Patents by Inventor Bruce A. Skaggs

Bruce A. Skaggs 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: 9845833
    Abstract: A fan clutch assembly includes several features. A first feature relates to a lubrication passage that runs through the clutch package and has a return collection passage that extends through the operating piston. As a result, pitot tubes employed behind the piston may not be necessitated. Additionally, an anti-tamper device may be installed on the lead screw body to prevent adjustment of the fan hub and unintentional adjustment of the load carried on various bearings contained within the fan clutch assembly. Additionally, to position the speed sensor appropriately, a transfer shaft is provided that extends from the fan hub and/or lead screw back to the backside where a sensor is provided. This transfer shaft can be adjusted to precisely locate the sensor target relative to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GKN Rockford, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Skaggs, Scott Orsinger
  • Publication number: 20160097431
    Abstract: A fan clutch assembly includes several features. A first feature relates to a lubrication passage that runs through the clutch package and has a return collection passage that extends through the operating piston. As a result, pitot tubes employed behind the piston may not be necessitated. Additionally, an anti-tamper device may be installed on the lead screw body to prevent adjustment of the fan hub and unintentional adjustment of the load carried on various bearings contained within the fan clutch assembly. Additionally, to position the speed sensor appropriately, a transfer shaft is provided that extends from the fan hub and/or lead screw back to the backside where a sensor is provided. This transfer shaft can be adjusted to precisely locate the sensor target relative to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: GKN Rockford, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Skaggs, Scott Orsinger
  • Patent number: 4637504
    Abstract: A combination range and master clutch assembly includes a separator plate, at least one clutch, a fluid actuated main piston for engaging each clutch, and at least one fluid actuated accelerator piston. The separator plate and main piston define first and second main chambers in communication with each other. The main piston and each accelerator piston define an accelerator chamber. Sliding of each accelerator piston blocks communication between the main chambers. The assembly is controlled by providing fluid at an operating pressure which may be modulated between low and high pressures. Fluid is selectively delivered to an accelerator chamber at the operating pressure when it is below a threshold pressure level, and to both the accelerator chamber and its associated main chamber at the operating pressure when it is above the threshold pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Rule, Bruce A. Skaggs, Gerald E. King