Patents by Inventor Loren T McDaniel
Loren T McDaniel 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).
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Publication number: 20220396378Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for a core of a space habitat. The core includes a plurality of internal beams extending a length of the core. The core also includes a plurality of end rings at a first end of the core and a second end of the core, the plurality of end rings spaced the length of the core. The core also includes an internal ring coupled to the internal beams between the first end and the second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Charles John Hatsell, Loren T. McDaniel, Eric Charles Schleicher, Grant Robert Woods
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Patent number: 11454303Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220120340Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10704687Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit, a shift actuator, various sensors, and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Loren T. McDaniel
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Patent number: 10703372Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV) having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. A control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also possible. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Jeremy Carter, Brad P. Pohl, Loren T. McDaniel, Cyril Keilers, Tim Ruggles, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Alan Mark Delz, Paul Argus Parks, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
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Publication number: 20200018384Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10208840Abstract: Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) having a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes, are provided. In some aspects, the CVTs include first and second rings on either side and in contact with the plurality of balls, and an idler assembly including an idler having a non-uniform outer diameter. The profile of the idler ensures lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT. A lubrication system may include a scraper configured to remove lubricant that accumulates in an interior of the CVT.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180148056Abstract: Methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Cyril Keilers, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Loren T. McDaniel, Jeremy Carter
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Publication number: 20180148055Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV) having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. A control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also possible. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Brad P. Pohl, Loren T. McDaniel, Cyril Keilers, Tim Ruggles, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Alan Mark Delz, Paul Argus Parks, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
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Publication number: 20180106349Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The IVT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Matthew R. Bazyn, Jeremy Carter, Charles B. Lohr, Curtis Malone, Loren T. McDaniel, Peter D. Poxton
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Patent number: 9878717Abstract: Methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Cyril Keilers, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M Vasiliotis, Loren T McDaniel, Jeremy Carter
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Patent number: 9878719Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Jeremy Carter, Brad P. Pohl, Loren T. McDaniel, Cyril Keilers, Tim Ruggles, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Alan Mark Delz, Paul Argus Parks, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
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Patent number: 9850993Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The IVT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Matthew R. Bazyn, Jeremy Carter, Charles B. Lohr, Curtis Malone, Loren T. McDaniel, Peter D. Poxton
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Publication number: 20170343105Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit, a shift actuator, various sensors, and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Loren T. McDaniel
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Publication number: 20170274903Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Brad P. Pohl, Loren T. McDaniel, Cyril Keilers, Tim Ruggles, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Alan Mark Delz, Paul Argus Parks, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
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Patent number: 9739375Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit, a shift actuator, various sensors, and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Loren T. McDaniel
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Patent number: 9676391Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Jeremy Carter, Brad P. Pohl, Loren T. McDaniel, Cyril Keilers, Tim Ruggles, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Alan Mark Delz, Paul Argus Parks, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
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Publication number: 20160362108Abstract: Methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Cyril Keilers, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M Vasiliotis, Loren T. McDaniel, Jeremy Carter
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Publication number: 20160244063Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Brad P. Pohl, Loren T. McDaniel, Cyril Keilers, Tim Ruggles, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Alan Mark Delz, Paul Argus Parks, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis
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Patent number: 9365203Abstract: Methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Cyril Keilers, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M Vasiliotis, Loren T McDaniel, Jeremy Carter