Patents Assigned to KIT MASTERS
  • Publication number: 20230417295
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN
  • Patent number: 11624410
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: 10808776
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Publication number: 20200240478
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN
  • Patent number: 10677326
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 10408280
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: 10132367
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Publication number: 20180073576
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Dale SCHERMAN, Daniel HUWE
  • Publication number: 20180058550
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 9853531
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
  • Patent number: 9845836
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 9772009
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Publication number: 20160348766
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN, Daniel HUWE
  • Publication number: 20150369306
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Dale SCHERMAN, Daniel HUWE
  • Patent number: 9151340
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has a nose cap and a piston that is movable in an axial direction with respect to the nose cap. A seal disposed in the axial direction between the nose cap and the piston automatically locks the clutch device when a threshold amount of wear has accrued in a friction interface of the clutch device. If the seal is not compressed in the axial direction, then a pressurized fluid can flow past the seal and the piston is displaced in the axial direction away from the nose cap. If the seal is compressed in the axial direction, then the pressurized fluid does not flow past the seal and the piston is not displaced in the axial direction away from the nose cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Jake Braukmann, Daniel Huwe, Thomas Jagger
  • Patent number: 9133889
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
  • Patent number: 9121461
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction medium is disposed between the input member and an output member. The output member rotates on a bearing coupled to a piston. The piston translates relative to the input member, between an engaged position in which the friction ring frictionally engages with the input member, thereby driving the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which the friction ring is spaced apart from the input member. A biasing member urges the piston toward the engaged position. A pressurized fluid in a fluid receiving chamber selectively urges the piston toward the disengaged position. A resistance member disposed in a chamber containing a viscous fluid transfers torque from the input member to rotate the output member at a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 9086102
    Abstract: A clutch system may include in certain embodiments a clutch body attached to a drive member such as a drive pulley, wherein the clutch body may be removed from the drive member without disassembling the clutch body. In various embodiments, the clutch body may include two clutch plates which enclose a spring-loaded pneumatic reciprocating assembly that in operation causes the plates to selectively separate and engage one another. In certain embodiments, the clutch body may be readily attached to a associated drive pulley in a single step by installation of a single set of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS INC.
    Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger, George S. Pieper
  • Patent number: 9046137
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS INC.
    Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
  • Patent number: D726768
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman