Patents by Inventor John C. Hibbler

John C. Hibbler 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: 11313419
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, a ram, a pump, a fluid storage device and a valve. The ram can have a piston chamber and a piston movable therein between a first and second position to engage the friction clutch. A first inlet/outlet of the pump can be fluidly coupled to a reservoir. The fluid storage device can hold pressurized hydraulic fluid. The valve can be fluidly coupled with the piston chamber, a second inlet/outlet of the pump, and the fluid storage device. When in a first mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump and the fluid storage device, inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the pump, and inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the fluid storage device. When in a second mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump, the fluid storage device, and the piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, John C. Hibbler, Charles G. Stuart
  • Publication number: 20200141454
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, a ram, a pump, a fluid storage device and a valve. The ram can have a piston chamber and a piston movable therein between a first and second position to engage the friction clutch. A first inlet/outlet of the pump can be fluidly coupled to a reservoir. The fluid storage device can hold pressurized hydraulic fluid. The valve can be fluidly coupled with the piston chamber, a second inlet/outlet of the pump, and the fluid storage device. When in a first mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump and the fluid storage device, inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the pump, and inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the fluid storage device. When in a second mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump, the fluid storage device, and the piston chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. KLEINHARDT, John C. HIBBLER, Charles G. STUART
  • Patent number: 10570969
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, a ram, a pump, a fluid storage device and a valve. The ram can have a piston chamber and a piston movable therein between a first and second position to engage the friction clutch. A first inlet/outlet of the pump can be fluidly coupled to a reservoir. The fluid storage device can hold pressurized hydraulic fluid. The valve can be fluidly coupled with the piston chamber, a second inlet/outlet of the pump, and the fluid storage device. When in a first mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump and the fluid storage device, inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the pump, and inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the fluid storage device. When in a second mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump, the fluid storage device, and the piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, John C. Hibbler, Charles G. Stuart
  • Patent number: 10119578
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline having a torque transfer device and a fluid circuit for operating the torque transfer device. The fluid circuit has a motor, a pump driven by the motor, an actuator, and a pair of valves. The valves are arranged in the fluid circuit to control fluid circulation within the fluid circuit and can be operated such that fluid pressure in the actuator can be maintained (i.e., to maintain engagement of the torque transfer device) without operating the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Pump, Charles G. Stuart, John C. Hibbler, Chad Umscheid
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20180172124
    Abstract: A drive module includes an electric motor, planetary differential, first, second, and third suns, first second and third planets, and first and second clutches disposed about an axis. The differential ring can be driven by the motor. The differential sun can be non-rotatably coupled to a first output. The differential carrier can be non-rotatably coupled to a second output. The first, second, and third planets can be supported by a common carrier for rotation about the first axis. The first sun can meshingly engage the first planets. The second sun can be non-rotatably coupled to the first output and meshingly engage the second planets. The third sun can be non-rotatably coupled to the differential carrier and meshingly engaged with the third planets. The first clutch can selectively permit or inhibit rotation of the common carrier. The second clutch can selectively permit or inhibit rotation of the first sun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Paul J. Valente, John C. Hibbler, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 9895931
    Abstract: A method for forming an axle shaft that includes friction welding a tubular shaft to a shaft portion of a wheel flange. Portions of the joint members on the tubular shaft and the wheel flange are extruded into an annular weld cavity in the wheel flange during the formation of the friction weld. A related axle shaft is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Hibbler
  • Publication number: 20170307029
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, a ram, a pump, a fluid storage device and a valve. The ram can have a piston chamber and a piston movable therein between a first and second position to engage the friction clutch. A first inlet/outlet of the pump can be fluidly coupled to a reservoir. The fluid storage device can hold pressurized hydraulic fluid. The valve can be fluidly coupled with the piston chamber, a second inlet/outlet of the pump, and the fluid storage device. When in a first mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump and the fluid storage device, inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the pump, and inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the fluid storage device. When in a second mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump, the fluid storage device, and the piston chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, John C. Hibbler, Charles G. Stuart
  • Patent number: 9772004
    Abstract: A method for balancing a shaft assembly having a shaft member. The method can include providing a balance weight having a body portion that is formed of a material that permits transmission of ultra-violet (UV) light therethrough, the body portion having a perimeter; applying an UV light-curable adhesive to at least one of the balance weight and the shaft member; positioning the balance weight to the shaft member such that the UV light-curable adhesive is abutted to the balance weight and the shaft member; and transmitting UV light through the balance weight to cure at least a portion of the UV light-curable adhesive that is disposed inwardly of the perimeter of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles G. Stuart, John C. Hibbler
  • Patent number: 9726239
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, a ram, a pump, a fluid storage device and a valve. The ram can have a piston chamber and a piston movable therein between a first and second position to engage the friction clutch. A first inlet/outlet of the pump can be fluidly coupled to a reservoir. The fluid storage device can hold pressurized hydraulic fluid. The valve can be fluidly coupled with the piston chamber, a second inlet/outlet of the pump, and the fluid storage device. When in a first mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump and the fluid storage device, inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the pump, and inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the fluid storage device. When in a second mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump, the fluid storage device, and the piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, John C. Hibbler, Charles G. Stuart
  • Publication number: 20160333945
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline having a torque transfer device and a fluid circuit for operating the torque transfer device. The fluid circuit has a motor, a pump driven by the motor, an actuator, and a pair of valves. The valves are arranged in the fluid circuit to control fluid circulation within the fluid circuit and can be operated such that fluid pressure in the actuator can be maintained (i.e., to maintain engagement of the torque transfer device) without operating the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher D. Pump, Charles G. Stuart, John C. Hibbler, Chad Umscheid
  • Patent number: 9469165
    Abstract: An axle assembly, including an axle shaft, annular member, hub, inner and outer hub bearings, abutment ring, first and second seals, and an air inlet port. The annular member is disposed about the axle shaft. The hub is coupled for rotation with the axle shaft and defines an outlet port. The first and second shaft seals form seals between the hub and the annular member. The air inlet port is mounted to one of the annular member and the abutment ring and includes an inlet boss. A first fluid conduit is defined by the abutment ring or both the abutment ring and the inlet port. The first fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the air inlet boss. The second shaft seal is spaced apart from the first shaft seal along the rotational axis to at least partially define a second fluid conduit in fluid communication inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Hibbler, James W. Platt
  • Publication number: 20160265599
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, a ram, a pump, a fluid storage device and a valve. The ram can have a piston chamber and a piston movable therein between a first and second position to engage the friction clutch. A first inlet/outlet of the pump can be fluidly coupled to a reservoir. The fluid storage device can hold pressurized hydraulic fluid. The valve can be fluidly coupled with the piston chamber, a second inlet/outlet of the pump, and the fluid storage device. When in a first mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump and the fluid storage device, inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the pump, and inhibit fluid communication between the piston chamber and the fluid storage device. When in a second mode, the valve can permit fluid communication between the pump, the fluid storage device, and the piston chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, John C. Hibbler, Charles G. Stuart
  • 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: 9333965
    Abstract: A drive train having a locking differential and a control unit for controlling operation of the locking differential. The control unit is responsive to selected vehicle characteristics to sua sponte activate or inactivate a locking mechanism of the locking differential to cause the locking differential to operate in a locked manner or an unlocked manner, respectively. A method for operating a locking differential is also provided. The method includes: utilizing only preselected vehicle criteria indicative of the operational state of the vehicle to identify a situation in which a locking mechanism associated with the locking differential is to be energized; and responsively energizing the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Marsh, Russell T. Capito, John C. Hibbler
  • Publication number: 20160121823
    Abstract: The circuit controls powertrain, drivetrain, vehicle suspension and accessory components of an automotive vehicle to programmatically provide different drive and handling performance using a portable personal electronic telecommunication device having memory and a processor. The circuit includes a protocol converter circuit coupled to receive electric power from an electrical power system of the automotive vehicle, and has at least one port to electrically couple to at least one actuator that supplies control to the controlled component of the automotive vehicle. The protocol converter circuit provides a communication channel by which communication is established with a portable personal electronic telecommunication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Chad R. Umscheid, John C. Hibbler, Gregory A. Marsh
  • 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: 20160075179
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a ring gear received in the housing, a ring gear bearing, a pair of shafts, a differential mechanism and a pair of inboard bearings. The ring gear bearing contacts the housing and the ring gear to support the ring gear for rotation about an axis. The shafts are received in the housing and rotate about the axis. Each of the shafts has a bearing mount and a male splined segment. The differential mechanism has a pair of output members, each of which having a splined internal aperture into which the male splined segment of one of the shafts is slidably received. Each shaft bearing is disposed on the bearing mount of one of the axle shafts and supports the shafts for rotation on the housing. The differential mechanism is supported for rotation about the axis by the ring gear bearing and the inboard bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente, John C. Hibbler
  • Patent number: 9254713
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a ring gear received in the housing, a ring gear bearing, a pair of shafts, a differential mechanism and a pair of inboard bearings. The ring gear bearing contacts the housing and the ring gear to support the ring gear for rotation about an axis. The shafts are received in the housing and rotate about the axis. Each of the shafts has a bearing mount and a male splined segment. The differential mechanism has a pair of output members, each of which having a splined internal aperture into which the male splined segment of one of the shafts is slidably received. Each shaft bearing is disposed on the bearing mount of one of the axle shafts and supports the shafts for rotation on the housing. The differential mechanism is supported for rotation about the axis by the ring gear bearing and the inboard bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente, John C. Hibbler
  • Publication number: 20160031271
    Abstract: An axle assembly, including an axle shaft, annular member, hub, inner and outer hub bearings, abutment ring, first and second seals, and an air inlet port. The annular member is disposed about the axle shaft. The hub is coupled for rotation with the axle shaft and defines an outlet port. The first and second shaft seals form seals between the hub and the annular member. The air inlet port is mounted to one of the annular member and the abutment ring and includes an inlet boss. A first fluid conduit is defined by the abutment ring or both the abutment ring and the inlet port. The first fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the air inlet boss. The second shaft seal is spaced apart from the first shaft seal along the rotational axis to at least partially define a second fluid conduit in fluid communication inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: John C. Hibbler, James W. Platt