Patents by Inventor Andrew F. Pinkos

Andrew F. Pinkos 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: 11632875
    Abstract: A wireless device charger configured to produce an alternating magnetic field, thereby inducing an alternating electrical current within a capture coil of a personal electronic device proximate to the wireless device charger, said wireless device charger includes a source coil having a ferrite element configured to generate the alternating magnetic field, a housing formed of a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with the ferrite element, and an air movement device configured to produce an air flow across a surface of the housing flowing from an air inlet to an air outlet, thereby reducing a housing temperature. The surface of the housing defines a plurality of fins extending along the housing in a direction of the air flow. At least one fin in the plurality of fins has a non-symmetric surface, thereby creating turbulence in the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca
  • Patent number: 11476706
    Abstract: A wireless device charger configured to be installed within a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a source coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field and a housing in pneumatic communication with the passenger cabin. The housing defines an inlet port that is configured to induct air from the passenger cabin into the housing. The wireless device charger further incorporates an air movement device configured to produce an air flow into the inlet port and through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca, George W. Powell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210400842
    Abstract: A wireless device charger configured to produce an alternating magnetic field, thereby inducing an alternating electrical current within a capture coil of a personal electronic device proximate to the wireless device charger, said wireless device charger includes a source coil having a ferrite element configured to generate the alternating magnetic field, a housing formed of a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with the ferrite element, and an air movement device configured to produce an air flow across a surface of the housing flowing from an air inlet to an air outlet, thereby reducing a housing temperature. The surface of the housing defines a plurality of fins extending along the housing in a direction of the air flow. At least one fin in the plurality of fins has a non-symmetric surface, thereby creating turbulence in the air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca
  • Patent number: 11134584
    Abstract: A wireless device charger is configured to produce an alternating magnetic field, thereby inducing an alternating electrical current within a capture coil of a personal electronic device proximate to the wireless device charger. The wireless device charger includes a source coil having a ferrite element configured to generate the alternating magnetic field, a housing formed of a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with the ferrite element, and an air movement device configured to produce a turbulent air flow across a surface of the housing flowing from an air inlet to an air outlet, thereby reducing a housing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca
  • Publication number: 20210050741
    Abstract: A wireless device charger configured to be installed within a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a source coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field and a housing in pneumatic communication with the passenger cabin. The housing defines an inlet port that is configured to induct air from the passenger cabin into the housing. The wireless device charger further incorporates an air movement device configured to produce an air flow into the inlet port and through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca, George W. Powell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200352050
    Abstract: A wireless device charger is configured to produce an alternating magnetic field, thereby inducing an alternating electrical current within a capture coil of a personal electronic device proximate to the wireless device charger. The wireless device charger includes a source coil having a ferrite element configured to generate the alternating magnetic field, a housing formed of a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with the ferrite element, and an air movement device configured to produce a turbulent air flow across a surface of the housing flowing from an air inlet to an air outlet, thereby reducing a housing temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca
  • Publication number: 20190215984
    Abstract: A wireless device charger is configured to produce an alternating magnetic field, thereby inducing an alternating electrical current within a capture coil of a personal electronic device proximate to the wireless device charger. The wireless device charger includes a source coil having a ferrite element configured to generate the alternating magnetic field, a housing formed of a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with the ferrite element, and an air movement device configured to produce a turbulent air flow across a surface of the housing flowing from an air inlet to an air outlet, thereby reducing a housing temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, John Mecca
  • Patent number: 8109522
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar system that includes a first stabilizer bar, a second stabilizer bar and a clutch having a clutch housing and a plurality of coupling members housed in the clutch housing. The first stabilizer bar is received in the clutch housing for rotation relative to the clutch housing about a rotational axis. The second stabilizer bar is fixedly coupled to the clutch housing. The coupling members are configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the first stabilizer bar to the clutch housing such that the clutch housing is employed to transmit torque between the first and second stabilizer bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 8057345
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable element, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to the movable element for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Gary A. Oliveira, Chad R. Umscheid
  • Publication number: 20110101631
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar system that includes a first stabilizer bar, a second stabilizer bar and a clutch having a clutch housing and a plurality of coupling members housed in the clutch housing. The first stabilizer bar is received in the clutch housing for rotation relative to the clutch housing about a rotational axis. The second stabilizer bar is fixedly coupled to the clutch housing. The coupling members are configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the first stabilizer bar to the clutch housing such that the clutch housing is employed to transmit torque between the first and second stabilizer bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7909339
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Publication number: 20110046860
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable element, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to the movable element for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Gary A. Oliveira, Chad R. Umscheid
  • Patent number: 7878314
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power includes a sensor circuit for identifying a position of an axially-movable locking element. The axially-movable element is movable between a first position, which inhibits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus, and a second position that permits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus. The sensor circuit includes two Hall-effect sensors that are employed to sense a position of the axially-movable locking element and produce sensor signals that are employed to control a magnitude of the current that is output from the sensor circuit. A method of detecting an operating mode of a power transfer device that is configured to transmit rotary power is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew F Pinkos
  • Publication number: 20110006493
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7837585
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable plunger, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to a plunger for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Gary A. Oliveira, Chad R. Umscheid
  • Patent number: 7832739
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7825759
    Abstract: An actuator having a linear motor and a plunger that is movable by the linear motor along an axis. The plunger includes an annular flange and a rim that is coupled to an outer periphery of the flange. The annular flange is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of apertures is formed through at least one of the flange and the rim. A locking differential and an axle assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. York, Andrew F. Pinkos
  • Patent number: 7785224
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. One of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is axially movable relative to the other between a first position, in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a minimum distance, and a second position in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a maximum distance. The surfaces axially overlap one another but do not touch when the one of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is positioned in the first position and in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. York, Andrew F. Pinkos
  • Patent number: 7602271
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly that includes an annular frame, a coil assembly, an annular armature, a plunger and a sensor. The coil assembly is coupled to the frame and includes an annular core and an annular coil. The annular armature is received in the frame and abutted against the plunger. A sensor target can be coupled to the armature or the plunger and includes a radially outwardly extending sensor target. The sensor is coupled to the frame and configured to sense a position of the sensor target. A method for operating an electromagnetic actuator is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M York, Andrew F Pinkos
  • Publication number: 20090181818
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power includes a sensor circuit for identifying a position of an axially-movable locking element. The axially-movable element is movable between a first position, which inhibits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus, and a second position that permits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus. The sensor circuit includes two Hall-effect sensors that are employed to sense a position of the axially-movable locking element and produce sensor signals that are employed to control a magnitude of the current that is output from the sensor circuit. A method of detecting an operating mode of a power transfer device that is configured to transmit rotary power is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew F. Pinkos