Patents by Inventor James E. Palmer

James E. Palmer 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: 11236811
    Abstract: An on-demand four-wheel drive system includes a differential for the rear axle, a differential for the front axle, and a center differential connecting to the front and rear axle differentials. All three of the differentials contain a bi-directional overrunning roller clutch to enable locking of their respective outputs. The clutches provide a superior on-demand four-wheel drive system that distributes power to each drive wheel to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Hasson, Jr., Howard J. Knickerbocker, James E. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20210365174
    Abstract: An example process includes: while displaying a user interface different from a digital assistant user interface, receiving a user input, in accordance with a determination that the user input satisfies a criterion for initiating a digital assistant: displaying, over the user interface, the digital assistant user interface, the digital assistant user interface including: a digital assistant indicator displayed at a first portion of the display; and a response affordance displayed at a second portion of the display, where: a portion of the user interface remains visible at a third portion of the display; and the third portion is between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Neal ELLIS, Robert BURTON, Richard R. DELLINGER, Thomas R. FAZIO, Craig M. FEDERIGHI, Rebecca P. FISH, Kenneth Arthur Abraham FERRY, Nikrouz GHOTBI, James N. JONES, Ieyuki KAWASHIMA, Stephen O. LEMAY, Pedro MARI, Aaron MUSENGO, James E. PALMER, Patchaya Beam SEILAUDOM, Tyler McClay SMITH, Trungtin TRAN, Robert A. WALKER, II
  • Publication number: 20210365161
    Abstract: An example process includes: while displaying a user interface different from a digital assistant user interface, receiving a user input; in accordance with a determination that the user input satisfies a criterion for initiating a digital assistant: displaying, over the user interface, the digital assistant user interface, the digital assistant user interface including: a digital assistant indicator displayed at a first portion of the display; and a response affordance displayed at a second portion of the display, where: a portion of the user interface remains visible at a third portion of the display; and the third portion is between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Neal ELLIS, Oluwatomiwa B. ALABI, Robert BURTON, Richard R. DELLINGER, Thomas R. FAZIO, Craig M. FEDERIGHI, Rebecca P. FISH, Nikrouz GHOTBI, James N. JONES, Ieyuki KAWASHIMA, Stephen O. LEMAY, Pedro MARI, Aaron MUSENGO, James E. PALMER, Patchaya Beam SEILAUDOM, Andrea Valentina SIMES, Tyler McClay SMITH, Trungtin TRAN, Robert A. WALKER, II
  • Patent number: 11131350
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting an input shaft to an output shaft through a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly. A portion of the input shaft is located within an internal cavity of the output shaft. The bi-directional roller clutch assembly selectively connects and disconnects the input and output shafts from one another. A drive plate is disposed about and attached to a portion of the input shaft so as to rotate in combination therewith. The drive plate is rotationally connected to a clutch housing of the clutch assembly such that rotation of the input shaft produces corresponding rotation of the clutch housing. A torsion spring is positioned within a spring retainer and engaged with at least one of either the spring retainer or the clutch housing. An engagement control assembly controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch assembly and a coil housing mounted in the cover and a coil mounted in the coil housing, the coil is connected to a switch for controlling the supply of current to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20210123485
    Abstract: An electro-magnetic coil assembly mounted to a clutch assembly, the electro-magnetic coil assembly including a coil mounted within an annular coil housing and a flexible armature plate. The coil assembly adapted to generate an electromagnetic field between the coil and the armature plate for attracting the armature plate to the coil assembly. The flexible armature plate includes an annular plate with an outer edge and an inner edge, the outer edge defining an outer periphery, the inner edge defining an inner periphery. Tangs spaced about the inner periphery extending radially inward from the inner edge. Inner notches spaced about the inner periphery of the annular plate and extending radially outward to a point at least halfway in the radial direction between the inner edge and the outer edge. Outer notches spaced about the outer periphery between and extending radially inward to a point at least halfway in the radial direction between the outer edge and the inner edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Coon, James E. Palmer, David C. Ochab
  • Patent number: 10989258
    Abstract: An electro-magnetic coil assembly mounted to a clutch assembly, the electro-magnetic coil assembly including a coil mounted within an annular coil housing and a flexible armature plate. The coil assembly adapted to generate an electromagnetic field between the coil and the armature plate for attracting the armature plate to the coil assembly. The flexible armature plate includes an annular plate with an outer edge and an inner edge, the outer edge defining an outer periphery, the inner edge defining an inner periphery. Tangs spaced about the inner periphery extending radially inward from the inner edge. Inner notches spaced about the inner periphery of the annular plate and extending radially outward to a point at least halfway in the radial direction between the inner edge and the outer edge. Outer notches spaced about the outer periphery between and extending radially inward to a point at least halfway in the radial direction between the outer edge and the inner edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Coon, James E. Palmer, David C. Ochab
  • Patent number: 10692354
    Abstract: A device comprising a substrate including a processor, and the substrate is configured to couple to a container. A sensor is coupled to the processor and configured detect a change in a parameter of an environment including the container, and to generate a sensor signal in response to the detected change. An application running on the processor is configured to receive an input comprising a time interval corresponding to content of the container, track elapsed time of the time interval, and generate an alert signal upon detecting expiration of the time interval and the sensor signal. An indicator is coupled to the processor and configured to activate in response to receiving the alert signal. The activated indicator is configured as an alert to administer at least a portion of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick Thibodaux, James E. Palmer, III
  • Publication number: 20200035083
    Abstract: A device comprising a substrate including a processor, and the substrate is configured to couple to a container. A sensor is coupled to the processor and configured detect a change in a parameter of an environment including the container, and to generate a sensor signal in response to the detected change. An application running on the processor is configured to receive an input comprising a time interval corresponding to content of the container, track elapsed time of the time interval, and generate an alert signal upon detecting expiration of the time interval and the sensor signal. An indicator is coupled to the processor and configured to activate in response to receiving the alert signal. The activated indicator is configured as an alert to administer at least a portion of the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick THIBODAUX, James E. PALMER, III
  • Patent number: 9360059
    Abstract: A front differential for a four wheel drive vehicle including a pinion assembly with first and second pinions that are engaged with a ring gear assembly with first and second ring gears. The first pinion and first ring gear combination are rotatable independent from the second pinion and second ring gear combination, thus permitting one to rotate relative to the other. The first pinion and first ring gear combination are adapted to rotate one driven shaft, and the second pinion and second ring gear combination are adapted to rotate the other driven shaft. A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly is engaged with an end of the drive shaft and includes one set of rolls located adjacent to the first pinion shaft, and another set of rolls located adjacent to the second pinion shaft. The clutch assembly control torque transmission between the pinion shafts and the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke
  • Patent number: 9272620
    Abstract: A drive train for a four wheel drive vehicle including a front differential engaged with a front drive shaft and front axles through a front differential gear set. The front differential includes a front bi-directional overrunning clutch that controls transmission of torque transfer between the front drive shaft and the front axles. A rear differential is engaged with rear axles and the transmission through a rear differential gear set. The rear differential includes a rear bi-directional overrunning clutch that controls torque transfer between the transmission and the rear axles. The differentials are configured with a gear ratio that is within five percent of a 1:1 gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Howard J. Knickerbocker, David Ochab, J. Brendan Brewer, James E. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20150159743
    Abstract: A front differential for a four wheel drive vehicle including a pinion assembly with first and second pinions that are engaged with a ring gear assembly with first and second ring gears. The first pinion and first ring gear combination are rotatable independent from the second pinion and second ring gear combination, thus permitting one to rotate relative to the other. The first pinion and first ring gear combination are adapted to rotate one driven shaft, and the second pinion and second ring gear combination are adapted to rotate the other driven shaft. A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly is engaged with an end of the drive shaft and includes one set of rolls located adjacent to the first pinion shaft, and another set of rolls located adjacent to the second pinion shaft. The clutch assembly control torque transmission between the pinion shafts and the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke
  • Patent number: 9022195
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, David C. Ochab, James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke, Howard J. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 8919513
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, David C. Ochab, James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke
  • Patent number: 8857589
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and first and second hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A roll cage positions a plurality of rollers in an annular space between each of the hubs and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are adapted to wedgingly engage between the hub and the inner cam for transmitting torque therebetween. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism located on each side of the roll cage includes a roll cage plate attached to the roll cage, an inner hub friction member attached to the hub, a slip disk, and a spring compressed between the slip disk and the inner hub friction member biasing the inner hub friction member into frictional contact with the roll cage plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, James E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8857294
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential for controlling torque transmission between a pinion input shaft and at least one output hub. The clutch having a clutch housing and the roll cage mounted within the housing. An engagement control assembly is provided for controlling the relative position of the roll cage with respect to a cam surface on the clutch housing. The engagement control assembly includes an electronically controlled actuation device, such as a coil or solenoid, which when activated causes the roll cage to rotate into a second position relative to the clutch housing to engage the rolls with the cam surface and an outer surface of the hub. A spring is engaged with the clutch housing and has an end engaged with the roll cage for biasing the roll cage into a neutral position when the roll cage is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: J. Brendan Brewer, Kelly P. Heath, James E. Palmer, Howard J. Knickerbocker, John Michael Hasson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140038763
    Abstract: A drive train for a four wheel drive vehicle including a front differential engaged with a front drive shaft and front axles through a front differential gear set. The front differential includes a front bi-directional overrunning clutch that controls transmission of torque transfer between the front drive shaft and the front axles. A rear differential is engaged with rear axles and the transmission through a rear differential gear set. The rear differential includes a rear bi-directional overrunning clutch that controls torque transfer between the transmission and the rear axles. The differentials are configured with a gear ratio that is within five percent of a 1:1 gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Howard J. Knickerbocker, David Ochab, J. Brendan Brewer, James E. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130134006
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and first and second hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A roll cage positions a plurality of rollers in an annular space between each of the hubs and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are adapted to wedgingly engage between the hub and the inner cam for transmitting torque therebetween. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism located on each side of the roll cage includes a roll cage plate attached to the roll cage, an inner hub friction member attached to the hub, a slip disk, and a spring compressed between the slip disk and the inner hub friction member biasing the inner hub friction member into frictional contact with the roll cage plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, James E. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130112520
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, David C. Ochab, James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke
  • Publication number: 20130019260
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and system for interactive broadcast and web information browsing. In embodiments of the invention, web information is presented in conjunction with a broadcast television image, either at an edge of the image screen or overlaid with the image screen in an opaque, transparent or translucent image. The presented web information is fully interactive and can be interacted with by the user using all known features of interactive web presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: TVWORKS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Weinstein, James E. Palmer, Tyler M. Johnson, James R. Fulker, Geoffrey A. Katz, Mark A. Vickers, Chee Yu
  • Publication number: 20120179999
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for displaying touch screen user interfaces. In one aspect, an electronic device includes one or more data processing devices and a touch screen coupled to the one or more data processing devices to display a user interface under the direction thereof. The user interface includes a first icon representing a relatively broad aspect of the functionality provided by the device, and a collection of three or more icons each representing a different, relatively narrower aspect of the functionality provided by the device. The aspects represented by the three or more icons in the collection are encompassed within the aspect represented by the first icon, the three or more icons arranged generally around the first icon on the touch screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Nesladek, Michael A. Cleron, Daniel R. Sandler, James E. Palmer