Patents by Inventor David Avins

David Avins 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: 20250383002
    Abstract: A spring end cap includes a base and a plurality of fingers. The base extends annularly about an axis and includes a planar side extending orthogonal to the axis. The plurality of fingers extend from the planar side and are spaced from each other about the axis. In some example embodiments, each finger extends axially away from the planar side. In an example embodiment, each finger includes an end spaced from the planar side. In an example embodiment, each finger includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface. The first outer surface is disposed between the second outer surface and the planar side and is arranged radially inside of the second outer surface. In an example embodiment, the spring end cap also includes a plurality of undercut portions each circumferentially aligned with one respective finger. Each undercut portion extends from the planar side to the one respective finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2024
    Publication date: December 18, 2025
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Avins, Scott Strong
  • Publication number: 20250334148
    Abstract: An axial retention assembly for axially fixing rotating parts together includes a retainer ring including: a ring section; a set of first fingers each extending from the ring section radially in a first direction with respect to the center axis of the ring section; and a set of second fingers each extending from the ring section radially in the first direction with respect to the center axis of the ring section, free ends of each of the second fingers being axially spaced from free ends of the first fingers; a first part having a first circumferential surface and a first groove formed in the first circumferential surface, the free ends of the first fingers being received in the first groove; and a second part having a second circumferential surface, the second cylindrical surface having a second groove, the free ends of the second set of fingers being received in the second groove, the retainer ring holding the second part axially in place on the first part to prevent the second part from being movable in bot
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 30, 2025
    Inventors: Joshua HALVORSEN, David AVINS, Austin HOFF
  • Publication number: 20250290560
    Abstract: A torque converter includes: a front cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the front cover; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell; and a damper assembly disposed axially between the front cover and the turbine shell. The damper assembly includes a first cover plate non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell. The damper assembly further includes a second cover plate non-rotatably connected to the first cover plate and disposed axially between the front cover and the first cover plate. The damper assembly further includes an intermediate flange disposed axially between the first cover plate and the second cover plate. The damper assembly further includes a bias spring engaged with the intermediate flange and the second cover plate. The bias spring is configured to pull the second cover plate into contact with the intermediate flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2024
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Hendricks, Jeremy Jewell, David Avins
  • Patent number: 12416350
    Abstract: A torque converter includes: a front cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the front cover; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell; and a damper assembly disposed axially between the front cover and the turbine shell. The damper assembly includes a first cover plate non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell. The damper assembly further includes a second cover plate non-rotatably connected to the first cover plate and disposed axially between the front cover and the first cover plate. The damper assembly further includes an intermediate flange disposed axially between the first cover plate and the second cover plate. The damper assembly further includes a bias spring engaged with the intermediate flange and the second cover plate. The bias spring is configured to pull the second cover plate into contact with the intermediate flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Hendricks, Jeremy Jewell, David Avins
  • Patent number: 12398793
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided that includes a front cover arranged to receive a torque, an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell. A damper assembly is disposed axially between the front cover and the turbine shell. The damper assembly includes an output element including a first tooth; a cover plate disposed axially between the output element and the turbine shell; and a floating hub arranged to connect to a transmission input shaft. The cover plate is non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell. The floating hub includes a second tooth configured to rotationally engage the first tooth. The second tooth includes an extension disposed between the cover plate and the output element. The extension is configured to contact the output element to axially constrain the floating hub in a first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Austin Hoff, Joshua Halvorsen, David Avins
  • Patent number: 12392411
    Abstract: A seal arrangement is provided having a first part with a seal gland, and a seal located in the seal gland. The seal has an outer sealing surface and an inner support surface that is supported on a bottom support surface of the seal gland. A second part having a sealing surface is provided against which the outer sealing surface of the seal is pressed. A relief area is formed in a portion of the bottom support surface of the seal gland, with the relief area being configured to receive a resiliently deflected portion of the inner support surface of the seal during assembly. A method of assembling a sealing arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tyler Walter, David Avins, Victor Norwich
  • Publication number: 20250189024
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided that includes a front cover arranged to receive a torque, an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell. A damper assembly is disposed axially between the front cover and the turbine shell. The damper assembly includes an output element including a first tooth; a cover plate disposed axially between the output element and the turbine shell; and a floating hub arranged to connect to a transmission input shaft. The cover plate is non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell. The floating hub includes a second tooth configured to rotationally engage the first tooth. The second tooth includes an extension disposed between the cover plate and the output element. The extension is configured to contact the output element to axially constrain the floating hub in a first axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Austin Hoff, Joshua Halvorsen, David Avins
  • Patent number: 12270447
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; an impeller including an impeller shell connected to the cover and at least one impeller blade; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade; stator including at least one stator blade; and a vibration damper including a first cover plate, a second cover plate non-rotatably connected to the first cover plate, an intermediate flange axially disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, at least one spring directly engaged with the first cover plate, the second cover plate, and the intermediate flange, and a resilient element directly engaged with the first cover plate and the intermediate flange and urging the intermediate flange in an axial direction, parallel to an axis of rotation of the torque converter, away from the first cover plate and into contact with the second cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Austin Hoff, David Avins
  • Publication number: 20230341055
    Abstract: A seal arrangement is provided having a first part with a seal gland, and a seal located in the seal gland. The seal has an outer sealing surface and an inner support surface that is supported on a bottom support surface of the seal gland. A second part having a sealing surface is provided against which the outer sealing surface of the seal is pressed. A relief area is formed in a portion of the bottom support surface of the seal gland, with the relief area being configured to receive a resiliently deflected portion of the inner support surface of the seal during assembly. A method of assembling a sealing arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tyler WALTER, David AVINS, Victor NORWICH
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230151873
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; an impeller including an impeller shell connected to the cover and at least one impeller blade; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeder and including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade; stator including at least one stator blade; and a vibration damper including a first cover plate, a second cover plate non-rotatably connected to the first cover plate, an intermediate flange axially disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, at least one spring directly engaged with the first cover plate, the second cover plate, and the intermediate flange, and a resilient element directly engaged with the first cover plate and the intermediate flange and urging the intermediate flange in an axial direction, parallel to an axis of rotation of the torque converter, away from the first cover plate and into contact with the second cover plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Austin Hoff, David Avins
  • Patent number: 11585419
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a double coast engagement diaphragm spring for a torque converter are provided. The double coast engagement diaphragm spring includes first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs. The first coast engagement diaphragm spring exerts a first, continuous axial thrust onto a turbine comprising the torque converter. The second coast engagement diaphragm spring applies a second axial thrust onto the turbine only during coasting conditions. A drive flange includes ramps for engaging the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during coasting conditions and causing the second coast engagement diaphragm spring to apply the second axial thrust onto the turbine. A retainer plate disengages the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during drive conditions. A spacer ring between the first coast engagement diaphragm spring and the second coast engagement diaphragm spring causes the first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs to operate in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Baylor Hartzler, David Avins, Franco Filice
  • Patent number: 10458483
    Abstract: A clutch plate assembly includes a central axis, a clutch plate with a first friction surface and a radially outer depressed portion, and a friction material ring. The friction material ring is bonded to the first friction surface and extends radially outside of the first friction surface such that an outer portion of the friction material ring is axially aligned with the clutch plate radially outer depressed portion. In an example embodiment, the first friction surface is disposed at an acute angle to a plane orthogonal to the central axis. In some example embodiments, the first friction surface is conical. In an example embodiment, the radially outer depressed portion is conical and axially offset from the first friction surface. In an example embodiment, the radially outer depressed portion is manufactured by machining, stamping, or coining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Patrick Lindemann, David Avins
  • Patent number: 10145458
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a torque converter includes an axially movable turbine defining a piston of a lockup clutch; and a damper assembly including a first component including a plurality of first ramps and a second component including a plurality of second ramps, the first ramps configured for interacting with the second ramps to generate an axial force on the turbine during a coast condition of the torque converter, the damper assembly being arranged and configured to limit the axial force to prevent the piston from self-locking during the coast condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Victor Norwich, Brian Zaugg, David Avins, Daniel Gerdeman, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10107356
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes an axially movable turbine piston and a damper assembly fixed to the turbine piston. The damper assembly includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, a plurality of fasteners fixing the first cover plate and the second cover plate together such that the second cover plate is spaced from the first cover plate, a first drive flange axially between the first and second cover plates, a second drive flange axially between the first and second cover plates and an elastic element axially between the first and second cover plates. The first cover plate, the second cover plate, the second flange, the fasteners and the elastic element are axially movable with the piston turbine independently of the drive flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: David Avins
  • Publication number: 20180023633
    Abstract: A clutch plate assembly includes a central axis, a clutch plate with a first friction surface and a radially outer depressed portion, and a friction material ring. The friction material ring is bonded to the first friction surface and extends radially outside of the first friction surface such that an outer portion of the friction material ring is axially aligned with the clutch plate radially outer depressed portion. In an example embodiment, the first friction surface is disposed at an acute angle to a plane orthogonal to the central axis. In some example embodiments, the first friction surface is conical. In an example embodiment, the radially outer depressed portion is conical and axially offset from the first friction surface. In an example embodiment, the radially outer depressed portion is manufactured by machining, stamping, or coining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patrick Lindemann, David Avins
  • Publication number: 20180003279
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a cover assembly, an impeller assembly, a turbine assembly and a damper assembly. The impeller assembly includes an impeller shell drivingly connected with the cover assembly. The turbine assembly includes a shell with a clutch portion for selective driving engagement with the impeller shell. The damper assembly includes at least one cover plate, a flange for driving engagement with a transmission input shaft, and a first resilient element drivingly engaged with the at least one cover plate and the flange. The torque converter has a second resilient element for urging the turbine assembly away from the cover assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Avins, Joshua Cerreta
  • Patent number: 9822861
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a torque converter is provided. The drive assembly includes a turbine including a turbine shell and a plurality of turbine blades; and a spring retainer riveted to the turbine shell by at least one rivet. A torque converter for a motor vehicle drive train is also provided that includes the drive assembly and an impeller, with the turbine shell being axially slidable against the impeller to operate as a piston of a lock-up clutch of the torque converter. Further, a method of forming a drive assembly for a torque converter is provided that includes riveting a spring retainer to a turbine shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: David Avins
  • Patent number: 9816564
    Abstract: A spring retainer for a damper for use in a torque converter is provided. The spring retainer includes a ring including a radially extending base and a spring retaining portion radially outside of the base. The spring retaining portion includes rounded sections spaced circumferentially from each other and shoulders circumferentially between the rounded sections. Each rounded section is configured for receiving an arc spring. The spring retainer also includes rivets fixed to the shoulders. The rivets protrude axially from the shoulders into an interior of the spring receiving portion and are arranged for contacting ends of the springs. A method of forming a spring retainer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: David Avins
  • Patent number: 9816596
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a damper assembly and a turbine assembly connected to the damper assembly. The turbine assembly includes an axially movable turbine piston, a spacer plate fixed to the turbine piston and a bias spring. The spacer plate retains the bias spring on the turbine piston with a preload force. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes providing a bias spring contacting a front cover side surface of a turbine piston; and fixing a spacer plate to the turbine piston such that the spacer plate holds the bias spring against the front cover side surface of the turbine piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kyle Nelson, David Avins, Sagar Adari