Patents by Inventor Thorsten Krause

Thorsten Krause 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).

  • Publication number: 20090139820
    Abstract: A power transmission device for configuration in a drive train between a prime mover and a power take-off with a hub element forming an output and a damper configuration connected upstream of the output, including at least two dampers disposed in radial direction offset relative to one another and coupled with one another—a first damper forming a main damper stage and a second internal damper—wherein the second internal damper is coupled with the hub. The dampers forming individual damper stages can be preassembled respectively as a unit and are connected with one another via a coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventor: Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20090139816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train, comprising a torsional vibration damper, a converter torus which is configured by an impeller, a turbine wheel and a stator, and a converter lockup clutch. The torsional vibration damper has a first energy accumulating device with one ore more first energy accumulators, and a second energy accumulating device with one ore more second energy accumulators. The converter lockup clutch, the first energy accumulating device and the second energy accumulating device are connected in series. At least one intermediate part is interposed between the first and the second energy accumulating device and is connected to the two energy accumulating devices in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20090133978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-plate clutch (2) having a first plate carrier (48) and second plate carrier (50) and one or more first plates (52) received by the first plate carrier and one or more second plates (54) received by the second plate carrier. The clutch also comprises a pressure element (58) which can especially be actuated hydraulically for generating an axial load on the clutch pack configured by the first and second plates and closing the multi-plate clutch, said pressure element configuring the second plate carrier and/or being connected to the second plate carrier in a rotationally fixed manner. The invention also relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter device having said multi-plate clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20090127049
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism including at least one hydrodynamic component and a device for at least partially bridging over the transmission of power through the hydrodynamic component by means of a control device, having an actuating mechanism that can be charged by way of a chamber that is chargeable with a pressurizing agent, and at least one spring unit is interposed between the actuating mechanism and the device for at least partially bridging over the hydrodynamic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Benjamin Daniel
  • Publication number: 20090120754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train, comprising a torsional vibration damper and a converter torus which is configured by an impeller, a turbine wheel and a stator. The torsional vibration damper has a first energy accumulating device with one ore more first energy accumulators, and a second energy accumulating device with one ore more second energy accumulators, which is connected in series to the first energy accumulating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20090107790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter device (1) which comprises a torsional vibration damper (10), a converter torus (12) configured by an impeller (20), a turbine wheel (24) and a stator (22), and a converter lockup clutch (14), said torsional vibration damper (10) having two energy accumulating devices (38, 40). The invention is characterized in that the first energy accumulating device (38) is bridged at high torque loads. The bridging is effected by reaching a maximum first relative angle of twist, e.g. by the action of bow springs as the first energy accumulating device (38) locking up, thereby providing a good insulation of torsional vibrations both in the part-load range and due to the bridging by the first energy accumulating device (38) at higher torque loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20080008591
    Abstract: A method and a sealing system for sealing the space between a piston and the hub of a torque converter lockup clutch is provided. According to the method and the sealing system, the seal is pretensioned with its cylindrical surface facing the piston bore. In an embodiment of the invention, the first seal is fastened by a second seal. The invention allows minimization of oil leakage flow and at the same time to linearize its dependency on the differential pressure. Spontaneous sealing may be reduced, thereby directly correlating the contact pressure of the piston—and thus the torque of the torque converter lockup clutch—with differential pressure and eventually allowing for smoother travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen and Kuppungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20070181395
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a bridging clutch and two dampers, wherein the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers. The converter is provided with a three-duct system for the oil supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Bruno Mueller, Stephan Maienschein, Thorsten Krause, Mario Degler
  • Publication number: 20070012537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter having a driving pump wheel and a driven turbine wheel, which is situated in the housing so it is rotatable, which is attachable to the output shaft of an internal combustion engine, and having a converter bypass clutch which has a piston, which is connected to the housing with the aid of a coupling spring unit so it is rotationally fixed but movable in the axial direction. In order to provide a hydrodynamic torque converter through which the engagement of the converter bypass clutch is improved, the coupling spring unit has flow conduction means, which influence the speed of a flow medium between the piston and the turbine wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Bruno Mueller
  • Patent number: 7037239
    Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting slip in an automatic friction clutch arranged between an engine and a gearbox of a motor vehicle. The clutch has a clutch-adjusting positioning drive which adjusts the clutch to a position which is defined by a position set-point signal. The clutch input speed and the clutch output speed are detected using speed sensors and a position set-point signal is produced according to the difference of the speeds (slip speed). The slip speed is equal to a predefined set slip value and is used as a control variable for the transmitted clutch torque. An engine torque is used as a control variable for the clutch instead of the clutch torque or as a complement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Olaf Werner, Thorsten Krause, Klaus Kuepper
  • Publication number: 20050107215
    Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting slip in an automatic friction clutch arranged between an engine and a gearbox of a motor vehicle. The clutch has a clutch-adjusting positioning drive which adjusts the clutch to a position which is defined by a position set-point signal. The clutch input speed and the clutch output speed are detected using speed sensors and a position set-point signal is produced according to the difference of the speeds (slip speed). The slip speed is equal to a predefined set slip value and is used as a control variable for the transmitted clutch torque. An engine torque is used as a control variable for the clutch instead of the clutch torque or as a complement thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Olaf Werner, Thorsten Krause, Klaus Kuepper
  • Patent number: 6708804
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter has a rotary housing which carries a pump assembly and can be driven by the output element of a prime mover in the power train of a motor vehicle, a turbine which is rotatable in the housing and has a hub mounted on the input shaft of a change-speed transmission, and a lockup clutch which, when engaged, can transmit torque from the housing directly to the turbine. The axially movable piston of the clutch is rotatable with the housing; this piston defines a first chamber with the housing and a second chamber with the turbine. The first chamber can receive pressurized hydraulic fluid to cause the piston to disengage the clutch so that the turbine can be rotated by the pump assembly by way of the body of fluid in the housing between the pump assembly and the turbine. The second chamber can receive fluid along at least one first path to engage the clutch by moving the piston toward the housing, and along at least one second path when the clutch is at least partially engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Bruno Müller
  • Publication number: 20020195305
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter has a rotary housing which carries a pump assembly and can be driven by the output element of a prime mover in the power train of a motor vehicle, a turbine which is rotatable in the housing and has a hub mounted on the input shaft of a change-speed transmission, and a lockup clutch which, when engaged, can transmit torque from the housing directly to the turbine. The axially movable piston of the clutch is rotatable with the housing; this piston defines a first chamber with the housing and a second chamber with the turbine. The first chamber can receive pressurized hydraulic fluid to cause the piston to disengage the clutch so that the turbine can be rotated by the pump assembly by way of the body of fluid in the housing between the pump assembly and the turbine. The second chamber can receive fluid along at least one first path to engage the clutch by moving the piston toward the housing, and along at least one second path when the clutch is at least partially engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Bruno Muller
  • Patent number: 6298965
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in dampers which can be utilized in the power trains of motor vehicles to absorb torsional vibrations of the rotary output shaft of the engine and/or torsional vibrations of the rotary input element of a change-speed transmission normally receiving torque by way of a torque converter. One of the dampers is installed externally of the housing of the torque converter and, if used, another damper can be installed in the power flow between the piston of a lockup clutch in the housing of the torque converter and a turbine of the torque converter. The external damper can include an energy storing component and a friction generating component which latter is or can be sealed from the energy storing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Thomas Heck, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Patent number: 6112869
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in dampers which can be utilized in the power trains of motor vehicles to absorb torsional vibrations of the rotary output shaft of the engine and/or torsional vibrations of the rotary input element of a change-speed transmission normally receiving torque by way of a torque converter. One of the dampers is installed externally of the housing of the torque converter and, if used, another damper can be installed in the power flow between the piston of a lockup clutch in the housing of the torque converter and a turbine of the torque converter. The external damper can include an energy storing component and a friction generating component which latter is or can be sealed from the energy storing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Thomas Heck, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Patent number: 5638041
    Abstract: An electromagnetic assembly, for example for a relay, has a magnetic core surrounded by an electrical coil, and an armature closing the magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic assembly. The magnetic core is of the split pole type having a first pole and a second pole, the former being surrounded by a shading ring to produce a phase shift in the magnetic flux in the region of the poles when the electrical coil is energized. A step is provided in the first pole between the shading ring and the armature so that the flux density, and thus the magnetic force, between the first pole and the armature is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Kuhnke GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Beyer, Thorsten Krause