Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Rosskopf

Thomas A. Rosskopf 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: 6145287
    Abstract: The multiple pump apparatus includes first and second variable displacement closed circuit pumps. The multiple pump apparatus pressurizes fluid to be subsequently supplied to drive load devices. The first and second pumps each have fluid communication lines connected to load devices through flow control valves. Each of the pumps has a swashplate for varying its displacement. The swashplates are of the over-center type, enabling each pump to supply pressurized fluid in either direction, thus providing both forward and reverse function to the load devices. The first pump has its fluid communicating lines connected to fluid communicating lines between first and second two-position four-way flow control valves. The opposite side of the first flow control valve has fluid communicating lines connected to a load device which drives a harvesting mechanism, in this case a rotor motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Rosskopf
  • Patent number: 5983737
    Abstract: A kit for converting a base transmission having a mid PTO shaft and a detachable original equipment rear cover into an optional configuration transmission having a rotatable mid PTO shaft and a rotatable rear PTO shaft that are both selectively drivable such that they can be commanded by the operator to rotate simultaneously or individually. The kit includes a conversion rear cover for replacing the original equipment rear cover, a rear PTO cover with an aperture therein mounted to the conversion rear cover, a rear PTO shaft rotatably supported in the aperture and extending into the conversion rear cover, and a three position selector assembly mounted on the conversion rear cover and the PTO rear cover. When installed on the base transmission, the selector assembly of the kit allows the operator to cause the rotation of the mid PTO shaft only, both the mid and rear PTO shafts simultaneously, or the rear PTO shaft only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Oosterhuis, Michael A. Betz, Larry R. Walker, Thomas A. Rosskopf
  • Patent number: 5970808
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission assembly includes a power means, a clutch connected to the power means and having an output power shaft, and a plurality of gears and substantial alignment. The gears include a first gear on the power shaft meshed with a second gear mounted on a first idler shaft. The second gear driving a third gear mounted on another idler shaft. The third gear drives a fourth gear mounted on a first PTO shaft. A second PTO shaft is operatively connected to the first shaft. A three position selector assembly on the first shaft selectively powers the PTO shafts simultaneously or individually. The method of connecting a single PTO shaft transmission assembly includes adding a second PTO shaft to said power means, and imposing a multi-position selector assembly to the gears to permit said PTO shafts to be operated together or individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Oosterhuis, Michael A. Betz, Larry R. Walker, Thomas A. Rosskopf
  • Patent number: 5901605
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission assembly includes a source of rotary power, a clutch connected to the power source and having an output power shaft, and a plurality of gears in substantial alignment. The gears include a first gear on the output power shaft meshed with a second gear mounted on a first sub-shaft. The second gear drives a third gear mounted on an idler shaft. The third gear drives a fourth gear mounted on a first PTO shaft. A second PTO shaft is operatively connected to the first sub-shaft. A three position selector assembly on the first shaft selectively powers the PTO shafts simultaneously or individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Oosterhuis, Michael A. Betz, Larry R. Walker, Thomas A. Rosskopf