Patents by Inventor Lucas A. Balistreri

Lucas A. Balistreri 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: 11859708
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a lubrication system based on an axle configuration of a tandem axle with a disconnect feature. In one example, a method may include adjusting an oil level in an axle sump of a tandem axle based on an axle configuration of the tandem axle (e.g., whether the tandem axle is operating with one of a 6×4 axle configuration and a 6×2 axle configuration), the axle sump selectably coupled to an external reservoir via a first passage and a second passage, the first passage including an electric pump, the second passage including a valve, and the tandem axle coupled to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In this way, an amount of oil in the axle sump may be adjusted based on the tandem axle configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Shane T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230175581
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a lubrication system based on an axle configuration of a tandem axle with a disconnect feature. In one example, a method may include adjusting an oil level in an axle sump of a tandem axle based on an axle configuration of the tandem axle (e.g., whether the tandem axle is operating with one of a 6×4 axle configuration and a 6×2 axle configuration), the axle sump selectably coupled to an external reservoir via a first passage and a second passage, the first passage including an electric pump, the second passage including a valve, and the tandem axle coupled to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In this way, an amount of oil in the axle sump may be adjusted based on the tandem axle configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Lucas A. BALISTRERI, Shane T. SMITH
  • Patent number: 11598409
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a lubrication system based on an axle configuration of a tandem axle with a disconnect feature. In one example, a method may include adjusting an oil level in an axle sump of a tandem axle based on an axle configuration of the tandem axle (e.g., whether the tandem axle is operating with one of a 6×4 axle configuration and a 6×2 axle configuration), the axle sump selectably coupled to an external reservoir via a first passage and a second passage, the first passage including an electric pump, the second passage including a valve, and the tandem axle coupled to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In this way, an amount of oil in the axle sump may be adjusted based on the tandem axle configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Shane T. Smith
  • Patent number: 11345193
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a tire pressure management system including an axle having an axle end portion and a rotary joint assembly disposed outboard of the axle end portion. The rotary joint has a rotary hub, a non-rotating tube spindle at least partially disposed within the rotary hub, the tube spindle having a tube spindle hollow central chamber, an air seal provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle, and a bearing assembly provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle. The bearing assembly is positioned outboard of the air seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Shad J. Falls, Jason M. Sidders, Steven G. Slesinski
  • Patent number: 11292300
    Abstract: A wheel hub assembly having a non-rotating outer bearing flange and an inner bearing flange disposed at least partially concentrically within the outer bearing flange. At least one rolling element is disposed radially between the outer bearing flange and the inner bearing flange. A port is disposed in the outer bearing flange, and a first conduit is disposed through the outer bearing flange in fluid communication with the fluid port. A second conduit is disposed through the inner bearing flange, wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit. A rotating spindle is disposed at least partially through the inner bearing flange, and the spindle is coupled for rotation with the inner bearing flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Jason M. Sidders
  • Patent number: 11242924
    Abstract: Provided herein is an axle assembly, including: a carrier housing defining an interior cavity; a pinion shaft rotatably supported in the carrier housing by at least one bearing; a lubricant channel disposed in the carrier housing, the lubricant channel having a first end in fluid communication with the at least one bearing and a second end in fluid communication with the interior cavity; and a lubricant controller at least partially disposed in the lubricant channel, wherein the lubricant controller includes a lubricant capture portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Shane T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210404546
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a lubrication system based on an axle configuration of a tandem axle with a disconnect feature. In one example, a method may include adjusting an oil level in an axle sump of a tandem axle based on an axle configuration of the tandem axle (e.g., whether the tandem axle is operating with one of a 6×4 axle configuration and a 6×2 axle configuration), the axle sump selectably coupled to an external reservoir via a first passage and a second passage, the first passage including an electric pump, the second passage including a valve, and the tandem axle coupled to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In this way, an amount of oil in the axle sump may be adjusted based on the tandem axle configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Lucas A. BALISTRERI, Shane T. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20210054920
    Abstract: Provided herein is an axle assembly, including: a carrier housing defining an interior cavity; a pinion shaft rotatably supported in the carrier housing by at least one bearing; a lubricant channel disposed in the carrier housing, the lubricant channel having a first end in fluid communication with the at least one bearing and a second end in fluid communication with the interior cavity; and a lubricant controller at least partially disposed in the lubricant channel, wherein the lubricant controller includes a lubricant capture portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: LUCAS A. BALISTRERI, SHANE T. SMITH
  • Patent number: 10864783
    Abstract: An assembly for a tire inflation system includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a base portion (56) and a cap portion (58). The base portion has a base perforation (90). The base perforation (90) is in fluid communication with a base cavity. The cap portion (58) is attached to the base portion (56). The cap portion (58) has a cap perforation (54) formed therein. The cap perforation (54) is in selective fluid communication with the base cavity. A piston (62) is disposed in the base cavity. A first area (A1) is defined by the base perforation (90), a second area (A2) is defined by the lateral area of a cylindrical space between the piston (62) and the cap portion (58), and a third area (A3) is defined by the cap perforation (54). The second area (A2) is greater than the first area (A1) and the third area (A3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Pheng Lee
  • Patent number: 10807413
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a spindle yoke defining at least one fluid conduit therethrough. A collector ring disposed about the spindle yoke. A seal housing coupled with a knuckle, and the seal housing disposed coaxially with the collector ring. First and second rotary seals disposed radially between the collector ring and the seal housing. Additionally, a port disposed in the knuckle, wherein the port is in fluid communication with the spindle yoke at least one fluid conduit via the seal housing and the collector ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Lucas A. Balistreri
  • Patent number: 10625543
