Patents by Inventor Richard E. Eastman
Richard E. Eastman 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: 6554731Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
-
Publication number: 20020155916Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye, Janet Brown
-
Patent number: 6458056Abstract: A power transfer system includes a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged across an interaxle differential, a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable to control actuation of the clutch assembly, sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the hydraulic clutch actuation system in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. The actuated condition of the clutch assembly is modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the operational characteristics of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
-
Patent number: 6398688Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
-
Publication number: 20020042318Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye, Janet Brown
-
Publication number: 20020035003Abstract: A power transfer system for a motor vehicle is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable to control actuation of the clutch assembly, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the hydraulic clutch actuation system in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
-
Patent number: 6354977Abstract: A power transfer system for a motor vehicle is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable to control actuation of the clutch assembly, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the hydraulic clutch actuation system in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
-
Publication number: 20010036879Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye, Janet Brown
-
Patent number: 6283887Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: David Brown, Richard E. Eastman, Sankar K. Mohan, Nancy Mintonye
-
Patent number: 5951429Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly and a synchronized range clutch which can be selectively shifted on-the-move for establishing four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Eastman
-
Patent number: 5743348Abstract: A power transfer system including a variable speed electric motor and a single speed transmission is disclosed for transferring power from a source of power to a pair of driven wheels. This arrangement is particularly adapted for use in electric vehicles incorporating a high speed electric motor. In a preferred embodiment, the single speed transmission includes a housing, an input shaft for receiving drive torque from the electric motor, at least one output shaft and an intermediate shaft supported for rotation of the housing between the input shaft and the output shaft. The single speed transmission further includes a parking sprag arrangement for preventing rotation of the output shaft when a park mode is selected.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Coppola, Richard E. Eastman, Ronald J. Mayville, Christopher W. Phelan, Michael S. Tianello, Sr., Alan P. Zajac, Sankar K. Mohan
-
Patent number: 5702321Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle. The power transfer system includes a layshaft gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Bakowski, Richard E. Eastman
-
Patent number: 5363938Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes or an "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into any of the two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1993Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Wilson, David Sperduti, Richard E. Eastman, Randy W. Adler, Joseph A. Winks
-
Patent number: 5346442Abstract: A synchronized shift arrangement is disclosed for shifting a planetary-type gear reduction assembly from a low-range operating mode to a high-range operating mode. This arrangement is particularly adapted for use in vehicular power transfer devices, such as four-wheel drive transfer cases, for allowing the vehicle operator to shift "on-the-fly" from a four-wheel low-range drive mode to a four-wheel high-range drive mode without the need of stopping the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1992Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Eastman
-
Patent number: 5332060Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer mechanism incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer mechanism is arranged to deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is further equipped with a linear actuator mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The linear actuator mechanism is preferably mounted directly to the transfer mechanism to substantially minimize the packaging requirements associated with the on-demand power transfer system while concomitantly enhancing in-service reliability and allowing pre-assembly of the transfer mechanism prior to final installation into the vehicle driveline.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1993Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: David Sperduti, Robert J. Wilson, Richard E. Eastman, Randy W. Adler, Sankar K. Mohan
-
Patent number: 5330030Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in conventional two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes or an "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into either of the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive modes. The system includes a transfer mechanism having a first and second output members coupled to first and second sets of wheels, respectively. The transfer mechanism has a transfer clutch that is operable for transferring drive torque from the first output member to the second output member to establish the part-time four-wheel drive and on-demand modes. A coupling mechanism is provided for mechanically coupling the first and second output members under certain conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Eastman, Robert J. Wilson, David Sperduti, Randy W. Adler
-
Patent number: 5323871Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer mechanism incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer mechanism is arranged to deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is further equipped with a rotary actuator mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The rotary actuator mechanism is preferably mounted directly to the transfer mechanism to substantially minimize the packaging requirements associated with the on-demand power transfer system while concomitantly enhancing in-service reliability and allowing pre-assembly of the transfer mechanism prior to final installation into the vehicle driveline.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Wilson, David Sperduti, Richard E. Eastman, Neville K. Divecha, Joseph A. Winks
-
Patent number: 5267914Abstract: A power transmission device for converting a four wheel drive vehicle is disclosed. The device utilizes the existing highway gear ratios available on standard front wheel drive vehicles. By incorporating an additional gear ratio for both the front and rear wheels, the lower gear ratios desired by off-road users are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1993Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Eastman, Richard A. Bakowski
-
Patent number: 5106351Abstract: A transfer case for a four wheel drive vehicle providing a central shaft defining a first output concentrically surrounded by a forward high/low drive range gear set and an aft dual planetary inter-axle differential gear set. A range clutch collar is disposed between the gear sets for selectively providing four wheel drive low range, neutral, and full-time four wheel drive high range. Likewise, a mode sleeve is disposed between the gear sets for selectively locking the differential gear set when the vehicle is shifted into its four wheel low range. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surround the aft dual planetary differntial gear set for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1991Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard E. Eastman, S. K. Varma
-
Patent number: 5078660Abstract: A transfer case for a four wheel drive vehicle providing a central shaft defining a first output concentrically surrounded by a forward high/low drive range gear set and an aft dual planetary inter-axle differential gear set. A range clutch collar is disposed between the gear sets for selectively providing four wheel drive low range, neutral, and full-time four wheel drive high range. Likewise, a mode sleeve is disposed between the gear sets for selectively locking the differential gear set when the vehicle is shifted into its four wheel low range. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surrounded the aft dual planetary differential gear set for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1991Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard E. Eastman, S. K. Varma