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).

  • Patent number: 10428915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
  • Publication number: 20170204948
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
  • Patent number: 9611921
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
  • Publication number: 20140329637
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Robert Smithson, David Brian Jackson, Charles B. Lohr, III
  • Patent number: 8845485
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Javier Solis, Terry Nielsen, Scott T. McBroom, Nicole Munguia
  • Publication number: 20120258839
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Javier Solis, Terry Nielsen, Scott T. McBroom, Nicole Munguia
  • Publication number: 20080039277
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080034585
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039270
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080040008
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039271
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039272
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039274
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080034586
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039275
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039269
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080039276
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080032852
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Publication number: 20080032854
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr