Patents by Inventor Bruce E. Crum

Bruce E. Crum 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: 11685350
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael York, Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 11639208
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Larry Boley, Rick Daugherty, James Priest, Michael R. Toole, Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20220266931
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Larry Boley, Rick Daugherty, James Priest, Michael R. Toole, Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 11332206
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Larry Boley, Rick Daugherty, James Priest, Michael R. Toole, Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20220024458
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael York, Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 11161489
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael York, Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20210053630
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Larry Boley, Rick Daugherty, James Priest, Michael R. Toole, Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 10829169
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Larry Boley, Rick Daugherty, James Priest, Michael R. Toole, Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 10807576
    Abstract: A method of controlling brake clearance of a braking system of a vehicle includes providing a brake actuator, a brake input device, and a cross-drive transmission having an output and a brake pack. The method includes receiving a brake input request from the brake input device, actuating the brake actuator to apply the brake pack, and moving the brake actuator from a first position to a second position during the actuating step. The method also includes detecting an axial movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position, comparing the axial movement to a clearance threshold, and adjusting a return position of the brake actuator that is offset from the first position when the axial movement exceeds the clearance threshold. The method further includes controlling movement of the brake actuator from the second position to the return position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20200207315
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael York, Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 10655695
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes an engine, a transmission having an input coupled to the engine and an output, and a controller for controlling at least the transmission. A braking system includes a brake sensor and a brake pack configured to reduce a speed of the vehicle. The brake sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A main hydraulic pump is operably driven by the engine and an output hydraulic pump is operably driven by the transmission output. A brake coolant valve is disposed in fluid communication with the main hydraulic pump and the output hydraulic pump. The brake coolant valve is controlled between an open position and a closed position. The main hydraulic pump and the output hydraulic pump are fluidly coupled to the brake pack when the brake coolant valve is in its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Crum
  • Patent number: 10618506
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael York, Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20180335112
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Larry Boley, Rick Daugherty, James Priest, Michael R. Toole, Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20180274614
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes an engine, a transmission having an input coupled to the engine and an output, and a controller for controlling at least the transmission. A braking system includes a brake sensor and a brake pack configured to reduce a speed of the vehicle. The brake sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A main hydraulic pump is operably driven by the engine and an output hydraulic pump is operably driven by the transmission output. A brake coolant valve is disposed in fluid communication with the main hydraulic pump and the output hydraulic pump. The brake coolant valve is controlled between an open position and a closed position. The main hydraulic pump and the output hydraulic pump are fluidly coupled to the brake pack when the brake coolant valve is in its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20180148026
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Michael York, Bruce E. Crum
  • Publication number: 20180126966
    Abstract: A method of controlling brake clearance of a braking system of a vehicle includes providing a brake actuator, a brake input device, and a cross-drive transmission having an output and a brake pack. The method includes receiving a brake input request from the brake input device, actuating the brake actuator to apply the brake pack, and moving the brake actuator from a first position to a second position during the actuating step. The method also includes detecting an axial movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position, comparing the axial movement to a clearance threshold, and adjusting a return position of the brake actuator that is offset from the first position when the axial movement exceeds the clearance threshold. The method further includes controlling movement of the brake actuator from the second position to the return position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce E. Crum