Patents by Inventor Michael Hodge

Michael Hodge 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: 20220299067
    Abstract: A radially compliant connection includes an axis, a first plate with a first connection portion, a second plate with a second connection portion, an intermediate plate with third and fourth connection portions, a first flexible element fixed to the first connection portion and to the third connection portion, and a second flexible element fixed to the second connection portion and to the fourth connection portion. In some example embodiments, the first connection portion has a radially inner surface with a first radius, and the second connection portion has a first radially outer surface with a second radius, less than the first radius. In an example embodiment, the third connection portion has a second radially outer surface with a third radius, equal to the second radius, or the fourth connection portion has a third radially outer surface with a fourth radius, equal to the second radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patrick Lindemann, Matthew Payne, Markus Steinberger, Jordan Geiser, Kenneth Hunt, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 11448300
    Abstract: A differential is sealed such that it retains its own lubrication fluid supply. The carrier housing is formed from two carrier halves which are welded together. One carrier half has an inner axial extension which is radially inside an outer axial extension of the other half. A circumferential weld is placed between the outer axial extension and the first carrier half. One of the stub shafts has an end cap with a one-way valve to allow fluid to be added after the welding is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Michael Hodge
  • Publication number: 20220090640
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: an outer race including a first outer race plate defining a first rocker pocket and a second outer race plate non-rotatably connected to the first outer race plate and defining a second rocker pocket; an inner race axially disposed between the first outer race plate and the second outer race plate; and a rocker assembly including a rocker arranged to contact the inner race and including a first portion disposed in the first rocker pocket and a second portion disposed in the second rocker pocket, a spring guide retained by the first outer race plate and the second outer race plate, and a spring engaged with the spring guide and in contact with the rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Peter Burke, Carsten Behler, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 11261922
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an outer ring having a first and second pocket, and an inner ring. A strut and pawl may be disposed within the first and second pockets. The pawl may be configured such that rotation of the strut pushes the pawl toward teeth of the inner ring for engagement therewith. In a first mode of operation, the pawl does not contact the teeth and the inner ring is free to rotate in the first and second rotational directions. In a second mode of operation, the pawl is in partial engagement with the teeth and the inner ring is free to rotate in the second rotational direction and prevented from rotation in the first rotational direction. In a third mode of operation, the pawl is in full engagement with the teeth and the inner ring is prevented from rotation in both the first and the second rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Burke, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 11215243
    Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an actuation assembly, an outer ring, and an inner ring disposed radially inward of the outer ring and rotatable about an axis in first and second rotational directions. A first and second strut are rotatably disposed within first and second pockets of the outer ring and configured to be rotated by the actuation assembly. A first pawl and a second pawl are rotatably disposed within a third pocket and a fourth pocket, respectively. For a transition mode, the actuation assembly is configured to rotate the first strut within the first pocket such that rotation of the first strut in the first rotational direction urges the first pawl radially inward into partial engagement with teeth disposed on an outer surface of the inner ring, the second pawl remains free of contact with the inner ring and the inner ring rotates in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Peter Burke, James Copeland, Jordan Geiser, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 11143245
    Abstract: A clutch coupler assembly for a hybrid transmission having a first torque input, a second torque input, and a torque output comprises a sleeve fixed to the first torque input and an output hub connected to an output shaft of the torque output. A first ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the output hub and fixed to the sleeve such that the first torque input is always coupled to the torque output. An input hub is connected to an input shaft of the second torque input and a second ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the input hub. A sliding collar is mounted on the first ring and is configured to engage with the second ring to selectively connect the second torque input to the torque output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: James Copeland, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 11137038
    Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly comprises an outer race, first and second inner races rotatable about an axis, a first and a second plurality of rocker members, and first and second cages. The outer race has a plurality of pockets defined in an inner surface. First and second inner races are aligned axially side-by-side and each include rocker teeth defined on an outer surface. One rocker member from the first and second plurality of rocker members is disposed in each pocket of the outer race. The first plurality of rocker members are arranged to face in a first direction and the second plurality of rocker members are arranged to face in a second, opposite direction. First and second cages are positioned radially between the inner and outer races and configured to selectively displace the first and second plurality of rocker members, respectively, between disengaged and engaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Kenneth Hunt
  • Publication number: 20210290644
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of fungal infections and diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Michael GREY, Jason BRITTAIN, Michael HODGES
  • Publication number: 20210120796
    Abstract: A fish finding device mount is provided to be used in connection with a fish finding device that includes an electronic device communicable with a receiver. The fish finding device mount may include a mounting arm that is attachable to the transom of a boat. Attached to the mounting arm is at least one bracket that is utilized to secure an extendable arm to the mounting arm. The extendable arm includes a mounting adapter that couples the fish finder's electronic device to the mounting device. The fish finding device mount is designed to selectively submerge the fish finder's electronic device a distance below the boat's hull to prevent any form of interference, and retract the electronic device a distance out of the water to avoid an accidental collision with a foreign object during transit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Hodges
  • Patent number: 10989294
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train includes a shaft including a plurality of axially extending splines defining an outer circumferential surface, and a planet carrier non-rotatably fixed to the shaft by the axially extending splines. The planet carrier and the shaft are axially constrained with respect to each other by a radially inwardly extending material of the planet carrier axially contacting a radially extending surface of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Long Souers, Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge, Drew Hilty
  • Patent number: 10989252
    Abstract: A clutch carrier assembly for a transmission is disclosed that comprises a clutch carrier and a ring gear carrier. The clutch carrier includes a plurality of tabs and the ring gear carrier includes a plurality of openings defined in, and extending through, an outer surface. The ring gear carrier is disposed within the clutch carrier. Each of the tabs is received within a corresponding one of the openings such that the ring gear carrier and the clutch carrier are held together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Venkata Sivaram Bitragunta, Rolf Mueller, Charles Schwab, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10982724
    Abstract: A clutch carrier includes a first component and a second component. The first component has an undulating ring, a cylindrical ring, and a connector portion. The undulating ring has an inner surface, and an outer surface for mating engagement with a clutch plate spline. The connector portion is between the undulating ring and the cylindrical ring. A plurality of apertures are defined at least partially in the connector portion. The second component has a first radial wall, a plurality of segments, and a plurality of formable tabs. The plurality of segments extend axially from the first radial wall and contact at least a portion of the inner surface to radially position the second component within the first component. The plurality of formable tabs extend from the first radial wall through the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 10975917
    Abstract: A unitized wedge clutch includes a first race, a second race, a wedge segment, and a first side plate. The first race has a circumferential groove with a first angled surface and a second angled surface. The second race has a first ramp surface extending radially outward in a circumferential direction. The wedge segment is arranged in a radial space between the first race and the second race. The wedge segment has a third angled surface aligned with the first angled surface and a fourth angled surface aligned with the second angled surface, a second ramp surface aligned with the first ramp surface, and a first aperture. The first side plate has a first protrusion extending through the first aperture. The unitized wedge clutch may have a plurality of wedge segments arranged circumferentially in a radial space between the first race and the second race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Patent number: 10979022
    Abstract: An RF circuit device using modified lattice, lattice, and ladder circuit topologies. The devices can include four resonator devices and four shunt resonator devices. In the ladder topology, the resonator devices are connected in series from an input port to an output port while shunt resonator devices are coupled the nodes between the resonator devices. In the lattice topology, a top and a bottom serial configurations each includes a pair of resonator devices that are coupled to differential input and output ports. A pair of shunt resonators is cross-coupled between each pair of a top serial configuration resonator and a bottom serial configuration resonator. The modified lattice topology adds baluns or inductor devices between top and bottom nodes of the top and bottom serial configurations of the lattice configuration. These topologies may be applied using single crystal or polycrystalline bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Akoustis, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Shealy, Michael Hodge, Rohan W. Houlden, Shawn R. Gibb, Mary Winters, Ramakrishna Vetury, David Aichele
  • Publication number: 20210102586
    Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an actuation assembly, an outer ring, and an inner ring disposed radially inward of the outer ring and rotatable about an axis in first and second rotational directions. A first and second strut are rotatably disposed within first and second pockets of the outer ring and configured to be rotated by the actuation assembly. A first pawl and a second pawl are rotatably disposed within a third pocket and a fourth pocket, respectively. For a transition mode, the actuation assembly is configured to rotate the first strut within the first pocket such that rotation of the first strut in the first rotational direction urges the first pawl radially inward into partial engagement with teeth disposed on an outer surface of the inner ring, the second pawl remains free of contact with the inner ring and the inner ring rotates in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Peter Burke, James Copeland, Jordan Geiser, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 10935086
    Abstract: A switchable clutch, including: a first race including a pocket; a second race radially offset from the first race; a pawl including a portion disposed in the pocket and pivotable within the pocket; and a cage radially disposed between the first race and the second race and including a ramp. The ramp includes: a first surface; and a second surface sloping radially and circumferentially from the first surface. The first surface does not slope radially along a first circumferential direction. In a locked mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch, the pawl is in contact with the first surface and the outer race, and the first race and the second race are non-rotatably connected. In a freewheel mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch, the pawl is in contact with the second surface, and relative rotation of the first race with respect to the second race is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Burke, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10935085
    Abstract: A switchable one-way clutch is provided for selectively switching between operating as a one-way clutch and a bi-directional locking clutch. The clutch includes a housing, and an outer race and an inner race, which is fixed rotationally to the housing. The clutch also includes a roller cage assembly having a plurality of rollers contactable with the inner race and the outer race. A roller cage is configured to position and contain the plurality of rollers therein. The clutch also includes an annular drag plate contacting the inner race. The drag plate is rotationally fixed to the roller cage and is moveable in an axial direction relative to the roller cage. An electromagnet assembly is configured to magnetize in response to electric energy. Via selective magnetization to attract the drag plate axially, the clutch can switch between operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge
  • Publication number: 20210054886
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an outer ring having a first and second pocket, and an inner ring. A strut and pawl may be disposed within the first and second pockets. The pawl may be configured such that rotation of the strut pushes the pawl toward teeth of the inner ring for engagement therewith. In a first mode of operation, the pawl does not contact the teeth and the inner ring is free to rotate in the first and second rotational directions. In a second mode of operation, the pawl is in partial engagement with the teeth and the inner ring is free to rotate in the second rotational direction and prevented from rotation in the first rotational direction. In a third mode of operation, the pawl is in full engagement with the teeth and the inner ring is prevented from rotation in both the first and the second rotational directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Burke, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10927904
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes inner and outer races supported for rotation about an axis and a one-way clutch element radially disposed between the inner and outer races. A first bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. A second bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. The first and second bearings are on opposite sides of the clutch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Publication number: 20210008470
    Abstract: An array of spaced dewatering panels mounted in a spaced relationship in a framework (collectively referred to herein as a “panel support system” or “panel system”) is described wherein the panels are coupled to the framework in a manner that permits them to be pivoted or swiveled between at least a first orientation (or position) and a second orientation (position).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Hodges