Patents Issued in September 13, 2016
  • Patent number: 9441677
    Abstract: A decoupler having an input member, an output member and a combination one-way clutch and torsional isolator that couples the input and output members. The combination one-way clutch and torsional isolator includes a single helical coil spring. The decoupler being designed to provide torsional damping through a range of torque transmitted through the decoupler, the range including a maximum rated torque for the decoupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Warren Williams, John R. Antchak
  • Patent number: 9441678
    Abstract: A shearable drive coupling assembly includes an adapter having a top end with a drive shaft well extending downwardly therein. A plurality of spindle splines extends outwardly from an outer surface of the adapter and a plurality of shaft splines extends inwardly from an inside surface of the adaptor. The plurality of spindle splines engage a receiver of an article of powered equipment. A drive shaft of a drive motor engages the shaft splines so that the adapter is coupled to the drive shaft and transfers a rotational torque between the drive shaft and the receiver. The plurality of spindle splines or the plurality of shaft splines shears away from the adapter to decouple the drive shaft from the receiver when the receiver is exposed to a trigger counter-rotational force to protect the receiver and the drive shaft from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Matt Nelson
  • Patent number: 9441679
    Abstract: A synchronized shift device for locked connection of at least two shafts (30, 32), which shafts have different rotation speeds at the start of a shift procedure. An arrangement of first annular drive body (36), synchronization body (42) and first annular coupling element (44) bring about synchronization of the shaft speed prior to coupling by a synchronization sleeve (50). A further shaft (60), coaxially arranged, may be provided with a similar arrangement of annular drive body (62) and coupling element (66) for synchronized connection with one of the other shafts (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Heindl, Florian Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9441680
    Abstract: A driven accessory comprising a first rotary clutch portion, a second rotary clutch portion, a wrap spring and an actuator. The actuator is selectively operable for generating a force that is applied to a second end of the wrap spring. The actuator includes an actuator input member that is rotatable about a rotary axis relative to the first rotary clutch portion. The actuator input member is axially movable along the rotary axis between a first position, in which the actuator input member is drivingly engaged to the first rotary clutch portion to cause the wrap spring to uncoil against a clutch surface on the first rotary clutch portion such that rotary power is transmitted between the first rotary clutch portion and the second rotary clutch portion, and a second position in which the actuator input member is disengaged from first rotary clutch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventor: Andrew M. Boyes
  • Patent number: 9441681
    Abstract: A decoupler that includes a hub, a drive member and a one-way clutch and torsionally resilient coupling. The drive member is configured to engage an endless power transmitting element. The one-way clutch and torsionally resilient coupling is disposed in series in a torque path and has a carrier and a wrap spring. The carrier defines a groove. The wrap spring is formed of wire and has an engagement end and a plurality of helical coils. The engagement end is being shorter in overall length than a length of one of the helical coils. The engagement end is received in the groove. The carrier is received in a pocket formed in a rotary member that can be the hub, the drive member, or a component in a torque path between the hub and the drive member. An axial end face of the wire that forms the wrap spring is abutted against an edge of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventor: Warren Williams
  • Patent number: 9441682
    Abstract: A hub assembly includes a first and second pawl units respectively connected to the tubular portion of the hub. A toothed collar is mounted to the first and second pawl units, and has ratchet teeth defined therein. The first pawl unit has three first pawls which are located at equal angle to each other. The second pawl unit has three second pawls which are located at equal angle to each other. An angle is defined between the first and second pawls next to each other, and the angle is smaller than the angle of each ratchet teeth of the toothed collar. The first and second pawls are engaged with the ratchet teeth not simultaneously so as to effectively drive the bicycle and the strength of the pawls is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: King Kong Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Stanley Wu
  • Patent number: 9441683
    Abstract: A hydraulic auxiliary brake device of a motor used for oil production is provided. A turning shaft and an oil extraction pump of the motor are provided with a brake disc. The motor is provided with a hydraulic brake. The hydraulic brake is connected with an oil pressure pipe, a one-way clutch gear, and an oil pump. The one-way clutch gear meshes with the brake disc. When the turning shaft and the oil extraction pump of the motor are turned normally for oil production, the one-way clutch idles so that the oil pump doesn't output oil pressure, and the hydraulic brake doesn't activate to brake the brake disc. In case of a power failure, the oil pump is opened to output oil pressure and the hydraulic brake is activated to brake the brake disc, such that the turning shaft and the oil extraction pump are stopped from turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Yen-Hong Wong
  • Patent number: 9441684
    Abstract: A parking pawl achieves a parking locked state by engaging with a parking gear. A parking rod is configured to move along the axial direction of the parking rod. The parking rod passes through a cam member. The cam member is configured to move from a first position to a second position in accordance with movement of the parking rod. The cam member includes a tapered portion that presses the parking pawl such that the parking pawl is engaged with the parking gear when the cam member moves from the first position to the second position. The parking rod includes a protruding portion that protrudes from the cam member. A guide member is configured to guide the cam member, and is configured to support the protruding portion and the tapered portion when the cam member is at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Ishiura, Michitaka Tsuchida, Tatsuo Obata
  • Patent number: 9441685
    Abstract: A disc brake for a motor vehicle and a corresponding brake lining are provided. The disk brake includes a brake caliper straddling a brake disc, at least one brake lining with a lining carrier plate and friction lining, and a brake carrier fixed to the vehicle having carrier flanges supporting the lining carrier plate on entry and exit sides. The entry-side carrier flange and the adjacent lining carrier plate support surface interlockingly engage with one another, and the exit-side carrier flange and a corresponding contact contour of the lining carrier plate form a support surface inclined at an angle relative to the Y-axis in certain areas or at least in the radially highest area of the lining support on the brake carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Iraschko
  • Patent number: 9441686
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a brake pad, a bracket supporting the brake pad and having a first portion, a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, and a linkage interconnecting the first and second portions. The linkage is configured to transfer tensile loads between the first and second portion, but is characterized by the absence of any bending modes. The absence of bending modes prevents excitation of the linkage, thereby reducing sound generated during application of the brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Lowe, Mark T. Riefe, Omar S. Dessouki, Mohan Sundar, Chia N. Yang
  • Patent number: 9441687
    Abstract: A brake pad assembly includes a backing plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a brake liner coupled to the first surface of the backing plate and configured to engage a braking surface, and a shim coupled to the second surface of the backing plate, the shim including a planar body portion and a plurality of tabs integrally formed with and extending from the planar body portion. A first tab of the plurality of tabs is configured to secure the shim to the backing plate and to engage the braking surface when the brake liner is worn a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Wolverine Advanced Materials, LLC
    Inventors: Abdul-Hafiz Ahmed Afaneh, Irfan A. Bhatti
  • Patent number: 9441688
    Abstract: A brake disc includes a friction ring and a pot arranged concentrically in an opening of the friction ring. The pot has a pot gearing system with at least one pot tooth space, on which a flap is molded, which projects radially in the direction of a corresponding annular tooth of an annular gearing system of the friction ring and radially overlaps the annular tooth on a first axial end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Bernd Isenmann, Ralph Mayer, Niculo Steinrisser
  • Patent number: 9441689
    Abstract: In a method for adjusting a parking brake, which includes an electromechanical braking device having an electric brake motor, the brake motor is braked upon reaching an end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Baehrle-Miller, Tobias Putzer
  • Patent number: 9441690
    Abstract: An air-cooled piston cap assembly is provided for use in a disc brake caliper that includes a piston cap, and a piston body having a proximal end and a distal end which is slidably movable within a caliper bore along an axis. The piston cap includes a retention portion mounted within the distal end of the piston body, a contact portion located opposite from the retention portion that contacts a brake pad assembly, and an intermediate portion connecting the retention portion with the contact portion. The outer surface of the intermediate portion defines an extended heat exchange path between the contact portion and the retention portion, and may for example hourglass-shaped. An air gap is provided between a top edge of the piston body and an undersurface of the contact portion of the piston cap that allows air to circulate over the extended heat transfer path defined by the outer surface of the contact portion and intermediate portion to cool the cap from frictional heat generated during braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: PERFORMANCE FRICTION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Donald L. Burgoon
  • Patent number: 9441691
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric disk brake including: a carrier in which a pair of pad plates for pressing both sides of a rotating disk together with wheels are installed to make advance and retreat; a caliper housing that is slidably installed in the carrier and has a cylinder in which a piston is installed to make advance and retreat due to brake hydraulic pressure; an adjuster disposed in the piston; a push rod that is installed in the cylinder and is screw-coupled to the adjuster; a ramp unit that is installed to penetrate the rear of the cylinder, converts a rotation motion into a rectilinear motion by receiving a rotation force from an actuator that generates a parking brake force, and presses the push rod toward the piston; and an elastic member that is disposed in a spring case formed between an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and the push rod and provides an elastic force to the push rod, further including a connector having one end coupled to a rotating ramp plate of the ramp unit so
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Young-Hun Kong, Jae-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9441692
    Abstract: A proximity sensor 20, 21, 22 and method for detection of wear in a brake disc stack 55 on an aircraft including a wear pin 40, 43, 50 for moving in a first direction as the brake wears, and a switch 20, 21, 22 for measuring movement of the wear pin in the first direction. When the wear pin 40, 43, 50 moves in the first direction to a predetermined position, the switch 20, 21, 22 signals that the brake disc stack 55 has worn the predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9441693
    Abstract: A non-asbestos frictional material composition containing a binder, an organic filler, an inorganic filler, and a fiber base material includes: copper in a content of 0.5 mass % or less as a copper element; a metal fiber other than a copper fiber and a copper alloy fiber in a content of 0.5 mass % or less; cashew dust in a content of 3.5-10.0, wollastonite, and mica. The non-asbestos frictional material composition can provide a frictional material with excellent friction coefficient, anti-crack properties, and abrasion resistance even with the reduced content of copper and a copper fiber possibly causing environmental pollution. The frictional material and the friction member are formed by using the above-mentioned non-asbestos frictional material composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CHEMICAL COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Unno, Kazuya Baba, Takashi Kikudome
  • Patent number: 9441694
    Abstract: A unit friction pad assembly constituting a disk brake friction pad assembly includes a lining assembly which is oscillatably inserted into the guide hole portion of a guide plate to transmit a braking torque from a plate engagement portion to the guide plate and is urged toward the guide plate by a spring member, and a clearance hold mechanism for holding a clearance between the guide plate and torque receiving plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AKEBONO BRAKE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Maehara
  • Patent number: 9441695
    Abstract: High cleanliness spring steel useful in manufacturing a spring with SiO2-based inclusions being extremely controlled and excellent in fatigue properties is provided. High cleanliness spring steel which is steel containing; C: 1.2% (means mass %, hereafter the same with respect to the component) or below (not inclusive of 0%), Si: 1.2-4%, Mn: 0.1-2.0%, Al: 0.01% or below (not inclusive of 0%), and the balance comprising iron with inevitable impurities, wherein; the total of oxide-based inclusions of 4 or above of L (the large diameter of an inclusion)/D (the short diameter of an inclusion) and 25 ?m or above of D and oxide-based inclusions of less than 4 L/D and 25 ?m or above of L, in the oxide-based inclusions of 25 mass % or above of oxygen concentration and 70% (means mass %, hereafter the same with respect to inclusions) or above of SiO2 content when Al2O3+MgO+CaO+SiO2+MnO=100% is presumed, out of inclusions in the steel, is 20 nos./500 g or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoko Sugimura, Sei Kimura, Koichi Sakamoto, Atsuhiko Yoshida, Takeshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 9441696
