Showing papers on "Drive wheel published in 1997"

Control system for automatic transmission

Abstract: A control system of an automatic transmission has a fluid transmission apparatus (12) connected to an engine (10); input speed detecting device (49) for detecting an input-end rotational speed of the hydraulic transmission apparatus; output speed detecting device (47) for detecting an output-end rotational speed of the hydraulic transmission apparatus; and drive-wheel idle rotation determining device (93) for determining whether the rotational speed ratio of the output-end rotational speed to the input-end rotational speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the rotational speed ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the determining device determines that a drive wheel is idly rotating. Thus the control system has only to calculate the input-end and output-end rotational speeds of the hydraulic transmission apparatus, and does not need to determine a change of the rotational speed of the output shaft of a transmission apparatus. The control system therefore eliminates the need to monitor the rotational speed of the output shaft, enabling quick detection of idle rotation of a drive wheel and, consequently, quick decision as to whether to inhibit a shift.

Track system for vehicles

Abstract: A four pivot point track suspension apparatus for a vehicle. The track suspension apparatus includes a frame, a drive wheel, an undercarriage, and a continuous flexible track. The continuous flexible track is engaged by and driven by the drive wheel which is rotatably attached to the vehicle and operably attached to the frame. The undercarriage includes a leading equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame and having leading and trailing idler rollers rotatably attached thereto and a trailing equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame having an intermediate idler roller assembly and trailing idler rollers rotatably attached thereto. The leading equalizer is spring biased against the frame to maintain constant tension on the track and to ensure that all the idler rollers are in constant engagement with the track.

Vehicle hybrid drive system control apparatus adapted to reduce transmission input torque upon transmission shifting, by using engine and/or motor/generator

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a vehicle hybrid drive system having a transmission disposed between a vehicle drive wheel and an assembly of an engine and a motor/generator, the apparatus including a torque reduction control device for reducing an input torque of the transmission during a shifting action of the transmission, wherein the torque reduction control device includes a first torque reducing device for reducing the input torque by controlling the engine, a second torque reducing device for reducing the input torque by controlling the motor/generator, and a torque reduction mode selecting device for enabling the first torque reducing device and/or the second torque reducing device to operate to reduce the input torque, according to a predetermined selecting condition.

Vehicle power transmitting system having devices for electrically and mechanically disconnecting power source and vehicle drive wheel upon selection of neutral state

Abstract: A power transmitting system for a motor vehicle having a manually operated member for selecting one of operating states of the power transmitting system, which include a neutral state, wherein a power transmitting path between a drive power source and a drive wheel of the motor vehicle is electrically disconnected by a first power disconnecting device, and is mechanically disconnected by a second power disconnecting device which is operated in response to an operation the manually operated member to the neutral state. Also disclosed is a hybrid drive system including a start-up control device operated upon operation of the manually operated member from a non-drive state to a drive state, for controlling the reaction torque of a motor/generator to rise according to one of predetermined rise characteristics which is selected depending upon a vehicle running condition.

Apparatus for providing self-propelled motion to medication carts

Abstract: Apparatus for providing self-propelled motion to a medication cart comprises a driving unit which is mounted to a base of the medication cart The driving unit includes a drive wheel which is movable between extended and retracted positions In the extended position, the drive wheel engages the floor to provide self-propelled motion to the medication cart In the retracted position, the medication cart is freely movable on supporting castor wheels Foot operated pedals are provided to move the drive wheel between the extended and retracted positions Forward and reverse motion of the cart is provided by a rocker switch which is positioned on a top panel of the cart

Device for transferring a patient to and from a hospital bed

Abstract: Disclosed is a device useable for by a technician to transport a patient to and from a hospital bed. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a support frame comprising a plurality of wheels adapted to roll upon the floor. The device further comprises a patient transfer portion engaged with and extending outward of the support frame and comprising a plurality of belts. The device further comprises a patient transport portion engaged with the support frame and comprising a plurality of belts. The device further comprises a drive wheel engaged with the support frame. The device further comprises a drive mechanism engaged with the support frame. The drive mechanism comprising a manual crank wheel and is adapted such that rotation of the manual crank wheel by the person causes the drive wheel to rotate and to move the support frame in a first direction and at a first velocity and to move the belts of the patient transfer portion and the patient transport portion in a second direction and at a second velocity. The first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction, while the first velocity and the second velocity are substantially the same. Upon engagement of the drive wheel and rotation of the manual crank wheel by the person the patient transfer portion may be moved under the patient and upon disengagement of the drive wheel and rotation of the manual crank wheel the patient is moved from the patient transfer portion to the patient transport portion.

Vehicle transmission shift control apparatus wherein torque of motor connected to automatic transmission is controlled to reduce shifting shock of transmission

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for controlling a variable-speed ratio automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having an engine, and a motor/generator which function as a vehicle driving electric motor and/or an electric generator, the automatic transmission being operatively connected to a drive wheel and an assembly of the engine and the motor/generator, the shift control apparatus including a target determining device for determining a pattern of change of a target value of the rotating speed of a rotary member of the automatic transmission or a target value of the output torque of the automatic transmission, during a shifting action thereof, and a motor torque feedback control device for feedback controlling a torque of the motor/generator during the shifting action of the automatic transmission such that the rotating speed of the rotary member or the output torque changes according to the pattern of change of the target value.

Hybrid vehicle drive system adapted to assure smooth brake application by motor/generator or engine

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, including an engine, a motor/motor, an automatic transmission disposed between the engine and a vehicle drive wheel, a regenerative braking device for applying to the vehicle a regenerative braking force corresponding to an amount of electric energy generated by the motor/generator during an operation of the motor/generator by a kinetic energy of the running vehicle, and at least one of (a) a shift inhibiting device for inhibiting a shifting action of the automatic transmission during an operation of the regenerative braking device so as to prevent a change of an engine braking force applied to the vehicle, (b) a braking shift control device which is operated when the regenerative braking device is inoperable to provide the required regenerative braking force, for changing the speed ratio of the automatic transmission to increase the engine braking force, or operated prior to the operation of the regenerative braking device, for controlling the speed ratio of the transmission so as to apply the engine brake to the vehicle, and (c) a mode change inhibiting device for inhibiting a change of operation mode between regenerative braking mode and engine braking mode during regenerative braking or engine braking

Floor cleaning machine and method

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a body in which the body cover assembly is hollow and serves as the recovery solution reservoir; while the lower body assembly, which is also hollow, serves as the cleaning solution tank or reservoir. In addition, the lower body has a recessed area proportioned to receive and secure the batteries required for driving the motors involved in the floor cleaning machine. A trans-axle drive supports the lower body and has a drive wheel at each end powered by a motor differential engaging the axles coupled to the wheels. Together the body and trans-axle drive comprise a modular power unit. Mounting means are provided on the forward portion of the lower body of the power unit for lift arms to be secured to various power floor scrubbers for use on hard floors or a carpet extractor for cleaning carpeted floors. The linkage for the floor scrubber mode and carpet cleaning mode is the same. Such linkage also uses a maximum number of resiliently mounted bushings which, along with the monocoque body and retained fluid movement, cushion against damage by impact under power.

Automatic soap dispensing device

Abstract: An automatic soap dispensing device, particularly a device which can be activated by photoelectric or infrared sensor via a control circuit, i.e., a motor reducing gear set in a drive device driving a drive wheel with a considerable torque at low speed so that an eccentric wheel on the drive wheel can push a squeezer set which in turn squeeze a soap hose to dispense liquid soap accordingly; and a micro switch is touched when the drive wheel is rotated to a certain angle to stop the motor, upon which the squeezer set returns its initial position by the inherent elasticity of the hose without any need to engage any gear with the reducing gear set and possibility of seizure between gears which may adversely affect operation of the soap dispensing device.

Hybrid vehicle drive system having means for using at least engine as drive power source in special vehicle operating state, to assure sufficient drive force

Abstract: Hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, wherein an automatic transmission disposed between a drive wheel of the vehicle and a drive power source including an engine and an electric motor is controlled by a shift control device, to change the speed ratio according to a normal shift pattern in a normal vehicle operating state, and according to a special shift pattern in a predetermined special vehicle operating state such that the speed ratio according to the special shift pattern is smaller than the speed ratio according to the normal shift pattern, and wherein at least the engine is selected by a substitute drive power source selecting device, as the drive power source for driving the vehicle in the special operating state in which the automatic transmission is controlled according to the special shift pattern.

Vehicular motion controlling system

Abstract: In the present invention, when the wheel speeds of drive wheels are reduced by an engine brake, there are executed drive wheel control for adjusting the braking forces applied to the drive wheels by the engine brake, and driven wheel control for reducing the wheel speeds of driven wheels by an brake actuator. Drive wheel control raises lateral resistant force of the drive wheels by increasing an engine output torque, and driven wheel control brakes the driven wheels by the brake actuator such as a hydraulic brake. As a result, sufficient deceleration of a vehicle can be obtained while retaining the stability of the vehicle.

Powered cart for golf bag

Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) including a frame assembly (20), a free wheel assembly (22), a drive wheel assembly (24), a power delivery assembly (26), a steering assembly (28), and a control assembly (30) For compact storage, the frame assembly (20) of the cart (10) has nestably collapsible base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36) The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (128) and a power train assembly (138) for rotatably motivating the drive wheel assembly (24) In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24) The free wheel assembly (22) includes a pair of parallelogram positioners (70) which permit a left front wheel (72) and a right front wheel (74) to be selectably collapsed inward against the frame assembly (20), for even more compact storage, yet to be orientationally motivated by the steering assembly (28) under control of a user operating the control assembly (30) to steer the cart (10) during use

Drive for electric vehicle and control method of the same

Abstract: A drive for an electric vehicle includes by forming a drive unit 8 having a transmission by combining a single propelling motor 7 with the transmission, respectively interconnecting the drive unit 8 with propelling wheels to be a drive wheel, and separately controlling the drive units 8. Besides, traveling speed detecting means are provided on the respective drive units 8, 8, and the respective drive units are simultaneously controlled according to a revolution signal from one of the traveling speed detecting means. A method for controlling an electric vehicle by separately controlling the drive units 8, 8, making the output torque of the motor zero or minimum during the gear change, and producing again the output torque of the motor after completing the gear change.

Manual driving force sensing unit for motor driven vehicle

Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes a vehicle body including a handlebar, a drive wheel mounted to the vehicle body, a driving unit for driving the drive wheel, and a manual-driving-force sensing unit for sensing a manual driving force exerted to the handlebar to move the vehicle body and generating a control signal for controlling the driving unit in accordance with the sensed manual driving force. The manual-driving-force sensing unit includes a displaceable grip mounted displaceable along the length of said handlebar, a potentiometer for sensing displacement of the grip and generating the control signal in accordance with the sensed displacement of the grip, first and second stop members disposed spaced from each other along the length of the handlebar, a spring having one end contacting the first stop member and having the other end contacting the second stop member, and a piston having first and second portions adjacent to said first and second stop members, respectively, for driving the spring.

Track belt tension management system

Abstract: A track belt tensioning management system is provided for actively adjusting the tension on a track belt in response to the difference in linear output speed between a drive wheel and the track belt. This is accomplished by sensing the speeds of the drive wheel and the track belt and delivering the sensed signals to a controller which processes the signals and determines the difference in their respective linear output speeds. If the difference varies from a predetermined value, the controller directs appropriate signals to a hydraulic valve arrangement which controllably directs pressurized fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator arrangement to adjust the tension between the drive wheel and the track belt. The subject arrangement maintains sufficient frictional force between the drive wheel and the belt to control the slip therebetween as required while at the same time limiting the forces in order to reduce premature failures and/or wear on the track belt and other associated components.

Media control technique for cutting operation on a printer

Abstract: A cutter assembly which traverses across a media path to make a linear cut on the media includes a pair of cooperative rotary cutting blades. An upper rotary blade is mounted for passive rotation while a lower rotary blade is directly coupled to a lower drive wheel which engages the undersurface of a media guide member. The blades are slightly overlapping at their peripheral edges, with the lower blade in a fixed position, and the upper blade spring biased in an axial direction against the lower blade. An additional media-contacting wheel is mounted on the cutter assembly to be substantially vertically aligned with the lower drive wheel, and is spring biased downwardly toward the uppersurface of the media guide member in order to assure constant rotational engagement of the lower drive wheel with the media guide member during cutting. The lower drive wheel and lower rotary blade are coaxially mounted at a slight angular declination facing upstream as compared to the direction of traverse of the cutter assembly. The media-contacting wheel is also mounted on the cutter assembly at a similar slight angular declination. Such angles of declination create a pull on the media as it moves toward the two rotary cutting blades, thereby preventing undesirable media slack.

Self propelled skateboard

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self propeller skateboard (10) comprising upper deck (12A) pivotally mounted on a drive shaft (22) having a left drive wheel (18L) securely fastened at a left distal end and a right drive wheel (18R) securely fastened at a right distal end. The drive shaft (22) is mounted in a transmission (14) which is self propelled by a user by shifting his weight from an upper deck front (12AA) to an upper deck back (12AB) and vice-versa. When the upper deck front (12AA) is raised, a front cable (26F) is unwinded from the drive shaft (22) by rotation thereof. The drive shaft (22) is further rotated when the upper deck rear (12AB) is raised, a rear cable (26R) is unwinded from the drive shaft (22).

Apparatus and method for indexing containers

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting containers which have vertical seams is disclosed. The apparatus is useful in label machines where, prior to the application of labels to the containers, the apparatus orients the containers around longitudinal axes, so that the ends of labels applied to such containers are positioned adjacent to the seams. Apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a star wheel with roller bearings which permit relatively free rotation of containers positioned within the pockets of the star wheel, a container drive wheel movable between a first position where it is operable, and a second position where it is inoperable, to cause rotation of a container which is in a pocket of the star wheel and means for moving the drive wheel between the first and second positions. The apparatus further comprises a sensor operable to detect a container seam and container locking means for stopping and preventing rotation of a container when the drive wheel is moved to the second position. The apparatus further comprises control means for controlling movement of the container drive wheel between the first and second positions and, in some embodiments, for activating and deactivating the container locking means so that containers which enter the star wheel pockets with randomly oriented seams leave the star wheel pocket with seams oriented in a pre-determined angular orientation. The container locking means may comprise a magnet, preferably a permanent magnet or a vacuum mechanism.

An object maneuvering arrangement

Abstract: The invention relates to an object maneuvering arrangement (20), for instance for maneuvering a door or like structure, wherein the object (1) includes a part (6) connected to a line loop (70), and wherein the arrangement (20) includes a drive wheel (31) and means (8) for reversible rotation (A, B) of the drive wheel (31). Movement of the line loop (70) is controlled by a plurality of guide pulleys (60-65). The drive wheel (31) supports a first line section (71) on a part of its circumference and the drive wheel (31) supports a second line section (72) on a part of its circumference. Guide pulleys (42, 43) are mounted in the proximity of the drive wheel (31) and function to cause the first line section (71) to run around the drive wheel (31) in an omega-shaped path, and guide pulleys (44, 45) are mounted in the proximity of the drive wheel (31) and function to cause the second line section (72) to run around the drive wheel (31) in an omega-shaped path. The drive wheel (31) and a plurality of guide pulleys (42-45) are mounted in a common holder (30) carried by a drive shaft (21) of the drive means (8). The holder (30) is pivotally mounted (C) between two stop members (55, 56). The maneuvering arrangement (20) is used to maneuver vertical movement of a door, among other things.

Asymmetrical drive system

Abstract: A drive system for a grounds care device using two identical final drives (15) in combination with two identical power units (50) to provide directional drive to the wheels. The final drives and power units are assembled to each other differently for use on each side to provide the required relative reverse rotation of each drive wheel while maintaining the same direction of control movement for forward (or reverse) movement of each drive wheel (in regards to machine movement). Additionally, the drive belt for the cutting unit is routed between the power units (rather than under or over) to allow a lower center of gravity for increased stability.

Low profile rubber tracked snow vehicle with snow-clearing drive wheels

Abstract: A snow and ice-clearing track assembly (16) for a vehicle (10) is provided which has a plurality of rotatable track wheels (22-26) including a specialized drive wheel (24) together with a continuous loop, substantially imperforate track (34) disposed about and engaging the wheels (22-26). The track (34) includes a plurality of inwardly extending drive lugs (36) which are received within circumferentially spaced lug openings (56) and snow and ice-clearing passages (58, 60) on opposite sides of the central openings (60). An alternate drive wheel (70) has a pair of polyurethane rings (84, 86) on opposite sides of lug-receiving openings (78) preventing buildup of ice and snow adjacent the drive wheel.

Telemetry based shaft torque measurement system for hollow shafts

Abstract: A hollow shaft torque measurement and telemetry system is provided for race cars. The system provides information on the torque delivered to each drive wheel of a race car while the race car is in motion. That information is valuable in attempting to maximize the speed during a race. The system operates under the high vibrations and temperature levels typical of a race car. A set of strain gauges, a transmitter, and batteries are installed inside one of the hollow shafts connected to a race car's drive wheels. The batteries provide power for the system. The strain gauges are mounted in an electrical bridge configuration so that they provide an electrical indication of torsion only. The strain gauges are connected to the transmitter. The transmitter converts that electrical indication of torsion to an FM radio signal, and has an automatic calibration circuit. The transmitter is connected to a rotating antenna over-wrapped with glass epoxy on the outside of the shaft. The FM radio signal is transmitted via the over-wrapped antenna. A whip antenna mounted on a stationary non-rotating part of the race car receives the FM radio signal from either or both hollow shafts. The whip antenna is connected to a specially hardened low power receiver mounted on a stationary part of the race car. The receiver receives the FM radio signal, demodulates and conveys a torque related voltage to the race car's indicator and data collection system.

Gas reversing valves control for internal combustion engine, especially vane cell adjustment

Abstract: A drive wheel has a hollow chamber formed by a peripheral wall and two side walls, and inner impeller wheel (13) The periphery of the wheel hub (14) has at least one radial impeller (15) The outside of the peripheral wall or the peripheral surface of one of the sides has gear teeth; the inside of the peripheral wall has at least one hydraulic operating chamber (8) with radial walls (9) whose free end sides (10) are in sealed contact with the wheel hub of the impeller wheel and which point towards the longitudinal center axis of the drive wheel The hydraulic operating chambers are each divided into two pressure compartments (11,12) The free end side (16) of each impeller and or the free end side of each radial enclosure wall of the drive wheel has axial single or multiple lined contact reducing the frictional forces between the drive wheel and the impeller wheel

Endless track unit for four-tracked vehicles

Abstract: An improved system in an endless track unit of an all-terrain vehicle. A track is driven with a drive wheel that has sprocket disks drivingly engaging the track with more than two teeth from those disks drivingly engaging the track at any given time. The track is trained around the drive wheel and a plurality of undriven guide wheels. A damper wheel may sit downstream of the drive wheel between the drive wheel and the first guide wheel and supports the underside of the track. A preferred embodiment has a sprocket disk with thirteen cogs that have a generally tear-shaped cross section forming teeth of the sprocket, more than two of which drivingly engage a stretch-resistant track at any given time. The track a continuous belt formed of molded rubber with stretch-resistant chords imbedded therein. A replaceable journal liner secured within an axle journal assembly, an improved guide wheel spindle that has a shoulder forming a bearing liner, and ice scrapers positioned on the inside of the track for removing built-up debris may also be installed to further improve operation of the endless track unit.

Method and apparatus for correcting drive wheel slip

Abstract: A system for correcting drive wheel slippage in a heavy vehicle includes a front non-drive axle and either a single or tandem rear drive axle with an inter-axle differential with locking capability. Each drive axle also includes a main differential with locking capability. The system further includes a first sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the driveshaft and a second sensor for measuring non-driven wheel speed. A central processor compares the driveshaft speed to the non-driven wheel speed and locks the inter-axle differential of a tandem rear drive axle to drive the front and rear drive axles at the same speed or locks the main differential of a single rear drive axle to drive the first and second driven wheels at the same speed when the ratio of the driveshaft speed signal to the first non-driven wheel speed signal exceeds the predetermined limit. In the tandem configuration, if drive wheel slippage continues, the main differentials of the front and rear drive axles are also locked.

Grain sweeper device

Abstract: A grain sweeper mechanism having an auger supported in cantilevered fashion in front of a drive mechanism having a pair of wheels. A weight stack carried by the drive mechanism counterbalances the weight of the auger such that generally all weight is borne by the front drive wheel of the drive mechanism. The front drive wheel is operatively coupled with the outer end portion of the auger for receiving rotational power therefrom. An opening in a shroud of the auger extends generally the entire length of the auger. The drive mechanism is coupled with the auger shroud by way of an attaching mechanism which includes a slide member, channel member, threaded member and nut which allows vertical adjustment of the auger while hindering lateral movement of the drive mechanism with respect to the auger.

Lever driven bicycle

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved lever driven bicycle including a shifting mechanism for controlling a drive ratio between the oscillating lever and the drive wheel. The drive lever arrangement may be located about the front or rear wheels of the bicycle and, when about the rear wheel, may include a sole lever or dual levers. The drive lever arrangement includes a drive lever, a force applicator, a shifting mechanism, and a force converter which together transform the oscillating displacement of the lever to a rotation of the drive wheel. The shifting mechanism includes a slide block located about the lever which engages with the drive lever upon downward motion of the drive lever and controllably slides along the drive lever upon upward motion of the drive lever. The position of the slide block corresponds to a drive ratio between the drive lever and the drive wheel.

Guided vehicle system for transporting loads

Abstract: A vehicle transport system and accompanying guide device designed to serve in automated warehouses has a guide rail that guides the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle has a carrying platform. The vehicle runs along the rail astride it and linked by connecting guides. The guide rail is located beneath an upper surface of the carrying platform so that material carried thereon can be transferred across the rail to staging areas on the other side of the rail. By locating the vehicle astride the rail, the guide rail, which projects upwardly from the floor, does not interfere with access to the carrying platform. In an embodiment of the invention, the drive wheel of the vehicle is located at a longitudinal midpoint of the transport vehicle to minimize the parasitic effects on the guides connecting the vehicle to the rail generated by application of traction forces, applied by a drive wheel, to the side of the rail.

Miniature pipe crawler tractor

Abstract: A pipe crawler tractor may comprise a half tractor assembly having a first base drive wheel, a second base drive wheel, and a top drive wheel. The drive wheels are mounted in spaced-apart relation so that the top drive wheel is positioned between the first and second base drive wheels. The mounting arrangement is also such that the first and second base drive wheels contact the inside surface of the pipe at respective first and second positions and so that the top drive wheel contacts the inside surface of the pipe at a third position, the third position being substantially diametrically opposed to the first and second positions. A control system connected to the half tractor assembly controls the rotation of the first base wheel, the second base wheel, and the top drive wheel to move the half tractor assembly within the pipe.