Patents Assigned to Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140050602
    Abstract: A combination pump comprising: a water pump having: a rotor including a stationary shaft, a stator, and an. isolation jacket, an oil pump having: a rotor that surrounds the isolation jacket of the water pump, an eccentric shaft attached to the rotor, a rotary pump in communication with the eccentric shall so that as the eccentric rotates the rotary pump is rotated and pumps a fluid; wherein the water pump rotor and the oil pump rotor are driven by a common magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Muizelaar, Liping Wang
  • Publication number: 20140017073
    Abstract: An electric pump comprising: a rotor, a wet sleeve surrounding the rotor; and a stator surrounding the wet sleeve and the rotor; wherein the rotor and stator have a magnetic air gap of about 2 mm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Muizelaar, Nicholas J. Glowacki, Liping Wang, Dave A. Moritz, Kyle Mills, Andrew Lakerdas
  • Publication number: 20140007638
    Abstract: A flow-forming machine and method for forming a final part having helical splines. The flow forming machine is provided with a stripper plate for removing the final part having the helical splines therein from the mandrel and a thrust bearing is located between the stripper plate and the final part during stripping of the final part from the mandrel to allow relative motion between the stripper plate and the final part to successfully strip the final part from the mandrel without damaging and while maintaining the integrity of the helical splines of the final part. The ejector driver and mandrel may be rotated in either direction to help in successfully stripping the final part from the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Bahman Abbassian, Lisa Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8626417
    Abstract: A system and method using a vehicle drive shaft torque coupled to a driven wheel and a non-driven wheel speed for a vehicle throttle control system includes reading first and second torque values generated by the torque sensor. The method identifies when a sustained drop occurs between the first and second torque values. Another step determines if a change occurred between the first and second torque value readings in any of: a throttle position; a gear setting; and a brake pressure. A detected traction loss is signaled when the sustained drop occurred with no change between the first and second torque value readings in the throttle position, gear setting, and brake pressure. A desired throttle value is calculated using an engine torque and a target engine speed to prevent driven wheel slip. A throttle command signal changes an existing throttle value to the desired throttle value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid A. Oral
  • Publication number: 20130345015
    Abstract: A transfer case (10) includes an input shaft (12), first and second output shafts (14, 16) and a planetary gearset (18) having a sun gear (74), a ring gear (70), a carrier (84, 90) and a pinion gear (78) meshingly engaged with the sun and ring gears. A range actuator (20) includes first, second and third range sleeves (22, 24, 26) abutted in series being axially translatable between a first position (H) to provide a drive connection between the input shaft (12) and the first output shaft (14), a second position (HL) providing a direct drive ratio connection between the input shaft (12) and the first output shaft (14) as well as the input shaft (12) and a second output shaft (16), and a third position (L) to provide a reduced speed drive ratio connection between the input shaft (12) and the first output shaft (14) as well as the input shaft (12) and the second output shaft (16). The gears of the planetary gearset (18) are not driven when the range sleeves are at the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley R. Larkin, Douglas O. Bradley
  • Patent number: 8613143
    Abstract: A method of assembling a planetary gearset includes die-forming a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth on a sun gear, a planet gear and a ring gear. Each tooth includes a pair of tooth flanks in a final net form for engagement with mating gear teeth. The sun gear teeth have a conical shape to allow a first die to linearly move relative to a second die after the gear teeth are die-formed. The planet gears are mounted on a carrier. The sun gear and the planet gear are oriented such that the conical shapes of the respective gear teeth taper in opposite directions from one another and the planet gear teeth meshingly engage with both the ring gear teeth and the sun gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Fitzgerald, Burke Smith, David W. Wenthen
  • Publication number: 20130336808
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane oil pump for use in a vehicle powertrain includes a mechanical drive coupled to a first portion of a rotor and an electrical drive coupled to a second portion of the rotor such that the variable displacement vane pump may be driven by either or both the mechanical and electrical drives to achieve greater efficiency and control while maintaining oil pressure under all circumstances including start/stop conditions. The oil pump, when being driven by the mechanical drive only, remains coupled to the electric drive such that it rotates the motor of the electric drive to generate electricity that may be used to recharge a source of electricity such as a battery. The electric drive further includes a four phase controller for controlling the motor of the electric drive to efficiently operate the variable displacement vane oil pump without the use of a pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Liping Wang, Richard Muizelaar, Matthew Williamson
  • Patent number: 8608611
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 8607666
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by a power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to a first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to a second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes diverge from one another. A transfer unit includes a drive member rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a driven member coupled to the second output shaft. A joint is positioned within a cavity formed in the driven member and drivingly interconnects the driven member and the second output shaft. The driven member includes first and second portions separable from and re-mountable to each other to allow service to the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, William A. Hellinger, Dale R. Fine
  • Publication number: 20130281259
    Abstract: A pre-transmission unit for a hybrid drive system includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by an internal combustion engine. An electric motor includes a rotor fixed for rotation with an output shaft, and a stator fixed to a housing. A multi-plate clutch is positioned in the housing to drivingly interconnect the input shaft and the rotor. The clutch includes a piston for applying an input force to the clutch plates. A pump is positioned in the housing and includes an input member fixed for rotation with the rotor. The pump provides pressurized fluid to the piston. A valve regulates the fluid pressure applied to the piston and varies the torque transferred by the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley R. Larkin, Douglas Bradley
  • Publication number: 20130263452
    Abstract: A method of assembling a planetary gearset includes die-forming plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth on a sun gear, a planet gear an a ring gear. Each tooth includes a pair of tooth flanks in a final net form for engagement with mating gear teeth. The sun gear teeth have a conical shape to allow a first die to linearly move relative to a second die after the gear teeth are die-formed. The planet gears are mounted on a carrier. The sun gear and the planet gear are oriented such that the conical shapes of the respective gear teeth taper in opposite directions from one another and the planet gear teeth meshingly engage with both the ring gear teeth and the sun gear teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Brian Fitzgerald, Burke Smith, David W. Wenthen
  • Publication number: 20130263684
    Abstract: A sector plate assembly for a shift mechanism in an automotive vehicle includes a first sector plate being rotatable about an axis and including a peripheral edge having a camming surface. A second sector plate is rotatably coupled to the first sector plate for rotation about the axis. The second sector plate includes an arcuately contoured slot. A biasing member is connected to the first and second sector plates to urge the sector plates toward a predetermined relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Chad McCloy
  • Patent number: 8479851
    Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor assembly having a cartridge housing containing a stator, a rotor, and a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is supported by the cartridge housing. The electric motor assembly is positioned within an axle housing. A reduction unit includes an input member being driven by the rotor shaft and includes an output member driven at a reduced speed relative to the input member. A differential assembly includes an input driven by the output member, a first differential output driving a first output shaft, and a second differential output driving a second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, Harminder Mann
  • Publication number: 20130090829
    Abstract: A system and method using a vehicle drive shaft torque coupled to a driven wheel and a non-driven wheel speed for a vehicle throttle control system includes reading first and second torque values generated by the torque sensor. The method identifies when a sustained drop occurs between the first and second torque values. Another step determines if a change occurred between the first and second torque value readings in any of: a throttle position; a gear setting; and a brake pressure. A detected traction loss is signaled when the sustained drop occurred with no change between the first and second torque value readings in the throttle position, gear setting, and brake pressure. A desired throttle value is calculated using an engine torque and a target engine speed to prevent driven wheel slip. A throttle command signal changes an existing throttle value to the desired throttle value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130062154
    Abstract: A torque transfer device (34) for a motor vehicle includes a clutch (50) for transferring torque between first and second shafts (76, 78). An electromagnetic actuator (98, 102) includes an axially moveable armature (102) for applying an application force to the clutch (50). An actuator control system includes a position sensor (118c) operable to output a signal indicative of a position of the armature (102). The control system determines a target torque to be transferred by the clutch (50) and a target armature position based on a previously determined clutch torque vs. armature position relationship. The control system varies an electrical input to the electromagnetic actuator (98, 102) to perform closed loop control of the armature position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Hsing-Hua Fan
  • Patent number: 8388486
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Publication number: 20120329566
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by a power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to a first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to a second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes diverge from one another. A transfer unit includes a drive member rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a driven member coupled to the second output shaft. A joint is positioned within a cavity formed in the driven member and drivingly interconnects the driven member and the second output shaft. The driven member includes first and second portions separable from and re-mountable to each other to allow service to the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, William A. Hellinger, Dale R. Fine
  • Patent number: 8321115
    Abstract: A system and method using a vehicle drive shaft torque coupled to a driven wheel and a non-driven wheel speed for a vehicle throttle control system includes reading first and second torque values generated by the torque sensor. The method identifies when a sustained drop occurs between the first and second torque values. Another step determines if a change occurred between the first and second torque value readings in any of: a throttle position; a gear setting; and a brake pressure. A detected traction loss is signaled when the sustained drop occurred with no change between the first and second torque value readings in the throttle position, gear setting, and brake pressure. A desired throttle value is calculated using an engine torque and a target engine speed to prevent driven wheel slip. A throttle command signal changes an existing throttle value to the desired throttle value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid A. Oral
  • Patent number: 8316738
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a power source and first and second drivelines includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to the first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to the second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes do not extend parallel to each other. A transfer unit includes a first cylindrically-shaped gear rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a second conically-shaped gear fixed for rotation with the second output shaft. The first and second gears are in constant meshed engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Hellinger, John D. Zalewski, David W. Wenthen, Brian M. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8267833
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin