Patents by Inventor Darrell F. Greene
Darrell F. Greene 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: 11788534Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotating assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotating assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth nested with a conductive body, a rotor body fixedly mounted to the shaft, and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the circumferentially spaced teeth, the rotor body, and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor body.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Hanon Systems EFP Canada Ltd.Inventors: Kyle McCarroll, Kyle D. Mills, Darrell F. Greene
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Patent number: 11637478Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotor assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotor assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of claw-pole structures that are arranged circumferentially about the rotor assembly and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the claw-pole structures and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Hanon Systems EFP Canada Ltd.Inventors: Kyle D. Mills, Darrell F. Greene
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Publication number: 20230042094Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotating assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotating assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth nested with a conductive body, a rotor body fixedly mounted to the shaft, and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the circumferentially spaced teeth, the rotor body, and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Kyle MCCARROLL, Kyle D. MILLS, Darrell F. GREENE
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Patent number: 11519415Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotating assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotating assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth nested with a conductive body, a rotor body fixedly mounted to the shaft, and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the circumferentially spaced teeth, the rotor body, and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor body.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Hanon Systems EFP Canada Ltd.Inventors: Kyle McCarroll, Kyle D. Mills, Darrell F. Greene
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Patent number: 11336148Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotor assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotor assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes an annular channel in the rotor assembly that creates a magnetic gap, a finger made of a non-ferrous metal that extends from the pulley into the annular channel, and an electromagnetic coil that induces eddy currents in the finger of the pulley and a magnetic field in the magnetic gap, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS EFP CANADA LTD.Inventors: Kyle D. Mills, Darrell F. Greene
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Publication number: 20210310491Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotating assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotating assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth nested with a conductive body, a rotor body fixedly mounted to the shaft, and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the circumferentially spaced teeth, the rotor body, and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Kyle MCCARROLL, Kyle D. MILLS, Darrell F. GREENE
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Publication number: 20210017996Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotor assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotor assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of claw-pole structures that are arranged circumferentially about the rotor assembly and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the claw-pole structures and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Kyle D. MILLS, Darrell F. GREENE
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Patent number: 10851851Abstract: An electro-mechanical clutch apparatus includes a stationary member (22,122) having a center portion extending along an axis A and a stationary coil assembly (34,134) fixed about the center portion. A rotatable member (46,146) extends along the axis A and includes an annular projection (52,152) radially spaced from the coil assembly. A ratchet surface (29,129) presents a plurality of teeth disposed in axially aligned and radially spaced relationship with the annular projection. The rotatable member includes a magnetic pole piece (62,162) disposed in radially spaced and concentrically aligned relationship with said coil assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventors: Darrell F. Greene, Adrian C. Cioc, Sean A. Steele, David V. Dorigo
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Publication number: 20200321828Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotor assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotor assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes an annular channel in the rotor assembly that creates a magnetic gap, a finger made of a non-ferrous metal that extends from the pulley into the annular channel, and an electromagnetic coil that induces eddy currents in the finger of the pulley and a magnetic field in the magnetic gap, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Kyle D. MILLS, Darrell F. Greene
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Patent number: 10760622Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a clutch module and at least one electromagnetic actuator module. Each electromagnetic actuator module includes at least one electromagnetic actuator assembly having a coil assembly, a locking strut, and a connection member mechanically interconnected to the locking strut for moving it between released and deployed positions in response to energization of the coil assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN, INC.Inventors: Darrell F. Greene, Adrian C. Cioc
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Patent number: 10495159Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an outer race presenting a plurality of outer ratchet teeth and an inner race presenting a plurality of outer ratchet teeth. A selectable one-way clutch includes at least one active strut pivotably supported by the outer race and at least one electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator is selectively energized for effectuating pivoting of the active strut from an unlocked position wherein the active strut is disengaged from the outer ratchet teeth to a locked position for engaging one of the plurality of outer ratchet teeth during rotation of the inner race. The clutch assembly includes a lead frame assembly attached to the outer race and electrically connected to the at least one electromagnetic actuator for controlling selective energization of the at least one electromagnetic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventors: Darrell F. Greene, Adrian C. Cioc, Sean A. Steele, Dennis T. Loui, Myron R. Samila, David V. Dorigo
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Patent number: 10451121Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly, method of construction thereof and method of setting a preset gap between a magnetically permeable core and armature thereof is provided, An outer race has inner ratchet teeth and an inner race has outer ratchet teeth. A passive one-way clutch has passive struts pivotally supported for locked engagement with the inner ratchet teeth in a first direction. A selectable one-way clutch has an active strut selectively pivotal from an unlocked position to a locked position for engaging the outer ratchet teeth during rotation of the inner race in a second direction opposite the first direction. A protrusion extends radially outwardly from the outer race and has an orifice extending therethrough. A coil is operably supported by the protrusion. The magnetically permeable core is operably fixed in the orifice to be magnetized by the coil to move the at least one active strut to the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventors: Adrian C. Cioc, Darrell F. Greene, David V. Dorigo, Sean A. Steele, Myron R. Samila, Dennis T. Loui
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Patent number: 10337571Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly includes an outer race presenting a plurality of inner ratchet teeth and an inner race presenting a plurality of outer ratchet teeth. A passive one-way clutch includes a plurality of passive struts supported by the inner race and pivotable into engaging relationships with the inner ratchet teeth during rotation of the inner race in a first direction. A selectable one-way reverse clutch includes at least one active strut supported by the outer race and selectively pivotable from an unlocked position to a locked position to engage one of the outer ratchet teeth during rotation of the inner race in the second direction. The passive struts are unevenly circumferentially spaced from one another along the inner race to establish an indexed relationship among the passive struts for staggering engagement of sequential passive struts with the inner ratchet teeth of the outer race.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventors: Adrian C. Cioc, Darrell F. Greene, David V. Dorigo, Sean A. Steele, Myron R. Samila, Dennis T. Loui
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Publication number: 20190178308Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a clutch module and at least one electromagnetic actuator module. Each electromagnetic actuator module includes at least one electromagnetic actuator assembly having a coil assembly, a locking strut, and a connection member mechanically interconnected to the locking strut for moving it between released and deployed positions in response to energization of the coil assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Darrell F. GREENE, Adrian C. CIOC
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Patent number: 10208811Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a clutch module and at least one electromagnetic actuator module. Each electromagnetic actuator module includes at least one electromagnetic actuator assembly having a coil assembly, a locking strut, and a connection member mechanically interconnected to the locking strut for moving it between released and deployed positions in response to energization of the coil assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventors: Darrell F. Greene, Adrian C. Cioc
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Publication number: 20180355927Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an outer race presenting a plurality of outer ratchet teeth and an inner race presenting a plurality of outer ratchet teeth. A selectable one-way clutch includes at least one active strut pivotably supported by the outer race and at least one electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator is selectively energized for effectuating pivoting of the active strut from an unlocked position wherein the active strut is disengaged from the outer ratchet teeth to a locked position for engaging one of the plurality of outer ratchet teeth during rotation of the inner race. The clutch assembly includes a lead frame assembly attached to the outer race and electrically connected to the at least one electromagnetic actuator for controlling selective energization of the at least one electromagnetic actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Darrell F. Greene, Adrian C. Cioc, Sean A. Steele, Dennis T. Loui, Myron R. Samila, David V. Dorigo
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Patent number: 10066679Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch apparatus. The one-way clutch apparatus includes a first plate that has an inner surface that defines at least one compartment. A second plate has a ratchet surface aligned axially adjacent with the inner surface of the first plate and presents a plurality of teeth. Each of the compartments is divided into a strut section, an armature section and a core section. At least one electromagnetic actuator unit is received by the compartment. The electromagnetic actuator unit includes a coil assembly, an armature assembly that has at least one armature finger pivotally moveable in the armature section for movement toward and away from the coil assembly in response to the coil assembly being energized, and at least one strut that is pivotally moveable in the strut section for moving in response to engagement by the armature finger between a locked position and a released position.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventors: Adrian C. Cioc, Darrell F. Greene, David V. Dorigo, Sean A. Steele
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Patent number: 10050372Abstract: Disclosed is a method and structure for sealing an electrical connector. The structure includes a sealing insert for insertion into the housing of an electrical connector. The sealing insert has a flared lip spaced from and extending above a base and the flared lip has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the base. The sealing insert further includes a retention feature and at least one electrical pin guide. The sealing insert is inserted into the housing of an electrical connector after applying a form in place sealant inside the housing. The flared lip forms a seal against an inner wall of the housing and the retention feature of the sealing insert engages a retention feature inside the housing thereby locking the sealing insert into the housing and forcing the sealant into a sealant gap formed between the housing and the sealing insert thereby sealing the electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventor: Darrell F. Greene
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Patent number: 9945283Abstract: A three part valve is provided. The valve has a housing having three axially spaced inlet ports and an outlet port. A rotary valve assembly with a modular rotor is provided for controlling fluid communication between the inlet ports and the outlet port. The rotary valve assembly includes a shaft. Additionally there is provided a first generally cylindrical valve module torsionally affixed with the shaft for controlling fluid communication between a first inlet port and the outlet port. The rotary valve assembly also includes a second generally cylindrical valve assembly rotatably mounted on the shaft controlling fluid communication between a second inlet port and the outlet port. The second valve module has a coupling interface with the first valve module. A third generally cylindrical valve module is also provided rotatably mounted on the shaft. The third cylindrical valve module controls fluid communication between a third inlet port and the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.Inventors: Richard Muizelaar, Darrell F. Greene
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Publication number: 20180094677Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly, method of construction thereof and method of setting a preset gap between a magnetically permeable core and armature thereof is provided, An outer race has inner ratchet teeth and an inner race has outer ratchet teeth. A passive one-way clutch has passive struts pivotally supported for locked engagement with the inner ratchet teeth in a first direction. A selectable one-way clutch has an active strut selectively pivotal from an unlocked position to a locked position for engaging the outer ratchet teeth during rotation of the inner race in a second direction opposite the first direction. A protrusion extends radially outwardly from the outer race and has an orifice extending therethrough. A coil is operably supported by the protrusion. The magnetically permeable core is operably fixed in the orifice to be magnetized by the coil to move the at least one active strut to the locked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Adrian C. Cioc, Darrell F. Greene, David V. Dorigo, Sean A. Steele, Myron R. Samila, Dennis T. Loui