Patents by Inventor Robert Smithson
Robert 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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Patent number: 10428915Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
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Publication number: 20170204948Abstract: 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: March 31, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
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Patent number: 9611921Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
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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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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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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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Publication number: 20080039277Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080034585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039270Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080040008Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039271Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039272Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039274Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080034586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039275Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039269Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039273Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080039276Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080032852Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
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Publication number: 20080032854Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr