Patents by Inventor Larry Pritchard

Larry Pritchard 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: 10302186
    Abstract: A transfer case comprises a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, a clutch, and a plurality of valves. The primary output shaft includes a hub rotationally coupled thereto. The clutch selectively couples the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft to transfer torque therebetween. The clutch includes a housing, interleaved plates, and an apply plate. The housing is rotationally coupled to the secondary output shaft. The interleaved plates alternate between a first subset of the interleaved plates rotationally coupled to the hub and a second subset of the interleaved plates rotationally coupled to the housing. The apply plate compresses the interleaved plates for transferring torque between the hub and the housing. The valves selectively release oil supplied through the primary output shaft into the housing. Each valve includes a bore formed in the hub and a valve rod movable by the apply plate to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Christopher Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20180010682
    Abstract: A transfer case comprises a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, a clutch, and a plurality of valves. The primary output shaft includes a hub rotationally coupled thereto. The clutch is selectively couples the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft to transfer torque therebetween. The clutch includes a housing, interleaved plates, and an apply plate. The housing is rotationally coupled to the secondary output shaft. The interleaved plates alternate between a first subset of the interleaved plates rotationally coupled to the hub, and a second subset of the interleaved plates rotationally coupled to the housing. The apply plate compresses the interleaved plates for transferring torque between the hub and the housing. The valves selectively release oil supplied through the primary output shaft into the housing. Each valve includes a bore formed in the hub and a valve rod movable by the apply plate to open the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Christopher Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20170050508
    Abstract: An electric drive unit for a powertrain system including first and second drivelines and a primary propulsion system for translating rotational torque to the first driveline. A motor acts to generate rotational torque and a pinion is disposed in selective communication therewith. A differential is interposed between the pinion and the second driveline of for splitting torque therebetween. A first planetary is disposed between the motor and pinion, and a second planetary is disposed between the first planetary and pinion. A dog clutch interposed between the pinion and the planetaries is movable between a first position wherein torque from the motor is translated through the first planetary and the dog clutch to drive the second driveline at a first drive ratio, and a second position wherein torque from the motor is translated through both planetaries and the dog clutch to drive the second driveline at a second drive ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Thaddeus Kopp
  • Patent number: 9566857
    Abstract: An electric drive unit for a powertrain system including first and second drivelines and a primary propulsion system for translating rotational torque to the first driveline. A motor acts to generate rotational torque and a pinion is disposed in selective communication therewith. A differential is interposed between the pinion and the second driveline of for splitting torque therebetween. A first planetary is disposed between the motor and pinion, and a second planetary is disposed between the first planetary and pinion. A dog clutch interposed between the pinion and the planetaries is movable between a first position wherein torque from the motor is translated through the first planetary and the dog clutch to drive the second driveline at a first drive ratio, and a second position wherein torque from the motor is translated through both planetaries and the dog clutch to drive the second driveline at a second drive ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Thaddeus Kopp
  • Patent number: 9109646
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a transfer case comprising: a clutch pack, wherein the clutch pack includes a first plurality of clutch plates rotatably coupled with an output member, a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with the first plurality of clutch plates and rotatably coupled with an input member, and an apply plate; a solenoid operably associated with the friction clutch pack, wherein the solenoid includes a coil and an armature; at least one lever mechanism, wherein a first end of the at least one lever mechanism is stationary and a second end is attached to and moves with the armature; and wherein when the solenoid is deenergized there is an air gap between the armature and the coil and when the solenoid is energized the armature moves toward the coil causing the first end of the lever component to engage the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Thaddeus Kopp
  • Publication number: 20140205468
    Abstract: A control system (100) for an all-wheel-drive torque transfer case (102) coupling of a motor vehicle (104) including a power unit (130) having a centrifugally governed fluid pump (132) and a flow valve (134) movable between recirculation and diverter positions (134a, 134b). A control valve (136) located between the fluid pump (132), the all-wheel-drive clutch assembly (112), and the range shift assembly (120). The control valve (136) operable between a first position (136a) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the clutch assembly (112), and a second position (136b) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the range shift assembly (120). At least one range shift valve (138; 152, 154) located between the control valve (136) and the range shift assembly (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Larry PRITCHARD
  • Patent number: 8191698
    Abstract: A hydraulic system having a clutch assembly (30) which is hydraulically actuated, a pressure device (32) in fluid communication with the clutch assembly, and a multi-position actuator device (34) in fluid communication with the pressure device and the clutch assembly. The position of the actuator device includes at least a first position in order for the pressure device to fluidly communicate with the clutch assembly, a second position for maintaining fluid pressure in the clutch assembly, and a third position for bleeding the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Borgwarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Eric Christopher Sandstrom, Philip J. Francis
  • Publication number: 20090314602
    Abstract: A hydraulic system having a clutch assembly (30) which is hydraulically actuated, a pressure device (32) in fluid communication with the clutch assembly, and a multi-position actuator device (34) in fluid communication with the pressure device and the clutch assembly. The position of the actuator device includes at least a first position in order for the pressure device to fluidly communicate with the clutch assembly, a second position for maintaining fluid pressure in the clutch assembly, and a third position for bleeding the hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Eric Christopher Sandstrom, Philip J. Francis
  • Patent number: 7534188
    Abstract: A two-speed transfer case includes a planetary gear assembly, and a shift sleeve that is used for selecting either the reduced speed gear ratio, in which the torque from the input is transferred though the planetary gears, or the direct drive speed ratio, in which the input and output shafts are coupled directly together. The carrier of the planetary gear assembly is equipped with a surface that is capable of receiving a band brake that is disposed thereabout. A lever composed to two pieces, a brake apply arm and a cam follower, applies the brake band, and in doing so controls retardation of the planet carrier, controlling the speed of the carrier, and thus, controlling the output of the planetary gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Christopher V. Kurmaniak
  • Publication number: 20070179010
    Abstract: A two-speed transfer case includes a planetary gear assembly, and a shift sleeve that is used for selecting either the reduced speed gear ratio, in which the torque from the input is transferred though the planetary gears, or the direct drive speed ratio, in which the input and output shafts are coupled directly together. The carrier of the planetary gear assembly is equipped with a surface that is capable of receiving a band brake that is disposed thereabout. A lever composed to two pieces, a brake apply arm and a cam follower, applies the brake band, and in doing so controls retardation of the planet carrier, controlling the speed of the carrier, and thus, controlling the output of the planetary gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Christopher V. Kurmaniak
  • Publication number: 20070137966
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic clutch includes a bidirectional electric motor, a hydraulic circuit and a multiple plate friction clutch pack. The bidirectional electric motor drives a ball screw through a gear reduction assembly. An electric brake on the motor output may be energized to inhibit its rotation. Alternatively, an anti-back drive wrap-spring assembly may be utilized on the motor output. The ball screw output bi-directionally translates a master piston of the hydraulic circuit which in turn advances and retracts an annular slave piston disposed adjacent the friction clutch pack. Hence, actuation of the electric motor displaces hydraulic fluid and compresses or relaxes the friction clutch pack, thereby transferring or inhibiting torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Francis, Christopher Kowalsky, Mark Perlick, Tsunlock Yu, Larry Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20060065509
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-bleed mechanism for a hydraulic system comprising a clutch pack hydraulically actuated by one or more fluid passageways; an elongated cylinder operably connected to the fluid passageways; a piston slidably disposed in the elongated cylinder where the piston controls actuation of the clutch pack by sliding in the elongated cylinder; and a valve connected to the elongated cylinder, wherein air inside of the elongated cylinder is vented through the valve. The valve is a check valve which vents to the general sump and includes a ball which rests in a tapered valve seat, and the ball is held in place with a spring. The piston has a nozzle on an end that unseats said check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20050189190
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic clutch includes a bi-directional electric motor, a hydraulic circuit and a multiple plate friction clutch pack. The bi-directional electric motor drives a ball screw through a gear reduction assembly. The ball screw output translates a master piston of the hydraulic circuit which in turn advances and retracts an annular sleeve piston disposed adjacent the friction clutch pack. Hence, actuation of the electric motor displaces hydraulic fluid and compresses or relaxes the friction clutch pack, thereby transferring or inhibiting torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Kowalsky, Mark Perlick, Andy Yu, Larry Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20050034950
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly having a solenoid activated ball ramp operator provides reduced power consumption and improved control. The electromagnetic clutch assembly includes a primary or pilot friction clutch pack and a secondary or main friction clutch pack. An annular solenoid coil cooperates with an annular operator or plunger. When the coil is energized, the annular plunger translates and compresses the primary or pilot friction clutch pack. Activation of the pilot clutch pack retards motion of one of the members of the ball ramp operator which, in turn, compresses a secondary or main friction clutch pack disposed across the input and output members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Kowalsky, Larry Pritchard, Brian Kappler