Patents by Inventor Michael C. Brauer

Michael C. Brauer 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: 20170128864
    Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Justin R. Pribanic, Timothy M. Sasur, Michael C. Brauer, Kevin B. Downs
  • Patent number: 9550135
    Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Clarcor Engine Mobile Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Justin R. Pribanic, TImothy M. Sasur, Michael C. Brauer, Kevin B. Downs
  • Publication number: 20160369796
    Abstract: An integrated motor-driven pump is proposed that reduces the part count of the assembly and addresses several tolerance and alignment issues by combining the outlet plate and retainer ring of the pump into a single component. The integrated motor-driven pump may also include an axial bushing for support of the motor shaft and inner gerotor, ensuring concentric rotation of these components. Combining one of the inlet or outlet plates with the retainer ring and including a central bushing eliminates the need for alignment pins and complex assembly procedures. The disclosure also combines one of the motor end plates with the disclosed integrated pump inlet or outlet plate, retainer ring and central bushing, eliminating the need for a separate motor end plate and bushing to support the motor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Justin R. Pribanic, Ralle Rookey, Michael C. Brauer
  • Publication number: 20140231336
    Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Justin R. Pribanic, Timothy M. Sasur, Michael C. Brauer, Kevin B. Downs
  • Patent number: 8647051
    Abstract: An impeller for a centrifugal fan includes a hub, impeller blades, and struts for supporting the blades in a circumferential array spaced apart from the hub. The number of struts can equal the number of blades, each strut extended from the hub to support two blades while each blade is supported by one strut nearer to its leading edge and another strut nearer to its trailing edge. Another arrangement features two struts per blade, with one of the struts coupled to the hub and a given blade, and the other strut coupled between the given blade and an adjacent blade. The struts are recessed inwardly from the leading and trailing edges to promote smoother air flow. The blades and struts are provided with aerodynamic thickness profiles to further improve air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Bergquist Torrington Company
    Inventors: John F. O'Connor, Jan Najman, Michael C. Brauer
  • Publication number: 20110064570
    Abstract: An impeller for a centrifugal fan includes a hub, impeller blades, and struts for supporting the blades in a circumferential array spaced apart from the hub. The number of struts can equal the number of blades, each strut extended from the hub to support two blades while each blade is supported by one strut nearer to its leading edge and another strut nearer to its trailing edge. Another arrangement features two struts per blade, with one of the struts coupled to the hub and a given blade, and the other strut coupled between the given blade and an adjacent blade. The struts are recessed inwardly from the leading and trailing edges to promote smoother air flow. The blades and struts are provided with aerodynamic thickness profiles to further improve air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: John F. O'Connor, Jan Najman, Michael C. Brauer
  • Publication number: 20020083784
    Abstract: Two cam plates each have at least one groove providing a non-circumferential ball ramp. The ball ramp of the second cam plate intersects with the ball ramp of the first cam plate when viewed axially. At least one ball is positioned between the first and second cam plates, in the grooves of the first and second cam plates. The ball is biased radially to ensure that the ball follows the non-circumferential ball ramps of both cam plates in response to relative rotation of the two cam plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Brauer, Michael A. Ignaffo
  • Patent number: 6007250
    Abstract: An outer ring has a spherically convex outer surface mounted within a bore of a housing such that the outer ring may be misaligned with respect to the axis of the bore. A sensor target is mounted on an inner ring that is rotatable with respect to the outer ring, and a seal is mounted on the outer ring. A sensor is mounted on the seal in proximity to the sensor target, and a flexible electrical conductor is connected to the sensor for transmitting signals from the sensor. A portion of the flexible electrical conductor is fixed with respect to the housing. Circuitry may be electrically connected to the flexible electrical conductor. The flexible conductor and circuitry may be provided by a flexible circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Brauer, John C Hanson, Mark LaCroix, A. John Santos
  • Patent number: 5307013
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting gear modes of an automobile transmission is disposed about a detent lever internally within the transmission case. The system includes an encoder capable of generating a magnetic field disposed on or about a detent lever, and at least one sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, disposed opposite the encoder. The encoder is a magnetic strip having at least one track encoded thereon, wherein the sensor is juxtaposed with the encoded track such that it produces a digital signal representative of the position of the encoder means and the corresponding gear mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Alfred J. Santos, Michael C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5287738
    Abstract: A target carrier is clamped between a constant velocity joint and a spindle bearing inner race such that an encoded target mounted on the target carrier rotates with a wheel spindle over which the spindle bearing inner race is mounted. A sensor probe is mounted on a steering knuckle within which the constant velocity joint is mounted for the encoded target and for generating a signal indicative of rotation of the wheel spindle. The target carrier may be held by a capturing cup before installation of the constant velocity joint and may serve as a pilot during installation of the constant velocity joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Polinsky, James A. Hilby, Michael C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5248939
    Abstract: A bearing on a steering shaft has an elongated inner race and an elongated outer race with rolling elements between the two races. The inner race is rotatable with respect to the outer race. An encoder is mounted on the inner race. Sensors in a detachable sensor mount sense the radial magnetic field from the encoder as it rotates past the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Michael C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5157329
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotation of a rotary member comprising a fixed sensor, the sensor being stationary relative to the rotary member. An encoder rotates with the rotary member and is disposed adjacent the sensor. A biasing member for biasing the encoder is in close proximity into the sensor. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor or a magnetic resistive sensor. The biasing member may be a well known biasing device such as a spring washer, a magnetic device, a hydraulic or pneumatic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Michael C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5089817
    Abstract: A high resolution encoder having a relatively high number of magnetic pole pairs with a magnetic flux strength sufficient for use in high resolution applications. Magnetic pole pair spacing varies from about 0.01 inch to about 0.1 inch with each magnetic pole pair having a magnetic flux in the range of about 2 gauss to about 700 gauss at a distance of 0.036 inch at a temperature of +20 degrees centigrade. This high resolution encoder is especially well-suited for use with magnetically encoded targets in sensor bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: A. John Santos, Michael C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5051693
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotational parameters of a shaft relative to a member, the apparatus has a bearing having an inner race with an inner diameter, the inner diameter being greater than the diameter of the shaft. An annular space is formed between the inner diameter and the shaft. A bearing seat is disposed within the space, and is fixed to the shaft. An annular encoder is affixed to the bearing seat. A sensor is located in close proximity to the annular encoder, and is fixed to the member. The bearing seat may be of either the cantilevered or split ring designs. The annular encoder is sensed by the sensor in either an axial or a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Michael C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 4987415
    Abstract: A high resolution encoder having a relatively high number of magnetic pole pairs with a magnetic flux strength sufficient for use in high resolution applications. Magnetic pole pair spacing varies from about 0.010 inch to about 0.050 inch with each magnetic pole pair having a magnetic flux in the range of about 2 gauss to about 700 gauss at a distance of 0.036 inch at a temperature of +20 degrees centigrade. This high resolution encoder is especially well-suited for use with magnetically encoded targets in sensor bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: A. John Santos, Michael C. Brauer