Patents by Inventor Aaron Benjamin Crabtree

Aaron Benjamin Crabtree 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: 11174905
    Abstract: A transmission for a machine is disclosed. The transmission may comprise a first torque path for transmission of torque from an input shaft to an output shaft, and a single clutch element along the first torque path. The transmission may further comprise a clutch actuator configured to actuate engagement of the clutch element, and a clutch pressure control (CPC) valve configured to permit a flow of hydraulic fluid to the clutch actuator when in an open position to cause the clutch actuator to actuate engagement of the clutch element. The transmission may further comprise a FMR valve having a failure position obstructing flow of the hydraulic fluid from the CPC valve to the clutch actuator when the CPC valve is in the open position. The FMR valve actuated by pilot pressure from a CPC valve that controls actuation of other clutch elements that are not on the first torque path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Konrad Garrett, Aaron Benjamin Crabtree, Michael David Beyer, Gaurav Vasudeva, Brian Eugene Lister
  • Patent number: 8920276
    Abstract: A controller is provided for varying gear ratios in a transmission system including at least one planetary gear train disposed within a housing. The controller includes a ratio control gear set, a ratio control pump, and a relief valve. The ratio control gear set includes a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The planet carrier is configured to rotatably connect to an output shaft of an engine. The ring gear is configured to mesh with a sun gear of the planetary gear train. The ratio control pump includes a body configured to rigidly connect to the housing, and a rotor rigidly coupled to the sun gear of the ratio control gear set. The rotor is configured to co-act with the body to pump fluid. The relief valve is configured to restrict fluid egress from the ratio control pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Ross Henderson, Jr., Abdul Karim Maoued, Aaron Benjamin Crabtree
  • Publication number: 20140256491
    Abstract: A controller is provided for varying gear ratios in a transmission system including at least one planetary gear train disposed within a housing. The controller includes a ratio control gear set, a ratio control pump, and a relief valve. The ratio control gear set includes a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The planet carrier is configured to rotatably connect to an output shaft of an engine. The ring gear is configured to mesh with a sun gear of the planetary gear train. The ratio control pump includes a body configured to rigidly connect to the housing, and a rotor rigidly coupled to the sun gear of the ratio control gear set. The rotor is configured to co-act with the body to pump fluid. The relief valve is configured to restrict fluid egress from the ratio control pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Ross Henderson, JR., Abdul Karim Maoued, Aaron Benjamin Crabtree