Patents Examined by Greg Binda
  • Patent number: 12747761
    Abstract: A torque limiter includes a first ring adapted to be fixed to a flywheel and being driven to rotate about a rotation axis, a second ring a certain distance from the first ring, and a compression ring between the first ring and the second ring. A friction disc is slidably sandwiched between the second ring and pressure ring, and a spring washer is arranged between the first ring and pressure ring, the pressure ring receiving a pressing force from the spring washer and pressing the friction disc against the second ring. The first and second ring are integrally formed, the first ring provided with first teeth, the spring washer provided with support teeth, and each support tooth is supported by one first tooth. A transmission system includes the above-described torque limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2026
    Assignee: NANJING VALEO CLUTCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liang Li, Serkan Gürses
  • Patent number: 12747760
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner annulus having a first race and an outer annulus having a second race supporting the first race for pivotal movement relative to the second race about a pivot axis. A third race is provided by the outer annulus and a fourth race is provided by an interface member. A ball spline is disposed between the third race and the fourth race for axial stroking movement of the third race relative to the fourth race, wherein the ball spline is axially offset from the pivot axis. Separate boots seal and isolate the pivotal movement and the stroking movement from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2026
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Courville, Jon N. Miller, Jenny C. Ho, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra
  • Patent number: 12747759
    Abstract: In a tripod type constant velocity universal joint 1 of a double roller type, a carbon content in a core portion of a tripod member 3 is set to 0.23 to 0.44%, and a hardened layer 16 of a carburized layer is provided on the surface of a leg shaft 32. A first region P having a radius of curvature Ra in a cross section in a direction orthogonal to a joint axial direction including an axial line of the leg shaft 32 and a second region Q having a radius of curvature Rb in a cross section in the joint axial direction including the axial line of the leg shaft 32 are provided in an intermediate portion 33 provided between a body portion 31 of the tripod member 3 and the leg shaft 32. Ra>Rb is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2026
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taku Itagaki
  • Patent number: 12736088
    Abstract: In a tripod type constant velocity universal joint of a double roller type, a projection 40 is provided in regions including both end portions in a direction orthogonal to a joint axial line O on a shaft end side with respect to an inner ring 12 on an outer peripheral surface of a leg shaft 32 of a tripod member 3. A ratio T/ag1 between a dimension T in a direction of the joint axial line O of the projection 40 and a major diameter ag1 of a contact portion with the inner ring on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 32 is 0.3 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2026
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taku Itagaki
  • Patent number: 12738884
    Abstract: A solar tracker connection system includes a first rotatable row of solar panels that includes a first rotation shaft, a first set of solar panels coupled to the main rotation shaft, a first motorized rotation module, and a first universal joint, a second rotatable row of solar panels that includes a second rotation shaft, a second set of solar panels coupled to the second rotation shaft, a second rotation module having no motor, and a second universal joint. The system also includes a transmission rod connected to the first universal joint and to the second universal joint, wherein the transmission rod enables the first motorized rotation module of the first row of solar panels to control the movement of the second row of solar panels via the second rotation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2026
    Assignee: TRINA SOLAR SPAIN, S.L.U.
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Gómez García, Miguel Espejo Labao, Daniel González García
  • Patent number: 12710074
    Abstract: Constant-velocity ball joint, having at least a joint outer part with an axis of rotation and with outer ball tracks and with outer center lines, a joint inner part with inner ball tracks and inner center lines, and a large number of torque-transmitting balls which are each guided in mutually associated outer ball tracks and inner ball tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Müller
  • Patent number: 12704152
    Abstract: Machine components which are intended preferably for drive trains for driven installations and have the function of a cardanically flexible coupling with simultaneously high torsional stiffness, and are capable of absorbing high forces acting axially on the installation. The particular functionality of these couplings is achieved in particular through the use of specially equipped and oriented hydraulic springs. Drive trains for wind turbines, which are equipped with a corresponding coupling, in order to divert and distribute in particular high axial forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Assignee: FM Energie GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 12704154
    Abstract: A protective cover assembly for a drive shaft has a yoke shaft, a sliding sleeve, a protective cover tube connected to the yoke shaft at an end thereof, a seal positioned to the yoke shaft at one end thereof, a seal positioned at an end of the protective cover tube adjacent the sliding sleeve so as to seal between the protective cover tube and the sliding sleeve, a carrier body connected to the end of said protective cover tube, and a grip surface positioned at a lower end of the carrier body so as to as to connect the carrier body to the protective cover tube. The carrier body contains the seal therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Inventor: Esra Özçelik
  • Patent number: 12698795
    Abstract: A rotor shaft system for a vehicle includes a rotor shaft having a first shaft end opposite a second shaft end. The rotor shaft has a first segment and a second segment defined between the first shaft end and the second shaft end. The rotor shaft system includes a shaft gear coupled to the rotor shaft between the first shaft end and the first segment, and a shaft sleeve coupled to the first segment so as to surround a portion of the shaft gear. The rotor shaft system includes a lubrication system defined at least partially through the rotor shaft and the shaft sleeve. The lubrication system is to supply a fluid to at least a portion of the rotor shaft and the shaft sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2026
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John Miller, Shawn H. Swales, Edward L. Kaiser, Travis M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 12692905
    Abstract: A universal joint configured to reduce the steering friction by decreasing the bending torque of a yoke. The universal joint includes a body portion formed at one end of a yoke for a shaft to be coupled thereto, a wing portion formed at the other end of the yoke for a bearing to be pressed thereinto, and a rigidity-weakening portion formed in a shape of a reduced cross-sectional area in a portion extending from the body portion to the wing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jong Min Kim, Tae Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 12692906
    Abstract: A first arm outer edge chamfered portion and a second arm outer edge chamfered portion are formed along both side edges on an outer side of each of a first arm base portion and a second arm base portion. With this structure, it is possible to reduce a radius (radii) of rotation of a first arm portion and a second arm portion of a first yoke. The reduced radius (radii) can thereby increase a layout property of the first yoke and a propeller shaft using this first yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Kubo, Kenichiro Ishikura
  • Patent number: 12692904
    Abstract: In a tripod type constant velocity universal joint 1 of a double roller type, R/PCD?0.0850 and t/PCD?0.145, where PCD is a pitch circle diameter of a roller guide surface 6 of an outer joint member 2, R is a radius of curvature at an intermediate portion between a body portion 31 and a leg shaft 32 of a tripod member 3, and t is a minimum distance from a large-diameter portion 34a of a spline 34 of the tripod member 3 to an intermediate portion 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taku Itagaki, Shota Kawata, Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 12687203
    Abstract: A predetermined breaking body of a shaft of a machine includes a first sub-body, a second sub-body, and a predetermined breaking element. The first and second sub-bodies are connected to one another, so as to conjointly rotate, along a longitudinal center axis of the predetermined breaking body via the predetermined breaking element. The predetermined breaking element is anisotropic, such that during transmission of a torque between the sub-bodies, the predetermined breaking element yields in a first torsion direction under a first predetermined ultimate torsional moment and yields in a second torsion direction opposed to the first torsion direction under a second predetermined ultimate torsional moment. The predetermined ultimate torsional moments differ in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2026
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Julian Mangold, Michael Staake
  • Patent number: 12687202
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer race that extends about an axis and is configured to be coupled with a first shaft. The outer race extends axially between a top surface and a bottom surface. An inner race is located in the compartment and is pivotable relative to the outer race for being connected with a second shaft. A plurality of balls are positioned between the outer and inner races for guiding the pivoting movement outer and inner races while transmitting rotational movement between the outer an inner races. An upper can is coupled to the top surface of the outer race for sealing the compartment of the outer race. A plurality of bolt holes extend axially through the outer race radially outwardly of the upper can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2026
    Inventors: Aaron Horne, Riki Patel, Amber Stettnichs
  • Patent number: 12674491
    Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint has six torque transmission balls, and a curvature center of a spherical outer peripheral surface and a curvature center of a spherical inner peripheral surface of a cage are offset toward opposite sides in an axial direction with respect to a joint center. The plunging type constant velocity universal joint is used at a normal operating angle of from 8° to 12°. A ratio DBALL/DSPCD of a diameter (DBALL) of the torque transmission ball to a spline pitch circle diameter (DSPCD) of a coupling hole of an inner joint member is within a range of 0.80 to 0.86. A contact angle of the torque transmission ball and a linear track groove is within a range of 32° to 35°. A contact ratio of the torque transmission ball and the linear track groove is within a range of 1.05 to 1.08.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 12674485
    Abstract: A composite shaft comprises a plurality of composite elements arranged about an axis to form a hollow cylindrical shaft extending along the axis between a first end of the shaft and a second end of the shaft. The plurality of composite elements incudes: a first group of the composite elements aligned parallel to the axis, a second group of the composite elements arranged about the axis offset by an angle ? relative to the first group in a first direction, a third group of the composite elements arranged about the axis offset by an angle ? relative to the first group in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the third group is offset from the second group by an angle 2?, and a fourth group of the composite elements arranged about the axis offset by an angle ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Gurvich, Michael J. King, Brayton Reed, Joyel M. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 12669152
    Abstract: A torque limiting flex plate assembly includes a flex plate configured to couple to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, and a torque limiting clutch assembly integrated with the flex plate. The torque limiting clutch assembly is in frictional engagement with the flex plate such that the torque limiting clutch assembly and the flex plate are coupled for common rotation during normal engine operation. Upon receiving a torque spike from a transmission input shaft, the torque limiting clutch assembly is configured to slip such that the flex plate and the torque limiting clutch assembly rotate independently at different speeds to thereby prevent the torque spike from being transferred through the flex plate to the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Andrew R Lessley, Michael E Fingerman
  • Patent number: 12663046
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first member for mechanically coupling to an output shaft. A first material is frictionally coupled to a first side surface of the first member. A second material is frictionally coupled to a second side surface of the first member. A compliant member is configured to apply an axial force on at least one of the first material and the second material. A radial spring least partially surrounds an exterior surface of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Todd Dellon, Adam Henry Borrell, Christopher Robert LeBrun
  • Patent number: 12655876
    Abstract: A disc pack includes stacked disc plates defining a first side and second side of the disc pack. Bolt holes extend through the sides of the disc pack and define a bolt circle. Bushings extend through the bolt holes. Each bushing includes a head at a first end bearing against the first side of the disc pack and a second end that extends axially outside the bolt hole. A washer surrounds at least a portion of the second end and bears against the second side of the disc pack to hold the disc plates together. The disc pack is configured to increase from a first diameter defined by the bolt circle to a second diameter defined by the bolt circle that is at least 0.37% greater than the first diameter when the disc pack is pre-stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: PSC Couplings, LLC
    Inventors: David William Olson, Matthew Joseph DeFord
  • Patent number: 12649333
    Abstract: Vehicles, wheel assemblies for vehicles, and methods for suppressing noise from vehicles are provided. A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle; a wheel hub configured to rotate within the knuckle, the wheel hub extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured for engaging a wheel; a constant velocity (CV) joint configured for transferring torque from power plant to the wheel hub, wherein the CV joint has an outer surface including a shoulder; a recess formed between the proximal end of the wheel hub and the shoulder of the CV joint; and a noise-canceling washer positioned in the recess, wherein the noise-canceling washer abuts the proximal end of the wheel hub and the shoulder of the CV joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Avissai Alcantara