A lightweight gear includes a hub, and a tooth ring defining a plurality of gear teeth. The tooth ring includes an inner core composed of a polymer-based material that is coupled to the lattice structure. The lightweight gear includes a lattice structure interconnecting the hub and the tooth ring. The lattice structure has a density that varies radially based on an operating condition of the lightweight gear and the lattice structure is composed of a metal or a metal alloy.

A damping apparatus includes a first sidewall defining a centerline axis, a second sidewall disposed coaxial with the first sidewall, a main cavity defined between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a damping material disposed in the main cavity.

A damping apparatus includes a first sidewall defining a centerline axis, a second sidewall disposed coaxial with the first sidewall, a main cavity defined between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a damping material disposed in the main cavity.

In a sprocket including a cushion ring coming into contact with link plates of a chain, the cushion ring includes, on an outer circumferential surface, a plurality of convex sections coming into contact with the link plates, and the plurality of convex sections are provided at corresponding positions to tooth tips at identical pitches to a plurality of teeth and include convex sections having different shapes.

In a sprocket including a cushion ring coming into contact with link plates of a chain, the cushion ring includes, on an outer circumferential surface, a plurality of convex sections coming into contact with the link plates, and the plurality of convex sections are provided at corresponding positions to tooth tips at identical pitches to a plurality of teeth and include convex sections having different shapes.

Separate structural units for an inner gear and a housing of a planetary gear device include an inner gear with a first raised portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner gear, where the first raised portion extends towards in a direction that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the inner gear. A housing includes a second raised portion formed on an inner peripheral surface, where the second raised portion extends in a direction that is inclined in respect to the axial direction. The housing contains the inner gear such that there is a gap formed between the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the inner gear. Movement of the inner gear within the interior of the housing is limited through linear contact of the first raised portion and the second raised portion.

Separate structural units for an inner gear and a housing of a planetary gear device include an inner gear with a first raised portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner gear, where the first raised portion extends towards in a direction that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the inner gear. A housing includes a second raised portion formed on an inner peripheral surface, where the second raised portion extends in a direction that is inclined in respect to the axial direction. The housing contains the inner gear such that there is a gap formed between the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the inner gear. Movement of the inner gear within the interior of the housing is limited through linear contact of the first raised portion and the second raised portion.

A hybrid gear includes a first portion having a plurality of first engagement features formed from a first material and having a first stiffness and a second portion having a plurality of second engagement features in intermeshing arrangement with the plurality of first engagement features. The plurality of second engagement features is formed from a second material distinct from the first material and having a second stiffness. The first stiffness of the plurality of first engagement features is within 20% of the second stiffness of the plurality of second engagement features.

A hybrid gear includes a first portion having a plurality of first engagement features formed from a first material and having a first stiffness and a second portion having a plurality of second engagement features in intermeshing arrangement with the plurality of first engagement features. The plurality of second engagement features is formed from a second material distinct from the first material and having a second stiffness. The first stiffness of the plurality of first engagement features is within 20% of the second stiffness of the plurality of second engagement features.

An electric actuator for use with a variable drive apparatus is disclosed herein. The electric actuator has a rotary design incorporating a magnetic field sensor chip disposed on a circuit board to sense the rotational orientation of the magnetic field of a cylindrical diametric magnet positioned on the end of a control shaft of a hydrostatic drive unit. The circuit board includes a microprocessor, electric motor power control and CAN Bus communication capability. The gear housing of the electric actuator features an integral end cap to accommodate mounting of the electric motor to enable a compact design. A vibration damping apparatus may be utilized to improve integrity of signals generated by the magnetic field sensor chip.