Patents by Inventor Patrick Durham

Patrick Durham 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: 10094458
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device comprising a torque input element intended to be coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, a torque output element intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft, damping means mounted between the torque input element and the torque output element, with the torque output element being able to pivot relative to the torque input element about an axis, against a resisting torque exerted by the damping means, with the damping means comprising at least one elastic leaf able to be elastically and radially held to rest on a support member, with the elastic leaf being adapted to bend upon rotation of the torque input element relative to the torque output element, with the device further comprising clutch means mounted between the torque input element and the torque output element, wherein the supporting member is carried by the torque input element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Patrick Durham, Alexandre Depraete
  • Patent number: 10094460
    Abstract: A torque-coupling device for coupling driving and driven shafts. The torque-coupling device includes a casing having a locking surface, a torque converter, and a locking piston having an engagement surface axially moveable to and from the locking surface of the casing. The locking piston includes a vibration damper including a torque input member and a unitary radially elastic output member elastically coupled to the torque input member. The torque input member includes a radially oriented first retainer plate and at least one supporting member mounted thereto. The output member includes an output hub and at least one elastic blade configured to elastically engage the supporting member upon rotation of the first retainer plate with respect to the output member. The torque input member of the vibration damper non-rotatably engages the turbine wheel and is axially moveable relative to both the impeller wheel and turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventor: Patrick Durham
  • Publication number: 20180283488
    Abstract: A vibration damper of a hydrokinetic torque-coupling device. The vibration damper comprises a torque input member including first and second side plates axially spaced from and non-rotatably attached to one another, and a supporting member mounted therebetween, and an unitary elastic member disposed between the first and second side plates and pivotable relative to and elastically coupled to the torque input member. The elastic member includes a core member and at least one elastic blade integral with the core member for elastically engaging the supporting member. The at least one elastic blade has a free distal end and a curved raceway portion disposed between the proximal and free distal ends of the elastic blade for bearing the supporting member. At least one of the first and second side plates has at least one viewing window configured to expose a portion of the elastic member therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Alexandre DEPRAETE
  • Publication number: 20180252304
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter including a secondary piston for purposes of enhancing operation of the lock-up feature, and the method of operating such a converter. The secondary piston moves axially behind the turbine-piston to urge respective lock-up clutch friction surfaces into phased engagement. In an initial phase of engagement, friction surfaces between the secondary piston and turbine-piston engage to begin the reduction of relative rotary motion between the converter impeller and turbine-piston. This initial phase of slowing relative movement between the impeller and turbine-piston reduces pressure within the torus and the associated fluid forces separating the friction surfaces of the lock-up clutch. The secondary piston also slows and eliminates fluid flow from within the torus past the lock-up clutch and further reduces engagement resistance of the lock-up clutch owing to the lessening fluid pressure and flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Xuexian Yin, Gyubong Jeon, Alexander Depraete, Neil Godin
  • Publication number: 20180135738
    Abstract: A torque-coupling device for coupling driving and driven shafts. The torque-coupling device comprises a casing having a locking surface, a torque converter, a locking piston having an engagement surface axially movable to and from the locking surface of the casing and a torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper comprises a torque input member and a unitary radially elastic output member elastically coupled to the torque input member. The torque input member includes a radially oriented first retainer plate and at least one supporting member mounted thereto. The output member includes an output hub and an elastic leaf configured to elastically engage the supporting member upon rotation of the first retainer plate with respect to the output member. The output hub is configured for directly and non-rotatably engaging a driven shaft. The locking piston is non-rotatably connected to the torque input member of the torsional vibration damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Xuexian YIN, Alexandre DEPRAETE, Patrick DURHAM
  • Publication number: 20180058561
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device comprising a torque input element intended to be coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, a torque output element intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft, damping means mounted between the torque input element and the torque output element, with the torque output element being able to pivot relative to the torque input element about an axis, against a resisting torque exerted by the damping means, with the damping means comprising at least one elastic leaf able to be elastically and radially held to rest on a support member, with the elastic leaf being adapted to bend upon rotation of the torque input element relative to the torque output element, with the device further comprising clutch means mounted between the torque input element and the torque output element, wherein the supporting member is carried by the torque input element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Alexandre DEPRAETE
  • Publication number: 20180058560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmitting device (1) including a torque input element (5). coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, and a torque output element (8) intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft. The torque transmitting device also includes a damper (13, 17) and a clutch (20, 18) mounted between the torque input element (5) and the torque output element (8). The clutch includes a piston (20) axially movable from an engaged position in which the torque input element (5) is rotationally coupled to the torque output element (8) through the damper (13, 17), and a disengaged position. The clutch further includes an assistance mechanism (24) able to exert an axial force tending to return the clutch piston (20) to the engaged position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Alexandre DEPRAETE
  • Patent number: 9903456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmitting device (1) including a torque input element (5). coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, and a torque output element (8) intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft. The torque transmitting device also includes a damper (13, 17) and a clutch (20, 18) mounted between the torque input element (5) and the torque output element (8). The clutch includes a piston (20) axially movable from an engaged position in which the torque input element (5) is rotationally coupled to the torque output element (8) through the damper (13, 17), and a disengaged position. The clutch further includes an assistance mechanism (24) able to exert an axial force tending to return the clutch piston (20) to the engaged position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Patrick Durham, Alexandre Depraete
  • Publication number: 20170363194
    Abstract: A torque transmission device, more particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element (15, 17) and a torque output element (8) able to pivot about an axis (X) with respect to one another, at least one elastic leaf (22), rotationally coupled to the torque output element (8) or to the torque input element (15, 17) respectively, the elastic leaf (22) being able to be elastically and radially held to rest on a supporting member (18) carried by the torque input element (15, 17) or the torque output element (8) respectively, the elastic leaf (22) being able to bend upon rotation of the torque input element (15, 17) with respect to the torque input element (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick DURHAM
  • Publication number: 20170363195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device, more particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element (15, 17) and a torque output element (8) able to pivot about an axis (X) with respect to one another, at least one elastic leaf (22), rotationally coupled to the torque output element (8) or to the torque input element (15, 17) respectively, the elastic leaf (22) being able to be elastically and radially held to rest on a supporting member (18) carried by the torque input element (15, 17) or the torque output element (8) respectively, the elastic leaf (22) being able to bend upon rotation of the torque input element (15, 17) with respect to the torque input element (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick DURHAM
  • Patent number: 9787064
    Abstract: A corona igniter (20) comprises a central electrode (22) surrounded by an insulator (24), which is surrounded by a metal shell (26). A ceramic combustion seal (30) is disposed along the gap (32) between a shell lower end shell (52) and the insulator nose region (48) to provide a hermetic seal therebetween. The ceramic combustion seal (30) is typically a bushing, cylinder, or ring formed of sintered alumina. A glass material or glass/ceramic mixture (60) typically adheres the ceramic combustion seal (30) to the shell (26) and the insulator (24). Alternatively, the ceramic combustion seal (30) is brazed to the shell (26), and the glass material or glass/ceramic mixture (60) adheres the ceramic combustion seal (30) to the insulator (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventors: Patrick Durham, James Lykowski
  • Publication number: 20170234399
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device comprising a torque input element (17a, 17b) and a torque output element (8) able to pivot about an axis (X) with respect to one another, at least one elastic leaf (22), rotationally coupled to the torque output element (8) or to the torque input element (17a, 17b) respectively, the elastic leaf (22) being able to be elastically and radially held torest on a supporting member (18) carried by the torque input element (17a, 17b) or the torque output element (8) respectively, the elastic leaf (22) being able to bend upon rotation of the torque input element (17a, 17b) with respect to the torque input element (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Daniel FENIOUX
  • Publication number: 20170070034
    Abstract: An igniter (20) includes an outer insulator (24) formed of an outer ceramic material hermetically sealed to a conductive core (26). The conductive core (26) is formed of a core ceramic material and a conductive component, such as an electrically conductive coating applied to the core ceramic material or metal particles or wires embedded in the core ceramic material. The conductive core (26) is typically sintered and disposed in the green outer insulator (24). The components are then sintered together such that the outer insulator (24) shrinks onto the conductive core (26) and the hermetic seal forms therebetween. The conductive core (26) fills the outer insulator (24), so that the conductive core (26) is disposed at an insulator nose end (34) of the outer insulator (24) and the electrical discharge (22) can be emitted from the conductive core (26), eliminating the need for a separate firing tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: PATRICK DURHAM
  • Patent number: 9502865
    Abstract: An igniter (20) includes an outer insulator (24) formed of an outer ceramic material hermetically sealed to a conductive core (26). The conductive core (26) is formed of a core ceramic material and a conductive component, such as an electrically conductive coating applied to the core ceramic material or metal particles or wires embedded in the core ceramic material. The conductive core (26) is typically sintered and disposed in the green outer insulator (24). The components are then sintered together such that the outer insulator (24) shrinks onto the conductive core (26) and the hermetic seal forms therebetween. The conductive core (26) fills the outer insulator (24), so that the conductive core (26) is disposed at an insulator nose end (34) of the outer insulator (24) and the electrical discharge (22) can be emitted from the conductive core (26), eliminating the need for a separate firing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventor: Patrick Durham
  • Publication number: 20150270688
    Abstract: An igniter (20) includes an outer insulator (24) formed of an outer ceramic material hermetically sealed to a conductive core (26). The conductive core (26) is formed of a core ceramic material and a conductive component, such as an electrically conductive coating applied to the core ceramic material or metal particles or wires embedded in the core ceramic material. The conductive core (26) is typically sintered and disposed in the green outer insulator (24). The components are then sintered together such that the outer insulator (24) shrinks onto the conductive core (26) and the hermetic seal forms therebetween. The conductive core (26) fills the outer insulator (24), so that the conductive core (26) is disposed at an insulator nose end (34) of the outer insulator (24) and the electrical discharge (22) can be emitted from the conductive core (26), eliminating the need for a separate firing tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventor: PATRICK DURHAM
  • Patent number: 9030086
    Abstract: An igniter (20) includes an outer insulator (24) formed of an outer ceramic material hermetically sealed to a conductive core (26). The conductive core (26) is formed of a core ceramic material and a conductive component, such as an electrically conductive coating applied to the core ceramic material or metal particles or wires embedded in the core ceramic material. The conductive core (26) is typically sintered and disposed in the green outer insulator (24). The components are then sintered together such that the outer insulator (24) shrinks onto the conductive core (26) and the hermetic seal forms therebetween. The conductive core (26) fills the outer insulator (24), so that the conductive core (26) is disposed at an insulator nose end (34) of the outer insulator (24) and the electrical discharge (22) can be emitted from the conductive core (26), eliminating the need for a separate firing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventor: Patrick Durham
  • Publication number: 20140327999
    Abstract: A corona igniter (20) comprises a central electrode (22) surrounded by an insulator (24), which is surrounded by a metal shell (26). A ceramic combustion seal (30) is disposed along the gap (32) between a shell lower end shell (52) and the insulator nose region (48) to provide a hermetic seal therebetween. The ceramic combustion seal (30) is typically a bushing, cylinder, or ring formed of sintered alumina. A glass material or glass/ceramic mixture (60) typically adheres the ceramic combustion seal (30) to the shell (26) and the insulator (24). Alternatively, the ceramic combustion seal (30) is brazed to the shell (26), and the glass material or glass/ceramic mixture (60) adheres the ceramic combustion seal (30) to the insulator (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventors: Patrick Durham, James Lykowski
  • Patent number: 8749126
    Abstract: A corona igniter 20 includes a central electrode 34 for receiving a high radio frequency voltage from a power source and emitting a radio frequency electric field to ionize a fuel-air mixture and provide a corona discharge 22. The corona igniter 20 includes an insulator 38 extending along the central electrode 34 longitudinally past the central electrode 34 to an insulator firing end 40. The insulator firing surface 42 and the center axis A present an angle ? of not greater than 90 degrees therebetween, for example the insulator firing surface may be concave. The central electrode 34 may also include a firing tip 50, in which case the insulator firing surface 42 surrounds all sides of the firing tip 50. The geometry of the insulator firing surface 42 concentrates and directs the corona discharge 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventors: Patrick Durham, James Lykowski
  • Publication number: 20130293089
    Abstract: An igniter (20) includes an outer insulator (24) formed of an outer ceramic material hermetically sealed to a conductive core (26). The conductive core (26) is formed of a core ceramic material and a conductive component, such as an electrically conductive coating applied to the core ceramic material or metal particles or wires embedded in the core ceramic material. The conductive core (26) is typically sintered and disposed in the green outer insulator (24). The components are then sintered together such that the outer insulator (24) shrinks onto the conductive core (26) and the hermetic seal forms therebetween. The conductive core (26) fills the outer insulator (24), so that the conductive core (26) is disposed at an insulator nose end (34) of the outer insulator (24) and the electrical discharge (22) can be emitted from the conductive core (26), eliminating the need for a separate firing tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventor: Patrick Durham
  • Patent number: D726182
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: James Patrick Durham, John Russell Stump