Patents by Inventor Loyal George MacMillian

Loyal George MacMillian 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: 11378139
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element, a torque output component acting as an output element, being connectable so as to transmit a torque to the torque input component via a clutch that can be shifted using friction elements, and with a torsional vibration damper having two masses damped relative to one another to reduce rotational irregularities, which is arranged between the torque input component and the torque output component, at least one of the two masses of the torsional vibration damper being simultaneously designed as a support for a friction partner. The disclosure further relates to a hybrid module comprising a first drive machine, the output shaft of which can be connected to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft via such a clutch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Loyal George MacMillian, Markus Baehr, Carsten Mayer
  • Patent number: 11292331
    Abstract: A drive train unit for a hybrid vehicle includes an input shaft arranged for rotationally fixed attachment to an output of a transmission, an output shaft, an electric machine with a rotor, a clutch, and an actuating unit operatively connected to the clutch. The actuating unit has an actuator and an actuating bearing, displaceable by the actuator. The clutch may be a separating clutch operatively inserted between the rotor and the input shaft, or a friction clutch operatively inserted between the input shaft and the output shaft. The clutch may be a self-intensifying clutch with a leaf spring adjusted at a set angle relative to a reference plane oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation such that, in a driving direction of a first clutch component, a first friction element is applied to a second friction element with an additional axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Götz Rathke
  • Patent number: 11248663
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element and a torque output component acting as an output element, which can be connected to transmit a torque to the torque input component through a clutch which can be switched through friction elements, the clutch having two partial clutches by which the torque input component and the torque output component can be connected so as to transmit a torque, in which one of the two partial clutches is configured as a positive-fit clutch and the other of the two partial clutches is configured as a friction clutch. In addition, the disclosure relates to a hybrid module with a first drive machine the output shaft of which can be connected through such a clutch unit to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Loyal George MacMillian, Carsten Mayer, Markus Baehr
  • Publication number: 20220001738
    Abstract: A hybrid module for the transmission of torque in a drive train of a vehicle having a transmission. The hybrid module received in a housing has a first electric motor, a first clutch, which can be actuated by a first clutch actuation unit, and has a first multiple clutch disc assembly, first clutch input and first clutch output, and a bulkhead fastened to the housing. The bulkhead is arranged axially between the first clutch and the transmission and can be releasably connected to the housing. A transmission unit in a drive train of a vehicle having such a hybrid module and at least one first brake of a transmission, wherein the first brake is a first support element fixed to the housing and has a first rotary element which can be braked by the first brake. The first support element is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to or configured in one piece from the bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MACMILLIAN, Stefan MACKOWIAK
  • Publication number: 20210213825
    Abstract: A drive train unit for a hybrid vehicle includes an input shaft arranged for rotationally fixed attachment to an output of a transmission, an output shaft, an electric machine with a rotor, a clutch, and an actuating unit operatively connected to the clutch. The actuating unit has an actuator and an actuating bearing, displaceable by the actuator. The clutch may be a separating clutch operatively inserted between the rotor and the input shaft, or a friction clutch operatively inserted between the input shaft and the output shaft. The clutch may be a self-intensifying clutch with a leaf spring adjusted at a set angle relative to a reference plane oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation such that, in a driving direction of a first clutch component, a first friction element is applied to a second friction element with an additional axial force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Götz Rathke
  • Publication number: 20210054883
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element, a torque output component acting as an output element, being connectable so as to transmit a torque to the torque input component via a clutch that can be shifted using friction elements, and with a torsional vibration damper having two masses damped relative to one another to reduce rotational irregularities, which is arranged between the torque input component and the torque output component, at least one of the two masses of the torsional vibration damper being simultaneously designed as a support for a friction partner. The disclosure further relates to a hybrid module comprising a first drive machine, the output shaft of which can be connected to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft via such a clutch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Loyal George MacMillian, Markus Baehr, Carsten Mayer
  • Publication number: 20210003178
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element and a torque output component acting as an output element, which can be connected to transmit a torque to the torque input component through a clutch which can be switched through friction elements, the clutch having two partial clutches by which the torque input component and the torque output component can be connected so as to transmit a torque, in which one of the two partial clutches is configured as a positive-fit clutch and the other of the two partial clutches is configured as a friction clutch. In addition, the disclosure relates to a hybrid module with a first drive machine the output shaft of which can be connected through such a clutch unit to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Loyal George MacMillian, Carsten Mayer, Markus Baehr
  • Patent number: 10738838
    Abstract: A frictional piece for a wet frictionally engaging device includes an axis of rotation, a lining support, a pair of friction linings, and a plurality of through holes. The lining support is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The pair of friction linings is mounted on the lining support. The friction linings include respective frictional surfaces that face away from each other. The plurality of through holes extends through the friction linings and the lining support between the frictional surfaces. The frictional piece also includes a plurality of channels each fluidically connecting at least two of the plurality of through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Tobias Bauer
  • Publication number: 20190017555
    Abstract: A frictional piece for a wet frictionally engaging device includes an axis of rotation, a lining support, a pair of friction linings, and a plurality of through holes. The lining support is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The pair of friction linings is mounted on the lining support. The friction linings include respective frictional surfaces that face away from each other. The plurality of through holes extends through the friction linings and the lining support between the frictional surfaces. The frictional piece also includes a plurality of channels each fluidically connecting at least two of the plurality of through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Tobias Bauer
  • Patent number: 10161497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding or reducing chatter vibrations in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having an automated transmission with which two transmission stages are engageable simultaneously, wherein in particular when driving in a first transmission stage a different transmission stage is specifically engaged, synchronized and/or disengaged, in order to deliberately select the natural frequency of the drive train as a function of the operating point in order to reduce or avoid chatter vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Schaefler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Goeppert, Loyal George MacMillian
  • Patent number: 10138995
    Abstract: A fluid arrangement including apparatus and a method for fluid actuation of at least one motor vehicle drive train component, such as a transmission or a clutch. The fluid arrangement has at least one fluid actuation system and a fluid energy source. The fluid energy source includes a fluid pump having a first fluid transport direction for actuating the motor vehicle component, and having a second fluid transport direction that is opposite the first fluid transport direction and in which second fluid transport direction the fluid pump provides a stream of fluid to cool the motor vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Herkommer, Loyal George MacMillian, Marco Grethel
  • Patent number: 9777822
    Abstract: A transmission comprising at least a first shaft and at least a second shaft parallel thereto, comprising a first gear wheel and a second gear wheel arranged on the first and second shafts, respectively, the first gear wheel of said first shaft and the second gear of the second shaft arranged as a gear wheel pair and meshing with each other, wherein the first gear wheel of the gear wheel pair is non-rotatably fixed to the first shaft and the second gear wheel of the gear wheel pair is rotatably arranged on the second shaft, an axially displaceable shifting collar for fixing the second gear wheel against rotation relative to the second shaft, an axially displaceable selector fork for actuating the shifting collar and, a damping element arranged on the selector fork and is able to engage a transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Georg Goeppert
  • Publication number: 20160290482
    Abstract: A fluid arrangement including apparatus and a method for fluid actuation of at least one motor vehicle drive train component, such as a transmission or a clutch. The fluid arrangement has at least one fluid actuation system and a fluid energy source. The fluid energy source includes a fluid pump having a first fluid transport direction for actuating the motor vehicle component, and having a second fluid transport direction that is opposite the first fluid transport direction and in which second fluid transport direction the fluid pump provides a stream of fluid to cool the motor vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik HERKOMMER, Loyal George MACMILLIAN, Marco GRETHEL
  • Publication number: 20160208904
    Abstract: A transmission comprising at least a first shaft and at least a second shaft parallel thereto, comprising a first gear wheel and a second gear wheel arranged on the first and second shafts, respectively, the first gear wheel of said first shaft and the second gear of the second shaft arranged as a gear wheel pair and meshing with each other, wherein the first gear wheel of the gear wheel pair is non-rotatably fixed to the first shaft and the second gear wheel of the gear wheel pair is rotatably arranged on the second shaft, an axially displaceable shifting collar for fixing the second gear wheel against rotation relative to the second shaft, an axially displaceable selector fork for actuating the shifting collar and, a damping element arranged on the selector fork and is able to engage a transmission element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Georg Goeppert
  • Patent number: 9080617
    Abstract: A method for controlling a friction clutch in a drive train of a motor vehicle, using a clutch actuator, on the basis of a clutch model. A nominal characteristic curve of the clutch moment, which is transmitted via the friction clutch, is adapted continuously to actual operating parameters. In order to counteract a loss of comfort of the motor vehicle, which is caused by the running-in behavior, for example, of the friction linings of the friction clutch, the friction clutch is operated by way of different sets of operating parameters during a running-in phase of the friction clutch, and after the run-in phase of the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ekkehard Reibold, Georg Goeppert, Loyal George MacMillian
  • Publication number: 20150134211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding or reducing chatter vibrations in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having an automated transmission with which two transmission stages are engageable simultaneously, wherein in particular when driving in a first transmission stage a different transmission stage is specifically engaged, synchronized and/or disengaged, in order to deliberately select the natural frequency of the drive train as a function of the operating point in order to reduce or avoid chatter vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Georg Goeppert, Loyal George MacMillian
  • Patent number: 8725365
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated clutch or an automated transmission or a drive unit in a vehicle is disclosed in which protective measures for the clutch and/or for the transmission and/or for a drive unit is provided by the control system. The protective measures include measures against overheating or wear. When measuring temperature, allowance is made for the air density in the vehicle environment or altitude as compared to sea level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Bradley Shellhammer, Daniel Redel, Gerald Kuestler
  • Patent number: 8701855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a friction clutch in a motor vehicle, comprising a clutch bell housing (210), at least one air inlet duct (130) arranged on the clutch bell housing for cooling the clutch bell housing, at least one air outlet duct (140) arranged on the clutch bell housing, and at least one temperature sensor (120). The invention further relates to a method for determining a clutch temperature of a friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Daniel Redel, Gerald Kuestler
  • Publication number: 20140005000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a friction clutch in a drive train of a motor vehicle by means of a clutch actuator on the basis of a clutch model, in which method a nominal characteristic curve of the clutch moment which is transmitted via the friction clutch is adapted continuously to actual operating parameters. In order to counteract a loss of comfort of the motor vehicle, which is caused by the running-in behavior, for example, of the friction linings of the friction clutch, the friction clutch is operated by way of different sets of operating parameters during a running-in phase and in a run-in phase of the friction clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co., KG
    Inventors: Ekkehard Reibold, Georg Goeppert, Loyal George MacMillian
  • Patent number: 8594899
    Abstract: A method for operating a clutch includes operating the clutch with increased slip during a green phase and operating the clutch with normal slip during a post-green phase. In some example embodiments, increased slip consists of slip speeds greater than 40 revolutions per minute. In an example embodiment, increased slip consists of a slip speed of approximately 50 revolutions per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Ekkehard Reibold, Georg Göppert, George Herr