Patents by Inventor Michael L. Bassett

Michael L. Bassett 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: 10718381
    Abstract: A cover comprises a substrate and a grease lid. The substrate comprises a main body comprising a branched grease pathway, a locating side comprising a grease supply port, and a lubricating side comprising a plurality of grease ports. The grease lid constrains the branched grease pathway and is configured so that when grease enters the locating side grease supply port, the grease traverses the branched grease pathway and exits the grease ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Timothy Allmandinger, Robb E. Grostefon
  • Publication number: 20190145464
    Abstract: A cover comprises a substrate and a grease lid. The substrate comprises a main body comprising a branched grease pathway, a locating side comprising a grease supply port, and a lubricating side comprising a plurality of grease ports. The grease lid constrains the branched grease pathway and is configured so that when grease enters the locating side grease supply port, the grease traverses the branched grease pathway and exits the grease ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Timothy Allmandinger, Robb E. Grostefon
  • Patent number: 8186486
    Abstract: An inertia brake assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the inertia brake includes a rotor hub subassembly and an inertia brake subassembly. The inertia brake subassembly includes a first reaction plate arranged opposite a first side of the rotor hub assembly, a second reaction plate arranged opposite a second side of the rotor hub assembly, and one or more connector subassemblies connecting the first reaction plate to the second reaction plate. The one or more connector subassemblies include at least one or more resilient straps, and a spacer disposed between the one or more resilient straps and one of the first and second reaction plates. The spacer is arranged about a diameter of the rotor hub subassembly. In an embodiment, the inertia brake assembly includes a sleeve. An inertia brake subassembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Troy S. Reinoehl, Barry T. Adams, Mark C. Barnholt, Robb E. Grostefon, Dean A. Geiger, Steven J. Rynearson, Steven E. McCutcheon, Kevin F. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 8006820
    Abstract: A torsional damper with a hub assembly and a disc assembly has coil springs disposed therebetween. The coil springs are disposed in pockets defined in part by apertures in opposed cover plates. The apertures have sharply angled end portions providing deflection relief near the ends of the coil springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7886887
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a friction clutch apparatus that includes a disk assembly disk. The disk assembly has a disk portion selectively coupled to a first member, and a hub portion selectively coupled to a second member. The hub portion is generally axially aligned with the disk portion. The disk portion is rotatable relative to the hub portion. The disk assembly selectively transmits a torque between the first member and the second member. The disk assembly also includes an energy storage member selectively damping the relative rotation between the disk portion and the hub portion. The damping includes relative rotation between the disk portion and the hub portion. The energy storage member is preloaded, thereby requiring a preselected amount of torque to be applied by one of the disk portion and the hub portion to the other of the disk portion and the hub portion prior to the relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Christopher D. Cole, Clinton J. McClellan, Kevin Schlosser, Douglas G. Woolcott
  • Patent number: 7815030
    Abstract: A clutch disc assembly for a friction torque device has a clutch damper assembly which includes a hub defining an axis of rotation and a concentric steel disc. The damper assembly includes a plurality of cushion elements fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction rings are disposed on opposite sides of the cushion elements and are rotatively fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction discs have an equal number of keyhole slots defining an equal number of arms. A friction pad is fixed to each arm, with friction pads on the first friction disc being in substantial alignment with the friction pads on the second friction disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Rynearson, Jr., Michael L. Bassett, Timothy B. Allmandinger, Barry T. Adams
  • Publication number: 20090120741
    Abstract: An inertia brake assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the inertia brake includes a rotor hub subassembly and an inertia brake subassembly. The inertia brake subassembly includes a first reaction plate arranged opposite a first side of the rotor hub assembly, a second reaction plate arranged opposite a second side of the rotor hub assembly, and one or more connector subassemblies connecting the first reaction plate to the second reaction plate. The one or more connector subassemblies include at least one or more resilient straps, and a spacer disposed between the one or more resilient straps and one of the first and second reaction plates. The spacer is arranged about a diameter of the rotor hub subassembly. In an embodiment, the inertia brake assembly includes a sleeve. An inertia brake subassembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Troy S. Reinoehl, Barry T. Adams, Mark C. Barnholt, Robb E. Grostefon, Dean A. Geiger, Steven J. Rynearson, Steven E. McCutcheon, Kevin F. Schlosser
  • Publication number: 20090045025
    Abstract: A torsional damper with a hub assembly and a disc assembly has coil springs disposed therebetween. The coil springs are disposed in pockets defined in part by apertures in opposed cover plates. The apertures have sharply angled end portions providing deflection relief near the ends of the coil springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7264102
    Abstract: A driven disc is provided that includes a hub assembly having an axis of rotation and a hub having at least one of a first radially extending projection and a first recess. The driven disc also includes a disc assembly having a disc plate rotatable relative to the hub and a wave washer positioned over the hub and between the hub assembly and the disc assembly. The wave washer includes at least one of a second recess and a second radially extending projection adapted to receive or to be received in the first radially extending projection or the first recess, respectively, to position the wave washer during assembly of the driven disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6923305
    Abstract: A driven disk is disclosed that includes an inner hub and an outer hub secured to at least one cover plate. The driven disk includes a predamper having a driving element and a driven element. The driving element includes the cover plate and the driven element includes a predamper driven plate fixed to the inner hub. The cover plate includes a number of apertures and the predamper driven plate includes a number of sockets at least partially aligned with the apertures in the cover plate. An energy storage member is disposed within the apertures in the cover plate and the sockets in the predamper driven plate for absorbing torque as a function of relative rotation between the inner hub and the outer hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Holly B. Dulancy, Michael L. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6863167
    Abstract: A driven disk in a clutch comprises a hub having a flange extending radially therefrom and having a spring cover affixed thereto. The spring cover defines at least one spring cavity therein and has two ends. Opposing first portions of the two ends define a first cavity length, and second opposing portions of the two ends define a second cavity length. A first spring is retained within the spring cavity wherein the first spring bears against the first end portions defining the first length. A second spring is also retained within the spring cavity wherein the second spring bears against the second end portions defining the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Holly B. Ryner, Mark L. Beakas
  • Publication number: 20040154897
    Abstract: A driven disk in a clutch comprises a hub having a flange extending radially therefrom and having a spring cover affixed thereto. The spring cover defines at least one spring cavity therein and has two ends. Opposing first portions of the two ends define a first cavity length, and second opposing portions of the two ends define a second cavity length. A first spring is retained within the spring cavity wherein the first spring bears against the first end portions defining the first length. A second spring is also retained within the spring cavity wherein the second spring bears against the second end portions defining the second length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Holly B. Ryner, Mark L. Beakas
  • Patent number: 6666313
    Abstract: A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Michael L. Bassett, Kevin F. Schlosser, Mark L. Beakas
  • Patent number: 6484860
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a friction torque device with an improved damper for attenuating torsional vibrations. The improved damper provides the desired axial load for damping while reducing the weight, cost, complexity and size of a driven disk for a friction torque device. A friction torque device comprises a driving member having of rotation, a cover coupled to the driving member for rotation therewith, a pressure plate coupled to the cover for rotation therewith and a driven disk coupled to an axially extending driven shaft for rotation therewith. The driven disk is interposed between the driving member and the pressure plate, the driven disk includes a rotatable disk assembly and a hub assembly. The driven disk comprises at least one reinforcing plate having a plurality of undulations disposed therein for providing a load between the disk assembly and hub assembly. The reinforcing plate may be coupled to the disk assembly, the hub assembly or the plate may not be attached to another component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20020157914
    Abstract: Provided herein is a control system/method to abate idle rattle in a vehicle transmission system. Damping is initiated on the basis of sensed transmission engagement state and engine output shaft rotational speed. A wet clutch is controlled to provide damping to torque fluctuations experienced by a transmission input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6105744
    Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub, an annular spring plate, an annular disc assembly, a plurality of drive springs, and a disc assembly. The hub has an axis of rotation. The annular spring plate rotatably is fixed to the hub. The annular disc assembly is mounted concentric with the axis of rotation for rotation relative to the spring plate. The plurality of drive springs is operably disposed between the spring plate and the disc assembly. The disc assembly has a reinforcing plate with spring pockets which receive the drive springs. The reinforcing plate has oppositely facing faces. The annular disc has a friction element fixed thereto and also has a plurality of attachment apertures passing therethrough. The weld bead is disposed in each of the attachment apertures and fixes the annular disc to one of the reinforcing plate faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Szadkowski, Kevin F. Schlosser, Daniel V. Gochenour, Greg W. Batterton, Michael L. Bassett, Loren H. Uthoff
  • Patent number: 6039163
    Abstract: A method of balancing a clutch disc using one or more balancing weights inserted into balancing voids formed in the clutch disc carrier plate which are trapped between the friction facings. A first method involves determining the imbalance of the complete clutch disc assembly and then partially removing a friction facing so that a balancing weight can be inserted into a balancing void formed in the carrier plate. In a second method, the imbalance of the carrier plate and friction facings are separately measured prior to assembly. The most favorable rotational orientation is determined and then the number, size and location of one or more balance weights are determined and the balance weights are inserted into the balance voids. The friction facings are then assembled to the carrier plate thereby trapping the balance weights in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Gregory W. Batterton, Andrzej P. Szadkowski
  • Patent number: 5595274
    Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Barry T. Adams, Martin E. Kummer, Christopher M. Davis, Steven D. Lepard, Michael L. Bassett, Kevin F. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 5595275
    Abstract: A compact torsion spring assembly is functionally disposed between a first member and a second member. The first member is rotatable relative to the second member and has a first spring engagement notch therein. A bracket fixed relative to the second member has a second notch therein. A tension spring is formed as a continuous coil of steel wire, defining an enlarged diameter first catch plate portion at a first end and a second catch plate portion at a second end. The spring is disposed between the first member and the second member, with the first catch plate portion engaging the notch in the first member and the second catch plate portion engaging the notch in the bracket, wherein the spring rotatively biases the first member relative to the the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Barry T. Adams, Martin E. Kumner, Christopher M. Davis, Steven D. Lepard, Michael L. Bassett, Kevin F. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 5566804
    Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Barry T. Adams, Martin E. Kummer, Christopher M. Davis, Steven D. Lepard, Michael L. Bassett, Kevin F. Schlosser