Patents Assigned to ATC Drivetrain, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7712217
    Abstract: An improved system and method for disassembling the valve body assembly of a motor vehicle transmission. Air automatically ejects the internal components of a valve body assembly sub-assembly, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to manually “beat” the sub-assembly to remove said internal components. The process of separating the upper and lower sub-assembly, and of pre-washing the sub-assembly, remain the same as in the prior art. As before, the operator manually removes the valve retainers and plugs in each sub-assembly. The operator then loads either sub-assembly onto tooling specifically designed for that sub-assembly (either upper or lower). Once started, the tooling begins an automated, pre-programmed sequence of (1) clamping the sub-assembly, (2) injecting air into specific valve ports to eject internal components causing them to be automatically ejected into parts bins specified for each valve port, and (3) releasing the sub-assembly that no longer contains any internal parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ATC Drivetrain, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Bench, Glenn C. Blanton, Greg E. Cherry, Gregory J. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7529697
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying an unknown object from an object class such as transmissions, engines, and other parts. The system utilizes a classification scheme configured to distinguish objects of the object class based upon variations observable through visual inspection. In many instances, these variations can be relatively obscure. In use, the system presents sets of options for selection by a user. Each set is directed to a particular feature for distinguishing objects of the object class, and each option represents a distinct configuration for the corresponding feature. The system receives a selection of one of the options from each set of options presented that corresponds to a feature found on the unknown object. Once the system receives sufficient information in accordance with the classification scheme, it presents an identification for the unknown object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: ATC Drivetrain, Inc.
    Inventors: David Miles, David Arney