Patents by Inventor J. Kevin Brown

J. Kevin Brown 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).

  • Stator and one-way clutch assembly for a torque converter
    Patent number: 8776971
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator and clutch assembly in a torque converter. The stator has a segment radially disposed between stator blades and a stator axis. The one-way clutch has a plate connected to a hub. The segment forms a portion of the clutch and the stator is axially displaceable to control operation of the clutch. A displacement element urges the stator in a first axial direction. The stator is arranged to move in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, in response to pressure from fluid in the torque converter. In some aspects, the displacement element is selected from the group consisting of a coil spring and a wave spring. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is arranged to disengage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the first direction and to engage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael Vansickle, Christian Huegel, Yannick Strub, J. Kevin Brown, Peter Kennedy
  • Stator and one-way clutch assembly for a torque converter
    Publication number: 20070220874
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator and clutch assembly in a torque converter. The stator has a segment radially disposed between stator blades and a stator axis. The one-way clutch has a plate connected to a hub. The segment forms a portion of the clutch and the stator is axially displaceable to control operation of the clutch. A displacement element urges the stator in a first axial direction. The stator is arranged to move in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, in response to pressure from fluid in the torque converter. In some aspects, the displacement element is selected from the group consisting of a coil spring and a wave spring. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is arranged to disengage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the first direction and to engage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael Vansickle, Christian Huegel, Yannick Strub, J. Kevin Brown, Peter Kennedy
  • Axial roller bearing
    Patent number: 6830381
    Abstract: An axial bearing unit made up of a cage (2) and races (3, 4) is in which the collar (5) located at the outer peripheral edge of the race (3) is extended by a first flange (7) and a protruding rib (8) is formed in an area made up of the collar (5) and the flange (7). The protruding rib faces inwardly to radically contain the cage (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Charles M. Schwab, J. Kevin Brown
  • Axial roller bearing
    Publication number: 20030190106
    Abstract: An axial bearing unit made up of a cage (2) and races (3, 4) is in which the collar (5) located at the outer peripheral edge of the race (3) is extended by a first flange (7) and a protruding rib (8) is formed in an area made up of the collar (5) and the flange (7). The protruding rib faces inwardly to radially contain the cage (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Charles M. Schwab, J. Kevin Brown