Patents by Inventor Anthony J. Grzesiak

Anthony J. Grzesiak 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: 7066305
    Abstract: A brake band shifting mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake band shifting mechanism includes a brake band encircling a brake drum of the transmission. A first end of the brake band is mounted to a secured portion of the transmission by a first linkage and a second end of the brake band is mounted to a two-stage servo by a second linkage. The servo provides selective apply and release pressure to the second linkage to control the compression or expansion of the brake band. In operation, the brake band is quickly compressed to the brake drum during the first stage of the servo, and then fine adjustments are made to control the speed of the brake drum during the second stage of the servo, where inputs from position and speed sensors in the transmission are used to control the adjustment of the brake band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grzesiak, Chris Denault, Thomas G. Brand, Darren L. Firth, Richard T. Tamba
  • Publication number: 20020121410
    Abstract: A brake band shifting mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake band shifting mechanism includes a brake band encircling a brake drum of the transmission. A first end of the brake band is mounted to a secured portion of the transmission by a first linkage and a second end of the brake band is mounted to a two-stage servo by a second linkage. The servo provides selective apply and release pressure to the second linkage to control the compression or expansion of the brake band. In operation, the brake band is quickly compressed to the brake drum during the first stage of the servo, and then fine adjustments are made to control the speed of the brake drum during the second stage of the servo, where inputs from position and speed sensors in the transmission are used to control the adjustment of the brake band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grzesiak, Chris Denault, Thomas G. Brand, Darren L. Firth, Richard T. Tamba
  • Patent number: 5680921
    Abstract: A transmission band assembly (10) having a circular band (12) and a friction material liner (26). The liner (26) varies in density at predetermined locations along its length to modify the torque curve of the transmission to provide smooth shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Vierk, Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 5499700
    Abstract: The invention provides a double wrap brake band consisting of three band segments which are held together by tie members designed to break-away under shear forces applied by the apply pin and reaction or anchor member during operation of the transmission assembly. The break-away tie members hold the three band segments together to form a structurally sound cylindrical band during assembly of the transmission. The tie segments are then sheared the first time the band is actuated by the apply and reaction pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel Richardson, Anthony J. Grzesiak, David T. Vierk
  • Patent number: 5476160
    Abstract: An improved double-wrap brake band having a bracket member (16) consisting of an apply bracket (20), a reaction bracket (22), and a connector bracket (24) secured to three generally parallel bands (12A, 12B, 12C). The bands (12A, 12B, 12C) include a plurality of position oriented non-circular slots (36) designed to accept corresponding non-circular extruded tabs (44) extending from the bracket member (16). Each of the tabs has a longitudinal curvature that is substantially radially parallel to the annular inner peripheral surface (42) of the bracket member (44) and the annular inner peripheral surface (15) of the strap member (10). The tabs (44), after clinching, serve to retain the bracket member (16) securely on the bands (12A, 12B, 12C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fenoglio, Steven P. Geary, Christopher P. Puchalla, Anthony J. Grzesiak, David T. Vierk, Allen C. Mayhew
  • Patent number: 5381876
    Abstract: A transmission brake band (10) for use in automatic transmissions includes strap member (12) with an apply bracket (18) located at one end and a reaction bracket (20) located at the opposed end. The reaction bracket (20) is formed from the strap material as an up-raised dome (36) surrounding the reaction opening (32). The surface of the dome (36) immediately surrounding the reaction opening (32) is substantially planar and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the reaction opening (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grzesiak, Robert J. Fenoglio, Douglas J. Slager
  • Patent number: 5347702
    Abstract: An improved transmission brake band (10) and a method of forming the same s an improved reaction bracket (20) formed as an upraised dome (36) surrounding a reaction opening (32). An insert member (42), having a volcano-type body (44) integrally formed with a peripheral flange (46) is engaged with the dome (36) and opening (32) so that the body (44) is positioned in the opening (32) and the flange (46) is received by the dome (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 5346040
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a one-piece band member (10) for use w transmissions. The band member (10) is integrally constructed having the end portions (16) of a strap member (12) being formed an apply member (18) and a reaction member (20) and then folded (22) back over the outer circumference of the strap member (12) to provide a unitary unit. A friction lining (14) is secured around the inner circumference of the strap member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Puchalla, Anthony J. Grzesiak, Douglas J. Slager
  • Patent number: 5263557
    Abstract: An improved transmission brake band (10) and a method of forming the same s an improved reaction bracket (20) formed as an upraised dome (36) surrounding a reaction opening (32). An insert member (42), having a volcano-type body (44) integrally formed with a peripheral flange (46) is engaged with the dome (36) and opening (32) so that the body (44) is positioned in the opening (32) and the flange (46) is received by the dome (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 5078237
    Abstract: A one-piece transmission brake band and the method of forming the same whin the band is an elongated strap with brackets at the opposite ends thereof, the brackets providing an apply end and a reaction end. Each end consists of an end portion of the strap that is folded over upon itself onto the exterior surface of the band and suitably fastened thereto, such as by clinch fastening or spot welding. The apply end of the band has the outer layer provided with a transverse upwardly folded or crimped ridge having a central depression to receive the end of an apply piston, and the reaction end has an outwardly extending radial opening formed by piercing through both layers of material after the end is folded over, with the layers being outwardly extruded in both the radial and circumferential directions. An alternative embodiment utilizes an insert having a cylindrical body with a circumferential base flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 4757880
    Abstract: An improved reverse double wrap brake band for the automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle wherein the band is lightweight and heat set round at the released position and utilizes a thinner strap material at higher hardness ranges. The configuration of the double wrap band has a wider central band segment adjacent the anchor portion of the bracket assembly, with the band width tapering over 60 to 70 percent of its length toward the apply end of the band; thus providing a double wrap band of increased durability for the friction lining and increased apply end, drum, and fatigue life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 4198062
    Abstract: A valve stem seal for an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine where the seal allows a metered amount of oil to run down the valve stem for lubrication of the stem in its valve guide. The seal is formed of a relatively rigid valve seal body having a cylindrical wall or skirt engaging the valve guide boss and an upper radially inwardly offset cylindrical wall of a smaller diameter with a radially inwardly extending flange having metering grooves on the upper and lower surfaces thereof, and a resilient insert or collar is positioned on the flange to sealingly engage the reciprocating valve stem; the motion of the collar during reciprocation of the valve stem providing a pumping action through the metering grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 4125265
    Abstract: A valve stem seal for an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine where the seal allows a metered amount of oil to run down the valve stem for lubrication of the stem in its valve guide. The seal has a cylindrical wall engaging the valve guide boss and an upper inwardly extendng flange provided with twin sealing lobes on the internal surface separated by an annular groove; the lobes and groove providing a pumping action for oil during reciprocation of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 4071196
    Abstract: An aerosol valve tip and insert assembly adapted for use on aerosol dispensers. The tip includes a body having interconnecting channels and an integral actuator post defining an annular recess. An insert having arcuate shaped bosses defining radial feed channels and a swirl chamber on the rear face is received in the annular recess and abuts the post. The tip and insert assembly provides a substantially uniform aerosol spray pattern and droplet size for carbon dioxide, fluorocarbon, and other pressurized spray formulations over a broad range of pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Assignee: VCA Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Burke, Anthony J. Grzesiak