Diagnostic system for a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle
AssigneeHydro-Gear Limited Partnership
InventorsThomas J. Langenfeld, Scott W. Keller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved diagnostic system for a hydrostatic apparatus such as a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle is disclosed. A fastener having a port formed therein is used to connect a hydraulic component such as a center section to a housing. A diagnostic system may be located external to the housing and connected to the hydraulic circuit at least partially through the fastener port. A relief valve may also be located in the fastener and connected to the fastener port, or in a different fastener having a separate fastener port, to permit the fluid in the hydraulic circuit to be discharged to a sump.
Claims30
A hydrostatic apparatus having a housing, comprising:
- a hydraulic circuit formed in a structure secured to the housing by means of at least a first fastener having a first fastener port formed therein, wherein the first fastener port is connected to the hydraulic circuit;
- and
- a diagnostic system located external to the housing and connected to the hydraulic circuit at least partially through the first fastener port.
A hydraulic drive apparatus, comprising:
- a housing forming a sump and having at least a first fastener bore formed therein for receiving a first fastener;
- a structure mounted to the housing by at least the first fastener and having a hydraulic circuit formed therein;
- and
- a diagnostic system located external to the housing and connected to the hydraulic circuit at least partially through a first fastener port formed in the first fastener.
A hydraulic drive apparatus, comprising:
- a housing forming a sump and having at least a first opening formed on an internal surface thereof for receiving at least a first fastener;
- a structure mounted to the housing by at least the first fastener and having a hydraulic circuit formed therein, wherein the first fastener has a port formed therein to hydraulically connect the first opening to the hydraulic circuit;
- and
- a fitting mounted to an external surface of the housing and connected to the first opening, the fitting having a first closed position and a second open position, wherein the hydraulic circuit may be connected to an apparatus located external to the housing when the fitting is in the open position.
A hydrostatic drive apparatus for use in a vehicle, comprising:
- a housing mounted on the vehicle and forming a sump;
- a center section secured to the housing by means of at least a first fastener;
- hydraulic porting formed in the center section for connecting a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor;
- a first fastener port formed in the first fastener and connected to the hydraulic porting;
- a second fastener used to secure the center section to the housing and having a second fastener port, and a relief valve mounted in the second fastener between the second fastener port and the sump;
- and
- an apparatus located external to the housing and connected to the hydraulic porting through the first fastener port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.