Patents by Inventor Brandon J. Voelker

Brandon J. Voelker 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: 11892040
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch in the form of a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) and a second clutch in the form of an electrically actuated Controllable Mechanical Diode (“CMD”) clutch. The DCC and the CMD clutch each have a pocket plate and share a notch plate. The DCC pocket plate and the shared notch plate are supported for rotation in first and second directions about a rotational axis. The pocket plate of the CMD clutch is fixed in position. The DCC includes a translator to move a DCC locking element to a deployed position mechanically coupling the DCC pocket plate and the shared notch plate. The CMD clutch includes first and second actuators configured to move the first and second locking elements of the CMD clutch to a deployed position mechanically coupling the shared notch plate to the pocket plate of the CMD clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon J. Voelker
  • Publication number: 20230141381
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a multiple-position actuation mechanism and a detent assembly holding the actuation mechanism in a discrete position. The detent assembly may include a mechanical detent. In one example, the mechanical detent engages the actuation mechanism and holds the actuation member in a neutral or middle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Voelker, Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel
  • Publication number: 20230009340
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch in the form of a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) and a second clutch in the form of an electrically actuated Controllable Mechanical Diode (“CMD”) clutch. The CMD clutch functions as and may be referred to as a park-lock, hill hold clutch (“park-lock clutch”). The DCC and the CMD clutch each have a pocket plate and share a notch plate. The DCC pocket plate and the shared notch plate are supported for rotation in first and second directions about a rotational axis. The pocket plate of the CMD clutch is fixed in position. The DCC includes a translator to move a DCC locking element to a deployed position in which the DCC locking element mechanically couples the DCC pocket plate and the shared notch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon J. Voelker
  • Publication number: 20220106991
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a hub, a linear actuator, and a bearing assembly. The hub is rotatable about a rotational axis. The linear actuator has a translator mounted concentrically over the hub. The bearing assembly is at an interface between the translator and the hub. The bearing assembly permits transmission of torque between the translator and the hub while allowing for axial movement of the translator in a direction along the rotational axis relative to the hub. The bearing assembly includes a rolling element(s) (e.g., ball bearing, ball, roller, needle). The bearing assembly may further include a (full circumference, or divided segment) cage which entraps the rolling element(s). The clutch assembly may further include a coupling member supported for rotation about the rotational axis. The hub, with the translator concentrically mounted thereon, is mounted concentrically over a portion of the coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Voelker, Scott D. Bostian, Carl Thomas Beiser
  • Patent number: 10591000
    Abstract: A coupling member for an engageable coupling assembly includes a coupling face having at least one pocket. Each pocket is sized and shaped to receive and nominally retain a locking member that lays down in its pocket during an overrunning condition of the assembly at a laydown angular velocity of the coupling member about a rotational axis of the assembly. Each pocket has a pocket axis which is angled with respect to a normal to a centerline of the coupling member to improve locking member dynamics with regards to strut laydown speed during the overrunning condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Voelker, Todd M. Andrzejewski, George J. Coppens
  • Publication number: 20170343060
    Abstract: A coupling member for an engageable coupling assembly includes a coupling face having at least one pocket. Each pocket is sized and shaped to receive and nominally retain a locking member that lays down in its pocket during an overrunning condition of the assembly at a laydown angular velocity of the coupling member about a rotational axis of the assembly. Each pocket has a pocket axis which is angled with respect to a normal to a centerline of the coupling member to improve locking member dynamics with regards to strut laydown speed during the overrunning condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Voelker, Todd M. Andrzejewski, George J. Coppens