Patents by Inventor George A. Willford

George A. Willford 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: 11927263
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Cook, Mark A. Davis, Jordan M. Houser, Travis J. Miller, George A. Willford
  • Patent number: 11760195
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua A. Perry, William F. Waltz, George A. Willford, James F. Ziech
  • Publication number: 20230234439
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively engaging an electric machine to an electric axle of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include engaging or disengaging the electric machine to a differential of the electric-axle by adjusting pressure in a piston coupled to an axle shaft of the electric-axle via a disconnect clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew T. BRAMMER, Mark LEBER, Benjamin J. PASSINO, George A. WILLFORD
  • Publication number: 20230228327
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Travis J. MILLER, Michael D. COOK, Jordan M. HOUSER, George A. WILLFORD, Mark A. DAVIS
  • Patent number: 11692626
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Travis J. Miller, Michael D. Cook, Jordan M. Houser, George A. Willford, Mark A. Davis
  • Patent number: 11642960
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively engaging an electric machine to an electric axle of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include engaging or disengaging the electric machine to a differential of the electric-axle by adjusting pressure in a piston coupled to an axle shaft of the electric-axle via a disconnect clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Brammer, Mark Leber, Benjamin J. Passino, George A. Willford
  • Patent number: 11560047
    Abstract: A vehicle including a frame having an axle and a support apparatus coupled thereto. The support apparatus is configured to support a load coupled to the axle and permit the load to translate along an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Vailliencourt, William F. Waltz, Steven J. Wesolowski, George A. Willford
  • Publication number: 20230016244
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael D. COOK, Mark A. DAVIS, Jordan M. HOUSER, Travis J. MILLER, George A. WILLFORD
  • Patent number: 11530747
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Travis J. Miller, Michael D. Cook, Jordan M. Houser, George A. Willford, Mark A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20220297537
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua A. PERRY, William F. WALTZ, George A. WILLFORD, James F. ZIECH
  • Patent number: 11433765
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua A. Perry, William F. Waltz, George A. Willford, James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 11338660
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle, including a gear assembly including a gear assembly housing defining a hollow portion therein, a first gear shaft having a first gear, a second gear shaft having a second gear and a third gear, wherein at least a portion of the second gear is drivingly connected to the first gear and the third gear, and at least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within the hollow portion of the gear assembly housing; a motor assembly having an output shaft that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of the gear assembly; and a first mounting assembly including a portion integrally connected to the modular electric head assembly and a portion integrally connected to a support member of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the third gear is drivingly connected to a pair of drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Laforce, Steven G. Slesinski, Harry W. Trost, George A. Willford
  • Patent number: 11247548
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle. An axle assembly of the vehicle includes a banjo portion with a first opening extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of an inboard side of the banjo portion. At least a portion of a differential assembly disposed within at the banjo portion of the axle assembly and is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a gear assembly. The gear assembly is also drivingly connected to a motor output shaft. At least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within a hollow portion of a gear assembly housing. An outboard portion of the gear assembly housing has a mounting flange that is integrally connected to the inboard side of the banjo portion. A first and second protruding portion extends from the axle assembly mounting flange and provides rotational support for the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Thibault G. Devreese, Wouter Wa Galoppin, Nicholas W. Laforce, Lewis H. Nickell, Robert L. Vailliencourt, Steven J. Wesolowski, George A. Willford, Ned W. Wright
  • Publication number: 20220034400
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Travis J. MILLER, Michael D. COOK, Jordan M. HOUSER, George A. WILLFORD, Mark A. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20220034399
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Travis J. MILLER, Michael D. COOK, Jordan M. HOUSER, George A. WILLFORD, Mark A. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20210362577
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle, including a gear assembly including a gear assembly housing defining a hollow portion therein, a first gear shaft having a first gear, a second gear shaft having a second gear and a third gear, wherein at least a portion of the second gear is drivingly connected to the first gear and the third gear, and at least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within the hollow portion of the gear assembly housing; a motor assembly having an output shaft that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of the gear assembly; and a first mounting assembly including a portion integrally connected to the modular electric head assembly and a portion integrally connected to a support member of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the third gear is drivingly connected to a pair of drive shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Steven G. SLESINSKI, Harry W. TROST, George A. WILLFORD
  • Publication number: 20210347258
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively engaging an electric machine to an electric axle of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include engaging or disengaging the electric machine to a differential of the electric-axle by adjusting pressure in a piston coupled to an axle shaft of the electric-axle via a disconnect clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew T. BRAMMER, Mark LEBER, Benjamin J. PASSINO, George A. WILLFORD
  • Patent number: 11148529
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving traction and control of a tandem axle are described. In one example, a controller automatically locks an inter-axle differential so that traction of a vehicle may be improved. The approach may also include automatically locking one or more axle differentials in conjunction with locking of the inter-axle differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: George A. Willford, Patrick F. Rose
  • Publication number: 20210162848
    Abstract: A vehicle including a frame having an axle and a support apparatus coupled thereto. The support apparatus is configured to support a load coupled to the axle and permit the load to translate along an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Robert L. VAILLIENCOURT, William F. WALTZ, Steven J. WESOLOWSKI, George A. WILLFORD
  • Publication number: 20200108706
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle. An axle assembly of the vehicle includes a banjo portion with a first opening extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of an inboard side of the banjo portion. At least a portion of a differential assembly disposed within at the banjo portion of the axle assembly and is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a gear assembly. The gear assembly is also drivingly connected to a motor output shaft. At least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within a hollow portion of a gear assembly housing. An outboard portion of the gear assembly housing has a mounting flange that is integrally connected to the inboard side of the banjo portion. A first and second protruding portion extends from the axle assembly mounting flange and provides rotational support for the differential assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: THIBAULT G. DEVREESE, WOUTER WA GALOPPIN, NICHOLAS W. LAFORCE, LEWIS H. NICKELL, ROBERT L. VAILLIENCOURT, STEVEN J. WESOLOWSKI, GEORGE A. WILLFORD, NED W. WRIGHT