Patents by Inventor Michael Zientak

Michael Zientak 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: 11421465
    Abstract: A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes an output member configured to drive movement of the movable closure, a motor coupled through a gear reduction to drive the output member, and an integrated brake-clutch unit having an input configured to receive drive power from the electric motor. The brake-clutch unit provides independent braking and clutching between the electric motor and the output member via an electric brake actuator and an electric clutch actuator, respectively. Brake and clutch portions of the brake-clutch unit act on a rotor, and brake force can be maintained on the rotor without powering the brake actuator. A clutch disc is biased disengaged from the rotor. The integrated brake-clutch unit provides a drive state between the electric motor and the output member when the brake portion is released concurrently with the clutch portion establishing a power coupling between the clutch disc and the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: STRATTEC POWER ACCESS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Sproule, Howard Kuhlman, Frederick Eberle, William Champ, Steven Buell, Jacob Fritschle, Daniel Sand, Paul Crociata, David Wilcox, Brian Schymik, Michael Zientak, Kimpon Ngem
  • Publication number: 20200340282
    Abstract: A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes an output member configured to drive movement of the movable closure, a motor coupled through a gear reduction to drive the output member, and an integrated brake-clutch unit having an input configured to receive drive power from the electric motor. The brake-clutch unit provides independent braking and clutching between the electric motor and the output member via an electric brake actuator and an electric clutch actuator, respectively. Brake and clutch portions of the brake-clutch unit act on a rotor, and brake force can be maintained on the rotor without powering the brake actuator. A clutch disc is biased disengaged from the rotor. The integrated brake-clutch unit provides a drive state between the electric motor and the output member when the brake portion is released concurrently with the clutch portion establishing a power coupling between the clutch disc and the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory Sproule, Howard Kuhlman, Frederick Eberle, William Champ, Steven Buell, Jacob Fritschle, Daniel Sand, Paul Crociata, David Wilcox, Brian Schymik, Michael Zientak, Kimpon Ngem