Patents by Inventor Franz-Josef Oberdorster

Franz-Josef Oberdorster 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).

  • Method and device for controlling a coupling
    Patent number: 5935036
    Abstract: A coupling for transmitting torque between two parts has a friction coupling with a chamber including a piston and a rotational member. A pumping and control member is positioned in the chamber and includes at least one shear channel. The pumping and control member is rotatable between two positions such that viscous fluid moves through the channel to load the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Franz-Josef Oberdorster
  • Method and device for controlling a coupling
    Patent number: 5556343
    Abstract: A coupling for transmitting torque between two parts has a friction coupling with a chamber including a piston and a rotational member. A pumping and control member is positioned in the chamber and includes at least one shear channel. The pumping and control member is rotatable between two positions such that viscous fluid moves through the channel to load the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Franz-Josef Oberdorster
  • Fluid friction coupling
    Patent number: 5259488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid friction coupling having at least two sets of plates. A first coupling part is designed as a coupling hub and a second coupling part is designed as a coupling housing In the interior cavity of the coupling housing, the inner plates and outer plates are alternately interleaved with one another. The inner plates have chamfered portions which are arranged such that two adjoining inner plates are positioned in a mirror-image-like way. Thus, it is possible to prevent a pumping action which affects the viscous fluid in the interior of the fluid friction coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Viscodrive GmbH
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Oberdorster, Paul-Erich Schonenbrucher