Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Houtman

Thomas W. Houtman 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: 6394247
    Abstract: An over-running cluch pulley in which a pulley sheave and hub cooperate to define a composite inner cylindrical surface and in which a mechanism adds compliance to the system in order to lessen the abruptness of lock-on in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Monahan, Robert Frayer, Jonathan M. Adler, Thomas W. Houtman, Randall K. King
  • Patent number: 6394248
    Abstract: An over-running clutch pulley in which an input hub and output hub are compliantly coupled to soften the transition between the unlocked and locked state of the over-running clutch pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Monahan, Robert Frayer, Jonathan M. Adler, Thomas W. Houtman, Randall K. King
  • Patent number: 6183368
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Randall K. King, Thomas W. Houtman, Russell E. Monahan
  • Patent number: 5928083
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Monahan, Thomas W. Houtman, Thomas E. Vesbit, Randall K. King, Mark D. Solvie