Multi-speed powershift transmissions

Claim 1

In an in-line multi-speed constant-mesh-gear reversible powershift transmission of the type utilizing bidirectionally engageable multiple-disc fluid-pressure-actuated clutches, comprising in combination: an input shaft; a first gear fixed to said input shaft; a first shaft; a second gear journalled for rotation on said first shaft and drivingly connected with said first gear so as to rotate in the same direction therewith; a second shaft axially aligned with said input shaft; first clutch means for connecting said input shaft with said second shaft; second clutch means for connecting said second gear to said first shaft for conjoint rotation therewith; a third gear fixed to said second shaft; a fourth gear fixed to said first shaft and in mesh with said third gear; a third shaft axially aligned with said first shaft; third clutch means for connecting said third shaft with said first shaft; a fifth gear journalled for rotation on said third shaft; fourth clutch means for connecting said fifth gear to said third shaft; a sixth gear fixed to said third shaft, said fifth gear being located intermediate said third clutch means and said sixth gear; an output shaft axially aligned with said input shaft; a seventh gear fixed to said output shaft and in mesh with said sixth gear; an eighth gear fixed to said second shaft and in mesh with said fifth gear and fifth clutch means for connecting said second shaft to said output shaft for conjoint rotation therewith; a method for both modifying said in-line transmission to a transmission having a vertically offset output shaft, with respect to said input shaft, and adding an accessory drive shaft coaxial with said input shaft, said method comprising: a. exchanging said third shaft for an output shaft that is vertically displaced relative to said input shaft; b. exchanging said output shaft that is axially aligned with said input shaft for a first sleeve shaft concentric with said input shaft; c. exchanging said second shaft for a second sleeve shaft, said second sleeve shaft being axially aligned with said first sleeve shaft; and d. adding an accessory drive shaft, said accessory drive shaft being axially aligned with and operatively connected with said input shaft for conjoint rotation therewith and coaxial with said first and second sleeve shafts, whereby exchanging said third shaft, said axially aligned output shaft and said second shaft, as well as adding said accessory drive shaft, produces a transmission having a vertically offset output shaft with respect to said input shaft and permits the coaxial interposition of said accessory drive shaft through said first and second sleeve shafts.