Patents by Inventor Fernand A. Thomassy

Fernand A. Thomassy 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: 7967719
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Matthew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
  • Patent number: 7963880
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Matthew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
  • Patent number: 7959533
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Patent number: 7909727
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Matthew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
  • Publication number: 20110034284
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a control reference nut coupled to a feedback cam and operably coupled to a skew cam. In some embodiments, the skew cam is configured to interact with carrier plates of a CVT. Various inventive feedback cams and skew cams can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier plates. In some embodiments, a neutralizer assembly is operably coupled to the carrier plates. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles Lohr
  • Patent number: 7871353
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong, Charles B Lohr, Loren T McDaniel, Matthew P Simister, Fernand A Thomassy, Ghayyurul I Usmani, Paul M Elhardt, Terry L Stewart, Peter D Poxton, Elton L Eidson
  • Publication number: 20100267510
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Gregory G. Stevenson, Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Jeremy Carter, John W. Sherrill, Brian B. Sweet
  • Patent number: 7785228
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a torsion disc for a CVT. The torsion disc includes a splined bore about its central axis, an annular recess formed in the disc for receiving the race of a bearing, and a raised surface for supporting a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the torsion disc includes a number of holes for receiving dowels that support a torsion spring. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Matthew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
  • Patent number: 7762919
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Oronde J. Armstrong, Donald C. Miller, Daniel J. Dawe, Fernand A. Thomassy, Matthew P. Simister, Wesley R. Poth, Jon M. Nichols, Charles B. Lohr
  • Patent number: 7762920
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Matthew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
  • Publication number: 20100093480
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
  • Publication number: 20100056322
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Fernand A. Thomassy
  • Publication number: 20080261771
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Publication number: 20080248917
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Publication number: 20080236319
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Publication number: 20080200300
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Oronde J. Armstrong, Donald C. Miller, Daniel J. Dawe, Fernand A. Thomassy, Matthew P. Simister, Wesley R. Poth, Jon M. Nichols, Charles B. Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080034586
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080034585
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039269
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039277
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr