Patents by Inventor John Antchak

John Antchak 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: 10690228
    Abstract: An isolator is provided for use with an engine and in particular an engine that is assisted or started by MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) or a motor through an endless drive member. It comprises a double acting spring system for isolating crankshaft pulley from torsion vibration at the crankshaft, and in extreme conditions, such as during engine startup and accelerations or decelerations of the engine crankshaft relative to the pulley and when isolator operates in an “engine-driven” mode with the engine crankshaft is driven by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete
  • Publication number: 20180045289
    Abstract: An isolator is provided for use with an engine and in particular an engine that is assisted or started by MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) or a motor through an endless drive member. It comprises a double acting spring system for isolating crankshaft pulley from torsion vibration at the crankshaft, and in extreme conditions, such as during engine startup and accelerations or decelerations of the engine crankshaft relative to the pulley and when isolator operates in an “engine-driven” mode with the engine crankshaft is driven by the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Vladimir I. STARODOUBOV, John ANTCHAK, Andrew M. BOYES, Boris REPLETE
  • Patent number: 9797498
    Abstract: An isolator is provided for use with an engine and in particular an engine that is assisted or started by MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) or a motor through an endless drive member. It comprises a double acting spring system for isolating crankshaft pulley from torsion vibration at the crankshaft, and in extreme conditions, such as during engine startup and accelerations or decelerations of the engine crankshaft relative to the pulley and when isolator operates in an “engine-driven” mode with the engine crankshaft is driven by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete
  • Patent number: 9759293
    Abstract: In an aspect, a tensioner is provided for tensioning a belt and includes first and second tensioner arms having first and second pulleys respectively. The first and second pulleys are configured for engagement with first and second belt spans, and are biased in first and second free arm directions respectively. A second tensioner arm stop is positioned to limit the movement of the second tensioner arm in a direction opposite the second free arm direction. The second tensioner arm stop is positioned such that, in use, the second pulley is engaged with the endless drive member while the second tensioner arm is engaged with the second tensioner arm stop throughout a first selected range of operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Ryeland, Ron Farewell, Andrew M. Boyes, Thelma Neudorf, Jason R. Desouza-Coelho, John Antchak
  • Publication number: 20170074375
    Abstract: In an aspect, a tensioner is provided for tensioning a belt and includes first and second tensioner arms having first and second pulleys respectively. The first and second pulleys are configured for engagement with first and second belt spans, and are biased in first and second free arm directions respectively. A second tensioner arm stop is positioned to limit the movement of the second tensioner arm in a direction opposite the second free arm direction. The second tensioner arm stop is positioned such that, in use, the second pulley is engaged with the endless drive member while the second tensioner arm is engaged with the second tensioner arm stop throughout a first selected range of operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Ryeland, Ron Farewell, Andrew M. Boyes, Thelma Neudorf, Jason R. Desouza-Coelho, John Antchak
  • Patent number: 9453538
    Abstract: In an non-limiting embodiment, an isolator is provided for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member. The isolator includes a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device, a rotary drive member that is engageable with the endless drive member, a torsion spring that is positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and the rotary drive member, and a torque limiting surface. The torsion spring has a first helical end, a second helical end and a plurality of coils between the first and second helical ends. The torque limiting surface has a selected non-zero spacing from the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Hao Q. Tran, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete, Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Pierre A. Mevissen
  • Publication number: 20160123453
    Abstract: An isolator is provided for use with an engine and in particular an engine that is assisted or started by MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) or a motor through an endless drive member. It comprises a double acting spring system for isolating crankshaft pulley from torsion vibration at the crankshaft, and in extreme conditions, such as during engine startup and accelerations or decelerations of the engine crankshaft relative to the pulley and when isolator operates in an “engine-driven” mode with the engine crank shaft is driven by the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete
  • Publication number: 20150060232
    Abstract: In an aspect, an isolator is provided for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member. The isolator includes a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device, a rotary drive member that is engageable with the endless drive member, a torsion spring that is positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and the rotary drive member, and a torque limiting surface. The torsion spring has a first helical end, a second helical end and a plurality of coils between the first and second helical ends. The torque limiting surface has a selected non-zero spacing from the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Hao Q. Tran, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete, Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Pierre A. Mevissen
  • Patent number: 8302753
    Abstract: A decoupler with driven and driving members, a clutch, a torsional vibration damper and a lubricant. The clutch is received in a bore in the driven member and includes a carrier, a wrap spring and at least one spring. The wrap spring is formed of spring wire and has a plurality of coils disposed between a first end, which is received in a groove in the carrier, and a second end. The portion of the wrap spring outside the carrier has an outer circumferential spring surface that is abutted against the inner circumferential surface of the bore. The at least one spring is disposed between the carrier and the driving member to transmit rotary power from the driving member to the carrier. The torsional vibration damper is coupled to the driving member for rotation therewith. The lubricant is disposed on the remaining portion of the wrap spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: John Antchak, James W. Dell, Bert Mevissen, Christian Jansen
  • Publication number: 20100140044
    Abstract: A decoupler with driven and driving members, a clutch, a torsional vibration damper and a lubricant. The clutch is received in a bore in the driven member and includes a carrier, a wrap spring and at least one spring. The wrap spring is formed of spring wire and has a plurality of coils disposed between a first end, which is received in a groove in the carrier, and a second end. The portion of the wrap spring outside the carrier has an outer circumferential spring surface that is abutted against the inner circumferential surface of the bore. The at least one spring is disposed between the carrier and the driving member to transmit rotary power from the driving member to the carrier. The torsional vibration damper is coupled to the driving member for rotation therewith. The lubricant is disposed on the remaining portion of the wrap spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: John ANTCHAK, James W. Dell, Bert Mevissen, Christian Jansen
  • Patent number: 7618337
    Abstract: A decoupler assembly for transferring torque between a shaft and an endless power transmitting element. The decoupler assembly includes a clutch spring that is formed only of wire for transmitting rotary power between a carrier and a pulley. The decoupler assembly further includes a hub, that is configured to be coupled to a driven shaft, and a torsion spring that transmits rotary power between the carrier and the hub. A lubricant is disposed on the coils of the clutch spring. The pulley and the hub cooperate to define an annular cavity in which the torsion spring and the clutch spring are disposed. The torsion spring and the clutch spring are disposed axially between the carrier and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Litens Automotove Partnership
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
  • Patent number: 7591357
    Abstract: A decoupler (22) is provided for transferring rotary movement between an engine driven crankshaft (16) and a serpentine belt (20). The decoupler (22) has a rotary driving member (18, 36) and a rotary driven member (36, 18) coaxially mounted with the driving member for relative rotary movement therewith. A decoupling assembly (19) extends between the driving member (18, 36) and the driven member (36, 18). The decoupling assembly (19) selectively couples the driving and driven members (18, 36) when the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a first coupling sense. The decoupling assembly (19) uncouples the driving member from the driven member when the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a second sense opposite the first sense. A torsional vibration damper (80) is mounted for rotation with one of the driving and driven members (18, 36) to cancel some of the vibrations generated by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: John Antchak, James W. Dell, Bert Mevissen
  • Publication number: 20090176608
    Abstract: A decoupler assembly is provided for a system that employs an endless power transmitting element. The decoupler includes a one-way clutch with a wrap spring and a torsion spring that are disposed between a pulley, which is engaged to the endless power transmitting element, and a hub. The one-way clutch permits overrunning of a driven or output one of the pulley and the hub, whereas the torsion spring stores and releases energy to attenuate the response of the one-way clutch in a manner that provides improved durability of an interface between the wrap spring and the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
  • Patent number: 7275630
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly interconnects an output shaft and an input shaft. The flexible coupling assembly includes a first hub operatively coupled to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second hub is operatively coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A flexible element in the form of a coil spring interconnects the first and second hubs for transferring rotational torque between the first and second hubs while continuously compensating for axial misalignment between the first and second hubs. A retainer is disposed between the flexible element and the first and second hubs for limiting radial deflection of the flexible element during rotation of the flexible coupling. A one-way clutch is operatively coupled between the coil spring and one of the first and second hubs for transferring torque in one rotational direction while allowing the output shaft to decelerate relative to the input shaft in a direction other than the one rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
  • Publication number: 20070037644
    Abstract: A decoupler assembly (20) is provided for transferring rotational torque between a drive shaft (16) and a drive belt (18) of an automotive engine. The decoupler assembly includes a drive hub (40) configured to be fixedly secured to the drive shaft. A pulley (22) is rotatably coupled to the drive hub (40) and adapted to be drivingly engaged with the belt (18). A spring shell (70, 100) is operatively coupled between the drive hub and the pulley for selective rotation therewith and a biasing member (130) is operatively coupled between the spring shell and the drive hub for isolating oscillatory vibrations between the drive hub and the pulley caused by rotation of the drive shaft. A clutch element (140) is seated between the spring shell (70, 100) and the pulley (22) for selectively transferring rotational torque from the drive hub to the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Bert Mevissen, James Dell, John Antchak
  • Publication number: 20060229151
    Abstract: A linear tensioner has a longitudinally extending first sleeve having an end configured for pivotal coupling and a longitudinally extending second sleeve having an end configured for pivotal coupling. The second sleeve slidably receives the first sleeve and frictionally engages therewith. A biasing member extends between and is housed by the sleeves and urges the sleeves apart. The first sleeve operatively engages with the second sleeve enabling sliding movement within a range and retains the sleeves together against the bias of the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak, Bert Mevissen
  • Publication number: 20060148581
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly interconnects an output shaft and an input shaft. The flexible coupling assembly includes a first hub operatively coupled to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second hub is operatively coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A flexible element in the form of a coil spring interconnects the first and second hubs for transferring rotational torque between the first and second hubs while continuously compensating for axial misalignment between the first and second hubs. A retainer is disposed between the flexible element and the first and second hubs for limiting radial deflection of the flexible element during rotation of the flexible coupling. A one-way clutch is operatively coupled between the coil spring and one of the first and second hubs for transferring torque in one rotational direction while allowing the output shaft to decelerate relative to the input shaft in a direction other than the one rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
  • Publication number: 20060144664
    Abstract: A decoupler (22) is provided for transferring rotary movement between an engine driven crankshaft (16) and a serpentine belt (20). The decoupler (22) has a rotary driving member (18, 36) and a rotary driven member (36, 18) coaxially mounted with the driving member for relative rotary movement therewith. A decoupling assembly (19) extends between the driving member (18, 36) and the driven member (36, 18). The decoupling assembly (19) selectively couples the driving and driven members (18, 36) when the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a first coupling sense. The decoupling assembly (19) uncouples the driving member from the driven member when the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a second sense opposite the first sense. A torsional vibration damper (80) is mounted for rotation with one of the driving and driven members (18, 36) to cancel some of the vibrations generated by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: John Antchak, James Dell
  • Patent number: 7070033
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly interconnects an output shaft and an input shaft. The flexible coupling assembly includes a first hub operatively coupled to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second hub is operatively coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A flexible element in the form of a coil spring interconnects the first and second hubs for transferring rotational torque between the first and second hubs while continuously compensating for axial misalignment between the first and second hubs. A retainer is disposed between the flexible element and the first and second hubs for limiting radial deflection of the flexible element during rotation of the flexible coupling. A one-way clutch is operatively coupled between the coil spring and one of the first and second hubs for transferring torque in one rotational direction while allowing the output shaft to decelerate relative to the input shaft in a direction other than the one rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
  • Publication number: 20050250607
    Abstract: A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing member. The ball bearing member includes lubricant for minimizing frictional wear therein. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak