Patents by Inventor Dennis L. Jeffries
Dennis L. Jeffries 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).
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Patent number: 10670124Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) provides a plurality of transmission modes. At least one mode is a serial mode and at least one other mode is a split-path mode. The serial mode may provide a powered zero and creeper ground speeds. The split-path mode(s) may provide higher field speeds.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, David Mueller, Thomas G. Ore, Dennis L. Jeffries
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Patent number: 10655710Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) provides a plurality of transmission modes. At least one mode is a serial mode and at least one other mode is a split-path mode. The IVT provides substantially seamless shifting between the plurality of transmission modes.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, David Mueller, Thomas G. Ore, Dennis L. Jeffries
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Patent number: 10550922Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) provides a plurality of transmission modes. At least one mode is a serial mode and at least one other mode is a split-path mode. The serial mode may provide a powered zero and creeper ground speeds. The split-path mode(s) may provide higher field speeds.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, David Mueller, Thomas G. Ore, Dennis L. Jeffries
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Patent number: 10408310Abstract: A power-split gearbox device in an agricultural work vehicle. The gearbox device includes a compounded gearbox, an electrical variator for the continuous varying of a ratio of the compounded gearbox, and a gearbox with an adjustable ratio to connect a drive motor with a propulsion of the work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Rainer Gugel, Norbert Fritz, Andrew K. Rekow, Dennis L. Jeffries, David Mueller
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Patent number: 10119598Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) includes a double planetary gearset with first, second, and third transmission components. The IVT includes a single planetary gearset with fourth, fifth, and sixth transmission components. In one mode, a first set of clutches is engaged, allowing transmission of engine power to the first transmission component, and allowing transmission of IVP power between a second IVP machine and the second transmission component. The third transmission component combines the engine power and the IVP power into first combined power that is transmitted from the third transmission component to the fourth transmission component. The fifth transmission component transmits return power to an engine shaft, and the sixth transmission component combines the first combined power and the return power into second combined power that is output to an output shaft for rotating the output shaft at a range of rotational speeds.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, David Mueller, Thomas G. Ore, Dennis L. Jeffries
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Publication number: 20180149247Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) provides a plurality of transmission modes. At least one mode is a serial mode and at least one other mode is a split-path mode. The serial mode may provide a powered zero and creeper ground speeds. The split-path mode(s) may provide higher field speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, David Mueller, Thomas G. Ore, Dennis L. Jeffries
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Patent number: 9981665Abstract: A power train arrangement for a work vehicle with an engine may include an infinitely variable power source (“IVP”). An energy storage device may be configured to receive energy from the IVP for storage and to provide stored energy from the energy storage device to power one or more components of the IVP. A transmission may be configured to relay power from the engine and from the one or more components of the IVP to other components of the vehicle. A transient power event may be identified, during which a present operating state of the engine does not provide sufficient power for operations of the work vehicle. The energy storage device may be caused to provide stored energy to power the one or more components of the IVP source and thereby to provide power to the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel, Dennis L. Jeffries, David Mueller, Craig A. Puetz, Norbert Fritz
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Patent number: 9562592Abstract: A method for controlling a power-split gear shift device in a vehicle by providing an electric variator and a transmission with variable gear shift and connecting a drive motor to a traction drive of the vehicle. The electric variator has a compound gear train with at least one first and at least one second electric machine. The method also includes providing a controller for the electric machines for steplessly varying a gear shift of the compound gear train. Upon detection of an external power requirement by an electric consumer, a gear shift region of the transmission with variable gear shift is set to operate the first electric machine in a generator mode and to operate the second electric machine to compensate for an existing power deficit or a power excess relative to an external power demand.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Dennis L. Jeffries, Norbert Fritz, David Mueller, Rainer Gugel
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Publication number: 20160090091Abstract: A power-split gearbox device in an agricultural work vehicle. The gearbox device includes a compounded gearbox, an electrical variator for the continuous varying of a ratio of the compounded gearbox, and a gearbox with an adjustable ratio to connect a drive motor with a propulsion of the work vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: RAINER GUGEL, NORBERT FRITZ, ANDREW K. REKOW, DENNIS L. JEFFRIES, DAVID MUELLER
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Publication number: 20160091063Abstract: A method for controlling a power-split gear shift device in a vehicle by providing an electric variator and a transmission with variable gear shift and connecting a drive motor to a traction drive of the vehicle. The electric variator has a compound gear train with at least one first and at least one second electric machine. The method also includes providing a controller for the electric machines for steplessly varying a gear shift of the compound gear train. Upon detection of an external power requirement by an electric consumer, a gear shift region of the transmission with variable gear shift is set to operate the first electric machine in a generator mode and to operate the second electric machine to compensate for an existing power deficit or a power excess relative to an external power demand.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: ANDREW K. REKOW, DENNIS L. JEFFRIES, NORBERT FRITZ, DAVID MUELLER, RAINER GUGEL
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Patent number: 9206885Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission includes a clutch, a brake and a first planetary gear set, including first and second components, and a double planetary gear set, including input and output components and additional third and fourth components. The first component receives power from an engine. The double planetary set sums mechanical power from the first planetary set and an infinitely variable power source (“IVP”). The third component receives mechanical power from a IVP. The second component directly transmits power to the input component. The clutch directly controls power transmission between the first and second components. The brake engages the fourth component to stop its rotation. The output component receives mechanical power directly from the input component and the fourth component. During operation of the engine, controlled actuation of the brake and the clutch causes the output component to be powered by the infinitely variable power source but not by the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, Dennis L. Jeffries, David Mueller
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Publication number: 20150184726Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission includes a clutch, a brake and a first planetary gear set, including first and second components, and a double planetary gear set, including input and output components and additional third and fourth components. The first component receives power from an engine. The double planetary set sums mechanical power from the first planetary set and an infinitely variable power source (“IVP”). The third component receives mechanical power from a IVP. The second component directly transmits power to the input component. The clutch directly controls power transmission between the first and second components. The brake engages the fourth component to stop its rotation. The output component receives mechanical power directly from the input component and the fourth component. During operation of the engine, controlled actuation of the brake and the clutch causes the output component to be powered by the infinitely variable power source but not by the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Rainer Gugel, Dennis L. Jeffries, David Mueller
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Publication number: 20150183436Abstract: A power train arrangement for a work vehicle with an engine may include an infinitely variable power source (“IVP”). An energy storage device may be configured to receive energy from the IVP for storage and to provide stored energy from the energy storage device to power one or more components of the IVP. A transmission may be configured to relay power from the engine and from the one or more components of the IVP to other components of the vehicle. A transient power event may be identified, during which a present operating state of the engine does not provide sufficient power for operations of the work vehicle. The energy storage device may be caused to provide stored energy to power the one or more components of the IVP source and thereby to provide power to the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Andrew K. Rekow, Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel, Dennis L. Jeffries, David Mueller, Craig A. Puetz, Norbert Fritz
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Patent number: 8347618Abstract: A dual pump hydraulic system is provided for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The system includes a first circuit with a first high pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the first subsystem at a higher pressure. The system also includes a second circuit with a second lower pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the second subsystem at a second pressure. A first valve controls communication between the first pump and the second circuit. A second valve is operable to communicate the second pump with the first circuit when pressure in the first circuit is less than a second threshold pressure or when commanded by a control unit. A check valve prevents fluid flow from the first circuit back into to the second valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Gary L. Dostal, Steven D. Wallestad, Dennis L. Jeffries, Ryan Lindsay
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Publication number: 20100287924Abstract: A dual pump hydraulic system is provided for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The system includes a first circuit with a first high pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the first subsystem at a higher pressure. The system also includes a second circuit with a second lower pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the second subsystem at a second pressure. A first valve controls communication between the first pump and the second circuit. A second valve is operable to communicate the second pump with the first circuit when pressure in the first circuit is less than a second threshold pressure or when commanded by a control unit. A check valve prevents fluid flow from the first circuit back into to the second valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Gary L. Dostal, Steven D. Wallestad, Dennis L. Jeffries, Ryan Lindsay
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Patent number: 5449329Abstract: A system and method for controlling the clutches in a vehicle powershift transmission. The control system includes a microprocessor which periodically executes an algorithm and which has a memory in which is stored a sequential set of time reference values and a sequential set of pressure values. The control system applies to each oncoming element a fill pressure pulse for fill periods which are unique for each element. The control system determines shift time values, subsequent to filling of the control elements, as a function of the fill period. The control system applies pressure signals to the control elements at times represented by the shift time values which are unique for each element. The control system determines, subsequent to a realignment time, realignment shift time values which are the same for all of the control elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: David E. Brandon, Peter L. Falck, Dennis L. Jeffries
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Patent number: 5224577Abstract: The hydraulically operated brake and clutch elements (controlled by proportional control valves) of a vehicle powershift transmission have fill pressures which are calibrated by a method wherein the output shaft of the transmission is disconnected from the vehicle drive shaft so that the transmission output shaft is free to rotate and certain ones of the plurality of the control elements other than the control element being calibrated are fully pressurized in order to prevent rotation of a part of the control element being calibrated. The engine is run at a predetermined speed and the pressure applied to the control element being calibrated is gradually increased while engine speed is monitored. When the monitored engine speed changes by predetermined amount, a value is saved corresponding to the calibration pressure. The transmission is automatically shifted to neutral if vehicle motion is sensed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Peter L. Falck, Dennis L. Jeffries, David E. Brandon
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Patent number: 5026334Abstract: A single piston is used to activate the brake or clutch of a planetary transmission. The piston is spring-biased to engage one component and disengage the other, and hydraulically activated to disengage the first component and engage the second. An annular plate preferably is provided extending between the brake and the clutch, with the brake on one side of the plate and the clutch on the other. A spring then biases the annular plate towards one of the control components and away from the other, while a hydraulic cylinder is provided to press the plate away from the first component and towards the second.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1989Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Dennis L. Jeffries
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Patent number: 5011465Abstract: An in-line transmission provides 26 useful speeds, including 19 forward speeds and 7 reverse speeds. The transmission includes a main planetary having three sets of planetary gears, as well as a separate hi-lo planetary. At least the first and second sets of planetary gears on the main planetary carrier are formed of double gears. Each side of the first set of double gears has its own ring gear which is independently brakable relative to the housing and its own sun gear. Drive from the input shaft to these two sun gears is provided along two main paths, one direct and the other through the hi-lo planetary. One side of the second set of double gears also has an independently brakable ring gear, as well as a sun gear connected to the output shaft. However, the other side of the second set of double gears meshes only with the third set of planetary gears, which preferably are single gears.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Dennis L. Jeffries, Gordon L. Marquart, Timothy J. Mattson
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Patent number: 4177723Abstract: A compactor device for large round bales is disclosed comprising a horizontally disposed cylindrical housing containing a plunger, a double toggle mechanism connected to the plunger, a hydraulic cylinder connected to the double toggle mechanism for driving the plunger, and a stabilizer linkage connected to the plunger and the double toggle mechanism for maintaining the plunger in a vertical position during compaction of a bale.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1978Date of Patent: December 11, 1979Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Wesley F. Buchele, Dennis L. Jeffries, Ricky D. Madson, Timothy J. Mattson, Gregory E. Sparks, Raymond D. Thompson, Howard T. Uehle