Patents by Inventor William Gordon Hunt
William Gordon Hunt 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).
-
Patent number: 7534193Abstract: A coupling assembly comprises an input shaft driven by a prime mover, at least one output shaft drivingly coupled to the input shaft, a fluid pump selectively driven by the input shaft through an auxiliary clutch, a friction clutch for selectively frictionally coupling the input shaft with the at least one output shaft, and a fluid clutch actuator for operating the friction clutch between a disengaged condition and an engaged condition. The fluid pump selectively communicates with the fluid clutch actuator for setting the friction clutch assembly in the engaged condition. The fluid pump is mounted to the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems, Group, LLCInventors: Ralph Woodward Baxter, Jr., William Gordon Hunt, Randy L. Sommer
-
Publication number: 20080064569Abstract: A coupling assembly comprises an input shaft driven by a prime mover, at least one output shaft drivingly coupled to the input shaft, a fluid pump selectively driven by the input shaft through an auxiliary clutch, a friction clutch for selectively frictionally coupling the input shaft with the at least one output shaft, and a fluid clutch actuator for operating the friction clutch between a disengaged condition and an engaged condition. The fluid pump selectively communicates with the fluid clutch actuator for setting the friction clutch assembly in the engaged condition. The fluid pump is mounted to the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Ralph Woodward Baxter, William Gordon Hunt, Randy L. Sommer
-
Patent number: 7096990Abstract: An axle disconnect system is provided whereby axles of a tandem or multi-axle vehicle may be easily and quickly engaged and disengaged as required and whereby the ring gear and differential gears remain stationary when the axle is disengaged. In multi-axle vehicles, a dual disconnect mechanism is contained in the front and auxiliary rear axles. When only the primary rear axle is necessary to propel the vehicle (e.g., during highway use) the transfer case interrupts torque to the front axle. Similarly, a clutch also interrupts torque transmission to the auxiliary rear axle. In this mode, the dual disconnect mechanism prevents the axle output shafts from back-driving the differential, thereby reducing parasitic losses and wear.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Spicer Technology Inc.Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgen, William Gordon Hunt, Jun Yoshioka
-
Patent number: 6659249Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgen, William Gordon Hunt, Ernest Campbell
-
Publication number: 20030096670Abstract: A power transmission apparatus comprises a device for transmitting power by frictional force between first and second rotary members rotated relative to each other; a device for pressing the power transmitting device in a direction of increasing frictional force; and a hydraulic fluid delivery system for driving the pressing device in the direction of increasing frictional force, whereby the fluid delivery system is driven by a drive pinion gear stem. In accordance with this invention, the need for a separate hydraulic motor and pump or drive belts is eliminated thereby reducing the complexity and size of the apparatus while providing increases reliability as compared to alternative designs. The present invention also provides a unique advantage of utilizing the axle's own lubricant, thus avoiding potential cross-contamination between a specialized hydraulic fluid and the axle lubricant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: SPICER TECHNOLOGY, INCInventor: William Gordon Hunt
-
Patent number: 6557947Abstract: An three-quarter floating axle drive assembly comprising an axle housing having an elongated axle tube, a rotatable axle shaft extending through the axle tube, a hub member rotatably supported on the axle tube through an anti-friction bearing assembly and drivingly connected to an outboard end of the axle shaft, and an axle shaft retainer disposed at an inboard end of the axle shaft provided for preventing an outward axial displacement thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventor: William Gordon Hunt
-
Publication number: 20030047402Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgen, William Gordon Hunt, Ernest Campbell
-
Publication number: 20030047403Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgen, William Gordon Hunt, Ernest Campbell
-
Patent number: 6527664Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.Inventor: William Gordon Hunt
-
Patent number: 6517462Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both axle shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the side gears of the differential assembly. Both axle shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the two differential side gears (which may be otherwise conventional) and with the axle shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the axle shafts. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgan, William Gordon Hunt, Jun Yoshioka
-
Publication number: 20030019672Abstract: An axle disconnect system is provided whereby axles of a tandem or multi-axle vehicle may be easily and quickly engaged and disengaged as required and whereby the ring gear and differential gears remain stationary when the axle is disengaged. In multi-axle vehicles, a dual disconnect mechanism is contained in the front and auxiliary rear axles. When only the primary rear axle is necessary to propel the vehicle (e.g., during highway use) the transfer case interrupts torque to the front axle. Similarly, a clutch also interrupts torque transmission to the auxiliary rear axle. In this mode, the dual disconnect mechanism prevents the axle output shafts from back-driving the differential, thereby reducing parasitic losses and wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgen, William Gordon Hunt, Jun Yoshioka
-
Publication number: 20020173400Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: SPICER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: William Gordon Hunt
-
Publication number: 20020169049Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both axle shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the side gears of the differential assembly. Both axle shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the two differential side gears (which may be otherwise conventional) and with the axle shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the axle shafts. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Wayne Lee Borgan, William Gordon Hunt, Jun Yoshioka
-
Patent number: 6428441Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.Inventor: William Gordon Hunt
-
Patent number: 6296097Abstract: An axle disconnect assembly for a vehicle having an input shaft and a coaxially arranged output shaft. A collar is splined to one of the shafts and is slidable to selectively engage the other shaft to establish a positive driving connection between the input and output shafts. A movable piston engages the collar to selectively position the collar. A valve is in communication with the vehicle's existing oil pump and is controlled to selectively supply pressurized oil to opposite sides of the piston to selectively displace the piston thereby selectively controlling the position of the collar and the connection between the shafts.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Spicer Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William Gordon Hunt, Thomas Lee Redding