Patents by Inventor Aaron Ronk
Aaron Ronk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8079928Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Matt Phalen, Christopher J. Decker, Nancy Mintonye, John D. Zalewski
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Patent number: 7909593Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Randolph C. Williams
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Patent number: 7798792Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.Inventor: Aaron Ronk
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Patent number: 7588133Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Patent number: 7506740Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Publication number: 20090050433Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Randolph C. Williams
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Publication number: 20080298994Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN USA, INC.Inventor: Aaron Ronk
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Patent number: 7445438Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Randolph C. Williams
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Patent number: 7445100Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism operable to transferring drive torque from the input member to the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a first piston. The first piston is slidably positioned within the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is in communication with a second piston to provide the clutch engagement force.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Publication number: 20080234091Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Matt Phalen, Christopher J. Decker, Nancy Mintonye, John D. Zalewski
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Patent number: 7410349Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Aaron Ronk
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Patent number: 7399251Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a mode clutch, an actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, an actuator shaft driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes range, a cam driven by the actuator shaft and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a range cam member with cam surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the cam surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the actuator shaft. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the mode clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Aaron Ronk
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Patent number: 7337887Abstract: A method of actuating a clutch in a power transmission device having a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes compressing a spring, releasing the spring to pressurize a fluid, supplying the pressurized fluid to a piston, and applying a force from the piston to the clutch to transfer torque between the first and second rotary members.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Patent number: 7278946Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard H. Williams, Aaron Ronk
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Publication number: 20070131512Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a first piston biasedly engaged by a spring, slidably positioned within a housing and operable to supply pressurized fluid to a second piston. Supply of pressurized fluid to the second piston provides the clutch engagement force.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John Zalewski, James Brissenden
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Publication number: 20070108011Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism operable to transferring drive torque from the input member to the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a first piston. The first piston is slidably positioned within the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is in communication with a second piston to provide the clutch engagement force.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: May 17, 2007Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John Zalewski, James Brissenden
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Patent number: 7189179Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the planetary gearset and can be synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Aaron Ronk, Stanislav Ponca, Timothy R. Stalloch
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Patent number: 7182194Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a first piston biasedly engaged by a spring, slidably positioned within a housing and operable to supply pressurized fluid to a second piston. Supply of pressurized fluid to the second piston provides the clutch engagement force.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Patent number: 7178654Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism operable to transferring drive torque from the input member to the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a first piston. The first piston is slidably positioned within the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is in communication with a second piston to provide the clutch engagement force.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
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Publication number: 20060278492Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, John Zalewski, James Brissenden