Joseph Richard Derk from Manchester, PA, age 46

Us Patents

Compliant Gear Assembly, Engine And Gear Train Operating Method
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US Patent:

8225689, Jul 24, 2012
Filed:

Feb 20, 2009
Appl. No.:

12/378907
Inventors:

Thomas A. Brosowske - Peoria IL, US
Aaron J. Weber - Morton IL, US
Scott A. Snoble - Pekin IL, US
Thomas L. Atwell - Peoria IL, US
Joseph R. Derk - Morton IL, US
Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL
International Classification:

F16H 55/18
F16H 55/14
US Classification:

74440, 74409, 74411, 74443, 74399, 74397
Abstract:

A compliant gear assembly for a gear train of an internal combustion engine includes a hub subassembly having a first hub component and a second hub component. The first hub component defines a first axis, and the compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring rotatable relative to the hub subassembly and defining a gear ring axis of rotation. The second hub component is movable relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis between a first stop position at which the gear ring axis of rotation is co-linear with the first axis and a second stop position at which the gear ring axis of rotation is parallel to but not co-linear with the first axis. A compliance mechanism is coupled between the first hub component and the second hub component and biases the second hub component toward the first stop position. Translating the second hub component relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis attenuates torque spikes induced for example via fuel injector actuation and/or cylinder firing in an engine gear train employing the compliant gear assembly.

Compliant Gear Assembly And Work Machine Using Same
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US Patent:

20080041177, Feb 21, 2008
Filed:

Jul 27, 2006
Appl. No.:

11/493982
Inventors:

Thomas A. Brosowske - Peoria IL, US
Aaron J. Weber - Fort Wayne IN, US
Scott A. Snoble - Pekin IL, US
Thomas L. Atwell - Peoria IL, US
Joseph R. Derk - Morton IL, US
Cristian V. Striletchi - Dunlap IL, US
Dwight V. Stone - East Peoria IL, US
International Classification:

F16H 57/00
US Classification:

74411, 74446
Abstract:

A compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring positioned about a hub and configured to translate responsive to a torque on the gear assembly, and biased toward co-axial alignment with the hub via at least one actuator. A method of managing loads on an idler gear in the gear train is still further provided including translating the gear ring responsive to the torque on the idler gear. A work machine includes an engine having a housing and a geartrain mounted thereon, the geartrain including a crank gear, a cam gear and a compliant idler gear assembly.

Compliant Gear Assembly, Engine And Gear Train Operating Method
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US Patent:

20120266706, Oct 25, 2012
Filed:

May 29, 2012
Appl. No.:

13/482290
Inventors:

Thomas A. Brosowske - Peoria IL, US
Joseph R. Derk - Morton IL, US
Thomas L. Atwell - Peoria IL, US
Aaron J. Weber - Morton IL, US
Scott A. Snoble - Pekin IL, US
Assignee:

CATERPILLAR, INC. - Peoria IL
International Classification:

F16H 55/18
US Classification:

74409
Abstract:

A compliant gear assembly for a gear train of an internal combustion engine includes a hub subassembly having a first hub component and a second hub component. The first hub component defines a first axis, and the compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring rotatable relative to the hub subassembly and defining a gear ring axis of rotation. The second hub component is movable relative to the first hub component between a first stop position and a second stop position. A compliance mechanism is coupled between the first hub component and the second hub component and biases the second hub component toward the first stop position. Translating the second hub component relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis attenuates torque spikes induced for example via fuel injector actuation and/or cylinder firing in an engine gear train employing the compliant gear assembly.