Patents by Inventor Donald R. Flugrad

Donald R. Flugrad 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: 8534146
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member includes gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. In another variation, the first member may be either an input member or a control member, and the second member may be either an input member or a control member. An additional member connected to the center of the gear between the first and second members would then serve as the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Flugrad, Abir Z. Qamhiyah
  • Patent number: 7938033
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission further includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member further comprising gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. A gear engages the gear teeth of the first member and the gear teeth of the second member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. Either of the first member or the second member may be the input with the other member being the output depending upon whether a speed increase or a speed decrease is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Flugrad, Abir Z. Qamhiyah
  • Publication number: 20100294054
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member includes gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. In another variation, the first member may be either an input member or a control member, and the second member may be either an input member or a control member. An additional member connected to the center of the gear between the first and second members would then serve as the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: DONALD R. FLUGRAD, ABIR Z. QAMHIYAH
  • Publication number: 20080026903
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission further includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member further comprising gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. A gear engages the gear teeth of the first member and the gear teeth of the second member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. Either of the first member or the second member may be the input with the other member being the output depending upon whether a speed increase or a speed decrease is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: DONALD R. FLUGRAD, ABIR Z. QAMHIYAH
  • Patent number: 7118512
    Abstract: A self-actuating traction drive speed changer has a movable force input element having a planar drive surface, and a movable force output element having a planar drive surface which is connectable to an output load. One or more movable roller elements has a planar drive surface operatively connected for movement to the input element, and are in frictional engagement with the planar drive surface of the output element so that movement of the input element will cause the planar drive surface of the roller element to engage and frictionally move the output element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Flugrad, Jr., Abir Z. Qamhiyah
  • Publication number: 20040023754
    Abstract: A self-actuating traction drive speed changer has a movable force input element having a planar drive surface, and a movable force output element having a planar drive surface which is connectable to an output load. One or more movable roller elements has a planar drive surface operatively connected for movement to the input element, and are in frictional engagement with the planar drive surface of the output element so that movement of the input element will cause the planar drive surface of the roller element to engage and frictionally move the output element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Donald R. Flugrad Jr., Abir Z. Qamhiyah
  • Patent number: 5339906
    Abstract: A feedback mechanism for providing an implement position signal includes a rotary potentiometer mounted on the implement frame adjacent the rockshaft with the axis of the potentiometer shaft extending parallel to the rockshaft. A linkage structure includes a potentiometer arm connected to a rockshaft arm by a link such that the angle the potentiometer arm forms with the link is acute when the implement is in the transport position and obtuse when the implement is in the lowered field-working range. At the lowermost position of the implement, the link and potentiometer arm approach an overcenter position. The linkage structure provides amplified rotation of the potentiometer shaft relative to the rockshaft when the implement is in the field-working range of positions, while rotation of the shaft is reduced relative to rockshaft rotation when the implement is raised above the field-working position. In the preferred embodiment, rotation of the rockshaft 10.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Fox, William L. Smith, Jr., Donald R. Flugrad, Jr.