Patents by Inventor Jeffrey F. Birkel

Jeffrey F. Birkel 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: 7942074
    Abstract: A gearbox having at least two gears is disclosed. The gearbox includes a shift selector, a first gearshaft, a second gearshaft selectively engagable with the first gearshaft via the at least two gears, and a first clutch mechanism located on the second gearshaft. The first clutch mechanism is configured to selectively engage the second gearshaft with the first gearshaft. The first clutch mechanism includes a clutch plate attached to first gear on the second gearshaft, and a pressure plate attached to the second gearshaft. The clutch plate and pressure plate are configured to selectively engage one another so that the second gearshaft engages the first gearshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Turner Powertrain Sytems Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Birkel, Alan J. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 7793562
    Abstract: Transmissions in which the mechanical gear shift arrangements are replaced by electro-hydraulic operated shift mechanisms that have to be able to be neutralised positively to ensure a proper operation. An arrangement and method are provided to determine the position of the shift rail so a shift can be made only if the conditions are right. To prevent engagement of two shift members at the same time and consequent damage in case of electronic failure, mechanical safety features such as detents are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Birkel, Stuart J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080098836
    Abstract: A gearbox having at least two gears is disclosed. The gearbox includes a shift selector, a first gearshaft, a second gearshaft selectively engagable with the first gearshaft via the at least two gears, and a first clutch mechanism located on the second gearshaft. The first clutch mechanism is configured to selectively engage the second gearshaft with the first gearshaft. The first clutch mechanism includes a clutch plate attached to first gear on the second gearshaft, and a pressure plate attached to the second gearshaft. The clutch plate and pressure plate are configured to selectively engage one another so that the second gearshaft engages the first gearshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Birkel, Alan J. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5925857
    Abstract: An expansion chamber for the exhaust system of two cycle engines. The expansion chamber includes a diverging section and a converging section. The diverging section has a continually increasing cross-sectional area. A terminal section is integrally attached to the diverging section. A reflective cone is disposed within the terminal section and secured thereto. The converging section is defined by the area contained between the terminal section and the reflective cone. Devices are also provide for directing exhaust gases into and out of the expansion chamber. The reflective cone may be positioned entirely within the diverging section or anywhere between the diverging section and the terminal section, depending on specific performance characteristics desired. The reflective cone may also be secure in various ways depending on its placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Birkel, Paul T. Corcoran