Patents by Inventor Stephen D. TUCKER

Stephen D. TUCKER 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).

  • Transfer case with range and mode actuator having cam follower mechanism to overcome blocked shift events and sensor configuration permitting detection of fork positions
    Patent number: 11021057
    Abstract: A transfer case with an actuator for operating a two-speed transmission (i.e., range mechanism) and a clutch (i.e., mode mechanism). The actuator employs a motor-driven cam structure that coordinates the movement of a first fork, which is associated with the range mechanism, and a second fork that is associated with the mode mechanism. A resilient coupling is employed to provide compliance between the motor and the cam structure in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the range mechanism from changing from a high-range mode and a low range mode. Compliance is provided between the cam structure and the second fork in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the mode mechanism from changing from a 2WD mode to a 4WD mode. A sensor system identifies the placement of the first and second forks in various positions and responsively generates associated sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Abhinav Jain, Stephen D. Tucker, Travis J. Wentz
  • Transfer Case With Range And Mode Actuator Having Cam Follower Mechanism To Overcome Blocked Shift Events And Sensor Configuration Permitting Detection Of Fork Positions
    Publication number: 20190308500
    Abstract: A transfer case with an actuator for operating a two-speed transmission (i.e., range mechanism) and a clutch (i.e., mode mechanism). The actuator employs a motor-driven cam structure that coordinates the movement of a first fork, which is associated with the range mechanism, and a second fork that is associated with the mode mechanism. A resilient coupling is employed to provide compliance between the motor and the cam structure in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the range mechanism from changing from a high-range mode and a low range mode. Compliance is provided between the cam structure and the second fork in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the mode mechanism from changing from a 2WD mode to a 4WD mode. A sensor system identifies the placement of the first and second forks in various positions and responsively generates associated sensor signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Abhinav JAIN, Stephen D. TUCKER, Travis J. WENTZ