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).

  • Patent number: 9726227
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Combs, Charles A. Barker, James Priest
  • Patent number: 9644734
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9163674
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Combs, Charles A. Barker, James Priest
  • Publication number: 20150247534
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Robert F. Combs, Charles A. Barker, James Priest
  • Publication number: 20150032348
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8862349
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140009269
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Robert F. Combs, JR.
  • Patent number: 8558675
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Robert F. Combs, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110224877
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6055975
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The Paintball Emporium, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Gallagher, Phillip P. Donahue, James M. Adams, Robert F. Combs
  • Patent number: 5496154
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur Hall, III, Robert F. Combs
  • Patent number: 4860613
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur Hall, III, Robert F. Combs