Patents by Inventor Steven R. Whiteman
Steven R. Whiteman 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: 20230366175Abstract: An integrated vehicle and battery thermal management system for an electric work machine may include a battery module, a radiator, a fan to move air across the radiator, a battery coolant loop including a coolant pump, a refrigerant loop including a compressor, and a chiller providing heat transfer from the battery coolant loop to the refrigerant loop. A controller is operably connected to the coolant pump, the compressor and the fan and is configured to provide a passive cooling mode, a semi-passive cooling mode, and an active cooling mode, dependent upon monitored temperatures in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2022Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Zakir H. Faruquee, Nitin Dewangan, Manish M. Kute, Douglas T. Corbett, Kishan Trivedi
-
Patent number: 11787286Abstract: A torque sensing assembly of a differential of an axle assembly is described in the present disclosure. The differential may include a differential housing portion, a drive pinion positioned within the differential housing portion, a ring gear, a carrier, a differential pinion, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first bearing, a first bearing support, and the torque sensing assembly. The first bearing is coupled to the differential housing portion and rotatable with the carrier. The first bearing support is coupled to the differential housing portion and used to support the first bearing. The torque sensing assembly is coupled to the first bearing support and operable to measure a characteristic resulted from a separation force created between the drive pinion and ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Jeffrey D. Miller, Jonathan D. Forster, Andrew McKean
-
Patent number: 11739756Abstract: A multi-pump apparatus of a work vehicle may include a main housing, a motor shaft, a water pump, and a refrigerant pump. The main housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion. The motor shaft is positioned through the first housing portion. The water pump is coupled to the first housing portion and is operable to pump coolant. The water pump is driven by the motor shaft. The refrigerant pump is coupled to the second housing portion and is operable to pump refrigerant. The refrigerant pump is also driven by the motor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Steven R. Whiteman
-
Patent number: 11626632Abstract: A reversible thermal management system and method for a work machine is disclosed. The system comprises a prime mover, a battery, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The battery supplies at least a portion of power of the prime mover. The first circuit circulates a glycol adapted to exchange thermal energy with one or more of an electronic component, a transmission circuit, a hydraulic circuit and the battery. The second circuit circulates a refrigerant. The second circuit, which is thermally coupled to the first circuit by at least one heat exchanger, is adapted to exchange thermal energy with air.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Zakir H. Faruquee
-
Patent number: 11614373Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used with a driveline component. The torque sensor assembly includes a holder, a sleeve, and at least one strain sensor. The holder includes a side wall that has a holder outer surface and a holder inner surface. The holder outer surface is corresponding to and attached to an aperture of the driveline component. The sleeve is corresponding to and attached to the holder inner surface. The strain sensor is attached to a sleeve inner surface of the sleeve and used to sense a strain in the driveline component.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Jonathan D. Forster, Dean H. Lehrke, Stacy K. Worley
-
Patent number: 11592221Abstract: A two-phase cooling system of an electric work vehicle includes a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion valve, a heat exchanger, and an evaporator. The compressor compresses a refrigerant to increase the refrigerant pressure. The condenser is downstream of the compressor and discharges heat from the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to condense at least a portion of the refrigerant. The thermal expansion valve is downstream of the condenser and decreases the pressure of the refrigerant to vaporize the refrigerant to decrease the temperature of the refrigerant. The heat exchanger is coupled to an electrical component and is used to transfer heat from the electrical component to the refrigerant from the electrical component. The refrigerant then flows through the evaporator, where it absorbs more heat. The refrigerant passes back through the thermal expansion valve on its return to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Zakir H. Faruquee, Steven R. Whiteman, Steven R. Sass, Brian D. Spangler, Colton K. Leal
-
Patent number: 11585411Abstract: A circle drive for rotating a blade on a draft frame of a motor grader includes a circle gear mounting the blade, a worm wheel, a torque dividing arrangement, and a single input provided on a first shaft. The torque dividing arrangement includes a set of shafts positioned about the worm wheel, a torque dividing gear set, and a set of worm gears meshed with the worm wheel. The worm wheel is operatively coupled to drive the circle gear. The set of worm gears includes a first worm gear on a first shaft and a second worm gear on a second shaft. The single input is configured to provide a driving torque that drives the set of worm gears such that the set of worm gears divides the driving torque. The driving torque is capable of driving the worm wheel for driving the circle gear and rotating the blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Alfred S. Smemo, Steven R. Whiteman
-
Publication number: 20220332187Abstract: A torque sensing assembly of a differential of an axle assembly is described in the present disclosure. The differential may include a differential housing portion, a drive pinion positioned within the differential housing portion, a ring gear, a carrier, a differential pinion, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first bearing, a first bearing support, and the torque sensing assembly. The first bearing is coupled to the differential housing portion and rotatable with the carrier. The first bearing support is coupled to the differential housing portion and used to support the first bearing. The torque sensing assembly is coupled to the first bearing support and operable to measure a characteristic resulted from a separation force created between the drive pinion and ring gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Jeffrey D. Miller, Jonathan D. Forster, Andrew McKean
-
Patent number: 11441655Abstract: A torque sensing assembly of a differential of an axle assembly is shown in the present disclosure. The differential may include a differential housing portion, a drive pinion positioned within the differential housing portion, a ring gear, a carrier, a differential pinion, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first bearing, a first bearing support, and the torque sensing assembly. The first bearing is coupled to the differential housing portion and rotatable with the carrier. The first bearing support is coupled to the differential housing portion and used to support the first bearing. The torque sensing assembly is coupled to the first bearing support and operable to measure a strain thereof resulted from a separation force created between the drive pinion and ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Dean H. Lehrke
-
Publication number: 20220196300Abstract: A two-phase cooling system of an electric work vehicle includes a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion valve, a heat exchanger, and an evaporator. The compressor compresses a refrigerant in vapor form to increase the refrigerant pressure. The condenser is downstream of the compressor and discharges heat from the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to condense at least a portion of the refrigerant. The thermal expansion valve is downstream of the condenser and decreases the pressure of the refrigerant to vaporize the refrigerant from liquid form to vapor form to decrease the temperature of the refrigerant. The heat exchanger is coupled to an electrical component and is used to transfer heat from the electrical component to the refrigerant from the electrical component. The refrigerant then flows through the evaporator, where it absorbs more heat. The refrigerant than passes back through the thermal expansion valve on its return to the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: ZAKIR H. FARUQUEE, STEVEN R. WHITEMAN, STEVEN R. SASS, BRIAN D. SPANGLER, COLTON K. LEAL
-
Publication number: 20220170467Abstract: A multi-pump apparatus of a work vehicle may include a main housing, a motor shaft, a water pump, and a refrigerant pump. The main housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion. The motor shaft is positioned through the first housing portion. The water pump is coupled to the first housing portion and is operable to pump coolant. The water pump is driven by the motor shaft. The refrigerant pump is coupled to the second housing portion and is operable to pump refrigerant. The refrigerant pump is also driven by the motor shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2020Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventor: STEVEN R. WHITEMAN
-
Publication number: 20220140413Abstract: A reversible thermal management system and method for a work machine is disclosed. The system comprises a prime mover, a battery, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The battery supplies at least a portion of power of the prime mover. The first circuit circulates a glycol adapted to exchange thermal energy with one or more of an electronic component, a transmission circuit, a hydraulic circuit and the battery. The second circuit circulates a refrigerant. The second circuit, which is thermally coupled to the first circuit by at least one heat exchanger, is adapted to exchange thermal energy with air.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Zakir H. Faruquee
-
Publication number: 20210278297Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used with a driveline component. The torque sensor assembly includes a holder, a sleeve, and at least one strain sensor. The holder includes a side wall that has a holder outer surface and a holder inner surface. The holder outer surface is corresponding to and attached to an aperture of the driveline component. The sleeve is corresponding to and attached to the holder inner surface. The strain sensor is attached to a sleeve inner surface of the sleeve and used to sense a strain in the driveline component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: STEVEN R. WHITEMAN, JONATHAN D. FORSTER, DEAN H. LEHRKE, STACY K. WORLEY
-
Patent number: 11111850Abstract: A rotational drive unit having an input rotatable about a first axis of rotation and configured to be driven by a power source in a single rotational direction. The rotational drive unit including a first shaft in operable communication with the input and configured to rotate in a first direction, a second shaft in operable communication with the input and configured to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction, an output rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a clutch assembly in operable communication with the first shaft, the second shaft, and the output. Where the clutch assembly is operable in a first configuration in which force is transmitted between the first shaft and the output, and a second configuration in which force is transmitted between the second shaft and the output.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Alfred S. Smemo, Reginald M. Bindl, Donald A. Fuller, Andrew J. Kindle
-
Patent number: 11099088Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used with a driveline component. The torque sensor assembly includes a holder, a sleeve, and at least one strain sensor. The holder includes a side wall that has a holder outer surface and a holder inner surface. The holder outer surface is corresponding to and attached to an aperture of the driveline component. The sleeve is corresponding to and attached to the holder inner surface. The strain sensor is attached to the sleeve and used to sense a strain in the driveline component.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Jonathan D. Forster, Dean H. Lehrke, Stacy K. Worley
-
Publication number: 20210190190Abstract: A torque sensing assembly of a differential of an axle assembly is shown in the present disclosure. The differential may include a differential housing portion, a drive pinion positioned within the differential housing portion, a ring gear, a carrier, a differential pinion, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first bearing, a first bearing support, and the torque sensing assembly. The first bearing is coupled to the differential housing portion and rotatable with the carrier. The first bearing support is coupled to the differential housing portion and used to support the first bearing. The torque sensing assembly is coupled to the first bearing support and operable to measure a strain thereof resulted from a separation force created between the drive pinion and ring gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2020Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: STEVEN R. WHITEMAN, DEAN H. LEHRKE
-
Patent number: 11008936Abstract: A rotational drive unit having an input rotatable about a first axis of rotation and configured to be driven by a power source in a single rotational direction. The rotational drive unit including a first shaft in operable communication with the input and configured to rotate in a first direction, a second shaft in operable communication with the input and configured to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction, an output rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a clutch assembly in operable communication with the first shaft, the second shaft, and the output. Where the clutch assembly is operable in a first configuration in which force is transmitted between the first shaft and the output, and a second configuration in which force is transmitted between the second shaft and the output.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Alfred S. Smemo, Reginald M. Bindl, Donald A. Fuller, Andrew J. Kindle
-
Publication number: 20210140514Abstract: A circle drive for rotating a blade on a draft frame of a motor grader includes a circle gear mounting the blade, a worm wheel, a torque dividing arrangement, and a single input provided on a first shaft. The torque dividing arrangement includes a set of shafts positioned about the worm wheel, a torque dividing gear set, and a set of worm gears meshed with the worm wheel. The worm wheel is operatively coupled to drive the circle gear. The set of worm gears includes a first worm gear on a first shaft and a second worm gear on a second shaft. The single input is configured to provide a driving torque that drives the set of worm gears such that the set of worm gears divides the driving torque. The driving torque is capable of driving the worm wheel for driving the circle gear and rotating the blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2019Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Alfred S. Smemo, Steven R. Whiteman
-
Patent number: 10919587Abstract: A suspension system supports a chassis relative to a crawler mechanism including a continuous track. A link is rotatable about an axis extending transversely through a first portion. The first portion includes a projections extending radially inwardly, and peripheral openings defined by spaces between the projections. An axle member secured to the crawler mechanism includes peripheral shafts extending radially outward from the axis and positioned in an associated peripheral opening. Each resilient member is positioned within an associated peripheral opening and engages an associated peripheral shaft, damping movement of the peripheral shaft relative to the link. An auxiliary roller assembly includes a yoke and a plurality of auxiliary rollers coupled to the yoke. The yoke is rotatable relative to the crawler frame about a yoke axis. The auxiliary rollers are aligned along a direction of travel of the track and are configured to engage an inner surface of the track.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Galen C. Thomas, Steven R. Whiteman, Trent A. Luoma
-
Patent number: 10894536Abstract: A fluid control system that has a fluid assembly with a piston defined within a chamber, an electrical system having a motor configured to selectively reposition the piston, a controller in communication with the electrical system, and a sensor in communication with the controller to identify a fluid pressure value. Wherein, the controller identifies a desired fluid pressure range and selectively repositions the piston with the motor until the fluid pressure value is within the desired fluid pressure range.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Reginald M. Bindl, Andrew J. Kindle, Jeffrey A. Bauer, Sean P. West, Francois Stander, Steven R. Whiteman