Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Birchak

Jeffrey Birchak 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).

  • Publication number: 20240149976
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Patent number: 11667351
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Publication number: 20210206454
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Patent number: 10875603
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Publication number: 20180327050
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Publication number: 20180251190
    Abstract: A bicycle configured for communication with other bicycles, a centralized server, client computing devices and third party servers allows the rider to be connected with friends, coaches/trainers, and third party vendors including vendors associated with lodging, food, and other conveniences, vendors associated with bike servicing, equipment, warranties, and other bike related products and services, and vendors associated with routes, areas or destinations. Information may be communicated in real time or stored in memory and communicated to servers, client devices, other riders, etc., at a later date. Information may be communicated to the bike controller for route planning, service scheduling, training purposes and the like. Information communicated to or from the bicycle may be performed as indicated by the rider or there may be predetermined rules or guidelines for what information is collected and to whom the information may be sent to or received from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: David Barton Hancock, Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Charles B. Lohr, Daniel J. Dawe, Eric Tanner, Jeremy Carter, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Wayne Leroy Contello, Russell Charles Whisler, Kevin Alan Gust, Matthew R. Bazyn
  • Patent number: 10023266
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Patent number: 9963199
    Abstract: A bicycle configured for communication with other bicycles, a centralized server, client computing devices and third party servers allows the rider to be connected with friends, coaches/trainers, and third party vendors including vendors associated with lodging, food, and other conveniences, vendors associated with bike servicing, equipment, warranties, and other bike related products and services, and vendors associated with routes, areas or destinations. Information may be communicated in real time or stored in memory and communicated to servers, client devices, other riders, etc., at a later date. Information may be communicated to the bike controller for route planning, service scheduling, training purposes and the like. Information communicated to or from the bicycle may be performed as indicated by the rider or there may be predetermined rules or guidelines for what information is collected and to whom the information may be sent to or received from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: David Barton Hancock, Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Charles B. Lohr, Daniel J. Dawe, Eric Tanner, Jeremy Carter, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Wayne Leroy Contello, Russell Charles Whisler, Kevin Alan Gust, Matthew R. Bazyn
  • Publication number: 20170327184
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Wayne Leroy Contello, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Richard Hilgart, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Kevin Alan Gust
  • Publication number: 20170225742
    Abstract: A bicycle configurable for operating using a speed based control system and scheme or a torque based control system and scheme. A speed sensor or a torque sensor may detect an operating characteristic of the bicycle and a controller may determine whether to operate using a speed based control system and scheme or a torque based control system and scheme based on the operating characteristic. A signal from a speed sensor or a torque sensor may be used for determining the mechanical limits of a CVT range and when to incorporate an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: David Barton Hancock, Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Charles B. Lohr, Daniel J. Dawe, Eric Tanner, Jeremy Carter, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Wayne Leroy Contello, Russell Charles Whisler, Kevin Alan Gust, Matthew R. Bazyn
  • Publication number: 20160039496
    Abstract: A bicycle configured for communication with other bicycles, a centralized server, client computing devices and third party servers allows the rider to be connected with friends, coaches/trainers, and third party vendors including vendors associated with lodging, food, and other conveniences, vendors associated with bike servicing, equipment, warranties, and other bike related products and services, and vendors associated with routes, areas or destinations. Information may be communicated in real time or stored in memory and communicated to servers, client devices, other riders, etc., at a later date. Information may be communicated to the bike controller for route planning, service scheduling, training purposes and the like. Information communicated to or from the bicycle may be performed as indicated by the rider or there may be predetermined rules or guidelines for what information is collected and to whom the information may be sent to or received from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: David Barton Hancock, Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Brian Benjamin Sweet, Charles B. Lohr, Daniel J. Dawe, Eric Tanner, Jeremy Carter, Jeffrey A. Birchak, Wayne Leroy Contello, Russell Charles Whisler, Kevin Alan Gust, Matthew R. Bazyn
  • Publication number: 20070287579
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak
  • Publication number: 20070270269
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak
  • Patent number: 7217215
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
  • Patent number: 7214159
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
  • Patent number: 7201695
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
  • Patent number: 7201694
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
  • Patent number: 7198583
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
  • Publication number: 20050176544
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak
  • Publication number: 20050176545
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak