Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 9951811
    Abstract: A bearing includes a bearing pad for supporting a rotary component and a housing attached to or formed integrally with the bearing pad. The housing includes a flexible column extending towards the bearing pad for providing the bearing pad with an airflow. The column supports the bearing pad from a location inward of an outer periphery of the bearing pad along an axial direction of the bearing. With such a configuration, a resistance of the bearing pad along a radial direction of the bearing is less at the outer periphery than a resistance of the bearing pad along the radial direction proximate the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Tyler Mook, Bugra Han Ertas, Jason Joseph Bellardi
  • Patent number: 9951812
    Abstract: A high load capacity bearing that includes a cylindrical outer sleeve that fits around a separable cylindrical outer race assembly. The outer race assembly includes a set of non-helical grooves formed on its inside surface that mesh and engage teeth formed on the outside surface of a plurality of rotating rollers that are longitudinally and axially aligned inside the outer race assembly. The rollers are longitudinally aligned and evenly space apart and rotated as a unit inside the outer race assembly. Located inside the rollers is an inner race with non-helical grooves formed on its outside surface that mesh and engage the teeth on the rollers. The inner race includes a smooth inside bore that fits around the support surface on a shaft. During use, the inner race is becomes fixed on a support surface on a shaft and the outer sleeve and outer race assembly are mounted on a part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Charles C. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 9951813
    Abstract: A rolling bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of balls, and an annular cage. The cage has an annular portion provided on a first side in an axial direction with respect to the balls and a plurality of cage bars. Pockets that house the balls are each formed between the cage bars adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction. An axially-first-side side surface of the annular portion has a first surface that is inclined toward the first side in the axial direction as the first surface extends outward in a radial direction and a second surface provided outward of the first surface in the radial direction and positioned on the second side in the axial direction with respect to an extended virtual plane of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youzou Taniguchi, Takashi Iwata
  • Patent number: 9951814
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement comprises a rolling element bearing assembly including a bearing cage. The bearing cage comprises an annular cage body having an inner surface defining a coaxial bore. The bearing cage has a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets and each pocket houses a rotatable rolling element. A first annular skirt extends axially from a radially inner end of a first axial end of the cage body and at least one first support member extends radially and axially from the remote axial end of the first annular skirt to the radially outer end of annular cage body. The bearing cage is hollow and has a high stiffness to weight ratio. The bearing arrangement is particularly suitable for use for a planet gear of a planetary gearbox. The planetary gearbox may be for a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Jason J Madge
  • Patent number: 9951815
    Abstract: A pitch bearing assembly for a wind turbine may include an outer race and an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race. The inner race may define an inner circumference and may include a plurality of gear teeth around the inner circumference. The inner race may also include a circumferential flange extending at least partially around the inner circumference. In addition, the pitch bearing assembly may include a stiffener coupled to the circumferential flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam Daniel Minadeo, William Francis Gevers, Robert Davis Pine, Andreas Schubert
  • Patent number: 9951816
    Abstract: An outer ring, an inner ring, and a ball each serving as a bearing part is made of a steel containing 0.95 mass % or more and 1.10 mass % or less of carbon, 0.05 mass % or more and less than 0.3 mass % of silicon, 0.10 mass % or more and 0.50 mass % or less of manganese, and 1.30 mass % or more and 2.00 mass % or less of chromium, with the rest made up of iron and an impurity. A surface layer region defined as a region extending to a depth of not more than 20 ?m from an outer ring raceway surface, an inner ring raceway surface, and a ball rolling surface, which are each a surface where the bearing part is in rolling contact with another part, has an average nitrogen concentration of 0.2 mass % or more and 0.7 mass % or less. Five or more carbides with a diameter of 0.5 ?m or less are present per 100 ?m2 in the surface layer region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Sato, Chikara Ohki
  • Patent number: 9951817
    Abstract: A system for utilizing a pressurized fluid includes first, second, and third coaxially disposed body members, each having a cylindrical shape. The third body member is movable relative to the second body member. The second body member has walls that define a cavity between the first and second body members and a passage within the second body member that directs pressurized fluid from a cavity to the third body member. A method of utilizing a pressurized fluid includes providing a coupling and a housing having a cavity defined therebetween, supplying pressurized fluid to the cavity, and providing a first passage that extends from the cavity to a first axially-facing surface of the non-rotating component. The cross-sectional area defined perpendicular to a local flow direction is configured for choked flow within the first passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Meyers
  • Patent number: 9951818
    Abstract: A wind turbine yaw assembly has a yaw piston and a yaw bearing pad. A spring resides inside the yaw piston and applies spring pressure to the yaw bearing pad. A threaded yaw piston bushing applies adjustable pressure to the spring. The threaded yaw bushing has a plurality of at least three force adjustment screws distributed symmetrically about the threaded yaw piston bushing. The spring pressure is adjusted by tightening or loosening the plurality of force adjustment screws. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Wind Solutions, LLC.
    Inventors: Christopher James Winslow, Matthew Kenneth King
  • Patent number: 9951819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slewing bearing that includes an inner ring, an outer ring, at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings in order to form an axial thrust that transmits axial forces, and at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings in order to form a radial thrust which can transmit radial forces. The slewing bearing further includes a sensing probe for detecting a relative displacement between the inner ring and outer ring and/or cracks, the inner ring having a through hole in which the sensing probe arranged. The through hole has a probe positioning element provided with a positioning portion and a support portion on which the sensing probe is supported so as to face the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Bruno Capoldi
  • Patent number: 9951820
    Abstract: A bearing with a wear surface sensor configured to wirelessly transmit information comprising a bearing wear surface containing a wear surface sensor wherein the wear surface sensor includes one or more connecting wires for transmitting a data signal from the wear surface sensor indicative of the state of wear of the bearing wear surface. The one or more connecting wires extend outside of the bearing wear surface and are connected to a radio frequency communicator for transmitting a data signal from the sensor indicative of the state of wear of the bearing wear surface. The radio frequency communicator and the sensor are fixed relative to one another such that the connecting wires are not flexed to failure during bearing use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NEW HAMPSHIRE BALL BEARINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Graham Andrew Dowie, Brandyn Duane Lewis, Richard R. Soelch
  • Patent number: 9951821
    Abstract: A drive shaft coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine wherein high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, wherein the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and wherein a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Crossford International, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph J. Franzino
  • Patent number: 9951822
    Abstract: In a constant-velocity joint, an inner member thereof includes holders that serve to retain respective roller assemblies. When each of the holders is hypothetically divided into three equal parts made up of a proximal end portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal end portion from a side of an annular member, an inner wall surface of an inner roller of the roller assembly contacts only a side wall surface of the proximal end portion. The inner roller preferably has an inside diameter, which is minimum at a contact point that contacts the side wall surface of the proximal end portion. More specifically, the inside diameter of the inner roller gradually expands in diameter from the contact point to a side that faces toward the annular member, and further, gradually expands in diameter from the contact point to a side that faces toward the distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fumihiko Tsujimoto
  • Patent number: 9951823
    Abstract: A torsional spring that can be used as a joint adapted to transmit a torsion actuation with elastic response. The torsional spring relates to a compact torsional elastic element, provided with a linear torque characteristic which is also not affected by the direction of rotation. The torsional spring is capable of attaining a high transmissible torque relative to its weight and overall dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO SANT'ANNA
    Inventors: Francesco Giovacchini, Marco Cempini, Nicola Vitiello, Maria Chiara Carrozza
  • Patent number: 9951824
    Abstract: A self-engaging clutch includes an input member, and intermediate member, and an output member. The input member is coupled to a prime mover and includes clutch protrusions. The output member is coupled to an output and includes an output clutch. The intermediate member includes a first side that is engaged with the input member and a second side that is engageable with the output member. Upon rotation of the input member, the intermediate member displaces toward the output member to engage the output member thereby allowing torque to be transferred from the input member to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: William E. Colber, Jr., Michael Feng
  • Patent number: 9951825
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch apparatus is provided and includes a multi-plate clutch disposed to occupy clutch and non-clutch positions at which rotation of an input shaft is and is not transmitted to an output shaft, respectively, a drive element disposed about the multi-plate clutch and configured to generate rotational energy and a linear actuator disposed to convert the rotational energy of the drive element to linear movement by which the multi-plate clutch is controllable to occupy one of the clutch and non-clutch positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Darrow, Thomas L. Tully, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9951826
    Abstract: Segmented and laminated steel core plates (31,31?) having at least one groove or channel formed at the interface of the core plates for either double sided or single sided wet clutch friction plates or separator plates and a process for making the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Vogele, Michael Wagner, Martin P. Keating
  • Patent number: 9951827
    Abstract: A method of determining automatic transmission lubrication fluid flow rates corresponding to a running vehicle without direct oil flow measurements is disclosed. A set of in-vehicle clutch torques for a chosen clutch pack during a gear shift event for a set of shift conditions is obtained. A series of bench tests at various clutch-pack clearances and oil-flow rates for the set of shift conditions are performed. The clearances and oil-flow rates are adjusted in response to the measured magnitudes exceeding thresholds. In-vehicle transmission lubrication oil-flow rates are estimated at the chosen clutch pack for the set of shift conditions when the bench-test and in-vehicle clutch torques are less than the thresholds. The steps are reproduced for other engine conditions and fluid temperatures corresponding to other transmission gear positions. A functional map of in-vehicle oil flow rates are produced, and the transmission is adjusted based on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Rohit Hippalgaonkar
  • Patent number: 9951828
    Abstract: A torque coupling comprising a drive body, an output side body which is coaxially arranged, a pressure disk which is coaxially arranged, movable in rotation coaxial direction, and having a first torque transmission surface on its face side, and a torque transmission device. The torque transmission device (5) comprises rigid pressure transfer elements (6) loadable by compressive forces only upon a gripping of the non driven by the driven torque transmission surface which points in drive direction (A), thereby moving in rotation coaxial direction contrary to the pressure disk (3), and pressing the same in direction of the second torque transmission surface (4B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ulrich Fahl
    Inventor: Ulrich Fahl
  • Patent number: 9951829
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism is configured to be switched between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The engaged state is a state in which relative rotation between a first and a second members in one of a positive rotational direction and a reverse rotational direction is restricted. The disengaged state is a state in which the relative rotation between the first member and the second member in both of the positive and the reverse rotational direction is permitted. The electronic control unit is configured to apply torque to the one of the first member or the second member by using a motor such that relative rotation in the other one of the positive or the reverse rotational direction is generated between the first member and the second member when the engagement mechanism is switched from the engaged state to the disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shibata, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hideaki Komada, Yuki Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 9951830
    Abstract: An electronic control unit performs lockup clutch engagement control in the sequence of fast fill control, constant-pressure standby control and command pressure raising control, and starts the lockup clutch engagement control from that one of the fast fill control and the command pressure raising control which is later in sequence than the other, as a command pressure for a control oil pressure at a transition time point for making a transition to the lockup clutch engagement control rises, in making the transition to the lockup clutch engagement control during the lockup clutch release control. Therefore, when the command pressure for the control oil pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value that is needed to carry out packing for narrowing a pack clearance of a lockup clutch, the lockup clutch engagement control is started from the command pressure raising control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keigo Matsubara, Ayumu Sagawa
  • Patent number: 9951831
    Abstract: A method of preventing a vehicle clutch from sticking includes a wear compensation actuation step of actuating a wear compensation device in conjunction with engagement actuation of a clutch actuator after an ignition is turned off when an actuation condition of the wear compensation device is satisfied, and a clutch control step of controlling a clutch position so that the clutch position returns to a disengaged state of the clutch actuator by reactuating the wear compensation device, when a clutch position based on an amount of variation in an actuation length of the actuation rod fails to return to the disengaged state of the clutch actuator during returning of the engaged clutch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Cho, Ho Sung Kim, Ho Young Lee, Jin Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9951832
    Abstract: Floating calliper for disc brake comprising a calliper body and a bracket, wherein the calliper body is suitable for being positioned astride the disc brake, extending from an inner side to an outer side of the calliper, the bracket comprises means of attachment of the calliper for disc brake to a relative support, the calliper body sliding in relation to the bracket in an axial direction, the calliper comprising means of coupling between the calliper body and the bracket, suitable to permit the relative sliding between these parallel to the axial direction. The bracket extends only on the inner side of the calliper and delimits a first seat housing at least a first pad to exert the braking action on an inner side of the disc brake. The calliper body delimits a second seat, axially opposite the first seat, so as to house at least a second pad exerting a braking action on an outer side of the disc brake facing the outer side of the calliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FRENI BREMBO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Cristian Crippa, Enrico Ongaretti, Paolo Cesani
  • Patent number: 9951833
