Patents by Inventor Nicholas Hrusch

Nicholas Hrusch 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: 20240300568
    Abstract: A handwheel actuator for a steering system includes a stator, a shaft, and a rotor. The shaft is disposed within the stator and configured to be rotatably driven by a handwheel. The rotor is rotatably driven by the shaft. The rotor and the stator form a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. Rotation of the rotor is configured to displace from the first chamber to the second chamber so as to apply a rotational resistance to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Todd Sturgin
  • Patent number: 12085130
    Abstract: A transmission actuator for a vehicle includes a housing, a first rocker for engaging a toothed wheel, a second rocker for rotating the first rocker to engage the toothed wheel, an engagement rod for rotating the second rocker, a solenoid arranged to displace the engagement rod, and a solenoid control circuit. The solenoid includes an iron core, a wire coil wrapped around the iron core, and a ferromagnetic plunger. The plunger is arranged to linearly displace in a first direction when a first directional current is applied to the wire coil, and linearly displace in a second direction when a second directional current is applied to the wire coil. The solenoid control circuit is arranged supply the first directional current when energized by a power source, and supply a decaying alternating current that includes the first directional current and the second directional current when the solenoid control circuit is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG &Co. KG
    Inventors: Kevin Rauh, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11680565
    Abstract: A motor-pump system includes a first housing part, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, and a sensor board. The hydraulic pump includes an outer gerotor rotationally supported on the first housing part and an inner gerotor rotationally supported on the first housing part. The electric motor includes a stator assembly rotationally fixed in the first housing part and a rotor assembly with a non-ferrous sensor target, fixed to the outer gerotor. The sensor board includes a plurality of sensor traces for inductively sensing a signal from the non-ferrous sensor target when the outer gerotor is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Jeffrey Hemphill, Joshua Hixenbaugh
  • Patent number: 11619182
    Abstract: A phaser system is provided. The system includes a first gear connected to a first plate, and a second gear connected to a second plate. A phaser assembly includes at least one piston plate, and axial displacement of the at least one piston plate is configured to adjust a phase between the first gear and the second gear. A hydraulic fluid actuator assembly is also provided that includes a hydraulic fluid circuit including an advance chamber defined on a first side of the at least one piston plate and a retard chamber defined on a second side of the at least one piston plate. A valve selectively pressurizes the advance chamber or the retard chamber such that the at least one piston plate is axially displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Joshua Hixenbaugh
  • Patent number: 11613301
    Abstract: Power assisted steering systems provide a gear reduction of approximately 25:1 between a steering wheel and a steering mechanism and approximately 625:1 between an electric motor and a steering mechanism. The system is back-driveable from the steering mechanism. In one embodiment, the gear reduction is provided primarily by three planetary gear sets, with the remainder provided by axis transfer gearing. In another embodiment, the gear reduction is provided primarily by a cycloidal gear set, with the remainder provided by axis transfer gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Kyle DeHoff
  • Publication number: 20230034641
    Abstract: A transmission actuator for a vehicle includes a housing, a first rocker for engaging a toothed wheel, a second rocker for rotating the first rocker to engage the toothed wheel, an engagement rod for rotating the second rocker, a solenoid arranged to displace the engagement rod, and a solenoid control circuit. The solenoid includes an iron core, a wire coil wrapped around the iron core, and a ferromagnetic plunger. The plunger is arranged to linearly displace in a first direction when a first directional current is applied to the wire coil, and linearly displace in a second direction when a second directional current is applied to the wire coil. The solenoid control circuit is arranged supply the first directional current when energized by a power source, and supply a decaying alternating current that includes the first directional current and the second directional current when the solenoid control circuit is de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kevin Rauh, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20230023207
    Abstract: A phase adjuster is disclosed herein that has improvements for a number of features thereby improving the functionality of the phase adjuster and/or simplifying the manufacturing or assembly process for the phase adjuster. The phase adjuster includes an input gear and an input shaft connected to the input gear such that the input shaft is rotationally connected to the input gear and configured to be axially displaced. A piston plate is integrally formed with the input shaft. An output gear hub is operatively connected to the input shaft via the piston plate, and an output gear ring is connected to the output gear hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co .KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Jonathan Jameson, Todd Sturgin
  • Patent number: 11519465
    Abstract: A pump includes a stator and a rotor axially between a fluid inlet section and a fluid outlet section. The stator includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending legs; and a plurality of electrical windings disposed about the radially inwardly extending legs. The attenuating circuit includes a capacitor electrically wired in parallel with each winding and at least one switch electrically connected to the capacitor. During energization of the electrical winding, the switch electrically connects the capacitor to an electrical ground and the electrical power source creates a voltage in the capacitor. Following a de-energization of the plurality of electrical windings, the switch isolates the capacitor from the electrical ground and the capacitor discharges the voltage through the electrical winding, creating a decaying oscillating current that attenuates residual magnetization in the winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kevin Rauh, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11519342
    Abstract: A phase adjuster assembly is disclosed that includes an input gear connected to an input shaft via an interface assembly configured to provide both axial movement and rotational locking between the input gear and the input shaft. A piston plate is connected to the input shaft, and the piston plate defines at least one inner spiral bidirectional raceway. An output gear is configured to be driven by the input shaft, and the output gear at least partially defines at least one outer spiral bidirectional raceway. At least one first rolling element is arranged between the at least one inner bidirectional raceway and the at least one outer spiral bidirectional raceway. Axial movement of the piston plate adjusts a phase between the input gear and the output gear. The input shaft is configured to be axially displaced via axial movement of the piston plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11465673
    Abstract: A power assisted steering system provides a gear reduction between a steering wheel and a steering mechanism and a much larger gear reduction between an electric motor and a steering mechanism. The system is back-driveable from the steering mechanism. The system utilizes a ball-screw, several helical gears, and two bevel gears. A rack fixed to the ball-screw nut drives a sector gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kyle DeHoff, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11428173
    Abstract: A phase adjuster assembly configured to adjust a phase between a driving component and a driven component of an internal combustion engine is generally provided. The assembly includes an input gear assembly comprising an input gear configured to engage a driving component, and a spline carrier. An output gear assembly includes an output gear configured to engage a driven component, and a drive plate configured to drivingly engage with the spline carrier. Various components disclosed herein are formed as stamped sheet metal components. Additionally, various connections between adjacent components are provided via relative uncomplicated processes, such as welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20220252015
    Abstract: A phase adjuster assembly is disclosed that includes an input gear connected to an input shaft via an interface assembly configured to provide both axial movement and rotational locking between the input gear and the input shaft. A piston plate is connected to the input shaft, and the piston plate defines at least one inner spiral bidirectional raceway. An output gear is configured to be driven by the input shaft, and the output gear at least partially defines at least one outer spiral bidirectional raceway. At least one first rolling element is arranged between the at least one inner bidirectional raceway and the at least one outer spiral bidirectional raceway. Axial movement of the piston plate adjusts a phase between the input gear and the output gear. The input shaft is configured to be axially displaced via axial movement of the piston plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20220252067
    Abstract: A motor-pump system includes a first housing part, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, and a sensor board. The hydraulic pump includes an outer gerotor rotationally supported on the first housing part and an inner gerotor rotationally supported on the first housing part. The electric motor includes a stator assembly rotationally fixed in the first housing part and a rotor assembly with a non-ferrous sensor target, fixed to the outer gerotor. The sensor board includes a plurality of sensor traces for inductively sensing a signal from the non-ferrous sensor target when the outer gerotor is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Jeffrey Hemphill, Joshua Hixenbaugh
  • Patent number: 11396843
    Abstract: A phase adjuster assembly is disclosed herein that is configured to adjust a phase between a driving component and driven component of an internal combustion engine. The phase adjuster assembly includes an input gear configured to be driven by the driving component and an output gear configured to drive the driven component. A piston plate assembly is configured to adjust a phase between the driving component and the driven component via axial displacement of the piston plate assembly. A hydraulic fluid system is configured to selectively provide hydraulic fluid to a first piston control chamber on a first side of the piston plate assembly and to a second piston control chamber on a second side of the piston plate assembly to axially displace the piston plate assembly such that the phase between the driving component and the driven component is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Todd Sturgin, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 11320030
    Abstract: A two-speed transmission alternately establishes two speed ratios between a primary drive pulley and one or more accessories pulleys of an accessory drive system. The two-speed transmission includes concentric input and output shafts fixed to input and output pulleys respectively. When an actuator is disengaged, a one-way clutch transfers power between the input shaft and the output shaft. The input shaft is fixed to the planet carrier of a planetary gear set and the output shaft is fixed to the sun gear of the planetary gear set. When the actuator is engaged, the ring gear of the planetary gear set is held establishing an overdrive speed relationship between the input pulley and the output pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20220112848
    Abstract: A phaser system is provided. The system includes a first gear connected to a first plate, and a second gear connected to a second plate. A phaser assembly includes at least one piston plate, and axial displacement of the at least one piston plate is configured to adjust a phase between the first gear and the second gear. A hydraulic fluid actuator assembly is also provided that includes a hydraulic fluid circuit including an advance chamber defined on a first side of the at least one piston plate and a retard chamber defined on a second side of the at least one piston plate. A valve selectively pressurizes the advance chamber or the retard chamber such that the at least one piston plate is axially displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co., KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Joshua Hixenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20220106916
    Abstract: A phase adjuster assembly configured to adjust a phase between a driving component and a driven component of an internal combustion engine is generally provided. The assembly includes an input gear assembly comprising an input gear configured to engage a driving component, and a spline carrier. An output gear assembly includes an output gear configured to engage a driven component, and a drive plate configured to drivingly engage with the spline carrier. Various components disclosed herein are formed as stamped sheet metal components. Additionally, various connections between adjacent components are provided via relative uncomplicated processes, such as welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20210396174
    Abstract: A phase adjuster is disclosed herein that generally includes multiple stamped components and limits threaded connections between components. According to one aspect, this configuration provides a cost-effective arrangement in which a drive nut can adjust a phase between an input gear and an output gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11187313
    Abstract: A differential includes a driven body, an output element, and a clutch assembly radially interposed between the driven body and the output element. The clutch assembly includes a first wedge clutch configured to rotationally lock the output element to the driven body in a first direction and to overrun in a second direction, and a second wedge clutch configured to rotationally lock the output element to the driven body in the second direction and to overrun in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Brian Peet, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11187306
    Abstract: A two-speed pulley assembly for an engine accessory drive includes a planetary gear, a pulley, a friction clutch, and a one-way clutch. The planetary gear has a ring gear, a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a planet gear. The planet gear is rotatable relative to the planet carrier and is drivingly engaged with the ring gear and the sun gear. The pulley circumscribes the ring gear and is in driving engagement with the ring gear. The friction clutch is arranged to selectively prevent rotation of the sun gear. The one-way clutch is arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear to permit rotation of the sun gear relative to the ring gear in a first rotational direction, and prevents rotation in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Brian Lee