Richard Arlo Michael

US Patent:

40772802, Mar 7, 1978

Filed:

Dec 21, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/752744

Inventors:

James Henry Kress - Cedar Falls IA
Richard Arlo Michael - Waterloo IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16H 5710

US Classification:

74760

Abstract:

A planetary transmission for selectively shifting among four forward speeds includes a first ring gear secured to a drive shaft. The first ring gear drives a compound planetary gear set which is journaled on a driven-shaft-connected planet carrier. A first planet gear set of the compound planetary gear set meshes with a carrier-journaled, third planet gear set which meshes in turn with a second ring gear. The first planet gear set further meshes with a first sun gear which is concentric with the first ring gear and which encircles and is clutchable to the driven shaft to provide one forward speed ratio between drive and driven shafts. A second plane gear set of the compound planetary gear set meshes with a second sun gear which is coaxial with the first sun gear and concentric with the second ring gear. First, second, and third brakes are respectively connected to the second ring gear, the second sun gear, and the first sun gear to stop and allow rotation of said gears to provide three additional forward speeds.

US Patent:

40772810, Mar 7, 1978

Filed:

Dec 21, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/752746

Inventors:

Richard Arlo Michael - Waterloo IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16H 5710

US Classification:

74760

Abstract:

A planetary transmission for selectively shifting among four forward speed ratios includes a first ring gear secured to a drive shaft and encircling a single planet carrier which is secured to the driven shaft. The first ring gear meshes with a carrier journaled first planet gear set which meshes with a driven shaft-encircling first sun gear. The first planet gear set further meshes with a carrier journaled second planet gear set which has integrally connected thereto a third planet gear set. The third planet gear set meshes with a second sun gear and an encircling second ring gear. First, second, and third brakes are respectively connected to the second ring gear, the first sun gear, and the second sun gear to stop and allow rotation of said gears to provide three forward speed ratios between drive and driven shafts. A clutch is provided between the second sun gear and the planet carrier to selectively cause common rotation thereof to provide a fourth forward speed ratio.

US Patent:

44295936, Feb 7, 1984

Filed:

Jul 25, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/172364

Inventors:

Richard A. Michael - Waterloo IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16H 4704
F16H 3706
F16H 5710

US Classification:

74687

Abstract:

An improved full range hydromechanical transmission is disclosed which is designed to be connected to a driven input member, such as a drive shaft of an engine. The transmission combines a hydrostatic drive unit with mechanical gearing in the form of a compound planetary gear set to obtain a full range, infinitely variable hydromechanical transmission. This hydromechanical transmission is especially applicable for use in agricultural and industrial type tractors.

US Patent:

48628301, Sep 5, 1989

Filed:

Jan 19, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/145551

Inventors:

Richard D. Michael - Baltimore MD

International Classification:

A01K 6700

US Classification:

119 1

Abstract:

A modified cat litter pan utilizing a pair of adjustable brackets that support the device on the rim of a commode bowl at a sufficiently acute angle to allow the device's contents to be discharged through a front hinged gate when forced out by a sliding brush contained within. After discharge the discarded material can be then flushed down the existing drain.

US Patent:

50055208, Apr 9, 1991

Filed:

Apr 24, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/342323

Inventors:

Richard D. Michael - Baltimore MD

International Classification:

A01K 1015

US Classification:

119172

Abstract:

A litter material additive that by oxidation, effectively suppresses the majority of small animal odors originating from animal excreta, by using sodium perborate as the preferred oxidizing additive, and additionally using a desiccant for moisture control and a buffer for pH control.

US Patent:

54684501, Nov 21, 1995

Filed:

Dec 16, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/168753

Inventors:

Richard D. Michael - Baltimore MD

International Classification:

G01N 2100

US Classification:

422 56

Abstract:

The invention provides a vehicle for colorimetric assay which expands upon contact with biological fluids. This expansion allows easy visualization of color changes associated with colorimetric assays, particularly when the vehicle is distributed as particles within animal litters.

US Patent:

46586725, Apr 21, 1987

Filed:

Apr 18, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/853787

Inventors:

Richard A. Michael - Waterloo IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16H 5710

US Classification:

74759

Abstract:

A multi-speed power shift transmission providing a total of six speeds including forward and reverse gears with a minimum of friction elements. The transmission uses one compound planetary assembly of the Ravigneaux type coupled to a simple planetary assembly. The planetary assemblies are joined by two simple interconnections which transfer power between the planetary sections. The transmission uses three brakes and two clutches to provide the total of six (6) speed changes. Connection of the planetary carrier of the compound planetary assembly to the ring gear of the simple planetary assembly and a primary sun gear of the compound planetary assembly to the sun gear of the simple planetary assembly provides four forward speeds and two reverse speeds. This interconnection arrangement between the two planetary assemblies also provides favorable power splitting across the planetary sections which will permit a reduction in the size of gear elements and other transmission components.

US Patent:

44137150, Nov 8, 1983

Filed:

Nov 13, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/321139

Inventors:

Richard A. Michael - Waterloo IA
Dalsang K. Chaudhari - Cedar Falls IA
Gordon L. Marquart - Jesup IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16D 2306

US Classification:

192 53F

Abstract:

An improved self-energized synchronizer for bringing two rotatable members which are aligned about a common axis into synchronization. The synchronizer includes a body member carried on the first rotatable member which in turn engages with an annular shifter collar. Positioned adjacent to the shifter collar is an axially movable annular blocking ring having a frictional surface. Situated on the other side of the blocking ring, opposite the body member, is a drive collar which is rotatably fixed to the second rotatable member. The improvement to the synchronizer includes a frictional disk and a self-energized mechanism for transferring frictional torque between the first and second rotatable members. The self-energized mechanism is positioned for engagement with the blocking ring, while the frictional disk is positioned between the drive collar and the self-energized mechanism. As the operator axially moves the shifter collar, the blocking ring is brought into contact with the self-energized mechanism, and a portion of the mechanism is axially forced into contact with the frictional disk.