Electric Or Magnetic Patents (Class 192/84.1)
  • Patent number: 11965565
    Abstract: A system for controlling a clutch is provided with: a thrust member movable between a first position for disconnecting the clutch and a second position for connecting the clutch; a solenoid generating a magnetic flux in response to input of electric power; a movable element drivingly coupled with the thrust member and set into motion by the magnetic flux to drive the thrust member between the first position and the second position; an electric circuit configured to add alternating-current power to the electric power and apply the electric power with the alternating-current power to the solenoid; and a controller configured to detect a phase difference of an electric current relative to an electric voltage in the alternating-current power added to the electric power and compare the detected phase difference with a reference value to determine whether the thrust member is at the first position or at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventor: Yuu Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 11767893
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sensing a clutch position. In one example, a method may include generating a single output signal by combining at least an output of a first sensor and an output of a second sensor output, the first sensor and second sensor connected in parallel, and the first sensor and the second sensor sensing a common moving element of a clutch. In one example, the method may further include a first sensor output and a second sensor output provided on a common sensor bus. As another example, the first sensor output may be a master pulse width modulation output, and the second sensor output follows a modulation frequency of the first sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Perry M. Paielli, Justin S. Davis, Terry W. McGraner, Sagar B. Bangar, Michael Z. Creech
  • Patent number: 11703124
    Abstract: An actuator system for a vehicle transmission includes an actuating unit and an electric motor drivingly connected to the actuating unit. The actuating unit is configured for displacement by the electric motor between an engagement mode where the transmission is connected to a propulsion unit and a disengagement mode where the transmission is disconnected from the propulsion unit. A clutch unit between the actuating unit and the electric motor is connected to a drive shaft of the electric motor. The clutch unit is configured for connecting the actuating unit to the electric motor when displacing the actuating unit between the engagement disengagement modes. The clutch unit disconnects the actuating unit from the electric motor in the engagement mode. The system further includes an oil pump unit driven by the electric motor at least in the engagement mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventor: Freddy Trinh
  • Patent number: 11657954
    Abstract: In a coil module, a coil device includes a coil unit and at least one terminal extending from the coil unit. A case is configured to house the coil device. At least one busbar is secured to the case. The at least one terminal is electrically connected to the at least one busbar. A potting member is filled in the case to fixedly retain the coil device in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kwan Ryul Kim
  • Patent number: 11427432
    Abstract: A spindle unit includes a support shaft, an electromagnetic air-gap brake, a spindle member, and a coupler. The support shaft is attached to the stationary frame of a creel. The brake is connected to the front end of the support shaft. The spindle member is rotatably supported by the support shaft in a state in which the support shaft and the brake are inserted in the spindle member. The coupler couples the spindle member and the brake shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: OGURA CLUTCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Mitsuhashi, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Nobuyuki Shuto
  • Patent number: 11174662
    Abstract: A drive apparatus includes a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier which supports planetary gears, a drive source which drives the ring gear as an input element, and fixing mechanism which fixes selectively one output element of the sun gear as a first output element and the carrier as a second output element so as not to rotate, and driving force is outputted from the other output element which is other than the one output element of the sun gear and the carrier fixed by the fixing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GECOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Yokota
  • Patent number: 11105380
    Abstract: Methods and system are provided for locking a half shaft to a wheel hub to engage four wheel drive are disclosed. In one example, a wheel hub is locked to a half shaft via a radially expanding engagement mechanism. The radially expanding engagement mechanism is without grease and without springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Eugene Kathman, Jr., Gregory D. Gardner, Norman Jerry Bird, Diana Barbara Placha, Xiaoyong Lu
  • Patent number: 10968963
    Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic clutch capable of shortening, even in a low temperature atmosphere, the fuse reaction time from when a rotating shaft is locked, while preventing or suppressing malfunction of the thermal fuse. An electromagnetic clutch 1 is equipped with a rotor 2, an armature 3, an electromagnetic coil unit 4, a thermal fuse 5, and a thermally actuated switch 6. The thermally actuated switch 6 is connected in series to an electromagnetic coil 41 of the electromagnetic coil unit 4 along with the thermal fuse 5. When a temperature of the thermally actuated switch 6 exceeds a switching temperature (predetermined temperature) Ts, the thermally actuated switch 6 is displaced in an electric power supply OFF direction, and thereafter, it is displaced in an electric power supply ON direction due to a reduction in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Sanden Automotive Components Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10953862
    Abstract: A method for operating an electric parking brake includes feeding a timing sequence of changes in current to terminals of an interface for an operator control element for the parking brake. The method further includes performing at least one current measurement at at least one terminal of the interface during the feeding of one of the changes in current. The method further includes determining a driver's request as a function of the at least one current measurement. The method further includes operating the electric parking brake as a function of the determined driver's request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Rebholz-Goldmann, Toni Frenzel
  • Patent number: 10856465
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inhibiting implement-induced stall of a prime mover associated with a turf vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes an electronic controller (EC) adapted to monitor a speed of the prime mover and detect when the speed falls below a speed threshold. The EC is adapted to automatically disengage a power take-off (PTO) connecting the prime mover to the implement when the speed of the prime mover falls below this speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy D. Andre, Christian S. C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 10774886
    Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
  • Patent number: 10556525
    Abstract: An inertial lock assembly is disclosed. In various embodiments, the inertial lock assembly includes a tracking rod oriented with respect to a longitudinal axis, a housing slidably disposed about the tracking rod, the housing including an inner surface having a first portion extending from an apex to a first end spaced longitudinally from the apex, a first sliding member slidably disposed about the tracking rod and within the housing proximate the first portion of the inner surface and a first binding member slidably disposed about the tracking rod and within the housing, the first binding member positioned between the apex and the first sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Davis, Robert E. Duckert
  • Patent number: 10512998
    Abstract: An improved machining system for use in a CNC mill for the production of thin, hardened metal implement such as bed knifes includes a laminate mounting substrate with holes for receiving a pair of locator pins therein, at least one of the locator pins configured to displace longitudinally relative to the mounting substrate but not laterally which allows the system to accommodate a wide variety of metal implements. The system also includes magnetic cladding to protect the metal implement from metal chips being attracted by a magnetic element positioned beneath the mounting substrate to the finished product, allowing for higher quality cutting heads in the mill and a more efficient production of finished implements. A method of forming such implements is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: James R. Merritt
  • Patent number: 10386215
    Abstract: A method of monitoring acoustic energy using distributed acoustic sensing. The method involves supplying a fluid flow at different pressures and sensing fluid flow characteristics in at least one location at each pressure. The data may be processed to provide a fluid resistance value related to a particular fluid flow at each location, collectively forming a fluid resistance index (FRI). The method may include following the initial fluid flow with a process flow, which may then be followed by another fluid flow. The flow characteristics of the latter fluid flow may be measured and compared with the initial fluid flow, providing a measure of the success of the process flow. In application, this method may be used to enhance downhole operations, including acid stimulation treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Erik N. Lee
  • Patent number: 10199147
    Abstract: An omnidirectional electromagnet (100) is disclosed. The omnidirectional electromagnet (100) comprises a ferromagnetic core (110) and three orthogonal solenoids (120, 130, 140) disposed about the core (110). Each solenoid (120, 130, 140) is adapted to receive a current from a current source to control an orientation and a magnitude of a magnetic field generated by the omnidirectional electromagnet (100). One or more omnidirectional electromagnets (100) can be used as a single magnetic manipulation system. The magnetic field generated by the omnidirectional electromagnet system can be used to control at least one of a force, a torque, an orientation, and a position of an adjacent magnetic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Petruska, Jacob J. Abbott
  • Patent number: 10112810
