Patents by Inventor Gunnar Back

Gunnar Back 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: 7665587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device with a clutch disk or friction plate that is connected by way of positive locking sections to an input part of a torsional vibration damping device so that they turn together but it can be slid axially. In order to produce a torque transmission device, by which the shifting quality of a converter bridge clutch in a hydrodynamic torque converter can be improved, the input part of the torsional vibration damping device has, in the circumferential direction between two positive locking sections, a seat area for one end of a spring shackle that extends from the clutch disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Gunnar Back
  • Patent number: 7225908
    Abstract: The hydrokinetic torque converter between the prime mover and the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is designed to promote and/or otherwise regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The fluid is circulated between the friction linings on the laminations of the bypass clutch in the housing of the torque converter. In a first embodiment of the method, the flow of fluid in certain parts of the torque converter is opposed or interfered with in such a way that a larger quantity of fluid flows between the laminations of the bypass clutch. In a second embodiment, the resistance to fluid flow through the bypass clutch of the torque converter is reduced. It is also possible to resort to both solutions in one and the same torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Rudolf Honemann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20070017766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device with a clutch disk or friction plate that is connected by way of positive locking sections to an input part of a torsional vibration damping device so that they turn together but it can be slid axially. In order to produce a torque transmission device, by which the shifting quality of a converter bridge clutch in a hydrodynamic torque converter can be improved, the input part of the torsional vibration damping device has, in the circumferential direction between two positive locking sections, a seat area for one end of a spring shackle that extends from the clutch disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Gunnar Back
  • Publication number: 20060266606
    Abstract: The hydrokinetic torque converter between the prime mover and the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is designed to promote and/or otherwise regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The fluid is circulated between the friction linings on the laminations of the bypass clutch in the housing of the torque converter. In a first embodiment of the method, the flow of fluid in certain parts of the torque converter is opposed or interfered with in such a way that a larger quantity of fluid flows between the laminations of the bypass clutch. In a second embodiment, the resistance to fluid flow through the bypass clutch of the torque converter is reduced. It is also possible to resort to both solutions in one and the same torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Rudolf Honemann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 7036643
    Abstract: The hydrokinetic torque converter between the prime mover and the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is designed to promote and/or otherwise regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The fluid is circulated between the friction linings on the laminations of the bypass clutch in the housing of the torque converter. In a first embodiment of the method, the flow of fluid in certain parts of the torque converter is opposed or interfered with in such a way that a larger quantity of fluid flows between the laminations of the bypass clutch. In a second embodiment, the resistance to fluid flow through the bypass clutch of the torque converter is reduced. It is also possible to resort to both solutions in one and the same torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Rudolf Honemann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 7000747
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Müller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Patent number: 6948603
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Müller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20050126874
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Publication number: 20050039999
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Muller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 6851532
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Müller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Patent number: 6814194
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Müller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20040144607
    Abstract: The hydrokinetic torque converter between the prime mover and the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is designed to promote and/or otherwise regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The fluid is circulated between the friction linings on the laminations of the bypass clutch in the housing of the torque converter. In a first embodiment of the method, the flow of fluid in certain parts of the torque converter is opposed or interfered with in such a way that a larger quantity of fluid flows between the laminations of the bypass clutch. In a second embodiment, the resistance to fluid flow through the bypass clutch of the torque converter is reduced. It is also possible to resort to both solutions in one and the same torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Rudolf Honemann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 6742638
    Abstract: Overheating of various parts of a hydraulic torque converter between the engine and the transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle, wherein the torque converter employs a bypass clutch which generates heat when it is operated with slip, is counteracted by establishing one or more paths for the flow of hydraulic converter fluid from a first plenum chamber at one side of the axially movable piston of the bypass clutch to a second plenum chamber. A first portion of each such path is defined by at least one groove in a friction surface of at least one part of the bypass clutch, and a second portion of each such path is defined by one or more throttling orifices which offers or offer to the fluid flow a resistance several times that of the groove(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Bruno Müller, Gunnar Back
  • Publication number: 20040050639
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Publication number: 20040007435
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Muller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 6615962
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Müller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20030010588
    Abstract: Overheating of various parts of a hydraulic torque converter between the engine and the transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle, wherein the torque converter employs a bypass clutch which generates heat when it is operated with slip, is counteracted by establishing one or more paths for the flow of hydraulic converter fluid from a first plenum chamber at one side of the axially movable piston of the bypass clutch to a second plenum chamber. A first portion of each such path is defined by at least one groove in a friction surface of at least one part of the bypass clutch, and a second portion of each such path is defined by one or more throttling orifices which offers or offer to the fluid flow a resistance several times that of the groove(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Bruno Muller, Gunnar Back
  • Publication number: 20020074200
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Muller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20020027053
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik