Split power transmission

Claim 2

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means at all times in driving engagement with said reaction member and at all times in driving engagement with the same said output member and only that said output member.

Claim 3

The transmission of claim 1 wherein said speed-varying means comprises: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with said one output member only and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa.

Claim 4

The transmission of claim 2 wherein said first hydraulic unit has a variable displacement.

Claim 5

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, said speed-varying means comprising: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member and having a variable displacement, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said means for connecting and disconnecting comprising: first clutch means for releasably connecting one said output member directly to said output means, a first gear train connecting the other said output member to said second hydraulic member, an auxiliary shaft, a second gear train connecting said second hydraulic unit to said auxiliary shaft, and second clutch means for releasably connecting said auxiliary shaft to said output shaft.

Claim 6

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, said speed-varying means comprising: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member and having a variable displacement, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said means for connecting and disconnecting comprising: first clutch means for releasably connecting one said output member directly to said output means, a first gear train connecting the other said output member to said second hydraulic member, an auxiliary shaft, a second gear train connecting said second hydraulic unit to said auxiliary shaft, and second clutch means for releasably connecting said auxiliary shaft to said output shaft.

Claim 7

The transmission of claim 4 wherein said auxiliary shaft is hollow and is coaxial with said input and output shafts.

Claim 8

The transmission of claim 4 wherein said planetary assembly has as its input member a carrier having two sets of intermeshed planet gears, said output members being a ring gear and a sun gear meshed with the same set of planet gears, and the reaction member being a sun gear meshed with the other set of planet gears.

Claim 9

The transmission of claim 6 wherein said ring gear is directly connected to said first clutch means, the output sun gear being connected to said second clutch means through said first and second gear trains.

Claim 10

The transmission of claim 4 wherein at the point of shift between said first and second clutch means, said first hydraulic unit is on maximum stroke and said second hydraulic unit is on zero stroke.

Claim 11

The transmission of claim 2 wherein said first hydraulic unit has a fixed stroke.

Claim 12

The transmission of claim 1 wherein said speed-varying means is a frictional-drive unit having two friction discs with spherical segments and a set of rollers having axes rotatable to contact the discs at different radii.

Claim 13

The transmission of claim 10 wherein said reaction member is connected to one said friction disc through a gear train including an idler direction-reversing gear.

Claim 14

The transmission of claim 1 wherein said input means, said output means, said output member, and said reaction member are all coaxial.

Claim 15

The transmission of claim 1 wherein said means for successively connecting and said means for disconnecting, comprise: first clutch means for releasably connecting each said output member directly to said output means, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, and second clutch means for releasably connecting at least one said output member to said reduction gear train.

Claim 16

The transmission of claim 13 wherein said reduction gear means includes a second planetary gear assembly having a planet carrier connected to said output means, a set of planet gears carried by said planet carrier, a sun gear connected to said second clutch means and meshed with said set of planet gears, and a ring gear meshed with said set of planet gears, and brake means for releasably rendering said ring gear stationary.

Claim 17

The transmission of claim 14 wherein said second clutch means is able to connect both said output members to said reduction gear means.

Claim 18

The transmission of claim 14 wherein said second planetary gear assembly also includes a second set of planet gears carried by said carrier and meshed with said first set of planet gears, a second ring gear meshed with said second set of planet gears, and second brake means for releasably rendering said second ring gear stationary, whereby said output means can be driven in reverse without changing the direction of drive of said input means.

Claim 19

The transmission of claim 16 wherein said second clutch means is able to connect both said output members to said reduction gear train.

Claim 20

The transmission of claim 1 wherein said planetary gear assembly has two sets of planet gears carried by a single carrier and intermeshed with each other, a first said set being meshed with both said output members, the other said set being meshed with a gear of said assembly which constitutes said reaction member.

Claim 21

The transmission of claim 18 wherein said input member is said carrier and said output members are a sun gear and a ring gear.

Claim 22

The transmission of claim 19 wherein said reaction member is a sun gear.

Claim 23

The transmission of claim 19 wherein said reaction member is a ring gear.

Claim 24

The transmission of claim 1 wherein said planetary gear assembly has two sets of planet gears carried by a single carrier, said carrier being one said output member, the other said output member being a sun gear meshed to a first said set of planet gears, the reaction member being a gear meshed to a second said set of planet gears, the input member being a ring gear meshed to said second set of planet gears.

Claim 25

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, first and second output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, a first hydrauliC unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement at all times with said first output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said input means, said output means, said output members, and said reaction member all being coaxial.

Claim 26

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, first and second output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, a first hydrauliC unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement at all times with said first output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said input means, said output means, said output members, and said reaction member all being coaxial.

Claim 27

The transmission of claim 23 wherein said means for successively connecting and said means for disconnecting, comprise: first clutch means for releasably connecting each said output member directly to said output means, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, and second clutch means for releasably connecting at least one said output member to said reduction gear train.

Claim 28

The transmission of claim 24 wherein said reduction gear means includes a second planetary gear assembly having a planet carrier connected to said output means, a set of planet gears carried by said planet carrier, a sun gear connected to said second clutch means and meshed with said set of planet gears, and a ring gear meshed with said set of planet gears, and brake means for releasably rendering said ring gear stationary.

Claim 29

The transmission of claim 25 wherein said second clutch means is able to connect both said output members to said reduction gear means.

Claim 30

The transmission of claim 25 wherein said second planetary gear assembly also includes a second set of planet gears carried by said carrier and meshed with said first set of planet gears, a second ring gear meshed with said second set of planet gears, and second brake means for releasably rendering said second ring gear stationary, whereby said output means can be driven in reverse without changing the direction of drive of said input means.

Claim 31

The transmission of claim 25 wherein said second clutch means is able to connect both said output members to said reduction gear train.

Claim 32

The transmission of claim 23 wherein said first hydraulic unit has a variable displacement.

Claim 33

The transmission of claim 23 wherein said first hydraulic unit has a fixed displacement.

Claim 34

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said input means, said output means, said output members, and said reaction member all being coaxial, said means for connecting and said means for disconnecting comprising: first clutch means for releasably connecting one said output member directly to said output means; a first gear train drivingly connecting the other said output member to said second hydraulic unit, a hollow auxiliary shaft coaxial with said input and output means, a second gear train drivingly connecting said second hydraulic unit to said hollow auxiliary shaft, and second clutch means for releasably connecting said hollow auxiliary shaft to said output means, both said hydraulic units being of variable displacement.

Claim 35

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said input means, said output means, said output members, and said reaction member all being coaxial, said means for connecting and said means for disconnecting comprising: first clutch means for releasably connecting one said output member directly to said output means; a first gear train drivingly connecting the other said output member to said second hydraulic unit, a hollow auxiliary shaft coaxial with said input and output means, a second gear train drivingly connecting said second hydraulic unit to said hollow auxiliary shaft, and second clutch means for releasably connecting said hollow auxiliary shaft to said output means, both said hydraulic units being of variable displacement.

Claim 36

The power transmission of claim 31 wherein said planetary assembly comprises a carrier as said input member having first and second sets of intermeshed planet gears, a ring gear serving as one said output member and a sun gear serving as the other output member, both said ring and sun gears being meshed with said first set of planet gears, and a sun gear serving as said reaction gear and meshed with said second set of planet gears, a first central shaft coaxial with said planetary assembly and secured rigidly to said ring gear, a second hollow shaft coaxial with said first central shaft and secured rigidly to said output sun gear, one gear of said first gear train being rigidly secured to said second hollow shaft, said first gear train having a second gear rigidly secured to a shaft in driving relation with said second hydraulic unit, that said shaft also having rigidly secured thereto a first gear of said second gear train, a second gear of said second gear train being rigidly secured to said first hollow shaft, a third hollow shaft coaxial with said second hollow shaft and rigidly secured to said reaction sun gear and having a further gear rigidly secured thereto, and an additional gear meshed with said further gear and mounted on a shaft in driving relation with said first hydraulic unit.

Claim 37

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set and carried by a single carrier, both said sets being connected in driving relation to said input member, first and second output members connected to said first set, and a reaction member connected to said second set, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means at all times in driving engagement with said reaction member and with said first output member.

Claim 38

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set and carried by a single carrier, both said sets being connected in driving relation to said input member, first and second output members connected to said first set, and a reaction member connected to said second set, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means at all times in driving engagement with said reaction member and with said first output member.

Claim 39

The transmission of claim 33 wherein said input member is a planet carrier carrying both said sets of planet gears, said output members being a ring gear and a sun gear, each meshed with said first set of planet gears, said reaction member being a sun gear meshed with the second set of planet gears.

Claim 40

The transmission of claim 33 wherein said input member is a ring gear meshed with the second set of planet gears, said reaction member being a sun gear meshed with said second set of planet gears, said output members being a sun gear meshed with said first set of planet gears and a planet carrier carrying both said sets of planet gears.

Claim 41

The transmission of claim 33 wherein said speedvarying means comprises: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with said first output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa.

Claim 42

The transmission of claim 36 wherein said first hydraulic unit has a variable displacement.

Claim 43

The transmission of claim 36 wherein said first hydraulic unit has a fixed stroke.

Claim 44

The transmission of claim 33 wherein said speedvarying means is a friction-drive unit having two friction discs with spherical segments and a set of rollers having axes rotatable to contacct the discs at different radii.

Claim 45

The transmission of claim 39 wherein said reaction member is connected to one said friction disc through a gear train including an idler direction-reversing gear.

Claim 46

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, first and second output members, and a reaction member, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, a second hydraulic unit in driving engagement at all times with said second output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one saiD hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, first clutch means for releasably connecting said second output member to said reduction gear train so as to drive said output means through a preselected forward speed range, second clutch means for connecting said first output member directly to said output means to drive said output means through a different preselected forward speed range, said first clutch means disconnecting said second output member from said reduction gear train after said first output member has been connected to said output means, and third clutch means for connectiong said second output member directly to said output means for driving said output means through another preselected forward speed range, said second clutch means disconnecting said first output member from said output means after said second output member has been connected thereto.

Claim 47

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, first and second output members, and a reaction member, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, a second hydraulic unit in driving engagement at all times with said second output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one saiD hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, first clutch means for releasably connecting said second output member to said reduction gear train so as to drive said output means through a preselected forward speed range, second clutch means for connecting said first output member directly to said output means to drive said output means through a different preselected forward speed range, said first clutch means disconnecting said second output member from said reduction gear train after said first output member has been connected to said output means, and third clutch means for connectiong said second output member directly to said output means for driving said output means through another preselected forward speed range, said second clutch means disconnecting said first output member from said output means after said second output member has been connected thereto.

Claim 48

The transmission of claim 41 wherein said reduction gear train is provided with reverse means for reversing the direction of said output means with respect to said forward speed range and reverse engaging means for energizing said reverse means.

Claim 49

The transmission of claim 41 having fourth clutch means for releasably connecting said first output member to said reduction gear train for driving said output means through a preselected forward speed range slower than that at which it is driven by said second output member through said reduction gear train, said fourth clutch means disconnecting said reduction gear train from said first output member after said second output member has been connected to said output gear train.

Claim 50

The transmission of claim 43 wherein said reduction gear train is provided with reverse means and means for energizing said reverse means.

Claim 51

The transmission of claim 41 wherein said input means, output means, planetary gear assembly, and reduction gear train are all coaxial.

Claim 52

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set and carried by a single carrier, both said sets being connected in driving relation to said input member, first and second output members connected to said first set, and a reaction member connected to said second set, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement at all times said second output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, a first clutch means for releasably connecting said second output member to said reduction gear train so as to drive said output means through a preselected forward speed range, second clutch means for connecting said first output member directly to said output means to drive said output means through a different preselected forward speed range, said first clutch means disconnecting said second output member from said reduction gear train after said first output member has been connected to said output means, and third clutch means for connecting said second output member directly to said output means for driving said output means through another preselected forward speed range, said second clutch means disconnecting said first output member from said output means after said second output member has been connected thereto.

Claim 53

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set and carried by a single carrier, both said sets being connected in driving relation to said input member, first and second output members connected to said first set, and a reaction member connected to said second set, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement at all times said second output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, a first clutch means for releasably connecting said second output member to said reduction gear train so as to drive said output means through a preselected forward speed range, second clutch means for connecting said first output member directly to said output means to drive said output means through a different preselected forward speed range, said first clutch means disconnecting said second output member from said reduction gear train after said first output member has been connected to said output means, and third clutch means for connecting said second output member directly to said output means for driving said output means through another preselected forward speed range, said second clutch means disconnecting said first output member from said output means after said second output member has been connected thereto.

Claim 54

The transmission of claim 46 wherein said reduction gear train is provided with reverse means for reversing the direction of said output means with respect to said forward speed range and reverse engaging means for energizing said reverse means.

Claim 55

The transmission of claim 46 having fourth clutch meaNs for releasably connecting said first output member to said reduction gear train for driving said output means through a preselected forward speed range slower than that at which it is driven by said second output member through said reduction gear train, said fourth clutch means disconnecting said reduction gear train from said first output member after said second output member has been connected to said output gear train.

Claim 56

The transmission of claim 48 wherein said reduction gear train is provided with reverse means and means for energizing said reverse means.

Claim 57

The transmission of claim 46 wherein said input means, output means, planetary gear assembly, and reduction gear train are all coaxial.

Claim 58

The transmission of claim 46 wherein said input member is a planet carrier carrying both said sets of planet gears, said output members being a ring gear and a sun gear, each meshed with said first set of planet gears, said reaction member being a sun gear meshed with the second set of planet gears.

Claim 59

The transmission of claim 46 wherein said input member is a ring gear meshed with the second set of planet gears, said reaction member being a sun gear meshed with said second set of planet gears, said output members being a sun gear meshed with said first set of planet gears and a planet carrier carrying both said sets of planet gears.

Claim 60

The transmission of claim 46 wherein said first hydraulic unit is of variable displacement.

Claim 61

The transmission of claim 46 wherein said first hydraulic unit is of fixed displacement.

Claim 62

A power transmission comprising; input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set, both said sets being carried by a single carrier, and being connected in driving relation to said input member, first and second output members connected to said first set, and a reaction member connected to said second set, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with said second output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, a reduction gear train having an output member connected to said output means and having an input member connected to said first output member, and having a reaction member, releasable brake means for holding said reaction member of said reduction gear stationary, first clutch means for connecting said second output member directly to said output means to drive said output means through a different preselected forward speed range, said brake means being disengaged to release its said reaction member after said second output member has been connected to said output means, and second clutch means for connecting said first output member directly to said output means for driving said output means through another preselected forward speed range, said first clutch means disconnecting said second output member from said output means after said first output member has been connected thereto.

Claim 63

A power transmission comprising; input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set, both said sets being carried by a single carrier, and being connected in driving relation to said input member, first and second output members connected to said first set, and a reaction member connected to said second set, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with said second output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, a reduction gear train having an output member connected to said output means and having an input member connected to said first output member, and having a reaction member, releasable brake means for holding said reaction member of said reduction gear stationary, first clutch means for connecting said second output member directly to said output means to drive said output means through a different preselected forward speed range, said brake means being disengaged to release its said reaction member after said second output member has been connected to said output means, and second clutch means for connecting said first output member directly to said output means for driving said output means through another preselected forward speed range, said first clutch means disconnecting said second output member from said output means after said first output member has been connected thereto.

Claim 64

The transmission of claim 55 wherein said input means, output means, planetary gear assembly, and reduction gear train are all coaxial.

Claim 65

The transmission of claim 55 wherein said input member is a ring gear meshed with the second set of planet gears, said reaction member of said planetary gear assembly being a sun gear meshed with said second set of planet gears, said first output member being a sun gear meshed with said first set of planet gears, said second output member being a planet carrier both said sets of planet gears.

Claim 66

A power transmission comprising; input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having a planet carrier connected to said input means and carrying two sets of planetary gears, a first planet gear Set intermeshed with a second planet gear set, two output members connected to said first set, one a sun gear and one a ring gear, and a reaction ring gear connected to said second set, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a prepselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement at all times with one only of said output members and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa.

Claim 67

A power transmission comprising; input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having a planet carrier connected to said input means and carrying two sets of planetary gears, a first planet gear Set intermeshed with a second planet gear set, two output members connected to said first set, one a sun gear and one a ring gear, and a reaction ring gear connected to said second set, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a prepselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement at all times with one only of said output members and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa.

Claim 68

The transmission of claim 58 wherein said sun gear output member is connected to a shaft having a second sun gear thereon, said second sun gear being part of a second planetary assembly having a planet carrier connected to said output means and a ring gear, and releasable brake means for holding said ring gear of said second planetary assembly stationary.

Claim 69

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having as an input member a planet carrier connected to said input means, and carrying first and second sets of planet gears, said first planet gear set being intermeshed with said second planet gear set, two output members connected to said first set, one a sun gear and the other a ring gear, and a reaction ring gear connected to said second set, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and a friction drive unit having two friction discs with spherical segments and a set of rollers having axes rotatable to control the discs at different radii, one said unit being connected in driving engagement with said reaction ring gear, and the other said disc being connected in driving engagement with said ring gear output member.

Claim 70

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having as an input member a planet carrier connected to said input means, and carrying first and second sets of planet gears, said first planet gear set being intermeshed with said second planet gear set, two output members connected to said first set, one a sun gear and the other a ring gear, and a reaction ring gear connected to said second set, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and a friction drive unit having two friction discs with spherical segments and a set of rollers having axes rotatable to control the discs at different radii, one said unit being connected in driving engagement with said reaction ring gear, and the other said disc being connected in driving engagement with said ring gear output member.

Claim 71

The transmission of claim 60 wherein said reaction ring gear and said ring gear output member are both connected to their discs through respective gear trains, one of which includes an idler direction-reversing gear.

Claim 72

The transmission of claim 60 wherein said sun gear output member is connected to a shaft having thereon a sun gear of a second planetary assembly having a planetary carrier connected to said output means and a ring gear, and releasable brake means for holding stationary said ring gear of said second planetary assembly.

Claim 73

The transmission of claim 62 having clutch means for connecting each said output member directly to said output means.

Claim 74

A power transmission comprising an input shaft, an output shaft coaxial with said input shaft, a planetary gear assembly coaxial with said input and output shafts and having a planet carrier connected to said input shaft and carrying two sets of planetary gears, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set, two output members connected to said first set, one a sun gear and one a ring gear, and a reaction sun gear connected to said second set, a first hydraulic unit of variable displacement, a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement hydraulically connected with said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, each said hydraulic unit having a rotary shaft in driving engagement therewith, a first pinion gear secured to the shaft for said first hydraulic unit, second and third pinion gears secured to the shaft for said second hydraulic unit, a first transmission shaft coaxial with said input and output shafts and between them, having said output ring gEar secured thereto, first clutch means for connecting said first transmission shaft to said output shaft and for disconnecting them, a hollow second transmission shaft surrounding a portion of said first transmission shaft and coaxial therewith having said output sun gear secured thereto and having a fourth pinion gear secured thereto and in mesh with said second pinion gear, a hollow third transmission shaft surrounding a portion of said second transmission shaft and coaxial therewith, having said reaction sun gear secured thereto and having secured thereto a fifth pinion gear in mesh with said first pinion gear, a hollow fourth transmission shaft surrounding a portion of said first transmission shaft beyond said second transmission shaft and coaxial with said first transmission shaft and having secured thereto a sixth pinion gear in mesh with said third pinion gear, and second clutch means for connecting said fourth transmission shaft to said output shaft and for disconnecting them.

Claim 75

A power transmission comprising an input shaft, an output shaft coaxial with said input shaft, a planetary gear assembly coaxial with said input and output shafts and having a planet carrier connected to said input shaft and carrying two sets of planetary gears, a first planet gear set intermeshed with a second planet gear set, two output members connected to said first set, one a sun gear and one a ring gear, and a reaction sun gear connected to said second set, a first hydraulic unit of variable displacement, a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement hydraulically connected with said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, each said hydraulic unit having a rotary shaft in driving engagement therewith, a first pinion gear secured to the shaft for said first hydraulic unit, second and third pinion gears secured to the shaft for said second hydraulic unit, a first transmission shaft coaxial with said input and output shafts and between them, having said output ring gEar secured thereto, first clutch means for connecting said first transmission shaft to said output shaft and for disconnecting them, a hollow second transmission shaft surrounding a portion of said first transmission shaft and coaxial therewith having said output sun gear secured thereto and having a fourth pinion gear secured thereto and in mesh with said second pinion gear, a hollow third transmission shaft surrounding a portion of said second transmission shaft and coaxial therewith, having said reaction sun gear secured thereto and having secured thereto a fifth pinion gear in mesh with said first pinion gear, a hollow fourth transmission shaft surrounding a portion of said first transmission shaft beyond said second transmission shaft and coaxial with said first transmission shaft and having secured thereto a sixth pinion gear in mesh with said third pinion gear, and second clutch means for connecting said fourth transmission shaft to said output shaft and for disconnecting them.

Claim 76

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, said speedvarying means comprising: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said first hydraulic unit comprising: a rotatable shaft in driving relation to said reaction member, a rotary member secured to said rotatable shaft, and releasable means for locking said rotatable shaft against rotation when said first hydraulic unit is at zero speed.

Claim 77

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, said speedvarying means comprising: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said first hydraulic unit comprising: a rotatable shaft in driving relation to said reaction member, a rotary member secured to said rotatable shaft, and releasable means for locking said rotatable shaft against rotation when said first hydraulic unit is at zero speed.

Claim 78

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, a case for said transmission, and releasable means for locking said reaction member to said case at times when said reaction member is at approximately zero speed.

Claim 79

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, a case for said transmission, and releasable means for locking said reaction member to said case at times when said reaction member is at approximately zero speed.

Claim 80

The transmission of claim 1 having clutch means for releasably connecting together two of said members of said planetary gear assembly.

Claim 81

The transmission of claim 1 having clutch means for releasably connecting together said input member and one said output member.

Claim 82

The transmission of claim 1 having clutch means for releasably connecting together said input member to said reaction member.

Claim 83

The transmission of claim 1 wherein clutch means for releasably connecting said reaction member to one said output member.

Claim 84

The transmission of claim 1 having clutch means for releasably connecting said output members to each other.

Claim 85

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, said means for successively connecting said means for disconnecting, comprising: first clutch means for releasably connecting each said output member directly to said output means, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, and second clutch means for releasably connecting at least one said output member to said reduction gear train, said speed-varying means comprising: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said first hydraulic unit comprising: a rotatable shaft in driving relation to said reaction member, a rotary member secured to said rotatable shaft, releasable means for locking said rotatable shaft against rotation when said first hydraulic unit is at zero speed, said first and second clutch means comprising dog-type clutches.

Claim 86

A power transmission comprising: input means, output means, a planetary gear assembly having an input member connected to said input means, two output members, and a reaction member, means for successively connecting each said output member to said output means to drive said output means through a preselected speed range, means for disconnecting each said output member from the output means after the other output member has been connected thereto, and speed-varying means in driving engagement with said reaction member and with one said output member, said means for successively connecting said means for disconnecting, comprising: first clutch means for releasably connecting each said output member directly to said output means, a reduction gear train connected to said output means, and second clutch means for releasably connecting at least one said output member to said reduction gear train, said speed-varying means comprising: a first hydraulic unit in driving engagement with said reaction member, and a second hydraulic unit of variable displacement in driving engagement with one said output member and hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic unit, one said hydraulic unit serving as a pump while the other one serves as a motor, and vice versa, said first hydraulic unit comprising: a rotatable shaft in driving relation to said reaction member, a rotary member secured to said rotatable shaft, releasable means for locking said rotatable shaft against rotation when said first hydraulic unit is at zero speed, said first and second clutch means comprising dog-type clutches.

Claim 87

The transmission of claim 72 having clutch means for releasably connecting together two of said members of said planetary gear assembly.