US3583508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Engine speed and steering control apparatus for two path-split torque transmission
Assignee: Avco Corp
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Filing: 1969-08-21
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Granted: 1971-06-08
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Expires: 1989-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A steering system for providing steering control with a two path-split torque transmission in track laying vehicles and the like. One track driven through one transmission is controlled by both engine speed and engine power input and the other track driven through a second transmission is controlled via comparator means by steering input and track speed inputs of both tracks to provide the required speed difference between the tracks for full steering control independent of speed.
Inventors
- 👤 Clive Waddington
- 👤 John F Whelahan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:19
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D11/00; B62D11/02; B62D11/06; B62D11/10; B62D11/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
In steering apparatus for steering a track laying vehicle having right and left tracks driven by a drive transmission comprising: separate planetary gear transmission system means each drivingly coupled to one of said tracks, said transmissions being driven from a common input; separate hydraulic power transmission means each coupled to but one of the said planetary gear transmission system means to independently influence the drive coupled to the corresponding track for controlling the speed of said track, each said power transmission means having a variable displacement means, adjustment thereof in one direction influencing the corresponding transmission system means to provide an increase in the corresponding track speed and adjustment thereof in the other direction providing a decrease in said track speed; a. engine speed governor means responsive to engine power level and engine speed, said governor means being coupled to one of said hydraulic power transmission means for varying the displacement means of said one hydraulic power transmission means in accordance with said engine power level and speed; b. steer means for providing a variable steer signal; and c. first means actuated by said steer signal and the displacement means of each of said hydraulic power transmission means for varying the displacement means of the other hydraulic power transmission means whereby the displacement of both said hydraulic power transmission means varies with said steer signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
In steering apparatus for steering a track laying vehicle having right and left tracks driven by a drive transmission comprising: separate planetary gear transmission system means each drivingly coupled to one of said tracks, said transmissions being driven from a common input; separate hydraulic power transmission means each coupled to but one of the said planetary gear transmission system means to independently influence the drive coupled to the corresponding track for controlling the speed of said track, each said power transmission means having a variable displacement means, adjustment thereof in one direction influencing the corresponding transmission system means to provide an increase in the corresponding track speed and adjustment thereof in the other direction providing a decrease in said track speed; a. engine speed governor means responsive to engine power level and engine speed, said governor means being coupled to one of said hydraulic power transmission means for varying the displacement means of said one hydraulic power transmission means in accordance with said engine power level and speed; b. steer means for providing a variable steer signal; and c. first means actuated by said steer signal and the displacement means of each of said hydraulic power transmission means for varying the displacement means of the other hydraulic power transmission means whereby the displacement of both said hydraulic power transmission means varies with said steer signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said first means includes comparator means and steer valve means actuated by said comparator means, said comparator means being actuated by said steer signal and the displacement means of each of said power transmission means, and said steer valve means is coupled to said other power transmission means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein a. said separate hydraulic power transmission means include variable stroke, multipiston hydraulic means and swashplate means for varying the stroke of said pistons; and b. said engine speed governor means includes valve means actuated by said engine power level and engine speed and piston means actuated by said valve means, said piston means being coupled to said swashplate means of said one of said power transmission means whereby the speed of said track corresponding with said one of said power transmiSsion means is controlled in accordance with changes in engine power level and engine speed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The combination as defined in claim 3 wherein said first means includes comparator means and steer valve means actuated by said comparator means, said comparator means being actuated by said steer signal and the displacement means of each of said power transmission means, and said steer valve means is coupled to said other power transmission means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination as defined in claim 4 wherein said valve means further includes spring means, governor means for applying a first compressive force to said spring means for a second compressive force thereto to oppose said first compressive force.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination as defined in claim 4 and additionally including a source of hydraulic pressure, said steer valve means coupling said source of hydraulic pressure to said piston means for varying the displacement of said swashplate of said other hydraulic power transmission means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination as defined in claim 6 wherein said comparator means comprises a differential and planetary gear set.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination as defined in claim 7 and additionally including separate reversing means coupling each of said swashplates to said comparator means whereby when each of said swashplates reaches the end of its travel in any given direction and begins to travel in the opposite direction the polarity of the input to said comparator remains the same.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |