Patents by Inventor Dale Scherman

Dale Scherman 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).

  • Publication number: 20230417295
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN
  • Patent number: 11624410
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: 10808776
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Publication number: 20200240478
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN
  • Patent number: 10677326
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 10408280
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: 10132367
    Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Publication number: 20180073576
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Dale SCHERMAN, Daniel HUWE
  • Publication number: 20180058550
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 9845836
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: 9772009
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Publication number: 20160348766
    Abstract: A tensioner system may be replaced by selecting replacement components. Components such as a housing, roller arm, pulley, and index plate locating pin may be selected from a group of housings, roller arms, pulleys, and index plate locating pins, respectively. The selection of the components allows a user to assemble multiple variations of tensioner that are commercially available. The location of the index plate locating pin on the index plate allows for proper orientation of the tensioner in the vehicle in order to apply the proper tension to a belt. The selection of the components may be based on current tensioner model, or based on dimensions measured from the current tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Craig SWANSON, Dale SCHERMAN, Daniel HUWE
  • Publication number: 20150369306
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction drive system is disposed between the input member and an output member. The clutch device is selectively movable by a fluid actuator assembly, between an engaged position in which the friction drive system drives the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which a viscous drive system rotates the output member at a second speed slower than the first speed. A variable viscous fluid supply assembly includes a viscous fluid storage chamber, a valve, and a valve actuator that selectively drives the valve to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of viscous fluid available to the viscous drive system, thereby varying the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Dale SCHERMAN, Daniel HUWE
  • Patent number: 9121461
    Abstract: A clutch device for a clutch system has an input member that rotates at a first speed. A friction medium is disposed between the input member and an output member. The output member rotates on a bearing coupled to a piston. The piston translates relative to the input member, between an engaged position in which the friction ring frictionally engages with the input member, thereby driving the output member to rotate at the first speed, and a disengaged position in which the friction ring is spaced apart from the input member. A biasing member urges the piston toward the engaged position. A pressurized fluid in a fluid receiving chamber selectively urges the piston toward the disengaged position. A resistance member disposed in a chamber containing a viscous fluid transfers torque from the input member to rotate the output member at a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: KIT MASTERS
    Inventors: Dale Scherman, Daniel Huwe
  • Patent number: D720774
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: D720776
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: D720777
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: D721100
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: D721101
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman
  • Patent number: D726768
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kit Masters
    Inventors: Craig Swanson, Dale Scherman