Patents by Inventor Brandon Heitger

Brandon Heitger 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).

  • Patent number: 11698113
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a torque converter and a clutch assembly. The torque converter includes a front cover. The clutch assembly includes a piston axially spaced from the front cover. The piston is axially slidable to engage the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly further includes a seal plate non-rotatably connected to the front cover and sealed to the piston. A seal is compressed between the seal plate and the front cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Natalie Allen, Brandon Heitger, David Avins, Nigel Gurney
  • Patent number: 11465485
    Abstract: A method of assembling a modular hybrid transmission (MHT) is provided including (a) assembling an emotor clutch on a clutch shaft to form a clutch assembly, (b) press-fitting a bushing into a centering plate to form a centering assembly, (c) connecting the centering assembly to a torque converter, (d) assembling the torque converter to the clutch assembly with the bushing on an end of the clutch shaft, and (e) inserting the clutch assembly and the torque converter into a transmission housing while maintaining the centering of the clutch shaft to the transmission housing via the centering assembly connected to the torque converter. The assembled MHT is also provided which eliminates the needle bearing according to the prior art, avoiding the potential for damage during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Edward Goodwill, Brandon Heitger
  • Patent number: 10883599
    Abstract: A piston assembly for a transmission includes a piston and a washer connected to the piston. In one embodiment, the washer includes a circumferential ring that extends continuously about an inner diameter, wherein a cavity is defined between the piston and the washer. A bearing element is retained and centered on the washer by the circumferential ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jordan Geiser, Brandon Heitger
  • Publication number: 20200370648
    Abstract: A piston assembly for a transmission includes a piston and a washer connected to the piston. In one embodiment, the washer includes a circumferential ring that extends continuously about an inner diameter, wherein a cavity is defined between the piston and the washer. A bearing element is retained and centered on the washer by the circumferential ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jordan Geiser, Brandon Heitger