Patents by Inventor Hideji Kato

Hideji Kato 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).

  • Lockup clutch for a torque converter and method of thermally treating a lockup clutch piston
    Patent number: 5788034
    Abstract: A lockup clutch for torque converter which prevents engaging and disengaging shock when a transmission torque suddenly changes, includes a lockup clutch assembly, a lockup clutch piston operating the lockup clutch assembly, and a damper device disposed between the lockup clutch piston and an output member for absorbing changes of transmission torque occurring in association with the operation of the lockup clutch assembly. The lockup clutch piston is made of steel and has a thermally treated portion placed at a surface in contact with springs of the damper device wherein the thermally treated portion is hardened by rapid local melting with high density energy radiation such as electron beam followed by rapid cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Maruki, Takao Taniguchi, Masataka Shimazaki, Fumitomo Yokoyama, Hideji Kato, Kouji Ohbayashi, Yoshimi Watanabe, Naohisa Momiyama, Masayoshi Imakire
  • Torque converter device with lubricating washer on turbine hub
    Patent number: 5175999
    Abstract: Discloses a torque converter device with a light stator and turbine. The torque converter device comprises a converter cover, a turbine hub, a washer provided between the cover and the hub, and an oil flow passage provided between the washer and the turbine hub to lighten the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hara, Hideji Kato, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Takao Taniguchi