Patents by Inventor Nicholas W. LaForce

Nicholas W. LaForce 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: 11984794
    Abstract: A system for cooling and lubricating a rotor shaft bearing of an electric machine is provided. In one example, the system includes a plurality of oil passages that extend axially through a rotor shaft and open into a sealed cavity near a housing interface between an electric machine housing and gearbox housing to route oil to the rotor shaft bearing for cooling and lubrication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LaForce, Maxime Veillette
  • Publication number: 20240109410
    Abstract: Systems are provided for a coupling element. In one example, a system includes a coupling element comprising an elongated body, a first lobe coupled to a first end of the elongated body, and a second lobe coupled to a second end of the elongated body opposite the first end, wherein the elongated body comprises a top surface separated from the first lobe via a first recess and from the second lobe via a second recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Douglas B. KIEFER, Dennis T. MAHONEY
  • Patent number: 11719337
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an actuation system for a parking mechanism in a transmission system of a vehicle. In one example, a system may include a protrusion positioned at one end of a higher diameter portion of a cam, the protrusion positioned to contact a pawl upon engagement of the pawl with a parking gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Brian V. Knapke, Nicholas W. Laforce, Aaron D. Gries, Robert D. Keller
  • Publication number: 20230243413
    Abstract: An axle system is provided herein. In one example, the axle system includes a gearbox housing at least partially enclosing a gearbox and a planetary gearset that is rotationally coupled to an output of the gearbox and positioned co-axial with a rotational axis of an axle shaft in a differential. The planetary gearset includes a ring gear grounded by a planetary support that is attached to the gearbox housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Andrew T. BRAMMER
  • Patent number: 11655890
    Abstract: An axle system is provided herein. In one example, the axle system includes a gearbox housing at least partially enclosing a gearbox and a planetary gearset that is rotationally coupled to an output of the gearbox and positioned co-axial with a rotational axis of an axle shaft in a differential. The planetary gearset includes a ring gear grounded by a planetary support that is attached to the gearbox housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Laforce, Andrew T. Brammer
  • Publication number: 20230110432
    Abstract: A system for cooling and lubricating a rotor shaft bearing of an electric machine is provided. In one example, the system includes a plurality of oil passages that extend axially through a rotor shaft and open into a sealed cavity near a housing interface between an electric machine housing and gearbox housing to route oil to the rotor shaft bearing for cooling and lubrication thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Maxime VEILLETTE
  • Publication number: 20220307596
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an actuation system for a parking mechanism in a transmission system of a vehicle. In one example, a system may include a protrusion positioned at one end of a higher diameter portion of a cam, the protrusion positioned to contact a pawl upon engagement of the pawl with a parking gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Brian V. KNAPKE, Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Aaron D. GRIES, Robert D. KELLER
  • Publication number: 20220268349
    Abstract: An axle system is provided herein. In one example, the axle system includes a gearbox housing at least partially enclosing a gearbox and a planetary gearset that is rotationally coupled to an output of the gearbox and positioned co-axial with a rotational axis of an axle shaft in a differential. The planetary gearset includes a ring gear grounded by a planetary support that is attached to the gearbox housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Andrew T. BRAMMER
  • Patent number: 11338660
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle, including a gear assembly including a gear assembly housing defining a hollow portion therein, a first gear shaft having a first gear, a second gear shaft having a second gear and a third gear, wherein at least a portion of the second gear is drivingly connected to the first gear and the third gear, and at least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within the hollow portion of the gear assembly housing; a motor assembly having an output shaft that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of the gear assembly; and a first mounting assembly including a portion integrally connected to the modular electric head assembly and a portion integrally connected to a support member of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the third gear is drivingly connected to a pair of drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Laforce, Steven G. Slesinski, Harry W. Trost, George A. Willford
  • Patent number: 11247548
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle. An axle assembly of the vehicle includes a banjo portion with a first opening extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of an inboard side of the banjo portion. At least a portion of a differential assembly disposed within at the banjo portion of the axle assembly and is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a gear assembly. The gear assembly is also drivingly connected to a motor output shaft. At least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within a hollow portion of a gear assembly housing. An outboard portion of the gear assembly housing has a mounting flange that is integrally connected to the inboard side of the banjo portion. A first and second protruding portion extends from the axle assembly mounting flange and provides rotational support for the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Thibault G. Devreese, Wouter Wa Galoppin, Nicholas W. Laforce, Lewis H. Nickell, Robert L. Vailliencourt, Steven J. Wesolowski, George A. Willford, Ned W. Wright
  • Patent number: 11220150
    Abstract: An electric axle drivetrain assembly for use in a vehicle. The electric axle drivetrain assembly includes a motor that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a differential assembly. Drivingly connected to ends of the differential assembly is a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft. At least a portion of a first and second wheel end assembly is connected to at least a portion of an end of the first and second axle half shafts opposite the differential assembly. A vehicle suspension system having a support member has a first hub carrier portion connected to a first end portion thereof and a second hub carrier portion connected to a second end portion thereof. Connected to at least a portion of a chassis is the motor and/or the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Laforce, Seth A. Metzger, Brian Thisse, Robert L. Vailliencourt, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
  • Publication number: 20210362577
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle, including a gear assembly including a gear assembly housing defining a hollow portion therein, a first gear shaft having a first gear, a second gear shaft having a second gear and a third gear, wherein at least a portion of the second gear is drivingly connected to the first gear and the third gear, and at least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within the hollow portion of the gear assembly housing; a motor assembly having an output shaft that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of the gear assembly; and a first mounting assembly including a portion integrally connected to the modular electric head assembly and a portion integrally connected to a support member of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the third gear is drivingly connected to a pair of drive shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Steven G. SLESINSKI, Harry W. TROST, George A. WILLFORD
  • Patent number: 11047463
    Abstract: An axle system for a vehicle having an input shaft and an input helical gear. Circumferentially extending from at least a portion of an outer surface of an intermediate portion of the input shaft is an increased diameter portion. A bearing journal surface is disposed directly adjacent to a first end portion of the increase diameter portion and a tapered roller bearing journal surface is disposed directly adjacent to a second end portion of the increased diameter portion of the input shaft. Disposed outboard from the bearing journal surface is a bearing and a tapered roller bearing is disposed outboard from the tapered roller bearing journal surface of the input shaft. At least a portion of the tapered roller bearing is disposed with a tapered roller bearing receiving portion circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an inner surface of an input helical side gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley R. Archer, Jeremy M. Frenznick, Nicholas W. Laforce, Paul V. Mackalski, Matthew T. Malanga, Jared T. Reichert
  • Publication number: 20200346506
    Abstract: An electric axle drivetrain assembly for use in a vehicle. The electric axle drivetrain assembly includes a motor that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a differential assembly. Drivingly connected to ends of the differential assembly is a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft. At least a portion of a first and second wheel end assembly is connected to at least a portion of an end of the first and second axle half shafts opposite the differential assembly. A vehicle suspension system having a support member has a first hub carrier portion connected to a first end portion thereof and a second hub carrier portion connected to a second end portion thereof. Connected to at least a portion of a chassis is the motor and/or the differential assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Seth A. METZGER, Brian THISSE, Robert L. VAILLIENCOURT, Steven J. WESOLOWSKI, James F. ZIECH
  • Publication number: 20200108706
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle. An axle assembly of the vehicle includes a banjo portion with a first opening extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of an inboard side of the banjo portion. At least a portion of a differential assembly disposed within at the banjo portion of the axle assembly and is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a gear assembly. The gear assembly is also drivingly connected to a motor output shaft. At least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within a hollow portion of a gear assembly housing. An outboard portion of the gear assembly housing has a mounting flange that is integrally connected to the inboard side of the banjo portion. A first and second protruding portion extends from the axle assembly mounting flange and provides rotational support for the differential assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: THIBAULT G. DEVREESE, WOUTER WA GALOPPIN, NICHOLAS W. LAFORCE, LEWIS H. NICKELL, ROBERT L. VAILLIENCOURT, STEVEN J. WESOLOWSKI, GEORGE A. WILLFORD, NED W. WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20190308498
    Abstract: An axle system for a vehicle having an input shaft and an input helical gear. Circumferentially extending from at least a portion of an outer surface of an intermediate portion of the input shaft is an increased diameter portion. A bearing journal surface is disposed directly adjacent to a first end portion of the increase diameter portion and a tapered roller bearing journal surface is disposed directly adjacent to a second end portion of the increased diameter portion of the input shaft. Disposed outboard from the bearing journal surface is a bearing and a tapered roller bearing is disposed outboard from the tapered roller bearing journal surface of the input shaft. At least a portion of the tapered roller bearing is disposed with a tapered roller bearing receiving portion circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an inner surface of an input helical side gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: BRADLEY R. ARCHER, JEREMY M. FRENZNICK, NICHOLAS W. LAFORCE, PAUL V. MACKALSKI, MATTHEW T. MALANGA, JARED T. REICHERT
  • Patent number: 10253857
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including an electric motor having a hollow rotor shaft disposed in an axle housing, a first planetary gear set, a second a planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set is drivingly connected to the rotor shaft and a first transfer shaft. The second planetary gear set is drivingly connected to the first transfer shaft and a second transfer shaft and has ring gear selectively fixed to the axle housing. The third planetary gear set is drivingly connected to the first transfer shaft and an output gear and has a ring gear rotationally fixed to the axle housing. Clutches are selectively engaged to rotationally fix the ring gears to the axle housing. The rotor shaft and first transfer shaft are coaxially with respect to each other and axle half shafts of a transaxle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas W. LaForce
  • Publication number: 20180216713
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including an electric motor having a hollow rotor shaft disposed in an axle housing, a first planetary gear set, a second a planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set is drivingly connected to the rotor shaft and a first transfer shaft. The second planetary gear set is drivingly connected to the first transfer shaft and a second transfer shaft and has ring gear selectively fixed to the axle housing. The third planetary gear set is drivingly connected to the first transfer shaft and an output gear and has a ring gear rotationally fixed to the axle housing. Clutches are selectively engaged to rotationally fix the ring gears to the axle housing. The rotor shaft and first transfer shaft are coaxially with respect to each other and axle half shafts of a transaxle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas W. LaForce