    Abstract: A brake assembly for a vehicle. The brake assembly may have a brake wing that includes a panel, a first flange, and a second flange. The first and second flanges may extend from the panel such that the second flange extends from the first flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lebree Jones, Peter Moss
  • Patent number: 9951834
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a system for indicating wear of a brake pad attached to a vehicle. The system can include a pad holder, a brake pad mechanically coupled to the pad holder, and a sensing device coupled to the brake pad and located at least partially within the cavity. The sensing device can include a first electrode and a second electrode embedded within the sensing device. The first electrode and the second electrode can measure electrical resistivity of an electrically conductive material located within the sensing device. The electrical resistivity can indicate a thickness of the internal portion of the brake pad after the internal portion has been eroded by the rotating portion of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Gideon Eden
  • Patent number: 9951835
    Abstract: A window system is disclosed. The window system includes a window which has a first window pane spatially separated from a second window pane. The window panes are surrounded by a window frame, which houses a memory device for storing electronic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Newtonoid Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Fielding B. Staton
  • Patent number: 9951836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock absorber system for a vehicle comprising a main unit (100) adapted to be deformed in the event of an impact with a first energy level and a secondary unit (200) shorter in length than the main unit (100), adapted to be subjected to loads as a complement of the main unit (100), after a first deformation phase of the main unit (100), when the system receives an impact with a second energy level greater than the first, the secondary unit (200) being configured to orient the resultant of a force applied on a downstream structure (30) in a direction not parallel to the longitudinal axis of this downstream structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AUTOTECH ENGINEERING A.I.E.
    Inventors: Christophe Cazes, Gregory Gatard, Emmanuel Leroy, Matthieu Niess
  • Patent number: 9951837
    Abstract: An end member (202) is dimensioned to engage an end of a flexible spring member (210) to at least partially form a gas spring assembly. The end member (202) includes an end member wall that has a longitudinal axis. The end member includes a securement wall portion (280) having an outer surface with a surface profile dimensioned to abuttingly engage the end of the flexible spring member (210). The surface profile includes a plurality of concave profile sections and a plurality of convex profile sections that are dimensioned to generate a progressively increasing compression force along at least a section of the securement wall portion (280). A gas spring assembly including such an end member (202) is included. A suspension system including one or more gas spring assemblies and a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Brian S. DeBruler
  • Patent number: 9951838
    Abstract: A vibration dampening device (10) including: a first section (20) having a first section support assembly (25) for supporting vibratory equipment (140); a second section 30 having a second section support assembly (35) for allowing the vibration dampening device (10) to be supported by a support apparatus (100); and one or more fluid fillable absorbers (40) located between the first and second sections (20,30), wherein the one or more fluid fillable absorbers (40) are configured to absorb at least a portion of a vibratory force transferred from operation of the vibratory equipment (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: A.C.N. 166 970 627 PTY LTD
    Inventor: Peter John Tighe
  • Patent number: 9951839
    Abstract: A preloading device for a piston valve of a vibration damper includes a spring element which is fitted by an inner diameter onto a radially inner centering device which serves for inner centering of the spring element in the installed state of the preloading device. To provide a preloading device for a piston valve by which a reliable inner centering of a spring element can be ensured but which can be placed with low expenditure on assembly at the same time, the spring element is axially fixed at the centering device via retaining means in that the retaining means at least partially enclose the spring element axially on both sides and are rigidly connected to the centering device in each instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Helmut Baalmann, Hassan Asadi, Hans Gonschorrek, Lothar Krill, Alexander Kruse, Oswald Lichtlein, Dirk Litterscheid, Thomas Manger, Heinz Sydekum, Harun Tucovic
  • Patent number: 9951840
    Abstract: A method and an assembly for absorbing energy during an overload event. An energy absorber reduces loads on an object being transported on a loading unit during a single overload event, which introduces such a high degree of energy that there is an overwhelming likelihood the object would be damaged without an energy absorber. Measurement values on the current state of the loading unit are sensed. A control device determines an overload event and a damping of the energy absorber is set to a high value after the detection of the overload event. The damping is maintained for a specified prolonged time period and controlled dependent on the measurement values during the overload event to increase the load for objects during the specified time period initially to a specified threshold load and after the specified time dependent on the measurement values detected during the overload event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Dynamics European Land Systems-Mowag GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Markus Mayer
  • Patent number: 9951841
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to improved damping fluid mount devices, systems, and methods in which a damping fluid mount (100) includes an inner member (110), an elastomer section (130) that is affixed to an outer surface of the inner member (110), and a cup (200) containing viscous fluid (300). The elastomer section (130) has an outer diameter that is variable along an elastomer contour, and a crimped portion of the cup is radially crimped into the elastomer section (130) such that the crimped portion precompresses the elastomer section (130) and substantially mimics the elastomer contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: Scott K. Thompson, David R. Dobbs, Haris Halilovic, Christopher Wyant
  • Patent number: 9951842
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device (10) in the present application includes a first limiting passage (51) and a second limiting passage (52). The first limiting passage (51) includes pressure loss units (53a, 53b). Each of the pressure loss units (53a, 53b) is provided with an intermediate chamber (55), a first communication passage (57), and a second communication passage (58). An opening axis (L1) of a first opening (59) that opens toward the inside of the intermediate chamber (55) in the first communication passage (57) and an opening axis (L2) of a second opening (60) that opens toward the inside of the intermediate chamber (55) in the second communication passage (58) are offset from each other. At least one of the first opening (59) and the second opening (60) opens toward a wall surface that defines the intermediate chamber (55).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Ueki
  • Patent number: 9951843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic bearing (2) with a support spring (36), a working chamber (4) which is at least partly surrounded by the support spring (36) and which is filled with a hydraulic fluid, a control membrane (12) which is designed to change a working chamber volume of the working chamber (4), and an electromagnetic actuator (16) for deflecting the control membrane (12), wherein the actuator (16) comprises a stator (18) and an armature (20) which can be moved in the longitudinal direction L of the stator (18); the armature (20) is mechanically connected to the control membrane (12); the stator (18) has a stator conductive element (26) made of a ferromagnetic material; the stator conductive element (26) has an upper stator collar (32) which extends in the transverse direction Q of the stator (18) and a lower stator collar (28) which extends in the transverse direction Q of the stator (18); the armature (20) has an armature conductive element (72) made of a ferromagnetic material; the armature c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ContiTech Vibration Control GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Genderjahn, Max Werhahn, Peter Marienfeld
  • Patent number: 9951844
    Abstract: A friction transmission belt has a belt body made of a rubber composition and wrapped around pulleys to transmit power. The belt includes a thermoplastic resin film provided to coat a pulley contact surface of the belt body, and a powder layer comprised of reduced friction coefficient powder particles provided on a surface side of the thermoplastic resin film. The powder layer includes powder particles buried in the thermoplastic resin film, powder particles carried and exposed on the surface of the thermoplastic resin film, and powder particles agglomerated and adhering to the powder particles carried and exposed on the surface of the thermoplastic resin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9951845
    Abstract: A transmission including: a first number of input shafts; an output shaft; a second number of gears non-rotatably connected to the output shaft; a third number of lay shafts; and full synchronizer clutches. Each full synchronizer clutch includes: a respective first half synchronizer clutch arranged to non-rotatably connect a respective first gear to a respective lay shaft included in the third number of lay shafts, and disconnect the respective first gear from the respective lay shaft; and a respective second half synchronizer clutch arranged to non-rotatably connect a respective second gear to the respective lay shaft, and disconnect the respective second gear from the respective lay shaft. The transmission is arranged to provide a fourth number of total reverse and forward speed ratios equal to the first number multiplied by the second number multiplied by the third number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Edmund Maucher, David Smith
  • Patent number: 9951846
    Abstract: A transmission includes a drive shaft, an output shaft, a housing, and a first through third planetary gear sets. Six shift elements include a first brake, a second brake, and first through fourth clutches. The shift elements are selectively actuated, by which ten forward gears and one reverse gear can be. Each planetary gear set features at least one sun gear, one planetary gear, one planetary carrier and one ring gear. The drive shaft and the output shaft are arranged in a manner axially offset to each other. The drive shaft is connectable to the sun gear of the third planetary gear set and the second brake through the first clutch, and is connectable to the planetary carrier of the third planetary gear set through the second clutch. The planetary carrier of the third planetary gear set is connected to the first brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 9951847
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft; an output shaft; a first to fourth planetary gear sets and six control elements disposed at portions selectively connecting between the rotation elements or disposed at portions selectively connecting between the rotation elements and a transmission housing, wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the fourth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is continuously connected to the eighth rotation element, the sixth rotation element is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the ninth rotation element is continuously connected to the tenth rotation element, the ninth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the six control elements are selectively operated in combination of three of the six c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: JongSool Park, Dong Hwan Hwang, Seong Wook Hwang, Seongwook Ji, Chang Wook Lee, Hyun Sik Kwon, SeokJin Kim, KyeongHun Lee, Wonmin Cho
  • Patent number: 9951848
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, an input shaft mounted with the first, second, and third planetary gear sets at an external circumference of the input shaft, an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft and mounted with the fourth planetary gear set on external circumference of the output shaft, a first shaft, a second shaft directly connected with the input shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft gear-meshed with the output shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft, a seventh shaft, an eighth shaft, a ninth shaft directly connected with the output shaft, a tenth shaft, and transfer gears, each gear-meshed with at least one of the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kyeong Hun Lee, Jong Soo Kim, Jong Sool Park, Dong Hwan Hwang
  • Patent number: 9951849
    Abstract: A chain guide is provided, which can readily achieve, with a simple structure, both favorable attachability and tightness of a guide shoe relative to a base member, even though the base member has side wall ribs on both left and right side edges. A base member of a chain guide includes an upstream engagement portion and downstream engagement-portions, while a guide shoe includes an upstream hook and downstream hooks. Downstream engagement portions include restricting portions. The downstream hooks are hooked to the downstream engagement portions from an outer side in a guide width direction by twisting and elastically deforming the guide shoe in a state where the upstream hook is engaged with the upstream engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Manabu Hirayama
  • Patent number: 9951850
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle has a multi-step transmission and a differential drive. The multi-step transmission comprises a rotatingly drivable driveshaft and an intermediate shaft parallel to the driveshaft, and at least one first transmission stage and a second transmission stage for transmitting torque from the driveshaft to the intermediate shaft with different transmission ratios, as well as a shift unit, wherein the intermediate shaft comprises an output gear for transmitting torque to a differential carrier of the differential drive, wherein a rotational axis of the differential carrier extends parallel to the intermediate shaft, wherein the output gear and the shift unit are arranged axially between the at least two transmission stages, and wherein the driveshaft comprises bores for supplying lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Fred Kramer, Mark Schmidt, Ralph Mertens, Thomas Altenrath, Jiri Marks, Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 9951851
    Abstract: A multi ratio drive including a first drive chain having a first drive chain engaged state and a first drive chain disengaged state; and a second drive chain having a second drive chain engaged state and a second drive chain disengaged state. The first drive chain drives the axle with a first gear ratio between the drive shaft and the axle when the first drive chain is in the first drive chain engaged state and the second drive chain is in the second drive chain disengaged state; the second drive chain drives the axle with a second gear ratio between the drive shaft and the axle when the second drive chain is in the second drive chain engaged state and the first drive chain is in the first drive chain disengaged state; and the first gear ratio is different from the second gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Michael L. Valesh
  • Patent number: 9951852
    Abstract: A stator for a torque converter is provided. The stator includes a plurality of blades, a one-way clutch and a body supporting the blades. The body receives the one-way clutch therein and includes a pocket formed therein radially outside of the one-way clutch. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes forming a pocket in a body of a stator. The stator includes a plurality of blades supported by the body. The body includes a recess radially inside of the pocket. The method also includes axially pressing an outer race of a one-way clutch into the recess. A torque converter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carleton Caldwell, Aditya Dattawadkar
  • Patent number: 9951853
    Abstract: A product may include a power source and a power transmission system. A coupling may be connected between the power source and the power transmission system. An engagement mechanism in the coupling may selectively provide a connection between the power source and the power transmission system. A damper may be included in the engagement mechanism through which the connection may be communicated. The damper may comprise a number of coils and may have a first end connected to the power source through the engagement mechanism and may have a second end connected to the power transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 9951854
    Abstract: A differential gear set assembling method includes: a pivoting step of closing openings by guide portion and pivoting a pair of pinions between a pair of side gears; and an insertion step of inserting a pinion shaft into a pair of case shaft holes and a pair of pinion shaft holes from outside the differential case. The pivoting step is performed in a state where projecting portions are buried in the guide portions. The insertion step is performed in a state where the projecting portions are projected from the guide portions toward the pair of side gears, and the pair of side gears are pressed by the projecting portions so as to apply loads against biasing forces of coned disc springs to the pair of side gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shoji, Takahisa Masuyama, Masaya Komada
  • Patent number: 9951855
    Abstract: A cam follower is constituted by an outer ring which has an outer track surface in its inner circumference; a stud which has an inner track surface opposed to the outer track surface, a flange portion abutting on one side of the inner track surface, a side plate fitting portion and a mounting shaft portion abutting on another side of the inner track surface in this order, and a fiber flow formed continuously from the flange portion to the inner track surface along their outer circumferences; rolling elements which are arranged between the outer track surface and inner track surface; and an inner side plate which is pressed into the side plate fitting portion to work with the flange portion for limiting axial movement of the outer ring and the rolling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Shibutani, Seiji Kanbara, Shinji Oishi, Tomoaki Kawamura, Toshiaki Ensou
  • Patent number: 9951856
    Abstract: A sprocket assembly, formed of dissimilar materials, includes at least one tooth member made of ferrous material and a circular disk made of a light metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The circular disk supports the tooth member on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The tooth member is dissimilar-metal welded to the circular disk, either by laser welding or by electronic beam welding. Optionally, multiple individual tooth members may be fitted into notches formed in an outer periphery of the circular disk, and welded therein. A method of making a sprocket assembly is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shujiro Inui
  • Patent number: 9951857
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly, including: a shaft including a longitudinal axis, first and second longitudinal ends, a radially outermost surface, a first portion including at least one indentation, and second and third portions between the first portion and the first and second longitudinal ends, respectively; and a sprocket assembly disposed about the shaft and including a sprocket with a circumferentially disposed and radially outwardly extending teeth and at least one key engaged with the sprocket. The sprocket assembly is displaceable along the shaft to displace the at least one key into the at least one indentation. The sprocket is non-rotatably connected the shaft when the at least one key is disposed in the at least one indentation. At least respective portions of the radially outermost surface are at a uniform distance from the longitudinal axis in a radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and extending from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Todd J. Sturgin, Chris Luipold
  • Patent number: 9951858
    Abstract: A transmission fluid circuit for regulating the flow of a fluid includes a transmission, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a spool, and an actuator including a smart material. The spool is movable inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The smart material is configured to be in an activated state in response to the fluid exhibiting at least a first temperature and to be in a deactivated state in response to the fluid being a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature. The fluid flows from the housing to the transmission and from the transmission to the housing when the spool is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler, from the cooler to the transmission, and from the transmission to the housing when the spool is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Dynalloy, INC.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Ronald R. Semel, James Holbrook Brown
  • Patent number: 9951859
    Abstract: A gearset includes a gearset housing, a drive shaft, and a radial fan fixed to the drive shaft. Disposed in surrounding relationship to the radial fan is an air-guiding cover which includes a gearset housing section to at least partially cover the gearset housing, a cylindrical section adjoining the gearset housing section and configured to receive an attachment for securement to the drive shaft, and a conical section adjoining the cylindrical section. The conical section of the air-guiding cover is disposed in surrounding relationship to the radial fan directly and without any dead space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FLENDER GMBH
    Inventor: Simon Becka
  • Patent number: 9951860
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear train for a turbine engine includes a gutter with an annular channel. A rotating structure includes a ring gear that has an aperture that is axially aligned with the annular channel. Axially spaced apart walls extend radially outward relative to the rotating structure to define a passageway. The passageway is arranged radially between and axially aligned with the aperture and the annular channel. The walls are configured to inhibit an axial flow of an oil passing from the aperture toward the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock