Patents by Inventor Adrian Cioc

Adrian Cioc has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11841082
    Abstract: A locking pawl arrangement with a motion compliance mechanism for use with various automotive devices having a rotating hub with a plurality of teeth. There is provided a pawl that is moveable between a disengaged position wherein the pawl is not engaged with the rotating hub, an engaged positioned where the pawl is engaged with the hub and an intermediate position that is between the disengaged position and engaged position. A locking cam is in contact with the pawl and moves between a disengaged position, an engaged position, and an intermediate position against the pawl. There is further provided an actuator that is engageable with the locking cam. The actuator moves between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby causing the locking cam to move the pawl between the intermediate position, disengaged position and engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Tak Man Loui, Adrian Cioc, Romulus Crisan, Stephen Yang, Dusan Milacic, Sean Steele, Myron Samila
  • Patent number: 11519468
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly equipped with a pair of laterally-spaced, selectable one-way clutches configured in a compact arrangement. The bi-directional clutch assembly establishes a LOCK-LOCK mode when both SOWC's are non-actuated, establishes a FREEWHEEL mode when both SOWC's are actuated, and establishes a pair of LOCK-RATCHET mode when one SOWC is actuated and the other is not actuated. Coils units of the SOWC's are energized to shift an actuator toward active struts of an outer race. The actuator is rotationally fixed to the outer race. The active struts are biased toward the deployed position, and the actuator is biased toward the non-actuated position. The actuator includes a strut engagement feature that contacts the active struts and causes pivotal movement of the active struts to the non-deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: David Gelfand, Adrian Cioc
  • Patent number: 11460078
    Abstract: A modular clutch assembly with two independent power sources and a connection with an output device. The two independent power sources and the output device can take many different forms. The modular clutch assembly has a housing that connects the two power sources with the output device and controls power transfer using an inner clutch and an upper clutch. There is further provided an output hub connected to the output device, where the output hub extends into the modular clutch assembly for selective rotation. The output device in one exemplary embodiment of the invention is a transmission of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Cioc
  • Publication number: 20220268324
    Abstract: A modular clutch assembly with two independent power sources and a connection with an output device. The two independent power sources and the output device can take many different forms. The modular clutch assembly has a housing that connects the two power sources with the output device and controls power transfer using an inner clutch and an upper clutch. There is further provided an output hub connected to the output device, where the output hub extends into the modular clutch assembly for selective rotation. The output device in one exemplary embodiment of the invention is a transmission of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian CIOC
  • Patent number: 11415183
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch having a clutch module and a power-operated actuator module. The clutch module includes a first clutch component rotatably driven by an input member, a second clutch component rotatably driving an output member, struts disposed on the first clutch component for movement between a deployed position engaging ratchet teeth on the second clutch component and a non-deployed position disengaged from the ratchet teeth, and strut springs for biasing the struts toward their deployed position. The power-operated actuator module includes a coil unit, an armature moveable between an engaged position whereat the armature holds the struts in their non-deployed positions when the coil unit is powered-off and a released position where the armature releases the struts when the coil unit is powered-on, and a ballramp mechanism configured to move the armature along a helical path between its engaged and released positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC
    Inventor: Adrian Cioc
  • Patent number: 11378140
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an actuator module equipped with a solenoid actuator, an active strut moveable in response to energization of the solenoid actuator from a released position to a locked position, a strut spring biasing the active strut toward its released position, and an indirect strut actuation arrangement between the solenoid actuator and the active strut. The indirect strut actuation arrangement includes an intermediate actuation component having a first lug establishing a coupling interface with a translatable plunger of the solenoid actuator and a second lug establishing an engagement interface with the active strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Cioc, Myron Samila, David Dorigo
  • Patent number: 11371569
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly includes an outer race defining first and second strut pockets, an inner race defining ratchet teeth, a passive one-way clutch including at least two passive struts each supported in a corresponding first strut pocket for pivotal movement relative to the ratchet teeth, passive strut springs for normally biasing the passive struts into engagement with the ratchet teeth on the inner race, and a selectable one-way clutch having at least one active strut supported in the second strut pocket for pivotal movement between a non-deployed position disengaged from the ratchet teeth and a deployed position engaged with the ratchet teeth, and an armature ring fixed for rotation with the outer race and axially moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, in which a strut engagement feature moves the active strut from its non-deployed position to its deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventor: Adrian Cioc
  • Publication number: 20220186831
    Abstract: A locking pawl arrangement with a motion compliance mechanism for use with various automotive devices having a rotating hub with a plurality of teeth. There is provided a pawl that is moveable between a disengaged position wherein the pawl is not engaged with the rotating hub, an engaged positioned where the pawl is engaged with the hub and an intermediate position that is between the disengaged position and engaged position. A locking cam is in contact with the pawl and moves between a disengaged position, an engaged position, and an intermediate position against the pawl. There is further provided an actuator that is engageable with the locking cam. The actuator moves between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby causing the locking cam to move the pawl between the intermediate position, disengaged position and engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Tak Man LOUI, Adrian CIOC, Romulus CRISAN, Stephen YANG, Dusan MILACIC, Sean STEELE, Myron SAMILA
  • Publication number: 20220163073
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly equipped with a pair of laterally-spaced, selectable one-way clutches configured in a compact arrangement. The bi-directional clutch assembly establishes a LOCK-LOCK mode when both SOWC's are non-actuated, establishes a FREEWHEEL mode when both SOWC's are actuated, and establishes a pair of LOCK-RATCHET mode when one SOWC is actuated and the other is not actuated. Coils units of the SOWC's are energized to shift an actuator toward active struts of an outer race. The actuator is rotationally fixed to the outer race. The active struts are biased toward the deployed position, and the actuator is biased toward the non-actuated position. The actuator includes a strut engagement feature that contacts the active struts and causes pivotal movement of the active struts to the non-deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: David GELFAND, Adrian CIOC
  • Publication number: 20220082139
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch having a clutch module and a power-operated actuator module. The clutch module includes a first clutch component rotatably driven by an input member, a second clutch component rotatably driving an output member, struts disposed on the first clutch component for movement between a deployed position engaging ratchet teeth on the second clutch component and a non-deployed position disengaged from the ratchet teeth, and strut springs for biasing the struts toward their deployed position. The power-operated actuator module includes a coil unit, an armature moveable between an engaged position whereat the armature holds the struts in their non-deployed positions when the coil unit is powered-off and a released position where the armature releases the struts when the coil unit is powered-on, and a ballramp mechanism configured to move the armature along a helical path between its engaged and released positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventor: Adrian CIOC
  • Patent number: 11255387
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an electromagnetic actuator module equipped with an energizeable coil assembly, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position, and a latching mechanism operable to releaseably hold the strut in the released position when the coil assembly is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Greene, Alberto Passos, Dennis (Tak Man) Loui, Dusan Milacic, David Gelfand, Adrian Cioc, Ranjit Uppal
  • Publication number: 20210348658
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly includes an outer race defining first and second strut pockets, an inner race defining ratchet teeth, a passive one-way clutch including at least two passive struts each supported in a corresponding first strut pocket for pivotal movement relative to the ratchet teeth, passive strut springs for normally biasing the passive struts into engagement with the ratchet teeth on the inner race, and a selectable one-way clutch having at least one active strut supported in the second strut pocket for pivotal movement between a non-deployed position disengaged from the ratchet teeth and a deployed position engaged with the ratchet teeth, and an armature ring fixed for rotation with the outer race and axially moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, in which a strut engagement feature moves the active strut from its non-deployed position to its deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventor: Adrian CIOC
  • Patent number: 11078969
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an actuator module with a direct action configuration provided between a linearly-moveable actuation component of a power-operated actuator and a pivotably moveable locking element. In particular, the actuator module is equipped with a solenoid having an energizeable coil assembly, a linearly-moveable plunger having a tip portion, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position due to engagement with the tip portion of the plunger, and a strut biasing arrangement biasing the strut toward its released position. In addition, various strut/actuator interface arrangements are provided between the tip of the plunger of the solenoid actuator and the strut to control movement of the strut between its released and locked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Cioc, Stephen Yang
  • Publication number: 20210140492
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an electromagnetic actuator module equipped with an energizeable coil assembly, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position, and a latching mechanism operable to releaseably hold the strut in the released position when the coil assembly is not energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Darrell GREENE, Alberto PASSOS, Dennis (Tak Man) LOUI, Dusan MILACIC, David GELFAND, Adrian CIOC, Ranjit UPPAL
  • Publication number: 20210062872
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an actuator module equipped with a solenoid actuator, an active strut moveable in response to energization of the solenoid actuator from a released position to a locked position, a strut spring biasing the active strut toward its released position, and an indirect strut actuation arrangement between the solenoid actuator and the active strut. The indirect strut actuation arrangement includes an intermediate actuation component having a first lug establishing a coupling interface with a translatable plunger of the solenoid actuator and a second lug establishing an engagement interface with the active strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Adrian CIOC, Myron SAMILA, David DORIGO
  • Patent number: 10859125
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having a clutch module and an actuator module mounted to a first clutch member of the clutch module. The actuator module includes an electromagnetic actuator equipped with an energizeable coil assembly, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position with respect to ratchet teeth formed on a second clutch member of the clutch module, and a strut spring biasing the strut toward its released position. The strut spring is configured to provide an anti-tilting feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Cioc, Stephen Yang
  • Publication number: 20190226534
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an actuator module with a direct action configuration provided between a linearly-moveable actuation component of a power-operated actuator and a pivotably moveable locking element. In particular, the actuator module is equipped with a solenoid having an energizeable coil assembly, a linearly-moveable plunger having a tip portion, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position due to engagement with the tip portion of the plunger, and a strut biasing arrangement biasing the strut toward its released position. In addition, various strut/actuator interface arrangements are provided between the tip of the plunger of the solenoid actuator and the strut to control movement of the strut between its released and locked positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Adrian CIOC, Stephen YANG
  • Publication number: 20190226533
    Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having a clutch module and an actuator module mounted to a first clutch member of the clutch module. The actuator module includes an electromagnetic actuator equipped with an energizeable coil assembly, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position with respect to ratchet teeth formed on a second clutch member of the clutch module, and a strut spring biasing the strut toward its released position. The strut spring is configured to provide an anti-tilting feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Adrian CIOC, Stephen YANG
  • Patent number: 9739322
    Abstract: A clutch module which includes a first rotating member including at least one strut actuation module and a second engaged member including cam surfaces thereon for engagement by said strut actuation module. The strut actuation module includes a frame with a strut pivotally movable with respect to the frame. The strut includes an engagement end and a base end including a first side and a second side thereof. A pin or post portion extends from the frame and has an insulated bobbin with an energizable coil surrounding the bobbin. A U-shaped member including a pair of actuation legs is attached to the pin member and forms a magnetic gap between the base end of the strut and peripheral ends of the legs, such that when the coil is energized the peripheral ends of the legs are polarized in a first polarity and the frame and the strut are polarized with an opposite polarity thereby biasing the strut toward the peripheral ends and pivoting the actuation end into engagement with a cam surface of the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Greene, Adrian Cioc
  • Publication number: 20150377306
    Abstract: A clutch module which includes a first rotating member including at least one strut actuation module and a second engaged member including cam surfaces thereon for engagement by said strut actuation module. The strut actuation module includes a frame with a strut pivotally movable with respect to the frame. The strut includes an engagement end and a base end including a first side and a second side thereof. A pin or post portion extends from the frame and has an insulated bobbin with an energizable coil surrounding the bobbin. A U-shaped member including a pair of actuation legs is attached to the pin member and forms a magnetic gap between the base end of the strut and peripheral ends of the legs, such that when the coil is energized the peripheral ends of the legs are polarized in a first polarity and the frame and the strut are polarized with an opposite polarity thereby biasing the strut toward the peripheral ends and pivoting the actuation end into engagement with a cam surface of the engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Darrell Greene, Adrian Cioc