Patents by Inventor Travis J. Miller

Travis J. Miller 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).

  • Publication number: 20220213949
    Abstract: A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. DAVID, Daniel J. DAWE, Charles B. LOHR, III, Gordon M. MCINDOE, Travis J. MILLER, Sebastian J. PETERS, Patrick R. SEXTON
  • Patent number: 11306802
    Abstract: A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, Daniel J. Dawe, Charles B. Lohr, III, Gordon M. McIndoe, Travis J. Miller, Sebastian J. Peters, Patrick R. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20220034399
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Travis J. MILLER, Michael D. COOK, Jordan M. HOUSER, George A. WILLFORD, Mark A. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20220034400
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Travis J. MILLER, Michael D. COOK, Jordan M. HOUSER, George A. WILLFORD, Mark A. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20210229653
    Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable electric drivetrain (CVED) including a high ratio traction drive transmission and at least one of a first motor-generator and a second motor-generator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a an output speed, determining a kinematic output speed, and determining a slip state of the high ratio traction drive transmission based on a comparison of the output speed to the kinematic output speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. DAVID, Travis J. MILLER
  • Patent number: 11021144
    Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable electric drivetrain (CVED) including a high ratio traction drive transmission and at least one of a first motor-generator and a second motor-generator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a an output speed, determining a kinematic output speed, and determining a slip state of the high ratio traction drive transmission based on a comparison of the output speed to the kinematic output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, Travis J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20210095744
    Abstract: A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. DAVID, Daniel J. DAWE, Charles B. LOHR, III, Gordon M. MCINDOE, Travis J. MILLER, Sebastian J. PETERS, Patrick R. SEXTON
  • Publication number: 20200106337
    Abstract: An electric drive axle of a vehicle includes an electric motor having an output shaft. An idler assembly is drivingly coupled to the electric motor and a differential. The idler assembly includes a first gear-clutch assembly to facilitate a first gear ratio and a second gear-clutch assembly to facilitate a second gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Gowrisankar Devaraj, Eric M. Engerman, Charles B. Lohr, III, Gordon M. Mclndoe, Travis J. Miller, Ryan D. Nelms, Matthew Simister, Ned w. Wright
  • Publication number: 20200094808
    Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable electric drivetrain (CVED) including a high ratio traction drive transmission and at least one of a first motor-generator and a second motor-generator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a an output speed, determining a kinematic output speed, and determining a slip state of the high ratio traction drive transmission based on a comparison of the output speed to the kinematic output speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, Travis J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190275884
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle powertrain includind: a continuously variable electric drivetrain having a motor/generator and a ball-type continuously variable planetary having a first traction ring assembly and a second traction ring assembly in contact with a plurality of balls; a mode selection mechanism coupled to the continuously variable electric drivetrain; a differential coupled to the mode selection mechanism; a drive wheel axle operably coupled to the differential; and-a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the drive wheel axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, Gordon M. McIndoe, Travis J. Miller, Sebastian J. Peters, Patrick R. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20190184809
    Abstract: Regular series-parallel hybrid electric powertrains are two-motor HEV propulsion systems mated with a planetary gear, and most mild or full parallel hybrid systems are single motor systems with a gearbox or continuously variable transmission coupled with an electric machine. Coupling a ball-type continuously variable planetary (CVP), such as a VariGlide®, with one electric machine enables the creation of a parallel HEV architecture with the CVP functioning as a continuously variable transmission, and the motor providing the functionality of electric assist, starter motor capability, launch assist and regenerative braking. Two motor variants provide series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, Travis J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190154147
    Abstract: 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. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly having an array of balls, a planetary gear set coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, clutches are coupled to the gear sets to enable shifting of gear modes. In some embodiments, the speed ratio of the ball variator is adjusted in concert with the adjustment of clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: DANA LIMITED
    Inventors: CHARLES B. LOHR, III, TRAVIS J. MILLER, SEBASTIAN J. PETERS, WILLIAM F. WALTZ
  • Publication number: 20190078668
    Abstract: A powertrain including: a main shaft; a first variator having a first plurality of balls in contact with a first traction ring assembly and a second traction ring assembly, and each ball operably coupled to a first carrier assembly; a second variator having a second plurality of balls in contact with a third traction ring assembly and a fourth traction ring assembly, and each ball operably coupled to a second carrier assembly; and a planetary gear set having a ring gear, a planet carrier supporting a plurality of planet gears coupled to the ring gear, and a sun gear coupled to the plurality of the planet gears. The first variator, second variator, and planetary gear set are arranged coaxially along the main shaft. The first traction ring assembly is coupled to the planetary gear set and the second traction ring assembly is coupled to the third traction ring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, T. Neil McLemore, Travis J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190063588
    Abstract: Provided herein a vehicle including an engine, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, a ball-type planetary variator (CVP) and a controller configured to detect an over-temperature mode of operation, wherein the controller commands a change in a lube flow to the CVP based on the over-temperature mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, T. Neil McLemore, Travis J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20180252303
    Abstract: A device 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 continuously variable drive is configured to have a ball-type variator and two planetary gear sets. Clutches selectively engage members of the variator to provide multiple modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Berthold Martin, Travis J. Miller, Sebastian J. Peters
  • Publication number: 20180187774
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method and a control system for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission having a ball planetary variator. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. The transmission control module includes a CVP control module. In some embodiments, the transmission control module is configured to implement an off-road control process. The off-road control process receives a number of input signals indicative a driver's desired vehicle speed, and issues commands to adjust the variator to maintain the desired vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: T. Neil McLemore, Travis J. Miller, Sebastian J. Peters
  • Publication number: 20180187619
    Abstract: Provided herein is a control system and method for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission having a ball planetary variator. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. The transmission control module includes a CVP control module. In some embodiments, the transmission control module is adapted to implement a vehicle launch control process. The vehicle launch control process adjust the variator based on the vehicle speed and the driver's demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: T. Neil McLemore, Travis J. Miller, Sebastian J. Peters
  • Patent number: 9889462
    Abstract: A device comprises a cylinder and a tank. The cylinder includes a first disc and a second disc, multiple struts arranged orthogonally between the first disc and the second disc, and a plurality of walls, parallel to the first disc and the second disc. The struts generally form a circumference with spaces between each of the struts along the circumference; the walls extend through the space between the struts and beyond the circumference of the struts; and the walls form a plurality of tracks around the circumference of the struts. An axle extends orthogonally between the first disc and the second disc, and at least a portion of the cylinder rotates about the axle. The tank includes a basin to hold a liquid solution. When a catheter is wound around the cylinder, the rotation of the cylinder causes the catheter to be coated in the liquid solution from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: EndoCaddy, LLC
    Inventors: Sam S. Ahn, Travis J. Miller, Sheena Winwen Chen, Julia Fayanne Chen, William P. Murphy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9777798
    Abstract: A system and method for modifying a transmission in a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle to couple the transmission to an off-axis electric motor. The transmission includes a motor-driven gear that replaces or modifies an engine-driven reverse gear. The motor-driven gear is hard-splined to an output shaft of the transmission. An electric motor is coupled to the output shaft of the transmission via the motor-driven gear. The electric motor may thus be oriented along an axis that differs from the axis of the transmission's output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: David E. Klingston, Travis J. Miller, Goro Tamai
  • Publication number: 20170248213
    Abstract: 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. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly having two arrays of balls, a planetary gearset coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, clutches are coupled to the gear sets to enable synchronous shifting of gear modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Sebastian J. Peters, Travis J. Miller