Patents by Inventor Shiro Goto
Shiro Goto 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).
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Patent number: 7276014Abstract: A vehicle stability control system includes a controller configured to deactivate a traction control clutch, provide a reverse torque across the traction control clutch, and apply a braking torque according to a vehicle stability control strategy. The reverse torque across the traction control clutch may be provided by reducing an engine torque output, applying a pulse of brake pressure, or other means.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell Monahan
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Patent number: 7152721Abstract: An over-running clutch is provided having an outer race and an inner race defining a varying gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races and are interconnected by a retainer. A rotor is secured to the outer race by a non-magnetic sleeve. An armature is rotationally locked to the retainer. Mounted onto the rotor and adapted to produce an electromagnetic flux to attract the armature into contact with the rotor is an electromagnetic coil; wherein rotation of the outer race is frictionally transferred to the armature and the retainer, thereby moving the rollers such that the rollers engage and wedge between the inner and outer races to lock the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: NJN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell Monahan, Thomas Houtman
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Publication number: 20060100062Abstract: A vehicle stability control system includes a controller configured to deactivate a traction control clutch, provide a reverse torque across the traction control clutch, and apply a braking torque according to a vehicle stability control strategy. The reverse torque across the traction control clutch may be provided by reducing an engine torque output, applying a pulse of brake pressure, or other means.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2004Publication date: May 11, 2006Inventors: Shiro Goto, Russell Monahan
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Publication number: 20060090977Abstract: An over-running clutch is provided having an outer race and an inner race defining a varying gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races and are interconnected by a retainer. A rotor is secured to the outer race by a non-magnetic sleeve. An armature is rotationally locked to the retainer. Mounted onto the rotor and adapted to produce an electromagnetic flux to attract the armature into contact with the rotor is an electromagnetic coil; wherein rotation of the outer race is frictionally transferred to the armature and the retainer, thereby moving the rollers such that the rollers engage and wedge between the inner and outer races to lock the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2004Publication date: May 4, 2006Inventors: Shiro Goto, Russell Monahan, Thomas Houtman
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Patent number: 7021440Abstract: An over-running clutch includes an outer race and an inner race defining a gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races. A retainer interconnects the rolling elements. A first biasing element biases the retainer to hold the rolling elements such that the inner and outer races are free to rotate relative to one another. An actuator selectively forces the rolling elements to a position where the rolling elements engage and wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby locking the clutch. A sensor is adapted to detect the engagement of the clutch and to send a corresponding signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Russell Monahan, Shiro Goto
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Publication number: 20060037828Abstract: An over-running clutch includes an outer race and an inner race defining a gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races. A retainer interconnects the rolling elements. A first biasing element biases the retainer to hold the rolling elements such that the inner and outer races are free to rotate relative to one another. An actuator selectively forces the rolling elements to a position where the rolling elements engage and wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby locking the clutch. A sensor is adapted to detect the engagement of the clutch and to send a corresponding signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2004Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventors: Russell Monahan, Shiro Goto
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Patent number: 6817457Abstract: A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Russell E. Monahan, Thomas Houtman, Shiro Goto
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Patent number: 6790153Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element biases the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator selectively overcomes the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The actuation disk and the case end includes a first portion adapted to provide initial axial surface to surface contact between the actuation disk and the case end when the actuation disk contacts the case end and a second portion adapted to provide an surface to surface contact only after deflection of the actuation disk under the force of the actuator, thereby providing a spring back response when the actuator is de-energized.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventor: Shiro Goto
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Patent number: 6755763Abstract: A vehicle driveline assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential assembly adapted to transfer torque proportionally between first and second axle half-shafts. An over-running clutch is adapted to selectively lock the differential assembly thereby effectively rotationally locking the axle half shafts to one another. The differential has three modes of operation; an open mode, wherein the differential is kept un-locked; a locked mode, wherein the differential is kept locked; and an automatic mode, wherein the differential is locked or un-locked based upon predetermined operating parameters. A selector switch allows an operator to selectively place the differential in one of the three modes. An electronic control unit receives inputs from the vehicle, compares the inputs to pre-determined operating parameters, and selectively engages or disengages the over-running clutch when the differential is in the automatic mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Koichi Okada
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Publication number: 20040110594Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element biases the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator selectively overcomes the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The actuation disk and the case end includes a first portion adapted to provide initial axial surface to surface contact between the actuation disk and the case end when the actuation disk contacts the case end and a second portion adapted to provide an surface to surface contact only after deflection of the actuation disk under the force of the actuator, thereby providing a spring back response when the actuator is de-energized.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: NTN CorporationInventor: Shiro Goto
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Patent number: 6702708Abstract: A driveline assembly includes first and second axle half-shafts having first and second side gears mounted thereon, an axle housing, a differential case rotatably mounted within the axle housing, a least two spider gears rotatably mounted within the differential case, and a clutch assembly coupled to the differential housing and one of the axle half-shafts and including an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
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Patent number: 6684992Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race defining a gap between the inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces, and one of the inner and outer races is tapered toward a first end of the clutch. A plurality of tapered rolling elements are positioned between the races along the cam surfaces such that the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation. An axially moveable retainer interconnects the rolling elements and is biased toward the first end of the clutch, wherein each of the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races. An actuator selectively moves the retainer axially away from the first end such that the tapered rolling elements no longer wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby allowing relative rotational movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
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Patent number: 6679367Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly for an automotive transmission comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race engaged with a drop shaft of the transmission and having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race, thereby preventing rotation of the drop shaft and movement of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Richard D. Baker, Russell E. Monahan, Tom Houtman, Shiro Goto
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Publication number: 20030226415Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly for an automotive transmission comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race engaged with a drop shaft of the transmission and having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race, thereby preventing rotation of the drop shaft and movement of the automobile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: NTN CorporationInventors: Richard D. Baker, Russell E. Monahan, Tom Houtman, Shiro Goto
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Publication number: 20030181282Abstract: A driveline assembly includes first and second axle half-shafts having first and second side gears mounted thereon, an axle housing, a differential case rotatably mounted within the axle housing, a least two spider gears rotatably mounted within the differential case, and a clutch assembly coupled to the differential housing and one of the axle half-shafts and including an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
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Patent number: 6595337Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
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Patent number: 6536570Abstract: This invention pertains to a power transmission device suited for use in a hybrid car for selective transmission of its engine and motor powers. The power transmission device is used to transmit and cut off driving forces from an internal combustion engine or a motor of a hybrid car, and includes a two-way clutch having engaging elements, and a control mechanism for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch. The control mechanism includes an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnet and an armature. By mounting such power transmission devices on the outputs of the engine and the motor, it is possible to easily transmit and cut off driving force by simply turning on and off the electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Kenichiro Ito, Makoto Yasui, Shiro Goto
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Publication number: 20030024783Abstract: A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Russell E. Monahan, Thomas Houtman, Shiro Goto
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Publication number: 20030019708Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race defining a gap between the inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces, and one of the inner and outer races is tapered toward a first end of the clutch. A plurality of tapered rolling elements are positioned between the races along the cam surfaces such that the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation. An axially moveable retainer interconnects the rolling elements and is biased toward the first end of the clutch, wherein each of the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races. An actuator selectively moves the retainer axially away from the first end such that the tapered rolling elements no longer wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby allowing relative rotational movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: NTN CorporationInventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
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Patent number: 6481548Abstract: A two-way clutch for allowing limited torque to be transferred until a roller clutch mechanism is forced to an engaged position. The present invention includes a roller clutch, with a torque generating device mounted thereon, including an actuator for producing an axial force onto a clutch pack. A torque transfer device is disposed between the torque generating device and the roller clutch. The torque transfer device is adapted to receive torque from the torque generating device and to transfer torque to the roller clutch. When a predetermined level of torque is produced by the torque generating device, the torque transfer device moves the roller clutch into an engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Russell E. Monahan, Shiro Goto