Patents by Inventor Christopher A. CHIRCO

Christopher A. CHIRCO 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).

  • Transfer case with range and mode actuator having cam follower mechanism to overcome blocked shift events and sensor configuration permitting detection of fork positions
    Patent number: 11104225
    Abstract: A transfer case with an actuator for operating a two-speed transmission (i.e., range mechanism) and a clutch (i.e., mode mechanism). The actuator employs a motor-driven cam structure that coordinates the movement of a first fork, which is associated with the range mechanism, and a second fork that is associated with the mode mechanism. A resilient coupling is employed to provide compliance between the motor and the cam structure in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the range mechanism from changing from a high-range mode and a low range mode or tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the mode mechanism from changing between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. A sensor target and sensor are employed to identify the rotational positioning of the cam structure placement, which is indicative of the modes in which the transmission and the clutch are operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Wentz, Christopher A. Chirco, Ryo Takagi
  • Transfer Case With Range And Mode Actuator Having Cam Follower Mechanism To Overcome Blocked Shift Events And Sensor Configuration Permitting Detection Of Fork Positions
    Publication number: 20190308499
    Abstract: A transfer case with an actuator for operating a two-speed transmission (i.e., range mechanism) and a clutch (i.e., mode mechanism). The actuator employs a motor-driven cam structure that coordinates the movement of a first fork, which is associated with the range mechanism, and a second fork that is associated with the mode mechanism. A resilient coupling is employed to provide compliance between the motor and the cam structure in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the range mechanism from changing from a high-range mode and a low range mode or tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the mode mechanism from changing between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. A sensor target and sensor are employed to identify the rotational positioning of the cam structure placement, which is indicative of the modes in which the transmission and the clutch are operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Travis J. WENTZ, Christopher A. CHIRCO, Ryo TAKAGI