Patents by Inventor Robert A. Smithson
Robert A. Smithson 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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Publication number: 20150260284Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Publication number: 20150226323Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) and power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Jeremy Carter, Charles B. Lohr
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Patent number: 9046158Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
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Patent number: 9017207Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) and power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Brad P Pohl, Donald C Miller, Robert A Smithson, Jeremy Carter, Charles B Lohr
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Patent number: 8920285Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Mathew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
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Publication number: 20140329637Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in operating mode of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a drive clutch coupled to a source of rotational power; the drive clutch is configured to selectively engage a traction ring and a carrier of the IVT. The control system includes a one-way clutch assembly configured to selectively engage the traction ring and the carrier. In some embodiments, the control system governs the actuation of the one-way clutch to selectively lock and unlock components of the IVT. In some embodiments, the control system implements an IVT mode wherein the carrier selectively couples to a source of rotational power. In other embodiments, the control system implements a CVT mode wherein the traction ring selectively couples to a source of rotational power.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
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Publication number: 20140323260Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
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Patent number: 8845485Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for auxiliary power units (APU). In one embodiment, the APU includes a source of rotational power such as a combustion engine operably coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be coupled to a load. In some embodiments, the load is provided by a generator. In one embodiment, the APU has a control system configured to control the operation of the engine and the operation of the CVT. The control system can facilitate substantially constant speed operation of the generator in the presence of variable operation of the engine. In another embodiment, the APU includes a continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) operably coupled to an engine. The CVAD can include a continuously variable transmission operably coupled to a generator. In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Robert Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Javier Solis, Terry Nielsen, Scott T. McBroom, Nicole Munguia
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Patent number: 8821087Abstract: An attachment method for attaching a piece of plant machinery such as a mini-excavator to mount, for example a mount on a transporter or trailer. The piece of plant machinery is moved to a mounting location and a moveable portion arrangeable relative to the body is arranged in cooperative engagement with the mount to attach the piece of plant machinery thereto. The moveable portion may for example comprise a moveable drive 10 portion, a scraping blade or an arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Scotts Hire LimitedInventor: Martin Robert Smithson
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Publication number: 20140128195Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 8708360Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Charles B Lohr, Jon M Nichols
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Patent number: 8628443Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Publication number: 20140011619Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) and power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Jeremy Carter, Charles B. Lohr
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Publication number: 20130323006Abstract: An attachment method for attaching a piece of plant machinery such as a mini-excavator to mount, for example a mount on a transporter or trailer. The piece of plant machinery is moved to a mounting location and a moveable portion arrangeable relative to the body is arranged in cooperative engagement with the mount to attach the piece of plant machinery thereto. The moveable portion may for example comprise a moveable drive 10 portion, a scraping blade or an arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Martin Robert Smithson
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Publication number: 20130281256Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 8480529Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD), subassemblies, and components therefor. Embodiments disclosed cover power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Brad P. Pohl, Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Jeremy Carter, Charles B. Lohr
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Patent number: 8469853Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
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Publication number: 20120309579Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: FALLBROOK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY LLCInventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Publication number: 20120258839Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for auxiliary power units (APU). In one embodiment, the APU includes a source of rotational power such as a combustion engine operably coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be coupled to a load. In some embodiments, the load is provided by a generator. In one embodiment, the APU has a control system configured to control the operation of the engine and the operation of the CVT. The control system can facilitate substantially constant speed operation of the generator in the presence of variable operation of the engine. In another embodiment, the APU includes a continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) operably coupled to an engine. The CVAD can include a continuously variable transmission operably coupled to a generator. In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Javier Solis, Terry Nielsen, Scott T. McBroom, Nicole Munguia
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Patent number: 8267829Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson