Patents by Inventor Daniel Niess

Daniel Niess 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: 6450314
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Patent number: 6418620
    Abstract: The centering unit for the primary and secondary flywheels of a torsional vibration damping apparatus for use in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a radial bearing with a sleeve which is or can be a press fit on or in one of the flywheels, and the still accessible internal or external surface of the sleeve is calibrated simultaneously with or following the press fit. The calibrated surface of the sleeve is thereupon inserted into a socket or receives an extension of the other flywheel. The centering unit further utilizes an axial bearing wherein the function of the sleeve in the radial bearing is performed by an annular collar which can extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the sleeve. One of the bearings can be installed radially inwardly of the fasteners which secure the primary flywheel to the output shaft of the engine, and the other bearing can be installed radially outwardly of such fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Publication number: 20010004956
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jackel, Daniel Niess
  • Patent number: 6213270
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Patent number: 6129192
    Abstract: The centering unit for the primary and secondary flywheels of a torsional vibration damping apparatus for use in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a radial bearing with a sleeve which is or can be a press fit on or in one of the flywheels, and the still accessible internal or external surface of the sleeve is calibrated simultaneously with or following the press fit. The calibrated surface of the sleeve is thereupon inserted into a socket or receives an extension of the other flywheel. The centering unit further utilizes an axial bearing wherein the function of the sleeve in the radial bearing is performed by an annular collar which can extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the sleeve. One of the bearings can be installed radially inwardly of the fasteners which secure the primary flywheel to the output shaft of the engine, and the other bearing can be installed radially outwardly of such fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jackel, Daniel Niess