an input shaft and an output shaft, and a main clutch. The device is formed of a primary clutch that intermittently transmits the driving force transmitted from the input shaft, a hydraulic pump that generates a hydraulic pressure, a piston that presses the primary clutch with the hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump, and a cam mechanism that presses the main clutch with a press-contact force which is amplified to be larger than the press-contact force of the piston by utilizing the driving force from the input shaft through the primary clutch, so as to engage the main clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Univance Corporation
    Inventors: Tadahiko Kato, Tatsuya Suzuki, Akira Nakabayashi, Yosuke Masuda, Masahiro Takada, Yoshitaka Onishi
  • Patent number: 8231493
    Abstract: A locking differential for an automotive vehicle including a housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members where each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the grooves and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. The clutch members are axially moveable within the housing so that they may engage respective clutch members coupled to a pair of axle half shafts. Each of the grooves in the clutch members defines a first predetermined radius of curvature. The cross pin defines a second radius of curvature wherein the first radius of curvature of the groove is greater than the second radius of curvature of the cross pin such that contact between the cross pin and the groove defines a line extending along the axis of the cross pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Radzevich
  • Publication number: 20120180597
    Abstract: A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Dudley Smith, Charles J. Kilmain, Ryan Ehinger, Bob Collins
  • Publication number: 20120180596
    Abstract: An electronically triggered locking differential includes a differential case, at least one pinion gear and a pair of side gears. A clutch pack is disposed between one of the side gears and the differential case and retards relative rotation between the differential case and the side gear. A cam member is disposed adjacent the clutch pack so that the clutch pack engages when the cam member ramps up. An engagement shaft has one end engaged with the cam member and an opposite end extending through the differential case and engaged with a sprocket. A magnetic coil and flux conductor magnetically couple the sprocket to the differential case when the coil is energized. This coupling retards rotation of the engagement shaft and the cam member relative to the gear case, initiating engagement of the clutch pack to lock the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew G. Fox, Keith E. Morgensai, Andrew N. Edler, Patrick J. McMillan
  • Publication number: 20120174703
    Abstract: An eight forward speed dual clutch transmission includes a pair of input clutches which selectively provide drive torque to a pair of concentric input shafts. Gears coupled to and driven by the input shafts are in constant mesh with gears freely rotatably disposed on a pair of parallel countershafts or layshafts. A plurality of synchronizer clutches selectively synchronize and connect the various gears to the countershafts or layshafts to provide a desired gear ratio in the proper sequence. Reverse gear is similarly provided through a three gear gear train. Upon the synchronization and engagement of a particular gear, the associated input clutch is activated or engaged to supply drive torque to the input shaft, through the synchronized and engaged gear pair and out the countershaft or layshaft. An additional gear on each countershaft or layshaft engages a common gear that directly drives a differential which, in turn, drives a pair of drive axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20120167712
    Abstract: A mechanical four-speed gearbox/drive system for household appliances comprising two drive-outlets; each drive-outlet driven at two different speeds in the same rotational direction; a motor, motor shaft, first drive-outlet and second drive-outlet, with installation of one-way bearings in suitable places in the gear-train. The motor drives two drive-outlets and rotates in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions through three one-way bearings and two gear down systems to provide four different speed drives. When operating in hi-speed mode, the first drive-outlet is directly driven by the motor. When operating in lo-speed mode, the first drive-outlet is driven via the gear down system, with resulting increase in torque. Simultaneously, second drive-outlet is driven via second gear down system to provide two different speed drives. This gearbox is simple to construct and operable without expensive control electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Huiyang Allan Plastic & Electric Industries Co., Limited
    Inventors: Shu Wan Cheung, Shu Sang Cheung, To Yin Pang
  • Publication number: 20120142472
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an input member, first and second torque machines, a differential gear set including first, second and third elements, an output member, and first, second, and third selectable one-way clutches (SOWC), each operative in one of a respective deactivated state and a respective plurality of activated states. The second torque machine is rotatably coupled to the first element of the differential gear set, and the output member is rotatably coupled to the second element of the differential gear set. The first SOWC is configurable to prevent rotation of the third element of the differential gear set in a first rotational direction when controlled to a first one of the respective plurality of activated states, and configurable to prevent rotation of the third element of the differential gear set in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction when controlled to a second one of the respective plurality of activated states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Norman K. Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee