Patents Examined by Dirk Wright
  • Patent number: 11802547
    Abstract: A bearing structure for large and heavy machines and systems, such as a wind turbine for example. In particular, the invention relates to such a bearing structure based on elastomer bearing elements, which can be mounted and exchanged individually without having to at least partly disassemble the bearing structure together with the system or machine. A method for simply exchanging elastomer elements in a bearing for heavy and large systems and machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: FM ENERGIE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 11796048
    Abstract: A differential assembly include a housing defining an oil sump, a differential disposed in the housing, and a thermal-management system. The system includes an oil pump in fluid communication with the sump, a spool valve having an inlet connected to the pump, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a spool slidable to a first position in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the first outlet and to a second position in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the second outlet. The spool valve further has a chamber containing wax configured to move the spool according to a temperature of the wax such that the spool is in the first position when the temperature of the wax is within a first temperature range and is in the second position when the temperature of the wax is within a second temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hassan Farhat, Ravi Gopal
  • Patent number: 11673542
    Abstract: A controller is installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine, rotary electric machine for power generation, rotary electric machine for propulsion, power storage device, inverter for power generation, and inverter for propulsion. The controller includes a drive control changing unit that changes drive control of at least one of the rotary electric machine for power generation and the rotary electric machine for propulsion, for reduction of a total value of a power-generation-side ripple current generated according to an operating state of the rotary electric machine for power generation, and a drive-side ripple current generated according to the operating state of the rotary electric machine for propulsion, when the total value is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taiga Hagimoto, Hirotaka Saito, Hideto Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 11649880
    Abstract: A gearbox includes a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears meshed with the sun gear, a rotating frame supporting the planetary gears, and a housing with an internal ring gear meshed with the planetary gears. The planetary gears include a first gear and a second gear coaxially connected to each other along an axial direction and rotating synchronously, the first gear meshed with the sun gear, and the second gear meshed with the internal ring gear of the housing. The rotating frame received in the housing has an upper frame and a lower frame with a central hole, each of the plurality of planetary gears is arranged between the upper frame and the lower frame by a mounting pin, the lower frame is supported by a flange connected to the housing, the sun gear is driven to rotate so as to operate the rotating frame. The gearbox of the present disclosure has low vibration and low noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Jingning Ta, Qiumei Li, Baofeng Ji, Yongjun Zhao
  • Patent number: 11639095
    Abstract: A power system for a vehicle comprising: a first engine, a second motor/generator, and a third motor/generator. The system further comprising: a first gearset with a first power train section coupled to an input side of the first gearset and a second power train section coupled to an output side of the first gearset. A mode selection device comprising at least two positions: a first position of the mode selection device coupling the third motor/generator to the first power train section, and a second position coupling third motor/generator to the second power train section. A clutch selectively connecting the first machine and the first power train section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Belgium N.V.
    Inventors: Bert Hannon, Joachim Van Dingenen
  • Patent number: 11624432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing “empty” cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 11608884
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: a rotary electric machine; a drive transmission mechanism provided in a power transmission path connecting a rotor shaft of the rotary electric machine and a wheel; a first hydraulic pump driven by a driving force transmitted through the power transmission path; a second hydraulic pump driven by a driving force source independent of the power transmission path; a first oil passage that supplies oil discharged from the first hydraulic pump to a rotor bearing that supports the rotor shaft such that the rotor shaft is rotatable; and a second oil passage that supplies oil discharged from the second hydraulic pump to an inner peripheral surface of the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryohei Inoue
  • Patent number: 11602988
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission main housing, an intermediate plate secured to the transmission main housing; and a rear housing attached to the intermediate plate. An input shaft is connected to an extension shaft including a plurality of splitter gears selectively couple-able to the extension shaft. A main shaft is rotatably supported on the extension shaft and includes a plurality of main box gears selectively couple-able to the main shaft. A range shaft is drivingly connected to the main shaft and provides input to a planetary gear assembly, the range shaft being supported by a first bearing disposed within the intermediate plate and further including a bore disposed within a forward end. The extension shaft is supported at a first end by a bearing assembly within a partition wall and a second end is supported by a bearing assembly disposed within the bore in the range shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Graeme Andrew Jackson
  • Patent number: 11590842
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a transmission that includes two power take off devices is described. In one example, an internal combustion engine and/or an electric machine may supply power to accessory devices via first and second power take off devices. Alternatively, power may be delivered to the transmission via one or both of the first and second power take off devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Belgium N.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Van Dingenen, Jessica Versini, Kurt Cattoor, Marc Van Tomme, Filip D. Schacht, Bert Hannon
  • Patent number: 11584214
    Abstract: A piping (1) for guiding a fluid within a drive train unit (G) of a motor vehicle includes a pipe (R). A stop (R1A) is formed at a first end (R1) of the piping (1). A sealing element (R2D) is provided at a second end (R2) of the piping (1). The sealing element (R2D) acts as an axial seal. In order to improve a sealing effect of the sealing element (R2D), the piping (1) is loaded along an extension direction of the piping (1). A drive train unit (G) for a motor vehicle including such a piping (1) and a method for installing such a piping (1) into such a drive train unit (G) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Linus Eschenbeck, Leschek Debernitz, Andreas Knörle-Philipp, Julia Baumann
  • Patent number: 11560141
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first rotary electric machine, a second rotary electric machine, and a control circuit. When the control circuit determines that a failure has occurred in the first rotary electric machine, the control circuit places the first rotary electric machine and a first transmission path as a power transmission path of the vehicle in the disconnection state, and places the second rotary electric machine and the first transmission path in the connection state. Further, when the control circuit determines that a failure has occurred in the second rotary electric machine, the control circuit places the first rotary electric machine and a first transmission path in the connection state, and place the second rotary electric machine and the first transmission path in the disconnection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshito Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 11560140
    Abstract: A switchable powertrain comprises at least four points of freedom. The switchable powertrain comprises a main gear set configured for gear ratio selection, the main gear set comprising main gears coupled to a main shaft and second gears coupled to a second shaft. An adapter comprises a first selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the main shaft, and a second selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the second shaft. A first torque source and a clutch are configured for selectively coupling or decoupling first torque to the main shaft. A second torque source is configured for selectively outputting second torque to the first selective coupling or to the second selective coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Genise, Payam Naghshtabrizi, Mihai Dorobantu, Chinmaya Patil, Mahesh P. Joshi, Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Erik Dykes
  • Patent number: 11549584
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a transmission having a controller and a variable displacement pump. The pump includes an inlet and outlet and is adapted to be driven by a torque-generating mechanism. The system also includes a lube circuit fluidly coupled to the pump. A lube regulator valve is disposed in the lube circuit, such that the lube regulator valve is configured to move between at least a regulated position and an unregulated position. The regulated position corresponds to a regulated pressure in the lube circuit. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the lube regulator valve and configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the switch is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A solenoid is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is controllably coupled to the pump to alter the displacement of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11548369
    Abstract: A hybrid drive sub-assembly for a vehicle, including primary toothed wheels, secondary toothed wheels capable of being coupled to a secondary shaft, an intermediate shaft to which intermediate toothed wheels are rigidly connected for rotation therewith, the primary toothed wheel(s) and the secondary toothed wheel(s) each permanently meshing with a corresponding toothed wheel of the intermediate toothed wheels. This hybrid sub-assembly is provided with a motorized module including a reversible electric machine, an interface for connection to the intermediate shaft, a speed reducer, a power take-off member and a dual clutch mechanism capable of coupling and uncoupling the power take-off member to and from the reversible electric machine and the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Loic Vassieux, Dominique Lheureux
  • Patent number: 11548367
    Abstract: A hybrid drive unit (HY, G) for a motor vehicle includes a housing (GG), in which a torque converter (TC) and an electric machine (EM) are accommodated. The electric machine (EM) and the torque converter (TC) are arranged directly next to each other such that the electric machine (EM) is arranged at a first face end (TC1) of the torque converter housing (TCG). An oil guide shell (LS) at least partially encompasses a section of the torque converter (TC). The oil guide shell (LS) has an L-shaped cross-section including a first section (LS1) and a second section (LS2) and is arranged in such that the first section (LS1) partially encompasses a second face end (TC2) of the torque converter housing (TCG) and the second section (LS2) partially encompasses a circumferential surface of the torque converter housing (TCG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Tamas Gyarmati, Leschek Debernitz, Thorsten Müller, Stephan Stroph, Alexander Gutsche, Peter Reinders, Thomas Ratzmann
  • Patent number: 11548371
    Abstract: A drive system including first and second power sources, first and second output shafts, a differential mechanism, and an electronic control unit, and a control method therefor are provided. The differential mechanism is configured such that the second power source is connected to a first rotating element, one output shaft of a vehicle is connected to a second rotating element, and the other output shaft of the vehicle is connected to a third rotating element so as to be able to be connected to or disconnected from the third rotating element by a connect-disconnect mechanism, and includes at least one of an engagement element that selectively engages any two of the three rotating elements and an engagement element that selectively engages the third rotating element to a fixing member. The electronic control unit is configured to, during turning, prohibit switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Koji Takaira, Akinori Homan, Yosuke Akiyama, Akira Ijichi, Kunihiko Usui
  • Patent number: 11543020
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lubrication of a transmission. In one example, the transmission system may include a pair of shielded bearings attached to a first transmission shaft, each of the shielded bearings including at least one shield that forms a restriction between the shield and a race of the bearing and a cavity positioned axially between the pair of shielded bearings, wherein the restrictions tune lubricant pressurization in the cavity. The transmission system further includes a radial passage in the first transmission shaft in fluidic communication with the cavity and a lubricated transmission component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Leber, Langston H. Corn, Jordan M. Houser, Michael D. Cook, Darren J. Ziskovsky
  • Patent number: 11535392
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system includes a heat engine configured to drive a heat engine shaft. An electric motor is configured to drive an electric motor shaft. A transmission system includes at least one gearbox. The transmission system is configured to receive rotational input power from each of the heat engine shaft and the electric motor shaft and to convert the rotation input power to output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric LaTulipe, Jean Thomassin, Xi Wang, Jean Dubreuil, Luc Dionne, Andre Julien
  • Patent number: 11529860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission arrangement (10) for a hybrid vehicle, comprising a housing (11), a transmission input shaft (12) and at least one transmission output shaft (13), a first planetary transmission set (PG1) having a first sun gear (zs1), a first ring gear (zr1) and a first planet carrier (c1) for a first planetary gear set (zp1) meshing with the first sun gear (zs1) and the first ring gear (zr1), also comprising a second planetary transmission set (PG2) having a second sun gear (zs2), a second ring gear (zr2) and a second planet carrier (c2) for second planetary gear set (zp2) meshing with the second sun gear (zs2) and the second ring gear (zr2), wherein the transmission input shaft (12) is rotationally fixed to the first planet carrier (c1), and the first ring gear (zr1) and the second ring gear (zr2) are permanently connected to one another and are rotationally fixed to the transmission output shaft (13), further comprising a first electric machine (E1) and a second electric machine (E2
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Herbert Wiener, Christoph Schörghuber
  • Patent number: 11529861
    Abstract: A transfer is located on an axial first side that is one side in axial direction relative to a transmission, and a rotating electric machine is located coaxially with a transmission output member, between the transmission and the transfer in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keita Inda, Kohei Ono, Tetsuro Kobayashi