Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Dickson

Thomas G. Dickson 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: 4941557
    Abstract: An intermediate plate positioner device for a multiple disk friction clutch assembly is disclosed. A plurality of apertures are formed about the periphery of the intermediate plate. A positioner pin is inserted in each of the apertures extending between the flywheel and the cover of the clutch assembly. Each positioner pin is sized relative to its respective aperture so as to provide an interference fit therebetween. The force required to axially slide each positioner pin through its respective aperture is predetermined to be less than the force generated by clutch springs, which urge the clutch assembly toward an engaged position, but greater than the force exerted by the drive straps of the clutch assembly, which urge the intermediate plate toward a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Flotow, Thomas G. Dickson
  • Patent number: 4760906
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly including a clutch cover and pressure plate axially moveable relative thereto and unitarily rotatable therewith. A release collar within the cover actuates a plurality of levers which move the pressure plate toward and away from its engaged position. A plurality of engagement springs act between the cover and the collar to spring load the clutch. Three assister springs are disposed equidistantly about the collar and engage the latter and an inwardly facing surface carried by the cover. When the pressure plate is in its engaged position, the assister springs are disposed perpendicular to the clutch axis. When the collar is moved toward the clutch disengaged position, the assister springs are tilted away from their engaged position and begin to generate a force axially in the direction of movement of the release collar and assist in the axial movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Flotow, Thomas G. Dickson
  • Patent number: RE34105
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly including a clutch cover and pressure plate axially movable relative thereto and unitarily rotatable therewith. A release collar within the cover actuates a plurality of levers which move the pressure plate toward and away from its engaged position. A plurality of engagement springs act between the cover and the collar to spring load the clutch. Three assister springs are disposed equidistantly about the collar and engage the latter and an inwardly facing surface carried by the cover. When the pressure plate is in its engaged position, the assister springs are disposed perpendicular to the clutch axis. When the collar is moved toward the clutch disengaged position, the assister springs are tilted away from their engaged position and begin to generate a force axially in the direction of movement of the release collar and assist in the axial movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Flotow, Thomas G. Dickson