Patents by Inventor Brice A. Pawley
Brice A. Pawley 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: 11953060Abstract: A coupling and control assembly includes first and second rotatable coupling members. The first coupling member has a first coupling face with locking formations, and the second coupling member has a second coupling face with pockets and in opposition with the first coupling face of the first coupling member and a third face spaced from the second coupling face and with passages communicating with the pockets. Locking members in the pockets transmit torque between the first and second coupling members. A stator includes an electromagnetic source, and a translator is translatable, rotatable, and coupled to the second coupling member to be rotatable therewith. The translator may include springs in the passages to actuate the plurality of locking members, or a permanent magnetic source cooperative with the electromagnetic source to translate the translator. An apertured retainer plate may be coupled to the second coupling member to facilitate pivoting of the plurality of locking members.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Dustin M. Finn
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Publication number: 20220170517Abstract: A coupling and control assembly includes first and second rotatable coupling members. The first coupling member has a first coupling face with locking formations, and the second coupling member has a second coupling face with pockets and in opposition with the first coupling face of the first coupling member and a third face spaced from the second coupling face and with passages communicating with the pockets. Locking members in the pockets transmit torque between the first and second coupling members. A stator includes an electromagnetic source, and a translator is translatable, rotatable, and coupled to the second coupling member to be rotatable therewith. The translator may include springs in the passages to actuate the plurality of locking members, or a permanent magnetic source cooperative with the electromagnetic source to translate the translator. An apertured retainer plate may be coupled to the second coupling member to facilitate pivoting of the plurality of locking members.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2022Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Dustin M. Finn
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Patent number: 11286996Abstract: An electro-dynamic coupling and control assembly and a switchable linear actuator device are provided. The assembly has first and second coupling members each of which is supported for rotation about a common rotational axis and at least one locking member for selectively mechanically coupling the coupling members together. The device includes a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure configured to be coupled to the second coupling member to rotate therewith. The translator structure includes at least one plunger which is elastically deformable in an axial direction to provide the device with compliance. Each plunger has a free end portion configured to move within a passage to engage and actuate a locking member within a pocket in the second coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Dustin M. Finn
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Patent number: 11187282Abstract: A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
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Publication number: 20210246950Abstract: An electro-dynamic coupling and control assembly and a switchable linear actuator device are provided. The assembly has first and second coupling members each of which is supported for rotation about a common rotational axis and at least one locking member for selectively mechanically coupling the coupling members together. The device includes a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure configured to be coupled to the second coupling member to rotate therewith. The translator structure includes at least one plunger which is elastically deformable in an axial direction to provide the device with compliance. Each plunger has a free end portion configured to move within a passage to engage and actuate a locking member within a pocket in the second coupling member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Dustin M. Finn
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Patent number: 10995803Abstract: An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of a non-friction coupling assembly and a coupling and magnetic control assembly are provided. Magnetic circuit components include a ferromagnetic or magnetic element received within a pocket of a coupling member. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. A stationary electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil which generates a magnetic field between poles of the source when the at least one coil is supplied with current. Ferromagnetic or magnetic first and second inserts are received and retained within first and second spaced passages, respectively, of the coupling member. The electromagnetic source, the element, the inserts and air gaps between the various magnetic circuit components make up a closed loop path containing magnetic flux so that the element moves between first and second positions of the element when the at least one coil is supplied with current.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Riley C. Moore, Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand, Ryan W. Essenmacher
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Patent number: 10989257Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly and control system for use therein are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between the coupling faces of first and second coupling members. An actuator arm includes an output member and a one-way locking member which is pivotally connected to output member which, in turn, is coupled to the control member. The locking member moves between a disengaged position in which the control member is permitted to shift or rotate relative to the second coupling member and an engaged position with a locking member-engaging portion of the second coupling member to lock the control member and the second coupling member together to prevent the control member from inadvertently shifting in a first direction relative to the second coupling member in the absence of an actuator command signal received by a bi-directional actuator assembly of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley
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Publication number: 20200173499Abstract: An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of a non-friction coupling assembly and a coupling and magnetic control assembly are provided. Magnetic circuit components include a ferromagnetic or magnetic element received within a pocket of a coupling member. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. A stationary electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil which generates a magnetic field between poles of the source when the at least one coil is supplied with current. Ferromagnetic or magnetic first and second inserts are received and retained within first and second spaced passages, respectively, of the coupling member. The electromagnetic source, the element, the inserts and air gaps between the various magnetic circuit components make up a closed loop path containing magnetic flux so that the element moves between first and second positions of the element when the at least one coil is supplied with current.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Riley C. Moore, Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand, Ryan W. Essenmacher
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Publication number: 20200149597Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly and control system for use therein are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between the coupling faces of first and second coupling members. An actuator arm includes an output member and a one-way locking member which is pivotally connected to output member which, in turn, is coupled to the control member. The locking member moves between a disengaged position in which the control member is permitted to shift or rotate relative to the second coupling member and an engaged position with a locking member-engaging portion of the second coupling member to lock the control member and the second coupling member together to prevent the control member from inadvertently shifting in a first direction relative to the second coupling member in the absence of an actuator command signal received by a bi-directional actuator assembly of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley
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Publication number: 20200124115Abstract: A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
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Patent number: 10583729Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including a plurality of accommodating recess portions formed in one surface; a plurality of engaging pieces accommodated in the respective accommodating recess portions; a notch plate relatively rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, and including a plurality of engaging recess portions formed in a surface facing the one surface of the pocket plate; and a selector plate positioned between the pocket plate and the notch plate, and configured to be coaxially rotated with the notch plate to switch between: a state in which the engaging pieces rise toward the engaging recess portions; and a state in which the engaging pieces are accommodated in the respective accommodating recess portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Shibata, Shotaro Kato, Mitsuaki Tomita, Yuki Kurosaki, Brice Pawley
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Patent number: 10563710Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a pocket plate having accommodating recessed portions; engaging pieces accommodated in the accommodating recessed portions; a notch plate relatively rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, and having engaging recessed portions; and a selector plate between the pocket plate and the notch plate, including window holes and switches a state where the engaging pieces pass through the window holes and rise, and a state where the engaging pieces are accommodated in the accommodating recessed portions. Further, the engaging pieces include groove portions formed in centers of the selectable one-way clutch, the selector plate includes protruding portions protruding from inner surface of the window holes, and the protruding portions are fit into the groove portions, and the engaging pieces and the selector plate are layered in a rotation axis direction of the selectable one-way clutch, when the selectable one-way clutch is not engaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MEANS INDUSTRIES INC.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Brice Pawley
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Patent number: 10539198Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a channeled locking member are provided. The locking member has a ramped, open channel extending through a nose and main body of the locking member to an upper face of the main body. The locking member is movable between first and second positions. The first position is a coupling position and the second position is an uncoupling position. Pressurized fluid directed to a bottom of the channel urges the locking member towards the second position upon rotation of a first member of the assembly in a first direction relative to a second member of the assembly above a predetermined RPM to prevent abutting engagement of the locking member with a shoulder of the first member in the overrun mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand
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Publication number: 20190063517Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a channeled locking member are provided. The locking member has a ramped, open channel extending through a nose and main body of the locking member to an upper face of the main body. The locking member is movable between first and second positions. The first position is a coupling position and the second position is an uncoupling position. Pressurized fluid directed to a bottom of the channel urges the locking member towards the second position upon rotation of a first member of the assembly in a first direction relative to a second member of the assembly above a predetermined RPM to prevent abutting engagement of the locking member with a shoulder of the first member in the overrun mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand
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Patent number: 10145428Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a channeled locking member are provided. The locking member has a ramped, open channel extending through a nose and main body of the locking member to an upper face of the main body. The locking member is movable between first and second positions. The first position is a coupling position and the second position is an uncoupling position. Pressurized fluid directed to a bottom of the channel urges the locking member towards the second position upon rotation of a first member of the assembly in a first direction relative to a second member of the assembly above a predetermined RPM to prevent abutting engagement of the locking member with a shoulder of the first member in the overrun mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand
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Publication number: 20180266502Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a pocket plate having accommodating recessed portions; engaging pieces accommodated in the accommodating recessed portions; a notch plate relatively rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, and having engaging recessed portions; and a selector plate between the pocket plate and the notch plate, including window holes and switches a state where the engaging pieces pass through the window holes and rise, and a state where the engaging pieces are accommodated in the accommodating recessed portions. Further, the engaging pieces include groove portions formed in centers of the selectable one-way clutch, the selector plate includes protruding portions protruding from inner surface of the window holes, and the protruding portions are fit into the groove portions, and the engaging pieces and the selector plate are layered in a rotation axis direction of the selectable one-way clutch, when the selectable one-way clutch is not engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki SHIOIRI, Brice PAWLEY
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Publication number: 20180229597Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including a plurality of accommodating recess portions formed in one surface; a plurality of engaging pieces accommodated in the respective accommodating recess portions; a notch plate relatively rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, and including a plurality of engaging recess portions formed in a surface facing the one surface of the pocket plate; and a selector plate positioned between the pocket plate and the notch plate, and configured to be coaxially rotated with the notch plate to switch between: a state in which the engaging pieces rise toward the engaging recess portions; and a state in which the engaging pieces are accommodated in the respective accommodating recess portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki SHIOIRI, Hiroyuki SHIBATA, Shotaro KATO, Mitsuaki TOMITA, Yuki KUROSAKI, Brice PAWLEY
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Patent number: 10030720Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch is provided. The selectable one-way clutch comprises a selector member rotated at a predetermined angle between an engagement position and a disengagement position, and an actuator that reciprocates linearly along a tangential line of the selector member to rotate the selector member to the engagement position and to the disengagement position. The actuator comprises an actuation member that is offset from the selector member in a direction along a rotational center axis of the selector member to actuate along the tangential line of the circumference of the selector member. The selectable one-way clutch further comprises an arm connecting the actuation member and the selector member to rotate the selector member by a linear motion of the actuation member.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hideaki Komada, Yuki Kurosaki, Hiroyuki Shibata, Brice A. Pawley
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Publication number: 20180066716Abstract: A controllable or selectable coupling assembly includes a plurality of forward locking elements, at least one reverse locking element and first and second coupling members supported for relative rotation about a common rotational axis. The coupling members include a first, second and third coupling faces. The first coupling face has a set of forward pockets angularly spaced about the axis. The second coupling face has a set of reverse locking formations adapted for abutting engagement with the at least one reverse locking element. The third coupling face opposes the first coupling face and has a set of forward locking formations. Either forward backlash is a non-zero integer multiple of reverse backlash or the reverse backlash is a non-zero integer multiple of the forward backlash to prevent the coupling assembly from inadvertently binding in both directions (i.e. a “lock-lock” condition) about the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Douglas E. BRUBAKER, Brice A. PAWLEY, Jeffrey J. PROUT
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Publication number: 20170227072Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a channeled locking member are provided. The locking member has a ramped, open channel extending through a nose and main body of the locking member to an upper face of the main body. The locking member is movable between first and second positions. The first position is a coupling position and the second position is an uncoupling position. Pressurized fluid directed to a bottom of the channel urges the locking member towards the second position upon rotation of a first member of the assembly in a first direction relative to a second member of the assembly above a predetermined RPM to prevent abutting engagement of the locking member with a shoulder of the first member in the overrun mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand