Patents by Inventor Alexander KERNBAUM
Alexander KERNBAUM 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).
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Publication number: 20240102537Abstract: A variety of transmission mechanisms are provided that include split pulleys nested within each other in order to reduce the size of the transmissions, to provide infinitely variable transmission ratios that include forward and reverse ratios, or to provide some other benefits. These transmissions include“W”-shaped belts, having both contact surfaces that are directed outward from the belt and inward, toward a center-line of the belt, to contact the pulleys with respective different inward- and outward-directed contact surfaces. Accordingly, the surfaces at which the belt contacts the different pulleys may be substantially the same with respect to a hinge or other structure of the belt. This improvement may permit higher levels of power transmission, increased efficiency, and increased transmission lifetime. Additionally, variable-eccentricity variable transmissions are provided wherein the eccentricity of rotation of an inner, nested pulley varies with changes in the transmission ratio of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Riley Shear, Alexander Kernbaum
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Publication number: 20230341030Abstract: A variety of shifter mechanisms are provided for controlling the axial distance between half-pulleys of a split pulley variable transmission, thus controlling the transmission ratio of the variable transmission. Some of these embodiments include a differential such that a variable transmission can be driven and shifted differentially by two inputs. A torque or rotation difference between the inputs results in a change in the transmission ratio and in-common torque or rotation is transmitted through the transmission to an output. The same motors used to drive the output of the transmission are thus also able to effect shifts in the transmission ratio. Accordingly, motor mass that is not being used to effect high-speed shifts may be used to drive the transmission output, and vice versa. The provided shifter embodiments are well-suited to application to nested-pulley variable transmissions, including nested-pulley infinitely variable transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Alexander KERNBAUM, Murphy KITCHELL, Thomas EGAN
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Patent number: 11732787Abstract: A variety of shifter mechanisms are provided for controlling the axial distance between half-pulleys of a split pulley variable transmission, thus controlling the transmission ratio of the variable transmission. Some of these embodiments include a differential such that a variable transmission can be driven and shifted differentially by two inputs. A torque or rotation difference between the inputs results in a change in the transmission ratio and in-common torque or rotation is transmitted through the transmission to an output. The same motors used to drive the output of the transmission are thus also able to effect shifts in the transmission ratio. Accordingly, motor mass that is not being used to effect high-speed shifts may be used to drive the transmission output, and vice versa. The provided shifter embodiments are well-suited to application to nested-pulley variable transmissions, including nested-pulley infinitely variable transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Alexander Kernbaum, Murphy Kitchell, Thomas Egan
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Patent number: 11732768Abstract: A variety of brake and/or clutch mechanisms, and improvements thereof, are provided having improved braking power, reduced size and weight, and other benefits. The braking mechanisms include a wrap spring clutch that is operable to mechanically couple a rotating member to a brake rotor that is in consistent contact with a brake pad. Actuation of the wrap spring clutch allows the wrap spring to engage with the rotating member, coupling the rotating member to the brake rotor thus braking the rotating member. The combination of the wrap spring clutch with the brake rotor and pad provides an overall braking mechanism that exhibits the decreased power cost, weight, size, and engagement time of the wrap spring clutch while having a braking power that can be moderated by specifying the area, engagement force, coefficient of friction, or other properties of the brake rotor and pad.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joseph Eckerle, Alexander Kernbaum, Marisa de Souza
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Patent number: 11674564Abstract: A variety of transmissions, and improvements thereof, are provided having improved efficiency and other benefits. The transmissions include one or more inner members that are driven by one or more cams or other means to engage in precessional rotation about an axis of rotation that, itself, orbits about a primary axis of rotation. A plurality of shaped rollers are in contact with shaped cutouts on the inner member(s) and on a ground member such that an input rotation/torque applied via the cam is realized as an output rotation/torque at an output member that is coupled to the inner member(s). Tire rollers and contact surfaces are shaped such that the rollers engage in rolling motion relative to the contact surfaces, providing improved efficiency. Multiple inner members, and corresponding sets of shaped rollers, can be provided to increase power capacity, reduce torque ripple, reduce wobble, or provide other benefits.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Alexander Kernbaum, Murphy Kitchell
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Patent number: 11566690Abstract: A variety of transmission mechanisms are provided that include split pulleys nested within each other in order to reduce the size of the transmissions, to provide infinitely variable transmission ratios that include forward and reverse ratios, or to provide some other benefits. The transmissions include multiple inner split pulleys nested within an outer split pulley. Two, three, or more inner split pulleys can be disposed within the transmission to balance the mass of the inner split pulleys in order to reduce vibration and internal stresses experienced by the transmission. This can increase the lifespan of the transmission, reduce wear, and increase efficiency. Additionally, providing multiple inner split pulleys in a nested configuration can allow for reduction of loads transmitted through bearings of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Alexander Kernbaum, Reuben Brewer, Murphy Kitchell, John Marlow
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Publication number: 20220290739Abstract: A variety of transmissions, and improvements thereof, are provided having improved efficiency and other benefits. The transmissions include one or more inner members that are driven by one or more cams or other means to engage in precessional rotation about an axis of rotation that, itself, orbits about a primary axis of rotation. A plurality of shaped rollers are in contact with shaped cutouts on the inner member(s) and on a ground member such that an input rotation/torque applied via the cam is realized as an output rotation/torque at an output member that is coupled to the inner member(s). Tire rollers and contact surfaces are shaped such that the rollers engage in rolling motion relative to the contact surfaces, providing improved efficiency. Multiple inner members, and corresponding sets of shaped rollers, can be provided to increase power capacity, reduce torque ripple, reduce wobble, or provide other benefits.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2020Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Alexander Kernbaum, Murphy Kitchell
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Publication number: 20210364046Abstract: A variety of mechanisms are provided for coupling the rotation of shafts or other mechanical elements having parallel but offset axes of rotation. The coupling mechanisms can couple such input and output elements via pins that are in contact with the input and output elements. The pins, upon rotation of the input and output elements, can engage in substantially pure roiling motion with respect to respective contact surfaces on the input and output members. Accordingly, the pins can reduce the number of bearings and increase efficiency relative to alternative coupling mechanisms. Such couplings may be employed in a variety of applications, including the coupling of rotations between elements of a cycloidal drive or a transmission that includes a member that undergoes cycloidal motion. For example, this coupling could replace the cage gear of a cycloidal drive in coupling the output to the cycloidal disc of a cycloidal drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2018Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Alexander KERNBAUM, Murphy KITCHELL
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Publication number: 20210301895Abstract: A variety of brake and/or clutch mechanisms, and improvements thereof, are provided having improved braking power, reduced size and weight, and other benefits. The braking mechanisms include a wrap spring clutch that is operable to mechanically couple a rotating member to a brake rotor that is in consistent contact with a brake pad. Actuation of the wrap spring clutch allows the wrap spring to engage with the rotating member, coupling the rotating member to the brake rotor thus braking the rotating member. The combination of the wrap spring clutch with the brake rotor and pad provides an overall braking mechanism that exhibits the decreased power cost, weight, size, and engagement time of the wrap spring clutch while having a braking power that can be moderated by specifying the area, engagement force, coefficient of friction, or other properties of the brake rotor and pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Joseph Eckerle, Alexander Kernbaum, Marisa de Souza
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Publication number: 20210207701Abstract: A variety of transmission mechanisms are provided that include split pulleys nested within each other in order to reduce the size of the transmissions, to provide infinitely variable transmission ratios that include forward and reverse ratios, or to provide some other benefits. The transmissions include multiple inner split pulleys nested within an outer split pulley. Two, three, or more inner split pulleys can be disposed within the transmission to balance the mass of the inner split pulleys in order to reduce vibration and internal stresses experienced by the transmission. This can increase the lifespan of the transmission, reduce wear, and increase efficiency. Additionally, providing multiple inner split pulleys in a nested configuration can allow for reduction of loads transmitted through bearings of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Alexander KERNBAUM, Reuben BREWER, Murphy KITCHELL, John MARLOW
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Patent number: 10899016Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a robot, and a controller. The vehicle may include an accelerator operator and a steering operator. The robot may include as accelerator actuator configured to operate the accelerator operator, and a steering actuator configured to operate-the steering operator. The controller is configured to: in response to an accelerator command, send a first signal to the accelerator actuator to operate the accelerator operator of the vehicle, and in response to a steering command, send a second, signal to the steering actuator to steer the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignees: SRI INTERNATIONAL, YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Thomas Low, Thomas De Candia, Seungkook Yun, Thomas Egan, Bryan Chavez, Alexander Kernbaum, Riley Shear, Leonard Gerard, Stephen Morfey, Richard Mahoney, Regis Vincent, Paul Birkmeyer, Hiroyuki Morita, Hirokatsu Muramatsu, Keiji Nishimura, Hiroshi Saijou, Akira Satou, Toshifumi Uchiyama, Hitoshi Watanabe, Shirou Watanabe
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Patent number: 10774907Abstract: A variable transmission may include a segmented pulley and a nested pulley located at least partially within the segmented pulley. The spacing between the components of the first segmented pulley may be varied to alter the transmission ratio of the variable transmission by altering the effective diameter of the segmented pulley. The nested pulley may also be a segmented pulley. In some embodiments, one of the pulleys may be rotationally fixed, and the variable transmission may comprise a compact infinitely variable transmission. The eccentricity of the compact infinitely variable transmission may be significantly less than the eccentricity of other infinitely variable transmission designs. In other embodiments, a nested pulley structure may be used to provide a compact continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Alexander Kernbaum, Murphy Kitchell
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Publication number: 20200166106Abstract: A variety of shifter mechanisms are provided for controlling the axial distance between half-pulleys of a split pulley variable transmission, thus controlling the transmission ratio of the variable transmission. Some of these embodiments include a differential such that a variable transmission can be driven and shifted differentially by two inputs. A torque or rotation difference between the inputs results in a change in the transmission ratio and in-common torque or rotation is transmitted through the transmission to an output. The same motors used to drive the output of the transmission are thus also able to effect shifts in the transmission ratio. Accordingly, motor mass that is not being used to effect high-speed shifts may be used to drive the transmission output, and vice versa. The provided shifter embodiments are well-suited to application to nested-pulley variable transmissions, including nested-pulley infinitely variable transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Alexander KERNBAUM, Murphy KITCHELL, Thomas EGAN
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Publication number: 20180320766Abstract: A variable transmission may include a segmented pulley and a nested pulley located at least partially within the segmented pulley. The spacing between the components of the first segmented pulley may be varied to alter the transmission ratio of the variable transmission by altering the effective diameter of the segmented pulley. The nested pulley may also be a segmented pulley. In some embodiments, one of the pulleys may be rotationally fixed, and the variable transmission may comprise a compact infinitely variable transmission. The eccentricity of the compact infinitely variable transmission may be significantly less than the eccentricity of other infinitely variable transmission designs. In other embodiments, a nested pulley structure may be used to provide a compact continuously variable transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Alexander Kernbaum, Murphy Kitchell
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Publication number: 20180297209Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a robot, and a controller. The vehicle may include an accelerator operator and a steering operator. The robot may include as accelerator actuator configured to operate the accelerator operator, and a steering actuator configured to operate-the steering operator. The controller is configured to: in response to an accelerator command, send a first signal to the accelerator actuator to operate the accelerator operator of the vehicle, and in response to a steering command, send a second, signal to the steering actuator to steer the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Thomas LOW, Thomas DE CANDIA, Seungkook YUN, Thomas EGAN, Bryan CHAVEZ, Alexander KERNBAUM, Riley SHEAR, Leonard GERARD, Stephen MORFEY, Richard MAHONEY, Regis VINCENT, Paul BIRKMEYER, Hiroyuki MORITA, Hirokatsu MURAMATSU, Keiji NISHIMURA, Hiroshi SAIJOU, Akira SATOU, Toshifumi UCHIYAMA, Hitoshi WATANABE, Shirou WATANABE