Patents by Inventor Larry A. Pritchard
Larry A. Pritchard 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: 20140205468Abstract: A control system (100) for an all-wheel-drive torque transfer case (102) coupling of a motor vehicle (104) including a power unit (130) having a centrifugally governed fluid pump (132) and a flow valve (134) movable between recirculation and diverter positions (134a, 134b). A control valve (136) located between the fluid pump (132), the all-wheel-drive clutch assembly (112), and the range shift assembly (120). The control valve (136) operable between a first position (136a) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the clutch assembly (112), and a second position (136b) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the range shift assembly (120). At least one range shift valve (138; 152, 154) located between the control valve (136) and the range shift assembly (120).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventor: Larry PRITCHARD
-
Patent number: 8601892Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a vehicle is provided. The transmission includes a first input shaft driven by a first clutch and a second input shaft driven by a second clutch. An output shaft or shafts are driven by the input shafts having selective mesh torsional force transferring gear contact therewith. A differential input gear is driven by the output shaft or shafts. At least one of the input shafts has at least one input gear that torsionally engages with the output shaft via an idler shaft having an idler input shaft torsionally connected on the idler shaft with an idler shaft output gear through a one-way clutch and wherein the idler shaft output gear is meshed with another gear on the one input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew A. Rahaim
-
Patent number: 8490769Abstract: A electromagnetic clutch assembly for use in a vehicle is presented. More specifically, the clutch assembly comprises an input member; an output member; a friction clutch pack having a first plurality of clutch plates coupled for rotation with said input member and a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with said first plurality of clutch plates and coupled for rotation with said output member; a solenoid coil; an actuator hub having an armature plate; and a cam lever assembly having a first end engaging said actuator hub and a second end engaging said friction clutch pack. When electrical current is applied to the solenoid coil, the armature plate moves the actuator hub, the actuator hub engages the cam lever and causes said cam lever to compress the interleaved first and second plurality of clutch plates, thereby, resulting in the coupling of the input and output members.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Christopher V. Kurmaniak
-
Patent number: 8342051Abstract: A vehicle dual clutch transmission is provided which includes a first clutch housing driven along a first axis extending generally aligned with the output axis of an engine. A second clutch housing is provided which is chain driven from the first clutch housing and extends along a second generally parallel axis. First and second input shafts are respectively driven by the first and second clutches. An output shaft or shafts is provided that is driven by the input shafts and has selective meshed torsional force transferring gear contact therewith. A differential input gear is driven by the output shaft(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew Rahaim, R. Keith Martin
-
Patent number: 8308598Abstract: A controlled differential actuator particularly adapted for differential applications for motor vehicle powertrains. The differential operator incorporates an electromagnetically applied first or primary clutch coupled to a second multi-disc clutch pack through a ball ramp operator. Energization of the solenoid coil selectively applies the main clutch pack which is coupled to a differential carrier and one of the axle half shafts connected with the differential assembly. Modulation of current applied to the solenoid coil allows a selective frictional coupling between the differential axle half shafts which provides desirable traction features for the associated motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Borgwarner, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, John Barlage
-
Publication number: 20120247903Abstract: An arrangement of a dual clutch transmission that incorporates a positive pressure lubrication cooler heat exchanger that is integrated into a cover of a wet clutch module of the transmission is provided. Additionally, a method of assembling a wet dual clutch transmission assembly is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
-
Publication number: 20120216638Abstract: A transmission and components thereof that consists of three forward speed ratios for an electric vehicle market is brought forth. The transmission has an input shaft for receiving torsional energy from an electric motor. A counter shaft is provided which is powered from the input shaft. A first normally closed clutch is provided for powering the first and third gears. A second normally open clutch is provided for powering the second gear. A synchronizer rotatably is provided for selectively torsionally connecting the first of third gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew A. Rahaim, Mark R. Buchanan
-
Patent number: 8235198Abstract: A hydraulic clutch assembly for a motor vehicle driveline is provided. The clutch assembly comprises an input member, and output member and a friction clutch pack operably disposed therebetween for controlling torque transfer. A first fluid circuit contains hydraulic based fluid at a first pressure and is in fluid communication with the friction clutch pack for lubrication thereof. A second fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit for replenishing the second fluid circuit with the hydraulic based fluid at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The clutch assembly further comprises a motor and a gear train. A first piston is in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit for delivering the hydraulic based fluid thereto A second piston is translated by the hydraulic based fluid displaced by the first piston to actuate the friction clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Borgwarner, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Philip J. Francis, Thad Kopp, Tsunlock A. Yu
-
Patent number: 8191698Abstract: A hydraulic system having a clutch assembly (30) which is hydraulically actuated, a pressure device (32) in fluid communication with the clutch assembly, and a multi-position actuator device (34) in fluid communication with the pressure device and the clutch assembly. The position of the actuator device includes at least a first position in order for the pressure device to fluidly communicate with the clutch assembly, a second position for maintaining fluid pressure in the clutch assembly, and a third position for bleeding the hydraulic system.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Borgwarner Inc.Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Eric Christopher Sandstrom, Philip J. Francis
-
Publication number: 20110167955Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a vehicle is provided. The transmission includes a first input shaft driven by a first clutch and a second input shaft driven by a second clutch. An output shaft or shafts are driven by the input shafts having selective mesh torsional force transferring gear contact therewith. A differential input gear is driven by the output shaft or shafts. At least one of the input shafts has at least one input gear that torsionally engages with the output shaft via an idler shaft having an idler input shaft torsionally connected on the idler shaft with an idler shaft output gear through a one-way clutch and wherein the idler shaft output gear is meshed with another gear on the one input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew A. Rahaim
-
Patent number: 7954318Abstract: A hydraulic system having a solenoid bleed valve for bleeding air out of the system is provided. The present invention is a hydraulic system having an actuator, a coupling operably associated with the actuator, and a first solenoid valve operably associated with the actuator and the coupling, where the first solenoid is operable to control pressure applied to the coupling. The present invention also includes a second solenoid valve operably associated with the actuator and the first solenoid, where the second solenoid is operable to relieve pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
-
Patent number: 7896146Abstract: A clutch assembly which incorporates brushless motor technology to engage a clutch pack to cause two shafts to rotate in unison. The clutch actuation assembly includes a clutch apply member, a base plate disposed about an axis, a cam plate disposed about the axis, and at least one cam, operably associated with the base plate and the cam plate. At least one load transferring member operably associated with the at least one cam, as well as an actuator for providing relative rotation between the cam plate and the base plate about the axis, causing the at least one load transferring member to move with respect to the at least one cam, and the cam plate to translate along the axis actuating said clutch apply member.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Christopher J. Kowalsky
-
Publication number: 20100331132Abstract: A vehicle dual clutch transmission is provided which includes a first clutch housing driven along a first axis extending generally aligned with the output axis of an engine. A second clutch housing is provided which is chain driven from the first clutch housing and extends along a second generally parallel axis. First and second input shafts are respectively driven by the first and second clutches. An output shaft or shafts is provided that is driven by the input shafts and has selective meshed torsional force transferring gear contact therewith. A differential input gear is driven by the output shaft(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew Rahaim, R. Keith Martin
-
Publication number: 20100236888Abstract: A electromagnetic clutch assembly for use in a vehicle is presented. More specifically, the clutch assembly comprises an input member; an output member; a friction clutch pack having a first plurality of clutch plates coupled for rotation with said input member and a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with said first plurality of clutch plates and coupled for rotation with said output member; a solenoid coil; an actuator hub having an armature plate; and a cam lever assembly having a first end engaging said actuator hub and a second end engaging said friction clutch pack. When electrical current is applied to the solenoid coil, the armature plate moves the actuator hub, the actuator hub engages the cam lever and causes said cam lever to compress the interleaved first and second plurality of clutch plates, thereby, resulting in the coupling of the input and output members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Christopher V. Kurmaniak
-
Publication number: 20100240486Abstract: A controlled differential actuator particularly adapted for differential applications for motor vehicle powertrains. The differential operator incorporates an electromagnetically applied first or primary clutch coupled to a second multi-disc clutch pack through a ball ramp operator. Energization of the solenoid coil selectively applies the main clutch pack which is coupled to a differential carrier and one of the axle half shafts connected with the differential assembly. Modulation of current applied to the solenoid coil allows a selective frictional coupling between the differential axle half shafts which provides desirable traction features for the associated motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, John Barlage
-
Publication number: 20100122887Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a hydraulic clutch assembly for a motor vehicle driveline is provided. The clutch assembly comprises an input member, and output member and a friction clutch pack operably disposed therebetween for controlling torque transfer. A first fluid circuit contains hydraulic based fluid at a first pressure and is in fluid communication with the friction clutch pack for lubrication thereof. A second fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit for replenishing the second fluid circuit with the hydraulic based fluid at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The clutch assembly further comprises a motor and a gear train. The gear train has an input force driven by the motor and an output force. A first piston is in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit for delivering the hydraulic based fluid thereto and is operatively driven by the output force to displace the hydraulic based fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Philip J. Francis, Thad Kopp, Tsunlock A. Yu
-
Publication number: 20090314602Abstract: A hydraulic system having a clutch assembly (30) which is hydraulically actuated, a pressure device (32) in fluid communication with the clutch assembly, and a multi-position actuator device (34) in fluid communication with the pressure device and the clutch assembly. The position of the actuator device includes at least a first position in order for the pressure device to fluidly communicate with the clutch assembly, a second position for maintaining fluid pressure in the clutch assembly, and a third position for bleeding the hydraulic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Eric Christopher Sandstrom, Philip J. Francis
-
Publication number: 20090288929Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuation mechanism having a valve, a plurality of couplings in fluid communication with the valve, wherein one of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between a primary set of wheels and a secondary set of wheels, and another of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between each of the secondary set of wheels. The present invention also includes a drive shaft driven by a source of power, which is also connected to the secondary set of wheels, and a pressure supply device in fluid communication with the valve, wherein the valve directs fluid to the plurality of couplings, and when the valve directs fluid to the one of the plurality of couplings operable to distribute power between the primary set and secondary set of wheels, the drive shaft will transfer power to the secondary set of wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Eric C. Sandstrom, Larry A. Pritchard, David Chen
-
Patent number: 7534188Abstract: A two-speed transfer case includes a planetary gear assembly, and a shift sleeve that is used for selecting either the reduced speed gear ratio, in which the torque from the input is transferred though the planetary gears, or the direct drive speed ratio, in which the input and output shafts are coupled directly together. The carrier of the planetary gear assembly is equipped with a surface that is capable of receiving a band brake that is disposed thereabout. A lever composed to two pieces, a brake apply arm and a cam follower, applies the brake band, and in doing so controls retardation of the planet carrier, controlling the speed of the carrier, and thus, controlling the output of the planetary gear assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Larry Pritchard, Christopher V. Kurmaniak
-
Publication number: 20090032755Abstract: A hydraulic system having a solenoid bleed valve for bleeding air out of the system is provided. The present invention is a hydraulic system having an actuator, a coupling operably associated with the actuator, and a first solenoid valve operably associated with the actuator and the coupling, where the first solenoid is operable to control pressure applied to the coupling. The present invention also includes a second solenoid valve operably associated with the actuator and the first solenoid, where the second solenoid is operable to relieve pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard