Patents by Inventor Randy L. Andis

Randy L. Andis 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).

  • Vehicle starter with integrated thermal protection
    Patent number: 11473546
    Abstract: A starter assembly which includes a switch for energizing a solenoid. Energizing the solenoid biases a starter gear into engagement and energizes the starter motor. A thermally responsive switch is positioned to absorb heat generated by operation of the electric motor and is disposed in an electrical line controlling operation of the switch controlling the solenoid wherein opening of the thermally responsive switch results in the opening of the solenoid switch. The use of such a thermally responsive switch de-energizes the electric motor when the electric motor is subjected to elevated operating temperatures that might otherwise cause damage to the electric motor. The starter assembly may also include control circuitry that includes a microprocessor wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled with the switch controlling the solenoid. The control circuitry is programmed to de-energize the solenoid upon the satisfaction of predetermined conditions to thereby prevent damage to the electrical motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Kirk, William P. Whitlock, Jr., Randy L. Andis, Rodney E. Spangler
  • VEHICLE STARTER WITH INTEGRATED THERMAL PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20210190027
    Abstract: A starter assembly which includes a switch for energizing a solenoid. Energizing the solenoid biases a starter gear into engagement and energizes the starter motor. A thermally responsive switch is positioned to absorb heat generated by operation of the electric motor and is disposed in an electrical line controlling operation of the switch controlling the solenoid wherein opening of the thermally responsive switch results in the opening of the solenoid switch. The use of such a thermally responsive switch de-energizes the electric motor when the electric motor is subjected to elevated operating temperatures that might otherwise cause damage to the electric motor. The starter assembly may also include control circuitry that includes a microprocessor wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled with the switch controlling the solenoid. The control circuitry is programmed to de-energize the solenoid upon the satisfaction of predetermined conditions to thereby prevent damage to the electrical motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Michael E. Kirk, William P. Whitlock, JR., Randy L. Andis, Rodney E. Spangler