Patents by Inventor Steven M. Thomas
Steven M. Thomas 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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Publication number: 20240051385Abstract: A wheel hub clutch includes: a notch plate; a pocket plate having pockets and plunger passages in communication with the pockets; locking members carried in the pocket plate pockets; and plungers carried in the pocket plate plunger passages and configured to drive the locking members into engagement with the notches in the notch plate. The clutch also may include a translator with a permanent magnet that cooperates with an electromagnet of a stator to translate the translator. The translator may be coupled to the locking members to translate them into and out of engagement with the notch plate. Also disclosed is a wheel end system including the wheel hub clutch, a drivetrain including the wheel end system and wheel hub clutch, and a vehicle including the drivetrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2022Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, David Hacker, Pavan Dunna
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Publication number: 20230392643Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Patent number: 11767875Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Patent number: 11739801Abstract: A coupling assembly includes first and second coupling members, a locking member, and a blocking structure. The locking member may be a strut, a pawl, or the like. The locking member is disposed between the coupling members and is movable between coupling and uncoupling positions. The coupling position is characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each coupling member. The uncoupling position is characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member. The blocking structure is associated with at least one of the first coupling member and the locking member. The blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering the coupling position, and thereby prevents abutting engagement of the locking member with the first coupling member, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Riley C. Moore, Spencer J. Kane, Scott D. Bostian
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Publication number: 20230106800Abstract: A vehicle transmission using a gearset. Multi-mode clutches selectively couple components of the gearset. The transmission operates in and shifts between a first forward gear and a second forward gear using a change in input rotation. An electric motor coupled to the input may be used to change the input rotation direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Steven M. Thomas
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Patent number: 11346404Abstract: A coupling and control assembly for use in a motor vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling face of an engine powertrain component or part supported by the powertrain component for rotation therewith about an axis. The first coupling face has a first set of locking formations. The assembly also includes a coupling member supported on a stationary member of the vehicle. The coupling member has a second coupling face in close-spaced opposition with the first coupling face. The assembly further includes an electromechanical actuator to move a locking element across a gap towards the first coupling face to a coupling position in response to the actuator receiving an electrical control signal. The locking element abuttingly engages one of the locking formations to prevent rotation of the powertrain component in a first direction about the axis in the coupling position.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Steven M. Thomas
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Publication number: 20210372491Abstract: A coupling assembly includes first and second coupling members, a locking member, and a blocking structure. The locking member may be a strut, a pawl, or the like. The locking member is disposed between the coupling members and is movable between coupling and uncoupling positions. The coupling position is characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each coupling member. The uncoupling position is characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member. The blocking structure is associated with at least one of the first coupling member and the locking member. The blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering the coupling position, and thereby prevents abutting engagement of the locking member with the first coupling member, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Riley C. Moore, Spencer J. Kane, Scott D. Bostian
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Patent number: 11187282Abstract: A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
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Patent number: 11098764Abstract: A universal or constant velocity joint includes a first rotatable shaft member that extends along a longitudinal axis, a bearing member, and a joining member. The first rotatable shaft member has a free end that defines a shaft face spline. The bearing member includes a bearing hub having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinally extending hub bore. The first end has a hub face spline. The joining member fixes the bearing member to the shaft with the hub face spline and shaft face spline engaged in interlocking engagement.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Eduardo Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Steven M. Thomas, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Publication number: 20210222727Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Patent number: 10948007Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Publication number: 20200124115Abstract: A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
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Publication number: 20200109749Abstract: A coupling and control assembly for use in a motor vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling face of an engine powertrain component or part supported by the powertrain component for rotation therewith about an axis. The first coupling face has a first set of locking formations. The assembly also includes a coupling member supported on a stationary member of the vehicle. The coupling member has a second coupling face in close-spaced opposition with the first coupling face. The assembly further includes an electromechanical actuator to move a locking element across a gap towards the first coupling face to a coupling position in response to the actuator receiving an electrical control signal. The locking element abuttingly engages one of the locking formations to prevent rotation of the powertrain component in a first direction about the axis in the coupling position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventor: Steven M. Thomas
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Publication number: 20190010991Abstract: A tripot constant velocity joint includes a housing defining a guide channel. A spider member is received within the housing and includes a trunnion having a functional outer surface with a convex profile defined by a first principal radius of curvature and a second principal radius of curvature different from the first principal radius of curvature. A first inner surface of a first ball member engages the functional outer surface of the trunnion. A first outer surface of the first ball member is provided with a non-symmetric piecewise continuous profile that engages the first sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, William P. Skvarla, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Jon N. Miller
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Patent number: 10174793Abstract: A tripot constant velocity joint includes a housing defining a guide channel. A spider member is received within the housing and includes a trunnion having a functional outer surface with a convex profile defined by a first principal radius of curvature and a second principal radius of curvature different from the first principal radius of curvature. A first inner surface of a first ball member engages the functional outer surface of the trunnion. A first outer surface of the first ball member is provided with a non-symmetric piecewise continuous profile that engages the first sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Steven M. Thomas, William P. Skvarla, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Jon N. Miller
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Publication number: 20180335092Abstract: A universal or constant velocity joint includes a first rotatable shaft member that extends along a longitudinal axis, a bearing member, and a joining member. The first rotatable shaft member has a free end that defines a shaft face spline. The bearing member includes a bearing hub having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinally extending hub bore. The first end has a hub face spline. The joining member fixes the bearing member to the shaft with the hub face spline and shaft face spline engaged in interlocking engagement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2017Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Steven M. Thomas, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Patent number: 10077798Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member has an inner surface that defines a plurality of engagement elements. The second member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion of the second member defines a splined portion. Each member of the splined portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of engagement elements. Each member of the splined portion includes a first protrusion that engages the inner surface of the first member.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Patent number: 10041546Abstract: A driveline joint includes an outer member, an inner member, and a biasing member. The outer member is connected to a first shaft and has a back wall, an end portion, and an inner surface extending between the back wall and the end portion. The inner member is connected to a second shaft and has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end. The biasing member is disposed between the back wall and the first end and resists translation of the inner member relative to the outer member.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey P. Courville, Steven M. Thomas, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Publication number: 20180202486Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
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Patent number: 9945415Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld