Patents by Inventor Marc Meisner

Marc Meisner 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: 7775335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmitting device having a hub arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, in particular a turbine wheel hub of a turbine wheel of a torque converter which is coupled to a damper hub with a rotational vibration damper connected in between via a driving plate, in particular of a converter bridge coupling. The invention is operatively arranged such that the rotational vibration damper is equipped with a mechanical stop mechanism that is in effect as soon as a maximum design load on the rotational vibration damper has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Patent number: 7654172
    Abstract: A torque transmission device having a torque converter which is accommodated in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle, for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, has a converter housing that is rotationally mounted about an axis of rotation and is nonrotatably connected to the drive unit. The torsionally fixed connection between the drive unit and the converter housing includes a tubular connecting element that is located coaxially to the axis of rotation of the converter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Publication number: 20070157611
    Abstract: A torque transmission device having a torque converter which is accommodated in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle, for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, has a converter housing that is rotationally mounted about an axis of rotation and is nonrotatably connected to the drive unit. The torsionally fixed connection between the drive unit and the converter housing includes a tubular connecting element that is located coaxially to the axis of rotation of the converter housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Publication number: 20070137963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmitting device having a hub arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, in particular a turbine wheel hub of a turbine wheel of a torque converter which is coupled to a damper hub with a rotational vibration damper connected in between via a driving plate, in particular of a converter bridge coupling. The invention is operatively arranged such that the rotational vibration damper is equipped with a mechanical stop mechanism that is in effect as soon as a maximum design load on the rotational vibration damper has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Patent number: 7000747
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Müller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Publication number: 20050126874
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Patent number: 6851532
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Müller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Publication number: 20040050639
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Patent number: 6695110
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6561330
    Abstract: The rotary housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter, which can be utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle—for example, in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission—contains a torque monitoring device which is installed in such a way that it does not take up any, or any appreciable, additional space, especially in the axial direction of the housing. The torque monitoring device can serve to transmit torque between the lockup clutch and the output element of the torque converter. Additional features reside in the provision, configuration and manner of mounting of an auxiliary mass, and in the provision of a member for centering the piston of the lockup clutch in the housing as well as a member for centering the housing on the output element of a prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Uwe Wagner, Hartmut Faust, Marc Meisner, Steven Olsen
  • Publication number: 20020125093
    Abstract: A toraue-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Honemann
  • Patent number: 6439361
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus, particularly for motor vehicles, with a fluid coupling or a hydrodynamic torque converter and a damping system has an improved design providing the advantages of stress-free mounting of the damper, technical and cost improvements in the manufacture of the apparatus, modular assembly, capability to transmit large torque and attenuate rotational perturbations over a wide RPM range so as to minimize wear to prolong the useful life of the entire unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6367605
    Abstract: The housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter in the power train between the engine and the transmission of a motor vehicle contains a lockup valve which can be engaged to transmit torque directly from the output element of the engine to the output member of the turbine in the housing. Engagement of the lockup clutch at a relatively low RPM of the engine and/or under certain other circumstances is prevented or minimized by the provision of one or more valves which are designed to establish or to at least partially seal one or more paths for direct flow of hydraulic fluid between two compartments forming part of a chamber in the housing of the torque converter and being disposed at opposite sides of the axially movable piston of the lockup clutch. The valve or valves can be designed to react in response to changing RPM of the housing of the torque converter, in response to changes of the temperature of hydraulic fluid in the housing and/or in response to changes of the viscosity of such fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Middelmann, Jürgen Freitag, Marc Meisner
  • Publication number: 20020027053
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik
  • Patent number: 6325191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter including a turbine wheel arranged inside of a housing, a torque converter lockup clutch, an axially mounted piston, a torsional vibration damper and a hub. The turbine wheel and the piston are rotationally fixed to the input component of the damper. The input component is connected to the hub by means of a connection provided with a circumferential backlash. The output component of the damper is connected to the hub without circumferential backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Meisner, Stephan Maienschein, Uwe Wagner, Frank Uhlmann, Wendy Boman, Thomas Heck
  • Patent number: 6321891
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter in the power train between the engine and the wheels of a motor vehicle has a rotary engine-driven housing which is of one piece with a pump and contains a rotary turbine having a hub which drives the input shaft of a transmission. A lockup clutch can be engaged, either entirely or with slip, to transmit torque from the housing or from the pump to the hub of the turbine. Such clutch can employ flat or conical friction linings and/or friction surfaces, for example, a friction lining on the shell of the turbine and a friction surface on a wall of the housing. The shell of the turbine in the torque converter employing such clutch is movable axially to advance the friction lining into or from engagement with the friction surface. Alternatively, the lockup clutch can be installed in a torus which is defined by the turbine and the pump of the torque converter, and such clutch can be cooled by one or more streams of a hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-System GmbH
    Inventors: Steven Olsen, Johannes Hahn, Volker Middelmann, Hubert Friedmann, Marc Meisner
  • Patent number: 6298965
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in dampers which can be utilized in the power trains of motor vehicles to absorb torsional vibrations of the rotary output shaft of the engine and/or torsional vibrations of the rotary input element of a change-speed transmission normally receiving torque by way of a torque converter. One of the dampers is installed externally of the housing of the torque converter and, if used, another damper can be installed in the power flow between the piston of a lockup clutch in the housing of the torque converter and a turbine of the torque converter. The external damper can include an energy storing component and a friction generating component which latter is or can be sealed from the energy storing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Thomas Heck, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Publication number: 20010008198
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus, particularly for motor vehicles, with a fluid coupling or a hydrodynamic torque converter and a damping system has an improved design providing the advantages of stress-free mounting of the damper, technical and cost improvements in the manufacture of the apparatus, modular assembly, capability to transmit large torque and attenuate rotational perturbations over a wide RPM range so as to minimize wear to prolong the useful life of the entire unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Luk Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Honemann
  • Publication number: 20010008197
    Abstract: The rotary housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter, which can be utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle—for example, in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission—contains a torque monitoring device which is installed in such a way that it does not take up any, or any appreciable, additional space, especially in the axial direction of the housing. The torque monitoring device can serve to transmit torque between the lockup clutch and the output element of the torque converter. Additional features reside in the provision, configuration and manner of mounting of an auxiliary mass, and in the provision of means for centering the piston of the lockup clutch in the housing as well as means for centering the housing on the output element of a prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Luk Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Uwe Wagner, Hartmut Faust, Marc Meisner, Steven Olsen
  • Patent number: 6244401
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann