Patents Examined by Mark A Manley
  • Patent number: 11421767
    Abstract: A torque converter comprising a front cover, an impeller having an impeller shell connected to the front cover, a turbine having a turbine shell and at least one blade attached thereto, and a lock-up clutch configured to selectively couple the turbine shell to the impeller shell for torque transmission therebetween is provided. In embodiments, the lock-up clutch comprises a clutch plate connected to the turbine shell and extending radially outward therefrom. The clutch plate may include a first end, a second end, and a slot defined between the first and the second ends. The lock-up clutch further may include a piston connected to the front cover, and a piston actuation plate connected to the piston, wherein the piston is configured to actuate the piston actuation plate to close the lock-up clutch to connect the turbine shell to the impeller shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kyle Nelson, Victor Norwich
  • Patent number: 11378138
    Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an input shaft and an output shaft, co-axially arranged relative to the input shaft. The clutch assembly further comprises an input clutch drum, fixed to the input shaft, and an output clutch drum, translatable relative to the output shaft. The clutch assembly further comprises a clutch pack and a clutch piston that is translatable relative to the output shaft between, inclusively, a frictionally disengaged clutch-pack position and a frictionally engaged clutch-pack position. The clutch assembly additionally comprises a clutch-pack engagement spring. The output clutch drum is translatable between, inclusively, a fully disengaged position and, inclusively, a positively engaged position. When the clutch piston is in the frictionally disengaged clutch-pack position, the internal splines of the output clutch drum are not in mesh with the external splines of the input clutch drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary A. Craig
  • Patent number: 11371595
    Abstract: A torque converter comprising a front cover, an impeller having an impeller shell connected to the front cover, a turbine having a turbine shell, and a lock-up clutch configured to selectively couple the turbine shell to the impeller shell for torque transmission therebetween is disclosed. In embodiments, the lock-up clutch comprises a flange connected to the turbine shell that extends radially outward therefrom, a piston disposed axially between the front cover and the turbine, and a piston actuation plate connected to the piston. The piston may be connected to the front cover and configured to actuate the piston actuation plate to press the flange against the impeller shell to connect the turbine shell to the impeller shell for torque transmission therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patrick Lindemann, Kelly Gabor
  • Patent number: 11371608
    Abstract: In the park lock arrangement according to embodiments, a pivoting park pawl is arranged with a roller member against which a lower bearing surface of an actuating member is configured to bear for controlling the park pawl to pivot between a park release position and a park lock position. An upper bearing surface of the actuating member is further configured to bear against an actuator support roller being configured to assist the actuating member in pressing against the roller member of the park pawl to cause the park pawl to pivot. The roller member and the actuator support roller will decrease frictional force arising when the actuating member moves into contact with the roller member for pivoting the park pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Tommie Hall, Rafal Kisielewicz
  • Patent number: 11371607
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device (1) of a parking brake, comprising a ratchet wheel (10) movable about an axis of rotation (X), at least two pawls (20) which can engage in the ratchet wheel (10) to fix it, an actuating device (50) and a coupling element (30), wherein the coupling element (30) couples the at least two pawls (20) to the actuating device (50), and wherein the coupling element (30) is movable by the actuating device (50) into a first position (A), in which the at least two pawls (20) allow rotation of the ratchet wheel (10) in a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation, and a second position (B), in which the at least two pawls (20) can engage in the ratchet wheel (10) and allow rotation in only the first direction of rotation. The present invention also relates to a parking brake with a locking device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: IMS GEAR SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Johannes Stöhr, Fabian Gruler, Wilfried Synovzik
  • Patent number: 11346444
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an actuation system for a parking mechanism in a transmission system of a vehicle. In one example, a system may include an actuator coupled to a lever arm via one or more parallel axis gears, and a shaft connecting the lever arm to a pawl of the parking mechanism, the lever arm non-back drivable at each of a first state and a second state of the actuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Z. Creech
  • Patent number: 11339834
    Abstract: A conveying device is located inside a clutch device to amplify a fluid flow in an axial direction, i.e. parallel to a rotation axis of the clutch device, and hence the fluid flow can be kept sufficiently great even in the moved portions of a fluid line. The conveying device can be used in clutch devices which are arranged as separating clutches in a hybrid module. The conveying device allows even the complicated fluid lines within hybrid modules to be supplied with sufficient fluid at all times. The conveying device may be arranged at least on the first or second clutch side, and hence the quantity of conveyed fluid is dependent on the rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Weis, Steffen Huber, Jens Genter, Andreas Trinkenschuh, Gerold Steinel, Felix Vogel
  • Patent number: 11326651
    Abstract: A shifting system includes an input member, a disconnect, an output member, and a shifting assembly to selectively rotationally couple the input member and the output member. The shifting assembly includes an input hub having a disconnectable component engageable with the disconnect and a clutch engagement component extending radially away from an axis. A plurality of clutch plates is coupled to the clutch engagement component and is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions. A biasing member is coupled to the clutch plates to bias the clutch plates toward the engaged position, and an apply plate is coupled to the biasing member. The apply plate is moveable between a first plate position where the clutch plates are in the engaged position, and a second plate position where the clutch plates are in the disengaged position. A clutch plate carrier is coupled to the clutch plates and to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Borg Warner Inc.
    Inventors: Xinqian Xiang, Calahan B. Campton, R. Keith Martin
  • Patent number: 11320002
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism that is configured to be driven in rotation about an axis and includes two assemblies, each assembly including at least an outer disc carrier externally delimiting a cavity, a clutch comprising a stack of coupling discs, and friction discs, the stack being housed in the cavity and configured to be driven in rotation about the axis, a reaction member configured to allow compression of the coupling discs against the friction discs in an engaged position of the clutch, the clutch mechanism comprising at least one device for assembling the two assemblies, the clutch mechanism including at least one device for adjusting an axial distance between the two clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Laurent Caumartin, Rabah Arhab, Herve Ribot, David Delplace
  • Patent number: 11300186
    Abstract: A launch device for coupling a rotary output of a prime mover to a rotary input of a transmission. The launch device includes a front cover connected to the rotary output member of the prime mover and an output hub connected to the rotary input of the transmission. A rear cover cooperates with the front cover to define a chamber in which an impeller and a turbine are located. A damper is coupled between the turbine and the output hub and a lock-out clutch is coupled to the damper to releasably lock the damper for rotation with one of the front and rear covers. Connecting the clutch assembly to the damper is a clutch plate in which a clutch drum of the clutch assembly is unitarily formed with the input members of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Exedy GlobalParts Corporation
    Inventor: Hanjun He
  • Patent number: 11293535
    Abstract: A launch device coupling a prime mover to a transmission. The launch device includes a front cover for connecting to the output of the prime mover and an output hub for connecting to the input of the transmission. A rear cover is connected to the front cover and cooperates to define a chamber. Within the chamber are an impeller and a turbine having a plurality of opposing blades such that hydraulic fluid is directed from the impeller blades and toward the turbine blades. A main damper is provided between the turbine and output hub of the launch device. Coupled to the main damper is a lock-out clutch configured to releasably lock the main damper for rotation with one of the front and rear covers. The launch device also includes an active dynamic damper system coupled to the main damper and configured to reduce resonance influence on the main damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: EXEDY GLOBALPARTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Kitada, Scott Binder, Ken Mototsune, Daniel Leschuk
  • Patent number: 11280393
    Abstract: A torque converter comprises a front cover, an impeller including an impeller shell fixed to the front cover, and a turbine including a turbine shell axially movable to frictionally engage the impeller shell such that the turbine shell forms a piston of a lock-up clutch. A reaction plate is positioned axially between the front cover and the turbine shell. A first pressure chamber is defined axially between the reaction plate and the turbine shell, a second pressure chamber is defined axially between the turbine shell and the impeller shell, and a third pressure chamber is defined axially between the reaction plate and the front cover. An output hub includes a first bore and a second bore radially offset from each other, wherein the first bore is in fluid communication with the first pressure chamber and the second bore is in fluid communication with the third pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Angel Salvador Flores
  • Patent number: 11268585
    Abstract: A driving apparatus 100 includes a motor 20 that generates drive power and power transmission units 30, 40, and 50 that transmit drive power of the motor 20 to an output shaft 60. The power transmission units 30, 40, and 50 include at least one of a clutch mechanism 30 that switches between a state where the motor 20 and the output shaft 60 are connected and a state where the motor 20 and the output shall 60 are disconnected, in accordance with movement of an operation rod 32, and a brake mechanism 40 that brakes rotation of the output shaft 60 in accordance with movement of an operation rod 43.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsunaga, Tsuyoshi Yoshigasaki, Kenta Kohigashi
  • Patent number: 11261967
    Abstract: A device for locking a piston rod of a piston includes a latching mechanism actuatable by an actuating element. The actuating element is fixedly arranged on an armature rod of an electromagnet, is clamped between two preloading springs, and includes two actuating contours. Components of the device are configured with respect to geometry and with respect to forces acting upon each of the components such that a permanent magnet holds the armature rod in a first position in the non-energized condition of an electromagnet and in the engaged condition of the parking lock and such that the electromagnet holds the armature rod in a second position in the energized condition and in the disengaged condition of the parking lock. The parking lock is disengageable in the pressurized condition of the piston and in the energized condition of the electromagnet, and the parking lock is engageable in the non-pressurized condition of the piston and in the non-energized condition of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Maik Wiesner, Florian Weinl, Dirk Leutheuser, Thomas Schwegler
  • Patent number: 11248662
    Abstract: A dual clutch unit includes an outer disk carrier rotationally driven about a rotation axis, first and second inner disk carriers, first and second disk packs for torque transmission between the outer disk carrier and the respective inner disk carrier, wherein the first and second inner disk carriers are arranged rotatably relative to each other about the rotation axis, a central oil supply to supply the first and second disk packs with coolant, a first distributor channel being formed in the first inner disk carrier and comprising a feed opening through which the first distributor channel is fluidly connected to the central oil supply, a second distributor channel being formed in the second inner disk carrier and being fluidly connected to the central oil supply via the first distributor channel, and drain channels being formed in the inner disk carriers to conduct the coolant into the disk packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Christoph Chatenay, Jan Haupt
  • Patent number: 11248663
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element and a torque output component acting as an output element, which can be connected to transmit a torque to the torque input component through a clutch which can be switched through friction elements, the clutch having two partial clutches by which the torque input component and the torque output component can be connected so as to transmit a torque, in which one of the two partial clutches is configured as a positive-fit clutch and the other of the two partial clutches is configured as a friction clutch. In addition, the disclosure relates to a hybrid module with a first drive machine the output shaft of which can be connected through such a clutch unit to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Loyal George MacMillian, Carsten Mayer, Markus Baehr
  • Patent number: 11248702
    Abstract: A parking lock unit for a transmission assembly of a motor vehicle includes a parking ratchet wheel defining a longitudinal axis and a first spring arrangement. A second spring arrangement is arranged radially outwards of the first spring arrangement with respect to a longitudinal axis. A supporting sleeve is arranged coaxially to the parking ratchet wheel and is supported in a circumferential direction by the transmission assembly. The supporting sleeve has at least one opening. At least one locking element is arranged between the first and second spring arrangements and is radially movable in the at least one opening with respect to the longitudinal axis. The locking element is spring loaded by at least one of the first and second spring arrangements. The at least one locking element is movable radially inwards into a locked position and radially outwards into a release position by rotation of an actuating ring about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Artur Grunwald, Sascha Miebach
  • Patent number: 11242920
    Abstract: Presented are torque converters (TC) with planetary-type vibration dampers, methods for making/using such TC assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such TC assemblies. A TC assembly includes a TC housing drivingly connected to a prime mover to receive torque therefrom, and a TC output member drivingly connected to a transmission to transfer torque thereto. Rotatably mounted within an internal fluid chamber of the TC housing are juxtaposed turbine and impeller blades. The impeller blades are rotatably mounted to the housing. A TC clutch is operable to lock the TC housing to the TC output member. A torsional vibration damper, which is disposed within the internal fluid chamber, includes a sun gear attached to the TC output member for unitary rotation, a ring gear attached to the TC clutch for unitary rotation, and a planet carrier intermeshed with the ring and sun gears and attached to the turbine blades for unitary rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Leonid Basin
  • Patent number: 11221048
    Abstract: A unidirectional rotary bearing contains a bearing body, multiple rollers, two rotatable driving rings, and at least two homing springs. The bearing body includes an internal surface and two peripheral surfaces, the internal surface has multiple receiving grooves each having an engagement segment and a disengagement segment, and each peripheral surface has a circular groove. Each of the multiple rollers is columnar and has a diameter which is more than an engaging depth of the engagement segment of each receiving groove of the bearing body and is less than a disengaging depth of the disengagement segment of each receiving groove of the bearing body, and each roller has two drive extensions. A diameter of each of the multiple apertures is more than each of the two drive extensions and is less than the diameter of each roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Tai-World Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sen-Tien Shih
  • Patent number: 11221070
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating device for actuating an emergency release of a transmission, including a parking lock, which transmission is mechanically locked by the parking lock when the parking lock is activated, of a motor vehicle, having at least one vehicle-fixed actuating element, by which the parking lock is manually and mechanically deactivatable, and having a tool formed separately from the actuating element via which the actuating element is manually and mechanically actuatable to manually deactivate the parking lock, wherein the actuating element comprises a roller rotatable around an axis of rotation which is rotatable around the axis of rotation by the tool to thus actuate the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Georg Scheiblecker, Bodo Wilke, Maximilian Steffan, Iris Puckelwaldt