    Abstract: A lifting hoist (10) having a drive train (14) containing a slip clutch arrangement (23) with a hysteresis clutch (26). The drive train (14) transfers torque, friction-free, in both forward and backward directions of movement between the motor (15) and a gearing (16). The hysteresis clutch (23) forms an unbranched torque transmission path between the motor (15) and the gearing (16). The hysteresis clutch (26) acts as a vibration damper, allows controlled emergency load lowering, and acts as a secure torque limiter in emergency malfunctions when lowering a load. It further can be used as a load indicator by reducing the load-lifting speed before the nominal load is reached or in the event of an overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: R. Stahl Schaltgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Golder
  • Patent number: 10012271
    Abstract: A clutch device includes an outer member including a cylindrical part having an inner peripheral surface provided with outer projections extending in an axial direction; an inner member rotatable relative to the outer member; an outer friction member engaging with the outer projections such that the outer friction member is movable in the axial direction and rotation of the outer friction member relative to the outer member is restricted; an inner friction member whose rotation relative to the inner member is restricted, and which generates a frictional force between the inner and outer friction members; and a lubricating oil sealed in a clutch chamber located between the outer member and the inner member. The outer member is provided with an oil pocket recessed to a position outward of a bottom surface of a recessed part located between a pair of adjacent outer projections among the outer projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamashita, Kunihiko Suzuki, Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9818522
    Abstract: Method and device for self-regulated flux transfer from a source of magnetic energy into one or more ferromagnetic work pieces, wherein a plurality of magnets, each having at least one N-S pole pair defining a magnetization axis, are disposed in a medium having a first relative permeability, the magnets being arranged in an array in which gaps of predetermined distance are maintained between neighboring magnets in the array and in which the magnetization axes of the magnets are oriented such that immediately neighboring magnets face one another with opposite polarities, such arrangement representing a magnetic tank circuit in which internal flux paths through the medium exist between neighboring magnets and magnetic flux access portals are defined between oppositely polarized pole pieces of such neighboring magnets, and wherein at least one working circuit is created which has a reluctance that is lower than that of the magnetic tank circuit by bringing one or more of the magnetic flux access portals into clo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Magswitch Technology Worldwide Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Franz Kocijan
  • Patent number: 9764725
    Abstract: A device is provided for operating a brake system of a motor vehicle having an electric motor, which is configured for driving a pressure generation unit in order to generate hydraulic pressure; a housing block of a hydraulic unit, which is able to be connected to the pressure generation unit and the brake system of the motor vehicle; a control unit for controlling the electric motor; and a rotary position sensor of the electric motor, the electric motor being fixed in place on a first side of the housing block of the hydraulic unit, and the control unit being fixed in place on a second side, situated opposite from the first side, of the housing block of the hydraulic unit, and the rotary position sensor of the electric motor being situated in such a way that it detects a rotational frequency and/or an angular position of a rotor of the electric motor and is connected to the control unit by an opening developed in the housing block of the hydraulic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Lutz, Andreas Weh, Matthias Mayr, Juergen Tandler
  • Patent number: 9662958
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a condenser, a fan, a variable mechanism, a fan control unit, an outside air temperature sensor, and a storage unit. The condenser cools a cooling medium used in an air conditioner. The fan cools the condenser. The variable mechanism can change a number of rotations of the fan. The fan control unit controls the variable mechanism. The storage unit stores a plurality of control maps for setting the number of rotations of the fan to respective different numbers of rotations of the fan in accordance with the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor. The fan control unit controls the variable mechanism in accordance with one control map selected from the plurality of control maps stored in the storage unit based on an operating state of the air conditioner, to control the number of rotations of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hoshiya, Youichi Hayashi, Yuusuke Igarashi, Shunsuke Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9515534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic coupling device. In the electromagnetic coupling device according to the present invention, ends (5a and 5b) of a winding of an electromagnetic coil (5) are fitted to grooves of a terminal casing, and terminal members (19a and 19b) are press-fitted to a groove crossing the abovementioned groove, so that lead wires (18a and 18b) held by the terminal members (19a and 19b) are electrically connected to the ends (5a and 5b) of the winding. Terminal lines (51a and 51b) made of enameled copper wires are connected to the opposite ends of the winding of the electromagnetic coil (5) made of an aluminum wire, and the terminal lines (51a and 51b) handled as the ends (5a and 5b) of the winding are connected to brass-made connection pieces (29a and 29b) of the terminal members (19a and 19b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SANDEN HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takai
  • Patent number: 9500239
    Abstract: An end surface portion of a rotor includes a friction surface and an end surface, which are spaced from each other in an axial direction. The armature is attracted and attached to the friction surface of the rotor by an electromagnetic attractive force when a solenoid coil is energized. The stator is opposed to the end surface of the end surface portion. A thermal fuse is held by a portion of a resin member located in an opening of the stator and is melted and disconnected to cut supply of an electric current to the solenoid coil when a temperature of the thermal fuse is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The resin member has a recess that is formed in a predetermined position of a surface of the resin member, which is adjacent to the thermal fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Fukumura, Yasuo Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 9255614
    Abstract: An electronic vehicular transmission and a coupling and control assembly for use herein are provided. A case of the transmission has an environment hostile to electrical components during use of the transmission. A coupling member supported for rotation within the case has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to a rotational axis. The transmission also includes an electromechanical component capable of operating in the environment. The component includes a mechanical locking element, at least one excitation coil and electrical wiring to supply electrical power to the at least one excitation coil from a power source outside the environment. The component is mounted to and extends into the environment of the case so that the locking element is in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face and the wiring is segregated from the environment to resist long-term, hot temperature embrittlement and fragmentation of insulation on the wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9228558
    Abstract: An ignition module includes a housing, a cam, a first lever, a second lever, and an electromagnet is provided. The cam is rotatably supported by said housing between an OFF position and an ON position. The first lever is movable between a first state restricting movement of said cam from said ON position to said OFF position and a second state permitting movement of said cam from said ON position to said OFF position. The second lever is movable between a locked state restricting movement of said first lever from said first state to said second state and an unlocked state permitting movement of said first lever from said first state to said second state. The electromagnet is movable between an extended state and a retracted state. The electromagnet movable into said extended state when energized to position and maintain said second lever in said locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Agaram, Stefan Hertweck
  • Patent number: 9059607
    Abstract: A gear-integrated electric motor is provided with a motor (1) generating a driving force by input of electricity, a gear mechanism (2) converting the driving force of the motor, and a housing (8) containing the motor and the gear mechanism, and used in a horizontal position in which a motor shaft (1s) and a gear output shaft (2s) become substantially horizontal. The gear-integrated electric motor includes at least one heat pipe (3) which has an evaporation portion (3e) disposed in a motor area of the housing, and a condensation portion (3c) disposed in a gear mechanism area of the housing and higher than the evaporation portion with respect to the vertical direction in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuichi Terakado, Hideaki Mori, Yutaka Matsunobu, Satoshi Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20150101117
    Abstract: The coupling includes drive and driven hubs. The drive hub is mounted to a rotating element and has a surface presenting away therefrom. In the absence of externalities, a magnetic field is produced wherein, if depicted graphically, concentrations of field lines extend from two or more North pole domains defined in the surface to two or more South pole domains defined in the surface, the domains being spaced apart and encircling the rotation axis in alternating relation. The driven hub is disposed in spaced, frontwardly adjacent relation to the drive hub, is fixed to the rotatable element and is at least substantially constrained against movement but for rotation with the rotatable element. The driven hub includes: a rotor body of a non-magnetic, electrically-conductive material having relatively low magnetic permeability; and a flux ring of material having a relatively high magnetically permeability arranged in spaced relation to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Minh Sang Tran, Chris Alexander
  • Publication number: 20150096863
    Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle transmission system, comprising: an electrical machine comprising an armature and an inductor, a static converter comprising a plurality of commutation cells, the static converter being arranged so as to electrically connect the electrical circuit of the armature to an electrical energy source, and a system for controlling the commutation cells of the static converter, said system being configured so that the torque constant of the electrical machine can assume at least two different values depending on the control applied to said cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Hervé Maurel, Pascal Maurel
  • Publication number: 20150034447
    Abstract: An electromagnetic driving device is resistant to failure, high practicable, safe and reliable and of a simple structure, and methods for manufacturing and controlling the electromagnetic driving device. The device aims to provide an electromagnetic driving device able to operate and serve the function of driving even if a power supply system of an electromagnetic clutch malfunctions or a sudden power cut occurs, avoiding the series of adverse effects caused by the failure of the electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic driving device includes a driving disc (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602), and also a first driving device (106; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606), a second driving device (107; 207; 307; 407; 507; 607) and a first electrical control device (103; 104; 203; 204; 303; 304a; 403; 404; 503; 504; 603; 604).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Zhaoyu Wang, Ziyi Xing, Dianyun Li
  • Publication number: 20150014116
    Abstract: Device and apparatus for controlling the operating mode of a coupling assembly, coupling and control assembly and electric motor disconnect and pass through assemblies are provided. The device is a switchable linear actuator device to control the operating mode of a coupling assembly. A plurality of magnetic sources produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. A stator structure includes at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure includes a permanent magnet source magnetically coupled to the stator structure across a radial air gap. The translator structure is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along an axis between first and second stable axial end positions which correspond to first and second operating modes of the coupling assembly and an unstable axial equilibrium position between the end positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20150000442
    Abstract: An electronic, high-efficiency vehicular transmission, an overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly and switchable linear actuator device for use in the assembly and the transmission are provided. The device controls the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device has a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20150001030
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrically actuated clutch operator for the clutch of a rotational motor. The invention can be used to operate a variety of clutch types for both AC and DC motors. The present invention comprises a mounting plate, a generally T-shaped adapter arm that attaches to the operating shaft of the clutch, two electrical linear actuators, two corresponding eight-terminal relays and a programmable relay that controls activation of the actuators. To engage the clutch, one actuator's ram thrusts into the adapter arm, moving the operating shaft to an activated position. To disengage the clutch the other actuator's ram thrusts into a different section of the adapter arm, moving the operating shaft to an inactivate position. The preferred embodiment is designed for an over-center, in-and-out power take-off clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Schweyer
  • Publication number: 20140360834
    Abstract: An external control type fan clutch device has a sealed housing with a torque transmission chamber incorporating a drive disk therein. The drive disk has an oil reserving chamber. The sealed housing is supported on a rotary shaft with the drive disk fixed thereto. A valve member (armature) controls opening and closing of an oil circulating flow passage hole provided on a side wall of the oil reserving chamber. The valve member has magnetism and is actuated by an electromagnet supported on the rotary shaft for opening or closing the oil circulating flow passage hole. A ring-like magnetic body is disposed between the electromagnet and the rotary shaft for efficiently transmitting a magnetic flux of the electromagnet to the armature of the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Satoshi Kubota, Hiroki Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20140361652
    Abstract: A system for transmission of power includes a clutch having a driven clutch member and a driving clutch member. The driven and driving clutch members are operatively connected to one another for common rotation in a first position with the clutch members engaged to one another and for rotation relative to one another in a second position with the clutch members disengaged from one another. An eddy-current coupling is operatively connected to selectively move at least one of the clutch members to engage and disengage the clutch members between the first and second positions. The eddy-current coupling is also operatively connected to provide electromagnetic eddy-current coupling between the clutch members with the clutch members in the second position disengaged from one another to drive the driven clutch member at a rate different from that of the driving clutch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Jacek F. Gieras, Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Publication number: 20140274543
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch unit includes: a friction mechanism including a first friction member and a second friction member; a lock sleeve connected to an input shaft member so as to be non-rotatable relative to the input shaft member, and movable in an axial direction of the electromagnetic clutch unit between a first position at which the lock sleeve is engaged with only the input shaft member and a second position at which the lock sleeve is engaged with both an output shaft member and the input shaft member; and a pressing member that constitutes a magnetic path extending over the pressing member and the second friction member, and that presses the lock sleeve with the electromagnetic force to move the lock sleeve from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujii, Kunihiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8797134
    Abstract: Disclosed is a field coil assembly of an electromagnetic clutch including a bobbin from which lead wires, which are both ends of a coil made of an aluminum-based material, protrude outward, a core that surrounds the bobbin such that the lead wires are exposed, a bobbin terminal installed at the bobbin while being adjacent to the lead wire of the coil, and a connector coupled to the core and including a lead wire terminal. The lead wires of the coil are connected to the bobbin terminal through heating and pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Taeg Oh, Seong-Gyu Gong, Suk-Jae Chung, Seung-Kil Kim, Chung-Han Shin, Jong-Myung Seok, Dae-Yong Park
  • Patent number: 8793034
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to recognize the drivers and/or passengers within the automobile. Based on the recognition, the vehicle may change a configuration of the automobile to match predetermined preferences for the driver and/or passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 8763776
    Abstract: A coupler for attaching a lower segment of a viscometer bob shaft to an upper segment of a viscometer bob shaft includes an upper assembly connected to the upper segment, a lower assembly connected to the lower segment, a magnetic coupler, and a rotation connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: OPI Testing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lukay, John Norwood
  • Publication number: 20140116834
    Abstract: Control systems for a friction clutch mechanism and a hybrid coolant pump. Friction clutch assemblies are positioned inside the motor housing and include softening springs which minimize parasitic clutch power consumption. The control systems use PWM to control the operation of solenoids which in turn operate the friction clutch assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Joshua L. Roby
  • Patent number: 8708121
    Abstract: The present invention employs an electronic control device which monitors and controls the extent of engagement of a friction clutch on a motor vehicle. The control device includes a variable controller which enables the operator of the motor vehicle to pre-select the extent or degree of engagement of the friction clutch. A switch enables the operator to activate the present invention and bypass the clutch lever which would normally be used to operate the friction clutch. A gauge indicates the degree of engagement of the friction clutch and a second switch enables the operator to disconnect the electronic control from operation of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Nick Caputo
  • Publication number: 20140014459
    Abstract: A machine comprising a clutch that engages and disengages. The machine includes an engine operable at various engine speeds including a resonant frequency engine speed, and a transmission connected to the engine through the clutch. The engine applies power to the transmission when the clutch is engaged, and the engine does not apply power to the transmission when the clutch is disengaged. The machine comprises an engine starter that applies power to the engine, and an electronic control module that controls the clutch to disengage when the engine starter applies power to the engine and to engage after the engine speed exceeds the resonant frequency engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, Evan E. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20140001004
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor between which a split case is disposed. The split case has a flange which can be fixed with a counter-flange on a coupling component. The split case is made of a ceramic, whereas the coupling component and the counter-flange are formed from a metal material. Provided on the flange is a spherical elevation which engages in a corresponding, spherical indentation. A compensating element is arranged between the flange and the counter-flange and can have a spherical indentation corresponding to the spherical elevation on one of its front sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Ruhrpumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Schneider, Michael Westib, Dirk Koep
  • Publication number: 20130310212
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. An electromechanical rotating clutch assembly is provided that includes a rotor, an armature, and an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is operable to selectively engage the rotor with the armature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 8545191
    Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle includes a power transmitting member, a driven shaft rotated independently from the power transmitting member, an impeller, a biasing member for pressing an inner circumferential surface of the power transmitting member and for rotating in order to transmit a rotation of the power transmitting member to the driven shaft when the biasing member contacts the inner circumferential surface, and a control member for allowing the power transmitting member and the biasing member to come in contact with each other or to come out of contact from each other and for controlling a contacting state between the power transmitting member and the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsutoshi Ikegawa, Masanobu Matsusaka
  • Publication number: 20130199885
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes at least one clutch arranged on a rotating shaft in order to couple the rotating shaft selectively with a drive element of the drive train, and at least one activation device to activate the clutch. The activation device is adapted to bring an engagement segment selectively into engagement with a threaded segment rotating with the shaft in order to cause a relative movement of the engagement segment and the threaded segment along the axis of the rotating shaft and thus activate the clutch in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Alexander Fürschuss
  • Publication number: 20130118854
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system is provided for controlling the actuation of a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. The hydraulic control system includes an accumulator having parallel feed paths to the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Patent number: 8403124
    Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Gregory J. Organek, Michael G. Feucht
  • Publication number: 20130062154
    Abstract: A torque transfer device (34) for a motor vehicle includes a clutch (50) for transferring torque between first and second shafts (76, 78). An electromagnetic actuator (98, 102) includes an axially moveable armature (102) for applying an application force to the clutch (50). An actuator control system includes a position sensor (118c) operable to output a signal indicative of a position of the armature (102). The control system determines a target torque to be transferred by the clutch (50) and a target armature position based on a previously determined clutch torque vs. armature position relationship. The control system varies an electrical input to the electromagnetic actuator (98, 102) to perform closed loop control of the armature position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Hsing-Hua Fan
  • Publication number: 20130015033
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided that minimizes flux leakage from a magnetic circuit that engages the device. The device includes a rotor and an armature defining opposed engagement surfaces. The rotor, the armature and a field shell disposed on one side of the rotor and housing an electrical conductor comprise members of a magnetic circuit that, upon energization of the conductor, draws the armature into engagement with the rotor. A torque transmission member is coupled to the armature and supported by a bearing. In one embodiment a sleeve is disposed radially inwardly of the bearing. To prevent flux leakage through the torque transmission member, the sleeve has a magnetic permeability that is lower than a magnetic permeability of the members of the magnetic circuit. In another embodiment, a support cup of the torque transmission member has a radially outwardly turned flange to distance the cup from the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pardee, Michael Humy
  • Patent number: 8348799
    Abstract: A differential device differentially distributes a driving force to first and second axles. The differential device is comprised of a differential gear set configured to allow differential motion between the first and second axles, a casing rotatable about an axis, the casing housing and being drivingly coupled with the differential gear set and including a first end wall, a second end wall axially opposed to the first end wall, and a side wall disposed radially outward, which in combination with the first end wall and the second end wall defines a chamber configured to house the differential gear set, a clutch engageable with the differential gear set, a solenoid configured to drive the clutch, which is disposed adjacent to the first end wall, and a magnetic core fixed to the solenoid. The magnetic core is comprised of a sleeve portion snugly and slidably fitting around an outer periphery of the side wall to radially position the core and the solenoid in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Atsushi Maruyama, Hiroyasu Furukawa, Masaaki Fusegi
  • Publication number: 20130001036
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a cam that has two cam members disposed facing each other and produces thrust in an axis direction; an attracting member that creates friction force by attracting the cam members into contact with the attracting member by magnetic attraction force; an attracted member that is attached to one cam member of the two so as to rotate integrally together with the one cam member and be relatively movable in the axis direction, and that is attracted by the attracting member into contact with the attracting member so that the friction force is produced; a first return spring that exerts elastic force on the attracted member so as to move the attracted member away from the attracting member against the magnetic attractive force; and a second return spring that exerts elastic force on the one cam member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: JTEKT Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki EBUCHI, Hideaki Komada, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Hiroto Hashimoto, Minoru Onitake, Kenji Korenaga