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing. A first chamber (32) is provided in the housing. A second chamber (38) is provided in the housing. The second chamber is selectively in fluid communication with the first chamber. A third chamber (44) is provided in the housing. The third chamber is selectively in fluid communication with the second chamber. A deflate piston (120) is at least partially provided in the third chamber and the second chamber. The deflate piston (120) selectively permits or prevents fluid communication between the second chamber and the third chamber. An inflate piston (72) is attached to the deflate piston (120). The inflate piston (72) is at least partially provided in the second chamber and the first chamber. The inflate piston (72) selectively permits or prevents fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Lucas A. Balistreri
  • Patent number: 10625544
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing having a first perforation and a second perforation. The first perforation is selectively in fluid communication with the second perforation. A shuttle assembly is provided in the housing. A failsafe piston is connected to the shuttle assembly. A first biasing member applies a bias to the failsafe piston. A second biasing member applies a bias to the shuttle assembly. When a pressure differential between a pressure in the second perforation and a pressure in the first perforation is at or below a predetermined value, the bias applied by the first biasing member urges the failsafe piston toward the shuttle assembly to prevent fluid communication between the first perforation and the second perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Lucas A. Balistreri
  • Publication number: 20200016931
    Abstract: An axle assembly includes at least one axle. An axle housing having a center portion and at least one arm portion that extends from the center portion is provided: The at least one arm portion receives the at least one axle. A conduit assembly directs lubricant from the center portion to the at least one arm portion. The conduit assembly includes one or more restrictions that impede a flow of the lubricant in the conduit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventor: Lucas A. Balistreri
  • Publication number: 20200009924
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a tire pressure management system including an axle having an axle end portion and a rotary joint assembly disposed outboard of the axle end portion. The rotary joint has a rotary hub, a non-rotating tube spindle at least partially disposed within the rotary hub, the tube spindle having a tube spindle hollow central chamber, an air seal provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle, and a bearing assembly provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle. The bearing assembly is positioned outboard of the air seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Shad J. Falls, Jason M. Sidders, Steven G. Slesinski
  • Publication number: 20190366783
    Abstract: A wheel hub assembly having a non-rotating outer bearing flange and an inner bearing flange disposed at least partially concentrically within the outer bearing flange. At least one rolling element is disposed radially between the outer bearing flange and the inner bearing flange. A port is disposed in the outer bearing flange, and a first conduit is disposed through the outer bearing flange in fluid communication with the fluid port. A second conduit is disposed through the inner bearing flange, wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit. A rotating spindle is disposed at least partially through the inner bearing flange, and the spindle is coupled for rotation with the inner bearing flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. BALISTRERI, Jason M. SIDDERS
  • Patent number: 10479150
    Abstract: A wheel valve assembly having a body portion coupled with a cover portion. A diaphragm disposed between the body portion and the cover portion. A first biasing member disposed between the cover portion and the diaphragm in a cover cavity defined thereby. A control cavity defined by the body portion and the diaphragm, and at least one control port defined by the body portion and in fluid communication with the control cavity. A tire port defined by the body portion and in selective fluid communication with the control cavity. A first and second conduit disposed in the body portion in fluid communication with a third and fourth conduit disposed in the cover portion. An equalization valve assembly disposed in one of the conduits to control fluid communication between the cover cavity and the control cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Christopher D. Blessing, Philip M. Molloy, Jason M. Sidders
  • Publication number: 20190126693
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing having a first perforation and a second perforation. The first perforation is selectively in fluid communication with the second perforation. A shuttle assembly is provided in the housing. A failsafe piston is connected to the shuttle assembly. A first biasing member applies a bias to the failsafe piston. A second biasing member applies a bias to the shuttle assembly. When a pressure differential between a pressure in the second perforation and a pressure in the first perforation is at or below a predetermined value, the bias applied by the first biasing member urges the failsafe piston toward the shuttle assembly to prevent fluid communication between the first perforation and the second perforation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: LUCAS A. BALISTRERI
  • Publication number: 20190047335
    Abstract: An assembly for a tire inflation system includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a base portion (56) and a cap portion (58). The base portion has a base perforation (90). The base perforation (90) is in fluid communication with a base cavity. The cap portion (58) is attached to the base portion (56). The cap portion (58) has a cap perforation (54) formed therein. The cap perforation (54) is in selective fluid communication with the base cavity. A piston (62) is disposed in the base cavity. A first area (A1) is defined by the base perforation (90), a second area (A2) is defined by the lateral area of a cylindrical space between the piston (62) and the cap portion (58), and a third area (A3) is defined by the cap perforation (54). The second area (A2) is greater than the first area (A1) and the third area (A3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: LUCAS A. BALISTRERI, PHENG LEE
  • Publication number: 20190016182
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing. A first chamber (32) is provided in the housing. A second chamber (38) is provided in the housing. The second chamber is selectively in fluid communication with the first chamber. A third chamber (44) is provided in the housing. The third chamber is selectively in fluid communication with the second chamber. A deflate piston (120) is at least partially provided in the third chamber and the second chamber. The deflate piston (120) selectively permits or prevents fluid communication between the second chamber and the third chamber. An inflate piston (72) is attached to the deflate piston (120). The inflate piston (72) is at least partially provided in the second chamber and the first chamber. The inflate piston (72) selectively permits or prevents fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: LUCAS A. BALISTRERI
  • Publication number: 20180215201
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a spindle yoke defining at least one fluid conduit therethrough. A collector ring disposed about the spindle yoke. A seal housing coupled with a knuckle, and the seal housing disposed coaxially with the collector ring. First and second rotary seals disposed radially between the collector ring and the seal housing. Additionally, a port disposed in the knuckle, wherein the port is in fluid communication with the spindle yoke at least one fluid conduit via the seal housing and the collector ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Lucas A. Balistreri