    Abstract: A trailer drawbar has a housing with a cylindrical outer chamber and a cylindrical inner chamber separated from one another by a stop. First and second compressible bushings respectively fit in the outer and inner chambers. The bushings have aligned bores. A rod extends through the bores in the bushings. One rod end contains an annular base, which abuts the first bushing, and a drawbar eye. The other rod end is threaded. An annular seal is positioned on the rod adjacent to the second bushing. The first bushing has a length and compressibility such that the seal remains entirely within the inner chamber when the first bushing is compressed to a pre-determined level. The second bushing has a length and compressibility such that the first seal is not located completely inside of the inner chamber when the second bushing is compressed up to a second pre-determined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Premier Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachery McCurter
  • Patent number: 9441697
    Abstract: A washing machine having a balancer includes a rotating basket in which laundry is accommodated, the rotating basket being configured to be rotated upon receiving rotation power from a drive source, at least one balancer housing mounted to the rotating basket, the balancer housing internally having an annular channel, and at least one balancing module movably disposed in the channel to alleviate load unbalance caused during rotation of the rotating basket. The balancing module includes a main plate, at least one mass body provided at the main plate, a drive unit mounted to the main plate to assist the balancing module in moving to a position where the balancing module alleviates load unbalance of the rotating basket, and a brush configured to transmit electric power supplied from an external power source to the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Il Sung Bae, Jae Seuk Park, Moo Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 9441698
    Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorbing apparatus includes: an inner tube; and an outer tube that is placed outside the inner tube, in which a space is defined between an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube and an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube, and a protruding portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube toward the outer tube or a protruding portion protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube toward the inner tube is provided in the space, and the protruding portion is formed over an entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube or the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube, and has a waveform when viewed from a direction crossing the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuro Suzuki, Seiryo Konakai, Mototsugu Yamanaka, Yuichi Enomoto, Takahiro Miura, Kunio Shibasaki
  • Patent number: 9441699
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a pressure tube that defines a fluid chamber. A piston disposed within the fluid chamber divides the fluid chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston defines a compression passage and a rebound passage which extend through the piston between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber. A valve disc assembly engages the piston and controls the flow of fluid between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber. The valve disc assembly includes a bleed disc that defines an orifice with a substantially non-linear contour. The orifice extends to an outer diameter of the bleed disc, and forms a bleed channel between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Lawler, Chad Rummel, Elizabeth Robbins, Daniel T. Keil, Jeroen K. Paenhuysen, John McGahey, Dajun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9441700
    Abstract: A shock absorber has a pressure tube with a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube and attached to a piston rod. The piston assembly divides the pressure tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston assembly includes a frequency dependent valve assembly attached to the piston rod which defines a housing attached to the piston rod and a spool valve assembly. The spool valve assembly includes a spool valve and a bypass valve assembly that controls fluid flow through bypass passage that bypasses the piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Nowaczyk, Jan Vochten
  • Patent number: 9441701
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a clutch linkage connected to a throw out lever which is operated by a clutch pedal or said control lever biased by a return spring to a clutch engaged position. A damper with a cylinder housing a piston and a piston rod delays excessively rapid engagement of the clutch by engaging the clutch linkage to provide a force opposed to pressure from the return spring. The damper functions to prevent mechanical damage to the motor vehicle and to avoid discomfort to passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Samuel E. Cichon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9441702
    Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid damper using magnetorheological fluid, whose viscosity changes according to an intensity of a magnetizing field, as working fluid includes a cylinder in which magnetorheological fluid is sealed, a piston which is slidably arranged in the cylinder, a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber which are partitioned by the piston, a main flow passage which is open on opposite end surfaces of the piston and allows communication between the first and second fluid chambers, an electromagnetic coil which generates a magnetizing field to be applied to the magnetorheological fluid flowing in the main flow passage, a bypass flow passage which is formed at a position less affected by the magnetizing field generated by the electromagnetic coil than the main flow passage, and a bypass branching portion which branches the bypass flow passage from the main flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: KYB CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiji Saito, Kazuhisa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9441703
    Abstract: A temperature-compensating damping element, which is suitable for the temperature-independent reduction of vibrations, which has a fixed, non-elastic outer part and a fixed, non-elastic inner part, which is either inserted fully or partly into a mating cut-out or opening of the outer part. The outer and inner parts have contact surfaces which are connected to one another by an elastic layer which comprises an elastomer material and which is, or can be, pre-tensioned with respect to a desired frequency by a tensioning element. The elastic layer which is responsible for the vibration damping is directly connected at one or more points to an additional elastic volume. The additional elastic volume is a multiple of the volume of the elastic layer, and has the effect that the excitation frequency of the damping element changes in the case of a temperature change within a temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ESM ENERGIE-UND SCHWINGUNGSTECHNIK MITSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Mitsch, Mathias Dƶrsam
  • Patent number: 9441704
    Abstract: A mount having a bolt through configuration couples two components of a vehicle. The mount includes a first elastomeric member that defines a first portion of a first chamber and a second elastomeric member that defines a second portion of the first chamber and defines a second chamber. An inner tube assembly defines an opening for receiving the bolt. The first and the second elastomeric members are bonded to the inner tube assembly. An annular member is disposed between the first and the second chambers. The annular member defines a fluid-track which fluidly couples the first and the second chambers. The mount dampens vibrations at varying amplitudes by pushing fluid between the first and the second chambers via the fluid-track. The mount may also include a decoupler by way of a decoupler ring and decoupler cap to isolate the mount at a predetermined amplitude at varying frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Zoren E. Gaspar, Jay W. Thornhill
  • Patent number: 9441705
    Abstract: In the case of a holder for fastening a unit (2), in particular a pump, to a motor vehicle, with an annular damping element (1), the inner region of which is provided for accommodating the unit (2) and which has, on the outside, a block-shaped fastening part (4), under the upper side (14) of which a plate-like insert (8) which is designed for local reinforcement of the damping element (1) is arranged, it is proposed according to the invention that two opposite edges of the insert (8) each have a wing (11) running into the damping element (1). This produces an increased, but limited local minimum rigidity of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Hein, Guenther Riehl, Samir Mahfoudh, Thomas Kotlarski
  • Patent number: 9441706
    Abstract: A drive belt having a belt body which is made of a flexible material and a tensile reinforcement that extends in belt axial direction and which is surrounded by said belt body in sections at least to improve the tensile strength of the body in belt longitudinal direction wherein the tensile reinforcement is a carbon cord made of a plurality of twisted carbon fibers with a plurality of cavities between the fibers which are charged with a filler material in part at least. A first portion of the carbon fiber cavities is charged with a rupture risk reducing filler of a type different from the belt body flexible material and a second portion of said cavities of the carbon fibers is filled with belt body flexible material. The carbon cord has less than 0.2 mg of belt body flexible material per one millimeter3 cord volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Arntz Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Daniel Pattie Gibson
  • Patent number: 9441707
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body comprising a first mating section and a second mating section connected to first and second tethers; and a plurality of movable locking shoes secured with the first mating section and movable between a first position configured to lock the first mating section and the second mating section together and a second position configured to allow the first mating section and the second mating section to disconnect; wherein each of the plurality of locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section when the plurality of locking shoes are in the first position, and wherein the locking surface of each of the plurality of locking shoes is formed at a contact angle between about 18 degrees and 24 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: INTEROCEAN SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Pearlman
  • Patent number: 9441708
    Abstract: A high-efficiency drive system including a transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a gear set having first, second and third elements. A non-friction clutch assembly is non-hydraulically controlled to change between a first coupling state for coupling the output shaft of an electrical machine to a transmission output shaft and an uncoupling state for uncoupling the output shaft of the electrical machine from the transmission output shaft. The clutch assembly is also non-hydraulically controlled to change between a second coupling state for coupling the output shaft of a non-electrical machine to the transmission output shaft and the uncoupling state for uncoupling the output shaft of the non-electrical machine from the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 9441709
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes plural planetary gear mechanisms rotatably supported by a housing to be coaxial to a rotation axis, a ring gear of the foremost planetary gear mechanism being connected to a sun gear of the rearmost planetary gear mechanism, an input shaft being connected to a carrier of the foremost planetary gear mechanism, an output shaft being connected to a carrier of the rearmost planetary gear mechanism, a rotation member positioned at a radially outward of the ring gear of the rearmost planetary gear mechanism to be rotatable coaxially to the ring gear of the rearmost planetary gear mechanism, a brake selectively fixing the rotation member to the housing, a clutch selectively connecting the rotation member and a carrier of the planetary gear mechanism positioned at front relative to the rearmost planetary gear mechanism by one, and a dog clutch selectively connecting the ring gear of the rearmost planetary gear mechanism and the rotation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Nakamura, Kiyoharu Takagi, Atsuhiro Mase
  • Patent number: 9441710
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes at least four planetary gear sets, eight rotatable shafts and six shifting elements. Selective actuation of the shifting elements brings about different transmission ratio relationships between an input shaft and an output shaft, such that ten forward gears and one reverse gear are able to be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 9441712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission unit connected in one end to a driving unit, the transmission unit having a large belt disc with at least one large belt extending around and in contact with the large belt disc, and a high speed shaft. The transmission unit includes a planetary carrier being coupled to the driving unit, the planetary carrier carrying at least two planetary belt pulleys, each belt pulley having a belt pulley shaft which is in rotational coupling with the at least one large belt, each planetary pulley having at least one planetary belt, the planetary belt(s) rotationally coupling the planetary pulleys with the high speed shaft, the large belt disc being stationary mounted, the high speed shaft being coupled to a driven unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Gaute Tjensvoll, Stefan Franzen
  • Patent number: 9441713
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system bias adjuster which includes a brake bias adjustment knob assembly which enables the driver of the vehicle to quickly and easily set, adjust, and visually and quickly determine the relative front to rear (or right front to left front) brake bias or brake bias setting of the vehicle before and while driving the vehicle. The brake bias adjustment knob assembly visually indicates the exact amount of brake bias, or if there is no bias at all. The ratio is expressed in numbers to enable the driver to reset the brake bias to a known value of ratio as needed for track conditions and vehicle weight changes. The value in numbers is reproducible. The present disclosure also provides a method and apparatus for retrofitting an existing vehicle with a brake bias adjustment knob assembly which enables the driver of the vehicle to quickly and easily set, adjust, and visually determine the relative brake bias or brake bias setting (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Innovatech LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 9441714
    Abstract: A jacking device is provided to push an object for rotation and upward or downward movement. The jacking device includes a combination of a slave arm and a link arm. The slave arm includes a first end capable of producing rotation and linear movement and a second end pivoted to the link arm. The link arm includes a fixation end disposed on a base and a free end. When the first end of the slave arm is received with an action force, the second end of the slave arm is forced to push the link arm for rotation, and the free end of the link arm is forced to motion between a first position and a second position so as to push an object for rotation and upward or downward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Chien Cheng Mai, Way Han Dai
  • Patent number: 9441715
    Abstract: A traction nut has twist rollers pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a state of defining an inclination angle with respect to an axis of a drive shaft, the inclination angle being equivalent to a lead angle; an open/close lever provided to switch between a friction-contact state and a disengaged state of the traction nut relative to the drive shaft; and a spring generating a biasing force such that the traction nut is brought into friction-contact with the drive shaft. In response to user operation, the open/close lever puts the traction nut in the disengaged state against the biasing force of the spring. When the user releases the open/close lever, the traction nut returns to the friction-contact state due to the biasing force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youhei Onodera, Hideki Shindo, Naoki Izumi
  • Patent number: 9441716
    Abstract: In a stepless transmission 1, each lever crank mechanism 20 includes a rotational radius adjusting mechanism 4 capable of adjusting the radius of rotational motion of a cam shaft 51. The rotational radius adjusting mechanism 4 includes: a cam disc 5 that rotates in a state of being eccentric with respect to a rotational center axis P1; a rotary disc 6 rotatable in a state of being eccentric with respect to the cam disc 5; and a pinion shaft 7. A pair of cam discs 5 are provided in each rotational radius adjusting mechanism 4. Cam discs 5 of adjacent rotational radius adjusting mechanisms 4 are formed integrally with each other as an integral cam portion 5c so as to extend across the adjacent rotational radius adjusting mechanisms 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9441717
    Abstract: An axle drive system includes a first dynamoelectric drive motor having a first rotor shaft radially mounted on a housing at two bearing points; a superimposing transmission and a power divider having a first power divider shaft driving a first output shaft, and having a second power divider shaft driving a second output shaft; the power divider shafts, the output shafts and the first rotor shaft rotationally mounted about a common axis of rotation oriented transversely to the direction of travel. A transmission input shaft is connected to the first rotor shaft for co-rotation therewith; at one end facing the first rotor shaft, the transmission input shaft is radially mounted on the housing at a further bearing point; the first rotor shaft and the transmission input shaft are intercoupled axially displaceably; the first and the second output shafts are each mounted relative to the housing by a radial bearing and relative to each other by another radial bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Tomas Smetana
  • Patent number: 9441718
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device features a casing including an impeller shell, a casing shell, and an intermediate casing component connecting the impeller and casing shells. The intermediate casing component includes a casing wall portion and a piston engagement portion extending inward from and being non-rotatable relative to the casing wall portion. The device further features an impeller including the impeller shell. The turbine-piston is coaxially aligned with and hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller, and includes a turbine-piston shell having a turbine-piston flange with an engagement surface that is movable axially toward and away from an engagement surface of the piston engagement portion to position the hydrokinetic torque coupling device respectively into and out of a lockup mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Alexandre Depraete, Michel Bacher
  • Patent number: 9441719
    Abstract: A lock-up device is disposed between a front cover and a turbine in a torque converter to mechanically connect the front cover and the turbine. The lock-up device includes a clutch part and a release part. The clutch part is disposed in a power transmission path from the front cover to the turbine and is configured to be in a clutch-on state of transmitting a power from the front cover to the turbine in a set posture. The release part is configured to be actuated by a hydraulic pressure being increased in a space on a turbine-side of the piston to turn the clutch part from the clutch-on state to a clutch-off state and to block transmission of the power from the front cover to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Aoki, Kozo Yamamoto, Ken Mototsune, Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9441720
    Abstract: A torque converter and torque divider assembly may receive torque from a power source and input the torque to a torque converter including an impeller, a turbine, and a stator, and a torque divider including a planetary gear system. The torque divider may also receive torque output from the turbine of the torque converter, and may output torque to a device such as a transmission. The torque converter and torque divider assembly may further include a stator clutch that is controlled to selectively lock the stator in place, and a lock-up clutch controlled to selectively lock rotating components of the torque converter and torque divider assembly, such as the impeller and the turbine of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
  • Patent number: 9441721
    Abstract: A strain wave gearing unit is provided with an internal gear, which surrounds the periphery of a cup-shaped external gear, and a bearing. An annular gap is formed between the inner ring of the bearing and the internal gear. The gap communicates with the sliding portions of the bearing and the section where the two gears mesh. An annular filter member made of non-woven fabric is fitted in the gap. Foreign matter such as abrasion powder, which is contained in lubricant that flows in the gap, is trapped by the filter member. The present invention can prevent penetration of abrasion powder generated in the sliding portions into the meshing section via the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HARMONIC DRIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Daisuke Orii, Yoshihide Kiyosawa
  • Patent number: 9441722
    Abstract: A mechanical system, forming a cam follower or a rocker arm, the mechanical system comprising: a support element; a pin extending between two opposite ends along a first axis and supported by the support element; and a roller movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis and adapted to roll on a cam. The support element includes an inner cavity in which the roller is at least partially arranged and which is adapted to contain an oil bath for lubricating the roller. Examples of applications for the mechanical system include a follower device, an injection pump or a valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Nicolas Berruet, BenoƮt Hauvespre, Samuel Viault
  • Patent number: 9441723
    Abstract: A steel gear 1 includes a generally cylindrical outer peripheral ring portion 2, on an outer peripheral surface 20a of which a toothed shape 10 is formed, and a flange portion 3 provided to extend radially inward from an inner peripheral surface 20b of the outer peripheral ring portion 2. The outer peripheral ring portion 2 includes a first projecting portion 21 that projects toward one side in the axial direction with respect to a coupling position at which the first projecting portion 21 is coupled to the flange portion 3, and a second projecting portion 22 that projects toward the other side in the axial direction with respect to a coupling position at which the second projecting portion 22 is coupled to the flange portion 3. The axial length of the first projecting portion 21 is longer than the axial length of the second projecting portion 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Obayashi, Keita Taguchi, Yasutaka Miyake, Takaaki Ogiso
  • Patent number: 9441724
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a transmission in a marine propulsion device comprises the steps of receiving a rotational input speed of an input shaft to the transmission, receiving a rotational output speed of an output shaft from the transmission, receiving a shift actuator position value, and receiving an engine torque value. The method further comprises calculating a speed differential based on the input speed and the output speed, and generating a slip profile based on a range of speed differentials, engine torque values, and shift actuator position values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Jason F. Pugh
  • Patent number: 9441725
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having gears lubricated by oil and a variable voltage converter (VVC). The VVC includes an inductor arranged such that the oil contacts the inductor. The vehicle also includes at least one controller configured to operate the VVC to output a desired power. The controller, in response to a temperature of the oil being less than a threshold, alters a voltage and current of the VVC while maintaining the desired power to increase heat output by the inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Dobbins, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar, Kevin Layden
  • Patent number: 9441726
    Abstract: A lubrication system (300, 400) for a transfer case (200) includes a pump (240) in fluid communication with a lubricant source (243) and a power transfer assembly as well as a valve (302, 402) positioned along a fluid flow path between the lubricant source (243) and the power transfer assembly. The valve (302, 402) includes a valve inlet (306), a first valve inlet (406), a first valve outlet (308, 408) that does not restrict flow of the lubricant along the fluid flow path in a first state, a second valve outlet (310, 410) that is operable to restrict flow of the lubricant along the fluid flow path in a second state, and a control that is operable to open the first valve outlet (308, 408) in the first state and open the second valve outlet (310, 414) in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Palazzolo
  • Patent number: 9441727
    Abstract: A control device includes an elongated mechanical transmission member (10; 110) interposed between the gearbox and a control member (100) for transmitting to the gearbox the commands imparted through the control member, in such a manner that the gear engaged by means of the gearbox is linked to the linear position of the transmission member (10; 110). The device is provided with a position sensor (26; 126) including a movable reference element (28; 128), the movement of which is univocally determined by the movement of a rigid end portion (14; 114) of the transmission member (10; 110), and a stationary detection element (30) for detecting the position of the reference element (28; 128).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SILATECH S.r.l.
    Inventors: Guido Panizza, Kamal Mourad, Edoardo Mongarli