Patents by Inventor John W. Kimes

John W. Kimes 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: 20160201740
    Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly and a coupling member for use in the assembly are provided. The member includes a first coupling face oriented to face axially along a rotational axis and has a set of locking formations angularly-spaced about the axis. The member also includes a second coupling face having a reverse pocket which receives a reverse locking element. The pocket defines a first load-bearing surface adapted for abutting engagement with a load-bearing surface of the reverse locking element. The second coupling face is oriented to face radially with respect to the axis. Each of the set of locking formations defines a second load-bearing surface adapted for abutting engagement with a load-bearing surface of a forward locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20160201739
    Abstract: A coupling and control assembly including a sensor for providing an electrical signal for electronic transmission control is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling member which supports the sensor and a locking element and a second coupling member supported for rotation about a rotational axis. The second coupling member has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to the axis and has a set of ferromagnetic or magnetic locking formations. An electromechanical component is also supported by the first coupling member. Both the locking element and the sensor are in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face. The sensor senses magnetic flux to produce an electrical output signal indicative of a speed of rotation of the second coupling member. A variable magnetic field is generated in response to rotation of the locking formations past the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9377061
    Abstract: An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly is provided. A control member is mounted for controlled shifting movement between coupling faces of coupling members and a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source to create a magnetic force when energized. A magnetic or ferromagnetic translator structure is coupled to the control member for selective, small displacement, control member movement. The translator structure is magnetically coupled to the stator structure across an air gap and is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along a path between first and second stable end positions. The translator structure completes a path of magnetic flux to magnetically latch in at least one of the end positions and to translate along the path between the end positions upon experiencing a net translational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 9371868
    Abstract: A coupling member subassembly for use in a controllable coupling assembly and an electromechanical apparatus having a pair of simultaneously actuated elements for use in such a subassembly are provided. The apparatus includes a housing, an electromagnetic source having at least one excitation coil surrounded by the housing and a pair of spaced first and second elements. A reciprocating armature is arranged concentrically relative to the at least one excitation coil and is axially movable when the at least one excitation coil is supplied with current. An actuator bridge is mounted for axial reciprocating movement with the armature and is connected to the elements at opposite ends of the bridge to move the elements in unison between first and second positions during axial movement of the armature to control the operating mode of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 9303699
    Abstract: An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus is provided. The assembly includes a first subassembly including a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized. At least one bi-directionally movable rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strut movement. An actuator is operatively connected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shifting movement along a rotational axis between a first position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuator to move between positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Publication number: 20160047439
    Abstract: A high-efficiency drive system including a transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a gear set having first, second and third elements. A non-friction clutch assembly is non-hydraulically controlled to change between a first coupling state for coupling the output shaft of an electrical machine to a transmission output shaft and an uncoupling state for uncoupling the output shaft of the electrical machine from the transmission output shaft. The clutch assembly is also non-hydraulically controlled to change between a second coupling state for coupling the output shaft of a non-electrical machine to the transmission output shaft and the uncoupling state for uncoupling the output shaft of the non-electrical machine from the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 9255614
    Abstract: An electronic vehicular transmission and a coupling and control assembly for use herein are provided. A case of the transmission has an environment hostile to electrical components during use of the transmission. A coupling member supported for rotation within the case has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to a rotational axis. The transmission also includes an electromechanical component capable of operating in the environment. The component includes a mechanical locking element, at least one excitation coil and electrical wiring to supply electrical power to the at least one excitation coil from a power source outside the environment. The component is mounted to and extends into the environment of the case so that the locking element is in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face and the wiring is segregated from the environment to resist long-term, hot temperature embrittlement and fragmentation of insulation on the wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9249836
    Abstract: A coupling assembly such as a ratcheting-type, one-way clutch assembly having reduced undesirable noise and contact stress caused by a transition between operating modes of the assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one set of elements disposed between coupling faces of members of the assembly. Each set of elements includes a movable locking element and a plurality of movable impact energy storage elements disposed at angularly spaced positions about a rotary axis to dampen rotation between the members in stages prior to engagement of the locking element with respective shoulders of each member. The storage elements absorb and store impact energy in stages to reduce undesirable noise and contact stress in a controlled fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9234552
    Abstract: A magnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly is provided. The system includes a ferromagnetic or magnetic element received within a pocket in an uncoupling position and is movable outwardly from the pocket to a coupling position. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. An armature is connected to the element to move the element between the coupling and uncoupling positions. A magnetic field sensor is disposed adjacent and stationary with respect to the element for sensing magnetic flux to produce an output signal which is based on the position of the element. A variable magnetic field is generated in response to movement of the element between the coupling and uncoupling positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9186977
    Abstract: A drive system including a transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a gear set having first, second, third and fourth elements. The second element connects with an output shaft of the transmission and a first output shaft of an internal combustion engine connects with the third element for driving the third element. An electric motor having an output shaft connecting with the first element drives the first element in response to an electrical signal. An electric motor-generator unit has an output shaft which connects with the fourth element for driving the fourth element in response to an electrical signal. A second output shaft of the engine also connects with the fourth element through the unit for driving the fourth element. The resulting system has a plurality of different operating modes including a reverse gear or operating mode powered electrically and by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9127724
    Abstract: Electromechanical apparatus for use with a coupling assembly and controllable coupling assembly including such apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a housing part including an end wall having an outer coupling face with a single pocket defining a load-bearing shoulder in communication with an inner face of the end wall. An electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil which is at least partially surrounded by the housing part. An element is received within the pocket in an uncoupling position and is movable outwardly from the pocket to a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement of the element with the load-bearing shoulder. A reciprocating armature is arranged concentrically relative to the at least one excitation coil and is axially movable when the at least one excitation coil is supplied with current. The armature is connected to the element to move the element between the coupling and uncoupling positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 9109636
    Abstract: An electromechanically actuated coupling and control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, an overrunning clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The clutch and control assembly includes first and second clutch members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has a pocket. The coupling face of the other clutch member has a locking formation. The assembly further includes a strut received within the pocket in the coupling face of the one clutch member and has an end that is pivotally movable outwardly of the pocket. The assembly still further includes a biasing spring. The assembly further includes an electromechanical apparatus including an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Publication number: 20150211587
    Abstract: A magnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly and an overrunning coupling and magnetic control assembly including the system are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement and a translator structure supported for travelling along a path between first and second end positions. The structure is coupled to the control member for selective, small displacement, control member movement upon experiencing a net translational force. The translator structure supports a pair of spaced apart magnetic or ferromagnetic targets for movement therewith. A magnetic field sensor is disposed adjacent and stationary with respect to the translator structure between the first and second end positions of travel for sensing magnetic flux to produce an output signal which is based on position of the translator structure. A variable magnetic field is generated in response to travel of the translator structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Jeffrey L. Viola
  • Publication number: 20150204391
    Abstract: An electronic vehicular transmission including a sensor for providing an electrical signal for electronic transmission control is provided. The transmission includes a transmission case and a controllable coupling assembly including a coupling member supported for rotation within the case about a rotational axis. The coupling member has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to the axis and has a set of ferromagnetic or magnetic locking formations. An electromechanical component includes a locking element and a sensor. The component is mounted to and extends into the case so that both the locking element and the sensor are in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face. The sensor senses magnetic flux to produce an electrical output signal indicative of a speed of rotation of the coupling member. A variable magnetic field is generated in response to rotation of the locking formations past the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20150204390
    Abstract: An electronic vehicular transmission and a coupling and control assembly for use herein are provided. A case of the transmission has an environment hostile to electrical components during use of the transmission. A coupling member supported for rotation within the case has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to a rotational axis. The transmission also includes an electromechanical component capable of operating in the environment. The component includes a mechanical locking element, at least one excitation coil and electrical wiring to supply electrical power to the at least one excitation coil from a power source outside the environment. The component is mounted to and extends into the environment of the case so that the locking element is in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face and the wiring is segregated from the environment to resist long-term, hot temperature embrittlement and fragmentation of insulation on the wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20150204392
    Abstract: An electronic vehicular transmission, a controllable coupling assembly and a coupling member for use in the assembly are provided. The member is configured for rotation about a rotational axis and includes a first coupling face oriented to face axially along the axis and has a set of pockets angularly-spaced about the axis. Each of the pockets receives a first locking element and defines a first load-bearing surface adapted for abutting engagement with a load-bearing surface of its respective first locking element. A second coupling face is oriented to face radially with respect to the axis and has a set of locking formations. Each of the set of locking formations defines a second load-bearing surface adapted for abutting engagement with a load-bearing surface of a second locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8986157
    Abstract: An assembly for an automatic transmission includes a casing, a carrier of a planetary gear set, a hydraulically actuated brake that driveably connects the carrier and the casing mutually when the brake is engaged in reverse drive and disconnects the carrier from the casing when the brake is disengaged in forward drive, and an overrunning clutch including an outer race driveably connected to the casing, an inner race driveably connected to the carrier, and multiple rockers carried on the inner race that pivot toward engagement with the cam surfaces, contact of the clutch with the casing providing a reaction to a force tending to engage the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20150060225
    Abstract: A coupling member subassembly for use in a controllable coupling assembly and an electromechanical apparatus having a pair of simultaneously actuated elements for use in such a subassembly are provided. The apparatus includes a housing, an electromagnetic source having at least one excitation coil surrounded by the housing and a pair of spaced first and second elements. A reciprocating armature is arranged concentrically relative to the at least one excitation coil and is axially movable when the at least one excitation coil is supplied with current. An actuator bridge is mounted for axial reciprocating movement with the armature and is connected to the elements at opposite ends of the bridge to move the elements in unison between first and second positions during axial movement of the armature to control the operating mode of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20150047942
    Abstract: A high-speed coupling subassembly and a high-speed overrunning clutch assembly including the subassembly are provided. The subassembly includes a powdered metal member. The member includes an axially extending coupling portion and a recess portion. The recess portion has a coupling face and a joining face spaced apart from the coupling face and being formed with a first pilot. The coupling face has at least one recess. Each of the recesses defines a load-bearing shoulder. A powdered metal hub includes an axially extending connecting portion and a mounting portion being formed with a second pilot. The mounting portion of the hub is joined to the recess portion of the member at a joint at the joining face. The first and second pilots are in contact at a pilot diameter to concentrically align the hub and the member during joining to improve performance of the assembly during a high-speed overrun condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Paul H. Cook
  • Publication number: 20150047944
    Abstract: A coupling assembly such as a ratcheting-type, one-way clutch assembly having reduced undesirable noise and contact stress caused by a transition between operating modes of the assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one set of elements disposed between coupling faces of members of the assembly. Each set of elements includes a movable locking element and a plurality of movable impact energy storage elements disposed at angularly spaced positions about a rotary axis to dampen rotation between the members in stages prior to engagement of the locking element with respective shoulders of each member. The storage elements absorb and store impact energy in stages to reduce undesirable noise and contact stress in a controlled fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Kimes