Patents by Inventor Michael Hodges
Michael Hodges 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).
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Publication number: 20200400200Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises a first clutch member configured to selectively couple a first torque input and a second torque input for torque transmission therebetween. The clutch assembly includes a second clutch member configured to selectively couple the second torque input and a third torque input for torque transmission therebetween. In one embodiment, the first clutch member is nested radially inside the first torque input, the second torque input is nested radially inside the first clutch member, the second clutch member is nested radially within the second torque input, and the third torque input is nested radially within the second clutch member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20200309202Abstract: A clutch carrier assembly for a transmission is disclosed that comprises a clutch carrier and a ring gear carrier. The clutch carrier includes a plurality of tabs and the ring gear carrier includes a plurality of openings defined in, and extending through, an outer surface. The ring gear carrier is disposed within the clutch carrier. Each of the tabs is received within a corresponding one of the openings such that the ring gear carrier and the clutch carrier are held together.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Venkata Sivaram Bitragunta, Rolf Mueller, Charles Schwab, Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20200309205Abstract: A switchable clutch, including: a first race including a pocket; a second race radially offset from the first race; a pawl including a portion disposed in the pocket and pivotable within the pocket; and a cage radially disposed between the first race and the second race and including a ramp. The ramp includes: a first surface; and a second surface sloping radially and circumferentially from the first surface. The first surface does not slope radially along a first circumferential direction. In a locked mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch, the pawl is in contact with the first surface and the outer race, and the first race and the second race are non-rotatably connected. In a freewheel mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch, the pawl is in contact with the second surface, and relative rotation of the first race with respect to the second race is enabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Peter Burke, Michael Hodge
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Patent number: 10753408Abstract: A switchable one-way clutch includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers, and a drag plate. The outer race has a ramped inner surface. The rollers are contactable with the outer race and the inner race. The cage is for positioning the plurality of rollers. The drag plate is rotationally engaged with the cage and frictionally engageable with the inner race. In an example embodiment, the cage has a notch and the drag plate has a tab installed in the notch to engage the drag plate to the cage. In an example embodiment, the drag plate or the inner race includes a friction material ring bonded thereto for increasing a friction coefficient between the drag plate and the inner race. In an example embodiment, the clutch has an arc spring. The outer race includes a pocket, the cage includes a tab, and the arc spring contacts the pocket and the tab to displace the cage in a first rotational direction. In an example embodiment, the inner race includes an inner splined surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20200240480Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly comprises an outer race, first and second inner races rotatable about an axis, a first and a second plurality of rocker members, and first and second cages. The outer race has a plurality of pockets defined in an inner surface. First and second inner races are aligned axially side-by-side and each include rocker teeth defined on an outer surface. One rocker member from the first plurality of rocker members and one rocker member from the second plurality of rocker members is disposed in each pocket of the outer race. Moreover, the first plurality of rocker members are arranged to face in a first direction and the second plurality of rocker members are arranged to face in a second direction, opposite the first direction. First and second cages are positioned radially between the inner and outer races and configured to selectively displace the first and second plurality of rocker members, respectively, between a disengaged position and an engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Michael Hodge, Kenneth Hunt
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Publication number: 20200232515Abstract: A clutch coupler assembly for a hybrid transmission having a first torque input, a second torque input, and a torque output comprises a sleeve fixed to the first torque input and an output hub connected to an output shaft of the torque output. A first ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the output hub and fixed to the sleeve such that the first torque input is always coupled to the torque output. An input hub is connected to an input shaft of the second torque input and a second ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the input hub. A sliding collar is mounted on the first ring and is configured to engage with the second ring to selectively connect the second torque input to the torque output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: James Copeland, Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20200232524Abstract: A clutch assembly includes inner and outer races supported for rotation about an axis and a one-way clutch element radially disposed between the inner and outer races. A first bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. A second bearing is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and is seated on the inner race. The first and second bearings are on opposite sides of the clutch element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2019Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Michael HODGE, James COPELAND
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Publication number: 20200224755Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train includes a shaft including a plurality of axially extending splines defining an outer circumferential surface, and a planet carrier non-rotatably fixed to the shaft by the axially extending splines. The planet carrier and the shaft are axially constrained with respect to each other by a radially inwardly extending material of the planet carrier axially contacting a radially extending surface of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2019Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Long Souers, Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge, Drew Hilty
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Patent number: 10690195Abstract: A transmission assembly, for example a clutch carrier assembly including a clutch carrier, a first thrust bearing, and a second thrust bearing is provided with integrated assembly structures. A connector extends from a race of the first thrust bearing, through the clutch carrier, and engages a receiver on a race of the second thrust bearing.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge
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Patent number: 10634187Abstract: A method of assembling a thrust bearing arrangement is disclosed. The method includes (a) providing a thrust bearing assembly. The thrust bearing assembly includes a support washer. The support washer includes a radially outer rim defining a plurality of slots extending radially outward from the radially outer rim. The method includes (b) providing a spring plate. The spring plate includes projections at a radially outer region. The projections extend in an axial direction. The method includes (c) aligning the projections of the spring plate with the slots of support washer. The method includes (d) deforming the projections of the spring plate to retain the thrust bearing assembly with the spring plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge, James Brown, Alicia Vidal Ortiz, Charles Schwab
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Patent number: 10508695Abstract: A wedge one-way clutch is provided for selectively transmitting torque between two components in one direction, and selectively locking rotation in another direction. The clutch has an inner race with a groove defined about its outer surface. The clutch has an outer race disposed radially outwardly from the inner race. The outer race has a sloped surface as part of a pocket. A wedge segment rests in the pocket. The wedge segment is moveable within the pocket, wherein the wedge segment has a taper or chamfer at its inner surface that engages with the groove in a slideable fashion. The wedge may also have a sloped surface that mates with and slides along the sloped surface of the outer race. The wedge can slide along the sloped surface, and along the inner race, so that the wedge wedges between the outer and inner races to lock them together.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
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Publication number: 20190345994Abstract: A switchable one-way clutch is provided for selectively switching between operating as a one-way clutch and a bi-directional locking clutch. The clutch includes a housing, and an outer race and an inner race, which is fixed rotationally to the housing. The clutch also includes a roller cage assembly having a plurality of rollers contactable with the inner race and the outer race. A roller cage is configured to position and contain the plurality of rollers therein. The clutch also includes an annular drag plate contacting the inner race. The drag plate is rotationally fixed to the roller cage and is moveable in an axial direction relative to the roller cage. An electromagnet assembly is configured to magnetize in response to electric energy. Via selective magnetization to attract the drag plate axially, the clutch can switch between operating modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2018Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Jordan GEISER, Michael HODGE
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Patent number: 10451159Abstract: A switchable one-way clutch is able to switch between operating as a one-way clutch and a clutch that locks in both directions. The clutch includes an inner race, and an outer race that includes an inner surface with a plurality of ramped profiles. A control plate is located radially outward from the inner race and moveable in an axial direction relative to the outer race. A plurality of rollers are contactable with the outer and inner races. A roller cage is configured to position and contain the plurality of rollers. A hydraulic piston is coupled to an actuator arm, such that movement of the piston along the axis moves the actuator arm along the axis. To switch and engage the clutch such that rotation is locked in both directions, the piston and actuator arm move axially to hold the control plate and attached roller cage against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20190257367Abstract: A unitized wedge clutch includes a first race, a second race, a wedge segment, and a first side plate. The first race has a circumferential groove with a first angled surface and a second angled surface. The second race has a first ramp surface extending radially outward in a circumferential direction. The wedge segment is arranged in a radial space between the first race and the second race. The wedge segment has a third angled surface aligned with the first angled surface and a fourth angled surface aligned with the second angled surface, a second ramp surface aligned with the first ramp surface, and a first aperture. The first side plate has a first protrusion extending through the first aperture. The unitized wedge clutch may have a plurality of wedge segments arranged circumferentially in a radial space between the first race and the second race.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
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Publication number: 20190226521Abstract: A method of assembling a thrust bearing arrangement is disclosed. The method includes (a) providing a thrust bearing assembly. The thrust bearing assembly includes a support washer. The support washer includes a radially outer rim defining a plurality of slots extending radially outward from the radially outer rim. The method includes (b) providing a spring plate. The spring plate includes projections at a radially outer region. The projections extend in an axial direction. The method includes (c) aligning the projections of the spring plate with the slots of support washer. The method includes (d) deforming the projections of the spring plate to retain the thrust bearing assembly with the spring plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2018Publication date: July 25, 2019Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge, James Brown, Alicia Vidal Ortiz, Charles Schwab
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Publication number: 20190219106Abstract: A clutch carrier includes a first component and a second component. The first component has an undulating ring, a cylindrical ring, and a connector portion. The undulating ring has an inner surface, and an outer surface for mating engagement with a clutch plate spline. The connector portion is between the undulating ring and the cylindrical ring. A plurality of apertures are defined at least partially in the connector portion. The second component has a first radial wall, a plurality of segments, and a plurality of formable tabs. The plurality of segments extend axially from the first radial wall and contact at least a portion of the inner surface to radially position the second component within the first component. The plurality of formable tabs extend from the first radial wall through the plurality of apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Michael Hodge, Kenneth Hunt
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Patent number: 10337569Abstract: A switchable clutch includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a roller cage, a plurality of rollers, and a drag plate. The outer ring includes a plurality of ramped surfaces. The roller cage is disposed radially between the outer ring and the inner ring. The rollers are guided by the roller cage. The drag plate is rotationally fixed to the inner ring and is engageable with the roller cage to rotate the rollers relative to the outer ring. In an example embodiment, the switchable clutch has a spring engaged with the outer ring for urging the roller cage in a first rotational direction relative to the outer ring. In an example embodiment, the switchable clutch has an electromagnet for engaging the drag plate and the roller cage and/or a coil spring assembly for disengaging the drag plate and the roller cage.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20190162247Abstract: A wedge one-way clutch is provided for selectively transmitting torque between two components in one direction, and selectively locking rotation in another direction. The clutch has an inner race with a groove defined about its outer surface. The clutch has an outer race disposed radially outwardly from the inner race. The outer race has a sloped surface as part of a pocket. A wedge segment rests in the pocket. The wedge segment is moveable within the pocket, wherein the wedge segment has a taper or chamfer at its inner surface that engages with the groove in a slideable fashion. The wedge may also have a sloped surface that mates with and slides along the sloped surface of the outer race. The wedge can slide along the sloped surface, and along the inner race, so that the wedge wedges between the outer and inner races to lock them together.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: Jeremiah BAUMAN, Michael HODGE, James COPELAND
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Patent number: 10288157Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a rear cover and a front cover. The rear cover includes a rear radially extending section and a rear axially extending section extending axially from an outer radial end of the rear radially extending section. The front cover includes a front radially extending section and a front axially extending section extending axially from an outer radial end of the front radially extending section. The front cover includes a plurality of baffles formed as part of the front cover and bent radially inward from the front axially extending section. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Michael Hodge
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Publication number: 20190048944Abstract: A transmission assembly, for example a clutch carrier assembly including a clutch carrier, a first thrust bearing, and a second thrust bearing is provided with integrated assembly structures. A connector extends from a race of the first thrust bearing, through the clutch carrier, and engages a receiver on a race of the second thrust bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jordan Geiser, Michael Hodge