Patents by Inventor Todd Ekonen
Todd Ekonen 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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Patent number: 11890927Abstract: An improved twin clutch, two-speed disconnect secondary drive unit, which may be configured as a rear drive unit (RDU) for an all wheel drive vehicle is provided. The RDU is driven through an input shaft, which is connected to a vehicle drive source such as a motor, and includes a twin clutch assembly, which is connected to the drive shaft and is selectively actuated to drive left and right main shafts, which drive respective wheels of the vehicle. The RDU further includes a modular a shift assembly mountable to one or both of said main shafts to drive output shafts, wherein each shift assembly is selectively operable between the hi-range and lo-range modes to shift driving operation of the output shafts between hi-speed and lo-speed operation. The shift assembly may be controlled by improved mono-stable or bi-stable actuators.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Linamar CorporationInventors: Todd Ekonen, Michael Burr, Mitchell Holland, Kyle Milliman, Gary Monkaba, Evan Swinger, Jayson Allison, Sean Hayes, Simon Joliff, Joe Schaffer
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Publication number: 20220118847Abstract: An improved twin clutch, two-speed disconnect secondary drive unit, which may be configured as a rear drive unit (RDU) for an all wheel drive vehicle is provided. The RDU is driven through an input shaft, which is connected to a vehicle drive source such as a motor, and includes a twin clutch assembly, which is connected to the drive shaft and is selectively actuated to drive left and right main shafts, which drive respective wheels of the vehicle. The RDU further includes a modular a shift assembly mountable to one or both of said main shafts to drive output shafts, wherein each shift assembly is selectively operable between the hi-range and lo-range modes to shift driving operation of the output shafts between hi-speed and lo-speed operation. The shift assembly may be controlled by improved mono-stable or bi-stable actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2020Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Michael Burr, Mitch Holland, Kyle Milliman, Gary Monkaba, Evan Swinger, Jayson Allison, Sean Hayes, Simon Joliff, Joe Schaffer
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Patent number: 11155160Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a clutch hub, a clutch drum disposed about the clutch hub, a first gear connected to the clutch drum, the first gear configured to be coupled with a first shaft, the clutch hub configured to be coupled with a second shaft, a clutch pack disposed between the clutch hub and the clutch drum, and an air-actuated piston assembly for selective actuation of the clutch pack to connect or disconnect two drive axles in a tandem axle assembly. The clutch assembly includes a plurality of lever arms disposed between the piston assembly and the clutch pack. Each lever arm extending to engage the piston and the clutch pack. Each lever arm may be pivotally mounted to a lever carrier plate or to a fixed portion of the piston housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Linamar CorporationInventors: Carl M. Romack, John Castellano, Thomas Reedy, Todd Ekonen, Jochen Wolkenstein, Konrad O. Bachmann, Kennith J. Stamper, Christian Krajewski
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Publication number: 20200346544Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Publication number: 20190351761Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a clutch hub, a clutch drum disposed about the clutch hub, a first gear connected to the clutch drum, the first gear configured to be coupled with a first shaft, the clutch hub configured to be coupled with a second shaft, a clutch pack disposed between the clutch hub and the clutch drum, and an air-actuated piston assembly for selective actuation of the clutch pack to connect or disconnect two drive axles in a tandem axle assembly. The clutch assembly includes a plurality of lever arms disposed between the piston assembly and the clutch pack. Each lever arm extending to engage the piston and the clutch pack. Each lever arm may be pivotally mounted to a lever carrier plate or to a fixed portion of the piston housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Carl M. Romack, John Castellano, Thomas Reedy, Todd Ekonen, Jochen Wolkenstein, Konrad O. Bachmann, Kennith J. Stamper, Christian Krajewski
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Publication number: 20190061519Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Patent number: 10059201Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN USA, INC.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Publication number: 20160082836Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Patent number: 9205739Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
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Patent number: 9193263Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
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Patent number: 8888647Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
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Patent number: 8814740Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Bradley, Todd Ekonen
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Patent number: 8771128Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Patent number: 8764599Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Patent number: 8763777Abstract: A torque transfer coupling includes first and second rotary members. A transfer clutch operatively connects the first and second rotary members. A piston, disposed in a piston chamber, is actuable to engage the transfer clutch. A hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a sump containing hydraulic fluid has a first pump member fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second pump member fixed for rotation with the second rotary member such that relative rotation between the first and the second pump members generates a fluid pumping action. A first flow path supplies hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the piston chamber. A second flow path supplies hydraulic fluid from the piston chamber to a control valve for regulating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the piston chamber. The second flow path includes an aperture extending through the second pump member.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Todd Ekonen
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Publication number: 20140100077Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
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Patent number: 8608611Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
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Publication number: 20130283939Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
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Publication number: 20130247695Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
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Publication number: 20130192394Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley