Patents by Inventor Steven W. Younger

Steven W. Younger 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: 8800711
    Abstract: An easily adjustable pressure relief valve for adjusting maximum fluid pressure levels in automatic transmissions at events. Engines used in racing and exhibitions require automatic transmissions with increased fluid pressure to prevent slipping during shifts. The pressure relief valve replaces a main mod line solenoid accumulator and includes an easily replaceable spring allowing adjustment of maximum fluid pressure at each event. The relief valve spring is selectable to adjust maximum fluid pressure for each event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Patent number: 8234784
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the life of a booster valve in an automatic transmission. The booster valve commonly resides in the pump stator body and is modulated by reverse oil pressure and pressure control solenoid pressure signals. Pressure signals from the reverse oil pressure and the pressure control solenoid force a booster valve piston towards a pressure regulator valve piston also generally residing in the pump stator body. The booster valve piston slides inside a booster valve sleeve, and over time, the booster valve sleeve wears and the performance of the booster valve degrades or fails. The present invention replaces an original inner booster valve spring with a longer (or in some cases shorter) replacement booster valve spring to shift the operating range of the booster valve piston to an unworn portion of the booster valve sleeve to extend the life of the booster valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Patent number: 8117750
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing an automatic transmission. Access is obtained to the valve body and a special shaped Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) regulator apply valve clip is inserted against a TCC regulator apply valve to hold a TCC regulator apply valve in a fully open position. The clip is dished to avoid wear when engaging the TCC regulator apply valve and has an asymmetric top portion which cooperates with the shape of the valve body chamber the TCC regulator apply valve clip is inserted into, to ensure proper placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Publication number: 20100186209
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing an automatic transmission. Access is obtained to the valve body and a special shaped Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) regulator apply valve clip is inserted against a TCC regulator apply valve to hold a TCC regulator apply valve in a fully open position. The clip is dished to avoid wear when engaging the TCC regulator apply valve and has an asymmetric top portion which cooperates with the shape of the valve body chamber the TCC regulator apply valve clip is inserted into, to ensure proper placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Patent number: 7762918
    Abstract: A modified automatic transmission includes a simple and inexpensive accumulator orifice plate residing between a valve control body and a second gear accumulator. The accumulator is in parallel fluid communication with a second gear servo and moderates changes to pressure of transmission fluid flowing to the second gear servo to reduce or eliminate harsh shifting. The accumulator is also in fluid communication with an Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) accumulator valve which provides an opposing transmission fluid flow into the accumulator to provide faster or firmer shifting when desired. The accumulator orifice plate includes orifices aligned with passages carrying the transmission fluid flows into the accumulator thereby restricting the flows. The orifices have specific sizes to limit the transmission fluid flows into the accumulator and thereby customize the shifting characteristics to suit an individual driver's preferences and/or needs and stabilizing pressure changes due to the EPC accumulator valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Publication number: 20090258745
    Abstract: A modified automatic transmission includes a simple and inexpensive accumulator orifice plate residing between a valve control body and a second gear accumulator. The accumulator is in parallel fluid communication with a second gear servo and moderates changes to pressure of transmission fluid flowing to the second gear servo to reduce or eliminate harsh shifting. The accumulator is also in fluid communication with an Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) accumulator valve which provides an opposing transmission fluid flow into the accumulator to provide faster or firmer shifting when desired. The accumulator orifice plate includes orifices aligned with passages carrying the transmission fluid flows into the accumulator thereby restricting the flows. The orifices have specific sizes to limit the transmission fluid flows into the accumulator and thereby customize the shifting characteristics to suit an individual driver's preferences and/or needs and stabilizing pressure changes due to the EPC accumulator valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Publication number: 20090199403
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the life of a booster valve in an automatic transmission. The booster valve commonly resides in the pump stator body and is modulated by reverse oil pressure and pressure control solenoid pressure signals. Pressure signals from the reverse oil pressure and the pressure control solenoid force a booster valve piston towards a pressure regulator valve piston also generally residing in the pump stator body. The booster valve piston slides inside a booster valve sleeve, and over time, the booster valve sleeve wears and the performance of the booster valve degrades or fails. The present invention replaces an original inner booster valve spring with a longer (or in some cases shorter) replacement booster valve spring to shift the operating range of the booster valve piston to an unworn portion of the booster valve sleeve to extend the life of the booster valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: STEVEN W. YOUNGER