Patents by Inventor James Copeland

James Copeland 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: 11846326
    Abstract: An actuating assembly includes a body; a plunger axially movable with respect to the body; a linear actuator configured for being activated to axially move the plunger in a first direction into engagement with the body such that the plunger and body are rotationally fixed with respect to each other; a barrel movable with respect to the body for contacting the plunger and the body depending on an axial position of the plunger; and a spring for biasing the barrel toward the plunger. The barrel is configured such that the spring forces the barrel into circumferential engagement with the body in two different axial positions of the barrel with respect to the body when the linear actuator is inactive depending on a rotational orientation of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: James Copeland, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 11215243
    Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an actuation assembly, an outer ring, and an inner ring disposed radially inward of the outer ring and rotatable about an axis in first and second rotational directions. A first and second strut are rotatably disposed within first and second pockets of the outer ring and configured to be rotated by the actuation assembly. A first pawl and a second pawl are rotatably disposed within a third pocket and a fourth pocket, respectively. For a transition mode, the actuation assembly is configured to rotate the first strut within the first pocket such that rotation of the first strut in the first rotational direction urges the first pawl radially inward into partial engagement with teeth disposed on an outer surface of the inner ring, the second pawl remains free of contact with the inner ring and the inner ring rotates in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Peter Burke, James Copeland, Jordan Geiser, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 11143245
    Abstract: A clutch coupler assembly for a hybrid transmission having a first torque input, a second torque input, and a torque output comprises a sleeve fixed to the first torque input and an output hub connected to an output shaft of the torque output. A first ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the output hub and fixed to the sleeve such that the first torque input is always coupled to the torque output. An input hub is connected to an input shaft of the second torque input and a second ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the input hub. A sliding collar is mounted on the first ring and is configured to engage with the second ring to selectively connect the second torque input to the torque output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: James Copeland, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10975917
    Abstract: A unitized wedge clutch includes a first race, a second race, a wedge segment, and a first side plate. The first race has a circumferential groove with a first angled surface and a second angled surface. The second race has a first ramp surface extending radially outward in a circumferential direction. The wedge segment is arranged in a radial space between the first race and the second race. The wedge segment has a third angled surface aligned with the first angled surface and a fourth angled surface aligned with the second angled surface, a second ramp surface aligned with the first ramp surface, and a first aperture. The first side plate has a first protrusion extending through the first aperture. The unitized wedge clutch may have a plurality of wedge segments arranged circumferentially in a radial space between the first race and the second race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20210102586
    Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an actuation assembly, an outer ring, and an inner ring disposed radially inward of the outer ring and rotatable about an axis in first and second rotational directions. A first and second strut are rotatably disposed within first and second pockets of the outer ring and configured to be rotated by the actuation assembly. A first pawl and a second pawl are rotatably disposed within a third pocket and a fourth pocket, respectively. For a transition mode, the actuation assembly is configured to rotate the first strut within the first pocket such that rotation of the first strut in the first rotational direction urges the first pawl radially inward into partial engagement with teeth disposed on an outer surface of the inner ring, the second pawl remains free of contact with the inner ring and the inner ring rotates in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Peter Burke, James Copeland, Jordan Geiser, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 10927904
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes inner and outer races supported for rotation about an axis and a one-way clutch element radially disposed between the inner and outer races. A first bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. A second bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. The first and second bearings are on opposite sides of the clutch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Patent number: 10815843
    Abstract: A switchable one-way clutch (SOWC) is configured to operate in both a freewheeling mode and a one-way clutch mode. The SOWC includes an inner race with a plurality of external cams, and a cylindrical outer race. A plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the inner cams and the outer race. A cage is connected to an outer phaser and includes a plurality of tabs. An inner phaser has a plurality of lobes extending radially outwardly, and the outer phaser has a plurality of inwardly-extending portions. The lobes and the inwardly-extending portions cooperate to define chambers. When fluid is applied to the chambers, the outer phaser rotates relative to the inner phaser. This causes the cage to rotate along with the outer phaser. When the cage rotates, its tabs move away from the rollers, enabling the assembly to function as a one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20200232524
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes inner and outer races supported for rotation about an axis and a one-way clutch element radially disposed between the inner and outer races. A first bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. A second bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. The first and second bearings are on opposite sides of the clutch element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael HODGE, James COPELAND
  • Publication number: 20200232515
    Abstract: A clutch coupler assembly for a hybrid transmission having a first torque input, a second torque input, and a torque output comprises a sleeve fixed to the first torque input and an output hub connected to an output shaft of the torque output. A first ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the output hub and fixed to the sleeve such that the first torque input is always coupled to the torque output. An input hub is connected to an input shaft of the second torque input and a second ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the input hub. A sliding collar is mounted on the first ring and is configured to engage with the second ring to selectively connect the second torque input to the torque output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: James Copeland, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10508695
    Abstract: A wedge one-way clutch is provided for selectively transmitting torque between two components in one direction, and selectively locking rotation in another direction. The clutch has an inner race with a groove defined about its outer surface. The clutch has an outer race disposed radially outwardly from the inner race. The outer race has a sloped surface as part of a pocket. A wedge segment rests in the pocket. The wedge segment is moveable within the pocket, wherein the wedge segment has a taper or chamfer at its inner surface that engages with the groove in a slideable fashion. The wedge may also have a sloped surface that mates with and slides along the sloped surface of the outer race. The wedge can slide along the sloped surface, and along the inner race, so that the wedge wedges between the outer and inner races to lock them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20190345850
    Abstract: A switchable one-way clutch (SOWC) is configured to operate in both a freewheeling mode and a one-way clutch mode. The SOWC includes an inner race with a plurality of external cams, and a cylindrical outer race. A plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the inner cams and the outer race. A cage is connected to an outer phaser and includes a plurality of tabs. An inner phaser has a plurality of lobes extending radially outwardly, and the outer phaser has a plurality of inwardly-extending portions. The lobes and the inwardly-extending portions cooperate to define chambers. When fluid is applied to the chambers, the outer phaser rotates relative to the inner phaser. This causes the cage to rotate along with the outer phaser. When the cage rotates, its tabs move away from the rollers, enabling the assembly to function as a one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventor: James COPELAND
  • Publication number: 20190257367
    Abstract: A unitized wedge clutch includes a first race, a second race, a wedge segment, and a first side plate. The first race has a circumferential groove with a first angled surface and a second angled surface. The second race has a first ramp surface extending radially outward in a circumferential direction. The wedge segment is arranged in a radial space between the first race and the second race. The wedge segment has a third angled surface aligned with the first angled surface and a fourth angled surface aligned with the second angled surface, a second ramp surface aligned with the first ramp surface, and a first aperture. The first side plate has a first protrusion extending through the first aperture. The unitized wedge clutch may have a plurality of wedge segments arranged circumferentially in a radial space between the first race and the second race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20190162247
    Abstract: A wedge one-way clutch is provided for selectively transmitting torque between two components in one direction, and selectively locking rotation in another direction. The clutch has an inner race with a groove defined about its outer surface. The clutch has an outer race disposed radially outwardly from the inner race. The outer race has a sloped surface as part of a pocket. A wedge segment rests in the pocket. The wedge segment is moveable within the pocket, wherein the wedge segment has a taper or chamfer at its inner surface that engages with the groove in a slideable fashion. The wedge may also have a sloped surface that mates with and slides along the sloped surface of the outer race. The wedge can slide along the sloped surface, and along the inner race, so that the wedge wedges between the outer and inner races to lock them together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremiah BAUMAN, Michael HODGE, James COPELAND
  • Patent number: 10036432
    Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly for a transmission includes a housing and a bearing support plate. The housing has an outer circumferential portion with an undulating spline profile, an inner circumferential portion, and a radial portion connecting the outer and inner circumferential portions. The bearing support plate is fixed to the housing radial portion. In an example embodiment, the inner circumferential portion includes an outer surface including a spline for engaging a transmission component. In an example embodiment, the bearing support plate includes integral rivet posts for fixing to the radial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20170276194
    Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly for a transmission includes a housing and a bearing support plate. The housing has an outer circumferential portion with an undulating spline profile, an inner circumferential portion, and a radial portion connecting the outer and inner circumferential portions. The bearing support plate is fixed to the housing radial portion. In an example embodiment, the inner circumferential portion includes an outer surface including a spline for engaging a transmission component. In an example embodiment, the bearing support plate includes integral rivet posts for fixing to the radial portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Patent number: 9677625
    Abstract: A concentric slave cylinder is provided. The concentric slave cylinder includes a housing including a wall; a piston slidable along the wall in a forward direction and a return direction, the piston including a first angled surface, the piston and the housing forming a hydraulic chamber therebetween; and a ring slidable along the wall in the hydraulic chamber in the forward direction and limiting sliding of the piston in the return direction, the ring including a frustoconical portion having a second angled surface for engaging the first angled surface to limit the sliding of the piston in the return direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Smith, James Copeland, Nicholas Hrusch, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 9523419
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a torque converter shell is provided to induce favorable residual stress in a direction of a loading condition to improve durability during cycle pressurization. The method includes inducing favorable residual stress on a front cover, an impeller shell, or both the front cover and the impeller shell to improve the durability of these components. The induced residual stresses reduce the stress experienced by these components during operation. The front cover and impeller shell are welded together to form the torque converter shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alfredo Jimenez, James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20150233431
    Abstract: A concentric slave cylinder is provided. The concentric slave cylinder includes a housing including a wall; a piston slidable along the wall in a forward direction and a return direction, the piston including a first angled surface, the piston and the housing forming a hydraulic chamber therebetween; and a ring slidable along the wall in the hydraulic chamber in the forward direction and limiting sliding of the piston in the return direction, the ring including a frustoconical portion having a second angled surface for engaging the first angled surface to limit the sliding of the piston in the return direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: David Smith, James Copeland, Nicholas Hrusch, Michael Hodge
  • Publication number: 20150047193
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a torque converter shell is provided to induce favorable residual stress in a direction of a loading condition to improve durability during cycle pressurization. The method includes inducing favorable residual stress on a front cover, an impeller shell, or both the front cover and the impeller shell to improve the durability of these components. The induced residual stresses reduce the stress experienced by these components during operation. The front cover and impeller shell are welded together to form the torque converter shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Alfredo Jimenez, James Copeland
  • Patent number: 8011641
    Abstract: A carburettor includes a flow duct (4) including rich (8) and lean (10) passages in parallel, through which, in use, air flows and which are separated by a substantially planar partition (6). At least one fuel jet (12, 14, 16) communicates with the rich passage (8). The partition (6) includes a circular aperture (20). A butterfly valve (24) is mounted on a pivotal shaft (22) to be pivotable between a closed position, in which the flow duct (4) is substantially closed, and an open position, in which the flow duct is substantially open. The pivotal shaft (22) extends perpendicular to the plane of the partition (6). The pivotal shaft (22) carries a circular obturator disc (26), whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the aperture (20) and which is received in the aperture (20) and substantially closes the aperture (20) at all positions of the butterfly valve (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ricardo UK Limited
    Inventor: James Copeland