Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Kincaid

Jeffrey L. Kincaid 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: 11383576
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of bar members and a clutch assembly with a first and second couplers, which are fixedly coupled to the bar members, a coupling sleeve and a rotary lock. The coupling sleeve matingly engages the first coupler. The coupling sleeve is movable along an axis between a first position, in which the coupling sleeve is disengaged from the second coupler to permit relative rotation between the stabilizer bar members about the axis, and a second position in which the coupling sleeve is engaged to the first and second couplers. The rotary lock has lock members that are fixedly coupled to the coupling sleeve and the second coupler. The lock members engage one another when the coupling sleeve is in the second position to inhibit relative movement about the rotational axis between the coupling sleeve and the second coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Kellogg, Dale K. Benedict, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Thomas George Kaveney, II
  • Publication number: 20210129619
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of bar members and a clutch assembly with a first and second couplers, which are fixedly coupled to the bar members, a coupling sleeve and a rotary lock. The coupling sleeve matingly engages the first coupler. The coupling sleeve is movable along an axis between a first position, in which the coupling sleeve is disengaged from the second coupler to permit relative rotation between the stabilizer bar members about the axis, and a second position in which the coupling sleeve is engaged to the first and second couplers. The rotary lock has lock members that are fixedly coupled to the coupling sleeve and the second coupler. The lock members engage one another when the coupling sleeve is in the second position to inhibit relative movement about the rotational axis between the coupling sleeve and the second coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Philip R. KELLOGG, Dale K. BENEDICT, Jeffrey L. KINCAID, Thomas George KAVENEY, II
  • Patent number: 10668809
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having an all-wheel drive driveline with a disconnecting drive unit. The method conditions changing the operational state of the all-wheel drive driveline from a connected state to a disconnected state based in part on an operational state of a vehicle torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Pillen, Tony Pistagnesi, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 10612637
    Abstract: A driveline component with a differential having a differential gearset mounted in a differential case. The differential gearset has first and second side gears and one or more pinion gears that are meshed with the first and second side gears. The differential gearset is configured to limit inboard thrusting of the first and second side gears so that backlash will be always be present between the pinion gears and each of first and second side gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Chemelli, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Stephen C. Doud, Derek C. Remillong, Joseph S. Balenda, II, Ramanand R. Shetty
  • Publication number: 20190219142
    Abstract: A driveline component with a differential having a differential gearset mounted in a differential case. The differential gearset has first and second side gears and one or more pinion gears that are meshed with the first and second side gears. The differential gearset is configured to limit inboard thrusting of the first and second side gears so that backlash will be always be present between the pinion gears and each of first and second side gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas J. Chemelli, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Stephen C. Doud, Derek C. Remillong, Joseph S. Balenda, II, Ramanand R. Shetty
  • Patent number: 10155444
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline that includes a PTU input member, a spindle, a stub shaft, an axle shaft, a PTU clutch and a stub shaft clutch. The PTU input member, the spindle, the stub shaft and the axle shaft are rotatable about a first rotary axis. The axle shaft is received through the spindle. The PTU clutch is operable in a first PTU clutch mode, in which the PTU input member is rotatably coupled to the spindle, and a second PTU clutch mode in which the PTU input member is rotatably decoupled from the spindle. The stub shaft clutch is operable in a first stub shaft clutch mode, in which the stub shaft is rotatably coupled to the axle shaft, and a second stub shaft clutch mode, in which the stub shaft is rotatably de-coupled from the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Thomas C. Paluch, Ryan M. Baeder
  • Publication number: 20180354361
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having an all-wheel drive driveline with a disconnecting drive unit. The method conditions changing the operational state of the all-wheel drive driveline from a connected state to a disconnected state based in part on an operational state of a vehicle torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen PILLEN, Tony PISTAGNESI, Jeffrey L. KINCAID
  • Patent number: 10119576
    Abstract: A torque transfer device can include a housing and a clutch. The housing can define a clutch cavity and a pocket. The pocket can be formed at an axial end of the clutch cavity and have a generally arcuate shape that extends circumferentially about the clutch cavity above a static lubrication level. The clutch can include an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a plurality of first and second interleaved friction plates. One of an outer and an inner plate carrier of the clutch can be coupled to an input member for common rotation. The other of the carriers can be coupled to a differential case for common rotation. Rotation of the outer carrier relative to the housing through a fluid in the clutch cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward an inner surface of the housing to cause the portion of the fluid to collect in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Phelps, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, John C. Hibbler, Paul W. Kornosky, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 10118485
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline can include an input member, differential, pump, first clutch, valve, and second clutch. The differential can include a case member, differential gearset, first output, and second output. The differential gearset can receive input torque from the case member and output differential torque to the first and second outputs. The pump can pump a fluid to a first conduit. The first clutch can transmit torque between the input and case members when a pressure in the first conduit exceeds a first predetermined pressure. The valve can couple the first conduit to a second conduit. The second clutch can couple the case member to the first output for common rotation when a pressure in the second conduit exceeds a second predetermined pressure. The valve can selectively permit fluid communication from the first conduit to the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Robert C. Gorski
  • Publication number: 20180126846
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline that includes a PTU input member, a spindle, a stub shaft, an axle shaft, a PTU clutch and a stub shaft clutch. The PTU input member, the spindle, the stub shaft and the axle shaft are rotatable about a first rotary axis. The axle shaft is received through the spindle. The PTU clutch is operable in a first PTU clutch mode, in which the PTU input member is rotatably coupled to the spindle, and a second PTU clutch mode in which the PTU input member is rotatably decoupled from the spindle. The stub shaft clutch is operable in a first stub shaft clutch mode, in which the stub shaft is rotatably coupled to the axle shaft, and a second stub shaft clutch mode, in which the stub shaft is rotatably de-coupled from the axle shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Thomas C. Paluch, Ryan M. Baeder
  • Patent number: 9902262
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline can include an input member, first intermediate member, output member, sleeve, ring gear, and pinion gear. The input member can be coupled to an input of a differential mechanism for common rotation. The output member can be coupled to an output of the differential mechanism for common rotation. The sleeve can be axially movable between a first position wherein the input, output, and first intermediate members are rotatable relative to each other, a second position wherein the sleeve couples the input member to the first intermediate member for common rotation, and a third position wherein the sleeve couples the input member to the output member for common rotation. The ring gear can receive rotary power from the first intermediate member. The pinion gear can be meshingly engaged to the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Robert C. Gorski
  • Patent number: 9895971
    Abstract: An AWD driveline includes first and second sleeves. The first sleeve is axially translatable between first, second, and third positions; the second sleeve is coupled for translation therewith. When the first sleeve is in the first position, the first sleeve couples an input of a differential to an intermediate member, and the second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve and couples first and second outputs members. The first output member can be an output of the differential. In the second position, the first sleeve is rotatable relative to the input or the intermediate member, and the second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve and couples the first and second output members. In the third position, the first sleeve is rotatable relative to the input or the intermediate member, and the second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve and the first or second output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Thomas Paluch, Ryan Baeder
  • Publication number: 20170144539
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline can include an input member, first intermediate member, output member, sleeve, ring gear, and pinion gear. The input member can be coupled to an input of a differential mechanism for common rotation. The output member can be coupled to an output of the differential mechanism for common rotation. The sleeve can be axially movable between a first position wherein the input, output, and first intermediate members are rotatable relative to each other, a second position wherein the sleeve couples the input member to the first intermediate member for common rotation, and a third position wherein the sleeve couples the input member to the output member for common rotation. The ring gear can receive rotary power from the first intermediate member. The pinion gear can be meshingly engaged to the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Robert C. Gorski
  • Publication number: 20170144541
    Abstract: An AWD driveline includes first and second sleeves. The first sleeve is axially translatable between first, second, and third positions; the second sleeve is coupled for translation therewith. When the first sleeve is in the first position, the first sleeve couples an input of a differential to an intermediate member, and the second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve and couples first and second outputs members. The first output member can be an output of the differential. In the second position, the first sleeve is rotatable relative to the input or the intermediate member, and the second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve and couples the first and second output members. In the third position, the first sleeve is rotatable relative to the input or the intermediate member, and the second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve and the first or second output members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Thomas Paluch, Ryan Baeder
  • Publication number: 20170144540
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline can include an input member, differential, pump, first clutch, valve, and second clutch. The differential can include a case member, differential gearset, first output, and second output. The differential gearset can receive input torque from the case member and output differential torque to the first and second outputs. The pump can pump a fluid to a first conduit. The first clutch can transmit torque between the input and case members when a pressure in the first conduit exceeds a first predetermined pressure. The valve can couple the first conduit to a second conduit. The second clutch can couple the case member to the first output for common rotation when a pressure in the second conduit exceeds a second predetermined pressure. The valve can selectively permit fluid communication from the first conduit to the second conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Robert C. Gorski
  • Publication number: 20160169297
    Abstract: A torque transfer device can include a housing and a clutch. The housing can define a clutch cavity and a pocket. The pocket can be formed at an axial end of the clutch cavity and have a generally arcuate shape that extends circumferentially about the clutch cavity above a static lubrication level. The clutch can include an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a plurality of first and second interleaved friction plates. One of an outer and an inner plate carrier of the clutch can be coupled to an input member for common rotation. The other of the carriers can be coupled to a differential case for common rotation. Rotation of the outer carrier relative to the housing through a fluid in the clutch cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward an inner surface of the housing to cause the portion of the fluid to collect in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Chris Phelps, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, John C. Hibbler, Paul W. Kornosky, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 9303696
    Abstract: A torque transfer device can include a housing and a clutch. The housing can define a clutch cavity and a pocket. The pocket can be formed at an axial end of the clutch cavity and have a generally arcuate shape that extends circumferentially about the clutch cavity above a static lubrication level. The clutch can include an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a plurality of first and second interleaved friction plates. One of an outer and an inner plate carrier of the clutch can be coupled to an input member for common rotation. The other of the carriers can be coupled to a differential case for common rotation. Rotation of the outer carrier relative to the housing through a fluid in the clutch cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward an inner surface of the housing to cause the portion of the fluid to collect in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Phelps, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, John C. Hibbler, Paul W. Kornosky, James P. Downs
  • Publication number: 20150057123
    Abstract: A torque transfer device can include a housing and a clutch. The housing can define a clutch cavity and a pocket. The pocket can be formed at an axial end of the clutch cavity and have a generally arcuate shape that extends circumferentially about the clutch cavity above a static lubrication level. The clutch can include an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a plurality of first and second interleaved friction plates. One of an outer and an inner plate carrier of the clutch can be coupled to an input member for common rotation. The other of the carriers can be coupled to a differential case for common rotation. Rotation of the outer carrier relative to the housing through a fluid in the clutch cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward an inner surface of the housing to cause the portion of the fluid to collect in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Chris Phelps, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, John C. Hibbler, Paul W. Kornosky, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 7887072
    Abstract: A disconnectable link may include a first link member having a generally tubular portion, a first ball joint disposed on the first link member and adapted to engage a first suspension member; a second link member slidably receivable within the first link member; a second ball joint disposed on the second link member and adapted to engage a second suspension member; a lock shaft engaged with the second link member; and a lock element disposed within an aperture in the second link member. Movement of the lock shaft into a first position may cause the lock element to engage the first link member to prevent relative axial movement between the first and second link members, and movement of the lock shaft into a second position may cause the lock element to disengage the first link member to allow relative axial movement between the first and second link members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Hauser, Thomas E. Gansenhuber, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 7866231
    Abstract: An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L Kincaid, Rodney J Campbell, Holly C Richards