Patents Examined by Timothy Hannon
  • Patent number: 11479425
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes: an outer member that has an inner periphery including an internal gear; an inner member that is rotatably disposed, and includes an engagement portion; and a planetary gear that is rotatable relative to the inner member, meshes with the internal gear, and is prevented from rotating by engaging with the engagement portion, wherein in a state in which the outer member and the inner member rotate together, the planetary gear engages with the engagement portion; in a state in which relative rotation between the outer member and the inner member is performed, the planetary gear disengages from the engagement portion; and in a state in which the planetary gear engages with the engagement portion, a top land of the internal gear abuts on a bottom land of the planetary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kakeru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11480221
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly may include a first clutch plate, a second clutch plate, and a synchronizer. The second clutch plate may define an aperture. A portion of the synchronizer may be configured to extend through the aperture. In the absence of a magnetic field, the first clutch plate and the first surface of the second clutch plate may define an air gap and the portion of the synchronizer may extend into the air gap. In response to a first magnetic field, the portion of the synchronizer may contact the first clutch plate. In response to a second magnetic field, the portion of the synchronizer may translate in the aperture toward the second clutch plate and the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate may close the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Klemen
  • Patent number: 11473633
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated starter clutch (4) in a drive train of a motor vehicle (1), which drive train has a transmission (3). In at least one first mode, the starter clutch (4) is operated automatically and is transitioned in an event-controlled manner into a second mode, in which the starter clutch (4) can be operated in such a way that upon actuation of the starter clutch (4), at least one jolt-like movement of the motor vehicle (1) is caused. In the second mode, the actuation of the starter clutch (4) is initiated and controlled depending upon operation of an accelerator pedal (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Lutz Müller, Wolfgang Gröner
  • Patent number: 11473676
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly. The steering column assembly also includes a transmission shift assembly operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) device comprising an inhibitor pin translatable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inhibitor pin preventing shifting of the transmission shift assembly out of a PARK position when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position. The steering column assembly yet further includes an inhibitor pin monitoring system. The inhibitor pin monitoring system includes a sensor operatively coupled to a stationary portion of the BTSI device, relative to the inhibitor pin. The inhibitor pin monitoring system also includes a magnetic ring operatively fixed coupled to the inhibitor pin, the sensor detecting when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Michael C. Vermeersch, Jason L. Myers
  • Patent number: 11466623
    Abstract: An engine comprises a first power input and a second power input, a main load, and a transmission engaged with the first power input, the second power input, and the main load. An epicyclic gear train is engaged with the first power input and the main load. A brake in a drive condition engages with the epicyclic gear train to transfer power from the first power input to the main load. The brake in a start condition disengages from the epicyclic gear train to decouple the first power input from the main load. A start assist motor is engaged with part of the transmission separate from the epicyclic gear train. The start assist motor in the start condition rotates the main load to initiate start up of the engine, and in the drive condition prevents transferring power to the main load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Roberto Brito
  • Patent number: 11466764
    Abstract: A vehicle having a pair of electric actuators for use with a pair of drive apparatuses is disclosed herein. For each actuator, an electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Austin J. Templin, Jesse L. Probst
  • Patent number: 11466736
    Abstract: A free-wheel comprising a driving part and a driven part that are able to rotate about an axis of rotation, the free-wheel comprising a cage carrying at least one rolling element arranged in a connection space, the free-wheel having at least one lubrication device conveying a lubricating fluid into the connection space. The free-wheel comprises at least one variable-opening barrier arranged radially between the driving part and the driven part and longitudinally against the connection space, the opening being indexed on a relative position of the cage and of the driving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Sebastien Robert, Adrien Escoffier
  • Patent number: 11465277
    Abstract: A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: SOCIETE DE COMMERCIALISATION DES PRODUITS DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUEE SOCPRA SCIENCES ET GENIE S.E.C.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Patrick Chouinard, Guifre Julio, Joel Viau, Pascal Larose
  • Patent number: 11466734
    Abstract: A drive device with a drive unit which has an output shaft and is mechanically connected to a driven shaft of the drive device via a clutch. At least one hydraulic channel and one hydraulic cylinder flow-connected to the hydraulic channel are formed in the output shaft, wherein a hydraulic piston coupled to the clutch for operating the same is displaceably arranged in the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Matthew David Hall, Guido Schiedt
  • Patent number: 11465767
    Abstract: An electric power generation controller for use in an aircraft is a controller of an electric power generating apparatus including a manual transmission configured to change speed of rotational power of an aircraft engine, transmit the rotational power to an electric power generator, and switch a gear stage by a friction clutch pressed by an actuator. The electric power generation controller includes a manual transmission control section configured to control the manual transmission. The manual transmission control section includes: a shift command section configured to output a shift signal which switches the gear stage of the manual transmission; and a clutch control section configured to, when switching the gear stage of the manual transmission, control clutch pressure of the actuator such that the friction clutch becomes a half-engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kippei Matsuda, Hideyuki Imai, Kenichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11459933
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a journal bracket having a center shaft, a drive feature rotatably supported on the center shaft of the journal bracket and configured to accept a torque input to the clutch assembly, a clutch pack that is controllable to selectively transmit torque between an input and an output, a housing attached to the clutch pack that includes a stub shaft, a removable connection engaged between the drive feature and the stub shaft such that torque is transmittable through the removable connection during operation of the clutch assembly, and one or more perpendicular engagement features on the stub shaft configured to accept a tool to engage and disengage the removable connection. At least one of the perpendicular engagement features is exposed to line-of-sight access from a location substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: HORTON, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Larson, David R. Hennessy, Mathew Stahl, Kristen Spurlock
  • Patent number: 11440513
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle with at least one driven axle, at least one service brake, at least one propulsion engine, and wheels characterized in that the parking brake function of the vehicle is solved by a bistable locking means acting on both wheels. At least one multi-speed gearbox is provided to concurrently activate a first gear stage and a second gear stage having different ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Plow, Zsombor Gyoerke, Janos Toth, Sven Krueger, Levente Hos, Michael Blessing, Huba Nemeth, Peter Kovacsik, Andreas Buch
  • Patent number: 11441622
    Abstract: A method of setting a clutch control reference value may make it possible to more accurately learn the VKP of a hydraulic multi-plate clutch controlled by a solenoid valve, improving the accuracy of clutch control, and furthermore, to improve the quality of shifting a vehicle by the precise control of a transmission provided with such a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Young Ho Ko, Woo Jung Kim, Young Min Yoon
  • Patent number: 11441621
    Abstract: A viscous clutch includes an input member rotatable about an axis of rotation, an output member selectively rotatable about the axis of rotation, a working chamber bounded by the input member and the output member, a reservoir, a release bore that fluidically connects the reservoir to the working chamber, a leading wiper that extends into the working chamber, a leading pump bore positioned adjacent to the leading wiper that fluidically connects the working chamber to the reservoir, a trailing wiper that extends into the working chamber, and a trailing pump bore positioned adjacent to the trailing wiper and downstream of the leading pump bore that fluidically connects the working chamber to the reservoir. The trailing wiper has a width that is greater than a width of the leading wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: HORTON, INC.
    Inventor: David R. Hennessy
  • Patent number: 11441615
    Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle includes an adjustment mechanism compensating for wear of a friction disk. The adjustment mechanism (40) includes a first cam ring (52) rotatably fixed and a second cam ring (54) rotatable relative to the first cam ring (52). Both cam rings (52,54) have a plurality of cam surfaces configured such that rotation of the second cam ring (54) relative to the first cam ring (52) varies a height of the adjustment mechanism (40). A torsion spring (60) applies a biasing force to the second cam ring (54). A back drive prevention assembly (70) includes a back drive spring (80) attached to the pressure plate and first cam ring (52) to prevent back drive of the second cam ring (54) through a baffle (62) including a plurality of cam teeth (72) formed on a bottom surface of the baffle (62). The cam teeth (72) are formed at an angle A relative to a bottom surface of the baffle (62) decreasing displacement and loads of the back drive spring (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Mark Charles Barnholt
  • Patent number: 11441670
    Abstract: Because an EOP starts operating from when a decrease in discharge flow rate of an MOP is predicted or detected, a PL actual pressure that should be obtained with a PL command pressure set to a value for a required transmission torque is more easily maintained even when the discharge flow rate of the MOP becomes insufficient. After a lapse of a predetermined period of time from the start of operation of the EOP, the PL command pressure is temporarily set to a value higher than the value for the required transmission torque, and a regulator valve is controlled to operate to close a drain port. Therefore, the operation of the EOP in a high PL actual pressure is reduced, and a delay in response of a pressure regulating operation of the regulator valve in the process of reduction of the discharge flow rate of the MOP is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota Fujii, Yuki Makino, Toshiaki Tamachi, Koji Hayashi, Tooru Matsubara, Ken Fujimoto, Masato Nakano
  • Patent number: 11434966
    Abstract: A power transmission device has a first pressure member (5a), a second pressure member (5b) and a back-torque transmitting cam. The first pressure member (5a) presses the drive-side clutch plates (6) and the driven-side clutch plates (7) against each other. The second pressure member (5b) releases a press-contact force between the drive-side clutch plates (6) and the driven-side clutch plates (7). The back-torque transmitting cam moves the second pressure member (5b) relative to the first pressure member (5a) to keep pressing the drive-side clutch plates (6) and the driven-side clutch plates (7) against each other when a rotational force is input to the clutch member (4), via the output shaft (3), in a process where the weight member (8) moves from the radially-outer position to the radially-inner position and the first pressure member (5a) moves to follow the interlocking member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Katsu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 11428279
    Abstract: An electronic automatically decoupling hub assembly is disclosed herein. The decoupling hub assembly has an axle and a hub shell rotationally positioned about the axle. A controller provides automatic activation/deactivation signals to an inductor. The decoupling hub assembly has a bearing rotationally positioned about the axle and a cassette body assembly, having a plurality of teeth, rotationally positioned about the bearing. One or more pawls are provided to engage with at least some of the teeth of the cassette body assembly and a seal is used to contain the pawls within the decoupling hub assembly. A cassette body assembly is coupled with the ratchet ring and an end cap is used to prevent a contaminant from entering into the decoupling hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Michael Choltco-Devlin, Mark Stephen Fitzsimmons, Wesley E. Allinger
  • Patent number: 11428280
    Abstract: This clutch control device includes an engine (13), a transmission (21), a clutch device (26) configured to connect and disconnect motive power transmission between the engine (13) and the transmission (21), a clutch actuator (50) configured to drive the clutch device (26) and change a clutch capacity, a clutch operating element (4b) configured to enable the clutch device (26) to be manually operated, and a control unit (60) configured to calculate a target value (Pt) of a control parameter (Ps) of the clutch capacity in accordance with an amount of operation on the clutch operating element (4b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Matsuura, Junya Ono, Tatsuya Ryuzaki, Go Morita
  • Patent number: 11421746
    Abstract: A clutch includes a first clutch half, a second clutch half, a first magnet arranged on the first clutch half, and a second magnet arranged on the second clutch half. The first and second magnets interact to enable a contactless detection of a state of wear of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FLENDER GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Kleinewegen