Patents by Inventor Steven J. Kowal
Steven J. Kowal 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: 20240151276Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first shaft extending along and rotatable about a first shaft axis, and a second shaft extending along and rotatable about a second shaft axis that is parallel with the first shaft axis. The clutch assembly also includes a first friction component coupled to and rotatable with the first shaft, and a second friction component coupled to and rotatable with the second shaft. The clutch assembly additionally includes a band clutch assembly. The band clutch assembly includes a retaining band disposed about the first and second friction components, and a retaining component coupled to the retaining band. The retaining band is engageable with the first and second friction components, and the retaining band and the retaining component are rotatable with the first and second shafts during rotation of the first and second shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventors: Benjamin A. Siegel, Steven J. Kowal, David T. Vierk
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Publication number: 20230279909Abstract: The present invention relates to a freewheel arrangement (4) having a freewheel (2), which comprises a first running ring (44), a second running ring (46), at least one clamping element (26; 28) that is between the first and the second running ring (44, 46) and is movable between a coupling position and a release position, and an actuating element (42) for adjusting the at least one clamping element (26; 28), wherein the actuating element (42) can be arranged on the first running ring (44) and is movable relative to the first running ring (44). A friction device (52) for generating a frictional force acting on the actuating element (42) is provided, the frictional force counteracting a drive force acting on the first running ring (44) so as to move the actuating element (42) relative to the first running ring (44). The present invention furthermore relates to a drivetrain (82) having such a freewheel arrangement (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Friedrich Philipp Brezger, Oliver Groneberg, Calahan B. Campton, Steven J. Kowal
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Patent number: 11746847Abstract: A clutch system includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member for transmitting torque from a vehicle power generator. The first clutch member includes a first a first clutch element having a first surface and a first friction material disposed on said first surface. The second clutch member is configured to engage the first clutch plate and includes a second clutch element having a second surface and a second friction material disposed on the second surface. The first friction material is configured to be engaged with the second friction material during operation of the vehicle power generator.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Siegel, Steven J. Kowal, Richard W. Pridgen, Jr., David T. Vierk
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Publication number: 20210277972Abstract: A friction material includes a friction-generating layer and a base layer. The base layer includes base fibers and presents a bonding surface. The friction-generating layer includes friction-adjusting particles deposited on the base layer and presents a friction-generating surface facing opposite the bonding surface of the base layer. A curable resin is present in the friction-generating layer and the base layer. The friction material also includes a composition including a plurality of triglycerides. The composition is present in at least one of the friction-generating layer and the base layer. The plurality of triglycerides comprises polyunsaturated fatty acid in a content of from 60 to 90% by weight based on a total weight of the plurality of triglycerides included in the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Richard W. Pridgen, Jr., Benjamin A. Siegel, Steven J. Kowal, David T. Vierk
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Publication number: 20210207671Abstract: A clutch system includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member for transmitting torque from a vehicle power generator. The first clutch member includes a first a first clutch element having a first surface and a first friction material disposed on said first surface. The second clutch member is configured to engage the first clutch plate and includes a second clutch element having a second surface and a second friction material disposed on the second surface. The first friction material is configured to be engaged with the second friction material during operation of the vehicle power generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Benjamin A. SIEGEL, Steven J. KOWAL, Richard W. PRIDGEN, David T. VIERK
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Patent number: 10060485Abstract: A composite clutch (110) is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques (60) from a driving member (118) to a driven member (122). The composite clutch (110) incorporates both of a friction clutch assembly (124) and a dog clutch assembly (126), each assembly adapted to address one of two segments (62, 68) of the operational range of torques (60). The clutch (110) further includes a spring-loaded detent system (180) configured to control transition (66) between the two segments (62, 68) of operational ranges of torques (60). The friction clutch assembly (124) includes first friction clutch elements (128) coupled to the driving member (118) and second friction clutch elements (132) coupled to the driven member (122) for providing torque control within the lower operational range of torques (64).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: David T. Vierk, Steven J. Kowal
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Patent number: 9771984Abstract: A dual gain friction clutch is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques from a drive member to a driven member. The dual gain friction clutch incorporates a first friction clutch pack and a second friction clutch pack, the pack being axially aligned and adapted to address one of two segments of the operational range of torques. The clutch further includes a spring-loaded skate detent unit configured to control transition between the two segments of operational ranges of torques. Each friction clutch pack may include identical respective friction discs coupled to the drive member and respective pressure plates coupled to the driven member for selectively providing torque control within either of the lower and higher segments of the operational ranges of torques.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: David T. Vierk, Steven J. Kowal
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Publication number: 20160369852Abstract: A composite clutch (110) is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques (60) from a driving member (118) to a driven member (122). The composite clutch (110) incorporates both of a friction clutch assembly (124) and a dog clutch assembly (126), each assembly adapted to address one of two segments (62, 68) of the operational range of torques (60). The clutch (110) further includes a spring-loaded detent system (180) configured to control transition (66) between the two segments (62, 68) of operational ranges of torques (60). The friction clutch assembly (124) includes first friction clutch elements (128) coupled to the driving member (118) and second friction clutch elements (132) coupled to the driven member (122) for providing torque control within the lower operational range of torques (64).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2015Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: David T. VIERK, Steven J. KOWAL
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Publication number: 20160363175Abstract: A dual gain friction clutch (200) is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques (260) from a drive member (214) to a driven member (218). The dual gain friction clutch (200) incorporates a first friction clutch pack (220) and a second friction clutch pack (222), the pack being axially aligned and adapted to address one of two segments (262, 266) of the operational range of torques (260). The clutch (200) further includes a spring-loaded skate detent unit (240) configured to control transition (264) between the two segments (262, 266) of operational ranges of torques (260). Each friction clutch pack (220, 222) may include identical respective friction discs (220a, 222a) coupled to the drive member (214) and respective pressure plates (220b, 222b) coupled to the driven member (218) for selectively providing torque control within either of the lower and higher segments (262, 266) of the operational ranges of torques (260).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2015Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: David T. VIERK, Steven J. KOWAL
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Publication number: 20140040800Abstract: The disclosed subject matter comprises an enhanced screen organizer component (ESOC) that can efficiently control organization and presentation of desired screens, which relate to an industrial control system, to a user. At design time, a designer employs the ESOC to select and organize one or more screens for a project relating to a control system, create and organize screen folders that can contain desired folders or screens in a hierarchical fashion, select a home screen or favorite screens, respectively, for the operator, role or group, wherein a home screen can be a screen a user views when authenticated into a terminal or the screen the user can be returned to in response to selection of a home control. During run time, the user can access desired screens, and use context menus to select a home screen, favorite screens, or other screens, in accordance with user access rights.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Fredette, Steven J. Kowal, Matt S. Delisle, Terrie E. Sauvain, Ronald E. Bliss, Matthew Robert Ericsson
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Patent number: 8566923Abstract: The disclosed subject matter comprises an enhanced screen organizer component (ESOC) that can efficiently control organization and presentation of desired screens, which relate to an industrial control system, to a user. At design time, a designer employs the ESOC to select and organize one or more screens for a project relating to a control system, create and organize screen folders that can contain desired folders or screens in a hierarchical fashion, select a home screen or favorite screens, respectively, for the operator, role or group, wherein a home screen can be a screen a user views when authenticated into a terminal or the screen the user can be returned to in response to selection of a home control. During run time, the user can access desired screens, and use context menus to select a home screen, favorite screens, or other screens, in accordance with user access rights.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Fredette, Steven J. Kowal, Matt S. Delisle, Terrie E. Sauvain, Ronald E. Bliss, Matthew Robert Ericsson
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Publication number: 20120198547Abstract: The disclosed subject matter comprises an enhanced screen organizer component (ESOC) that can efficiently control organization and presentation of desired screens, which relate to an industrial control system, to a user. At design time, a designer employs the ESOC to select and organize one or more screens for a project relating to a control system, create and organize screen folders that can contain desired folders or screens in a hierarchical fashion, select a home screen or favorite screens, respectively, for the operator, role or group, wherein a home screen can be a screen a user views when authenticated into a terminal or the screen the user can be returned to in response to selection of a home control. During run time, the user can access desired screens, and use context menus to select a home screen, favorite screens, or other screens, in accordance with user access rights.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Fredette, Steven J. Kowal, Matt S. Delisle, Terrie E. Sauvain, Ronald E. Bliss, Matthew Robert Ericsson
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Publication number: 20040099371Abstract: A process for forming a friction plate includes the steps of: adhering a plurality of segments of friction materials to a preheated core plate. Each segment of friction material has a layer of an adhesive material laminated to a bottom surface of the segment such that the adhesive material is in contact with the preheated core plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Tom C. Hardies, Kevin P. Murphy, Steven J. Kowal
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Patent number: 4762100Abstract: A self-contained lash adjuster includes a generally cup-shaped follower having an end face and a lash adjuster cartridge assembly positioned within the follower. The cartridge assembly includes a body positioned against the follower end face and a reciprocally movable plunger within the body. There is a high pressure chamber between the plunger and the body, a plunger passage opening into the high pressure chamber and a check valve which controls fluid flow through the plunger passage. The plunger has an open end spaced from the high pressure chamber and there is a valve stem pad closing the plunger open end. An annular expandable seal member defines a reservoir about the cartridge assembly and is fastened at one end to the body and at the other end to the plunger. The seal member extends in part between the plunger and the valve stem pad. The plunger has openings therein in communication with the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1986Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: Stanadyne, Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Kowal
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Patent number: 4694790Abstract: A self-contained lash adjuster includes a generally cylindrical cup-shaped follower with a closed end and a lash adjuster cartridge assembly mounted by a spacer within the follower. The cartridge assembly includes a reciprocally movable body and a plunger within the body. There is a high pressure chamber defined between the plunger and the body and there is a plunger passage opening into the high pressure chamber. A check valve controls flow through the plunger passage. A diaphragm-type seal is attached at its outer periphery to an interior wall of the follower and at its inner periphery to the movable body. The seal cooperates with the interior wall of the follower and the body to define a fluid reservoir. The spacer mounting the cartridge assembly is positioned within the reservoir and has openings therein connecting the reservoir with the plunger passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1986Date of Patent: September 22, 1987Assignee: Stanadyne, Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Kowal
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Patent number: 4624225Abstract: A self-contained lash adjuster has a generally cup-shaped follower and a spacer mounting a lash adjuster cartridge assembly within the follower. The cartridge assembly includes a movable body and a plunger, with a high pressure chamber being defined between the plunger and body. A check valve controls fluid flow through a plunger passage into the high pressure chamber. There is a diaphragm seal which is attached at its outer periphery to an interior wall of the follower and attached at its inner periphery to the movable body. The seal in part defines a fluid reservoir. There is a passage connecting the reservoir with the cartridge assembly. Movement of the body toward the plunger moves fluid from the high pressure chamber to the fluid reservoir, causing a stretching of the diaphragm seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1985Date of Patent: November 25, 1986Assignee: Stanadyne, Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Kowal
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Patent number: 4590899Abstract: A self-contained lash adjuster includes a generally cylindrical cup-shaped follower which has an end face. A lash adjuster cartridge assembly is positioned within the follower. The cartridge assembly includes a reciprocally movable body and a plunger within the body. There is a high pressure chamber defined between the plunger and the body and a plunger passage opens into the high pressure chamber. A check valve controls fluid flow through the plunger passage. A shell holds the cartridge assembly to the follower and has an annular wall extending peripherally about the movable body of the cartridge assembly. There is an annular expandable seal member fastened at one end to the shell and at the other end to the body to define a reservoir outside of the cartridge assembly. Movement of the body toward the plunger moves fluid from the high pressure chamber to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1985Date of Patent: May 27, 1986Assignee: Stanadyne, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Kowal, Kenneth W. Lesher