Patents Assigned to Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10059201
    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 first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN USA, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Patent number: 9242555
    Abstract: A transmission to transfer power from an electric motor to first and second axles of a vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the electric motor and a first planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set has a first member driven by the first planetary gear set, a second member restricted from rotation and a third member. A differential assembly has a first side gear adapted to drive the first axle, a second side gear adapted to drive the second axle and a pair of pinion gears meshed with the first and second side gears. A first clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the first member and the differential assembly. A second clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the third member and the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 9057441
    Abstract: A mechanism with an inner race, which has cams, an outer race and rollers between the cams and the outer race. The inner race has a first notch while the outer race has a second notch with a narrow portion and a wider portion. A member is disposed in the first and second notches. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the narrow portion of the second notch inhibits relative rotation between the inner and outer races and power is not transmitted between the outer race and a power transmitting member, such as a gear. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the wider portion of the second notch permits some relative rotation between the inner and outer races to cause the cams to urge the rollers outwardly so that the outer race frictionally engages the power transmitting member to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fleishman, Duane Golden
  • Patent number: 9017204
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for transferring drive torque from a powertrain to a driveline in a motor vehicle includes a planetary gearset, a reaction motor, and a control system. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear driven by the powertrain, a ring gear driven by the reaction motor, a carrier driving the driveline, and pinion gears meshed with the sun gear and the ring gear. The control system controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the ring gear and define a gear ratio between the sun gear and the carrier based on the ring gear speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8968135
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8870698
    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: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, Harminder Mann
  • Patent number: 8795117
    Abstract: A transmission for transferring torque from a prime mover includes a first input shaft adapted to be driven by the prime mover, a second input shaft, an output shaft and an epicyclic gearset. The gearset includes a ring gear being driven by the first input shaft, pinion gears being driven by the ring gear, a sun gear driven by the second input shaft and driving the pinion gears, and a carrier driving the output shaft. A reaction motor drives the second input shaft. A controller controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the second input shaft and define a gear ratio between the first input shaft and the output shaft based on the second input shaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8763777
    Abstract: A torque transfer coupling includes first and second rotary members. A transfer clutch operatively connects the first and second rotary members. A piston, disposed in a piston chamber, is actuable to engage the transfer clutch. A hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a sump containing hydraulic fluid has a first pump member fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second pump member fixed for rotation with the second rotary member such that relative rotation between the first and the second pump members generates a fluid pumping action. A first flow path supplies hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the piston chamber. A second flow path supplies hydraulic fluid from the piston chamber to a control valve for regulating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the piston chamber. The second flow path includes an aperture extending through the second pump member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Todd Ekonen
  • Publication number: 20140060227
    Abstract: A mechanism with an inner race, which has cams, an outer race and rollers between the cams and the outer race. The inner race has a first notch while the outer race has a second notch with a narrow portion and a wider portion. A member is disposed in the first and second notches. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the narrow portion of the second notch inhibits relative rotation between the inner and outer races and power is not transmitted between the outer race and a power transmitting member, such as a gear. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the wider portion of the second notch permits some relative rotation between the inner and outer races to cause the cams to urge the rollers outwardly so that the outer race frictionally engages the power transmitting member to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fleishman, Duane Golden
  • Publication number: 20140031161
    Abstract: A transmission to transfer power from an electric motor to first and second axles of a vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the electric motor and a first planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set has a first member driven by the first planetary gear set, a second member restricted from rotation and a third member. A differential assembly has a first side gear adapted to drive the first axle, a second side gear adapted to drive the second axle and a pair of pinion gears meshed with the first and second side gears. A first clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the first member and the differential assembly. A second clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the third member and the differential assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Publication number: 20130345007
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for transferring drive torque from a powertrain to a driveline in a motor vehicle includes a planetary gearset, a reaction motor, and a control system. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear driven by the powertrain, a ring gear driven by the reaction motor, a carrier driving the driveline, and pinion gears meshed with the sun gear and the ring gear. The control system controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the ring gear and define a gear ratio between the sun gear and the carrier based on the ring gear speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8578804
    Abstract: A mechanism with an inner race, which has cams, an outer race and rollers between the cams and the outer race. The inner race has a first notch while the outer race has a second notch with a narrow portion and a wider portion. A member is disposed in the first and second notches. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the narrow portion of the second notch inhibits relative rotation between the inner and outer races and power is not transmitted between the outer race and a power transmitting member, such as a gear. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the wider portion of the second notch permits some relative rotation between the inner and outer races to cause the cams to urge the rollers outwardly so that the outer race frictionally engages the power transmitting member to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fleishman, Duane Golden
  • Patent number: 8517882
    Abstract: A transmission to transfer power from an electric motor to first and second axles of a vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the electric motor and a first planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set has a first member driven by the first planetary gear set, a second member restricted from rotation and a third member. A differential assembly has a first side gear adapted to drive the first axle, a second side gear adapted to drive the second axle and a pair of pinion gears meshed with the first and second side gears. A first clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the first member and the differential assembly. A second clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the third member and the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8419578
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8313407
    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 first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by either of the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin
  • Patent number: 8312975
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a vehicle includes a brake control unit having a mechanically actuated master cylinder and an electric motor driven pump. The master cylinder and the pump are each adapted to separately provide pressurized fluid to a brake cylinder. A hydraulically actuated drive coupling selectively transfers torque between rotatable input and output shafts. The rotatable output shaft is adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The hydraulic control unit is in receipt of pressurized fluid from the pump. The hydraulic control unit includes a valve moveable between a first position where the drive coupling is in communication with the pressurized fluid and torque is transferred by the coupling and a second position where the pressure of the fluid in the cavity is reduced to reduce the torque transferred by the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Hsing Hua Fan, Donald Zucaro
  • Patent number: 8307731
    Abstract: A driveline component with a first drive member, which is rotatable about an axis, a second drive member and a clutch. The second drive member has a hub, which is supported on the first drive member for rotation about the axis, and a transmission portion. The transmission portion, which is configured to engage a flexible power transmitting member, is disposed about the hub and aligned to a transmission axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The clutch has a spring and a set of interleaved clutch plates having portions that are coupled for rotation with a respective one of the first drive member and the second drive member. The spring generates a force that is transmitted through the hub such that the clutch plates frictionally engage one another. The location of the transmission portion relative to the transmission axis is unaffected by wearing of the set of clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Anupam Sharma
  • Patent number: 8308462
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotatable shaft having an axis of rotation. A lubrication pump includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor in meshed engagement with one another. A clutch continuously drivingly couples one of the inner rotor and the outer rotor and the shaft to limit the power transferred from the shaft to the lubrication pump. The clutch includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart protrusions biasedly engaged with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Sankar K. Mohan, Timothy M. Burns, Jeremy M. Klyde
  • Patent number: 8267235
    Abstract: A friction clutch comprising a plurality of first clutch plates and a plurality of second clutch plates, wherein at least a portion of each of the first clutch plates is frusto-conical in shape and wherein at last a portion of each of the second clutch plates has a shape that conforms to the at least the portion of the first clutch plates. A method for forming a friction clutch is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Anupam Sharma
  • Patent number: 8235860
    Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, and a planetary gearset including a sun gear, a ring gear and planet gears rotatably supported on a carrier coupled to the first output shaft. A collar is driven by the sun gear and selectively drives the carrier. The ring gear is moveable between first and second positions. The collar is coupled to the ring gear for movement therewith between first and second positions. The collar is operable in its first position to couple the sun gear to the carrier and operable in its second position to be released from engagement with the carrier. The ring gear is operable in its first position to be released from coupled engagement with a stationary member and operable in its second position to be coupled to the stationary member. A mechanism moves the ring gear between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams