Patents by Inventor Brian Schoolcraft

Brian Schoolcraft 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).

  • Publication number: 20240077133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing “empty” cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20230419766
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a modular configuration of dispensing modules of a vending machine are provided. The vending machine includes a grid of mounting modules to which the dispensing modules can be removably attached. Accordingly, the arrangement of dispensing modules can be readily modified to accommodate different sized items. Some items may be placed across two dispensing modules that are operated in parallel to dispense the item. The dispensing modules may also include an indication unit. The indication unit can be used to provide assistance to servicepersons during a restocking event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Luke Saunders, Arne Saupe, Don Balis, Rusudan Kareli, William Renwick, Julian DeFranco, Ross Brinkman, Gerry Mayer, Cole Stapleton, Robert Butler, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20230125261
    Abstract: A cooling system for a battery pack in a vehicle comprises a base plate, a plurality of transverse members, a pump, a controller, and a heat exchanger. The controller causes the pump to generate fluid flow into an inlet/outlet port of the base plate. The base plate comprises a channel with segments for supplying fluid to a first set of fluid distribution ports and receiving fluid from a second set of fluid distribution ports. Each fluid distribution port is in fluid communication with a main conduit of a transverse member and transverse conduits connect the main conduits of a transverse member. Fluid flow through the channel in the base plate and the main conduits and transverse conduits of the transverse members cool the batteries and distribute heat. Cooling multiple sides of the batteries reduces the operating temperature to reduce charging times and extend the service life of the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Geethanjali Gadamchetty, Hemal Mamtora, Robert Butler, Brian Schoolcraft, Kyle Lawrence Torrico
  • Patent number: 11624432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing “empty” cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20230033226
    Abstract: An electric drivetrain for installation in a vehicle chassis. A generator coupled to an engine generates electric power for charging an array of batteries. The vehicle, including components and subsystems, may be powered electrically from the batteries, allowing the engine and generator to be easily replaced or customized for an industry, geographic region, fuel type, or a set of emission requirements. A thermal management system may determine a battery temperature for the set of batteries and cause one or more of a coolant system, a refrigerant system, an exhaust gas system, or an ambient air heat exchanger to add heat to the set of batteries or transfer heat away from the set of batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Healy, Patrick Sexton, Robert Butler, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 11505030
    Abstract: An electric drivetrain for installation in a vehicle chassis. A generator coupled to an engine generates electric power for charging an array of batteries. The vehicle, including components and subsystems, may be powered electrically from the batteries, allowing the engine and generator to be easily replaced or customized for an industry, geographic region, fuel type, or a set of emission requirements. A thermal management system may determine a battery temperature for the set of batteries and cause one or more of a coolant system, a refrigerant system, an exhaust gas system or an ambient air heat exchanger to add heat to the set of batteries or transfer heat away from the set of batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: HYLIION INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Healy, Patrick Sexton, Robert Butler, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20220082160
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing “empty” cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 11215268
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing “empty” cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20210354684
    Abstract: A drive train for installation in a vehicle chassis includes a power source, two motor/generators (M/Gs), an array of batteries, and a control system for configuring the drive train to operate using only the power source, only the batteries or a combination of the power source and batteries. The control system may open or close clutches to configure the drive train with each M/G working as a motor or a generator. A M/G working as a motor may use power from the batteries to supply rotational power to drive the vehicle or operate accessories on the vehicle. A M/G working as a generator coupled to a power source generates electric power for charging the array of batteries. The vehicle, including components and subsystems, may be powered electrically from the batteries or powered from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Healy, Patrick Sexton, Robert Butler, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20210331553
    Abstract: An electric drivetrain for installation in a vehicle chassis. A generator coupled to an engine generates electric power for charging an array of batteries. The vehicle, including components and subsystems, may be powered electrically from the batteries, allowing the engine and generator to be easily replaced or customized for an industry, geographic region, fuel type, or a set of emission requirements. A thermal management system may determine a battery temperature for the set of batteries and cause one or more of a coolant system, a refrigerant system, an exhaust gas system or an ambient air heat exchanger to add heat to the set of batteries or transfer heat away from the set of batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Healy, Patrick Sexton, Robert Butler, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10808807
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes or three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, David E. Earhart, Eric S. Tryon
  • Patent number: 10704655
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes or three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, David E. Earhart, Eric S. Tryon
  • Publication number: 20200173527
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing “empty” cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10634222
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10598261
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, James Raszkowski
  • Patent number: 10598260
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, James Raszkowski
  • Publication number: 20190390747
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes or three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, David E. Earhart, Eric S. Tryon
  • Publication number: 20190390746
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes or three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, David E. Earhart, Eric S. Tryon
  • Patent number: 10473190
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes or three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schoolcraft, David E. Earhart, Eric S. Tryon
  • Patent number: 10400866
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft