Patents Assigned to Means Industries
  • Patent number: 11215245
    Abstract: A coupling assembly has a second coupling member mounted for rotation and a first coupling member having a speed sensor to sense a speed of rotation of the second coupling member. The coupling assembly further has a forward and a reverse locking element movable between (i) a coupling position in which the locking elements engage the second coupling member to thereby prevent rotation of the second coupling member in opposite first and second directions and (ii) a non-coupling position. Upon the speed of rotation of the second coupling member decreasing to be lower than a hill-hold speed threshold, the reverse locking element is moved to the coupling position while the forward locking element is maintained in the non-coupling position. Irrespective of a Park command, the locking elements are maintained in the non-coupling position while the speed of rotation of the second coupling member is greater than a park speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Publication number: 20210372491
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes first and second coupling members, a locking member, and a blocking structure. The locking member may be a strut, a pawl, or the like. The locking member is disposed between the coupling members and is movable between coupling and uncoupling positions. The coupling position is characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each coupling member. The uncoupling position is characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member. The blocking structure is associated with at least one of the first coupling member and the locking member. The blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering the coupling position, and thereby prevents abutting engagement of the locking member with the first coupling member, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Riley C. Moore, Spencer J. Kane, Scott D. Bostian
  • Patent number: 11187282
    Abstract: A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20210302205
    Abstract: A coupling and control assembly including a non-contact, inductive displacement sensor is provided. The assembly includes a controllable coupling assembly including first and second coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a rotational axis. The first coupling member has a first coupling face which has a sensor pocket which receives the sensor. A control member made of an electrically conductive material is mounted for controlled, small-displacement, shifting movement relative to the sensor. The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material of the control member wherein shifting movement of the control member changes a magnetic field caused by the eddy currents. The sensor provides a position feedback signal for vehicle transmission control, wherein the signal is correlated with the position of the control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Essenmacher
  • Publication number: 20210301886
    Abstract: An assembly includes first and second coupling members, an actuator, and a biasing member. The first and second coupling members, such as a pocket plate and a notch plate, are supported for rotation relative to one another. The first coupling member has a pocket and a locking member received in the pocket. The locking member is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the coupling members. The actuator exerts an actuation force on the locking member to move the locking member. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the locking member in opposition to the actuation force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20210301885
    Abstract: A coupling and control assembly including a non-contact, linear inductive position sensor is provided. The assembly includes a coupling housing and a stator structure disposed within the coupling housing and including a stator housing. A translator structure is coupled to a coupling member of the assembly to rotate therewith about a rotational axis. The sensor is mounted on one of the housings. The translator structure includes a coupler element made of an electrically conductive material. The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material. Movement of the coupler element changes a magnetic field caused by the eddy currents. The sensor provides a position feedback signal for vehicle transmission control. The signal is correlated with the linear position of the translator structure along the rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Essenmacher
  • Publication number: 20210246950
    Abstract: An electro-dynamic coupling and control assembly and a switchable linear actuator device are provided. The assembly has first and second coupling members each of which is supported for rotation about a common rotational axis and at least one locking member for selectively mechanically coupling the coupling members together. The device includes a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure configured to be coupled to the second coupling member to rotate therewith. The translator structure includes at least one plunger which is elastically deformable in an axial direction to provide the device with compliance. Each plunger has a free end portion configured to move within a passage to engage and actuate a locking member within a pocket in the second coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Dustin M. Finn
  • Patent number: 11067137
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including pockets provided along a circumferential direction on one surface; a notch plate that is rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, the notch plate including notches provided along a circumferential direction on a surface facing the one surface; struts that are plate-shaped and housed in the respective pockets; and a selector plate disposed between the pocket plate and the notch plate, and configured to switch, by rotating coaxially with the pocket plate, between: a state in which the struts have risen toward the notch plate; and a state in which the struts are housed in the respective pockets. The notch plate includes flat portions between the notches that are adjacent in the circumferential direction, and each flat portion includes a first recess at a position where the corresponding strut having risen toward the notch plate is brought into contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shotaro Kato, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Hiroyuki Shibata, Mitsuaki Tomita, Yuki Kurosaki, Joshua D. Hand
  • Patent number: 11035423
    Abstract: An overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly, an engageable coupling assembly and locking members for use in the assemblies are provided. A centroid or center of mass of at least one of the locking members is offset from a pivot axis of the locking member so that as the locking member moves from an engaged position, a moment arm of the centroid relative to the pivot axis decreases from a maximum value to substantially zero in a disengaged position to facilitate disengagement of the locking member at high rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20210164526
    Abstract: A coupling assembly has a second coupling member mounted for rotation and a first coupling member having a speed sensor to sense a speed of rotation of the second coupling member. The coupling assembly further has a forward and a reverse locking element movable between (i) a coupling position in which the locking elements engage the second coupling member to thereby prevent rotation of the second coupling member in opposite first and second directions and (ii) a non-coupling position. Upon the speed of rotation of the second coupling member decreasing to be lower than a hill-hold speed threshold, the reverse locking element is moved to the coupling position while the forward locking element is maintained in the non-coupling position. Irrespective of a Park command, the locking elements are maintained in the non-coupling position while the speed of rotation of the second coupling member is greater than a park speed threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 10995803
    Abstract: An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of a non-friction coupling assembly and a coupling and magnetic control assembly are provided. Magnetic circuit components include a ferromagnetic or magnetic element received within a pocket of a coupling member. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. A stationary electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil which generates a magnetic field between poles of the source when the at least one coil is supplied with current. Ferromagnetic or magnetic first and second inserts are received and retained within first and second spaced passages, respectively, of the coupling member. The electromagnetic source, the element, the inserts and air gaps between the various magnetic circuit components make up a closed loop path containing magnetic flux so that the element moves between first and second positions of the element when the at least one coil is supplied with current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Riley C. Moore, Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand, Ryan W. Essenmacher
  • Patent number: 10989257
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly and control system for use therein are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between the coupling faces of first and second coupling members. An actuator arm includes an output member and a one-way locking member which is pivotally connected to output member which, in turn, is coupled to the control member. The locking member moves between a disengaged position in which the control member is permitted to shift or rotate relative to the second coupling member and an engaged position with a locking member-engaging portion of the second coupling member to lock the control member and the second coupling member together to prevent the control member from inadvertently shifting in a first direction relative to the second coupling member in the absence of an actuator command signal received by a bi-directional actuator assembly of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley
  • Patent number: 10968964
    Abstract: A coupling and control assembly includes an internal latching mechanism to hold a support member and a coupling member together in position so that the support member and the second coupling member rotate together without using any energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua D. Hand
  • Patent number: 10933736
    Abstract: A drive system having eCVT functionality with AMT cost advantages includes a transmission having a plurality of different operating modes. The system includes a transmission output shaft, a stationary member and a gear set including first, second, and third elements. The first element connects with the transmission output shaft. An output shaft of a non-electric power plant connects with the first element through the second element for driving the first element. A drive shaft of an electric power plant connects with the first element through the third element for driving the first element. The system includes a plurality of non-friction, controllable, coupling assemblies. A first coupling assembly has a first coupling state for grounding the second element to the stationary member, a second coupling state for grounding the third element to the stationary member and an uncoupling state to allow the second and third elements to drive the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 10781891
    Abstract: A drive system or powertrain including an automatic transmission (AT) for an electric vehicle is provided. At least one 3-position linear motor, 2-way clutch (i.e. CMD) is included in the transmission. The transmission includes a planetary gear set. A magnetic coupling device such as an eddy current by-pass clutch is provided to magnetically transfer a portion of rotating mechanical energy of a single electric powerplant or motor to a transmission output shaft in response to an electrical signal to synchronize angular velocities of the transmission output shaft and an output shaft of the electric powerplant during a change in state of the at least one CMD. Torque is transferred to the transmission output shaft during the change in state. A park function is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 10781920
    Abstract: Drive systems or powertrains including transmissions for electric and hybrid electric vehicles are provided. 3-position linear motor, 2-way clutches (i.e. CMDs) are included in the transmissions. An electric 3-speed AMT having a magnetic coupling device such as a magnetic torque converter is provided to magnetically transfer a portion of rotating mechanical energy of an electric powerplant or motor to a transmission output shaft in response to an electrical signal to synchronize angular velocities of the transmission output shaft and an output shaft of the electric powerplant during a change in state of one of the CMDs. Torque is transferred to the transmission output shaft during the change in state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 10711853
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member having at least one side surface with a draft to improve locking member dynamics are provided. Locking member dynamics is improved with regards to locking member laydown speed. Laydown speed variation cause by a variable frictional coefficient between a pocket surface of a pocket in which the locking member is received and nominally retained and the at least one side surface of the locking member is minimized as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 10711885
    Abstract: A coupling and electromechanical control assembly and an electromechanical system for controlling the operating mode of a selectable clutch assembly are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled rotation about a first axis. An actuator and transmission assembly includes a rotary output shaft and a set of interconnected transmission elements including a cam coupled to the output shaft to rotate therewith and a reciprocating member having a first end which rides in or on the cam to cause the reciprocating member to reciprocate upon rotation of the output shaft. A second end of the reciprocating member is coupled to the control member for selective, small-displacement, control member angular rotation about the first axis between different angular positions which correspond to different operating modes of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Eisengruber
  • Patent number: 10677297
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including accommodating recess portions; a notch plate including engaging recess portions; a plate-shaped engaging piece; and a selector plate configured to switch between: a state in which the engaging piece rises toward the notch plate; and a state in which the engaging piece is accommodated in the accommodating recess portion. The notch plate includes a plane portion including a first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface provides the engaging piece with force in a direction into which the engaging piece is urged away from the notch plate, when the notch plate is rotated in an engaging direction into which the engaging piece rising toward the notch plate is engaged with the engaging recess portion, and one end portion of the engaging piece rises toward the notch plate and comes in contact with the plane portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Shibata, Shotaro Kato, Mitsuaki Tomita, Yuki Kurosaki, Joshua D. Hand
  • Patent number: 10677296
    Abstract: An electronic, high-efficiency vehicular transmission, an overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly and switchable linear actuator device for use in the assembly and the transmission are provided. The device controls the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device has a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer