Patents by Inventor Jeffrey N. Heaton
Jeffrey N. Heaton 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).
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Patent number: 11326683Abstract: A method for controlling a process for manufacturing a bevel gear includes forming, via a first process, a ring gear and determining a first set of parameters associated with the ring gear, and forming, via a second process, the pinion gear, and determining a second set of parameters associated with the pinion gear. The ring gear and the pinion gear are paired, and a single-flank test is executed on the paired ring gear and pinion gear to determine a third set of parameters. The paired ring gear and pinion gear are assembled into a final assembly, and an end-of-line noise/vibration analysis of the final assembly is executed. The noise/vibration analysis, the first set of parameters, the second set of parameters, and the third set of parameters are evaluated, and one of the first process, the second process, the pairing process, and the assembly process are adjusted based thereon.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Hai Xu, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Scott M. Neher, Brian T. King, Syed M. Raza, Travis Bussell
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Publication number: 20200393035Abstract: A method for controlling a process for manufacturing a bevel gear includes forming, via a first process, a ring gear and determining a first set of parameters associated with the ring gear, and forming, via a second process, the pinion gear, and determining a second set of parameters associated with the pinion gear. The ring gear and the pinion gear are paired, and a single-flank test is executed on the paired ring gear and pinion gear to determine a third set of parameters. The paired ring gear and pinion gear are assembled into a final assembly, and an end-of-line noise/vibration analysis of the final assembly is executed. The noise/vibration analysis, the first set of parameters, the second set of parameters, and the third set of parameters are evaluated, and one of the first process, the second process, the pairing process, and the assembly process are adjusted based thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: December 17, 2020Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hai Xu, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Scott M. Neher, Brian T. King, Syed M. Raza, Travis Bussell
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Patent number: 10274040Abstract: An active damping system for a driveline includes a prop shaft configured to transmit engine power from an engine to a load, a sealed damper housing, and an active damping fluid contained within the sealed damper housing. A viscosity of the active damping fluid is changeable based on a torsional vibration of the prop shaft. The active damping system further includes a piston fixed to a side of the prop shaft and in communication with the active damping fluid. The piston is configured to rotate about an axis of the prop shaft. The system further includes a viscosity changing unit in communication with the active damping fluid, and a controller operatively connected to the viscosity changing unit. The controller is configured to cause the viscosity changing unit to change a viscosity of the active damping fluid. The viscosity of the active damping fluid changes the torsional vibration.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xiaofeng Mao, Hai Xu, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Scott C. Mrdeza
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Publication number: 20190011013Abstract: A system includes a vibration damper coupled for rotation with a rotating body. The vibration damper includes one or more fluid pockets. A reactive fluid is arranged in the one or more fluid pockets. The reactive fluid is configured to undergo a property change upon being exposed to a selected force. A force producing mechanism is fixedly mounted relative to the vibration damper, the force producing mechanism being operable to selectively produce the selected force.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2017Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Scott C. Mrdeza, Xiaofeng Mao, Hai Xu, Jeffrey N. Heaton
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Patent number: 10100912Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly includes a differential housing including an outer surface and a driveshaft mounting end having a terminal end portion. A differential gear set is rotationally supported within the differential housing. A pinion gear is arranged in the differential housing. The pinion gear includes a head end drivingly connected to the differential gear set and a tail end extending through the driveshaft mounting end. A head bearing is arranged within the driveshaft mounting end. The head bearing supports the head end of the pinion gear. A tail bearing is supported by the outer surface of the differential housing. The tail bearing is configured and disposed to support the tail end of the pinion relative to the driveshaft mounting end.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Jeffrey N. Heaton
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Publication number: 20180291979Abstract: An active damping system for a driveline includes a prop shaft configured to transmit engine power from an engine to a load, a sealed damper housing, and an active damping fluid contained within the sealed damper housing. A viscosity of the active damping fluid is changeable based on a torsional vibration of the prop shaft. The active damping system further includes a piston fixed to a side of the prop shaft and in communication with the active damping fluid. The piston is configured to rotate about an axis of the prop shaft. The system further includes a viscosity changing unit in communication with the active damping fluid, and a controller operatively connected to the viscosity changing unit. The controller is configured to cause the viscosity changing unit to change a viscosity of the active damping fluid. The viscosity of the active damping fluid changes the torsional vibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Xiaofeng Mao, Hai Xu, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Scott C. Mrdeza
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Publication number: 20170097081Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly includes a differential housing including an outer surface and a driveshaft mounting end having a terminal end portion. A differential gear set is rotationally supported within the differential housing. A pinion gear is arranged in the differential housing. The pinion gear includes a head end drivingly connected to the differential gear set and a tail end extending through the driveshaft mounting end. A head bearing is arranged within the driveshaft mounting end. The head bearing supports the head end of the pinion gear. A tail bearing is supported by the outer surface of the differential housing. The tail bearing is configured and disposed to support the tail end of the pinion relative to the driveshaft mounting end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventor: Jeffrey N. Heaton
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Patent number: 6874228Abstract: A shaft structure and at least two non-identical inserts. The shaft structure has a cavity and vibrates in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. Each of the inserts is disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Mary Ellen Armitage, Jeffrey N. Heaton, David P. Schankin, Donald J. Kurecka
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Patent number: 6865466Abstract: A drivetrain component assembly comprising a drivetrain structure, means for generating a reference signal indicative of a frequency with which the drivetrain structure vibrates during operation of the drivetrain structure, at least one actuator coupled to the drivetrain structure, at least one sensor operable for monitoring vibrations transmitted from the drivetrain structure and producing a sensor signal in response thereto and a controller coupled to the at least one actuator and the at least one sensor. The controller receives the sensor and reference signals and generates an actuator signal in response thereto. The at least one actuator receives the actuator signal and generates a canceling vibration in the drivetrain structure in response thereto. The canceling vibration has a predetermined frequency and amplitude to substantially cancel-out vibrations in a predetermined bandwidth that are generated during the operation of the drivetrain structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Voight, Daniel V. Sagady, David P. Schankin, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Rachel Dudley, Matt Geissinger
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Publication number: 20040192451Abstract: A shaft structure and at least two non-identical inserts. The shaft structure has a cavity and vibrates in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. Each of the inserts is disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Mary Ellen Armitage, Jeffrey N. Heaton, David P. Schankin, Donald J. Kurecka
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Patent number: 6752722Abstract: A shaft structure and at least two insert members. The shaft structure has a longitudinally extending cavity and is configured to vibrate in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. The insert members are disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity and engage an inner wall of the shaft structure. Each of the insert members is located at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes and has a density that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the associated anti-node. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Mary Ellen Armitage, Jeffrey N. Heaton, David P. Schankin, Donald J. Kurecka
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Publication number: 20040054455Abstract: A drivetrain component assembly comprising a drivetrain structure, means for generating a reference signal indicative of a frequency with which the drivetrain structure vibrates during operation of the drivetrain structure, at least one actuator coupled to the drivetrain structure, at least one sensor operable for monitoring vibrations transmitted from the drivetrain structure and producing a sensor signal in response thereto and a controller coupled to the at least one actuator and the at least one sensor. The controller receives the sensor and reference signals and generates an actuator signal in response thereto. The at least one actuator receives the actuator signal and generates a canceling vibration in the drivetrain structure in response thereto. The canceling vibration has a predetermined frequency and amplitude to substantially cancel-out vibrations in a predetermined bandwidth that are generated during the operation of the drivetrain structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Michael A. Voight, Daniel V. Sagady, David P. Schankin, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Rachel N. Dudley, Matt Geissinger
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Publication number: 20030176224Abstract: A shaft structure and at least two insert members. The shaft structure has a longitudinally extending cavity and is configured to vibrate in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. The insert members are disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity and engage an inner wall of the shaft structure. Each of the insert members is located at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes and has a density that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the associated anti-node. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Mary Ellen Armitage, Jeffrey N. Heaton, David P. Schankin, Donald J. Kurecka