Releasing Patents (Class 192/101)
  • Patent number: 11236786
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a transmission of an agricultural work vehicle. The clutch assembly includes a housing, a clutch pack located within the housing, a piston chamber located within the housing, and a multipart piston located within and slidable relative to the piston chamber. The multipart piston is operably connected to the clutch pack for engaging and disengaging the clutch pack. The multipart piston includes a lower piston extension part. The clutch assembly further includes a balance chamber that is located within the housing. The lower boundary wall of the balance chamber and the lower boundary wall of the piston chamber are radially separated from one another by a substantial distance. The lower piston extension part is located within the balance chamber for adding to a collective surface area of the balance chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Jensen, Daniel Payne
  • Patent number: 11002179
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling coolant flow through parallel branches of a coolant circuit including an AC condenser and a charge air cooler. Flow is apportioned through each of an air-conditioning condenser, a charge air cooler (CAC), and a transmission oil cooler (TOC) of the coolant circuit to maintain an estimated transmission oil temperature (TOT) below a threshold. The TOT is estimated from a torque converter slip ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, James Thomas Gooden, John Smiley, III, Amey Y. Karnik
  • Patent number: 10746234
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a piston movable in an axial direction, a plurality of friction plates disposed on a side of a first surface of the piston, a fastening hydraulic chamber applying a hydraulic pressure to a second surface of the piston to move the piston to a fastening position where the friction plates are pressed to be fastened to each other, a release hydraulic chamber applying a hydraulic pressure to the first surface of the piston to move the piston to a release position where the friction plates are released, and a hydraulic pressure control valve that supplies and discharges the hydraulic pressure to and from each of the fastening hydraulic chamber and the release hydraulic chamber. An area of the second surface of the piston for receiving the hydraulic pressure is set to be larger than an area of the first surface for receiving the hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaro Fukuda, Tadashi Saito, Masahiro Kaji, Manabu Sasahara, Tomohiro Kubo, Shinya Kamada, Norio Iwashita, Kaori Sako, Tomotaka Ishizaka, Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Koshiro Saji, Tatsutoshi Mizobe
  • Patent number: 10641344
    Abstract: A disconnect plunger for use in an integrated drive generator includes a plunger body extending between a first end and a second end. A cam surface is formed on the second end, and has a cylindrical cam portion extending across the second end. The cylindrical cam portion has a location formed at a radius about a point spaced beyond the second end relative to the first end. A first distance is defined from a second end facing surface of a cylindrical guide portion positioned intermediate first and second end. A ratio of the first radius to the first distance is between 0.15 and 0.30. The point is spaced in a direction perpendicular to a center axis of the plunger body, and measured from the center axis by a second distance. A ratio of the second distance to the first radius is between 0.25 and 0.40. An integrated drive generator and a method of replacing a disconnect shaft are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Derek R. Hochstetler, Ted A. Martin, Duane C. Johnson, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10483824
    Abstract: A self-releasing lock mechanism is provided and is configured to lock a driveshaft that is in mechanical communication with a rotor to mechanical ground via a flange in a motor housing. The self-releasing lock mechanism includes a ground lock housing having a locking arrangement configured to selectively engage a second end of the rotor. Locking pins extend from the ground lock housing and are configured to pass through the flange region of the motor housing. A locking plate includes the driveshaft and locking sites that are adapted to selectively receive the locking pins. A biasing member is disposed between the ground lock housing and the flange region to bias the ground lock housing away from the flange region. The locking arrangement engages the second end of the rotor to overcome the bias from the biasing member when the locking pins are received in locking sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Jarr, Steven E. Rickenbrode
  • Patent number: 10473168
    Abstract: A ball and ramp assembly including a first plate, a second plate and one or more rolling elements between the first and second plates. The first plate includes a shoulder portion that extends from a first side of the first plate. Additionally, the first plate includes an increased diameter portion that extends from an outer surface of the first plate. Extending inward from a second side of the first plate is a receiving portion with a substantially vertical wall portion having one or more non-circular first plate grooves. The second plate has one or more non-circular second plate grooves that extend along a first side of the second plate. The second plate grooves are a reverse mirror image of the first plate grooves. Radially outboard from the shoulder portion is a thrust bearing and integrally connected to the outer surface of the first plate is a first plate gear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Automotive System Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas L. Nahrwold, Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10458341
    Abstract: A turboshaft engine includes a casing in which is arranged a gas generator and a free turbine fitted to a power shaft. The power shaft is configured to be mechanically connected to/disconnected from a reduction gearbox. The turboshaft engine includes at least one centralizer movable between an active position, in which the centralizer forms a bearing for the power shaft and which corresponds to a mechanical disconnection between the power shaft and the reduction gearbox, and a passive position, in which the centralizer is distanced from the power shaft and which corresponds to a mechanical connection between the power shaft the reduction gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES
    Inventors: Olivier Lafargue, Sébastien Brotier
  • Patent number: 10428918
    Abstract: A positioning device, comprising a base element, a carrier element to be positioned relative to the base element along a z-axis as well as at least one first and one second slide element, wherein the first or second slide element on the one hand is disposed displaceably by means of a first or second base guide device along a first or second base line on the base element and on the other hand by means of a first or second ascent guide device along a first or second ascent line on the carrier element, wherein the first or second ascent line and the first or second base line run in a projection along the z-axis parallel to one another and with respectively constant different angles of inclination relative to the z-axis, and wherein the first and the second ascent guide device are arranged with respect to one another in such a manner that in at least one projection perpendicular to the z-axis, the first and the second ascent line are inclined opposite to one another relative to the z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEEBERGER HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Patrick Krauer
  • Patent number: 10337563
    Abstract: A clutch includes a hub, a carrier defining a circular groove, and a wedge disk defining apertures and having a first edge disposed on the hub and a second edge disposed in the groove. The clutch further includes a breaker ring encircling the hub and having projections that are each received in one of the apertures. The breaker ring is slidably connected to the hub and is configured to rotate the wedge disk relative to the hub, via engagement between the projections and the apertures, in response to the breaker ring sliding towards the wedge disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Carsten Ohr
  • Patent number: 10328519
    Abstract: A friction welding apparatus has first and second clamps for respectively holding first and second parts to be welded by rotary friction welding, a device for producing relative rotation between the first and second clamps and a forge for applying an axial forging pressure to the parts to be welded when the parts are located in the clamps. The second clamp is mounted on a first half of a coupling. A second half of the coupling is movable axially between first and second positions. In the first position the second half of the coupling is engaged with the first half to prevent rotation of the second clamp and enable relative rotation between the first and second clamps. In the second position the second half of the coupling is disengaged from the first half to enable rotation of the second clamp and stop relative rotation between the first and second clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Richard D Kasler, Mark C Ireland
  • Patent number: 10323385
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is disclosed. The hydraulic actuator may have a cylinder barrel. The hydraulic actuator may also have a piston rod reciprocally received by the cylinder barrel. The piston rod may have at least one first piston rod end extending out of the cylinder barrel. The hydraulic actuator may further have an intermediate element attached to the at least one first piston rod end by a first set of screws extending in a first direction. In addition, the hydraulic actuator may have a connecting element attached to the intermediate element by a second set of screws extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Kunigk
  • Patent number: 10323736
    Abstract: A disconnect plunger extends between a first end and a second end. A cam surface is formed on the second end, and has a cylindrical cam portion extending across the second end. The cylindrical cam portion has a location formed at a first radius about a point spaced beyond the second end relative to the first end. A first distance is defined from a second end facing surface of a cylindrical guide portion positioned intermediate the first and second end. A ratio of the first radius to the first distance is between 0.230 and 0.250. The point is spaced in a direction perpendicular to a center axis of the plunger body, and measured from the center axis by a second distance. A ratio of the second distance to the first radius is between 0.335 and 0.355. An integrated drive generator and a method of replacing a disconnect plunger are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Beard, Andrew P. Grosskopf
  • Patent number: 10316900
    Abstract: A clutch for a lift fan comprises at least one output shaft lug key positioned in a keyway of at least two output clutch plates and extending axially from one to the other of the two output clutch plates. The output shaft lug key couples the rotation of the output clutch plates to the rotation an output shaft and allows axial movement of the two output clutch plates relative the output shaft lug key. The width of an inner surface of the output shaft lug key varies along the axial length as a function of the proximity to a home axial position of each of the output clutch plates when in the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Tyler Bouton, Kevin Beckner, Andy Copeland, Matt Starr, Doug Schwerin, Kyle Hassler
  • Patent number: 10066634
    Abstract: A turbo machine includes a rotation shaft that comprises a first taper portion and a first cylinder portion, the first taper portion decreasing in diameter toward one end of the rotation shaft, the first cylinder portion being constant in diameter in an axial direction of the rotation shaft; a first impeller that is fixed to the rotation shaft and that is used for compressing or expanding working fluid; a first bearing that rotatably supports the first taper portion and the first cylinder portion; and a second bearing that is positioned on an opposite side of the first impeller from the first bearing in the axial direction of the rotation shaft and that supports the rotation shaft both in the axial direction and a radial direction of the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ogata, Tadayoshi Shoyama, Akira Hiwata, Hidetoshi Taguchi, Kazuyuki Kouda, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9989104
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: a hub; a ring located radially outward of the hub; a wedge plate radially between the hub and the ring; and a displacement assembly including an element and an engagement arm. To transition from a disconnect mode for the wedge clutch, in which the hub and the ring are relatively rotatable, to a connect mode for the wedge clutch, the engagement arm is arranged to pivot in a first rotational direction to displace the hub in a first axial direction. To transition from the connect mode to the disconnect mode, the engagement arm is arranged to pivot in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction and the element is arranged to displace the hub in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marion Jack Ince, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 9869371
    Abstract: A dog clutch for an automatic transmission is provided. The dog clutch includes a magnet that is mounted to a sliding clutch. A solenoid is positioned adjacent the magnet and is configured for selectively adjusting the dog clutch between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. A related automatic transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Nico Flemming, David Edward Drosback, Abhishek Baradwaj Raydurga Palegar, Thomas Geiss
  • Patent number: 9695880
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a drive train of a vehicle is provided. The drive arrangement includes an outer hub, an inner hub and rolling elements. The outer hub includes a fixed section and a movable section which can be reversibly connected to one another. In the disconnected state, the movable section is freely rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the outer hub. The rolling elements are displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the outer hub between the fixed section and the movable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Amtek Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Karl
  • Patent number: 9669659
    Abstract: Brake mechanisms for a wheel of non-motorized wheeled vehicle such as, e.g., a shopping cart, are described. In various embodiments, the brake mechanism can provide a variable amount of braking force or torque between zero and an amount sufficient to lock the wheel. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism includes a brake plate that is movable toward and away from a surface of the wheel hub along a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel. The brake plate is configured not to rotate when the wheel and hub are rotating. Frictional engagement between the brake plate and the surface of the wheel hub provides the braking force. The brake plate and/or the surface of the wheel hub can include engagement features such as, e.g., protrusions and slots. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism fits entirely within the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. McKay, Stephen E. Hannah
  • Patent number: 9604717
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating flight control surfaces are provided. One system includes a control device having a two piece shaft including a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, a spline key detachably coupling the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and a crankshaft operatively coupling the two piece shaft and a flight control surface. The control device further includes a driving mechanism coupled to the spline key and operable to move the spline key to engage and disengage the first and second shaft portions, wherein the first and second shaft portions are disengaged when a failure to the flight control surface is detected, causing the second shaft portion to drive the flight control surface to a safe position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Coffman
  • Patent number: 9365286
    Abstract: A reversible decoupling device is connected to an electromechanical actuator. The reversible decoupling device has an energy storage element configured to store the energy required for a decoupling in the decoupling device. The decoupling device can be re-coupled again after a completed test run so that the decoupling functionality can be easily tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Naubert, Markus Christmann
  • Patent number: 9334047
    Abstract: A powered self push back method and system for an aircraft are provided to move an aircraft on the ground safely during push back without assistance from an external tug vehicle or the aircraft main engines. The method employs constant cooperative communication and signals between the pilot and the ground crew during the push back process to ensure that push back of the aircraft is safe, efficient, and reduces aircraft turnaround time. The powered self push back system used in conjunction with this method includes at least one powered self-propelled aircraft drive wheel powered by a wheel drive assembly that can be activated by pilot input controls or by remote control exteriorly of or interiorly to the aircraft in response to ground crew signals to activate the driver to rotate the drive wheel in a reverse, push back direction, causing the aircraft to move in the push back direction or in a forward direction for taxi and takeoff in accordance with activation of the controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Neal Gilleran, Joseph Goldman
  • Patent number: 8983744
    Abstract: An automatic shift apparatus includes a rotation shaft, a dog clutch gear shift mechanism, and a control unit. The control unit controls first moving speed to be faster than second moving speed on moving a sleeve in an engaged state engaged with one of a first clutch ring and a second clutch ring to a neutral position defined at a position between the first clutch ring and the second clutch ring where the first moving speed is a speed of moving the sleeve in the engaged state to a target position defined between the neutral position and the mentioned one of the first clutch ring and the second clutch ring the sleeve is engaged with and where the second moving speed is a speed of moving the sleeve from the target position to the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Komura, Yuuki Ohta, Kyosuke Mori
  • Patent number: 8839926
    Abstract: An actuator decoupler for selectively coupling and decoupling a driving part and a driven part of an actuation system is disclosed. The driving part can be coupled to the actuator decoupler, and the actuator decoupler can be coupled to the driven part via at least one coupling pin. In a selectively coupled state, the driven part can be at least one of rotationally and longitudinally fixed to the actuator decoupler and, thereby, the driving part. The actuator decoupler can be decoupled from the driven part through the use of a preloaded energy mechanism configured to disengage the at least one coupling pin from the driven part. Thereby, the actuator may be responsive to a jam in the actuation system to selectively decouple the driven part from the actuator decoupler and the driving part so that the driven part has freedom to translate at least one of rotationally and longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Suyu Hou, George Ghanime, David J. Wagner, Michael Colan Moscinski, Robert Zirin, Mahadevan Balasubramaniam
  • Patent number: 8733522
    Abstract: A dual clutch and a method for controlling the same in a drive train of a motor vehicle which has two friction clutches that transmit a torque from an internal combustion engine to respective transmission input shafts of a dual clutch transmission and which have a common counterpressure plate firmly connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and two contact plates that are fixed in terms of rotation relative to the counterpressure plate and can be moved axially by respective lever springs supported on a housing part firmly connected to the counterpressure plate. To limit the axial installation space for the dual clutch, the lever springs for actuating the friction clutches are actuated radially on the inside in the same direction by respective actuating systems in the case of a change from one friction clutch to the other of a torque to be transmitted via the friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20130192945
    Abstract: A powertrain module includes an input, first bulkhead supporting the input for rotation, a hub, an electric machine including a stator connected to the first bulkhead and a rotor connected to the hub, a clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the input and the rotor, and a second bulkhead supporting the input for rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Publication number: 20130118855
    Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch of an automatic transmission for improvement of fuel efficiency may include determining whether external driving conditions of a vehicle meets coasting conditions, determining a clutch slip control time and an amount of clutch slip torque according to internal driving conditions of the vehicle, performing slip control on a clutch that works at each step of the automatic transmission using the determined clutch slip control time and torque, wherein an engine brake torque transmitted to a final output shaft of the automatic transmission may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Woong HWANG, Yong Wook Jin, Wan Soo Oh
  • Publication number: 20130081921
    Abstract: A spring ring formed by a supporting ring, which is used as a spreading element for a multi-disc clutch is disclosed. The spring elements are formed by notches in a leg of the supporting ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Koping AB
    Inventor: GKN Driveline Koping AB
  • Patent number: 8302754
    Abstract: A tapered coupling structure allows a tapered shaft to be coupled to and decoupled from a hub without the use of an 0-ring. The tapered shaft is provided with a taper part on the side that is coupled to the hub, and the hub is provided with a high-rigidity part having a thickness in the radial direction larger than that of other regions and having a high rigidity in the radial direction. An oil groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the taper part to feed oil to the coupling surfaces of the taper part and the hub is provided in a region corresponding to the high-rigidity part in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuki Yagi, Hiroki Terado, Eiichi Yanagisawa, Hitoshi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8240447
    Abstract: An armature is magnetically attracted to and is coupled with a rotor against an urging force of a resilient member by a magnetic attractive force of the rotor when a permanent magnet is placed into a first position. When the armature is coupled with the rotor, a rotational drive force of an internal combustion engine transmitted to the rotor is transmitted to a refrigerant compressor connected to the armature to rotate the refrigerant compressor. The armature is urged away from and is decoupled from the rotor by the urging force of the resilient member when the permanent magnet is placed into a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motohiko Ueda
  • Patent number: 8225919
    Abstract: A drive arrangement comprising a drive shaft, a clutch arrangement operable, upon axial movement of the drive shaft occurring, to interrupt drive to the drive shaft, an axially movable interrupt shaft, a gear arrangement whereby the interrupt shaft is driven for rotation by the drive shaft at a speed slower than the rotary speed of the drive shaft, a disconnect device operable to cause axial movement of the interrupt shaft, and a transmission device for transmitting axial movement of the interrupt shaft to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems
    Inventors: Paul Harris, Raymond Richard Bomford, Darren Christopher Howard
  • Patent number: 8172550
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum self priming pump. The pump includes an actuating member that is installed in an outlet by a hinge shaft to be capable of rotating and configured to be quickly opened by water pressure when water is discharged through the outlet, an arm that extends from the actuating member to an external side over the outlet, a clutch unit that is movably formed in a length direction of a rotational shaft of a motor to selectively transfer power to an eccentric wheel to free-rotate the eccentric wheel on the rotational shaft, and a transferring unit that is installed between the arm and the clutch unit to cut off the power from the clutch unit to the eccentric wheel when the arm moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Hyokeun Ji
  • Patent number: 8162122
    Abstract: A drive disconnect device for releasably connecting an electrical generator to a drive shaft, the drive disconnect device comprising an output shaft and at least one drive transfer element movable from a first position where it drivingly connects the drive shaft and the output shaft to a second position where the driving connection is removed, wherein operation of the disconnect device causes the electrical generator to become electrically isolated or excitation for the generator to be inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems
    Inventors: James Andrew Turner, Darren Christopher Howard
  • Patent number: 8113329
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a clutch housing having a friction plate, a clutch boss having a clutch plate, a pressure plate, a sub clutch, and a power-assist mechanism. An elastic member urges the pressure plate in a predetermined direction to press the friction plate and the clutch plate into frictional contact with each other when the clutch is engaged. The sub clutch includes a friction plate operatively disposed between first and second pressing plates. The power-assist mechanism receives torque from the pressure plate via the sub clutch when the clutch is disengaged and converts the torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the pressure plate from a plate group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8074777
    Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box includes an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw having axial dog teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft, an outer ball screw surrounding and normally rotating with the inner ball screw and having a spherical ball and an angled ball track between the inner and outer ball screws, a lock, and a brake for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially toward the lock thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Balwinder S. Birdi, Michael W. Duddeck, William M. Scherzinger, Miguel A. Guzman
  • Publication number: 20110198183
    Abstract: A clutch release mechanism includes a fixed cam plate having a cylindrical boss portion, and a movable cam plate supported on the cylindrical boss portion through a cylindrical projecting portion thereof. A ball unit is retained on the cylindrical boss portion by a retainer, and a release member disengages a clutch by transmitting a thrust force, generated by relative turning between the fixed and movable cam plates which hold the ball unit therebetween, to a pressure-applying plate. A pressing member is pressed by the movable cam plate to transmit the thrust force to the release member. The cylindrical projecting portion of the movable cam plate projects toward the pressing member, and is fitted a the hollow portion thereof with a gap therebetween. The movable cam plate presses the pressing member so as to be relatively shiftable on a flat surface perpendicular to a pressing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu KANAI, Kenji MATSUO, Hiromi SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 7946403
    Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box may include an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw. The inner ball screw may be attached to an engagement member having undercut and interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of an engagement member of the gear box. An outer ball screw may surround and normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. A brake may be provided for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially away from the gear box thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Balwinder S. Birdi, Arturo Maceda
  • Publication number: 20100320015
    Abstract: A drive for an hybrid vehicle, having an electric machine situated in a housing and having a clutch that is provided with a release mechanism. The release mechanism is connected to a housing-mounted component, that is locked against rotation, via at least one damping element, the damping element absorbing multi-dimensional motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Erich Banhegyi, Andreas Herzberger
  • Publication number: 20090229944
    Abstract: In a motorcycle, a cable linked with a clutch release lever is reduced in length and arranged without being bent so much. A release mechanism for a friction type clutch device is provided with a clutch release lever on a lateral surface of a crankcase that is linked with a cable connected to a clutch operational lever disposed on the left side of a steering handlebar that is turned to perform a clutch release operation. The clutch release lever includes an arm portion linked with the cable and a release rod turned together with the arm portion to press the push rod. The release rod is disposed on a left side portion of the crankcase and the arm portion is attached to project outwardly of the crankcase. The clutch release lever is turned clockwise as viewed from above a vehicle body to perform clutch release operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Hisashi SAKUYAMA
  • Patent number: 7571794
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch actuation system having a hydraulic clutch control device which includes at least one clutch master cylinder that communicates via a pressure-medium line with a clutch slave cylinder used for actuating a clutch device, the pressure prevailing in the pressure-medium line being relievable via at least one emergency release valve device to permit disengagement of the clutch device in an emergency situation. The hydraulic clutch actuation system is distinguished in that the emergency release valve device has a seal-carrier device for a sealing element which is movable in response to an electromagnet out of an open position, in which a pressure-medium inlet is open, into a closed position in which the sealing element seals the pressure-medium inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Leigh Fraser, Neil McNab, Paul Vincent Rouse, Peter Riemer, James Antony Lethbridge, Michael Cooper, David Anthony Harries, Melvin Dyke
  • Patent number: 7395912
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a friction clutch with a clutch spring, a clutch lever connected to the friction clutch via clutch wires and being manually operable against the urging force of the clutch spring, and a clutch assisting device. The clutch assist device has an assist mechanism having an auxiliary force member (e.g., a spring) that urges the clutch wires in such a direction as to disengage the friction clutch while the clutch lever is moved from a disengage start position, where the clutch lever receives the reactive force of the clutch spring, to a disengaged position, where the disengagement of the friction clutch is completed. The assist mechanism maintains the urging force of the auxiliary spring applied to the clutch wires within a fixed range while the clutch lever is shifted from the midpoint between the disengage start position and the disengaged position to the disengage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Ooishi, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 7222707
    Abstract: A dog clutch operative to provide shiftably connection. A first clutch element includes a plurality of dogs selectively engagable with a plurality of counterdogs coupled to the second clutch element for selectively coupling primary and secondary rotatable parts. The second clutch element further includes a bush coupled to the secondary rotatable part and an intermediate part containing the counterdogs. The intermediate part can be selectively coupled to the bush for selectively coupling the second clutch element and the secondary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Eingineering Center Steyr GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Thomas Gumpoldsberger, Michael Laus, Rudolf Glassner
  • Patent number: 7182193
    Abstract: A drive disconnect device is provided in which a drive transfer element (12) is axially movable with respect to input and output shafts (2, 14) so as to selectively disconnect them. A collar (50) is disposed in spaced apart configuration around the drive transfer element so that they do not touch except when the disconnect device is operated to disconnect the drive. When the disconnect operation is initiated, force is provided from a resilient element (56) to move the drive transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventor: Rodney Stuart Howard
  • Patent number: 7055664
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for coupling two shafts for rotating in the prolongation of one another with respect to a casing. A dog clutch ensures that the two shafts are coupled. The device comprises a clutch release uncouple the dog clutch. The clutch release comprises a screw secured to one of the shafts, a nut secured to a flywheel and cooperating with the screw. The screw and nut have an axis coinciding substantially with the axis of rotation of the shafts, and a brake for braking the rotation of the flywheel with respect to the casing, and, in the clutch engagement position, the braking of the flywheel slackens the nut of the screw and drives one of the shafts in translational motion along said axis, so as to uncouple the dog clutch. The structure of the clutch release makes it possible to uncouple the shafts when these are in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Bela Skorucak
  • Patent number: 7007784
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a clutch cover which can be secured to a flywheel; an intermediate plate spaced from the flywheel; a pressure plate arranged between the clutch cover and the intermediate plate and secured to the clutch cover by resilient straps which urge the pressure plate from an engaged position to a disengaged position; a first friction disk arranged between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate; and a second friction disk arranged between the intermediate plate and the flywheel. Linkage urges the intermediate plate toward the pressure plate so that the second friction disk can be fully disengaged from the flywheel when the pressure plate is retracted during disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andrzej Szadkowski, Muneer Abusamra, Ronald B. Morford, Matthew Girlando
  • Patent number: 6938746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling two shafts that are intended to rotate in the continuation of one another with respect to a casing (4). A dog clutch couples the two shafts. The device comprises clutch-release means allowing the dog clutch (9) to be uncoupled. According to the invention, the clutch-release means comprise a ramp (17) secured to the casing (4), the ramp (17) having a helical shape around the axis (1), a flat disk (19) secured to the first shaft (3) the plane of which is more or less perpendicular to the axis (1), an element (20) intended to roll between the ramp (17) and the disk (19) so as to cause a translational movement of the first shaft (3) with respect to the casing (4) more or less along the axis (1), the translational movement allowing the dog clutch (9) to be uncoupled. The specific structure of the clutch-release means enables the shafts to be uncoupled while they are in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Bela Skorucak
  • Patent number: 6935479
    Abstract: A drive apparatus is provided to transmit force from a source of power to a driven assembly, such as a pump, in an aircraft. The drive apparatus can be operated from a disengaged condition back to an engaged condition when the aircraft is on the ground. The drive apparatus includes a first annular array of teeth which is connected with an input member and a second annular array of teeth which is connected with an output member. A plurality of disengagement levers extend outward from the output member. A retaining member is connected with outer end portions of the disengagement levers. An actuator member or yoke is movable to move the retaining member and the outer ends of the engagement levers to disengage the drive apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Cummins, John L. Walker, Phillip W. Galloway, Philip A. Rowles
  • Patent number: 6886674
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided that includes a flywheel. A clutch cover is secured to the flywheel. An intermediate plate is spaced from the flywheel, and a pressure plate is arranged between the clutch cover and the intermediate plate. The intermediate plate may be secured to the clutch cover by flexible straps or another similar device. The straps retract the pressure plate from an engaged position to a disengaged position. First and second friction discs are respectively arranged between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate and the intermediate plate and the flywheel. The pressure plate forces the intermediate plate and the friction discs toward the flywheel to couple and engine and transmission together. A separator moves the intermediate plate with the pressure plate from the engaged position to the disengaged position thereby permitting self-disengagement of the friction discs from the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andrzej Szadkowski, Muneer Abusamra, Ronald B. Morford, Matthew Girlando
  • Publication number: 20040262112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling two shafts which are intended for rotating in the prolongation of one another with respect to a casing. A dog clutch ensures that the two shafts are coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Bela Skorucak
  • Publication number: 20040154893
    Abstract: A start-up clutch assembly (10) for translating torque between a prime mover and a transmission includes a drive member (16) and a clutch pack (30) is supported between the drive (16) and driven members (24). The clutch pack (30) is operable to move between a closed pack mode and an open pack mode to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members (16, 24) to selectively transfer and interrupt torque translation therebetween. A torque apply piston assembly (54) is operable to move between a disengaged position to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members and to provide a constant biasing force so that the clutch pack (30) normally operates in the closed pack mode to translate torque between the drive and driven members (16, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Braford
  • Patent number: 6681912
    Abstract: The present invention provides a driving force distributing apparatus which can instantaneously reduce clutch pressure to thereby carry out proper operation of an ABS even if the ABS is actuated in traveling in a 4WD mode. In order to reduce pressure in a piston chamber, a control circuit drives a motor for reverse rotation. As a result, a pressure difference between a piston chamber side pressure and a pump side pressure in a supply path becomes large, pressure oil on a piston chamber side in the supply path is instantaneously discharged to an outside from a releasing hole of a quick open valve, and the pressure in the piston chamber reduces instantaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fujiunivance Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Suzuki, Yuzo Geshi