Patents Examined by Matthieu Setliff
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Patent number: 8419551Abstract: In a rotary joint for a rotary shaft device, ring-shaped inner seals and outer seals are projectingly arranged, and concentric with faces of a front joint disk and a rear joint disk opposing with each other respectively. A ring-shaped inner space communicates with forward communication holes, and a ring-shaped outer space communicates with backward communication holes. The inner and outer space are adjacently arranged concentrically between the inner seals and the outer seals. The forward communication holes and the backward communication holes in the reciprocating flow passages and the front joint disk are arranged at an equal distance in the peripheral direction of the opposing faces.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventor: Takashi Norihisa
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Patent number: 8414404Abstract: In this damper mechanism, when small fluctuations in torque input to the damper mechanism occur, small hysteresis torque is produced as a result of pressure contact between a radial plate and a first friction section. Consequently, the small torque fluctuations can be damped between the radial plate and the first friction region of the damper mechanism and can be output to an input shaft. In addition, along the direction of relative rotation of an annular plate and the radial plate, the friction coefficients of the annular plate and the radial plate become larger as the torsion angles of both plates become larger. Therefore, even when torque fluctuations become large, the hysteresis torque can be produced in accordance with the magnitude of the torque fluctuations.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsushi Takenaka, Yuichi Miwa, Taku Harada, Yoshimitsu Yokouchi, Takeshi Miyagawa, Koji Hayashi
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Patent number: 8409020Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer joint member having a plurality of inwardly facing outer ball grooves, the outer ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern; an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member and having a plurality of outwardly facing inner ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern, each inner ball groove of the inner joint member being coupled with a corresponding outer ball groove of the outer joint member generally in crossed pair.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Wia CorporationInventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
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Patent number: 8409019Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a first shaft having a yoke at one end, a second shaft slidably connected to the other end of the first shaft, and a surface treated member which is arranged at a connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, and to which surface treatment for improving slidability of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft is applied. The surface treated member is formed by a substrate which is separate from the first shaft and the second shaft and to which the surface treatment has been applied. The surface treated member is arranged at the connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, after the surface treatment is applied.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Tomoki Ogawa, Satoshi Araki, Yukinobu Nishiyama, Yoshinori Satou, Kazunori Aoki
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Patent number: 8398496Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft sliding in the direction of a common axis thereof, with balls provided between the two shafts. The balls are arranged in axial grooves of the inner shaft and in axial grooves of the outer shaft. Each row of balls is maintained by a double elastic member that bears in the groove of the inner shaft and urges the balls along two rolling tracks so that they come into contact with the groove of the outer shaft, wherein each of the two rolling tracks is hinged through a pivot surface and a bearing surface of the corresponding shaft, and the difference between the radii defines two bearing areas defining a hinge axis parallel to the common axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: ZF Systemes de Direction Nacam, S.A.S.Inventors: Christophe Bahr, Arnaud Janvier
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Patent number: 8397891Abstract: A support ring for a torque converter including first and second laminations, wherein each of the first and second laminations includes first and second opposite surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second laminations are matingly engaged and affixed together, and the second surfaces of the first and second laminations form a pair of external, opposite surfaces of the support ring, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second laminations each further comprise at least one hole, at least one protrusion, and wherein the at least one protrusion of the first lamination is engaged in the at least one hole of the second lamination, and wherein the at least one protrusion of the second lamination is engaged in the at least one hole of the first lamination.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Steven Olsen
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Patent number: 8398492Abstract: A damper includes an outer cover having a front cover and a rear cover. The covers are joined to form a lubricant oil accommodation chamber for accommodating liquid. A damper device, a limiter mechanism, a first plate including a first collar portion located toward the front of the limiter mechanism, and a second plate including a second collar portion located toward the rear of the limiter mechanism are arranged in the outer cover. The limiter mechanism includes a first limiter plate, which is an input side on the torque transmission path, a second limiter plate, which is an output side on the torque transmission path, and a limiter disc spring, which presses the limiter plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshito Takeshita, Fumiaki Doseki, Masahiro Yamaguchi, Masaaki Yamaguchi, Taku Suzuki, Tetsuya Onaga
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Patent number: 8388455Abstract: An antifriction bushing is provided for the bearing of a telescopable steering spindle having an inner spindle and an outer spindle which are disposed coaxially with respect to one another and displaceably with respect to one another and for the torque transmission have a cross section differing from circular. Between the outer spindle and the inner spindle, an interspace is provided for receiving the antifriction bushing consisting of a thermoplastic synthetic material or comprising such material. The bushing includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and consists of a mixture comprising the material PEEK and additionally at least one of the materials PTFE at a volume fraction of up to maximally 15% and/or graphite at a volume fraction of up to maximally 15% and/or carbon fibers at a volume fraction of up to maximally 40%.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AktiengesellschaftInventor: Frank Eltner
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Patent number: 8387764Abstract: A torque converter including a cover and a bridging clutch for selective connection to the cover, the bridging clutch including a clutch plate fixed to the cover and having an inner radial surface and having a piston having an outer radial surface opposite the inner radial surface. A method for assembling a torque converter is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Gregory Heeke
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Patent number: 8388456Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has cutout round portions (32) provided at two portions of a ball-contact-point corresponding part on a track inlet end (22a) of each of the track grooves (22) of the outer joint member for reduce biting of balls. The fixed type constant velocity universal joint is capable of achieving reduction of stress generated when balls and edge portions interfere with each other, suppression of chipping of the edge portions, and prolongation of a service life of the joint as a whole. These advantages are achieved even at a time of an unexpected high-angle operation, and in particular even when an angle expected during use of the constant velocity universal joint is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Kisao Yamazaki, Masazumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8382600Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer joint member having a plurality of inwardly facing outer ball grooves, the outer ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern; an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member and having a plurality of outwardly facing inner ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern, each inner ball groove of the inner joint member being coupled with a corresponding outer ball groove of the outer joint member generally in crossed pair; and a cage having circumferentially displaced cage windows to accommodate a plurality of balls therein. The groove patterns of the ball grooves can be a combination of skewed grooves and non-linear grooves, a combination of non-linear grooves such as a curved groove or a compositely shaped groove, or a combination of linear grooves and non-linear grooves.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Wia CorporationInventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
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Patent number: 8382594Abstract: A torque limiter comprises a first body, a second body, and a biasing mechanism. The second body is rotationally attached relative to the first body. The biasing mechanism comprises at least first and second compression springs and an adjustment device. The first spring has a maximum compression condition. The first and second springs are configured and adapted to create a torque-threshold below which the second body cannot be rotated relative to the first body and above which it can. The torque-threshold is adjustable via the adjustment device throughout a first torque range and a non-overlapping second torque range. The biasing mechanism is configured and adapted such that the first spring progressively compresses as the torque-threshold increases throughout the first torque range, and such that throughout the second torque range the first spring is in its maximum compression condition and the second spring progressively compresses as the torque-threshold increases.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Aunspach Controls CompanyInventor: Dale E. Aunspach
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Patent number: 8371948Abstract: A flywheel device includes a mass-side rotor including a mass ring and a pair of holder plates connected to both sides of the mass ring. The mass-side rotor is connected to a crankshaft with a drive plate therebetween. Between the mass-side rotor and the drive plate, a positioning apparatus for positioning those coaxially with each other is provided. The positioning apparatus includes: an annular positioning protrusion which is press formed in at least one of the pair of holder plates to project laterally outward therefrom, and which is disposed coaxially with the mass-side rotor; and a positioning recessed portion which is press formed in the drive plate coaxially with the crankshaft, and which is fitted to the positioning protrusion. Accordingly, it is possible to enable coaxial positioning of the mass-side rotor and the drive plate without performing burdensome machining on the mass ring for forming a positioning apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ichiro Usui, Hiroyuki Saito
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Patent number: 8366557Abstract: Two embodiments of an improved connection between an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft reduce or eliminate axial shaft loading and spin losses. In a first embodiment, the transmission input shaft includes an annular flange which is received within a slightly larger annulus or a plurality of axially extending tabs from the engine flex plate. After the transmission and engine are assembled, a plurality of fasteners are installed in radial openings in the flex plate annulus or tabs and extend into threaded openings in the annular flange. Since the output and input shafts are connected after the engine and transmission are assembled there is essentially no deflection of the flex plate, no axial loads on the shafts and no spin losses. In a second embodiment, a plurality of axially oriented threaded fasteners extend through openings in the flex plate and are received within nuts in a transmission drive plate. The nuts include eccentric flanges and are retained in the drive plate by snap rings.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Boris Burgman, John A. Diemer
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Patent number: 8348774Abstract: The outer peripheral surface of the boot attaching section of an outer joint member (2), when viewed in cross section, is non-cylindrical, with a large diameter section (22a) and a small diameter section (22b) appearing alternately.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: NTN CorporationInventor: Shinichi Takabe
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Patent number: 8348772Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint includes an inner joint member having an outer peripheral surface in which a plurality of linear track grooves are formed in an axial direction and inclined with respect to an axial line, an outer joint member having an inner peripheral surface in which a plurality of linear track grooves are formed in the axial direction and inclined with respect to the axial line in a direction opposite to that of the track grooves of the inner joint member, and having an inside filled with a lubricant, balls incorporated in respective crossing portions between the track grooves of the inner and outer joint members, and a cage arranged between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface for retaining the balls in the same plane, in which a large number of minute recesses are formed at random in surfaces of the balls.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Naohiro Une, Tatsuro Sugiyama, Shin Tomogami, Hisaaki Kura
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Patent number: 8348037Abstract: A torque converter having three sealed chambers in which a piston for engaging and disengaging a lock-up clutch is attached to the torque converter using a plurality of leaf springs. The assembly includes a plurality of access or pass-through holes for effecting the attachment of the leaf spring to the cover using rivets. Also included is plurality of plugs to seal the pass-through holes. A method of using the plugs to prevent uncontrolled leakage from one sealed chamber to another.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: John Carrier, Nathan Yensho
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Patent number: 8348036Abstract: A multi-function torque converter including: an apply pressure chamber for a torque converter clutch; a first pressure chamber including a torus; and a resilient flow control element in fluid communication with the apply chamber and the first pressure chamber and arranged to control fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber. The resilient flow element is displaceable to block fluid flow to the apply pressure chamber in torque converter mode for the torque converter and to enable fluid flow to the apply chamber in lock-up mode. The torque converter includes a second pressure chamber and the clutch includes a piston plate at least partially bounding the apply pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Vural Ari, Todd J. Sturgin, Kevin Parks
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Patent number: 8342973Abstract: A sliding joint for motor vehicles, having an inner race which includes inner running grooves, an outer race which includes outer running grooves, a cage, and balls. The inner running grooves are constructed parallel to each other in the axial dimension and include a displacement segment and a functional segment, and the outer running grooves are likewise constructed parallel to each other in the axial dimension and also include a displacement segment and a functional segment.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignees: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH, Hofer PDC GmbHInventor: Matthias Lutz
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Patent number: 8342972Abstract: An outer joint member (10) and an inner joint member (40) each have a shaft portion (18 and 46) having a male spline formed thereon, and shaft clamps (60) are press-fitted onto the respective shaft portions (18 and 46). Each of the shaft clamps (60) includes: a connection hole (66) that has a female spline formed therein, extends from a first axial end partway toward a second axial end, and has no quench-hardened layer; and a cylindrical portion (64) that has no female spline formed therein and extends from the second axial end partway toward the first axial end. The shaft portions (18 and 46) each have a quench-hardened layer on the outer circumference thereof. The inner diameter of the connection hole (64) at a portion having no female spline formed therein is less than the outer diameters of the shaft portions (18 and 46).Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima