Patents by Inventor Randolph C. Williams

Randolph C. Williams 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: 8235860
    Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, and a planetary gearset including a sun gear, a ring gear and planet gears rotatably supported on a carrier coupled to the first output shaft. A collar is driven by the sun gear and selectively drives the carrier. The ring gear is moveable between first and second positions. The collar is coupled to the ring gear for movement therewith between first and second positions. The collar is operable in its first position to couple the sun gear to the carrier and operable in its second position to be released from engagement with the carrier. The ring gear is operable in its first position to be released from coupled engagement with a stationary member and operable in its second position to be coupled to the stationary member. A mechanism moves the ring gear between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 8127908
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch having first and second outer rings positioned on opposite sides of a center ring having conically shaped friction surfaces. The outer rings each include a plurality of conically shaped friction surfaces selectively engageable with the center ring friction surfaces. A clutch actuator includes a roller clutch having a first set of cam surfaces adapted to be fixed for rotation with a rotary input member, a slipper having a second set of cam surfaces, a plurality of rollers positioned between opposing pairs of the cam surfaces, a first wedge slide and a second wedge slide. Each wedge slide is radially outwardly moveable by radial expansion of the slipper and includes a tapered surface for driving one of the first and second outer rings into engagement with the center ring to transfer torque between the input and output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110152026
    Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, and a planetary gearset including a sun gear, a ring gear and planet gears rotatably supported on a carrier coupled to the first output shaft. A collar is driven by the sun gear and selectively drives the carrier. The ring gear is moveable between first and second positions. The collar is coupled to the ring gear for movement therewith between first and second positions. The collar is operable in its first position to couple the sun gear to the carrier and operable in its second position to be released from engagement with the carrier. The ring gear is operable in its first position to be released from coupled engagement with a stationary member and operable in its second position to be coupled to the stationary member. A mechanism moves the ring gear between its first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 7909593
    Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Randolph C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100200352
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch having first and second outer rings positioned on opposite sides of a center ring having conically shaped friction surfaces. The outer rings each include a plurality of conically shaped friction surfaces selectively engageable with the center ring friction surfaces. A clutch actuator includes a roller clutch having a first set of cam surfaces adapted to be fixed for rotation with a rotary input member, a slipper having a second set of cam surfaces, a plurality of rollers positioned between opposing pairs of the cam surfaces, a first wedge slide and a second wedge slide. Each wedge slide is radially outwardly moveable by radial expansion of the slipper and includes a tapered surface for driving one of the first and second outer rings into engagement with the center ring to transfer torque between the input and output members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Randolph C. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20090050433
    Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 7445438
    Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 7278946
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard H. Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 7189179
    Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the planetary gearset and can be synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Aaron Ronk, Stanislav Ponca, Timothy R. Stalloch
  • Patent number: 7004875
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard H. Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 6974400
    Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes. Further, the transfer case includes a disconnect clutch and a disconnect shift mechanism to establish a two-wheel drive mode in addition to the four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6966864
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Hemant S. Suthar, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 6878088
    Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6846262
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam rod is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam rod for establishing four distinct operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 6824487
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Hemant S. Suthar, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 6821227
    Abstract: A full-time two-speed transfer case is equipped with an integrated planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The integrated planetary gearset assembly includes a first gearset which acts as a two-speed reduction unit and a second gearset which acts as an interaxle differential. The synchronized range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the first gearset and can be synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish automatic full-time and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040220010
    Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes. Further, the transfer case includes a disconnect clutch and a disconnect shift mechanism to establish a two-wheel drive mode in addition to the four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6805652
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a mode shift system are adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish four-wheel drive modes. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode and a locked or part-time four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040106489
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam rod is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam rod for establishing four distinct operational modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Publication number: 20040069509
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Hemant S. Suthar, Aaron Ronk