Patents Assigned to Sonnax Industries, Inc.
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Patent number: 9851003Abstract: Systems and methods for remanufacturing solenoid valves that enable the repair, reassembly, and reuse of a solenoid are disclosed which may allow for a solenoid valve to be restored to proper working condition and avoid the need to completely replace a malfunctioning solenoid valve. Embodiments may also include solenoid remanufacturing kits that may include a brace for securing a valve housing of a remanufactured solenoid that has been opened for repair.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Patrick A. Keller
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Patent number: 9746089Abstract: Valve assemblies and associated methods are disclosed that may include a spool valve and one or more stationary inserts. In some examples, the stationary inserts may be configured to be fixed within a valve bore of a valve body to provide a fluid seal between an outer surface of the insert and the valve bore. Embodiments may also include valve assembly repair kits that may include a spool valve and a stationary insert for repairing a malfunctioning spool valve and methods for installing the same.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Jackson, Patrick A. Keller, Maura J. Stafford, Eric W. Streed, Robert C. Warnke
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Patent number: 9574653Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the ring gear in a Powerglide transmission are disclosed. Systems may include a radial stabilization member mountable to the planet carrier and individual bearing members mountable to an inner surface of the ring gear in opposition to the radial stabilization member. Axial stabilization may also be provided by an axial stabilization member configured and dimensioned to be positioned between the ring gear mid-step and reverse clutch pack apply plate. Methods include mounting the radial stabilization member on the planet carrier using attachment means and securing the bearing members to the inner surface of the ring gear in a spaced relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Randall R. Schroeder, Brian G. Rowell, Gregg A. Nader
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Patent number: 9562573Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a replacement forward drum for Ford's 4R70E/W and 4R75E/W transmissions. In one embodiment, a replacement forward drum is provided that may include a high-strength structure with oil feed passageways configured to provide fluid communication with one of Ford's OE 4R70E/W or 4R75E/W stator tubes.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Jordan L. Bowman
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Patent number: 9447871Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided for a multiple pressure ratio valve assembly that can be used in a plurality of systems requiring different operating pressures. In one embodiment, a multi-pressure ratio valve is provided, the valve having a fluid bypass portion and being configurable into a plurality of pressure ratio configurations by selectively blocking a portion of the fluid bypass such that the pressure ratio of the valve assembly may be varied. Embodiments of the invention may also include a valve sleeve configured for use in a plurality of transmissions, the multi-pressure ratio valve being configured to be slidably disposed within the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Maura J. Stafford, Donald G. Parrott
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Patent number: 9382924Abstract: An transmission servo assembly having a dual piston assembly for use in an automobile to transmission is described. The dual piston assembly includes a primary and a secondary piston that, when included within an assembly housing, provide surfaces that may be acted upon by a pressurized fluid so as to drive a servo pin into and away from a band within the transmission. The dual piston assembly allows for the application of a high apply force to servo pin while reducing the pressure of both an apply fluid and a release fluid, and therefore the amount of power used by a fluid pump external to the transmission servo assembly. The transmission servo assembly also substantially eliminates band drag by balancing the pressure applied to surfaces of dual piston system and by providing a biasing member designed and configured to provide suitable initial and ending forces to dual piston system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Andrew D. Dumas
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Patent number: 8998768Abstract: A reverse clutch and planetary gear set are provided that can be installed in an automotive transmission. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch and planetary gear set are configured and dimensioned to be installed in a Powerglide transmission case. In other embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased mean diameter. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased static holding capacity. In another embodiment, the planetary gear set can have a reduced numerical first gear ratio. In other embodiments, the planetary gear set can have components with increased strength. Methods for modifying a transmission to install a reverse clutch and planetary gear set are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian Rowell, Gregg Nader
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Patent number: 8955533Abstract: A multiple pressure ratio valve assembly is provided that may be used in a plurality of systems requiring different operating pressures. In one embodiment, a valve assembly and a plurality of interchangeable valves is provided, the interchangeable valves being configured to be installed within the same valve bore diameter, and the valves having different surface areas such that a pressure ratio of the valve assembly may be varied depending on which of the plurality of valves is installed. In some embodiments, the valves may have one or more fluid bypass portions. Embodiments of the invention may also include one or more shims that may be used to further adjust the pressure ratio of the valve assembly. Methods of repairing a valve assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Maura J. Stafford
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Patent number: 8919381Abstract: There is provided a fluid rerouting system for valve bodies that use hydraulic pressure, via a balance pressure line, to move spools. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a valve sleeve having a plurality of ports that are substantially aligned with a plurality of fluid connections in the mating bore, except that no valve sleeve port aligns with the balance pressure line. The system also includes a spool having a plurality of lands that are sized and configured to fit slidably in said valve sleeve. The combination of the valve sleeve and at least one of the lands form a chamber, fluid access to which is via an aperture traversing the land. Means for blocking the access of said balance pressure line to said valve sleeve are also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Maura J. Stafford, Robert C. Warnke
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Patent number: 8857592Abstract: A kit for improving the performance of a clutch assembly, including at least one steel plate configured and dimensioned to be received through the open end of the housing and disposed in mating relationship with a terminal one of the plural friction elements, at least one friction disk configured and dimensioned to be received through the open end of the housing and disposed in mating relationship with the at least one steel plate to form in combination with the plural friction elements and plural steel plates an extended interleaved stack, with the at least one friction disk forming a new terminal friction element, and a retaining ring configured and dimensioned to be secured over the open end of the housing and including an integrally formed, annular inner friction surface adapted to confront the new terminal friction element to directly receive forces applied through the clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Gregg A. Nader
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Patent number: 8794108Abstract: A fluid accumulator assembly used with 2002 to 2005 model years of ZF Getriebe's GmbH ZF-6HP19, ZF-6HP26, ZF-6HP32 automatic transmissions, and model years up to 2011 of Ford's 6R60 automatic transmissions. The fluid accumulator assembly includes a piston that can be received into a bore that is in fluid communication with a solenoid-controlled fluid circuit of the transmission. The fluid accumulator assembly also includes a compression spring sized and configured to fit within the piston, and used to provide an urging force to the piston.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Warnke, MacKenzie M. Campbell
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Patent number: 8707573Abstract: A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: William M. DeRoche, Garry J. Emge
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Patent number: 8486277Abstract: An internal bypass filtration circuit including a microfine depth filtration cartridge, which operates in combination with the sump filter of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present depth filtration cartridge functions to remove particulate matter as small as five microns to improve fluid cleanliness level without restricting fluid flow to the pump ensuring its volumetric efficiency. In one embodiment transmission fluid passes through a calibrated orifice in the bypass circuit to regulate flow to the depth filtration cartridge. In an alternate embodiment the depth filter media itself regulates filtration below a predetermined fluid pressure. The internal bypass circuit is installed by accessing a pressurized fluid circuit in the transmission valve body. A hydraulic bypass line interconnects such pressurized fluid circuit with the depth filtration cartridge, which is mounted internally of the transmission housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Gregg A. Nader
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Patent number: 8469151Abstract: An aftermarket ATF cooler bypass apparatus for replacement of an original equipment ATF cooler for VW/AUDI and other similar vehicles. The present cooler bypass apparatus is provided in a service kit comprising a pair of cylindrical ATF chambers, which are mounted on the transmission case in fluid communication with integrated hydraulic pressure and return circuits. The present ATF chambers are provided with hose fittings for attachment of hydraulic lines that deliver ATF to an aftermarket cooler, which is remotely mounted on the vehicle at a suitable location. Conventional hose clamps and a hose coupling are provided in the present kit to interconnect the engine coolant hoses, which are disconnected from the original equipment cooler in a method of the present invention. The present kit also includes new O-ring seals for installation on the original equipment cooler retaining bolts to ensure the hydraulic integrity of the present ATF cooler bypass apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: MacKenzie Campbell
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Publication number: 20130152778Abstract: An transmission servo assembly having a dual piston assembly for use in an automobile to transmission is described. The dual piston assembly includes a primary and a secondary piston that, when included within an assembly housing, provide surfaces that may be acted upon by a pressurized fluid so as to drive a servo pin into and away from a band within the transmission. The dual piston assembly allows for the application of a high apply force to servo pin while reducing the pressure of both an apply fluid and a release fluid, and therefore the amount of power used by a fluid pump external to the transmission servo assembly. The transmission servo assembly also substantially eliminates band drag by balancing the pressure applied to surfaces of dual piston system and by providing a biasing member designed and configured to provide suitable initial and ending forces to dual piston system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: SONNAX INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Andrew D. Dumas
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Publication number: 20130147154Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting torque transferred from an engine or motor to a drive shaft or other components. In some embodiments, the torque-limiting device has a spindle disposed within both coupling flanges to increase the resistance to radial forces and to maintain coaxial alignment of the flanges and attached drive shafts. In some embodiments, the axial spacing of bearings that enable rotation of the coupling flanges is based upon the diameter of the spindle. In another embodiment, torque-limiting devices that maintain coaxial alignment may be used to modify vehicle drive shafts to enable long distance towing for long durations at high speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: SONNAX INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130098465Abstract: There is provided a fluid rerouting system for valve bodies that use hydraulic pressure, via a balance pressure line, to move spools. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a valve sleeve having a plurality of ports that are substantially aligned with a plurality of fluid connections in the mating bore, except that no valve sleeve port aligns with the balance pressure line. The system also includes a spool having a plurality of lands that are sized and configured to fit slidably in said valve sleeve. The combination of the valve sleeve and at least one of the lands form a chamber, fluid access to which is via an aperture traversing the land. Means for blocking the access of said balance pressure line to said valve sleeve are also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: SONNAX INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Maura J. Stafford, Robert C. Warnke
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Publication number: 20130041596Abstract: A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: SONNAX INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
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Patent number: D755250Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Edward J. Lee
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Patent number: D784101Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Patrick A. Keller