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: 10094458Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Valeo EmbrayagesInventors: Patrick Durham, Alexandre Depraete
-
Patent number: 10094460Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Valeo EmbrayagesInventor: Patrick Durham
-
Publication number: 20180283488Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Alexandre DEPRAETE
-
Publication number: 20180252304Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2017Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Xuexian Yin, Gyubong Jeon, Alexander Depraete, Neil Godin
-
Publication number: 20180135738Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Xuexian YIN, Alexandre DEPRAETE, Patrick DURHAM
-
Publication number: 20180058561Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Alexandre DEPRAETE
-
Publication number: 20180058560Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Alexandre DEPRAETE
-
Patent number: 9903456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Valeo EmbrayagesInventors: Patrick Durham, Alexandre Depraete
-
Publication number: 20170363194Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Patrick DURHAM
-
Publication number: 20170363195Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Patrick DURHAM
-
Patent number: 9787064Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: Patrick Durham, James Lykowski
-
Publication number: 20170234399Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Patrick DURHAM, Daniel FENIOUX
-
Publication number: 20170070034Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventor: PATRICK DURHAM
-
Patent number: 9502865Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventor: Patrick Durham
-
Publication number: 20150270688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventor: PATRICK DURHAM
-
Patent number: 9030086Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventor: Patrick Durham
-
Publication number: 20140327999Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: Patrick Durham, James Lykowski
-
Patent number: 8749126Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: Patrick Durham, James Lykowski
-
Publication number: 20130293089Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventor: Patrick Durham
-
Patent number: D726182Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventors: James Patrick Durham, John Russell Stump