USRE13634E - Tractor - Google Patents

Description

TORNEY.

a sums-sum 4.

INVENTOR. 9%

G. G. JETT.

'rmc'roa.

APPLIUATIOIJILBD 51:21.22, 191s.

' WITNESSES:

Beissued Oct 21, 1913.

G. O. JETT.

TRACTOR.

Reis ued Oct. 21, 1913.

'APPLICATIOI IILED SEPT. 22, 1913.

' a sun's-sums.

Q WITNESS-ES INYEINTOR n40 K ATTORNE G.G.JETT. K

TBAGTOB. Relssued Oct 21, 1913. 1 3,634.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 22, 1813.

WITNESSESRI 5 |NV2OR% I ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT -)FFICE;-

' 'e'noncii crews mm,

or GARY, INDIANA-.-

TRACTOR To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, GEORGE Crews Jm, a citizen of the United States, residing at Gary, in the-county of Lake and State of Indiansuhave invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tractors; of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates generally to an improved tractor which is particularly adapted fordriving, propelling and operating all classes of farm implements and machines. It has for its primary objects the provision of an improved chain tread tractor peculiarly serviceable in soft and miry grounds, and over rough, stony or hilly country, which under conditions of hardest service delivers the highest possible efliciency of the motor power used in drawbar pull without agitating or disturbing the surface when passing over a pulverized surface; the provision of an improved tractor which'is simple in construction and operation, and in. the arrangement of its parts; the provision of a tractor which is economical in the use i of power and at the same time delivers the highest possible efliciency of the motor power represented in pull at the drawbar' in ratio to its weight; and the provision of a tractor in which all of the'controlling mechanism 3 side of the tractor as it appears assembled complete.

is within easy reach and under full control of the operator.

One of the principal features of this in- 1 vention is the novelmeans of transmission g employed in its propulsion and in which 3 varying speeds are attained and in which I the movement of the machine ineither direction may be accomplished in a straight line or in-a curve, or if'the advance is entirely cut out the tractor will-turn on a pivot withinits own length by means of the novel steering'mechanism employed. The peculp 5 and frame members.

iar features of this improved transmission and steering mechanism constitute impori tant features of this invention.

Among other novel features of my invention I have provided an improved chain tread tractor-which is particularly adapted for traction purposes through rough or miry country, by reason of the long planes "that the" chain treads afford, thereby furnishing and; bridging its; own road across furrows andditches'; and also by hinging the chain tread drivingmembers at the rear; end this leaves them free; and independent of each Specification of Reissued; liettersfl iatent. Reissued ()(317. 21, 1913.

Qriginal No. 1,071,427, dated'lngust 26, 1913, Serial No. 681,237. Application for 22, 1913. Serial No. 791,259.

reissue filed September other, so that'each member finds its own j proper alinement on the ground. Again by giving long flat surfaces of large area in the treads, the tread members do not sink into and disturb'the ground, thereby obviating an ensuing direct loss of power. Another feature is the provision of an oilingsystem fora-ll parts of the transmission which are subject to the highest speed and to the greate'stamount of wear.

The most economical value for the materials used in its construction is attained by compactness in the arrangement of parts i andthe giving of the general arrangement symmetrical outlines. All members carrying'the heaviest loads are so arranged as to take care of the loads in the direction of the forces along which they occur, andithe. highest efficiency of the motor power used is obtained by 'making all-memberswliich come in contact with the ground a part of the drivingforce which is therefore delivered in draWba-rpull.

These and other objects as may herein after appear or'are incidental to my invention I attain by a construction illustrated in preferred form in the accompanying drawings, wherein-:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the right Figure 2 shows a'plan view of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a sectional side elevation of Figure 2 on dotted line II'II and showing a sectional view of the steering post and part of the steering. mechanism.

Figure 4 shows a front elevation assembled with the tread chain in place on one member and removed from the other memi her.

Figure 5 showsa plan view of the frame Figure 6 shows a side elevation of Figure 5 with all members above the broken line lv lv sectioned on dotted line of III.-I'II of Figure 5,. v v

Figure? shows aplan View of the weight supporting-wheels.- v

- Figure Bishfofivs a side elevation of Figure 7 7, in thebrokenline V-V of Figure 7.

Figure 9'showsa verticalsectional view on broken line -IV -IV of Figure 8.

EEigui'e 10 shows-a. planTview of the tread chain wi'th three links assembled. a

crank shafts.

Figure 11 shows a side elevation of Figure l0. 7 I

Figure 12 shows a front elevation of Figures and 11.

Figure 13 shows aplan of the transmission case. 7 N I I F ig'u're 14 is a side elevation of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a rear-elevation ofv Figures 13 and 14.

Figure 16 is a plan of the lower half of transmission case. H v I I Figure 17 shows a perspective View of the members which are active in the transmission and differential.

Figure 18 shows in perspectivethe driv gears as shown in Figure 17 Figure 19 is a perspective of theback-up gears. c

Figure 20 is a perspective of parts of Figure 17 showing the gears and members which are active in the differential, but dis engaged and scattered along the -shaft.- f

Figure 21 shows a plan View of the engine Figure 22 is a drawing showing the pintle of the chain tread.

.Referringtothedrawings and particularly to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive it will be seen that I have provided a chain tread tractor having frame work members comprising a bolster 22 which forms the front transverse girder and a rearjournal box girder 23 which forms thevrear transverse girder. These front and rear girders are bolted to the undersides of longitudinal angle members 24 and to the upper sides of longitudinal bars 25, both these longitudinal members being extended rearwardly and form the cantilever beams which support the opera-tors platform 26 together with the tool boxes 26, as shown inFigures 2 and 3. Guard plates 27 are secured to the vertical leg of angles 24 and are bent down at right angles toform a mud guard.

Extending the entire width from end to end of guard plates 27 are two transverse angle irons 28 and '29, each similar in every respect except that a portion of the vertical 1eg 29 is folded down on the horizontal leg and the member bent down in order to partly sustain a gear case 30 which is also supported by the truss member or girder 22 and the rear girder 23. The preferred location of the source of power is upon the hori 'zontal surface of the guard plates 27. The

ends of girder 23 are provided with journal boxes 31 and another journal 33 is placed at the center of this girder all affording bearings forthe two-part axle .32. These journal boxes 31-and 33 are provided with hearing caps 34, bolts 35 andbraggrods 36.

Channels 37 run from-the outer ext-remities of rear girders 23 diagonally forward and are securely bolted to the bolster 22 in front. the center of channels 37 clips 38 give roper, tension t tioned in front of the journal boxes3 1 and l 33. These three holes for the erably in a straight line.

Mounted on the axle 32 which is journaled pins are prefin the journal boxes 31'and 33, are chaintread sprocket wheels 41 and running for-- a ward therefrom are longitudinal girders 42 which are mounted on thetwo outer pins 40 for free vertical movement within the.

limit of elasticity of weight carrying tension and compression springs '43, this arrangement supplyingrigidity in the horizontal plane. The girders 42 are given free movement amount the two outer pins 40 andthe center pin by means of the diagonal brace rods 44 which connect to the center pin 40 at one endand with the other extremity to the girder members 42 in a manner hereinafter set forth. The girders 42 form the back bone ,of the chain tread driving members, and the three pins 40 form the axis about'which girders 42 and transverse brace rods 44 are free to move Within the limits allowed by the springs 43.

The springs 43 are bolted at their upper ends, to'the outer extremity of bolster 22 and at the lower ends to the girders 42. Since these springs are secured at each end 'this'allows them to serve the double purpose of tension and compression springs the requirements may be in proceeding over rough or uneven roads. e

For ease and simplicity in assembling the transverse brace rods 44 are taper turned at the extreme end which connects with wheel girder 42. If desired the hole which receives this end of the brace rod may be cored large enough in girder member 42 and the intervening space is then filled with Babbitt or other suitable low fusing metals. I

This affords easy and exact 'alinement of these parts without the accuracy in the workmanship which would otherwise be required. The taper end and nut on the end. of the transverse brace rods permit easy removal. The coredh ole-i46 ingirder 42 is shown clearly in Figure 8.5

The forward ends'ofetlie girders 42 are provided with journal boxes 47 for axles 48 which carry the front chain tread sprocket wheels 49. Longitudinal adjustment is ob tained by ways 50 :and byelongated holes 51in girder 42 and feomplementary holes meansof adjustment t? ts that f sad, to take up for wear and to slack up in order to remove the'tread chain' from the sprocket and ways. on. journal bearing, 47. This:

vid'e'd in: order to loosening up nuts on bolts 52 inserted through slotted holes, and by means of set tion the distance between contacts of weight .placed in position on the girder. an advantageous feature in that it gives the j greatest possible number of contacts on the screws '53. After the .desired adjustment is made it is then securely locked in place by the bolts 52, the ways 40 insuring perfect longitudinal alinement for any position of the journal bearing 47 on girder 42.

By a reference to Figures '7 and 8, it will be seen that I provide springs 43 secured at their upper ends to the outer extremities of bolster 22, by means of bolts 56 passing therethrough and extending through holes in the girders 42, the lower ends of the spring firmly secured against lateral movement in a seat 54: in the girders 42.

Girders 42 furnish the 5015mm bearings 42 for the weight carrying or bearing wheels 57, the latter being taper'bored and secured to axle 58 by nut 59-. By my improved arrangement all axles and wheels are alike, except in the method of arrangement in that the long end of the hub is placed on the inner and outer side of alternate wheels. By following out this method the greatest diameter of wheels can be placed in the shortest distance between axes and ultimately the greatest number of wheels clan be T is is tread chain A. In my preferred construccarrying wheels is less than the length of the link on the tread chain A.

By a reference to Figures 8 and 9 it will be seen that the journal box 42 within girder 42 for the axle 58 is shown in detail,

in which the upper side of the journal bearing is given a bearing space wlth a narrow This g core increases in width all of which the: girder will allow on the under side of thej axle and extends through the'under and, upper sides of the girder. This core forms the oil cckets in which oily waste may be{ inserte consequently axle 58 is under co-nf be inserted at the outer sides of link memcore 60 on the upper side of the axle.

stant lubrication. p d

The several oil pocket openings on the underside of the girder are covered by one a continuous cover plate 61 which performs? the double duty of afiording the bottom for 1 the oily pockets and also acts as thebottoin chord member of the girder. In order that this cover plate 61 be securely fastened to} the girder as a preventative against creep- 5 ing, keyways 62 are provided in the girder 42 at each end of the plate. At one end this plate is flanged over to insert the keyways 62 and in the other end similar keywaysi are out in both girder and cover plate and securely locked together by a square key. This cover plate is also securely fastened by cap screws and through bolts at the most convenient places. The front and or the serve as a track for the weight carrying wheels 57. These planes-64L terminate in tongues or interlocking grooves 65. Preferably the distance between tongue and tongue in each link, or in other words the pitch of the grooves, is less than the face width of the weight carrying wheels 57. In each chain link the member 63 is identical in every respect, the same identity holding good with regard to the pitch "of the grooves and the entire contour of each end of the link. Since this is so the link member 63 may be alternately turned one-half revolution with tongue and grooves engaging as shown in Figure 10. This engagement leaves alternate open spaces 66 which are bridged across by bars 67 These bars and tongues are provided with openings 68 which receive the pin "or pintle 69, The end of the pin 69 may be provided with a hole 70 for the re ception of-a split cotter 71. Each link themher is provided with a flange portion 72 which is on the same plane as the plane 64 and the upper edges of the bar 67 v The obon. The pin or pintle 69 forms the axis about which the chain links bend. The center of web 73 between planes 64 is on the same plane'with theaxls of bend, and this insures the least perceptible opening between the ends of web members 73 between link and link. The flange portion 72 is carried out even with the outsides of bars 67 to give straight lines to the chain edges which includes plane 64: at the outer edges of chain members. Longitudinal ribs 74 may ber 63 to add rigidity and strength thereto.

This complete assembled tread chain A is designed withthe object of giving the greatest strength for the amount of material used, smooth joints, and continuous planes for the weight supporting wheels, and a chain tread with the fewest number of parts, which are easily assembled, and readily accessible should the removal and insertion of new parts be required. Another object of this chain tread is the provision of means which will afi'o'rd the best grip on the ground covered and one which delivers the highestratio of the total weight of the machine to tractive force, consistent with smooth running and economy 1-11 the use of power.

sis

a m ject of this is to afford a smooth level track for the weightcarrying wheels 57 to roll Referring to Figures 4 and 10 it will be seen that the tread chain A proper engages with the'sprockets 75' of the sprocket wheels 41 by means of the alternate slots 66 in the chain tread A. The arrangement of the sprockets 75 on the sprocket wheels 41 is alternate in character to register with the alternate slots 66. The arrangement of the sprockets 7 5 on the idler sprocket wheels 49 is similar to that in sprocket wheels 41.

Keyed to the shaft or axle 32 are drive sprocket wheels 76 and 77 which are connected by endless drive chains 78 and 79 to sprockets 80 and 81, which form part of the transmission and differential gear'to be hereinafter explained. The periphery of chain tread sprocket wheels 41 is made up of.

a series of chords. The objectionable feature in a machineof thisv kind which usually is driven with a variablespeed due to vari-. able radial distance of the chain to the axis of rotation of the driving sprocket is overcome by giving to the sprocket wheels 76 and 77 an equal number of chords to that of the driven sprockets 41 and locating the chords of the former with respect to those of the latter, so that thechains 78 and 79 on sprocket wheels 76 and 77 and tread chain members A on sprocket wheels 41 are driving on their longest radii at the same instant and at their shortest radii at another instant, which stating it in other words, that 76 and 41 be so located on the shaft 32 that drive chain 78 and chain tread A will come tangent to' the peripheral chords of 76 and 41 at the same instant. This arrangement gives constant and continuous velocity to chain tread A. T0: attain this result it is considered preferable that the number of sprockets in 76 and 77 H be equally divisable by the number of chords thereon, and this arrangement is one of the several features of my invention.

- By aninspection of the latter described mechanism it is evident that instead of using the preferred means shown, namely a twopart axle 32and sprockets 76 and 77 keyed I thereon, it would be permissible to use a one part-stationary shaft with the sprockets and sprocket wheels rotatable thereon.

The casing 30 for the gear and=sl1afts of the transmission and differential is clearly shown in Figures 13, 14, 15, 16 and This gear case is made oil tight for the purpose of filling it sufficiently with oil so as to give a complete and continuous oiling system'to all the transmission and differential members located therein, and is provided with a removable cover 82. This cover protects the transmission members within-the case and at the same time renders them readily accessible for oiling or inspection. The gear case is parted on line VIVI. through the center of bearings-83, 83. 84 and 106 for shafts 85, 85, 86 and .with T-slot91 at the base of spindle 92 of carrier 93 as clearly shown in Figure 15.

to by washer and cotter pin 94. The pulley adjustably secured to it by means of the through bolt 90, the head of which engages Chain tightener pulley 87 has bearing 88 in its hub which is an easy moving fit on side spindle 92 and is held in position there- 87 is longitudinally adjustable by means of the square head of bolt 95 engaging in T- slot 91 which runs the entire length of carrier 93.

Pulleys or wheelslll are mounted on the power shaft and can be used in driving machinery directly from the motive power. This pulley is rigidly secured to the power shaft 106 by means of the key 112.

The means for steering the machine will now be taken into consideration and by ref erence to Figure 3 it will be seen that I have. provided a steering post shaft 96, at the upper end of which a hand wheel 97 is rigidly keyed thereto. Screwed at a point intermediate the ends thereof is a worm 98. On the shaft 86 which moves in the bearings 84 is a worm gear 99 which, is actuated by the worm 98. The steering and turning of the tractor is accomplished directlythrough the gear shaft 86 which is keyed to the worm gear'99 by a square key 100. The means which the steering is accomplished is hereinafter set forth in connection with the differential gear in the transmission. For a better understanding forfwhat immediately follows, a right hand rotation of the steering post shaft 96 directs the tractor in an opposite direction to that given by a left hand rotation. The steering of the tractor maybe performed either by hand or by the V application of power. The steerlng post shaft 96 is shown supported throughout its length in three places by suitable bearings. At its lower end it is supported by the cutboard bearing 101 which is bolted through angle 28 on the frame. The shaft is inclosed in a steering post 102, the opening at: the lower end of which is large enough to;

a-dmit worm 98. This opening is provided Referring :now more particularly to =tne means designed to eflect-the steering of'the machine by the application of power, the source of which being preferably located upon the horizontal surface of ethe guard plates 27 and the vpreferred means shown are two igasolene engines of the ftwo-cylinder op- ;posed type. Fly wheel is-keyed to the engine shaft 106 'on the steering post side.

This shaft may be integral, or if otherwise may be connected together by, the sleeve coupling 107. As shown in Figure 21the -fly wheel :hub is extended to receive fiber friction cone 108 which is firmly held fto-the fly wheel by disk 109 and through bolts 1 10. The steering shaft 96 carries on it :the two friction disks -1 13 and 114 which stand nor- 'mally out of contact with friction cone 108 which is rotating.

The two lower bearings 101and 103 -:provide an "easy running fit onithe shaft 96 qvwhich sha-ft'is free to slide longitudinally along throughthese bearings, but the upper bearing 104 prevents longitudinal sliding by means of the hub of hand wheel 97 servingthe l urpose of a thrust collar at one 'end of the earings and coiiperating with the thrust-collar 1 16 at the other end 01 the hearing.

I Thesleeve bearing 104 is threaded on its outer periphery to engage corresponding threads in the steering post, sothat by ro-l .tating hand wheel 104 the sleeve bearing.

within the hub is screwed intoror out of steering post 102. llhis imparts a longitudinal movement to shaft 96 which carries the two friction disks 113 and 114. On rotating handwheel-104 the shaft 96is'm0ved longitudinally through bearings'101 and 103 un-' til the ;-friction cone 113 contacts with the fiber friction cone 108 which in its rotation imparts motion by kthis contact with the friction cone 113 and which in turn actuates the worm gear-shaft 86through worm 98 and worm gear 99. Rotation-'of-thehand Wheel '104 in an opposite direction brings the friction disk 114 into contact with the :fiber friction cone.

By this contact the worm gear shaft 86 is driven in an :opposite direct-ion.

A fly wheel 117 is keyed on 'the shaft 106, the latter journaled in the bearing 106. This shaft is also provided with a lon tubular sleeve 118 which has an easy fit-t ereon, and is fitted with a key 119 :to-engage with keyway-120 in drive gears 1.21 and @122 v as shown in Figure 18. These. drivegears are sliclably mounted on the clutch sleeve 118 but 'rotatableitherewith. =On this sleeve is mounted an expansion ring-clutch 124". Actuation of the lever 123 provides longitudinal movement of the driving gears-121 and l-22-by means ofthe-shifter 124, and on the operationof-the lever 1I8-in one direction the driving --half of the clutch 124 engages with :the driven lhalf thereof and ultimately .r'ota'tes with it gears 1121 and 122, Disengagemeiit :01 the .drivingigears .121 and 122 is effected by a reverseaction of the lever -118r, dise agingathe'driven gears :from the power sha t Q06.

The action of thecluteh and the driving gears 121=and 1122 as rthus far-described is that the :transmission mechanismis actuated by these two gears which are sliclably mounted on fihesleeve 118 and free to move along :the :sleeve longitudinally, but compelled to irotate with *the idriven half of dlutchnnd clutch sleeve 118 by the actionof 147 or the driving aclutch ihalf, con- Enacted to the power shaft :is t'herefore driven =1t.

. Eigure 520' shows in zperspectiste .Fall the members :in the differential :andxtransmissition 'with respect ;to gear 121 :in order to 4 permit engagement. Assuming drive rgears 1'21'an'd 1-22 :to be in ftheir extreme :position at =-the end-of clutch sleeve 118 and in this p0sition'the gear l21 engages with the gear 6 which is also mounted on theshaft86. The transmission is then on :high speed forward since theilarger member of the-driving gears is driving the smaller .memberof the driven gears. The rotationo'f gear 121-beingconsidered counter-clockwise 6 will then be clockwise. 124 gear 121 is moved out of engagement with gear 6 and simultaneously gear 122 is moved into engagement with ,gear 7, :the

By movement of gear shifter transmission is then on low speed forward since the smaller member "of the driving gears is driving the larger member of the driven gears, thedirection of rotation being the same-as previously stated, "resulting in lthe' cloekwise; direction of-gear. f. :a similar and another movement of gear shifter 124, gear-122 :is moved out, of engagement 'with gear fand'simultaneousl-y drive gear 121 engages with ib'aclbup ,gear I) which drives gear 7 through gear a. v This reverse transmission is effected through the idlers a and b so "that-the operatonby proper move-;

ment of the lever 123 which actuates thef shifter 124 may obtain low or high 'speeds forward or reverseat will.

The web's -126=and 127 of the drivenlgears e and f forni the bearing supports-of the gears 72. and g havin tation, though at di erent velocities. J ourplanetary gears of the differential, namely gears h, 2', j and 11:. Gear on the shaft 86 engages with the idler gear 11 which in turn engages with the ear-h, resulting in the the same relative rocured together by suitable bolts, leaving pinions j and k projectin outside of bearings 129 and 130 respective y. Thus the planetary pinion j engages with the gear Z which is'rigidly connected to transmission gear 172 and in a like manner planetary pinion k engages, with annular gear a which is rigidly secured to the transmission gear 0.

.in engagement with I an The several gears m, Z, 6, f, n and 0 fit easily on shaft 86 which forms the axis about which these gears rotate. The gear m engages with the gear 7* which is keyed to shaft 85 which rigidly carries sprocket wheel 80 and on the opposite side of the transmission in like manner pinion 0 engages with gear 8, the latter being keyed to shaft- 85 which rigidly carries the sprocket wheel 81.

Worm gear shaft 86 and hand wheel 97 are normally stationary and the only rotation the shaft receives i through worm 98 on the steering post shaft as previously set forth. The direction of rotation of transmission gears m and 0 are independent. with respect to each other, but are controlled by the planetary gears throu h pinions and is n respectlvely.

Considering the advance cut 0H and it is desired that the tractor be turned on a pivot it will be seen that the gears e and f are stationary, so that on arotation of the shaft 86 either by hand or by power, in a clockwise direction, then-through the action of idler i, pinions j and is will also rotate clockwise and pinion j in engagement with I will drive the gear m counter clockwise. In a similar manner pinion k in engagement with annular gear a drivesthe gear 0 clockwise, therefore with gears e and f stationary a rotation of worm gear shaft 86 will rotate the gear 0 in the same relative direction, while the gear m will rotatein an opposing direction. Incidentally by inspection of Figure 20 it will be readily seen that there is considerable reduction of speed between the shaft 86 and the gears m and 0 respectively. By a continued actuation of the steering post shaft the tractor will turn about within .its own length.

The action of the planetary gears with respect to the transmission gears when the tractor is. moving in a straight line ahead or on. the reverse will now beconsidered. lVith the shaft 86 stationary and drive gear 122 in engagement wit-h gear f on forwardposition, then the gears e and f will rotate clockwise and the direction of rotation of 'The pinionic engaging with the annular gear it causes the latter gear to rotate clockwise with respect to e and f, but at a slightly reduced speed, and in a similar manner spur gear Z rotates clockwise with respect. to e and f, but at a slightly higher speed. This statement holds equally true with gear 121 in engagement with back-uppinion b with contrariwise rotation of the above mentioned difi'erential members. In other words when the transmission is'on either high or low speed forward or at a reverse back-up speed and t-he shaft 86 stationary as before, the transmission pinions m and 0 rotate in the same relative direction, but at different relative velocities. This difference of velocity iscompensated for in a manner more fully set forth hereinafter.

In order that thesprocket wheels 41 rotate in the same direction and at the same velocity, it is obvious that the drive sprockets 76 and 77 have the same direction and the same velocity. With an existing difference in the velocities between drive 'pinions m and 0 and an equal velocity a resultant for the drive sprockets 76 and 77, a compensation must be provided through the members of the transmission between and including the gear 0 to 77' on one side and between and including m to 76 on the other side. This compensation is made up on one side of the transmission through drive pinion 0, gear 8, sprocket 81 and sprocket 77 and on the other side of the transmission, by drive pinion m, gear 1', sprocket 80-and drive sprocket 76. The preferred location of compensation being in the sprockets 80 and 81; the preferred means a'dilference in their teeth ratios, one sprocket being provided with a greater number of teeth than the other. I

The steering and turning" of the tractor is accomplished bycontrolling the movement of the, chain tread vA on the ground. Equal velocities of chain tread member A drive the tractors straight ahead while unequal velocities of the chain tread members steer or turn the tractor any desired direction.

We have considered the effect of the rotation of the gears e and f with respect to the ultimate directional rotation of the sprockets 41 and it will readily be seen that a rtion of the gear g on the shaft 86 coincident with that of e and 1 will result in an inequality in the number of revolutions of sprockets 76 and 77 necessarily communicat-ed to the sprockets 41 and in turn to the chain tread member A. So that with the power cut in and the tractor moving ina forward or rearward direction a continuous rotation by manual or power means of the shaft 86 and the gear 9 will eventually turn the tractor around in a circle, inasmuch as it has a longer travel on the one side than v on the other. I

I have shown that with the power cut in. and the gear 9 and gear shaft 86 sta tionary the slight resultant rotation of the,

differential planetary gears communicated to the gears m and o is fully compensated for, so that the'sprocket wheels 41 have the same relative direction and velocity. A new factor is introduced when in addition the steering means are in actuation in that a rotation of the gear 9 results, and the differential planetary gears consequently rotate at a greater or lesser velocity than before, overcoming the provided compensatory means and resulting in one side of the tractor having a longer travel than on the other side. r

Having thus described my invention and 5 illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is the following 1. In a tractor or the like, the combina-- tion of a frame, a motor mounted on the 40 frame, driving and driven shafts, a driving gear mounted on the driving shaft, a gear shaft mounted in the frame, a driven gear f carried on the gear shaft and meshing with the said driving gear, spur gears m and 0 loosely mounted on the gear shaft and adapted to lock with the said driven gear, a

differential gearing providing relative rotation to thesaid spur gears, traction wheels on the driven shaft, and a connection between the spur gears and the driven shaft.

2. In a tractor, the combination of a frame, a motor on the frame, a driving shaft, a driven axle, connections there-be-.

tween, traction wheels mounted on the axle,

a gear shaft mounted in the frame and carrylng a worm gear rigidly secured thereto,

and steering means comprising a steering shaft provided with a worm adapted to en gage with the worm gear on the gear shaft,

and differential gearing substantially as set forth-and so arranged with respect to the gear shaft that on rotation of the steering shaft the traction wheels have relative movement with respect to each other.

, 65, 3. In a tractor, the combination of a driving gear, a gear 9 rigidly secured to the gear shaft, differential gearing comprising the planetary gears h, j and k receivmg rotative movement from the gear g and mounted for movement in bearings in the driven gear, a spur gear loosely mounted on the gear shaft and meshing with the gear 7', an annular gear n loosely mounted on the gear shaft and engaging with the pinion k,

compensatory sprockets having a relatively different number of sprocket teeth, and a connection between the sprockets and the driven shaft substantially as described.

4:. In a tractor, the combination of a frame, driving and driven shafts, differential gearing, traction wheels on the ends of the driven shaft, a gear shaft mounted in hearings in the frame and carrying a gear 9 in operative relation with the said differential gearing, and steering means actuating the gear shaft whereby relative rotation is imparted to the traction wheels.

5 In a tractor having chain-tread members, the combination of a frame, driving and driven shafts, a differential mechanism, a compensatory connection between the differential mechanism and the driven shaft, sprocket wheels on the ends of the driven shaft engaging the chain-tread members, a gear shaft mounted in hearings in the frame andrcarrying a gear 9 in operatlve relation with the said dliferential mechanism, and

, steering means adapted to actuate the gear 1 shaft whereby relatlve rotation is imparted I to the chain-tread members.

6. In a motor or the like, the combination of a frame, driving and driven shafts in the frame, a differential mechanism, a connection between the driving and driven shafts, traction wheelso-n the ends of the driven shaft, a gear shaft mounted in bearings in the frame and carrying .a gear g 1n. operative relation with the said difi'erentlal mechanism, a worm gear on the gear shaft,

and a steering post suitably mounted in the.

frame and provided with a worm meshing with the said worm gear, so that on actuation of the steering post rotation is imparted to the gear shaft provi dlng relative movement to the traction wheels with respect to each other. I I

7. In a tractor having endless chain-tread members; the combination of a frame, a motor in the frame, driving and driven shafts, a gear shaft mounted in the frame and rigidly carrying a gear 9, a transmlssion gear revolubly mounted on the gear shaft .and operatively connected with the driving shaft, planetarygears journaled in the transmission gear and actuated by the gear 9, differential mechanism meshing with the planetary gears, sprocket wheels on the driven shaft in driving engagement with the endless chain members, steering means adapted to impart rotation to the gear shaft, and means to connect the transmission and differential mechanism with the said sprockets.

' 8. In a tractor, the combination of a frame, a motor in the frame, driving and driven shafts, traction Wheels on the driven shaft, a gear shaft journaled in .the frameand rigidly carrying a fixed gear 9 thereon, transmission gearing revolubly mounted about thegear, shaft and driven from the driving shaft, steering means adapt-ed to impartrotation to the gear shaft, a differential gearing actuated by the said gear 9 and normally locking with the transmission gearing, and means to connect. the transmisifig shaft, differential mechanism comprising the annular gear n and spur gear 1, gear h meshing with the fixed gear 9, said gear it being journaled in the transmission gear and carrying pinions j and la adapted to mesh with the spur'gear Z and annular gear 0?, respectively, sprocket wheels on the ends of the driven shaft engaging with the endless chain member, steering means adapted to actuate the gear shaft imparting relative rotation to the gears Z and n, connections be tween the gears Z and n and the said sprocket wheels, so that when the transmission gear is stationary and the steering means actuated, relative movement is imparted to the chain fread member through the sprocket wheels thereby turningthe tractor; or if a thesteering means is stationary and the transmission gearing has rotation in a right hand direction, the gears Z and n have similar right hand movementthrough the--lock ing pinions j and so that the tractor has movement in a straight line;

'10.In .a tractor, tlie combination of a frame, a motor in theframe, driving and :glriven shafts, a gear shaft journaled in the frame and carrying a rigid gear g, a transmission gearing revolubly mounted on the gear shaft and operatively connected with the driving shaft, differential mechanism comprising the annular gear a and and turning bodily the spur gear Z, said annular gear and spur gear having different diameters, a planetary gear it having movement about its own axis about the gear shaft, said gear h engaging with the gear 9 and journaled in the transmission gearing and further provided with pinions j and 7c adapted to mesh with the gears Z and n respectively, traction wheels on the driven shaft, steering means actuating the gear shaft and adapted to impart relative rotation to the gears Z and n with respect to each other, connections between the gears Z and n and the said traction wheels, compensatory gears located in the said connections and between .the said last gears and the said traction wheels, all so arranged that with the steer ing means and gear shaft normally station ary and the power cut in, the pinions j and A: look with the gears l and n so that the traction wheels have similar rotation in the same direction. v

11. In a tractor the combination of a I frame-work carrying a motor mounted thereon, a driving shaft, a driving gear on the shaft, a divided driven shaft, traction members on the ends of the divided shaft, a gear shaft journaled in the frame-work provided with a rigid gear g, a driven gear revolubly mounted on the gear shaft and adapted to engage with the said driving gear, steering mechanism comprising means to actuate the gear shaft WlllCh in turn 1mparts rotation to a differential gearing, said differential gearing consisting of a spur gear Z and an annular gear n revolubly mounted about the gear shaft, a planetary gear h carrying integral pinions j and k and having a journaled surface mounted for rotation-about its own axis in a bearing in the said driven gear and turning bodily about the ear shaft, the said pinions j and k meshing with the gear Z and annular gear n respectively, a connection between the gears Z and n and the traction wheels, so that on actuation of the driven gear when the gear shaftis normally stationary the said pinions y and is are in looking relation with the gears Z and n whereby the traction members have similar movement in the same direction, or if the transmission mechanism is stationary and the steering means actuated the tractor will turn about in its own length, or if the transmission mechanism and the steering means are both in operation at the same time the tractor has movement in a substantially oblique or circular direction.

12, In a gear for tractors, the combination of a frame, an axle journaled in the frame, traction members fast on said axle,

a drive shaft having driving pinions ,of difgear shaft, an actuating gear keyed on the gear shaft in operative relation withsteering mechanism, differential mechanism hav ing pinions journaled in the webs of the Said different-sized gears adapted to be actuated by rotation of the gear shaft, said differential mechanism including a spur gear Z and an internal gear n loose on the shaft and meshed with the said pinions,-a seconary shaft, compensating means on, the

secondary shaft, connections between the compensating means and the differential mechanism, and between the compensating means and the traction members.

13. In a motor car or the like the combination of a frame, a motor on the frame, a power shaft, a driven aXle,'a connection between the motor-and the axle, traction members mounted on the axle, and steering means comprising a steering shaft provided with a'worm thereon and in engagement with a worm ear mounted on a worm gear shaft, and dierential gearing substantially as de- I scribed and all so arranged with respect to the worm gear shaft that on rotation of the steerin shaft the traction members on the ends o the axle have rotation in opposite directions with respect to each other.

14. The combination in a'motor car, of a frame, a driving shaft and a driven shaft,

connections there-between, traction wheels keyed on the driven shaft, and steering means comprising a steering shaft provided with friction wheels alternately adapted to peripherally contact'with frictionmeans on the driving shaft, a gear shaft 86 actuated by the steering shaft, sprockets mounted in the frame and in operative relationwith the gear shaft, connections between the sprockets and the driven shaft, and means to differentiate the rotation of said sprockets whereb the traction wheels on opposing sides of the motor car will rotate in opposing directions with respect to each other.

\ 15 In a motor car or the like, the COID-bi? nation of a frame, a motor'mounted in the frame, driving and driven shafts, sprocket tween the sprockets and the sprocket wheels 1 on the driven shaft.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a frame, a motor mounted thereon, driving and driven shafts, wheels mounted on the driven shafts, chain tread members' rotatable with the sprocket wheels and transmission means comprising the driving gears 121 and 122 slidably mounted on the driving shaft and rotatable therewith,

the gears e and f located with respect to the gears 121 and-122 for alternate engagement, means to disengage the, said gears respectively, back-up or reverse gears b and a,

means to effect engagement and disengage-L 17. In a motor car or the like, the com-' blnation of a frame, a motor mounted in.

the frame,'driving and driven shafts, wheels on the driven shafts, and cooperating trans mission and differential steering means comprising driving gears 121 and 122' slidably mounted on the drivin shaft, ja steering shaft mounted in suita le bearings on the frame, a gear'shaft adapted to receive rotation from the steering-shaft, the driven gears e and f mounted for alternate engagement with the driving gears 121 and 122 respectively, gear 9 keyed to the gear shaft rotatable therewith and engaging with the idler gear i, differential gearing comprising the gears h, j and 7c having journaled surfaces mounted for movement in bearings in thegear's e and f, spur gear Z loose1y mounted onthe gear shaft and meshing with the pinion j, annular gear 11. loosely mounted on the gear shaft engaging with the pinion is, the

ears m and 0 loosely fitted 'on the gear s aft, but rigidly secured to the gears Z and n respectively, compensatory sprockets respectively meshing with the gears m and o and connections between the sprockets and the driven shafts substantially asset forth.

l8. In a tractor having a frame and a motor therein; the combination of a driving Shaft having a friction wheel, a divided driven shaft, connections between the driving and driven shafts, traction wheels r gidly secured to the ends of the driven shaft,

a gear shaft, steering means comprising a steering post. operatively engaging withthe gear shaft and having slight longitudinal movement in suitable hearings in thev frame, said post'having friction disks rig' idly mounted thereon and adapted to pcripherally engage with the said friction wheel, and differential means actuated by the gear shaft whereby the traction wheels on opposing sides of the tractor have relative movementwith respect to each other.

19. In a tractor having\a frame, and a motor therein; the combination of a driving shaft having a friction wheel, a divided driven shaft, connections between the driving and driven shafts, traction wheels rigidly secured to the ends of the driven shaft. a gear shaft, steering means comprising a steering post operatively engaging with the gear shaft and having slight longitudinal movement in threaded bearings in the frame, said post having a pair of friction disks rigidly mounted thereon and adapted to alternately engage with the said friction wheel, and differential gearing actuated by the gear shaft so that. the tractionwheels on bers on opposing sides thereof; the combi- [driven opposing sidesxof the tractor have relative movement with respect toeach other.

20. In a tractor having chain-tread memnation of'a' frame, a motor on the frame; a driving. shaft, a divided driven shaft, sprocket wheels keyed on the. ends of the shaft andhaving a driving engagement with the said chain-tread members, a

' gear shaft provided with a fixed gear g,

j sisting of a spur gear adapted to receive gearing,

, cooperating mechanism,

transmission and differential the said transmission mechanis' mfcomprising driving and driven gearing andthe said diflerential mechanism conand an annular gear relative rotation through planetary gearing ]O l1IIl3.ld in the driving 'the spur and. annular gears rotating inthe'same direction with the driving gear when the gear ti onary, and connections between the transmission and the chain tread members.

' v 21. In a tractor having chain-tread mem- V on opposing'sides thereof; the combina tion of-a' frame a motor on the frame, a

witha fixed gear .9, 1 sion and differential mechanism, 40

, W 1 driving "sh aft, a" two-part axle, sprocket wheels keyed on the ends of the axle and having a'fdrivingenga'gement with the said chain-tread members, a gear shaft provided cooperating transmis the said transmission mechanism comprising drivingand driven gearing and the said differ- Ieiitial mechanism consisting of a spur gear and an annular gear adapted to receive relare'ction with ff shaft is normally stationary,

"tween the transmission and the chain-tread j fQ iVe rotation? through planetary gearing the driven gearing, the spur gears rotating in the same dithe driven gear when the gear connections bejournaled in and annular shaft is normally stamembers, and steering means to actuate the gear shaft.

22. In a motor car or the like having a frame and a motor thereon; the combination of driving and driven shafts, traction Wheels on the driven shafts, cooperating transmission and diflerential mechanism, a gear shaft adapted to actuate the differential mechanism, said differential locking with the transmission andhaving substan-' tial similar movement therewith when the gear shaft is stationary I 23. In a motor car or the like having a frame and a motor mounted on the frame;

driven shafts and connections driving and therebetween, traction wheels on the-driven shafts, co-acting transmission, and differential mechanism, a gear shaft adapted'to actuate the difierential, said differential lock- 1n shaft is stationary, and so arranged. that when the gear shaft is actuated the trac tion wheels have relative movement with respect to each other.

with the transmission when the geara 24. In a tractor driving and driven shafts,

traction members on the driven shafts, a driving gear-on the driving shaft, a jack shaft journaled in the-frame and adapted to receive actuation from steering mechanism,

driven gearing to mesh with and at, connections between the jackshaft gearing driven from said driving gear with- 1 gears t and n, revoluble co-axially about said jack shaft, a planetary gear carried in the the gears l and driven shafts, and a;-pinion rigid with the jack shaftand in operative relation with the said planetary gear, whereby an actua, tion of the steering mechanism the'move ment of one traction member is difi'erentiated from the other, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. v

In testimony whereof I have hereunt signed my name in the presence of the two" subscribed witnesses.

Witnesses: I

W. HERBERT FowKEs, M. H. EBIOKBON.

GEORGE CYRUS JETT]

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