Patents by Inventor Paul Joseph Valente

Paul Joseph Valente 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: 20160101691
    Abstract: A disconnecting driveline component can include a shaft coupled to one of a pair of output members of a differential. A clutch input can be coupled for rotation with one of a ring gear and the one of the output members. A clutch output can be coupled for rotation with one of a differential case and the shaft. A collar can be axially-slidable between a first position, where the collar couples the clutch input and the clutch output to transmit rotational power therebetween, and a second position where the collar is rotatably decoupled from one of the clutch input and the clutch output. A pilot input can be non-rotatably coupled to the clutch input. A pilot output can be fixed to the clutch output. An electromagnet can draw the pilot input into frictional engagement with the pilot output when the collar is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 9302581
    Abstract: A disconnecting driveline component can include a shaft coupled to one of a pair of output members of a differential. A clutch input can be coupled for rotation with one of a ring gear and the one of the output members. A clutch output can be coupled for rotation with one of a differential case and the shaft. A collar can be axially-slidable between a first position, where the collar couples the clutch input and the clutch output to transmit rotational power therebetween, and a second position where the collar is rotatably decoupled from one of the clutch input and the clutch output. A pilot input can be non-rotatably coupled to the clutch input. A pilot output can be fixed to the clutch output. An electromagnet can draw the pilot input into frictional engagement with the pilot output when the collar is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8986148
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Publication number: 20150011349
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8795126
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Publication number: 20130303326
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8469854
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device and a limited slip clutch assembly, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism, the torque transfer device and the limited slip clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente