Patents Assigned to Kit Masters Inc.
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Publication number: 20230417295Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN
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Patent number: 11624410Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
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Patent number: 10808776Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
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Patent number: 10408280Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
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Patent number: 10132367Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: KIT MASTERS, INC.Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
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Patent number: 9853531Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
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Patent number: 9133889Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
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Patent number: 9086102Abstract: A clutch system may include in certain embodiments a clutch body attached to a drive member such as a drive pulley, wherein the clutch body may be removed from the drive member without disassembling the clutch body. In various embodiments, the clutch body may include two clutch plates which enclose a spring-loaded pneumatic reciprocating assembly that in operation causes the plates to selectively separate and engage one another. In certain embodiments, the clutch body may be readily attached to a associated drive pulley in a single step by installation of a single set of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: KIT MASTERS INC.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger, George S. Pieper
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Patent number: 9046137Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: KIT MASTERS INC.Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
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Publication number: 20140299436Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: KIT MASTERS INC.Inventor: Craig M. SWANSON
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Publication number: 20140209427Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. SWANSON, Thomas M. JAGGER
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Patent number: 8732947Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
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Patent number: 8522944Abstract: A clutch system may include in certain embodiments a clutch body attached to a drive member such as a drive pulley, wherein the clutch body may be removed from the drive member without disassembling the clutch body. In various embodiments, the clutch body may include two clutch plates which enclose a spring-loaded pneumatic reciprocating assembly that in operation causes the plates to selectively separate and engage one another. In certain embodiments, the clutch body may be readily attached to a associated drive pulley in a single step by installation of a single set of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
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Patent number: 8360219Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system or method include a fan clutch device having a clutch shut-off system permits a cooling fan to continue to provide airflow even when the friction ring is worn down to a level that requires replacement.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Kit Masters, Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
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Patent number: 8109375Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system may an output member and an input member can be biased to engage one another along opposing clutch surfaces. When input member drives rotation of the output member and a fan blade device secured thereto, the resulting fan thrust provides supplemental engagement to the opposing clutch surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Darrin Swanson
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Patent number: 8100239Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when the opposing clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second speed when the clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that causes the output portion to rotate even when the opposing clutch surfaces are disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
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Publication number: 20110259699Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system or method include a fan clutch device having a clutch shut-off system permits a cooling fan to continue to provide airflow even when the friction ring is worn down to a level that requires replacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: KIT MASTERS INC.Inventor: Craig Swanson
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Publication number: 20110207577Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
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Publication number: 20110180362Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
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Publication number: 20100282562Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system may an output member and an input member can be biased to engage one another along opposing clutch surfaces. When input member drives rotation of the output member and a fan blade device secured thereto, the resulting fan thrust provides supplemental engagement to the opposing clutch surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: KIT MASTERS INC.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Darrin Swanson