Patents by Inventor Dean Wardle

Dean Wardle 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: 11970987
    Abstract: A phasing system for varying a rotational relationship between a first rotary component and a second rotary component includes a gear hub and a cradle rotor. A spider rotor is arranged between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to selectively lock and unlock relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A torsion spring is coupled between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to apply a torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A planetary actuator is coupled to the gear hub and the spider rotor. The planetary actuator is operable between a steady-state mode, in which relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor is inhibited, and a phasing mode, in which the planetary actuator receives a rotary input at a predetermined magnitude to selectively provide a relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Curtis L. Van Weelden, Dean Wardle, Bryce Johnson
  • Patent number: 11821342
    Abstract: A cam phasing system is provided. In some non-limiting examples, the cam phasing system includes a planetary actuator having a first sun gear, a first set of planet gears meshed to and arranged circumferentially around the first sun gear, a first ring gear meshed with the first set of planet gears, and a second sun gear. The second sun gear is rotationally fixed. The planetary actuator further includes a second set of planet gears meshed to and arranged circumferentially around the second sun gear, a second ring gear meshed with the second set of planet gears, and an input shaft rotationally coupled to the first sun gear for rotation therewith. Rotation of the input shaft rotates the first ring gear relative to the second ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Curtis L. Van Weelden, Dean Wardle, Selena Boltik, Austin Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20230323825
    Abstract: A phasing system for varying a rotational relationship between a first rotary component and a second rotary component includes a gear hub and a cradle rotor. A spider rotor is arranged between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to selectively lock and unlock relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A torsion spring is coupled between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to apply a torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A planetary actuator is coupled to the gear hub and the spider rotor. The planetary actuator is operable between a steady-state mode, in which relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor is inhibited, and a phasing mode, in which the planetary actuator receives a rotary input at a predetermined magnitude to selectively provide a relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Curtis L. Van Weelden, Dean Wardle, Bryce Johnson
  • Patent number: 11674573
    Abstract: A phasing system is provided. A phase angle between the gear hub and the cradle rotor can be driven by a planetary actuator. In some non-limiting examples, an input shaft rotationally coupled between a rotary actuator for rotation therewith. Rotation of the input shaft can unlock relative rotation between the cradle rotor and the gear hub. In some non-limiting examples, the phasing system can include a gear hub and a cradle rotor, and a torsion spring arrange therebetween. The torsion spring can be configured to apply an internal torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to offset an external torque load applied to the gear hub or the cradle rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Curtis L. Van Weelden, Dean Wardle
  • Publication number: 20230050408
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide an approach for cam phase angle control where an axial or rotational position of an actuator of a cam phaser has a direct relationship to the phase angle of the cam shaft, allowing for accurate cam phasing without the need for cam shaft or crank shaft position sensors. Providing phase angle adjustability without the need for crank shaft or cam shaft position sensors enables control of phase angle solely by sensing the axial or rotational position of the actuator of the cam phaser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Todd Wollenberg, Patrick Heithoff, Dean Wardle
  • Patent number: 11441647
    Abstract: A linear actuator is provided. The linear actuator includes a rotor assembly including a rotor and a lead screw. The lead screw is rotationally coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith. The linear actuator further includes a stator assembly configured to selectively rotate the rotor in a desired direction, and a body assembly having a shaft and a shaft tube. The shaft is keyed to the shaft tube and prevented from rotating with the rotor. The shaft includes an inner bore configured to threadably receive the lead screw therein. Selective rotation is configured to displace the shaft between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Michael Layne, Dean Wardle, Selena Boltik
  • Publication number: 20220195898
    Abstract: A cam phasing system is provided. In some non-limiting examples, the cam phasing system includes a planetary actuator having a first sun gear, a first set of planet gears meshed to and arranged circumferentially around the first sun gear, a first ring gear meshed with the first set of planet gears, and a second sun gear. The second sun gear is rotationally fixed. The planetary actuator further includes a second set of planet gears meshed to and arranged circumferentially around the second sun gear, a second ring gear meshed with the second set of planet gears, and an input shaft rotationally coupled to the first sun gear for rotation therewith. Rotation of the input shaft rotates the first ring gear relative to the second ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Curtis L. Van Weelden, Dean Wardle, Selena Boltik, Austin Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20220049759
    Abstract: A phasing system is provided. A phase angle between the gear hub and the cradle rotor can be driven by a planetary actuator. In some non-limiting examples, an input shaft rotationally coupled between a rotary actuator for rotation therewith. Rotation of the input shaft can unlock relative rotation between the cradle rotor and the gear hub. In some non-limiting examples, the phasing system can include a gear hub and a cradle rotor, and a torsion spring arrange therebetween. The torsion spring can be configured to apply an internal torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to offset an external torque load applied to the gear hub or the cradle rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Curtis L. Van Weelden, Dean Wardle
  • Patent number: 11201025
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having a permanent magnet coupled to an armature of the electromagnetic actuator is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a housing, and an armature assembly arranged within the housing. The armature assembly includes an armature and a permanent magnet coupled to the armature. The armature is movable between a first position and a second position, and the permanent magnet defines an axial magnet thickness and the armature defines an axial armature thickness. A ratio of the axial armature thickness to the axial magnet thickness is greater than approximately three.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Dean Wardle, Michael Fricke
  • Publication number: 20200408317
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a control valve. The control valve can include a valve body with a valve bore and a spool received within the valve bore and moveable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, where the second position can be between the first position and the third position. The control valve can also include an electromagnetic actuator coupled to the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Ben Lundeberg, Christopher Everson, Dean Wardle, Austin Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10851907
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an actuating permanent magnet and a simplified construction is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a housing having a base, a side wall extending from the base to a termination plane, and a substantially open side. The electromagnetic actuator further includes a pole piece arranged within the housing, a wire coil positioned around the pole piece and arranged within the housing, and a permanent magnet coupled to the pole piece by a spring and moveable between a first position and a second position. An actuation position of the permanent magnet between the first position and the second position is proportional to a magnitude of a current applied to the wire coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Dean Wardle
  • Publication number: 20200240495
    Abstract: A linear actuator is provided. The linear actuator includes a rotor assembly including a rotor and a lead screw. The lead screw is rotationally coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith. The linear actuator further includes a stator assembly configured to selectively rotate the rotor in a desired direction, and a body assembly having a shaft and a shaft tube. The shaft is keyed to the shaft tube and prevented from rotating with the rotor. The shaft includes an inner bore configured to threadably receive the lead screw therein. Selective rotation is configured to displace the shaft between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Layne, Dean Wardle, Selena Boltik
  • Patent number: 10711657
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: HUSCO AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Publication number: 20190252144
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having a permanent magnet coupled to an armature of the electromagnetic actuator is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a housing, and an armature assembly arranged within the housing. The armature assembly includes an armature and a permanent magnet coupled to the armature. The armature is movable between a first position and a second position, and the permanent magnet defines an axial magnet thickness and the armature defines an axial armature thickness. A ratio of the axial armature thickness to the axial magnet thickness is greater than approximately three.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: DEAN WARDLE, MICHAEL FRICKE
  • Publication number: 20190234250
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: AUSTIN SCHMITT, BRIAN HEIDEMANN, DEAN WARDLE, ALLEN TEWES, MICHAEL KUJAK
  • Patent number: 10344631
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Patent number: 10319549
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having a permanent magnet coupled to an armature of the electromagnetic actuator is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a housing, a pole piece arranged within the housing and secured by an end plate, and an armature assembly having an armature and a permanent magnet coupled to the armature. The armature is movable between a first position and a second position. The electromagnetic actuator further includes a wire coil positioned around the armature assembly and arranged within the housing. An actuation position of the armature between the first position and the second position is proportional to a magnitude of current applied to the wire coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Dean Wardle, Michael Fricke
  • Patent number: 10294830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Patent number: 10072537
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Publication number: 20180252124
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: AUSTIN SCHMITT, BRIAN HEIDEMANN, DEAN WARDLE, ALLEN TEWES, MICHAEL KUJAK