Patents by Inventor Gerald B. Ireland

Gerald B. Ireland has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4088043
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission for an engine driven agricultural or construction vehicle is comprised of an epicyclic torque-splitting gear arrangement driven by an input assembly. The input assembly, driven by the engine through a drive engagement means, includes a reversing planetary gear arrangement. The epicyclic torque-splitting gear arrangement includes an input member driven by the input assembly, an output member and a reaction member. The reaction member of the epicyclic torque-splitting gear arrangement is drivingly interconnected with a speed reduction means. The speed reduction means is also driven by the input assembly, and is selectively controllable for rotating the reaction member of the epicyclic torque-splitting gear arrangement in one or the other directions relative to the direction of rotation of the input assembly. The speed reduction means is further controllable to stop rotation of the reaction member relative to rotation of the input assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Lowell E. Johnson, Gerald B. Ireland, Marvin L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4004473
    Abstract: A compact combination of planetary gear sets together with a torque converter and drive conditioning clutches and brakes provides for a broad range of output speeds in either mechanical or converter drive with a nearly constant small step ratio between speeds and with a relatively small variation of transmitted power throughout a very broad range of output speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1973
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Shairyl I. Pearce, Gerald B. Ireland, Willis E. Windish