Patents by Inventor Dumitru Puiu
Dumitru Puiu 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).
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Publication number: 20070158160Abstract: A torque coupling for use in a power transfer device. The torque coupling includes a friction clutch and a clutch actuator. The clutch actuator controls engagement of the friction clutch and has a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7201264Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7201265Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7175558Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes an actuator having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a plurality of balls. The inner sleeve is supported for rotation relative to the first rotary member and each of the inner and outer sleeves includes a spiral groove aligned with the other. The balls are positioned within the spiral grooves between the inner and outer sleeves. An electric motor selectively rotates one of the inner and outer sleeves so as to induce axial movement of the other of the inner and outer sleeves to engage the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Thomas C. Bowen
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Publication number: 20060278489Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060276292Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to decrease the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7104379Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060172844Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: August 3, 2006Applicant: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060157291Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm Kirkwood
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Patent number: 7059991Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060081437Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060081436Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2004Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060065070Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and an electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically-actuated rotary operator, and a ball ramp mechanism. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing the ball ramp mechanism. The ball ramp mechanism applies a clutch engagement force on the friction clutch assembly, thereby transferring drive torque from the first rotary member to the second rotary member. A hydraulic control system adaptively regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2005Publication date: March 30, 2006Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060058146Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2005Publication date: March 16, 2006Inventors: James Brissenden, Timothy Burns, Sankar Mohan, Eric Bansbach, Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm Kirkwood
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Publication number: 20060052206Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20060046888Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism and a control system are disclosed for adaptively controlling the transfer of drive torque between first and second rotary members in a power transmission device of the type used in motor vehicle driveline applications. The torque transfer mechanism includes a main clutch assembly operably disposed between the first and second rotary members, a pilot clutch assembly and a clutch operator assembly. The clutch operator assembly includes a rotary cam driven by an electric motor and a pivotal mode fork.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2004Publication date: March 2, 2006Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7004873Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and a electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically-actuated rotary operator, and a ball ramp mechanism. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing the ball ramp mechanism. The ball ramp mechanism applies a clutch engagement force on the friction clutch assembly, thereby transferring drive torque from the first rotary member to the second rotary member. A hydraulic control system adaptively regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7004876Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 6991079Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a transfer clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and a electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the transfer clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulically-actuated rotary operator. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing a pilot ball ramp unit. The pilot ball ramp mechanism applies a clutch actuation force on a pilot friction clutch which energized a main ball ramp unit for applying a clutch engagement force to a main friction clutch. A hydraulic control system adaptively regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 6991080Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and a electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically actuated rotary operator, and a thrust mechanism. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and selectively delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers and return chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing the thrust mechanism. The thrust mechanism applies a clutch engagement force on the friction clutch, thereby transferring drive torque from the first rotary member to the second rotary member. An electrohydraulic control system regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation and return chambers.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu