Belt Or Chain Patents (Class 74/665GE)
  • Patent number: 6155371
    Abstract: A drive layout for a transmission of an offroad vehicle is disclosed. The offroad vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels supporting the frame, an internal combustion engine supported by the frame and having an output shaft arranged to drive at least one of the wheels through the transmission. The vehicle has a longitudinal centerline, the output shaft of the engine extending transverse to the centerline along a first axis. The transmission includes a main shaft driven by the output shaft and rotating about a second axis offset from the first axis and extending parallel thereto, the main shaft driving a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends parallel to the centerline and is arranged to drive at least one of the wheels. The second axis is positioned above a horizontal plane extending through the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Patent number: 6101897
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly for motor vehicle transfer cases and the like includes an electromagnetic operator and a disc pack clutch assembly disposed on opposite sides of a chain drive sprocket. The clutch pack assembly is driven by a primary output shaft of the transfer case and transfers energy to the chain drive sprocket and thence to a secondary output shaft. The disc pack clutch assembly is actuated by the clutch operator which generates a compressive force which is transferred to the clutch pack assembly by a plurality of axially disposed pins received within complementary passageways in the chain drive sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Patent number: 6079535
    Abstract: A transfer case having a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, and a transfer clutch disposed therebetween. The transfer clutch includes an inner drum journalled on the primary output shaft and which has clutch teeth that are selectively engageable with clutch teeth on the primary output shaft, an outer drum rotatably supported on the primary output shaft and which is fixed for rotation with the secondary output shaft, and a clutch pack operably interconnected between the inner and outer drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Scott R. Moll
  • Patent number: 5937711
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continually variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an input shaft and the output sheave assembly supported on an intermediate shaft, a low speed gearset driveably connected to the input shaft and an output shaft, a fixed ratio drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and the output shaft, a transfer clutch for connecting and releasing the first sheave of the variable drive mechanism and input shaft, a low clutch, a reverse gearset, and a reverse clutch for connecting and releasing alternately the output shaft and reverse gearset, and a clutch for selectively driveably connecting the output of the second fixed drive mechanism and a front output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Warren McCarrick, Barry John Melhorn, Rudolf Beim
  • Patent number: 5915513
    Abstract: A multiple disc clutch pack includes a pilot magneto-rheological operator which controls operation of an associated ball ramp operator which, in turn, compresses a clutch pack to selectively transfer torque between and input member and an output member. The pilot operator includes an electromagnetic coil disposed proximate a magneto-rheological fluid contained within a chamber of a pilot clutch. Activation of the electromagnetic coil creates a magnetic flux which travels through the magneto-rheological fluid and couples the fluid clutch members, creating drag and relative rotation between members of the ball ramp operator. Such relative rotation of the ball ramp operator selectively compresses the clutch pack and transfer torque from the input member to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren D. Isley, Jr., Ward D. McGinn
  • Patent number: 5905927
    Abstract: In order to provide a driving mechanism for a photosensitive drum which is capable of reducing deformation of the shaft of the photosensitive drum caused by loads when transmitting a driving force, a drive transmission course 51 is diverged to at least two courses in a drive transmission system 42 for transmitting the drive force from a drive motor 41 to the photosensitive drum 25. Specifically, the last stage of the drive transmission course 51 is engaged with a passive member 47 provided to the drum shaft 25a at two or more points to connect and link the drive force, thereby diverging the directions of loads to several directions, by which irregular movements of the photosensitive drum or vibration caused by the deformation of the shaft is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Inoue, Masanori Murakami, Jinju Okuno, Masanori Yamamoto, Shinya Sakanashi, Takeshi Hamada
  • Patent number: 5820280
    Abstract: A printer includes a variable torque assembly that allows a printer controller to vary torque on supply and take-up reels in response to monitored diameter of the supply or take-up reels. In one embodiment, the variable torque assembly is a torque divider that divides a fixed amount of torque between a supply reel and a take-up reel. The ratio of torques on the supply and take-up reels is controller by a control stepper motor that adjusts respective Acme gears to adjust pressure on respective clutch plates to increase or decrease the amount of "drag" applied by the clutch plates. In another embodiment, separate control stepper motors control torque to each of the supply and take-up reels so that the overall amount of torque can be varied to accommodate changes in print media lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventor: Duane M. Fox
  • Patent number: 5752893
    Abstract: An improved driving force transmitting apparatus for a headphone stereo mechanism capable of reducing the number of parts necessary for transmitting the driving force is disclosed. The apparatus provides an idler engaged to a motor-side gear for increasing a driving force efficiency. The apparatus includes a motor having a drive gear disposed at a central shaft thereof and disposed at the lower surface of a main base, an idler gear intermeshed with the drive gear and having an idler pulley, and a reverse capstan pulley and a forward capstan pulley rotatable by a belt directly connected to the idler pulley of the idler gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Byung Ju Dan
  • Patent number: 5740697
    Abstract: A lubrication structure for a transfer mechanism distributing a driving force received from a transmission gear to two output shafts and outputting the driving force therefrom, wherein the lubrication structure comprises a slide tube section for a sliding yoke provided in a propeller shaft, the slide tube section externally mounted on a shaft section of the output shaft in a state where it can move in the axial direction but cannot relatively rotate; a lubricating oil hole provided in an extended section of a transfer case covering the slide shaft section; a lubricating oil groove provided in an internal surface of the extended section and communicating with the lubricating oil hole, the lubricating oil groove oriented in the axial direction of the extended section; a seal mechanism sealing between the slide tube section on the internal surface of the extended section at the outer end thereof; and a bushing provided between the extended section and the slide tube section so that the bushing covers the lubrica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yamase
  • Patent number: 5724866
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a car equipped with an automatic transmission having a lockup clutch. According to the control method of the present invention, when the lockup clutch is in the lockup state, a variation of a generated torque is detected. When the range of the torque variation detected exceeds a predetermined value, an engine torque is reduced by controlling the engine, and the automatic transmission is controlled to compensate for a reduction of the driving torque due to a reduction of the engine torque. Thus, the speed change ratio is changed to the low gear side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimichi Minowa, Yutaka Nishimura, Ken'ichi Kawashima, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Masahiko Ibamoto
  • Patent number: 5669460
    Abstract: A transfer case (10) having a drive shaft (12) on a bearing (18) to permit the drive shaft to be rotated with respect to the transfer case, the drive shaft having a free end portion (12a) which is adapted to drive an axle of a vehicle. The drive shaft passes through a sleeve (20), and bearings (22, 24) are provided to permit the sleeve to be rotated with respect to the transfer case. The sleeve has a sprocket (14) affixed to it, and the sprocket is caused to rotate by an endless chain (16). The sleeve is drivingly connected to the drive shaft by a universal joint (26), preferably a cardan joint, which is contained within an enlarged end portion (20a) of the sleeve. The sprocket is positioned between the universal joint and the free end portion of the drive shaft, to maximize the distance therebetween, and thereby minimize the included angle required of the universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter
  • Patent number: 5649459
    Abstract: A power transfer system which distributes a power of the engine to front and rear wheels in a vehicle. The power transfer system comprises a first input shaft whose one end portion is in butt connection with an input shaft from an engine and whose other end portion is supported to a ball bearing fixed to a housing. A friction clutch is installed to the first input shaft such that the power to the first output shaft is transferred to a second output shaft through an endless chain according to the engagement of the friction clutch. A ring groove is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the first output shaft, and a ring member is installed to the ring groove so as to be in contact with a side surface of the ball bearing. Therefore, a thrust load applied to the first output shaft due to the operation of the friction clutch is securely received by the ball bearing through the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Fuji Univance Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Murakami, Izumi Amemiya
  • Patent number: 5630347
    Abstract: The device includes dispensing units, each of which features a pair of counter-rotating rollers, between which there is inserted the end of a blister band unrolling from a reel and pushed toward a delivery opening. A blade moves vertically and cooperates with the edge of a support surface, situated downstream of the two rollers, to cut the blister band after a predetermined number of products, counted by a sensor, have passed through the delivery opening. An electric motor drives two ratchet coupling mechanisms acting in opposite directions and connected, by belts or chains, with pulleys or toothed wheels which are integral respectively with the rollers and with a pinion meshing with a rack fastened to the blade. An electronic unit controls and checks the working of the device. Optionally, a token, or coin receiver, a banknote reader or other payment mechanism may be used to allow the user to activate the dispenser after making a payment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A.
    Inventor: Gasperini Elvio
  • Patent number: 5613587
    Abstract: A friction plate synchronizer/brake apparatus for use in a drivetrain subassembly such as a four-wheel drive transfer case. The apparatus provides a relatively small and lightweight apparatus that may be used to facilitate transfer case range shift operations by smoothly eliminating residual rotation of the transfer case input shaft caused by torque converter drag. Elimination of the torque converter drag allows the transfer case output drive shaft to be coupled to the transfer case input shaft or to the associated planetary gear assembly without excessive noise, vibration, or wear on the transfer case components. The apparatus also provides a relatively small and lightweight apparatus to be used in a four-wheel drive transfer case to facilitate smooth "on the fly" shifting between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph W. Baxter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5584776
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a clutch assembly having a disc pack clutch, a cone clutch and a lockup hub or collar. All three clutch components are disposed in mechanical parallel between the primary transfer case shaft and the secondary output. The disc pack clutch includes a plurality of interleaved discs and an electromagnetic operator which effects compression of the disc pack to transfer torque from the primary transfer case output shaft to a chain drive sprocket, through a chain, to a secondary output shaft. The cone clutch is disposed adjacent the disc pack and is also actuated by the electromagnetic operator. The cone clutch includes a conical drive member driven by the primary transfer case output shaft. A conical driven member provides torque to the drive chain and, in turn, to the secondary output shaft. Preferably, the driven cone member is integrally formed with the chain drive sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Weilant, Jack F. Engle
  • Patent number: 5535802
    Abstract: A door opener provides for remotely opening and closing both a multi-panel closure and an overhead door used on the same doorway. The apparatus is expected to be most widely used with garage doors that have external screened closures installed outside them. An auxiliary opener, which can be configured to operate with either a chain-type overhead door opener or a screw-type opener, takes its power from a primary door opener and operates the screen closure in synchronism with the overhead door. The opening system can be used with a single doorway, or with a set of multiple doorways that share a common screen closure. The various versions of the apparatus are configured to continue to allow manual operation of slidable screen panels, and to permit the screen closure to be either open or closed when the main overhead garage door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Norman L. Chambers
  • Patent number: 5511448
    Abstract: A driving power transfer apparatus for four-wheel drive automotive vehicles, has a primary output shaft for providing driving power for a rear propeller shaft and a secondary hollow output shaft for providing driving power for a front propeller shaft, and a drive power transfer, such as a fluid coupling, mounted on the secondary output shaft, for variably transmitting the driving power to the secondary output shaft from the primary output shaft. The secondary shaft is connected to a front propeller shaft via a splined sliding yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Kameda, Masami Masuno, Yoshitaka Nomoto, Youichi Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 5499951
    Abstract: A two speed transfer case includes a spring biased dog clutch connecting a shift sleeve to a main input shaft and an electromagnetic friction clutch for transferring torque from the shift sleeve to one of the outputs. This arrangement allows dynamic upshifts and downshifts and modulation of the torque split between the outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Patent number: 5470285
    Abstract: A compact arrangement for a continuously variable transmission and power train system is provided to be used in rear wheel drive vehicles. In one arrangement, the input shaft is in-line with the output shaft. In this arrangement, the input shaft, having a hydraulic pump, is connected to an engine by a torque converter. A first transfer gear assembly transfers power from the input shaft to the adjustable input pulley of a continuously variable transmission assembly. The adjustable input pulley transfers power to an adjustable output pulley through a belt. A second transfer gear assembly transfers power from the adjustable output pulley to an output shaft in-line with the input shaft. A forward and reverse gear system having a compound planetary gear set and clutch on the output shaft provides forward, neutral, and reverse gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl F. Schneider, Stanley K. Dembosky, Donn K. Fairbank, Romas B. Spokas, Bradley L. Keeney
  • Patent number: 5429015
    Abstract: A two degree-of-freedom robot manipulator is constructed from two rotary drives of prior invention. Each rotary drive consists of a relatively small diameter cylindrical driving member and a relatively larvae diameter cylindrical driven member coupled by a cable system. The driving member of rotary drive 2 is positioned with its axis of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the driven member of rotary drive 1. The driven member of drive 2 is rotatably mounted to the driven member of drive 1 to realize the required relative positioning of the driving and driven members of drive 2. The driving members of both rotary drives are mounted in a fixed reference frame. Coordinated control of the driving members allows two axis dynamic control of a tool apparatus mounted to the second driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Steven D. Somes
  • Patent number: 5343645
    Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism (4) is disclosed for use in conjunction with multi-sided prismatic convertible sign elements (22). A drive gear (32) driven at constant speed causes a mounting gear (23) to rotate at an angular velocity both slower than the angular velocity of the drive gear (32) and at a varying angular velocity. An idler gear (38) guides a flexible tension supporting element (31) as it travels between an equalizer gear (35) and the drive gear (32). A series of the drive trains (21) may be mounted adjacent to each other so as to permit a plurality of prismatic sign elements (22, 47, 48) to create a convertible sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Quality Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Mortimer J. Huber
  • Patent number: 5333516
    Abstract: A drive system for a baler of large cylindrical bales that permits a plurality of transverse driven shafts to be slidably engaged and disengaged for quick and easy assembly and repair of the baler. The transverse driven shafts extend between a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. A gear box for each of the driven shafts is mounted on one of the sidewalls and includes longitudinal drive surfaces. Mating longitudinal drive surfaces are formed on the driven shafts for slidable engagement with and disengagements from the drive surfaces of the associated gear box. A releasable mounting secures the nondriven ends of the shafts at the opposite sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wallace L. Edwards, Kenneth R. McMillen, Edward L. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5269031
    Abstract: The present invention is a drive unit for an adjustable bed, comprising motor means and a clutch assembly comprising a toothed gear jack drive coupling, a toothed gear drive coupling and means for engaging and disengaging the jack drive coupling and the drive coupling, wherein the drive coupling is driven by the motor means and wherein the jack drive coupling, when engaged with the drive coupling by the clutch assembly, drives a controller shaft of the adjustable bed to raise or lower a section of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: James H. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5224725
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for driving the front wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, including front wheel transmission to transmit drive from the drive sprocket to the front wheel including a first chain drive to transmit drive to a first drive element positioned on the frame of the vehicle adjacent a rotatable front wheel support fork, a second chain drive mounted on the support fork to transmit drive from a second drive element to the front wheel hub and drive coupling to transmit drive from the first to the second drive element, wherein the first and second drive elements are spaced from each other along the direction of the support fork and the drive coupling includes a flexible drive shaft coupled to each drive elements by a drive assembly. The drive assemblies permit the ends of the flexible drive shaft to pivot within predetermined limits in substantially vertical planes to accommodate steering movements and be substantially unstressed even at extreme steering positions in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Lester J. Erlston
  • Patent number: 5224552
    Abstract: A gardening utility machine having a counter-rotation twin shaft system can perform multiple types of work required for gardening (tilting, soil removal, weeding, racking and shredding of leaves), snow/ice removal and for power de-thatching and mowing of lawn grass. This can be done by exchanging attachments on the counter-rotating twin shafts: if tines are installed on the twin shafts, soil tilling, weeding can be done; if auger blades with or without digging bits are in place instead, the machine can simultaneously till and remove soil or can remove ice/snow, or rack and shred leaves; if the front shaft is installed with a spiked roller and the rear shaft, a shearing reel, then the machine can power de-thatch and mow grass at the same time, and, additional grass clipping mulching ability can be performed if a fan blower equipped with a mulching fan blade and a retractable bedknife is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventors: Kai S. Lee, Esther W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5209961
    Abstract: A toothed belt of the present invention comprises a back surface section and tooth sections that are made of an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer (NBR) with a hydrogenation rate of 90% or more; a tooth cloth that covers the surface of the tooth sections and tooth lands, the tooth cloth being made of an industrial nylon raw fiber with a viscosity relative to sulfuric acid of 2.45 to 2.53, a tensile strength of 5 g/denier or more, and a fineness of single fibers of 5 denier or less and being treated with resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) liquid in which resorcinol-formaldehyde resin is mixed with a hydrogenated NBR as a latex component; and core fibers with a core diameter of 0.63 to 0.85 mm, the core fibers being made of twisted bundles of glass fibers of high strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Unitta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junji Yokoi
  • Patent number: 5195402
    Abstract: A direct drive system for a baler of large round bales. A plurality of driven gearboxes, each of which has a planetary gear system and an interconnected bevel gear system, are located on a side wall of the baler and are each drivably connected to one of a plurality of transverse driven shafts of the baler. A distribution gearbox on the side of the baler is connected through a right angle gearbox to the power take-off of a tractor. Power from the distribution gearbox is distributed to the plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of lateral drive shafts. The direct drive system of the present invention replaces substantially all of the roller chain and sprocket drive system of known balers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth R. McMillen, Wallace L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5184838
    Abstract: The dual wheel driven bicycle utilizes an elongate flexible shaft or cable for transferring rotational motion or torque to the front wheel. In the preferred embodiment, a rear ring gear is mounted on the rear wheel to drive a rear gear assembly. One end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to and driven by the rear gear assembly; the opposite end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to a front gear assembly which engages and drives a front ring gear connected to the front wheel. A freewheel assembly is interposed between the front ring gear and the hub of the front wheel to facilitate cornering. In an alternative embodiment, the freewheel assembly is an integral part of the front gear assembly. This invention is applicable to multi-speed and single speed bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Billie J. Becoat
  • Patent number: 5121648
    Abstract: A drive device for simultaneously insuring a rotary motion of at least two spindles which are mounted in parallel within a machine comprises a shaft supported within the machine in such a way that it is situated in the vicinity of both spindles. A crank allows a rotation of one of the spindles. In the vicinity of each spindle, at least two pulleys are provided, with one being keyed to the shaft and one being keyed to the spindle and a toothed belt is twisted to extend between the two pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Bobst SA
    Inventor: Alain Seiler
  • Patent number: 5116070
    Abstract: The dual wheel driven bicycle utilizes an elongate flexible shaft or cable for transferring rotational motion or torque to the front wheel. In the preferred embodiment, a rear ring gear is mounted on the rear wheel to drive a rear gear assembly. One end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to and driven by the rear gear assembly; the opposite end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to a front gear assembly which engages and drives a front ring gear connected to the front wheel. A freewheel assembly is interposed between the front ring gear and the hub of the front wheel to facilitate cornering. In an alternative embodiment, the freewheel assembly is an integral part of the front gear assembly. This invention is applicable to multispeed and single speed bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Billie J. Becoat
  • Patent number: 5088352
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a gear power train and a V-belt type continuously variable power train which are connected in parallel between input and output shafts. A relatively low hydraulic fluid pressure is supplied to a follower pulley cylinder chamber when the V-belt type continuously variable power train is rendered inoperable, whereas a sufficiently high hydraulic fluid pressure is supplied to the follower pulley cylinder chamber when the V-belt type continuously variable power train is rendered operable, inducing a sufficiently high force which the follower pulley grips the V-belt with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 5070954
    Abstract: A mobile carriage comprises wheels which are respectively rotatably provided through one-way clutches at each end of wheel shafts disposed at the front and rear of the carriage, the wheels at the front of the carriage in the moving direction thereof serving as driving wheels so that the carriage can be driven backwardly and forwardly using a prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Miyashita, Nori Harada
  • Patent number: 5058458
    Abstract: A camshaft driving mechanism in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. It comprises a crank sprocket, a cam sprocket and an idler sprocket disposed therebetween, a first timing chain entrained on the crank sprocket and idler sprocket, and a second timing chain entrained on said idler sprocket and cam sprocket. The improvement resides in that the first timing chain is sized smaller than the second timing chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Odai
  • Patent number: 5004258
    Abstract: A dual driven cycle and a kit for converting conventional, single driven cycles into dual driven cycles are disclosed. The invention is suitable for accommodating bicycles, motorcyles, dirt bikes, and other conventional cycles. These cycles have the known elements of a pedal-gear-chain driven first wheel and a non-driven second wheel. The kit comprises four general elements. First, a sprocket is connectable in fixed relation to the non-driven second wheel for conjoint movement with that wheel. Second, to receive power from the conventional drive train, a drive gear is mounted on either the pedal gear or chain of the cycle. Third, a cable gear is provided for mounting with respect to the cycle's frame and meshing with the sprocket. This cable gear drives the sprocket and, of necessity, the cycle's previously non-driven second wheel. The final general element of the kit is a rotatable cable which connects the cable gear to the drive gear and transfers the rotational motion of the drive gear to the second wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Billie J. Becoat
  • Patent number: 4962821
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a discrete drive system for a skid steer loader comprising a pair of independent transmission cases interconnected by a plate member at a spaced relationship. The transmission cases enclose chain and sprocket drives for the loader and have the axle housings outwardly extending from the outer side walls thereof. A pair of gear reduction means are mounted on the inner side walls of the transmission cases to provide a drive power to the front and rear stub axles at reduced speeds. The gear reduction means incorporates an improved brake device including a circular drum secured to the reduction gear, a flexible band wound around the drum and an eccentric cam shaft for actuation of the brake device. Coupled to the gear reduction means are a pair of hydrostatic motors having output shaft extending into the outer casings of the reduction means. Each of the output shafts has a tapering shape and terminates at its threaded end to facilitate the mounting of the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Daewoo Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong R. Kim
  • Patent number: 4940382
    Abstract: In order to displace a working tool at a constant speed over a surface having a random shape and orientation, particularly for cleaning, pumicing, painting or decorating the outer surface of an aircraft, an autonomous moving body with a special design is used. This moving body comprises two attachment assemblies (10,12) each equipped with attachment members (30,48) which can be moved towards and away from the surface, and a tool holder assembly (14), said three assemblies being able to move with respect to the surface in a given direction. Control means supported by the tool holder assembly (14) ensure both the advance at a constant speed of said assembly with respect to the attachment assembly (10,12) fixed to the surface and the advance in the same direction and at a higher speed of the other attachment assembly, the two attachment assemblies (10,12) being in turn fixed to the surface without stopping the tool holder assembly (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Yves Castelain, Philippe Jaubert, Rene Peltier
  • Patent number: 4901597
    Abstract: A continuously variable automotive transmission includes a fluid torque converter adapted to be connected to an engine and having a turbine shaft, a single driver gear or two driver gears fixedly mounted on the turbine shaft, and a V-belt continuously variable transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Torao Hattori, Masao Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 4895385
    Abstract: A dual driven cycle and a kit for converting conventional, single driven cycles into dual driven cycles are disclosed. The invention is suitable for accommodating bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and other conventional cycles. These cycles have the known elements of a pedal-gear-chain driven first wheel and a non-driven second wheel. The kit comprises four general elements. First, a sprocket is connectable in fixed relation to the non-driven second wheel for conjoint movement with that wheel. Second, to receive power from the conventional drive train, a drive gear is mounted on either the pedal gear or chain of the cycle. Third, a cable gear is provided for mounting with respect to the cycle's frame and meshing with the sprocket. This cable gear drives the sprocket and, of necessity, the cycle's previously non-driven second wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Billie J. Becoat
  • Patent number: 4862766
    Abstract: A device for driving a rotatable can plate of a spinning preparation machine. The device includes a drive gear, a driven gear engaged by and driven by the drive gear for rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive gear, an intermediate gear mounted on a lever pivotable about an axis spaced from the axis of the intermediate gear for pivotal movement of the intermediate gear between selective alternate positions for engagement with the drive gear or the driven gear for selective driving of the intermediate gear in opposite directions of rotation, a pair of spaced pulleys driven by a belt trained around a drive pulley fixed upon the intermediate gear for transmitting the rotation of the intermediate gear to the pair of spaced pulleys, and can plate pulleys each driven by a belt trained around one of the pulleys of the pair of spaced pulleys for transmitting the rotation of the pair of pulleys to the can plate pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Zinser Textilemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Molders
  • Patent number: 4856369
    Abstract: A continually variable transmission includes a fluid coupling having an impeller driven from a power source and a turbine adapted to be driven hydrodynamically from the impeller or to be connected mechanically to the impeller by a lockup clutch. The turbine drives the shaft on which a sprocket wheel of a constant speed ratio chain drive mechanism and a sheave of a variable ratio belt drive mechanism are rotatably carried. The output sprocket of the chain drive mechanism is connected through a regeneration mode clutch to the ring gear of a dual planetary gearset. The output sheave of the belt drive mechanism is connected directly to the sun gear of the planetary gearset or through a first mode clutch to the carrier of the gearset, on which the first and second sets of planetary pinions are rotatably mounted. The reverse brake selectively holds the ring gear to produce reverse drive. The transmission accelerates the vehicle from rest by disengaging the regeneration clutch and engaging the first mode clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Thomas R. Stockton
  • Patent number: 4854413
    Abstract: A transfer case operating apparatus for shifting a part-time four-wheel transfer case of a vehicle having a transfer gear assembly and a center-differential gear assembly, with their associated gear shift devices. The operating apparatus comprises a power drive actuator coupled to one of the shift devices; a mechanical actuator directly coupled to the other; a shift control device operated by a driver in the driver's compartment of the vehicle shift the transfer case between at least two-wheel high-speed drive mode; four-wheel, differential-free drive mode; and four wheel, differential-locked, low-speed drive mode; and a mechanism for, when the shift control device is operated to shift one gear assembly associated to the power drive actuator, disconnecting the mechanical actuator from the shift control device so as not to shift the other gear assembly. The mechanism works with different operating forces for causing the power drive and mechanical actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Kameda, Shigeo Tabata
  • Patent number: 4841803
    Abstract: In a power transfer device including a housing, an input shaft rotatably mounted within the housing, an output shaft rotatably mounted within the housing and arranged coaxially with the input shaft for relative rotation thereto, a planetary gear unit arranged within the housing and having an input element mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith and an output element connectable to the output shaft, and a clutch sleeve axially slidably mounted on the output shaft and shiftable between a first position in which it is retained to effect a drive connection between the input and output shafts and a second position in which it is retained to effect a drive connection between the output element of the gear unit and the output shaft, an oil pump assembly is arranged in parallel with the input shaft and mounted on an internal wall of the housing to be driven by the output element of the gear unit to pump up lubricating oil stored within the housing and supply it into an axial bore in the input shaft through
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Hamano, Yasumichi Funato, Shuichiro Ida
  • Patent number: 4832663
    Abstract: A timing gear belt and pulley drive apparatus for a precision winder characterized by permitting a change in wind ratios by varying the speed ratio between the winder traverse assembly and the winder chuck assembly without the removal and replacement of gear pulleys. The precision winder drive apparatus comprises a drive motor for driving the chuck assembly and traverse assembly of the winder off of a common motor drive shaft. A plurality of concentric, differently toothed drive gears are mounted for rotation on the motor drive shaft for driving one of the chuck assembly or traverse assembly. A plurality of concentric, differently toothed driven gears are mounted on one of the chuck assembly or traverse assembly in belt drive alignment with the drive gears mounted on the motor drive shaft. A drive gear is mounted for rotation on the motor drive for driving a driven gear on the other of the chuck or traverse assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: The Bouligny Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Howard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4832502
    Abstract: Means for supporting and driving agitators in commercial food mixers and the like as disclosed herein include structure for mounting and supporting the agitator(s) separately from the structure which rotatably supports the mixing bowl. The mixing bowl has a pair of spaced ends and is rotatably supported by trunnions fixed to such spaced ends and extending outwardly therefrom toward adjacent support frame members which have journals for rotatably cooperating with such trunnions to thereby support the mixing bowl. The agitator for the mixer is journaled in the spaced ends of the mixing bowl, such that the weight of the mixing bowl and the mix therein is not imparted to the agitator shaft. Preferably, th agitator is rotatably driven by drive-transmission means including drive gears disposed outside the mixing bowl and outboard of the support frame members but generally in alignment with the agitator shaft, and flexible drive means (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: APV Baker, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Grutter, Paul J. Koepnick
  • Patent number: 4817458
    Abstract: A steplessly variable transmisison system for a vehicle, having a belt-pulley type transmission. An input shaft of the transmission consists of first and second shaft portions. A sleeve member is provided and is slidably splined on the first shaft portion. A driven gear is provided on the second shaft portion which is engageable with the sleeve member by a synchronizer mechanism. A reverse gear mechanism is also provided, the reverse gear of which is engageable with an outer gear formed on the circumference of the sleeve member. The sleeve member is slid by a shaft fork to thereby selectably engage the first shaft portion with the second shaft portion through either the synchronizer mechanism or the reverse gear mechanism. By selecting the engagement through the synchronizer mechanism, a forward driving transmission is implemented, whereas, by selecting the engagement through the reverse gear mechanism, a reverse driving transmission is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Akutagawa, Masayoshi Shigemasa
  • Patent number: 4804061
    Abstract: A power transmission for a four wheel drive vehicle having a transfer gear assembly consisting of a planetary gear unit, a center-differential gear assembly consisting of a planetary gear unit which is located coaxially relative to and adjacent to the transfer gear assembly, and two shift mechanisms one individual to each gear assembly. One shift mechanism shifts the transfer gear assembly in a desired drive range and is located coaxially relative to and adjacent to the transfer gear assembly opposite to the center-differential gear assembly. The other shift mechanism shifts the center-differential gear assembly and is located coaxially relative to and adjacent to the center-differential opposite to the transfer gear assembly. Each shift mechanism consists of three splined clutch rings disposed coaxially relative to the gears and an axially movable clutch sleeve for selectively engaging with the three clutch rings so as to shift the gear between different operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Kameda
  • Patent number: 4793209
    Abstract: An improved four-wheel-driving system transmitting driving power to front and rear wheels which includes a viscous coupling, a sub-transmission of a continuously variable type coupled to one of the driving axles, and an actuator variably controlling the change gear ratio of the sub-transmission to control the ratio of driving power distributed between the front and rear wheels. The power distribution ratio is changed suitably to both the driving conditions and the road surface conditions. Further this four-wheel-driving system is lightweight and with low vibration in comparison with the conventional type using a center differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunio Morisawa
  • Patent number: 4762021
    Abstract: A transfer case for four-wheel-drive vehicles for distribution of the power from an input shaft through a transmission route to the rear propeller shaft and the front propeller shaft is shown. The transfer case is provided with a torque detection unit for detecting the torque on the input shaft side and is equipped also, on the transmission route between the rear propeller shaft side and the front propeller shaft side, a friction clutch whose coupling force is adjusted in accordance with the variations in the values of the torque detected by the torque detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Tochigifujisangyo Kabushikigaisha
    Inventor: Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 4749327
    Abstract: The machine comprises a tower, driven horizontally along two rails, on either side whereof loading and unloading stations are located. The tower carries pairs of guides, adapted for supporting lateral side members, movable in vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the tower. The lateral side members have at their bottom ends supporting members adapted for supporting the bin bases. The movable members of the machine being operatively linked to sensors effective to sense the presence of bins at the stations and to a selector unit for selecting the loading and unloading stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Decco-Roda S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cesare Roda
  • Patent number: 4745825
    Abstract: A transfer gear has high speed and low speed modes with two wheel drive or four wheel drive. A main drive shaft has a main drive gear rotatably mounted on it. A main shaft is coaxial with the main drive shaft and carries a speed change gear rotatably on it and drives the rear wheels. The main shaft further rotatably supports a front drive gear which transfers power to the front wheels. A counter gear assembly provides a speed reduction between the main drive gear and the speed change gear. A first switching mechanism connects the main drive shaft to either the main shaft or the main drive gear. A second switching mechanism connects the main shaft either to the speed change gear or to the front drive gear, or disconnects both the speed change gear and the front drive gear from the main shaft, or connects both the speed change gear and the front drive gear to the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Tekko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Yamamoto