Patents Represented by Attorney Paul S. Rulon
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Patent number: 7131521Abstract: A double acting synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,40a and 26,42a) and jaw clutch teeth (28,38b and 30,38c) for frictionally synchronizing and positively connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12), and a plurality of integrated self-energizing/pre-energizing/blocker assemblies (44). The assemblies include pairs of self-energizing surfaces (54a,54b and 56a,56b) that respectively engage pairs of self-energizing surfaces (46a,46b and 48a,48b) to increase the engaging force of the cone clutches. The pairs of self-energizing surfaces are separated by non-self-energizing surfaces (54e,56e and 46c,48c) which engage to prevent unwanted engagement of the self-energizing surfaces when the synchronizer is in neutral. A detent mechanism resiliently positions the non-self-energizing surfaces for engagement when the synchronizer is in neutral.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: David J Coxon, Graeme Andrew Jackson
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Patent number: 6739443Abstract: A double-acting baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes fiction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) and jaw teeth and jaw teeth (28,54,30,56) for synchronizing and positively connecting forward and reverse gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). Initial engaging movement of a shift sleeve (34) from a neutral position activates pre-energizers (52 or 100) effect engagement of the friction surfaces for engaging blocker surfaces (44a,54a,46a,56a) that prevent asynchronous engagement of the jaw teeth. The pre-energizers include clearances and centering forces to prevent momentary engagement of the friction surfaces associated with the reverse gear and the forward gear when the shift sleeve is moved back to the neutral position from a position of engaged the jaw teeth (28,54 or 30,56) associated respectively with the forward and reverse gears.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
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Patent number: 6729457Abstract: A double acting synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,40a and 26,42a) and jaw clutch teeth (28,38b and 30,38c) for frictionally synchronizing and positively connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12), and a plurality of integrated self-energizing/pre-energizing/blocker assemblies (44).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporaionInventors: Graeme A. Jackson, Colin Duncan
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Patent number: 6588561Abstract: A synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) for frictionally synchronizing gears (14,16) to a shaft (12), and jaw clutch teeth (28,30) engagable with jaw teeth (36a,36b) defined on a shift sleeve (34) for positive connecting the gears to the shaft. A plurality of self-energizing/blocker members (62) transmit shift force applied to the shift sleeve and self-energizing force to friction rings (40,42) via blocker surfaces (44r,44s,44p,44q) defined by blocker members (44) that have opposite ends (44c,44d) attached to the friction rings. The blocker members also disengage the friction surfaces of one cone clutch prior to engagement of to the friction surfaces of the other cone.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
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Patent number: 6588562Abstract: A baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes multiple cone friction surfaces (28a, 36a 32a 36b and 30a, 38a, 34a, 38b) and jaw clutch spline teeth (26a, 20a, 22a) for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). Inner rings 32, 34 respectively define the friction surfaces (32a, 34a) and ramp surfaces (32b, 34b) that move a boost member 42 radially outward to engage self-energizing surfaces (44c, 26g and 44d, 26f) to provide additive self-energizing forces in response to limited rotation of the inner rings by synchronizing torque.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
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Patent number: 6467597Abstract: A baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) for frictionally synchronizing gears (14,16) to a shaft (12), and jaw clutch teeth (28,30) engagable with jaw teeth defined on opposite ends of splines (36) for positive connecting the gears to the shaft. Pluralities of rigid self-energizing members (62) are drivingly interposed between blocker teeth (44,46) affixed to baulkrings (40,42) and self-energizing ramp surfaces (60a-60d) defined on an outer circumference of a hub 32 affixed to the shaft (12). A shift sleeve (34) is slidably splined to the hub (32) and is moved by a shift force and an additive force provided by the self-energizing ramp surfaces. Both forces react against the blocker teeth to engage the friction surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Josevaldo Roberto Fernandez
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Patent number: 6467598Abstract: A baulkring-type synchronizer (18) for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). The synchronizer includes a cone clutch surfaces (24,48) and (26,50) which are engaged by an operator shift force and limit means (54,56) producing a counter force for decreasing the amount of operator shift force transmitted to cone clutch friction surfaces in response to the synchronizing torque exceeding a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Graeme Andrew Jackson, Carl Christopher John Smith
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Patent number: 6102180Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer and gear assembly (10) with friction rings (26, 46 and 28, 48), jaw members (30, 38 and 32, 40) axially secured together by retainers (44), three circumferentially spaced pins (50) including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches, and pre-energizer assemblies (52) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (42), and self-energizing ramps (20a-20d and 62a-62d). The assembly (10) includes improved jaw members and self energizing ramps, an improved shift flange, improved pre-energizers, and improved jaw member retainers. A second synchronizer and gear assembly embodiment (110) includes the above improvements plus an over stress reduction of splines 112g, 140 when gear 116 is connected to shaft 112.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James D. Gluys, Timothy S. Smith
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Patent number: 6074302Abstract: A torsion isolator (34) for transmitting torque and dampening torsionals in a driveline. The isolator includes a composite c-shaped spring (48) disposed in an annular chamber (44) of a housing (38,40) filled with torque converter fluid. The spring transmits driveline torque and attenuates torsionals. The spring also functions as a fluid displacement piston by dividing the chamber into radially inner and outer volumes (44a,44b) which vary inversely in volume in response to torque changes flexing the spring. Rapid flexing of the spring increases the fluid pressure in the decreasing volume and thereby dampens or reduces the rate of spring flexing or rebound.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1994Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Dale A. Stretch
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Patent number: 6010408Abstract: A torsion isolator (34) for transmitting torque and dampening torsionals in a driveline. The isolator includes a composite c-shaped spring (48) disposed in an annular chamber (44) of a housing (38,40) filled with torque converter fluid. The spring transmits driveline torque and attenuates torsionals. The spring also functions as a fluid displacement piston by dividing the chamber into radially inner and outer volumes (44a,44b) which vary inversely in volume in response to torque changes flexing the spring. Rapid flexing of the spring increases the fluid pressure in the decreasing volume and thereby dampens or reduces the rate of spring flexing or rebound.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1994Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert S. Mueller, David P. Godlew
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Patent number: 5957257Abstract: A pin-type, double acting synchronizer (18) with friction clutches (22,36 and 24,38), jaw clutches (26,30 and 28,31), a shift flange (32), self-energizing ramps (21a-21d) affixed to a shaft (12), and self-energizing ramps (45a-45d) affixed to a self-energizer member (34). Engagement of the ramps provides an additive axial force (F.sub.a) for increasing the engagement force of the friction clutches. The member (34) is secured for sliding movement with the flange and jaw members (30,31). The member (34) is resiliently connected for rotation with the flange by force limiting detent assemblies (50) until synchronizing torque reaches a predetermined amount. When the predetermined torque is reached, the force limiting assemblies allow the flange to rotate and engage stops (32h) for directing all torque in excess of the predetermined amount to the shaft in parallel with the self-energizing ramps.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Richard A. Nellums
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Patent number: 5937982Abstract: A pin-type, double acting synchronizer (22) with friction clutches (26,50 and 28,52), jaw clutches (30,34 and 32,36), a shift flange (42), self-energizing ramps (13b,13c,13d,13e) affixed to a shaft (12), and self-energizing ramps (45a,45b,45c,45d) affixed to a self-energizer member (44). Engagement of the ramps provides an additive axial force (F.sub.a) for increasing the engagement force of the friction clutches. The member (44) is secured for rotation with and sliding movement relative to the flange (42). Spring washers (46,48) react in opposite directions between member (44) and the jaw members (34,36) for limiting the amount of additive axial force (F.sub.a).Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Otis J. Olson, Eugene R. Braun
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Patent number: 5934428Abstract: A pin-type, double acting synchronizer (22) with friction clutches (26,50 and 28,52), jaw clutches (30,34 and 32,36), a shift flange (42), self-energizing ramps (13b,13c,13d,13e) affixed to a shaft (12), and self-energizing ramps (45a,45b,45c,45d) affixed to a self-energizer member (44). Engagement of the ramps in response to an operator shift (F.sub.o) applied to the shift flange provides an additive axial force (F.sub.a) for increasing the engagement force of the friction clutches. The member (44) is secured for rotation with and sliding movement relative to the flange (42). Spring washers (46,48) react in opposite directions between member (44) and the jaw members (34,36) for limiting the amount of additive axial force (F.sub.a). Blocker shoulders (42d,54c and 42e,54d) prevent asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Eugene R. Braun
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Patent number: 5924535Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (20) with friction members (30, 40 and 32, 42), jaw members (34, 50 and 36, 52), three circumferentially spaced pins (44) including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches, and pre-energizer assemblies (48) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (46), and self-energizing ramps (24d, 24e, 26d, 26e) defined by posts (24c, 26c) projecting from a hub (22) and self-energizing ramps (54b, 54c, 54d, 54e) defined by a ring integrally formed with the flange and two of the jaw members. The self-energizing ramps remain engaged when the jaw clutches are engaged to assist keeping the jaw clutches engaged. A modified synchronizer 120 includes springs 155 to control/limit the additive force provided by the self-energizing ramps.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Joseph D. Reynolds, Eugene R. Braun
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Patent number: 5901824Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer (10) with friction rings (22, 36 and 24, 38), jaw members (30, 26, 28), three circumferentially spaced pins (40) including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw members, pre-energizer assemblies (42) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (32), and self-energizing cams (32f, 32g, 20e, 20f) producing an additive axial force (F.sub.a) in response to either of the cams (32f, 32g) moving a link (48) radially inward against either of the cams (20e, 20f). The synchronizer may include springs (50) to limit the additive axial force (F.sub.a) and curved ramps (20e', 20f') to vary the additive axial force (F.sub.a).Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Richard A. Nellums
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Patent number: 5901823Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer (10) with friction rings (22, 36 and 24, 38), jaw members (30, 26, 28), three circumferentially spaced pins (40)including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw members, pre-energizer assemblies (42) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (32), and self-energizing cams (32f, 32g, 20e, 20f) producing an additive axial force (F.sub.a) in response to either of the cams (32f, 32g) moving a rigid link (48) radially inward against either of the cams (20e, 20f). In a modified embodiment the links (48) are replaced by spring capsules (60) which limit the maximum additive force (F.sub.a).Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Richard A. Nellums
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Patent number: 5865287Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (10) with friction rings (26, 46 and 28, 48), jaw members (30, 38 and 32, 40) axially secured together by retainers (44), three circumferentially spaced pins (50) including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches, and pre-energizer assemblies (52) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (42), and self-energizing ramps (20a-20d and 62a-62d). The synchronizer includes improved jaw members and self energizing ramps, an improved shift flange, improved pre-energizers, and improved jaw member retainers.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert E. Servoss
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Patent number: 5819900Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (10) with friction members (34, 46 and 36, 48), jaw members (30, 38 and 32, 40) axially secured together by retainers (44), three circumferentially spaced pins (50) including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches, and pre-energizer assemblies (52) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (42), and self-energizing ramps (24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) defined by posts (24b) projecting from a hub (20) and self-energizing ramps (42g, 42h, 42,k, 43m) defined by the flange. The synchronizer includes improved jaw members and improved self energizing ramps.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Joseph D. Reynolds
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Patent number: 5769198Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (10) with friction rings (26, 46 and 28, 48), jaw members (30, 38 and 32, 40) axially secured together by retainers (44), three circumferentially spaced pins (50) including blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches, and pre-energizer assemblies (52) to ensure initial engagement of the friction rings and blocker shoulders in response to initial engaging movement of a shift flange (42), and self-energizing ramps (20a-20d and 62a-62d). The synchronizer includes improved jaw members and self energizing ramps, an improved shift flange, improved pre-energizers, and improved jaw member retainers.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James D. Gluys, Timothy S. Smith
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Patent number: RE35796Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (22) with friction clutches (24,36 and 26,38), jaw clutches (28,14b and 30,16b), and self-energizing ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (12) and a shift flange (32). The shift flange is rotatable relative to the shaft and jaw clutch members (28,30), and defines three reaction portions (32b) which act against three sets of ramps (52a,52b,52c,52d) defined by an annular sleeve assembly (30). The assembly (30) is fixed against rotational and axial movement relative to the shaft. The angles of the self-energizing ramps may be varied to provide substantially the same synchronizing time for several or all of the ratio gears in a multi-ratio transmission. Three circumferentially spaced pins (40) include blocker shoulders (40c,40d) for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches. Three pre-energizer assemblies (42) effect initial engagement of the friction clutches to ensure engagement of the blocker shoulders.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Otis J. Olson