Patents by Inventor Alexander C. Yudell

Alexander C. Yudell 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).

  • Patent number: 12110951
    Abstract: A double clutch reverse and active torque management system is provided. A forward variable torque limiting clutch selectively couples torque between a driven sheave of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and at least one drive axle of a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a forward direction. The forward variable torque limiting clutch is set to transmit less torque than can be transmitted through each of the drive sheave and the driven sheave of the CVT. A reverse variable torque limiting clutch selectively couples torque between the driven sheave and the at least one drive axle of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a reverse direction. The reverse variable torque limiting clutch is set to transmit less torque than can be transmitted through each of the drive sheave and driven sheave of the CVT, wherein any slip caused by excessive torque occurs at one of the forward variable torque limiting clutch and the reverse variable torque limiting clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan E. Fisk, Brandon P. Lenk, Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren
  • Publication number: 20240253610
    Abstract: An active torque management clutch system that includes an ATM clutch, a clutch actuator, and a controller is provided. The ATM clutch is positioned between a driven sheave of a CVT and an axle. The clutch actuator is used to control the ATM clutch. The controller is in communication with at least one vehicle sensor and the clutch actuator. The controller is configured to open the ATM clutch when sensor information indicates a shift is about to occur and close the ATM clutch when the sensor information indicates engine torque is required in a driveline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander C. Yudell
  • Patent number: 12049956
    Abstract: A vehicle with continuously variable transmission operational modes is provided. The vehicle includes a motor to provide engine torque; a driveline; a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an actuator, a memory and a controller. The CVT is configured to couple torque between the motor and the driveline. The actuator is in operational communication with the CVT to selectively set operating characteristics of the CVT. The memory stores operating instructions including operational mode. The controller is in communication with the memory and the actuator. The controller configured to control the actuator based on one or more of the operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Carlos Romo Ramírez, Bruce H. Younggren, Michael Allen Mueller, Jason S. Koskela, Ronald Joseph Wendt, John Edward Hamrin
  • Patent number: 11994213
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch that includes a post, a fixed sheave, a moveable sheave and a peak torque limiter (PTL) is provided. The fixed sheave is rotationally mounted on the post. The fixed sheave is axially fixed in relation to the post. The moveable sheave is rotationally mounted on the post. The moveable sheave is configured to move axially on the post. The PTL operationally couples at least the moveable sheave to the post. The PTL is configured to slip when exposed to a torque over a set maximum toque threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen James Molde, Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren
  • Publication number: 20230366463
    Abstract: A vehicle with continuously variable transmission operational modes is provided. The vehicle includes a motor to provide engine torque; a driveline; a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an actuator, a memory and a controller. The CVT is configured to couple torque between the motor and the driveline. The actuator is in operational communication with the CVT to selectively set operating characteristics of the CVT. The memory stores operating instructions including operational mode. The controller is in communication with the memory and the actuator. The controller configured to control the actuator based on one or more of the operational modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Carlos Romo Ramírez, Bruce H. Younggren, Michael Allen Mueller, Jason S. Koskela, Ronald Joseph Wendt
  • Publication number: 20230279925
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch that includes a post, a fixed sheave, a moveable sheave and a peak torque limiter (PTL) is provided. The fixed sheave is rotationally mounted on the post. The fixed sheave is axially fixed in relation to the post. The moveable sheave is rotationally mounted on the post. The moveable sheave is configured to move axially on the post. The PTL operationally couples at least the moveable sheave to the post. The PTL is configured to slip when exposed to a torque over a set maximum toque threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen James Molde, Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren
  • Publication number: 20230175533
    Abstract: A fixed displacement hydraulic pump match flow demand control system that includes a spool valve, a plurality of fixed displacement pumps and a control valve is provided. The spool valve includes a spool. The spool is configured to shuttle within a chamber of a housing based at least in part on a pressure difference between a first end and the second end of the chamber. A fluid flow from each fixed displacement pump of the plurality of fixed displacement pumps is in fluid communication with an associated input port to the spool valve. At least one output port of the spool valve is in fluid communication with a hydraulically operated device and at least one of another output port is in fluid communication with a return. The control valve is configured to adjust the location of the spool in the chamber to regulate fluid flow to the hydraulically operated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander C. Yudell
  • Publication number: 20230011517
    Abstract: A double clutch reverse and active torque management system is provided. A forward variable torque limiting clutch selectively couples torque between a driven sheave of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and at least one drive axle of a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a forward direction. The forward variable torque limiting clutch is set to transmit less torque than can be transmitted through each of the drive sheave and the driven sheave of the CVT. A reverse variable torque limiting clutch selectively couples torque between the driven sheave and the at least one drive axle of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a reverse direction. The reverse variable torque limiting clutch is set to transmit less torque than can be transmitted through each of the drive sheave and driven sheave of the CVT, wherein any slip caused by excessive torque occurs at one of the forward variable torque limiting clutch and the reverse variable torque limiting clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan E. Fisk, Brandon P. Lenk, Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren
  • Patent number: 11543006
    Abstract: A driven sheave and variable torque limiting clutch assembly for a CVT that includes a drive sheave, a driven sheave, a VTL clutch and a hydraulic system is provided. The driven sheave is operationally coupled to a drive sheave via belt of the CVT. The driven sheave includes a fixed sheave member and a movable sheave member. The driven sheave is operationally coupled to a drivetrain. The VTL clutch is coupled between the driven sheave and the drivetrain to selectively couple torque between the driven sheave and the drivetrain. The hydraulic system is configured to manipulate both the movable sheave member of the driven sheave and the VTL clutch with shared hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren, Jordan E. Fisk
  • Patent number: 11499608
    Abstract: An integrated launch clutch and drive sheave for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided. The integrated launch clutch and drive sheave includes a drive sheave, a launch clutch and an integrated hydraulic system. The drive sheave includes a fixed sheave member that is statically mounted on and rotationally fixed to a drive sheave post and a movable sheave member that is slidably mounted on the drive sheave post. The launch clutch is in rotational communication with a motor. The launch clutch is configured to selectively couple engine torque from the motor to the drive sheave post of the drive sheave. The integrated hydraulic system is configured to both activate the launch clutch to selectively couple engine torque between the motor and the drive sheave and to axially move the movable sheave member on the drive sheave post of the drive sheave in relation to the fixed sheave member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren, Jordan E. Fisk
  • Patent number: 11485225
    Abstract: A drivetrain layout that includes a primary gear reduction, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a peak torque limiting (PTL) device and a range box is provided. The primary gear reduction is operationally engaged to an output of a motor. The CVT includes a primary pulley and a secondary pulley. The primary pulley of the CVT is operationally engaged to the primary gear reduction. The primary gear reduction reduces a rotational speed of the output of the motor that is coupled to the primary pulley of the CVT. The range box is operationally engaged with the secondary pulley of the CVT. The range box is configured to coupled torque between the CVT and wheels of a vehicle. The PTL device in operational engagement between the secondary pulley of the CVT and the range box, the PTL device configured to protect the drivetrain layout from torque transients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Younggren, Joel Dunlap, Gregory Lee Maki, Jordan E. Fisk, Alexander C. Yudell
  • Patent number: 11098794
    Abstract: A locking angle gear box is provided. The locking angle gear box includes a torque transfer assembly, a ring gear, at least one connection drive assembly and an actuator. The torque transfer assembly is configured to communicate torque between the torque transfer assembly and a pair of outputs to halfshafts. The ring gear is rotationally supported on the torque transfer assembly. The ring gear is configured to transfer torque between at least a portion of a driveline and the torque transfer assembly. The at least one connection drive assembly is configured to selectively lock rotation of the torque transfer assembly with the rotation of the ring gear to selectively couple torque between the torque transfer assembly and the ring gear. The actuator is in communication with the at least one connection drive assembly to selectively manipulate the at least one connection drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Gregory Lee Maki, Ronald Joseph Wendt, Kody P. Kawlewski, Roland R. Roth, Brandon P. Lenk
  • Publication number: 20200400222
    Abstract: A driven sheave and variable torque limiting clutch assembly for a CVT that includes a drive sheave, a driven sheave, a VTL clutch and a hydraulic system is provided. The driven sheave is operationally coupled to a drive sheave via belt of the CVT. The driven sheave includes a fixed sheave member and a movable sheave member. The driven sheave is operationally coupled to a drivetrain. The VTL clutch is coupled between the driven sheave and the drivetrain to selectively couple torque between the driven sheave and the drivetrain. The hydraulic system is configured to manipulate both the movable sheave member of the driven sheave and the VTL clutch with shared hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren, Jordan E. Fisk
  • Publication number: 20200400221
    Abstract: An integrated launch clutch and drive sheave for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided. The integrated launch clutch and drive sheave includes a drive sheave, a launch clutch and an integrated hydraulic system. The drive sheave includes a fixed sheave member that is statically mounted on and rotationally fixed to a drive sheave post and a movable sheave member that is slidably mounted on the drive sheave post. The launch clutch is in rotational communication with a motor. The launch clutch is configured to selectively couple engine torque from the motor to the drive sheave post of the drive sheave. The integrated hydraulic system is configured to both activate the launch clutch to selectively couple engine torque between the motor and the drive sheave and to axially move the movable sheave member on the drive sheave post of the drive sheave in relation to the fixed sheave member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren, Jordan E. Fisk
  • Publication number: 20200262292
    Abstract: A drivetrain layout that includes a primary gear reduction, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a peak torque limiting (PTL) device and a range box is provided. The primary gear reduction is operationally engaged to an output of a motor. The CVT includes a primary pulley and a secondary pulley. The primary pulley of the CVT is operationally engaged to the primary gear reduction. The primary gear reduction reduces a rotational speed of the output of the motor that is coupled to the primary pulley of the CVT. The range box is operationally engaged with the secondary pulley of the CVT. The range box is configured to coupled torque between the CVT and wheels of a vehicle. The PTL device in operational engagement between the secondary pulley of the CVT and the range box, the PTL device configured to protect the drivetrain layout from torque transients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Younggren, Joel Dunlap, Gregory Lee Maki, Jordan E. Fisk, Alexander C. Yudell
  • Publication number: 20190331206
    Abstract: A locking angle gear box is provided. The locking angle gear box includes a torque transfer assembly, a ring gear, at least one connection drive assembly and an actuator. The torque transfer assembly is configured to communicate torque between the torque transfer assembly and a pair of outputs to halfshafts. The ring gear is rotationally supported on the torque transfer assembly. The ring gear is configured to transfer torque between at least a portion of a driveline and the torque transfer assembly. The at least one connection drive assembly is configured to selectively lock rotation of the torque transfer assembly with the rotation of the ring gear to selectively couple torque between the torque transfer assembly and the ring gear. The actuator is in communication with the at least one connection drive assembly to selectively manipulate the at least one connection drive assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Gregory Lee Maki, Ronald Joseph Wendt, Kody P. Kawlewski, Roland R. Roth, Brandon P. Lenk
  • Patent number: 10215304
    Abstract: A 3-way high-speed valve including a housing, first and second spools, and an actuator mechanism. The spools are slidably disposed in bores of the housing. The housing further defines an inlet, first and second intermediate ports, and first and second outlets. The inlet is fluidly open to the first bore. The intermediate ports each fluidly connect the first and second bores. The first and second outlets are fluidly open to the second bore. The actuator mechanism articulates the spool bodies to generate differing flow conditions of the valve, including a first flow condition in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the first outlet, and a second flow condition in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: James D. Van de Ven, Alexander C. Yudell, Shaun E. Koktavy
  • Publication number: 20170102092
    Abstract: A 3-way high-speed valve including a housing, first and second spools, and an actuator mechanism. The spools are slidably disposed in bores of the housing. The housing further defines an inlet, first and second intermediate ports, and first and second outlets. The inlet is fluidly open to the first bore. The intermediate ports each fluidly connect the first and second bores. The first and second outlets are fluidly open to the second bore. The actuator mechanism articulates the spool bodies to generate differing flow conditions of the valve, including a first flow condition in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the first outlet, and a second flow condition in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: James D. Van de Ven, Alexander C. Yudell, Shaun E. Koktavy