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:
Dec. 18, 2007
Filed:
Nov. 23, 2005
Stephen C. Garnett, Princeville, IL (US);
Michael G. Cronin, Peoria, IL (US);
Trevor N. Iund, Peoria, IL (US);
Roy A. Wookey, Canton, IL (US);
Stephen C. Garnett, Princeville, IL (US);
Michael G. Cronin, Peoria, IL (US);
Trevor N. Iund, Peoria, IL (US);
Roy A. Wookey, Canton, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
An electric drive system is provided having first and second output members and a driving shaft having an axis or rotation. A plurality of electric motors are arranged adjacent to the driving shaft. Each motor has an output shaft in driving engagement with and substantially parallel to the driving shaft. A differential steering system is operably disposed between the driving shaft and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes a first planetary gear assembly operably engaged both between the driving shaft and the first output member and between the driving shaft and the second output member. The first planetary gear assembly has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the driving shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the differential steering system and operable to simultaneously adjust the relative rotational speed of the first and second output members.