Patents by Inventor Shaun E. Mepham
Shaun E. Mepham 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: 20180119786Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power is transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. In some embodiments, a powertrain is configured to have a ball-type variator and two planetary gear sets. Clutches selectively engagement members of the variator to provide multiple modes of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Joseph S. VanSelous
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Patent number: 9206862Abstract: A dual clutch transmission (DCT) with double-range change. In one embodiment, the dual clutch transmission includes odd and even lay shafts and a separate range change shaft for each, thereby providing a range change for both the odd and even gear sets. The input shaft may include an extension gear that can be selectively driven by the inner input shaft or the outer input shaft to provide additional gear pairings. The extension gear may include a synchronizer on each face to allow it to be coupled to either the outer or inner input shaft. The transmission may include a reverse shaft coupled with the even lay shaft. The transmission may include a dual half synchronizer having a single hub and a split sleeve. The parts of the split sleeve are separately movable to allow independent synchronization of two pairs of rotating components.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Ricardo, Inc.Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Joseph S. VanSelous, Daniel A. Bihn
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Publication number: 20140366665Abstract: A dual clutch transmission (DCT) with double-range change. In one embodiment, the dual clutch transmission includes odd and even lay shafts and a separate range change shaft for each, thereby providing a range change for both the odd and even gear sets. The input shaft may include an extension gear that can be selectively driven by the inner input shaft or the outer input shaft to provide additional gear pairings. The extension gear may include a synchronizer on each face to allow it to be coupled to either the outer or inner input shaft. The transmission may include a reverse shaft coupled with the even lay shaft. The transmission may include a dual half synchronizer having a single hub and a split sleeve. The parts of the split sleeve are separately movable to allow independent synchronization of two pairs of rotating components.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Joseph S. VanSelous, Daniel A. Bihn
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Patent number: 8523734Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission for transmitting power from a prime mover and a stored source of energy to a final drive shaft. The transmission may include an input shaft to receive torque from the prime mover, a countershaft operatively coupled to the final drive shaft, a plurality of gear pairs each defining a torque path from the input shaft to the countershaft, a synchromesh clutch assembly to selectively couple the input shaft with a desired gear pair, and first and second electric machines rotatably carried by the input shaft. The first electric machine can provide a motive force to the final drive shaft and the second electric machine can covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy. Additionally, the first and second electric machines can provide supplemental torque to the output shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in torque path.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Ricardo, Inc.Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Jonathan P. Brentnall, Cameron P. Williams, Eric Sharkness, Felipe V. Brandao
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Publication number: 20130206533Abstract: Control systems and methods for a dual clutch transmission are provided. The control system includes a first pump for providing a first fluid to actuate the dual clutch assembly, a second pump for providing a second fluid to cool the dual clutch assembly, and a motor operatively coupled to the first and second pumps. The motor is operable in first and second directions, wherein the first pump is responsive to operation of the motor in the first direction and the second pump is responsive to operation of the motor in the second direction. The first and second pumps can be coupled to the motor about a common transfer shaft. By selectively reversing motor rotation, the motor drives the first and second pumps to provide a flow rate of hydraulic fluid and to provide a flow rate of lubricating fluid, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: RICARDO, INC.Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Eric Sharkness
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Publication number: 20100120580Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission for transmitting power from a prime mover and a stored source of energy to a final drive shaft. The transmission may include an input shaft to receive torque from the prime mover, a countershaft operatively coupled to the final drive shaft, a plurality of gear pairs each defining a torque path from the input shaft to the countershaft, a synchromesh clutch assembly to selectively couple the input shaft with a desired gear pair, and first and second electric machines rotatably carried by the input shaft. The first electric machine can provide a motive force to the final drive shaft and the second electric machine can covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy. Additionally, the first and second electric machines can provide supplemental torque to the output shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in torque path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: RICARDO, INC.Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Jonathan P. Brentnall, Cameron P. Williams, Eric Sharkness, Felipe V. Brandao
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Patent number: 6892598Abstract: A gear change mechanism is provided which is intended for a gearbox in which changes of the gear ratio in the gearbox are made mechanically in response to actuating signals. The mechanical movements required are as for a conventional gearbox having a H type pattern. A gearbox selector (20) is mounted for movement about an axis and in the direction of the axis. The selector is operable by two actuators (16 and 18), one (16) to move the selector about its axis and the other (18) to move it in the axial direction. Each actuator can be similar having a cylinder and a shaft and annular pistons located about the shaft. For the rotational movement of the selector three positions are required, a neutral, a gear engaged position in one direction and a gear engaged position in the other direction. For movements in the direction of the axis two, three or four positions are required depending upon whether it is a two, three or four rail gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Prodrive 2000 LimitedInventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Simon P. Bull, Roland J. Broadbent
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Publication number: 20040221676Abstract: A gear change mechanism is provided which is intended for a gearbox in which changes of the gear ratio in the gearbox are made mechanically in response to actuating signals. The mechanical movements required are as for a conventional gearbox having a H type pattern. A gearbox selector (20) is mounted for movement about an axis and in the direction of the axis. The selector is operable by two actuators (16 and 18), one (16) to move the selector about its axis and the other (18) to move it in the axial direction. Each actuator can be similar having a cylinder and a shaft and annular pistons located about the shaft. For the rotational movement of the selector three positions are required, a neutral, a gear engaged position in one direction and a gear engaged position in the other direction. For movements in the direction of the axis two, three or four positions are required depending upon whether it is a two, three or four rail gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Simon P. Bull, Roland J Broadbent