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).
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Patent number: 12297902Abstract: A planetary gearbox includes a gearbox housing, a sun gear arranged for receiving an input torque, a ring gear rotationally fixed in the gearbox housing, and a planetary assembly arranged to transmit an output torque. The planetary assembly includes a planetary carrier, sealed to the gearbox housing, a plurality of planetary shafts, a plurality of planetary gears, each arranged on one of the plurality of planetary shafts and drivingly engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a vent arranged in the planetary carrier for equalizing pressure in the planetary gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2024Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Joseph Johnson, Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20250145276Abstract: A linear actuator for a flight control surface including at least one electric motor, a threaded shaft rotationally driven via the at least one motor about a threaded shaft pivot axis, first and second threaded nuts axially displaced via rotation of the threaded shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the threaded shaft, such that axial displacement of the first and second threaded nuts rotates the output shaft about an output shaft pivot axis that is substantially parallel with the threaded shaft pivot axis. Rotation of the threaded shaft in a first rotational direction via the at least one motor prompts movement of the first and second threaded nuts axially toward each other. Further, rotation of the threaded shaft in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction via the at least one motor prompts movement of the first and second threaded nuts axially away from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Todd Sturgin, Craig Hooker, Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20250146562Abstract: A rotary actuator for a flight control surface includes a first electric motor connected to a first geartrain having planetary gearsets in series and a first drive gear driven by the first electric motor via the first geartrain. The first geartrain and the first drive gear define a first powertrain. The rotary actuator also includes a second electric motor connected to a second geartrain having planetary gearsets in series. The second geartrain is separate from the first geartrain. The rotary actuator further includes a second drive gear driven by the second electric motor via the second geartrain. The second geartrain and the second drive gear define a second powertrain that is coaxial with the first powertrain. Additionally, the rotary actuator includes an output shaft parallel to the first and second powertrains. The output shaft is driven simultaneously via the first and second drive gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Todd Sturgin, Craig Hooker, Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20250083305Abstract: A robotics corner module includes a steering drive unit, a traction drive unit, and a support structure. The steering drive unit includes an electric motor that drives rotation of a rotor shaft about a rotor shaft axis, and an output shaft coupled with the rotor shaft via a geartrain, such that rotation of the rotor shaft about the rotor shaft axis by the electric motor drives rotation of the output shaft about an output shaft axis that is parallel to and radially offset from the rotor shaft axis. The traction drive unit includes an electric motor that drives rotation of a rotor shaft about a rotor shaft axis, and a wheel hub operably coupled with the rotor shaft of the traction drive unit via a geartrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2024Publication date: March 13, 2025Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Joseph Johnson, Craig Hooker, Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20250083735Abstract: A steering gearbox for a robotics corner module includes a lower housing assembly, a center housing assembly, an electric motor, an output shaft assembly, a gear train and a first fastener. The lower housing assembly includes a lower housing and a shaft portion. The center housing assembly includes a center housing. The electric motor includes a stator assembly fixed in the lower housing and a rotor assembly with a rotor shaft. The output shaft assembly includes an output gear. The gear train includes a first shaft assembly with a first gear, and a compound gear assembly rotatably supported on the shaft portion. The compound gear assembly includes a first gear portion meshingly engaged with the output gear and a second gear portion meshingly engaged with the first gear. The first fastener extends through the center housing and into the shaft portion to secure the center housing to the lower housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2024Publication date: March 13, 2025Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20250023438Abstract: A two-speed magnetic gearbox includes a magnetic ring with first magnets distributed about an inner circumference forming first pole pairs, a magnetic sun including second magnets distributed about an outer circumference forming second plurality pole pairs, a first modulator arranged radially between the magnetic ring and the magnetic sun and a second modulator arranged coaxial with and axially offset from the first modulator. The first modulator is axially displaceable and includes a first plurality of electric steel laminations, and the second modulator is axially displaceable to a position radially between the magnetic ring and the magnetic sun and includes a second plurality of electric steel laminations. A quantity of second pole pairs is different than a quantity of first pole pairs and a quantity of the first plurality of electric steel laminations is different than a quantity of the second plurality of electric steel laminations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2023Publication date: January 16, 2025Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Kyle DeHoff, Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20240300568Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Todd Sturgin
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Patent number: 12085130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG &Co. KGInventors: Kevin Rauh, Nicholas Hrusch
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Patent number: 11680565Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Jeffrey Hemphill, Joshua Hixenbaugh
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Patent number: 11619182Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Joshua Hixenbaugh
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Patent number: 11613301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Kyle DeHoff
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Publication number: 20230034641Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Kevin Rauh, Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20230023207Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co .KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Jonathan Jameson, Todd Sturgin
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Patent number: 11519465Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Kevin Rauh, Nicholas Hrusch
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Patent number: 11519342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2022Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventor: Nicholas Hrusch
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Patent number: 11465673Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Kyle DeHoff, Nicholas Hrusch
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Patent number: 11428173Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventor: Nicholas Hrusch
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Publication number: 20220252067Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Jeffrey Hemphill, Joshua Hixenbaugh
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Publication number: 20220252015Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Nicholas Hrusch
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Patent number: 11396843Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Todd Sturgin, Jeffrey Hemphill