Patents by Inventor D. Hands
D. Hands 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: 11976693Abstract: A clutch assembly, the assembly may include a first member having a locking structure and a second member having a receiving area. The assembly may include a locking element supported in the receiving area of the second member, the locking element moving between an engaged position where the locking element holds or transfers torque between the first and second members and a disengaged position where the locking element holds or transfers no torque between the first and second members. The locking element includes a socket. Moreover, the assembly may include a reciprocating member in the socket when the locking element is in the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Andrzejewski, Joshua D. Hand
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Publication number: 20230141381Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a multiple-position actuation mechanism and a detent assembly holding the actuation mechanism in a discrete position. The detent assembly may include a mechanical detent. In one example, the mechanical detent engages the actuation mechanism and holds the actuation member in a neutral or middle position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brandon J. Voelker, Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel
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Publication number: 20230106800Abstract: A vehicle transmission using a gearset. Multi-mode clutches selectively couple components of the gearset. The transmission operates in and shifts between a first forward gear and a second forward gear using a change in input rotation. An electric motor coupled to the input may be used to change the input rotation direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Steven M. Thomas
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Patent number: 11614130Abstract: A dynamic controllable dog clutch (DCDC) includes a pocket plate, a notch plate, and a linear actuator having a stator and a translator. The translator is axially movable between (i) an engaged position in which a locking member axially extends through the a pocket of the pocket plate and engages a notch of the notch plate to thereby mechanically couple the pocket plate and the notch plate together to prevent relative rotation of the pocket plate and the notch plate with respect to each other about a common rotational axis and (ii) a disengaged position in which the locking member is disengaged from the notch of the notch plate to thereby mechanically decouple the pocket plate and the notch plate together to enable relative rotation of the pocket plate and the notch plate with respect to each other about the common rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventor: Joshua D. Hand
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Publication number: 20220397162Abstract: In some implementations, the device may include a first member having a locking structure and a second member having a receiving area. The device may include a locking element supported in the receiving area of the second member, the locking element moving between an engaged position where the locking element holds or transfers torque between the first and second members and a disengaged position where the locking element holds or transfers no torque between the first and second members. The locking element includes a socket. Moreover, the device may include a reciprocating member in the socket when the locking element is in the disengaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Andrzejewski, Joshua D. Hand
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Publication number: 20220235829Abstract: A dynamic controllable dog clutch (DCDC) includes a pocket plate, a notch plate, and a linear actuator having a stator and a translator. The translator is axially movable between (i) an engaged position in which a locking member axially extends through the a pocket of the pocket plate and engages a notch of the notch plate to thereby mechanically couple the pocket plate and the notch plate together to prevent relative rotation of the pocket plate and the notch plate with respect to each other about a common rotational axis and (ii) a disengaged position in which the locking member is disengaged from the notch of the notch plate to thereby mechanically decouple the pocket plate and the notch plate together to enable relative rotation of the pocket plate and the notch plate with respect to each other about the common rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventor: Joshua D. Hand
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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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Patent number: 11067137Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including pockets provided along a circumferential direction on one surface; a notch plate that is rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, the notch plate including notches provided along a circumferential direction on a surface facing the one surface; struts that are plate-shaped and housed in the respective pockets; and a selector plate disposed between the pocket plate and the notch plate, and configured to switch, by rotating coaxially with the pocket plate, between: a state in which the struts have risen toward the notch plate; and a state in which the struts are housed in the respective pockets. The notch plate includes flat portions between the notches that are adjacent in the circumferential direction, and each flat portion includes a first recess at a position where the corresponding strut having risen toward the notch plate is brought into contact.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Shotaro Kato, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Hiroyuki Shibata, Mitsuaki Tomita, Yuki Kurosaki, Joshua D. Hand
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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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Patent number: 10968964Abstract: A coupling and control assembly includes an internal latching mechanism to hold a support member and a coupling member together in position so that the support member and the second coupling member rotate together without using any energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventor: Joshua D. Hand
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Patent number: 10711853Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member having at least one side surface with a draft to improve locking member dynamics are provided. Locking member dynamics is improved with regards to locking member laydown speed. Laydown speed variation cause by a variable frictional coefficient between a pocket surface of a pocket in which the locking member is received and nominally retained and the at least one side surface of the locking member is minimized as well.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel, Terry O. Hendrick
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Patent number: 10677297Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including accommodating recess portions; a notch plate including engaging recess portions; a plate-shaped engaging piece; and a selector plate configured to switch between: a state in which the engaging piece rises toward the notch plate; and a state in which the engaging piece is accommodated in the accommodating recess portion. The notch plate includes a plane portion including a first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface provides the engaging piece with force in a direction into which the engaging piece is urged away from the notch plate, when the notch plate is rotated in an engaging direction into which the engaging piece rising toward the notch plate is engaged with the engaging recess portion, and one end portion of the engaging piece rises toward the notch plate and comes in contact with the plane portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Shibata, Shotaro Kato, Mitsuaki Tomita, Yuki Kurosaki, Joshua D. Hand
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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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Publication number: 20200109750Abstract: A coupling and control assembly includes an internal latching mechanism to hold a support member and a coupling member together in position so that the support member and the second coupling member rotate together without using any energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventor: Joshua D. Hand
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Patent number: 10598233Abstract: 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 of second coupling members. A one-way locking member such as a detent is pivotally connected to the control member via a selector arm for movement 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 between the control member and 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 subassembly including the selector arm connected to the control member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignees: Means Industries, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Joshua D. Hand, Hiroyuki Shioiri
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Patent number: 10590998Abstract: 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 of second coupling members. A one-way locking member such as a pawl is pivotally connected to the control member for movement 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 between the control member and 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 subassembly including an output member connected to the control member.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel
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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