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: 9783065
    Abstract: A number of variations include a product comprising a transfer case comprising a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor wherein the hydraulic system is constructed and arranged to capture energy from regenerative braking of the at least one brake of at least one drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 9784321
    Abstract: A wheel-end disconnect assembly for translating rotational torque between an output shaft and a wheel hub of a vehicle driveline. A knuckle bracket at least partially supports the wheel hub. A clutch is operatively attached to the knuckle bracket, is disposed in selective torque translating relationship between the output shaft and the wheel hub, and is movable between: an engaged configuration wherein torque is translated between the output shaft and the wheel hub, and a disengaged configuration wherein torque is interrupted. An electromagnetic actuator is provided and has a slider selectively movable between a first stable position and a second stable position. The actuator is disposed in force translating relationship with the clutch such that movement from one stable position to the other stable position causes corresponding movement of the clutch between the configurations so as to selectively translate rotational torque between the output shaft and the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20170261102
    Abstract: A product may include a rotating sheave that may have a first sheave half and a second sheave half. A distance between the first and second sheave halves may be variable. A screw actuator may have a screw that may engage the first sheave half. A motor may be connected with the screw and may be operable to move the first sheave half to vary the distance through the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. PRITCHARD, Thomas J. FOSTER
  • Publication number: 20170261082
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising an electrical machine operatively connected to a driveline module comprising a gear train having a fixed gear ratio, a first planetary gear set having multiple gear ratios operatively connected to the gear train, a second planetary gear set having a fixed gear ratio operatively connected to the first planetary gear set, and a synchronizer operatively connected to the first planetary gear set and which is positioned between the first and second planetary gear set; a differential operatively connected to the second planetary gear set; wherein the electrical machine selectively transmits power to the differential through the gear train, first planetary gear set, synchronizer, and second planetary gear set, and wherein the synchronizer is constructed and arranged to shift the driveline module into a high, low, and a neutral mode through placement of a ring gear of the first planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. PRITCHARD, Thaddeus R. KOPP, David E. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20170254396
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising an electrical machine operatively connected to a driveline module comprising a gear train having a fixed gear ratio, a first planetary gear set having multiple gear ratios operatively connected to the gear train, a second planetary gear set having a fixed gear ratio operatively connected to the first planetary gear set, and a synchronizer, wherein the synchronizer is operatively connected to the first planetary gear set and is positioned between the first and second planetary gear set; a differential operatively connected to the second planetary gear set; wherein the electrical machine selectively transmits power to the differential through the gear train, the first planetary gear set, the synchronizer, and the second planetary gear set, and wherein the synchronizer is constructed and arranged to shift the driveline module into a high range mode, a low range mode, and a neutral mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. PRITCHARD, Thaddeus R. KOPP, David E. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20170248045
    Abstract: An engine variable camshaft timing phaser (10) includes a sprocket (12) and a planetary gear assembly (14). The sprocket (12) receives rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft. The planetary gear assembly (14) includes two or more ring gears (26, 28), multiple planet gears (24), a sun gear (22), and a wrap spring (76). One of the ring gears (26, 28) receives rotational drive input from the sprocket (12) and one of the ring gears (26, 28) transmits rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The sun gear (22) engages with the planet gears (24). The wrap spring (76) experiences expansion and contraction exertions to permit advancing and retarding engine valve opening and closing, and to prevent advancing and retarding engine valve opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. PRITCHARD, Thomas R. BENNER, Christopher J. PLUTA
  • Publication number: 20170240043
    Abstract: A transfer case comprises a primary output shaft, and a secondary output shaft selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a plate clutch to transfer torque therebetween. The plate clutch includes a housing, a plurality of interleaved plates that are engaged alternatingly with the primary output shaft and the housing to rotate therewith, and an apply plate non-selectively coupled to the primary output shaft to rotate therewith. The apply plate is moveable axially along the primary output shaft into a first configuration in which the apply plate is positively coupled to the housing to rotate therewith, a second configuration in which the apply plate rotates independent of the housing, and a third configuration in which the apply plate compresses the interleaved plates to form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thaddeus R. Kopp, JR., Branden L. Reeves, Philip J. Francis, Joseph D. Mastie
  • Publication number: 20170241486
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a primary output shaft, and a secondary output selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a secondary torque transfer mechanism. The secondary torque transfer mechanism comprises a plate clutch and a locking sleeve. The plate clutch includes a housing coupled to the secondary output shaft, a plurality of interleaved plates alternatingly coupled to the primary output shaft and the housing, and an apply plate coupled to the primary output shaft and being configured to compress the interleaved plates to selectively form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the secondary output shaft. The locking sleeve is non-selectively coupled to one of the housing or the apply plate to rotate therewith, and is selectively coupleable to the other of the housing or the apply plate to form a positive coupling between the primary output shaft and the secondary output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thaddeus R. Kopp, Jr., Branden L. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20170232840
    Abstract: A transfer case includes primary and secondary output shafts, along with a secondary torque transfer mechanism and a locking mechanism, which are configured to selectively couple the primary and secondary output shafts. The secondary torque transfer mechanism comprises a sprocket coupled to the secondary output shaft, and a plate clutch coupled to the sprocket to selectively form a friction coupling with the primary output shaft. The locking mechanism selectively couples the primary output shaft to the sprocket, and includes a locking sleeve and an actuator that moves the locking sleeve between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking sleeve forms a first splined connection with the primary output shaft and forms a second splined connection with the sprocket. In the second position, the locking sleeve forms the first splined connection with the primary output shaft and forms a second splined connection with the sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thaddeus R. Kopp, Jr., Branden L. Reeves, Philip J. Francis, Joseph D. Mastie
  • Patent number: 9694678
    Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a secondary driveline and method of assembly can be used in an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle having a rear driveline module (RDM) for changing drive modes between a two-wheel drive mode and an AWD mode. The disconnect mechanism can include a hydraulically actuated coupling clutch connected to a power take-off unit (PTU) for transferring rotary power from the PTU to the RDM during the AWD mode, a hydraulically actuated first and second rear clutch for rotationally connecting and disconnecting corresponding first and second rear axles drivingly coupled to rear wheels during the AWD mode and two-wheel drive mode, respectively, and a hydraulic actuating assembly including a source of pressurized fluid for actuating the coupling clutch, the first rear clutch, and the second rear clutch, and for synchronizing any speed differential therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thad Kopp
  • Patent number: 9677624
    Abstract: A power transfer case transfers drive torque from the input member to the output member. The power transfer case includes a lubrication system, a hydraulically actuated friction clutch assembly, and a hydraulically actuated range shift assembly. An on-demand electric lube pump can supply a fluid under pressure. An accumulator is selectively supplied with fluid under pressure from the on-demand lube pump. A first valve selectively directs fluid under pressure from the on-demand lube pump to the lubrication system when in the first position and to the accumulator when in a second position. A second valve selectively directs fluid under pressure from the accumulator to the range shift assembly when in a first position, to the friction clutch assembly when in a second position, and isolates the accumulator from the range shift assembly and the friction clutch assembly when in a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Borg Warner Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20170152936
    Abstract: A product may include a pair of rotating elements. A coupling may be connected between the pair of rotating elements. An actuator may be connected to the coupling and may engage and disengage the pair of rotating elements from each other. A valve may be connected with the actuator and may effect a supply lubrication to the coupling when the pair of rotating elements are engaged through the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: LARRY A. PRITCHARD, BRANDEN L. REEVES, DENISE A. BROICK
  • Publication number: 20170130832
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a motor, and may include a gear train driven by the motor. A shift mechanism may be engaged with the gear train. A valve may be engaged with the gear train. Selective rotation of the motor may simultaneously move the shift mechanism between a number of shift positions corresponding to operational modes of the product and may move the valve between a number of valve positions that may correspond to open or closed states of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. PRITCHARD, Thaddeus R. KOPP
  • Patent number: 9605753
    Abstract: A transfer case for a motor vehicle. An input is rotatable about an axis to receive torque, an output is rotatable about the axis to transmit torque, and a planetary gear set is rotatable about the axis and operatively coupled between the input and the output. A shift sleeve circumscribes and is axially slidably carried along the axis, and a shift sleeve lock is automatically engageable with the shift sleeve responsive to the transfer case exceeding a predetermined rotational speed, to prevent axial movement of the shift sleeve above that speed. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Earl David Ray
  • Patent number: 9599215
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuation system (10) and method of assembly for disconnecting a secondary driveline (27) can be used in an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle (14) having a power take-off unit (PTU) (42) for transferring rotary power to the secondary driveline (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thad Kopp, Keith Feldt, Mark Buchanan, Peizhang Tu
  • Patent number: 9593725
    Abstract: A self-adjusting clutch (10) can include an automatic adjustment mechanism (20) for decreasing an axial dimension within a clutch pack (14). The adjustment can compensate for wear of the facing surfaces of interposed members located within the clutch pack (14), resulting from repeated engaging and disengaging under a clutch apply load within the clutch (10). The adjustment mechanism (20) can include a reaction plate (12) normally biased toward the clutch pack (14) by a plurality of first springs (22). The adjustment mechanism (20) can further include a plurality of pawls (24) supported for rotation by the reaction plate (12) and biased by a plurality of second springs (26) toward a locking position with respect to a ring member (36). The plurality of pawls (24) can lock the reaction plate (12) against axial movement in a direction of the clutch apply load during clutch actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20170051827
    Abstract: A transfer case for a motor vehicle. An input is rotatable about an axis to receive torque, an output is rotatable about the axis to transmit torque, and a planetary gear set is rotatable about the axis and operatively coupled between the input and the output. A shift sleeve circumscribes and is axially slidably carried along the axis, and a shift sleeve lock is automatically engageable with the shift sleeve responsive to the transfer case exceeding a predetermined rotational speed, to prevent axial movement of the shift sleeve above that speed. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Earl David Ray
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20170037961
    Abstract: A transfer case for a motor vehicle. An input is rotatable about an axis to receive torque, an output is rotatable about the axis to transmit torque, and a planetary gear set is rotatable about the axis and operatively coupled between the input and the output. A shift sleeve circumscribes and is axially slidably carried along the axis, and a shift sleeve lock is automatically engageable with the shift sleeve responsive to the transfer case exceeding a predetermined rotational speed, to prevent axial movement of the shift sleeve above that speed. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Earl David Ray