Patents by Inventor Brent Peura

Brent Peura 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: 11938811
    Abstract: A vehicle power transfer unit assembly includes an input shaft, a shift collar, an outer cam ring, and an inner cam ring. The shift collar is engaged with the input shaft and operable between a first position and a second position. The outer cam ring is disposed around a portion of the shift collar. The outer cam ring includes an inner surface defining a plurality of levels. The inner cam ring is engaged with the shift collar and disposed radially inward from the outer cam ring. The inner cam ring includes a jaw engageable with the plurality of levels. The shift collar is moved from the first position to the second position when the jaw is moved from engagement with one of the plurality of levels to engagement with another of the plurality of levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Lei Yang, Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 11691506
    Abstract: A vehicle power transfer unit assembly comprises an input shaft, an intermediate shaft at least partially surrounding the input shaft, a central shaft adjacent the input shaft, a peripheral shaft at least partially surrounding the central shaft, a first shift collar, and a second shift collar. The first shift collar is operable between a first position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft and a second position where torque is not transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft. The second shift collar is operable between a third position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the peripheral shaft and a fourth position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Lei Yang, Brent Peura, Kazunobu Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20220297536
    Abstract: A vehicle power transfer unit assembly includes an input shaft, a shift collar, an outer cam ring, and an inner cam ring. The shift collar is engaged with the input shaft and operable between a first position and a second position. The outer cam ring is disposed around a portion of the shift collar. The outer cam ring includes an inner surface defining a plurality of levels. The inner cam ring is engaged with the shift collar and disposed radially inward from the outer cam ring. The inner cam ring includes a jaw engageable with the plurality of levels. The shift collar is moved from the first position to the second position when the jaw is moved from engagement with one of the plurality of levels to engagement with another of the plurality of levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Lei Yang, Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 11306803
    Abstract: A rear drive unit (RDU) for a vehicle includes a shift collar, a sleeve disposed around the shift collar, a planetary gear set, a differential including a side gear, and a locking plate configured to engage the side gear. The sleeve is configured to move the shift collar between a first position and a second position. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear and at least one planetary gear engaged with the sun gear. The sun gear is configured to engage the shift collar in the second position. The at least one planetary gear includes a pin extending through an entire length of the at least one planetary gear. The shift collar is configured to exert a force upon the locking plate via the pin to move the locking plate into engagement with the side gear in a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Lei Yang, Brent Peura
  • Publication number: 20220097519
    Abstract: A vehicle power transfer unit assembly comprises an input shaft, an intermediate shaft at least partially surrounding the input shaft, a central shaft adjacent the input shaft, a peripheral shaft at least partially surrounding the central shaft, a first shift collar, and a second shift collar. The first shift collar is operable between a first position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft and a second position where torque is not transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft. The second shift collar is operable between a third position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the peripheral shaft and a fourth position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the central shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Lei Yang, Brent Peura, Kazunobu Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20210148443
    Abstract: A rear drive unit (RDU) for a vehicle includes a shift collar, a sleeve disposed around the shift collar, a planetary gear set, a differential including a side gear, and a locking plate configured to engage the side gear. The sleeve is configured to move the shift collar between a first position and a second position. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear and at least one planetary gear engaged with the sun gear. The sun gear is configured to engage the shift collar in the second position. The at least one planetary gear includes a pin extending through an entire length of the at least one planetary gear. The shift collar is configured to exert a force upon the locking plate via the pin to move the locking plate into engagement with the side gear in a third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Lei Yang, Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 9759303
    Abstract: A vehicle differential disconnect assembly can include a differential case, a differential gear set, and a torque distribution device. The differential gear set is carried within the differential case. The torque distribution device transfers torque between the differential gear set and side shafts of the accompanying vehicle driveline. The torque distribution device can include a clutch pack and an actuator assembly. The clutch pack is located at a first side of the differential case relative to the differential gear set, and the actuator assembly is located at a second side of the differential case relative to the differential gear set. The actuator assembly has a mover that transmits movement to the clutch pack when the actuator assembly actuates and deactuates the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 9616746
    Abstract: A gear assembly includes an input shaft, a drive ring gear assembly, a pair of input/ring bearings, a driven pinion gear assembly, a first and second clutch members, and an actuator assembly. The first cutch member is fixedly connected to the input shaft. The drive ring gear assembly is mounted about the input shaft. The input/ring bearings are mounted so as to straddle the drive ring gear. The driven pinion gear assembly is operatively engaged with the drive ring gear. The second clutch member is slidingly mounted to the drive ring gear and the actuator assembly operates to move the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member to cause the drive ring gear to rotate when the input shaft rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Peura, Kazunobu Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20160243937
    Abstract: A gear assembly includes an input shaft, a drive ring gear assembly, a pair of input/ring bearings, a driven pinion gear assembly, a first and second clutch members, and an actuator assembly. The first cutch member is fixedly connected to the input shaft. The drive ring gear assembly is mounted about the input shaft. The input/ring bearings are mounted so as to straddle the drive ring gear. The driven pinion gear assembly is operatively engaged with the drive ring gear. The second clutch member is slidingly mounted to the drive ring gear and the actuator assembly operates to move the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member to cause the drive ring gear to rotate when the input shaft rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Brent Peura, Kazunobu Takeshita
  • Patent number: 9341238
    Abstract: A gear assembly includes an input shaft, a drive ring gear assembly, a pair of input/ring bearings, a driven pinion gear assembly, a first and second clutch members, and an actuator assembly. The first clutch member is fixedly connected to the input shaft. The drive ring gear assembly is mounted about the input shaft. The input/ring bearings are mounted so as to straddle the drive ring gear. The driven pinion gear assembly is operatively engaged with the drive ring gear. The second clutch member is slidingly mounted to the drive ring gear and the actuator assembly operates to move the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member to cause the drive ring gear to rotate when the input shaft rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Peura, Kazunobu Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20160053880
    Abstract: A vehicle differential disconnect assembly can include a differential case, a differential gear set, and a torque distribution device. The differential gear set is carried within the differential case. The torque distribution device transfers torque between the differential gear set and side shafts of the accompanying vehicle driveline. The torque distribution device can include a clutch pack and an actuator assembly. The clutch pack is located at a first side of the differential case relative to the differential gear set, and the actuator assembly is located at a second side of the differential case relative to the differential gear set. The actuator assembly has a mover that transmits movement to the clutch pack when the actuator assembly actuates and deactuates the clutch pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Publication number: 20130333503
    Abstract: A gear assembly for a power transfer unit is disclosed. The gear assembly includes an input shaft, a drive ring gear assembly, a pair of input/ring bearings, a driven pinion gear assembly, a first and second clutch members, and an actuator assembly. The first clutch member is fixedly connected to the input shaft. The drive ring gear assembly is mounted about the input shaft. The input/ring bearings are mounted so as to straddle the drive ring gear. The driven pinion gear assembly is operatively engaged with the drive ring gear. The second clutch member is slidingly mounted to the drive ring gear and the actuator assembly operates to move the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member to cause the drive ring gear to rotate when the input shaft rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Brent Peura, Kazunobu Takeshita
  • Patent number: 7001303
    Abstract: An axle module having axle shaft electronic torque management is provided. The axle module includes a housing and a differential carrier rotatably supported within the housing. A differential gear set is rotatably supported within the differential carrier and includes an integrated side gear pressure plate. A clutch pack, which contacts the differential gear seat and the differential carrier, is located within the axle module. The axle module also includes a shaft, engaged with the clutch pack, wherein the shaft is movable in an axial direction and engages the differential gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 6945899
    Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes axle shaft electronic torque management. The axle module includes a housing having a differential carrier rotatably supported therein. The axle module also includes a differential gear set rotatably supported within the differential carrier. A clutch pack contacts the differential gear set and the differential carrier. The axle module also includes a shaft connected to the clutch pack wherein the shaft is axial moveable within the differential carrier and housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 6769506
    Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first propshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second propshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Gassmann, Brent Peura
  • Publication number: 20030171182
    Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes axle shaft electronic torque management. The axle module includes a housing having a differential carrier rotatably supported therein. The axle module also includes a differential gear set rotatably supported within the differential carrier. A clutch pack contacts the differential gear set and the differential carrier. The axle module also includes a shaft connected to the clutch pack wherein the shaft is axial moveable within the differential carrier and housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Publication number: 20030146034
    Abstract: “An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first propshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second propshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Gassmann, Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 6557677
    Abstract: An active bi-directional overrunning clutch that includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. An input shaft is connected to the flange. The clutch further includes a plurality of rollers contacting the input shaft and a coupling. A roller cage positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and coupling. The friction ground ring is in contact with the roller cage. The clutch also includes a worm gear in contact with the friction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 6550594
    Abstract: An active bidirectional clutch for use on a vehicle includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. The flange includes an input shaft that is rotatably fixed with respect to the flange and a coupling that is adjacent to the input shaft. The clutch also includes a plurality of rollers in contact with the input shaft and coupling. The clutch uses a roller cage that positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and the coupling. The bidirectional clutch also includes a sleeve positioned around the input shaft, wherein the sleeve has a plurality of slots and the sleeve engages the roller cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Patent number: 6547025
    Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first proshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second proshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Gassmann, Brent Peura