Patents by Inventor Paul M. Elhardt

Paul M. Elhardt 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: 11454303
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Publication number: 20220120340
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Publication number: 20220018093
    Abstract: A tractor cab operator platform includes a composite floor holding a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit, a plurality of blowers, and a plurality of openings for air filters. The composite floor may have a plurality of airflow passages between the plurality of air filters, the plurality of blowers and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. An operator seat may be removably mounted on a seat pan over the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: SUSHANTA K. DAS, CARL E. CALDWELL, II, PAUL M. ELHARDT, JAWAHAR R. NAIDU, NICHOLAS M. TOOMEY
  • Publication number: 20200018384
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Patent number: 10208840
    Abstract: Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) having a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes, are provided. In some aspects, the CVTs include first and second rings on either side and in contact with the plurality of balls, and an idler assembly including an idler having a non-uniform outer diameter. The profile of the idler ensures lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT. A lubrication system may include a scraper configured to remove lubricant that accumulates in an interior of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Publication number: 20150369348
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Patent number: 9121464
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong, Charles B Lohr, Loren T McDaniel, Matthew P Simister, Fernand A Thomassy, Ghayyurul I Usmani, Paul M Elhardt, Terry L Stewart, Peter D Poxton, Elton L Eidson
  • Patent number: 8336282
    Abstract: A robotic mower housing includes a one piece molded bottom chassis having an inner wall and an outer wall. A top cover is removably attached to and covers the bottom chassis. An outer seal is provided between the outer wall of the bottom chassis and the top cover, and an inner seal between the inner wall of the bottom chassis and the top cover. The vehicle control unit and other electronic components may be located in the inner cavity inside the inner seal and an outer cavity between the outer seal and the inner seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Messina, Paul M. Elhardt, John D. Mouser
  • Patent number: 8317650
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong, Charles B Lohr, Loren T McDaniel, Matthew P Simister, Fernand A Thomassy, Ghayyurul I Usmani, Paul M Elhardt, Terry L Stewart, Peter D Poxton, Elton L Eidson
  • Patent number: 8276699
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a tractor front grille to a shroud includes a one-piece shroud having a radiator mounted thereto and a central opening to draw air through the radiator, and a tractor front grille slidably mounted to the shroud so that the grille can only move substantially vertically to access a battery behind the front grille. The battery may be positioned on a battery shelf that extends forwardly from and is integral with the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul M. Elhardt, Joseph P. Latchaw, Jared B. Lard
  • Patent number: 8262536
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong, Charles B Lohr, Loren T McDaniel, Matthew P Simister, Fernand A Thomassy, Ghayyurul I Usmani, Paul M Elhardt, Terry L Stewart, Peter D Poxton, Elton L Eidson
  • Patent number: 8234848
    Abstract: A height of cut adjustment assembly for a robotic mower includes a height of cut drum secured to a bottom chassis of the robotic mower and having internal spiral threads, a motor cup supporting a cutting blade motor and having external spiral threads that engage the height of cut drum, and a blade shield fastened to the motor cup. The blade shield and the motor cup may be rotated to change height of cut. The blade shield and motor cup may be rotated one revolution to move the motor cup and blade shield vertically between a minimum and a maximum cutting height. Detents engage the motor cup with the drum at a plurality of different cutting heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Messina, Paul M. Elhardt, John D. Mouser
  • Publication number: 20120080255
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a tractor front grille to a shroud includes a one-piece shroud having a radiator mounted thereto and a central opening to draw air through the radiator, and a tractor front grille slidably mounted to the shroud so that the grille can only move substantially vertically to access a battery behind the front grille. The battery may be positioned on a battery shelf that extends forwardly from and is integral with the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Paul M. Elhardt, Joseph P. Latchaw, Jared B. Lard
  • Publication number: 20120023887
    Abstract: A robotic mower housing includes a one piece molded bottom chassis having an inner wall and an outer wall. A top cover is removably attached to and covers the bottom chassis. An outer seal is provided between the outer wall of the bottom chassis and the top cover, and an inner seal between the inner wall of the bottom chassis and the top cover. The vehicle control unit and other electronic components may be located in the inner cavity inside the inner seal and an outer cavity between the outer seal and the inner seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas M. Messina, Paul M. Elhardt, John D. Mouser
  • Publication number: 20120023880
    Abstract: A height of cut adjustment assembly for a robotic mower includes a height of cut drum secured to a bottom chassis of the robotic mower and having internal spiral threads, a motor cup supporting a cutting blade motor and having external spiral threads that engage the height of cut drum, and a blade shield fastened to the motor cup. The blade shield and the motor cup may be rotated to change height of cut. The blade shield and motor cup may be rotated one revolution to move the motor cup and blade shield vertically between a minimum and a maximum cutting height. Detents engage the motor cup with the drum at a plurality of different cutting heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas M. Messina, Paul M. Elhardt, John D. Mouser
  • Patent number: 7959533
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Oronde J. Armstrong, Charles B. Lohr, Loren T. McDaniel, Matthew P. Simister, Fernand A. Thomassy, Ghayyurul I. Usmani, Paul M. Elhardt, Terry L. Stewart, Peter D. Poxton, Elton L. Eidson
  • Patent number: 7871353
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong, Charles B Lohr, Loren T McDaniel, Matthew P Simister, Fernand A Thomassy, Ghayyurul I Usmani, Paul M Elhardt, Terry L Stewart, Peter D Poxton, Elton L Eidson
  • Patent number: 7614207
    Abstract: A mower deck lift system includes a transport lock for locking the mower deck in a transport position, a height of cut control knob connected to a height of cut cam having a plurality of mower deck height settings, and a height of cut pawl movable to engage or disengage the height of cut cam at each mower deck height setting. A transport lock crank may be locked in a transport position preventing the height of cut pawl from engaging the height of cut cam, or unlocked to allow the height of cut pawl to engage the height of cut cam. A transport lock indicator integrated into the height of cut control knob is connected to the transport lock crank, and is movable with the transport lock crank between the transport position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul M. Elhardt, Franklin P. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20090031687
    Abstract: A mower deck lift system includes a transport lock for locking the mower deck in a transport position, a height of cut control knob connected to a height of cut cam having a plurality of mower deck height settings, and a height of cut pawl movable to engage or disengage the height of cut cam at each mower deck height setting. A transport lock crank may be locked in a transport position preventing the height of cut pawl from engaging the height of cut cam, or unlocked to allow the height of cut pawl to engage the height of cut cam. A transport lock indicator integrated into the height of cut control knob is connected to the transport lock crank, and is movable with the transport lock crank between the transport position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Paul M. Elhardt, Franklin P. Lewis
  • Patent number: D669938
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Lard, Nicolas Ochoa, Anthony John Baxter, Alberto Mantilla, Paul M. Elhardt, Lucas Wade