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).

  • Publication number: 20240051385
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, David Hacker, Pavan Dunna
  • Publication number: 20230392643
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 11767875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 11739801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Riley C. Moore, Spencer J. Kane, Scott D. Bostian
  • Publication number: 20230106800
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Steven M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11346404
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Steven M. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20210372491
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Riley C. Moore, Spencer J. Kane, Scott D. Bostian
  • Patent number: 11187282
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11098764
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Steven M. Thomas, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Publication number: 20210222727
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 10948007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Publication number: 20200124115
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20200109749
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20190010991
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, William P. Skvarla, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Jon N. Miller
  • Patent number: 10174793
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, William P. Skvarla, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Jon N. Miller
  • Publication number: 20180335092
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon-Parra, Jeffrey P. Courville, Steven M. Thomas, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 10077798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 10041546
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Courville, Steven M. Thomas, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Publication number: 20180202486
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 9945415
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld