Patents by Inventor Paul F. Reichert

Paul F. Reichert 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: 10724579
    Abstract: An automotive driveline disconnect assembly includes a first clutch part and a second clutch part, and is designed and constructed to preclude an occupant-audible noise from being made between components of the disconnect assembly. The preclusion of the occupant-audible noise can be effected via one or more dampers, a non-flat tooth profile, or a combination of these measures. The disconnect assembly can be equipped in a larger automotive driveline component such as a power transfer unit (PTU), a final drive unit (FDU), a rear drive module (RDM), or an electronic differential locker (EDL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Reichert, Robert Nelson, Samuel J. Oram
  • Patent number: 10508693
    Abstract: A clutched device can include a differential, a clutch, and a gate. The differential can transmit torque between an input member and first and second output members. A housing can define a sump and a reservoir spaced apart from the sump. A first aperture open to the sump and reservoir can be above a static fluid level of the sump. A second aperture can couple the sump and reservoir below the static fluid level. An outer clutch plate carrier can rotate through the sump and sling fluid through the first aperture. The outer carrier can be coupled for rotation with the second output member and an inner clutch plate carrier can be coupled to a third output member. The gate can be movable between first and second positions. In the first position the gate can block the second aperture. In the second position the second aperture can be open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, Shawn S. Proctor, Paul F. Reichert
  • Publication number: 20190249722
    Abstract: A clutched device can include a differential, a clutch, and a gate. The differential can transmit torque between an input member and first and second output members. A housing can define a sump and a reservoir spaced apart from the sump. A first aperture open to the sump and reservoir can be above a static fluid level of the sump. A second aperture can couple the sump and reservoir below the static fluid level. An outer clutch plate carrier can rotate through the sump and sling fluid through the first aperture. The outer carrier can be coupled for rotation with the second output member and an inner clutch plate carrier can be coupled to a third output member. The gate can be movable between first and second positions. In the first position the gate can block the second aperture. In the second position the second aperture can be open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Robert S. KLEINHARDT, Shawn S. PROCTOR, Paul F. REICHERT, Michal SZYMKOWIAK, Paul J. VALENTE
  • Publication number: 20180216671
    Abstract: An automotive driveline disconnect assembly includes a first clutch part and a second clutch part, and is designed and constructed to preclude an occupant-audible noise from being made between components of the disconnect assembly. The preclusion of the occupant-audible noise can be effected via one or more dampers, a non-flat tooth profile, or a combination of these measures. The disconnect assembly can be equipped in a larger automotive driveline component such as a power transfer unit (PTU), a final drive unit (FDU), a rear drive module (RDM), or an electronic differential locker (EDL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Paul F. Reichert, Robert Nelson, Samuel J. Oram
  • Publication number: 20160230817
    Abstract: A clutched device can include a differential, a clutch, and a gate. The differential can transmit torque between an input member and first and second output members. A housing can define a sump and a reservoir spaced apart from the sump. A first aperture open to the sump and reservoir can be above a static fluid level of the sump. A second aperture can couple the sump and reservoir below the static fluid level. An outer clutch plate carrier can rotate through the sump and sling fluid through the first aperture. The outer carrier can be coupled for rotation with the second output member and an inner clutch plate carrier can be coupled to a third output member. The gate can be movable between first and second positions. In the first position the gate can block the second aperture. In the second position the second aperture can be open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Kleinhardt, Shawn S. Proctor, Paul F. Reichert, Michal Szymkowiak, Paul J. Valente