Patents by Inventor Ernie DeVincent

Ernie DeVincent 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).

  • Power split transaxle for producing stepless reverse, forward and geared neutral speed ratios
    Patent number: 7048667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power split drive train that includes a variable speed ratio path and a fixed speed ratio path. An epicyclic gearset, driven at two inputs, one input continually connected to the variable path, combines the power from the fixed path and variable path. A coupler driveably connects one of the gearset inputs alternately to the fixed path and the variable path. With the coupler connecting the fixed path and the gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces a stepless range of reverse speed ratios, geared neutral and a stepless range of forward speed ratios. With the coupler connecting the variable path and a gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces higher speed ratios in forward drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ernie DeVincent, Rolf Lequis
  • Power split transaxle for producing stepless reverse, forward and geared neural speed ratios
    Publication number: 20050176548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power split drive train that includes a variable speed ratio path and a fixed speed ratio path. An epicyclic gearset, driven at two inputs, one input continually connected to the variable path, combines the power from the fixed path and variable path. A coupler driveably connects one of the gearset inputs alternately to the fixed path and the variable path. With the coupler connecting the fixed path and the gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces a stepless range of reverse speed ratios, geared neutral and a stepless range of forward speed ratios. With the coupler connecting the variable path and a gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces higher speed ratios in forward drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Ernie DeVincent, Rolf Lequis