Patents by Inventor Andre Linnenbrugger

Andre Linnenbrugger 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: 7937925
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, Oswald Kroninger, Klaus Scheufele, André Teubert
  • Patent number: 7927020
    Abstract: A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Faust, Oswald Friedmann, André Linnenbrügger, Ronald Glas, Christian Bauer, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7603893
    Abstract: The input rotational speed of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission is determined by measuring a wheel rotational speed and the transmission ratio and by calculating the input rotational speed therefrom. In order to ascertain the slipping of a CVT transmission, the rate of change in the transmission ratio is drawn upon, or an acoustic parameter of the transmission is used. In the fluid control system, a valve is used whose opening cross-section is controlled according to the one differential pressure. In order to oil the conical discs, injection holes of an injection tube are used that passes through a slot provided in a slide rail resting against a strand of a flexible torque transmitting member of a conical disc flexible drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Franz Bitzer, Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger, Michael Reuschel, Christian Späth, Christoph Angele, Thomas Pfund, André Linnenbrügger
  • Publication number: 20090192001
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Andre Linnenbrugger, Oswald Kroninger, Klaus Scheufele, Andre Teubert
  • Publication number: 20090103846
    Abstract: A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Faust, Oswald Friedmann, Andre Linnenbrugger, Ronald Glas, Christian Bauer, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7478952
    Abstract: A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Faust, Oswald Friedmann, André Linnenbrügger, Ronald Glas, Christian Bauer, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7320656
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, Oswald Kroninger, Klaus Scheufele, André Teubert
  • Patent number: 7264571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to save fuel and to make efficient use of the possibilities of a power train including a transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio. If the vehicle velocity exceeds a prescribed velocity the fuel supply to the engine is shut off, kinetic energy of the vehicle is stored in an energy storage device, and the transmission ratio of the transmission is shifted in the direction of a lower transmission ratio. If those measures are not sufficient the vehicle brakes are operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betiligungs KG
    Inventors: Andreas Englisch, André Linnenbrügger, Michael Reuschel
  • Patent number: 7223020
    Abstract: A bearing assembly including a bearing having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring. The outer bearing ring is axially received in a bearing-receiving recess that includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. An element that is radially flexible is located between at least one of the outer bearing ring and the inner wall of the recess, and the inner bearing ring and a rotatable member that is rotatably carried in the bearing assembly. The flexible element includes at least one annular element that is undulated in the radial direction, or is provided with projections. Flexible elements can also be disposed against a side surface of the bearing ring for damping axial vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Christian Bauer, André Linnenbrügger, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7204775
    Abstract: A plate-link chain formed from short plate links and long plate links. The long plate links have an extension at one end. The installation direction of the long plate links is such that their extensions overlap plate links in an adjacent row and that are next in order in the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, when viewed from the side of the chain. The overlap permits the plate links to have defined positions relative to adjacent plate links by minimizing the ability of adjacent plate links to shift laterally relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Teubert, André Linnenbrügger
  • Patent number: 7179184
    Abstract: A link chain for use in the continuously variable transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle is assembled of pairs of composite identical or dissimilar links each having a stack of apertured plates, and of coupling units employing pairs of non-circular pins extending through registering portions of apertures in the respective stacks of plates. The pins are designed to cooperate with the plates to limit the extend of inward and outward pivotability of links of the respective pairs from positions of alignment, and the pins carry stops which act alone or cooperate with diaphragm springs or with other types of springs to prevent wobbling of the plates. The plates can be provided with projections which cooperate with the pins to limit the extent of pivotability of the pairs of links relative to each other and/or to prevent jamming of pairs of links in angular positions from which they cannot return to the positions of alignment. Each plate is traversed by two pairs of pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, André Teubert
  • Publication number: 20050288146
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to save fuel and to make efficient use of the possibilities of a power train including a transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio. If the vehicle velocity exceeds a prescribed velocity the fuel supply to the engine is shut off, kinetic energy of the vehicle is stored in an energy storage device, and the transmission ratio of the transmission is shifted in the direction of a lower transmission ratio. If those measures are not sufficient the vehicle brakes are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Andreas Englisch, Andre Linnenbrugger, Michael Reuschel
  • Publication number: 20050282674
    Abstract: A plate-link chain formed from short plate links and long plate links. The long plate links have an extension at one end. The installation direction of the long plate links is such that their extensions overlap plate links in an adjacent row and that are next in order in the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, when viewed from the side of the chain. The overlap permits the plate links to have defined positions relative to adjacent plate links by minimizing the ability of adjacent plate links to shift laterally relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Andre Teubert, Andre Linnenbrugger
  • Publication number: 20050277500
    Abstract: The initial rotational speed of a conical disc flexible drive transmission is determined by measuring a wheel rotational speed and the gear ratio and by calculating the initial rotational speed therefrom. In order to ascertain the slipping of a CVT transmission, the rate of change in the ratio is drawn upon or an acoustic parameter of the transmission is used. In the fluid control system, a valve is used whose opening cross-section is controlled according to the one differential pressure. In order to oil the conical discs, injection holes of a injection tube are used that passes through a slot provided in a slide rail resting against a side of a flexible drive means of a conical disc flexible drive means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Franz Bitzer, Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger, Michael Reuschel, Christian Spath, Christoph Angele, Thomas Pfund, Andre Linnenbrugger
  • Publication number: 20050261095
    Abstract: A link chain for use in the continuously variable transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle is assembled of pairs of composite identical or dissimilar links each having a stack of apertured plates, and of coupling units employing pairs of non-circular pins extending through registering portions of apertures in the respective stacks of plates. The pins are designed to cooperate with the plates to limit the extend of inward and outward pivotability of links of the respective pairs from positions of alignment, and the pins carry stops which act alone or cooperate with diaphragm springs or with other types of springs to prevent wobbling of the plates. The plates can be provided with projections which cooperate with the pins to limit the extent of pivotability of the pairs of links relative to each other and/or to prevent jamming of pairs of links in angular positions from which they cannot return to the positions of alignment. Each plate is traversed by two pairs of pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventors: Andre Linnenbrugger, Andre Teubert
  • Publication number: 20050232525
    Abstract: Disclosed is a decoupling device for mounting a shaft, particularly the shaft of a spherical-disk-shaped enveloping gear operating with a chain as an enveloping means, on a base. The inventive decoupling device comprises an outer bearing ring which has a circular cylindrical outer surface and inside which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface which is rigidly connected to the base and surrounds the outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface. Said radial ondular washer allows the inner surface and the outer surface to be radially moved relative to each other to a limited degree while being elastically deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Hartmut Faust, Oswald Friedmann, Andre Linnenbrugger, Ronald Glas, Christian Bauer, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 6695731
    Abstract: A link chain for use in the continuously variable transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle is assembled of pairs of composite identical or dissimilar links each having a stack of apertured plates, and of coupling units employing pairs of non-circular pins extending through registering portions of apertures in the respective stacks of plates. The pins are designed to cooperate with the plates to limit the extend of inward and outward pivotability of links of the respective pairs from positions of alignment, and the pins carry stops which act alone or cooperate with diaphragm springs or with other types of springs to prevent wobbling of the plates. The plates can be provided with projections which cooperate with the pins to limit the extent of pivotability of the pairs of links relative to each other and/or to prevent jamming of pairs of links in angular positions from which they cannot return to the positions of alignment. Each plate is traversed by two pairs of pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, André Teubert
  • Publication number: 20030099417
    Abstract: A bearing assembly including a bearing having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring. The outer bearing ring is axially received in a bearing-receiving recess that includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. An element that is radially flexible is located between at least one of the outer bearing ring and the inner wall of the recess, and the inner bearing ring and a rotatable member that is rotatably carried in the bearing assembly. The flexible element includes at least one annular element that is undulated in the radial direction, or is provided with projections. Flexible elements can also be disposed against a side surface of the bearing ring for damping axial vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Christian Bauer, Andre Linnenbrugger, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 6539700
    Abstract: In a chain belt (1) for a continuously variable cone-pulley transmission of a vehicle, lengthwise links (3a, 3b, 3c) are connected by transverse coupling members (2a, 2b) passing through openings (4) in the links. Retainer elements (7) at the ends of the coupling members serve to secure the links against falling off the coupling members or becoming misaligned. The retainer elements are attached to at least selected individual coupling members by resistance welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: André Linnenbrügger
  • Publication number: 20030036450
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Andre Linnenbrugger, Oswald Kroninger, Klaus Scheufele, Andre Teubert