Patents by Inventor Hans Wormsbächer

Hans Wormsbächer 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: 20140213374
    Abstract: A high angle constant velocity joint having an outer joint member defined by inner and outer surfaces; an inner joint member having an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer joint member and the outer surface of the inner joint define tracks, including a front track and a rear track for a joint articulation; a cage disposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member and positioned adjacent to the tracks; a plurality of torque transmitting bails arranged within the cage and contacting at least one of the front track and the rear track; and a high angle sealing member secured to the outer surface of the outer joint member and providing a fluid barrier to the inner surface of the outer joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Leslie Cassell, Michael James Miller, Sam Junior D'Angelo, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20130072312
    Abstract: A high angle plunging constant velocity joint includes an outer race, an inner race, a plunging cage, a plurality of balls and a shaft. The outer race is defined by inner and outer surfaces, wherein the inner surface contains a plurality of double offset tracks. The inner race includes a plurality of corresponding double offset tracks disposed within a bore of the outer race. An outer surface of the inner race defines a first radius. The plunging cage is defined by an inner surface and an outer surface. The plunging cage is disposed between the inner race and outer race. The inner surface of the plunging cage is defined by a second radius that is less than the first radius. The plurality of balls are arranged within the cage and contact the double offset tracks of the inner and the outer race. The shaft is connected to the inner race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Steven C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 8277329
    Abstract: A homokinetic rotary ball joint in the form of a plunging joint is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Braun, Joachim Prölss, Volker Bergmann, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 8167726
    Abstract: A sealing cover assembly for an articulating joint. The articulating joint includes a first rotational member and a second rotational member. The sealing cover assembly includes a first portion having a plurality of fastening portions. The fastening portions are coupled to the second rotational member for rotation therewith. The sealing cover assembly also includes a second portion adapted for connecting to the driveline and a plurality of damping members constructed of at least a first material and interconnecting the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Craig A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20110306430
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary constant velocity joint having a first universal joint attached to a first shaft and a second universal joint attached to a second shaft. A centering mechanism pivotally connects the first shaft to the second shaft and is disposed between the first and second universal joints. The centering mechanism includes a ball-shaped member attached to the second shaft and a concave bearing member attached to the first shaft for receiving the ball-shaped member. The bearing member has a conical-shaped inside surface that engages a spherical outside surface of the ball-shaped member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: GKN DRIVELINE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 8070611
    Abstract: A cross-track plunging constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner race having an outer diameter, an axial length, inner ball tracks, and a spline engageable with a first torque transfer member. An outer race has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and outer ball tracks. The outer race is connectable to a second torque transfer member. A cage having multiple windows is disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of balls (N) having a ball diameter are held by the cage within the windows and engage pairs of the inner and outer ball tracks. The balls define a joint pitch circle diameter (PCD). The inner race has a plunge depth within the outer race. The ratio of 1.2?(outer race outer diameter/outer race inner diameter)?1.7 is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Danny Lee Booker
  • Patent number: 7997988
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes an outer joint part, and inner joint part, a cage and a plurality of balls. The outer joint part includes outer ball tracks. The inner joint part includes inner ball tracks and a rotational axis, wherein the inner joint part has a face spline oriented about the rotational axis. The plurality of balls are provided in the cage and engage the inner and outer ball tracks of the respective inner and outer joint parts, thereby allowing torque transmission by way of the face splines. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Eric James LaMothe
  • Patent number: 7997990
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint collet connector includes an outer joint part having outer ball tracks, an inner joint part having inner ball tracks, a cage and a plurality of balls. The inner joint part is articulately secured in a rotationally fast way to the outer joint part with the plurality of balls held in the cage. The inner joint part includes a front portion, an inner bore, a collet extension and at least one slot. The collet extension extends from the inner ball tracks to the front portion of the inner joint part. The slot extends into the collet extension from the front portion between an outer surface and the inner bore of the inner joint part, wherein the collet extension of the inner joint part is compressible for selective attachment to a journal shaft of a supplied drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Hahn, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20100292016
    Abstract: A cross-track plunging constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner race having an outer diameter, an axial length, inner ball tracks, and a spline engageable with a first torque transfer member. An outer race has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and outer ball tracks. The outer race is connectable to a second torque transfer member. A cage having multiple windows is disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of balls (N) having a ball diameter are held by the cage within the windows and engage pairs of the inner and outer ball tracks. The balls define a joint pitch circle diameter (PCD). The inner race has a plunge depth within the outer race. The ratio of 1.2?(outer race outer diameter/outer race inner diameter)?1.7 is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: HANS WORMSBAECHER, Danny Lee Booker
  • Publication number: 20100285891
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes an outer joint part, and inner joint part, a cage and a plurality of balls. The outer joint part includes outer ball tracks. The inner joint part includes inner ball tracks and a rotational axis, wherein the inner joint part has a face spline oriented about the rotational axis. The plurality of balls are provided in the cage and engage the inner and outer ball tracks of the respective inner and outer joint parts, thereby allowing torque transmission by way of the face splines. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: GKN DRIVELINE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Eric James LaMothe
  • Publication number: 20100216559
    Abstract: A homokinetic rotary ball joint in the form of a plunging joint is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Braun, Joachim Proelss, Volker Bergmann, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20100105488
    Abstract: A sealing cover assembly for an articulating joint. The articulating joint includes a first rotational member and a second rotational member. The sealing cover assembly includes a first portion having a plurality of fastening portions. The fastening portions are coupled to the second rotational member for rotation therewith. The sealing cover assembly also includes a second portion adapted for connecting to the driveline and a plurality of damping members constructed of at least a first material and interconnecting the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Craig A. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7677982
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint and a boot for a constant velocity joint are disclosed. The boot generally includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is in fluid communication with a joint chamber of the constant velocity joint. The first channel is also in communication with the second channel and generally allows airflow therethrough while resisting clogs from lubricant. Additionally, the second channel generally allows airflow therethrough to the atmosphere while resisting passage of foreign contaminants therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Alfred Compau, Sam Junior D'Angelo, Michael James Miller, David G. Sasseen, Brian Valovick, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 7553238
    Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal and a constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint part and an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal. The inner joint part includes an elongated neck portion with at least one insertion groove formed therein, and the shaft journal has at least one corresponding insertion groove. A securing clip engages the corresponding insertion grooves to axially secure the inner joint part and shaft journal with respect to each other. A boot is axially secured to the inner joint part neck portion, substantially enveloping the inner joint part, and sealingly engaging an outer surface of the outer joint part to seal at least one side of a joint chamber of the constant velocity universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Eric LaMothe
  • Patent number: 7534172
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes an outer joint part having outer ball tracks and an outer surface, an inner joint part with inner ball tracks, a cage, a plurality of balls held in the cage and engaging the inner and outer ball tracks, and a boot. The boot includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is axially secured to the outer surface of the outer joint part while providing rotational freedom between the boot and the outer joint part, and the second end is selectively attachable to a supplied drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20080293500
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint collet connector includes an outer joint part having outer ball tracks, an inner joint part having inner ball tracks, a cage and a plurality of balls. The inner joint part is articulately secured in a rotationally fast way to the outer joint part with the plurality of balls held in the cage. The inner joint part includes a front portion, an inner bore, a collet extension and at least one slot. The collet extension extends from the inner ball tracks to the front portion of the inner joint part. The slot extends into the collet extension from the front portion between an outer surface and the inner bore of the inner joint part, wherein the collet extension of the inner joint part is compressible for selective attachment to a journal shaft of a supplied drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Steven C. Hahn, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 7419434
    Abstract: A torque transfer device, such as a transfer case for a motor vehicle, having a constant velocity joint integrated therewith is disclosed. In one embodiment, the constant velocity joint includes an outer race rotatably mounted within the torque transfer device and an inner race positioned within the outer race and operatively connected to the outer race by one or more torque transmitting balls. The torque transfer device further includes a drive mechanism that is connected to the outer race of the constant velocity joint, wherein the drive mechanism transfers torque received from an input shaft to the outer race of the constant velocity joint such that the outer race drives the inner race. The torque transfer device further includes an output shaft that is rotatably connected to the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 7377854
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint having a rolling radial boot is provided and includes a DTF CVJ connector, a shroud assembly and a rolling radial boot. The DTF CVJ connector includes an outer joint part and an inner joint part, such that the shroud assembly is connected to the inner joint part and substantially surrounds the outer joint part of the DTF CVJ. The shroud assembly includes a circumferential clamp portion so that a rolling radial boot is connected between it and the outer joint part of the DTF CVJ. The rolling radial boot is covered by the shroud assembly and seals the DTF CVJ. The shroud assembly also protects the boot from external debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20080070706
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint and a boot for a constant velocity joint are disclosed. The boot generally includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is in fluid communication with a joint chamber of the constant velocity joint. The first channel is also in communication with the second channel and generally allows airflow therethrough while resisting clogs from lubricant. Additionally, the second channel generally allows airflow therethrough to the atmosphere while resisting passage of foreign contaminants therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Alfred Compau, Sam Junior D'Angelo, Michael James Miller, David G. Sasseen, Brian Valovick, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20070249423
    Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal and a constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint part and an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal. The inner joint part includes an elongated neck portion with at least one annular groove formed therein, and the shaft journal has at least one corresponding annular groove. A securing clip engages the corresponding annular grooves to axially secure the inner joint part and shaft journal with respect to each other. A boot is axially secured to the inner joint part neck portion, substantially enveloping the inner joint part, and sealingly engaging an outer surface of the outer joint part to seal at least one side of a joint chamber of the constant velocity universal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Eric LaMothe