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CLASS 475,	PLANETARY GEAR TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS OR COMPONENTS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the class for planetary gear power transmission and elements thereof, such transmission being defined as an assembly of parts including interacting first and second gears each having a central axis and wherein, during at least one mode of operation, the axis of one of the gears follows a path extending around the axis of the other gear.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

A method or apparatus for manufacturing a device of this class is not found herein (Class 475), but is found in an appropriate manufacturing class. See References to Other Classes, below.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION IV - GLOSSARY

The following glossary will define words or phrases used in the class and subclass definitions and are identified by an asterisk which appears after the word, or in the instance of a phrase, after the last word of the phrase:

BEVEL GEAR

A gear having radial teeth extending in the same general direction as the rotational axis of the gear, but inclined with respect to the rotational axis of the gear.

BRAKE

Mechanism to selectively or automatically stop a moving part with respect to a stationary part.

CLUTCH

Mechanism to selectively or automatically couple two relatively moving parts together for common movement or to uncouple such parts.

CONDITION RESPONSIVE

Mechanism to sense a condition or change of condition in the environment of a planetary gear transmission; and, in response to such sensing, effect a control function on the transmission or on a drive train* to or from such transmission.

DIFFERENTIAL TRANSMISSION

Mechanism having separate outputs driven simultaneously from a different member of a planetary gear transmission; the arrangement being such that a change in speed of one of the outputs, in at least one mode of operation, has a direct effect on the speed of the other output.

DRIVE TRAIN

Mechanism including a group of interconnected elements which transfers rotational power from a power source* to a load device*.

INPUT MEMBER

Mechanism which receives rotational power from a power source*, and transfers such rotational power to a planetary gear transmission.

LOAD DEVICE

Mechanism which receives rotational power from an output member* to put such rotational power to useful work.

ONE-WAY BRAKE

A brake* which automatically engages to stop a rotating part when the rotating part attempts to rotate in a first direction, but which permits rotation of the rotating part in a direction opposite to said first direction.

ONE-WAY CLUTCH

A clutch* which automatically couples two rotatable parts together for joint rotation when a first of said parts rotates in a first direction, but which automatically uncouples said parts when the first of said parts rotates in a direction opposite to said first direction, or uncouples said parts when the second part rotates faster than the first part.

ORBIT GEAR

A gear mounted for rotation about the same axis as a planet carrier* and having a drive face contacting a drive face of a planet pinion* at a location radially outward from the rotational axis of the planet pinion*.

OUTPUT MEMBER

Mechanism which receives rotational power from a planetary gear transmission and transfers such rotational power to a load device*.

OVERDRIVE

Mechanism wherein an output member* is driven at a greater rotational velocity than the rotational velocity of an input member*.

PLANET CARRIER

A device mounted for rotation about a first axis, and carrying a planet pinion*, the planet pinion having a second rotational axis.

PLANET PINION

A gear mounted on a planet carrier*, said carrier rotatable about a first axis, and said gear rotatable about a second axis.

POWER SOURCE

Agency for supplying rotational power to an input member* of a planetary gear transmission.

SPEED RATIO

Rotational velocity of an output member* divided by the rotational velocity of an input member*.

SPUR GEAR

A gear having radially extending teeth on the rim, wherein the edges of the teeth extend in a direction generally parallel with rotational axis of the gear.

SUN GEAR

A gear mounted for rotation about the same axis as the rotational axis of a planet carrier* and having a drive face contacting a drive face of a planet pinion* between the axis of the planet pinion and the axis of the planet carrier.

UNDERDRIVE

Mechanism wherein an output member* is driven at a slower rotational velocity than the rotational velocity of an input member*.

UNITARY DRIVE

Mechanism wherein an output member is driven at the same rotational velocity as an input member.

WORM GEAR

A gear having radial teeth on the rim with the edges of the teeth arranged as a helix extending around the rotational axis of the gear.

SUBCLASSES

1	INPUT FROM INDEPENDENT POWER SOURCES:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter including at least two power sources* which act separately or in unison. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 13, for two power sources*, one of which starts the other and said one is subsequently driven by the other. 267+, for a flywheel which is, at times, used as a power source*. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 60,  Power Plants,   subclasses 698+ for a residual system of plural motors. 74,  Machine Element or Mechanism,   subclasses 661 and 665+ for related subject matter.

2	Condition responsive motor control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a power source* is a motor which is condition responsive*. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 477,  Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control,   for interrelated control between an engine and a transmission, clutch, or brake.

3	Including manual input:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a power source* is human force. auxiliary hand crank; input pulley; output SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 349, for related subject matter.

4	And electric motor input:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Subject matter wherein a power source* includes a motor driven by electricity. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5, and 149+, for related subject matter.

5	Including electric motor input:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a power source* includes a motor driven by electricity. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 4, for subject matter including a manual and electric drive. 149+, for a planetary transmission having an electric motor drive.

6	Plural outputs:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter including means to drive at least two load devices*. input; input; outputs SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 332, and see the search notes therein for related subject matter.

7	Worm gear in drive train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a drive train* includes a worm gear*. output; input; worm drive input

8	One-way clutch or brake in drive train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a drive train* includes a one-way clutch* or a one-way brake*. one-way brake; engine #1; engine #2 SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 188,  Brakes,   for a one-way brake, per se. 192,  Clutches and Power-Stop Control,   for a one-way clutch, per se.

9	Bevel planet pinion in drive train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a planetary gear transmission in a drive train* includes a planet pinion* which is a bevel gear*. input; input; output SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 190+, 197, 230+, 273+, 306+, and 336, for related subject matter.

10	Intermeshing planet pinions in drive train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein a drive train* includes a plurality of planet pinions* which intermesh with each other. input; output; input

11	ROTARY PLANETATING OUTPUT:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein a load device* is connected to a planet pinion* for rotation about the axis of the planet pinion* and also for rotation about the axis of a planet carrier*.

12	REVERSAL OF DIRECTION OF POWER FLOW CHANGES POWER TRANSMISSION TO ALTERNATE PATH:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter having two alternately usable power paths between a single input member* and a single output member* so arranged that (1) the interchange of the input and output relationship or (2) the change of direction of rotation of the input, changes the path through which the power is transmitted. output driven in same direction at variable speeds; input drivenin opposite directions SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 126, for a valve, actuated in response to the reversal of rotation of an element of a planetary transmission, to control a fluid operated clutch or brake. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 74,  Machine Element or Mechanism,   subclasses 810.1+ for means to effect this function with nonplanetary gearing.

13	Input and output exchange functions:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Subject matter wherein in response to the interchange of roles between the input member* and output member* the path through which power is transmitted is changed. (1) Note. To be placed herein the transmission must have a useful load at each of its input and output ends. Most of the patents herein disclose either motor-generators or motor-pumps used to start an engine which in turn drives the generator or pump. one-way brake; motorpump unit; one-way clutch; pump-motoracts as input (underdrive) to start I.C. engine then I.C. engine drives motor-pump; I.C. engine; one-way clutch SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 74,  Machine Element or Mechanism,   subclass 810.2 for the exchange of input and output roles using nonplanetary gearing. 290,  Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants,   subclass 38 for gearing of this type combined with significant generator structure.

14	CYCLICAL OR INTERMITTENT DRIVE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein means is included to vary the rotational speed of a gear of a planetary transmission according to a predetermined pattern without operator intervention; or wherein means is included to provide driving force to a gear of a planetary transmission at predetermined intervals without operator intervention. planet carrier

15	Plural outputs:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter including means to drive at least two load devices*. output; input shaft SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 332, and see the search notes therein for related subject matter. ,

16	With means to adjust cycle or drive during operation:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter which includes a control member, either manually or automatically operated during operation of the transmission, to alter a rotational speed pattern or driving force interval.

17	Mutilated or noncircular gear in drive train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter wherein a gear in a drive train* has an irregular pattern of gear teeth; or wherein the circumference of the gear rim is a shape other than round. elliptical gear

18	STEERING BY DRIVING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein plural drive trains* are utilized for driving two load devices* on opposite sides of a vehicle at different relative speed ratios* to cause turning. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 3, for steering by driving where manual steering constitutes a second power input to the drive trains. 223+, for means to apply power to only one of two differential outputs for the purpose of steering. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 180,  Motor Vehicles,   subclasses 6.2+ , for steering by driving combined with vehicle structure and see the (1) Note under subclass 6.2 for the line. 477,  Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control,   subclass 1 for steering by driving with prime mover control.

19	With condition responsive steer control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter wherein means to cause turning is condition responsive*. speed sensor SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 477,  Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control,   for steering by driving with prime mover control.

20	With cooling or lubrication:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter provided with means to change the temperature of an element of, or means to apply or direct a lubricating fluid between, moving parts of a drive train*. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 159+, for drive train* lubrication generally. 161, for drive train* cooling or heating.

21	With infinitely variable drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter wherein at least one of the plural drive trains* includes a means to vary the speed ratio* steplessly.

22	Variable drive is fluid drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Subject matter wherein the stepless ratio change is effected by the use of a hydraulic or pneumatic drive train*.

23	Hydrostatic type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 22.  Subject matter wherein the fluid drive train* includes an expansible chamber pump which transfers power via fluid to an expansible chamber motor to provide useful work. pump motor; variable speed ratio range unit SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 72+, for the general combination of planetary gearing and hydrostatic drive. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 60,  Power Plants,   subclasses 325+ , for a pump and motor combination, per se.

24	Plural pump-motor sets:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 23.  Subject matter wherein at least two pump-motor combinations are included in the plural drive trains*.

25	Belt type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Subject matter wherein said ratio varying means comprises an endless flexible band. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 210+, for variable speed or direction belt transmission combined with a planetary transmission. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 474,  Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,   appropriate subclasses, for steplessly variable belt transmissions, per se.

26	Variable drive is friction drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Subject matter wherein the stepless ratio change is effected by a drive train* which includes toothless gearing that transmits force by frictional contact. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 114+, for fluid control of planetary friction gearing. 185+, for planetary friction gearing, per se. 214+, for nonplanetary variable speed or direction friction gearing combined with a planetary transmission. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 476,  Friction Gear Transmission Systems or Components,   for variable speed nonplanetary friction gearing, per se.

27	Fluid steer control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter wherein the plural drive trains* include controlling clutches* or brakes* which are operated by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 23+, for the control of pump-motor units for steering purposes.

28	With plural power paths to a planetary transmission at each output:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter wherein the plural drive trains* include a planetary gear set adjacent each load device*, each gear set having one output member* and two input members*. output; output SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 21+, for this combination with a steplessly variable drive.

29	With planetary reaction brake steering:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter wherein means for driving one load device* at a speed ratio* different from the other load device includes a brake control for a planetary element of one of the drive trains. (1) Note. The planetary element to be braked may not be an output member* and form a basis for classification in the subclass. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 224, for means to apply power to only one of two differential outputs, while braking the other, for the purpose of steering.

30	And carrier input to planetary gearing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29.  Subject matter wherein an input member* is a planet carrier*. (1) Note. The carrier input is usually part of a differential transmission*. input

31	FLUID DRIVE OR CONTROL OF PLANETARY GEARING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein (1) a planetary transmission is combined with a hydraulic or pneumatic torque transmitting means to form a drive train*, or (2) means is provided to change the speed ratio* or otherwise regulate the operation of a planetary transmission and such means is actuated, at least in part, by hydraulic or pneumatic energy. fluid equalizes axial thrust on gears SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 18+, for fluid drive or control in a steering by driving arrangement. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 477,  Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control,   for fluid drive or control of planetary gearing in combination with prime mover control.

32	Diverse fluid drives:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Subject matter wherein at least two different types of fluid torque transmitting means are included in the drive train*. engine

33	Plural impeller-turbine type fluid circuits:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Subject matter wherein two fluid torque transmitting means are present in the drive train* and each includes a rotary vaned pump which acts as an input element and a coaxial rotary vaned turbine which acts as an output element. (1) Note. For a more detailed description of this type of fluid drive see Class 60 subclass 330 and the notes thereunder.

34	Fill and empty type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  Subject matter wherein one of the fluid torque transmitting means may be emptied or filled to change the speed ratio. fluid volume control valve

35	Single impeller-turbine type fluid circuit divides or combines plural power paths:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Subject matter wherein the fluid torque transmitting means comprises at least three coaxial bladed elements forming a fluid filled torus, said elements being mechanically connected in power transmitting relationship to other parts of the drive train*. (1) Note. Normally the circuit includes an input element, or pump, and two or more output elements, or turbines. There may be additionally included one or more reaction elements, or stators, which function to redirect or guide the fluid within the circuit and thus change the transmitted torque, or a turbine may fulfill the function of both turbine and stator. input; output

36	Planetary gearing divides paths:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Subject matter wherein the planetary transmission includes a planetary gear set made up of at least three elements, one of said elements being directly connected to an input member* but rotatable relative to all elements of the fluid torque transmitting means, and each of the other two elements constituting a power path within the drive train.* carrier divides path

37	Three fluid outputs:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Subject matter wherein the fluid torque transmitting means includes at least three coaxial bladed elements each of which provides a mechanical power output to the drive train*. output; output; output

38	And stator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37.  Subject matter wherein the fluid torque transmitting means includes a fourth coaxial bladed element which is stationary during at least one mode of operation as it acts to guide or redirect the fluid within the torque transmitting means. output; output; stator

39	Two fluid outputs and stator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Subject matter wherein the fluid torque transmitting means includes four coaxial bladed elements, a first input element, two power output elements and a fourth reaction element, stationary during at least one mode of operation, which acts to guide or redirect the fluid within the torque transmitting means. output; stator; output; forward clutch; input; low band; reverseband; output

40	With variable fluid drive control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein means are provided to change the path of the fluid within the torque transmitting means. (1) Note. This is usually accomplished by changing the angle or position of one of the blade elements. output; stator; output; vane control

41	And mechanical drive path:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein in addition to the two outputs from the fluid torque transmitting means a third power path is mechanically connected to the input member*, by-passing the fluid circuit. input; output

42	Control of or by fluid drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Subject matter wherein means is provided to regulate the operation of the fluid torque transmitting means or to affect the operation of a mechanical drive train* in response to a condition of the fluid torque transmitting means. fluid control SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 61+, for related art and see the notes thereunder.

43	With speed or torque responsive clutch or brake control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Subject matter wherein the drive train* is controlled by a clutch* or brake* which operates in response to the velocity or resistance to rotary movement of a transmission part. centrifugal control SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 254+, for other speed or torque responsive transmission controls.

44	Stator rotatable in reverse direction to provide drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Subject matter wherein one of the coaxial bladed elements functions as a reaction member to modify the speed and direction of the fluid in the torque transmitting means in one mode of operation and also functions, when rotating in a direction opposite to an input element, of the fluid torque transmitting means to add torque to the drive train. under high load condition stator rotated in reverse direction

45	Turbine braked, stator provides reverse drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 44.  Subject matter wherein the reverse rotation of the stator is enabled by braking a turbine and the transmitted force results in a reverse drive of a load device*. turbine brake

46	And adds torque in forward drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45.  Subject Matter wherein in addition to its function as both reaction element and reverse drive output element, in one mode of operation, the stators` rotary force is transmitted to the load device* in the same direction as the input element.

47	Impeller-turbine type fluid circuit and mechanical path in parallel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Subject matter wherein the fluid torque transmitting means includes at least two coaxial bladed element forming a fluid filled torus, one functioning as an input element and the other as an output element and a separate mechanical drive train* is provided, by-passing the fluid torque transmitting means. (1) Note. A mere lock-up clutch* which connects the input and output elements of the fluid unit together is not here but in subclasses 59+. out SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 35+, especially subclass 41, for a fluid drive and mechanical drive in parallel where, in addition, the fluid unit has either two inputs or two outputs. 329+, for other plural power path transmissions and see the notes thereunder.

48	With control of or by the fluid circuit:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Subject matter wherein means is provided to regulate the operation of the mechanical drive train* in response to a condition of the fluid torque transmitting means. turbine movable by 61 SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 61+, for related art and see the notes thereunder.

49	Gearing controlled by fluid circuit condition:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Subject matter wherein means is provided to affect the mechanical drive train* in response to a condition of the fluid torque transmitting means.

50	Fill and empty type fluid circuit:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Subject matter wherein the operation of the fluid torque transmitting means is regulated by controlling the amount of fluid contained therein. fill and empty valve

51	With speed responsive control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Subject matter wherein means is provided to regulate the operation of the drive train* dependent on the velocity of a part thereof. centrifugal control SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 254+, for other speed responsive controls and see the notes therein.

52	And nonplanetary gearing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Subject matter wherein in addition to the fluid torque transmitting means and planetary transmission the drive train includes gearing of a type not falling under the class definition. (1) Note. The additional gearing may be either variable or single speed. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 66, 198, 207, 225, 302, and 343, for other combinations of planetary and nonplanetary gearing.

53	Planetary gearing divides paths:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Subject matter wherein gearing under the class definition is before the fluid torque transmitting means in the path of power transmission and is effective to split such path into parallel fluid and mechanical paths, an input element of said gearing being rotatable relative to all elements of said fluid torque transmitting means.