Patents by Inventor Stephen E. Schuster

Stephen E. Schuster 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).

  • Variable and differential output drive system
    Publication number: 20030119620
    Abstract: A drive system with the capability for providing continuously variable and differential outputs is provided. The drive system may include a power source system and first, second, and third variable drive units coupled to the power source system. The drive system may also include first and second planetary gear assemblies, each planetary gear assembly including a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and a plurality of planetary elements. The first variable drive unit may be mechanically coupled to the first planetary gear assembly. The second variable drive unit may be mechanically coupled to the second planetary gear assembly. The third variable drive unit may be mechanically coupled to the first planetary gear assembly and to the second planetary gear assembly. The drive system may also include first and second output shafts coupled, respectively, to the first and second planetary gear assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Zwilling, Michael E. Vanderham, Stephen E. Schuster