The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 29, 1991
Filed:
Mar. 23, 1990
Bryan G Lammers, Washington, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A final drive assembly for transferring power from a vehicle engine and transmission to a vehicle propulsion unit, such as an endless track assembly, has a power input shaft coupled to first and second planetary gear assemblies. The second planetary gear assembly is coupled to a torque tube portion of a sprocket support member for rotating a drive sprocket. The power input shaft, first and second planetary gear assemblies, and the torque tube portion are substantially co-axial, and the first and second planetary gears assemblies are positioned inwardly of the sprocket support member. By positioning the planetary assemblies inwardly of the sprocket support member, additional gears, hubs, splines, and shafts are eliminated and the planetary assemblies are less susceptible to damage. The planetary gear assemblies are substantially free-floating which eliminates the cost and complexity of additional bearing supports.