Patents by Inventor Robert F. Combs
Robert F. Combs 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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Patent number: 9726227Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along a shaft passing through the driven member. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Combs, Charles A. Barker, James Priest
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Patent number: 9644734Abstract: A powertrain of a vehicle has a drive unit, a transmission and an auxiliary gearbox. Operation of the transmission and the auxiliary gearbox is controlled by a transmission control unit. The transmission control unit controls shifting of the auxiliary gearbox and the transmission while the vehicle is in operation. The auxiliary gearbox may be electronically shifted, independently of activity of the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
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Patent number: 9163674Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along the shaft. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Combs, Charles A. Barker, James Priest
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Publication number: 20150247534Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along the shaft. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Robert F. Combs, Charles A. Barker, James Priest
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Publication number: 20150032348Abstract: A powertrain of a vehicle has a drive unit, a transmission and an auxiliary gearbox. Operation of the transmission and the auxiliary gearbox is controlled by a transmission control unit. The transmission control unit controls shifting of the auxiliary gearbox and the transmission while the vehicle is in operation. The auxiliary gearbox may be electronically shifted, independently of activity of the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
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Patent number: 8862349Abstract: A powertrain of a vehicle has a drive unit, a transmission and an auxiliary gearbox. Operation of the transmission and the auxiliary gearbox is controlled by a transmission control unit. The transmission control unit controls shifting of the auxiliary gearbox and the transmission while the vehicle is in operation. The auxiliary gearbox may be electronically shifted, independently of activity of the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
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Publication number: 20140009269Abstract: An electronic system including a user interface for transmitting an operational parameter control signal in response to manual manipulation of the user interface. A processor is coupled to the user interface and adjusts an operational parameter of the electronic system in response to receiving the operational parameter control signal. An actuatable device is actuated by a user. In response to the user actuation. the actuatable device prevents the processor from adjusting the operational parameter of the electronic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventor: Robert F. Combs, JR.
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Patent number: 8558675Abstract: An electronic system including a user interface for transmitting an operational parameter control signal in response to manual manipulation of the user interface. A processor is coupled to the user interface and adjusts an operational parameter of the electronic system in response to receiving the operational parameter control signal. An actuatable device is actuated by a user. In response to the user actuation, the actuatable device prevents the processor from adjusting the operational parameter of the electronic system.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, division of Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventor: Robert F. Combs, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110224877Abstract: A powertrain of a vehicle has a drive unit, a transmission and an auxiliary gearbox. Operation of the transmission and the auxiliary gearbox is controlled by a transmission control unit. The transmission control unit controls shifting of the auxiliary gearbox and the transmission while the vehicle is in operation. The auxiliary gearbox may be electronically shifted, independently of activity of the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
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Patent number: 6055975Abstract: A high volume reservoir is adapted to hold up to 1000 or more paintballs. A harness or pack is provided to allow the reservoir to be unobtrusively carried by the operator of a paintball marker. A conduit is adapted to extend between the reservoir and paintball marker to continuously or selectively feed paintballs into the marker. A valve assembly mounted on the end of the conduit allows an operator to simultaneously load and fire the paintball marker.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: The Paintball Emporium, Inc.Inventors: Wayne J. Gallagher, Phillip P. Donahue, James M. Adams, Robert F. Combs
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Patent number: 5496154Abstract: A fan drive with high torque release embodying the concepts of the present invention is adapted to disengage the fan drive under high torque conditions. The fan drive includes an input shaft member and an output shaft member. A torque transfer device operatively connects the input shaft member with the output shaft member. A spring apply mechanism is provided for engaging the torque transfer device at low speeds and under low torque loading, and a centrifugal apply mechanism is provided for maintaining engagement of the torque transfer device under higher operating speeds and at properly anticipated torque loading. A release mechanism substantially disengages the torque transfer device upon the application of higher than desired torque loading conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Arthur Hall, III, Robert F. Combs
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Patent number: 4860613Abstract: A steer-by-driving power train has a single input dual output range transmission. The power train also has a hydraulic steering system which, during normal operation, distributes equal but opposite rotation to the output member through a reversing gear mechanism. A ground speed control transmission independent of engine speed is attained by disconnecting the steer mechanism from the reversing gear mechanism and connecting the steer system to the dual output of the range transmission and placing the gearing of the range transmission in neutral. The vehicle ground speed is controlled by controlling the displacement of the hydrostatic steer system.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Arthur Hall, III, Robert F. Combs