Patents by Inventor Douglas W. Conklin

Douglas W. Conklin 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: 6862953
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system are adapted for use in a power transmission device. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing engaged and disengaged clutch modes. An alternate embodiment clutch assembly includes first and second rings non-rotatably coupled to one another. A third ring is selectively engageable with a rotary component to transfer power thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Fitzgerald, Douglas W. Conklin
  • Publication number: 20040168545
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system are adapted for use in a power transmission device. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing engaged and disengaged clutch modes. An alternate embodiment clutch assembly includes first and second rings non-rotatably coupled to one another. A third ring is selectively engageable with a rotary component to transfer power thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Brian M. Fitzgerald, Douglas W. Conklin