Patents by Inventor Eric Sharkness

Eric Sharkness 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).

  • Publication number: 20240019020
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein for an interface that reduces loads transferred across the interface, wherein the interface couples a pair of independently actuated rotating shafts. A first tapered bearing is coupled to a first rotating shaft. A second tapered bearing is coupled to a second rotating shaft. A central bearing is arranged between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are preloaded against each other through the central bearing. The central bearing enables the forces generated by one rotating shaft to oppose and cancel out the forces generated by the second rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jefferey Ziemba, Eric Sharkness
  • Patent number: 9878768
    Abstract: A marine transmission includes a synchronizer on a counter rotating shaft to shift into a high speed gear. The synchronizer includes friction surfaces on both sides of the gear body for the high speed gear. The high speed gear mesh is helical and generates axial force that enhances the torque carrying capacity of synchronizing friction surfaces, thereby enabling the shifting into the high speed gear without torque interrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. VanSelous, Eric Sharkness, Jiri Jager
  • Patent number: 9133910
    Abstract: A marine transmission includes a synchronizer on a counter rotating shaft to shift into a high speed gear. The synchronizer includes friction surfaces on both sides of the gear body for the high speed gear. The high speed gear mesh is helical and generates axial force that enhances the torque carrying capacity of synchronizing friction surfaces, thereby enabling the shifting into the high speed gear without torque interrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. VanSelous, Eric Sharkness, Jiri Jager
  • Patent number: 8523734
    Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission for transmitting power from a prime mover and a stored source of energy to a final drive shaft. The transmission may include an input shaft to receive torque from the prime mover, a countershaft operatively coupled to the final drive shaft, a plurality of gear pairs each defining a torque path from the input shaft to the countershaft, a synchromesh clutch assembly to selectively couple the input shaft with a desired gear pair, and first and second electric machines rotatably carried by the input shaft. The first electric machine can provide a motive force to the final drive shaft and the second electric machine can covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy. Additionally, the first and second electric machines can provide supplemental torque to the output shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in torque path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ricardo, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Jonathan P. Brentnall, Cameron P. Williams, Eric Sharkness, Felipe V. Brandao
  • Publication number: 20130206533
    Abstract: Control systems and methods for a dual clutch transmission are provided. The control system includes a first pump for providing a first fluid to actuate the dual clutch assembly, a second pump for providing a second fluid to cool the dual clutch assembly, and a motor operatively coupled to the first and second pumps. The motor is operable in first and second directions, wherein the first pump is responsive to operation of the motor in the first direction and the second pump is responsive to operation of the motor in the second direction. The first and second pumps can be coupled to the motor about a common transfer shaft. By selectively reversing motor rotation, the motor drives the first and second pumps to provide a flow rate of hydraulic fluid and to provide a flow rate of lubricating fluid, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: RICARDO, INC.
    Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Eric Sharkness
  • Publication number: 20100120580
    Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission for transmitting power from a prime mover and a stored source of energy to a final drive shaft. The transmission may include an input shaft to receive torque from the prime mover, a countershaft operatively coupled to the final drive shaft, a plurality of gear pairs each defining a torque path from the input shaft to the countershaft, a synchromesh clutch assembly to selectively couple the input shaft with a desired gear pair, and first and second electric machines rotatably carried by the input shaft. The first electric machine can provide a motive force to the final drive shaft and the second electric machine can covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy. Additionally, the first and second electric machines can provide supplemental torque to the output shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in torque path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: RICARDO, INC.
    Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Jonathan P. Brentnall, Cameron P. Williams, Eric Sharkness, Felipe V. Brandao
  • Patent number: 7032332
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6941687
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6886278
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030230010
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030226292
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6647721
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech, Eric Sharkness, David W. Swaim, Guy T. Stoever, Ian MacLeod
  • Patent number: 6640409
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a swing damping circuit to a work vehicle such as a backhoe includes disconnecting a boom swing valve from a boom swing cylinder, and coupling the swing damping circuit to the boom swing valve. Alternatively, it may include replacing a boom swing valve with a combined boom swing valve and swing damping circuit that form a unitary valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030084663
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech, Eric Sharkness, David W. Swaim, Guy T. Stoever, Ian MacLeod
  • Publication number: 20030056353
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a swing damping circuit to a work vehicle such as a backhoe includes disconnecting a boom swing valve from a boom swing cylinder, and coupling the swing damping circuit to the boom swing valve. Alternatively, it may include replacing a boom swing valve with a combined boom swing valve and swing damping circuit that form a unitary valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: CASE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030056405
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: CASE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6532738
    Abstract: A system for damping incipient oscillation in a linkage such as a backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the two supply lines that provide hydraulic fluid to a linkage actuator such as a boom swing hydraulic cylinder. The crossover valve is configured to open in response to the deceleration of the backhoe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6474064
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Heyne, Richard J. Lech, Eric Sharkness
  • Publication number: 20020038548
    Abstract: A system for damping incipient oscillation in a linkage such as a backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the two supply lines that provide hydraulic fluid to a linkage actuator such as a boom swing hydraulic cylinder. The crossover valve is configured to open in response to the deceleration of the backhoe assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: CASE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech