Patents by Inventor AUSTIN B. STEPHENS
AUSTIN B. STEPHENS 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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Patent number: 11015662Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a housing, a rotational member configured to rotate relative to the housing about an axis, and a clutch pack coupled between the housing and the rotational member. The clutch pack is configured to regulate movement of the rotational member relative to the housing. The clutch pack includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotational member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotational member about the axis. The clutch assembly includes a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotational member relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Jeffrey S. Turner, Austin B. Stephens, Kevin M. Allen, Jacob E. Morris
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Patent number: 10975938Abstract: A combination starter-generator device is provided for a work vehicle having an engine. The starter-generator device includes an electric machine; a gear set configured to couple the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions, the gear set configured to operate in one of at least first, second, and third gear ratios in the first power flow direction and at least a fourth gear ratio in the second power flow direction; at least one clutch selectively coupled to the gear set to effect the first, second, and third gear ratios in the first power flow direction and the fourth gear ratio in the second power flow direction; and an actuator assembly including at least one electromagnet configured to selectively shift the at least one clutch between disengaged and engaged positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Lisa R. Lloyd, Stacy K. Worley, Austin B. Stephens, Jacob E. Morris
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Publication number: 20210018051Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a housing, a rotational member configured to rotate relative to the housing about an axis, and a clutch pack coupled between the housing and the rotational member. The clutch pack is configured to regulate movement of the rotational member relative to the housing. The clutch pack includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotational member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotational member about the axis. The clutch assembly includes a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotational member relative to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Jeffrey S. Turner, Austin B. Stephens, Kevin M. Allen, Jacob E. Morris
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Publication number: 20200332866Abstract: A combination starter-generator device is provided for a work vehicle having an engine. The starter-generator device includes an electric machine; a gear set configured to couple the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions, the gear set configured to operate in one of at least first, second, and third gear ratios in the first power flow direction and at least a fourth gear ratio in the second power flow direction; at least one clutch selectively coupled to the gear set to effect the first, second, and third gear ratios in the first power flow direction and the fourth gear ratio in the second power flow direction; and an actuator assembly including at least one electromagnet configured to selectively shift the at least one clutch between disengaged and engaged positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Lisa R. Lloyd, Stacy K. Worley, Austin B. Stephens, Jacob E. Morris
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Patent number: 10400882Abstract: A product and method for assembling multiple components using an interference fit. An assembled product includes a first component, with a second component configured to mate with the first component so that the second component is removable from the first component for a positional adjustment. A third component is configured to mate with the first component and to be engaged therewith by a first interference fit. The first interference fit is configured to impart a resultant reaction in the first component that creates a second interference fit between the first and second components.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Darren J. Ziskovsky, Jeffrey S. Turner, Austin B. Stephens
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Publication number: 20190113124Abstract: A product and method for assembling multiple components using an interference fit. An assembled product includes a first component, with a second component configured to mate with the first component so that the second component is removable from the first component for a positional adjustment. A third component is configured to mate with the first component and to be engaged therewith by a first interference fit. The first interference fit is configured to impart a resultant reaction in the first component that creates a second interference fit between the first and second components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2017Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Darren J. Ziskovsky, Jeffrey S. Turner, Austin B. Stephens
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Patent number: 10233962Abstract: A threaded retainer in the form of a flange head capscrew is used alone or in combination with a large diameter washer to axially, frictionally engage a head of, or block, a threaded fastener so as to prevent the fastener from backing out and becoming loose. Any tendency of the threaded fastener to turn in a loosening direction is resisted by the threaded retainer, in a first embodiment, wherein frictional engagement between the flange head and/or large diameter washer causes the threaded retainer to tend to tighten, and in a second embodiment wherein the flange head and/or large diameter washer cooperates with a recess arrangement in the fastener to block loosening of the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Darren Ziskovsky, Austin B. Stephens, Jeffrey S. Turner
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Patent number: 9915305Abstract: A friction drive arrangement includes a plurality of interleaved rotor and stator discs. An end stator disc is adjacent a reaction plate containing a plurality of cylindrical, stepped bores defining spring receptacles opening toward the end stator disc and pin guide holes opening in an opposite direction. Each receptacle contains a coil compression spring located between a bottom of the receptacle and a spring retention pin having a first end section reciprocably received in the guide hole and having a second end section defined by a large diameter foot located between an end of the spring and the end stator disc, with the foot being configured for directly engaging the end stator disc. A tool is used to retract the pins and associated springs into the associated receptacles so as to retain the springs during assembly. Excess retraction of the pins is prevented for preventing over-compression of the springs.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Austin B. Stephens, Jeffrey S. Turner
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Patent number: 9908515Abstract: A drive assembly has a drive motor at least in part contained in a housing and having a rotor rotating an output shaft. A selector mechanism is movable into one of a plurality of orientations corresponding to one of a plurality of drive motor settings. A brake assembly is configured to couple to the rotor of the drive motor and is moveable between a braked position in which the brake assembly impedes rotation of the rotor and a released position in which the brake assembly allows rotation of the rotor. An actuator is arranged in the housing to engage the brake assembly at least when the brake assembly is in the braked position and to engage the selector mechanism at least when the brake assembly is in the released position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Darren J. Ziskovsky, Austin B. Stephens
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Publication number: 20170356485Abstract: A threaded retainer in the form of a flange head capscrew is used alone or in combination with a large diameter washer to axially, frictionally engage a head of, or block, a threaded fastener so as to prevent the fastener from backing out and becoming loose. Any tendency of the threaded fastener to turn in a loosening direction is resisted by the threaded retainer, in a first embodiment, wherein frictional engagement between the flange head and/or large diameter washer causes the threaded retainer to tend to tighten, and in a second embodiment wherein the flange head and/or large diameter washer cooperates with a recess arrangement in the fastener to block loosening of the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2016Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: DARREN ZISKOVSKY, AUSTIN B. STEPHENS, JEFFREY S. TURNER
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Publication number: 20170356512Abstract: A friction drive arrangement includes a plurality of interleaved rotor and stator discs. An end stator disc is adjacent a reaction plate containing a plurality of cylindrical, stepped bores defining spring receptacles opening toward the end stator disc and pin guide holes opening in an opposite direction. Each receptacle contains a coil compression spring located between a bottom of the receptacle and a spring retention pin having a first end section reciprocably received in the guide hole and having a second end section defined by a large diameter foot located between an end of the spring and the end stator disc, with the foot being configured for directly engaging the end stator disc. A tool is used to retract the pins and associated springs into the associated receptacles so as to retain the springs during assembly. Excess retraction of the pins is prevented for preventing over-compression of the springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2016Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: AUSTIN B. STEPHENS, JEFFREY S. TURNER
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Patent number: 9638310Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed, including a housing cylinder having a cap end and an attachment end including a first attachment surface, with gear teeth being disposed around an inner circumference forming at least one ring gear. The housing cylinder encloses a planetary gear set including at least one sun gear and at least one set of planet gears. An output interface includes an interface body having an annular attachment lip including a second attachment surface. The first attachment surface contacts, and is connected, as by welding, to the second attachment surface, whereby rotational power may be transmitted from the planetary gear set to the output interface via the gear teeth and the contact between the attachment surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Darren J. Ziskovsky, Steven R. Fliearman, Jeffrey S. Turner, Kyle K. McKinzie, Austin B. Stephens
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Publication number: 20160377135Abstract: A drive assembly has a drive motor at least in part contained in a housing and having a rotor rotating an output shaft. A selector mechanism is movable into one of a plurality of orientations corresponding to one of a plurality of drive motor settings. A brake assembly is configured to couple to the rotor of the drive motor and is moveable between a braked position in which the brake assembly impedes rotation of the rotor and a released position in which the brake assembly allows rotation of the rotor. An actuator is arranged in the housing to engage the brake assembly at least when the brake assembly is in the braked position and to engage the selector mechanism at least when the brake assembly is in the released position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: DARREN J. ZISKOVSKY, AUSTIN B. STEPHENS
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Publication number: 20160377163Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed, including a housing cylinder having a cap end and an attachment end including a first attachment surface, with gear teeth being disposed around an inner circumference forming at least one ring gear. The housing cylinder encloses a planetary gear set including at least one sun gear and at least one set of planet gears. An output interface includes an interface body having an annular attachment lip including a second attachment surface. The first attachment surface contacts, and is connected, as by welding, to the second attachment surface, whereby rotational power may be transmitted from the planetary gear set to the output interface via the gear teeth and the contact between the attachment surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: DARREN J. ZISKOVSKY, STEVEN R. FLIEARMAN, JEFFREY S. TURNER, KYLE K. MCKINZIE, AUSTIN B. STEPHENS