Patents by Inventor Lyle R. Bretz

Lyle R. Bretz 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).

  • Hydromechanical transmission
    Patent number: 6533695
    Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission includes a hydrostatic transmission with coaxially arranged fixed and variable displacement hydrostatic units connected to a planetary gear set. The input shaft of the variable unit extends coaxially through the hollow shaft member of the fixed unit to drive the ring gear of the planetary gear set. The hollow shaft member drives the sun gear of the planetary gear set. An input clutch can be provided to allow the hydromechanical transmission to achieve zero output speed. A charge pump driven by the input shaft of the variable unit can be utilized to insure that the hydraulic units are primed whenever the input shaft turns. The input torque can be applied from either end of the variable unit. A power takeoff shaft option is available from the end of the transmission opposite the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic W. Pollman, Steven H. Gluck, Lyle R. Bretz, Thomas D. Pierce, John D. Moline, Bradly Roetman, Michael Todd
  • Hydromechanical transmission
    Publication number: 20020119856
    Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission includes a hydrostatic transmission with coaxially arranged fixed and variable displacement hydrostatic units connected to a planetary gear set. The input shaft of the variable unit extends coaxially through the hollow shaft member of the fixed unit to drive the ring gear of the planetary gear set. The hollow shaft member drives the sun gear of the planetary gear set. An input clutch can be provided to allow the hydromechanical transmission to achieve zero output speed. A charge pump driven by the input shaft of the variable unit can be utilized to insure that the hydraulic units are primed whenever the input shaft turns. The input torque can be applied from either end of the variable unit. A power takeoff shaft option is available from the end of the transmission opposite the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Frederic W. Pollman, Steven H. Gluck, Lyle R. Bretz, Thomas D. Pierce, John D. Moline, Bradly Roetman, Michael Todd