Patents Examined by Rodney H. Bonck
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Patent number: 9163678Abstract: A bi-directional wedge clutch, including: an outer race; first and second inner hubs; a wedge plate, radially located between the outer race and the inner hubs; and an axially displaceable activation hub engaged with the inner hubs and arranged to: for a free-wheel mode, rotate at least one of the inner hubs in a first rotational direction, with respect to the other of the inner hubs, such that the wedge plate is free of contact with the outer race; and for a locking mode, rotate the at least one of the inner hubs in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, with respect to the other of the inner hubs, to non-rotatably connect the wedge plate with the outer race and the inner hubs.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Scott Strong
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Patent number: 9163675Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch control device, more particularly, to a clutch control device wherein a mechanical section may be miniaturized and operational errors can be reduced using a non-contact type displacement detection system which uses a linear distance sensor for a clutch clearance and the position of the mechanical section can be accurately controlled by using a plurality of solenoid valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: WONKWANG E & TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong Guen Lee, Seong Cheol Lee, Seong Jin Kim, Byeong Cheol Baek
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Patent number: 9157494Abstract: A drive system may provide centrifugally driven clutch members into engagement and disengagement using weights between an interface of the clutch members. The weights maybe disposed in races between the clutch members. The weights may move centrifugally within the races pushing the clutch members apart during rotation of an input drive shaft. In some embodiments, two clutch members may provide the engagement and disengagement of the input drive shaft power to a drive output member and a third clutch member may be configured to engage the two clutch members during drive engagement. The third clutch member may be configured to disengage from the two clutch members as a failsafe during, for example, an overspeed condition or a jammed clutch interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Robert K. Mitchell, Allan D. Steves, James Knorr
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Patent number: 9157493Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical system with a one-way clutch, for example a pulley for a motor vehicle alternator, comprising a first element and a second element which are able to move one with respect to the other in rotation about a central axis and delimit an annular housing radially to the central axis, a one-way clutch device arranged in the annular housing, and at least one rolling bearing arranged in the annular housing. The mechanical system is characterized in that the rolling bearing is an angular-contact bearing and comprises at least one pressed ring comprising means of attachment of the rolling bearing to the first element or the second element. The invention also relates to an alternator comprising such a mechanical system configured as a pulley with a one-way clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Alain Gezault, Jean-Marie Guegan, Torbjorn Hedman, Jean-Luc Jadeau, Romuald Lescorail, Yves-André Liverato, Herve Maury
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Patent number: 9157492Abstract: A launch device for a vehicle transmission includes a housing, an impeller, a turbine; and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches include first and second pistons, respectively. The first and second pistons are sealingly engaged with one another. The first clutch releaseably engages the impeller with the housing and the second clutch releaseably engages the turbine with the first piston. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is disposed radially outside of the second clutch and at least a portion of the first piston is disposed axially between the housing and the second piston. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is engaged by a first pressure, and the second clutch is engaged by a second pressure greater than the first pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Todd Sturgin, Chris Luipold
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Patent number: 9157528Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a clutch unit and a disc. The clutch unit includes a first and second engagement mechanism. Each engagement mechanism presents at least one tooth. The disc defines at least one slot. Each engagement mechanism is movable relative to the disc between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The tooth of the first engagement mechanism is configured to engage the slot of the disc when in the engaged position to cease rotation of the disc in a first direction of rotation. The tooth of the second engagement mechanism is configured to engage the slot of the disc when in the engaged position to cease rotation of the disc in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation. The disc is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, relative to the clutch unit, when each engagement mechanism is in the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony J. Corsetti, Goro Tamai
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Patent number: 9151340Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has a nose cap and a piston that is movable in an axial direction with respect to the nose cap. A seal disposed in the axial direction between the nose cap and the piston automatically locks the clutch device when a threshold amount of wear has accrued in a friction interface of the clutch device. If the seal is not compressed in the axial direction, then a pressurized fluid can flow past the seal and the piston is displaced in the axial direction away from the nose cap. If the seal is compressed in the axial direction, then the pressurized fluid does not flow past the seal and the piston is not displaced in the axial direction away from the nose cap.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: KIT MASTERSInventors: Jake Braukmann, Daniel Huwe, Thomas Jagger
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Patent number: 9151375Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly hydrodynamic torque converter, wherein at least one torsional vibration damper arrangement comprises at least two torsional vibration dampers which are arranged so as to be radially staggered and substantially aligned axially with respect to one another, wherein the first torsional vibration damper is arranged on the radially outer side of the second torsional vibration damper, and wherein the at least one torsional vibration damper arrangement is coupled with the other torsional vibration damper arrangement in an area radially between the first damper element unit and the second damper element unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Kram, Michael Wirachowski, Monika Rössner, Jörg Sudau, Erwin Wack, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ralf Fambach
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Patent number: 9151342Abstract: A roller lock device has a shaft and a housing configured over the shaft for selective relative movement thereto. A plurality of rollers is configured between the housing and the shaft, at least some of which are substantially conically shaped. A cage is configured between the housing and the shaft and adjacent the rollers such that the rollers are at least partially constrained from movement by the cage. A control is configured to move the rollers axially thereby engaging and disengaging the roller lock. The housing has ramps configured to receive the rollers, the ramps having a curved contour.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Allan Triebold, John Nutter, George D. Larson
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Patent number: 9151345Abstract: A transmission clutch module including inner and outer races, a plurality of race engaging pawls and an actuator ring incorporates an actuator having a rotatable spool header adapted to rotate an attached actuator lever between at least two angular positions. The actuator lever moves the actuator ring to selectively block the pawls so inner and outer races may freewheel relative to one another in at least one operating mode. The actuator may be electric or hydraulic powered, and may be spring-biased to a default position in event of power failure. An elongated axially moveable plunger is secured to and supported within a piston at a first end, and has a radially extending pin at its second end. A fixed spool sleeve to which the spool header is supported includes a helical slot through which the pin extends. As the plunger moves reciprocally, the pin undergoes both translational and rotational movement.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventor: Dan Showalter
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Patent number: 9151368Abstract: An actuator that causes a mode clutch to shift between an engaged position and a disengaged position is provided. The actuator comprises a motor having an output. A shift cam is caused to rotate based on the output of the motor. The shift cam has a cam profile surface. A cam follower rides along the cam profile surface upon rotation of the shift cam. Movement of the cam follower causes movement of a mode fork resulting in the mode clutch shifting between the engaged and disengaged positions. A sensor outputs a voltage to a controller based on a physical location of the cam follower. The controller activates the motor based on the voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James P. Downs, John C. Hibbler
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Patent number: 9145927Abstract: A clutch carrier assembly for a transmission includes a clutch carrier, an outer race, a bearing, an inner race, and a one-way clutch. The clutch carrier is arranged for driving engagement with a plurality of clutch plates. The outer race is fixedly connected to the carrier and has an inner circumferential surface. The bearing has an outer circumferential surface aligned with the inner circumferential surface. The inner race is arranged for driving engagement with a transmission shaft. The one-way clutch is disposed radially between the outer race and the inner race.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Chris Luipold, Marion Jack Ince
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Patent number: 9145930Abstract: An apparatus includes: a cam that has two cam members disposed facing each other and produces thrust in an axis direction; an attracting member that creates friction force by attracting the cam members into contact with the attracting member by magnetic attraction force; an attracted member that is attached to one cam member of the two so as to rotate integrally together with the one cam member and be relatively movable in the axis direction, and that is attracted by the attracting member into contact with the attracting member so that the friction force is produced; a first return spring that exerts elastic force on the attracted member so as to move the attracted member away from the attracting member against the magnetic attractive force; and a second return spring that exerts elastic force on the one cam member.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JTEKT CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hideaki Komada, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Hiroto Hashimoto, Minoru Onitake, Kenji Korenaga
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Patent number: 9140346Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine shell; and a one-way clutch including: an outer race non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell and including a groove; an output hub including a first outer surface with first ramps; and at least one wedge plate including a second inner surface with second ramps engaged with the first ramps and a second outer surface disposed within the groove. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the output hub in a first direction, the outer race is rotatable with respect to the at least one wedge plate and the output hub. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the hub in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the at least one wedge plate is arranged to non-rotatably connect the outer race and the hub.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Markus Steinberger, Jacob Rufener
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Patent number: 9140321Abstract: A park brake system for an electric motor actuator is provided. The system may comprise a micro-motor, and one or more gears. The system may be configured to exert a radial force on a shaft of the electric motor actuator to lock the actuator. Moreover, in various embodiments, the system may be bi-stable.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventors: David Drennen, Robert French, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
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Patent number: 9140316Abstract: A mechanical system with a one-way clutch, such as a motor vehicle alternator pulley, includes an outer first ring and an inner second ring able to move relative to one another in rotation about a central axis and delimit between them, radially with respect to this central axis, an annular housing. The mechanical system includes a free-wheel mechanism having members arranged in the annular housing, and at least one rolling bearing providing rollers arranged in the annular housing. The first and second rings are common to the free-wheel mechanism and to the rolling bearing. The members of the free-wheel mechanism are cams in contact with a first race formed by the first ring and a second race formed by the second ring. The first and second races are circular, centered on the axis of rotation and have no ramp.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Alain Gezault, Torbjorn Hedman, Romuald Lescorail
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Patent number: 9140309Abstract: A magnet holder assembly suitable for use as an eddy current drive of a clutch includes magnet holder means for securing one or more magnets to a rotatable component of the clutch, a first permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means, wherein the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the magnet holder means, and a second permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Horton, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
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Patent number: 9133893Abstract: A clutch arrangement (1) for transmitting a drive torque from a drive shaft (2) to a secondary assembly, in particular to a fan wheel (11) of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive shaft (2), an output (10) and a friction disc clutch (12) which can be shifted by means of an electromagnetic arrangement (13). The clutch arrangement (1) comprises, in addition to the friction disc clutch (12) for transmitting torque from the drive shaft (2) to the output (10), a fluid friction clutch (4) whose hydraulic control valve (5) can be actuated by means of the electromagnetic arrangement (13) of the friction disc clutch (12) in order to set the slip.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Kendrion Linnig GmbHInventor: Christian Tilly
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Patent number: 9133890Abstract: A friction clutch, for example, a dual clutch, having traction mode and power take-off, with a pressure plate that is axially pre-stressed, applying a load to a cup spring, against an opposing pressure plate while tensioning friction linings of a clutch plate, the pressure plate being displaceable against the effect of the cup spring by means of pressure levers distributed along the periphery that are rotatably arranged by means of first pivot joints on knee levers that are axially stressed by a disengaging mechanism and have a specifiable axial distance relative to the disengaging mechanism. In order to achieve a constant transmissibility of the existing torque in traction mode over the service life when there is wear of the friction linings, an automatic adjusting device is provided in series with the adjusting screws between the pressure levers and the pressure plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Dmitrij Tagunov
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Patent number: 9121454Abstract: A locking member for controllably transmitting torque between first and second coupling members of a coupling assembly is provided. The locking member includes projecting inner and outer pivots which extend laterally from a main body portion for enabling pivotal motion of the locking member about a pivot axis which intersects the pivots. The pivots are sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion to allow frictional engagement of an end surface of the outer pivot with an outer wall of a pocket to occur near the pivot axis during rotation of the first coupling member and the locking member above a predetermined RPM thereby reducing overall moment on the locking member about the pivot axis that has to be overcome to move the locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Brice A. Pawley