Positively Engaging Elements Patents (Class 192/84.92)
  • Patent number: 11920666
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a clutch, an actuator and a stop member. The clutch is received within a first housing and has a first clutch member coupled to the second housing and a second clutch member coupled to the first housing, the second clutch member is movable and selectively engageable with the first clutch member. The actuator has a coil and a plunger driven for movement by a magnetic field generated by the coil so that the plunger moves axially to move the second clutch member relative to the first clutch member. The stop member has a retracted position spaced from the plunger and an advanced position within a path of movement of the plunger to limit movement of the plunger when the stop member is in the advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Benjamin DeLand, Varadarajan Balaraman, Brent M. Peura
  • Patent number: 11892041
    Abstract: A coupling device has two components which are rotatable relative to one another, a recess which is provided on the first component, and a locking element which is held movably on the second component and is movable relative to the components between a locking position in which the locking element engages in the recess and a release position in which engagement of the locking element in the recess is prevented. An actuating device is provided which is displaceable relative to the components and relative to the locking element and which has an actuating element formed from a first material, by which a movement of the locking element out of one of the positions into the other position can be effected by displacement of the actuating device. The actuating device has a main body which is formed from a second material which is different from the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Ohnemus, Fritz Pobitzer
  • Patent number: 11746873
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator designed to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a sensor and control circuity enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Perry M. Paielli, Michael Z. Creech, Sagar B. Bangar
  • Patent number: 11719292
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a pocket plate having a pocket and a teeter-totter strut retained in the pocket. The teeter-totter strut is pivotable to an engaged position in which an engagement face of the teeter-totter strut extends out from the pocket plate. The teeter-totter strut is pivotable from the engaged position to a disengaged position in which the engagement face of the teeter-totter strut does not extend out from the pocket plate. The clutch assembly is configured so that when a shock load force acts on the teeter-totter strut, the teeter-totter strut is prevented from moving into the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Andrzejewski, David Hacker, Kelly J. Campfield
  • Patent number: 11692596
    Abstract: An axially oriented, two-position linear actuator includes a fixed stator having a single stator coil and a linear movable translator. The linear actuator is oriented axially in that the stator and the translator are axially offset from one another and the translator is axially movable between first and second end positions toward and away from the stator. For the translator to move between the end positions, the stator coil attracts or repels the translator depending on the polarity of the electrical current of the stator coil. The linear actuator may be part of a clutch assembly, such as a dynamically controllable clutch, for use in controlling coupling members of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ali Merat
  • Patent number: 11668204
    Abstract: An electrical power generation system including a micro-turbine alternator. The micro-turbine alternator including: a combustion chamber, at least one turbine driven by combustion gases from the combustion chamber, a first stage compressor, and a second stage compressor. The first stage compressor and the second stage compressor being operably connected to the combustion chamber to provide a compressed airflow thereto. The micro-turbine alternator including one or more shafts connecting the at least one turbine to the first stage compressor and the second stage compressor such that rotation of the at least one turbine drives rotation of the first stage compressor and second stage compressor. The one or more shafts include a turbine shaft attached to the at least one turbine a compressor shaft attached to the first stage compressor, and a coupling assembly configured to operably connect the turbine shaft to the compressor shaft via a magnetic coupling force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 11649894
    Abstract: A sleeve in the shift control device includes a sleeve main body and a first convex section. The first convex section is annular in shape and protruded radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve main body. The shift fork includes a fork main body, a second convex section, a ring, and a joining member. The fork main body is annular in shape and disposed radially outside the sleeve main body. The second convex section is annular in shape, axially disposed side by side with the first convex section, and protruded radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the fork main body. The first convex section is axially sandwiched between the ring and the second convex section. The joining member is disposed in a space that is formed by a first groove formed in the ring and a second groove formed in the fork main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: UNIVANCE CORPORATION, IKEYA FORMULA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamauchi, Tadahiko Kato, Shinji Ikeya, Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 11603915
    Abstract: A differential with a clutch is provided with: a differential gear set; a dividable casing defining a chamber accommodating the clutch and the differential gear set; a first member of the casing formed in a unitary body and including an end wall having a window penetrating the end wall, a boss portion projecting axially outward from the end wall, a side wall around the axis and a flange extending radially outward for receiving the torque; a second member of the casing fixed with the side wall to close the chamber; an axially movable clutch member axially movable including a leg portion disposed in the window and transmitting the torque from the end wall to the differential gear set; and an actuator having an axially outward offset from the flange and including a plunger abutting on the leg portion and driven axially by the actuator to thrust the clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Toshiaki Komatsu, Kazuhiro Ohashi, Chikashi Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 11563366
    Abstract: The present disclosure to electromagnetically-controlled magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies and methods of operating same. In one example embodiment, such an assembly includes a stator that is concentric with respect to a primary axis of the assembly, and that includes a plurality of first magnetic devices, where each of those devices includes a respective electromagnet. Also, the assembly includes an input shaft that includes an offset cam, a cycloid mounted at least indirectly upon the offset cam, and an output hub. The cycloid is eccentric with respect to the primary axis and includes a plurality of second magnetic devices, and the output hub is at least indirectly rotationally coupled to the cycloid. The assembly also includes a controller coupled to each of the electromagnets by way of one or more linkages, and configured to govern at least one electric current that is passed through at least one of the electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Kaney Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam White, Waleed Said, Erik Michael Plugge
  • Patent number: 11555538
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disconnector apparatus including: a support ring provided in a differential casing and configured to support a pinion gear mounted therein; a clutch ring having one end penetrating the differential casing, provided in the differential casing, and configured to be coupled to or decoupled from the support ring; an actuator configured to press the other end of the clutch ring to couple the support ring and the clutch ring; and an elastic member coupled to an exposed portion of the clutch ring positioned outside the differential casing, the elastic member having one end in contact with the differential casing and the other end in contact with the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSYS INC.
    Inventors: Man Bok Lee, Jin Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 11466735
    Abstract: In some examples, an electromagnetic clutch assembly. The assembly includes a pair of clutch plates including a first clutch plate configured to rotate around a rotational axis; and a second clutch plate configured to rotate around the rotational axis. The assembly further includes an electromagnetic coil circumferentially surrounding the air gap, wherein the electromagnetic coil is configured to generate a magnetic flux passing through the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate, wherein the pair of clutch plates define an air gap between the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate in the absence of the magnetic flux, and wherein the magnetic flux is configured to cause at least one of the first clutch plate or the second clutch plate to move to close the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Klemen
  • Patent number: 10816072
    Abstract: A locking differential assembly includes a differential case defining an axis of rotation. A first side gear is at a first end of the differential case. A second side gear is at a second end of the differential case. A stator is disposed at the first end. A solenoid is fixedly attached to the stator. The stator is selectably magnetically actuatable to translate an axial translation distance by the solenoid. A lock ring is selectably engagable with the first side gear to prevent the first side gear from rotating relative to the differential case. At least two relay pins are connected to the lock ring and in contact with the stator to space the lock ring at least a predetermined distance from the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Chad Robert Hillman, Jordan Robert Allen
  • Patent number: 10801597
    Abstract: A cap for a helical LSD is provided with: a clutch member including clutch teeth; a clutch ring including a ring portion including clutch teeth so as to mesh with the clutch member and one or more tab portions projecting radially outwardly from the ring portion; a cap main body fixed on an axial end of the casing; a receding portion of the cap main body receding from a first face toward a second face and being so dimensioned as to receive and allow the clutch ring to be axially movable, the receding portion including one or more dock portions respectively receiving the tab portions; an opening to allow access to the tab portions; side faces of the tab portions and inner faces of the dog portions so that the faces in combination axially press the clutch ring toward the clutch member; and one or more base portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Inose
  • Patent number: 10030716
    Abstract: When a control unit starts to supply power to an electromagnetic coil in a first direction, a magnetic force generated by a non-attracting magnetic circuit becomes larger than a magnetic attraction force generated by an attracting magnetic circuit. As a result, a movable member is guided by a guide portion of a yoke and moves to a second position from a first position. When the control unit starts to supply power to an electromagnetic coil in a second direction, the magnetic attraction force generated by the attracting magnetic circuit becomes larger than the magnetic force generated by the non-attracting magnetic circuit. As a result, the movable member is guided by the guide portion and moves to the first position from the second position. Accordingly, the movable member can reliably perform a moving operation when turning ON/OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tooru Ookuma, Motohiko Ueda, Yousuke Yamagami, Yuichiro Okuda
  • Patent number: 9915301
    Abstract: A one-way diode includes a first plate including a coil and cams distributed about an axis, a second plate axially facing the cams and including pockets and a second coil, and struts, each strut supported in one of the pockets for pivoting axially relative to the cams in response to an electromagnetic field induced by current in the coil and the second coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Norman J. Bird
  • Patent number: 9556945
    Abstract: An electronically actuated locking differential for an automotive vehicle includes a gear case, a pair of side gears disposed within the gear case and operatively adapted for rotation with a corresponding pair of axle half shafts, and a lock plate disposed within the gear case and operably associated with one of the side gears and being movable axially relative to the one of the side gears. The electronically actuated locking differential also includes a return spring disposed within the gear case and cooperating with the lock plate to bias the lock plate axially away from one of the side gears and an electronic actuator cooperating with the lock plate, the electronic actuator having a non-rotating stator disposed about a portion of the gear case, an electromagnetic coil associated with the stator, and a non-rotating armature coupled to the lock plate and being axially movable relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Patent number: 9396860
    Abstract: Described herein is a compliant plunger for a latching solenoid. The compliant plunger prevents disengagement of the solenoid when the solenoid is subjected to incidental axial movement. The compliant plunger takes advantage of a compressible compliance device to absorb the incidental axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A Wright
  • Patent number: 9038797
    Abstract: A switchable coupling with a coupling system between a driving element and an output element is provided. The switchable coupling includes an actuator, an elastic actuating element and a switching element movable between starting, central and end positions. In the central position the switchable coupling has a different state (open or closed) than in the starting position. The switchable coupling further includes a bolt constrained between first and second bolt stops. Axial movement of the switching element causes operative surfaces connected to the switching element or the bolt to engage with elements on other of the switching element and the bolt, such that the bolt rotates relative to the switching element. The bolt alternately moves relative to the switching element into a first relative position blocking switching element movement in the central position, and into a second relative position permitting movement of the switching element toward the starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Van Der Seylberg, Peter Tenberge, Rico Baumgart
  • Patent number: 9005069
    Abstract: A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Fusegi, Hiroyasu Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20140342874
    Abstract: A positive-locking clutch for a motor vehicle comprises a coupling element with a toothing, a rotatable counterpart element with a counterpart toothing, and an electromagnetic actuator. The coupling element can be moved by means of the electromagnetic actuator between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the toothing of the coupling element is meshed with the counterpart toothing of the counterpart element in the engaged position. Even after the engaged position of the coupling element has been fully reached, a backlash is provided between the toothing of the coupling element and the counterpart toothing of the counterpart element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Markus Kohlbock, Daniel Prix, Dominik Schober, David Willam
  • Patent number: 8887889
    Abstract: A device for uncoupling a drive shaft of a piece of equipment from an input shaft. The device includes a claw including first teeth and first splines to (i) move longitudinally along a first of the shafts by co-operating with second splines borne by the second of the shafts and (ii) engage or disengage the first teeth in relation to the second teeth positioned on the second shaft. The device also includes a longitudinal movement mechanism including a stationary part acting on a longitudinally mobile piece to move the claw between a coupling position and an uncoupling position. The longitudinal movement mechanism drives the claw by co-operation between a rotationally fixed piece and a piece that is linked to the claw and rotated therewith, a longitudinal clearance being maintained during operation between the piece that is rotationally fixed and the rotated piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Vincent Abousleiman, Sylvain Canard, Andre Raymond Christian Deperrois, Romaric Fritz
  • Patent number: 8858384
    Abstract: A bevel gear used in a differential device for a vehicle is comprised of: a body having an axis, a conical pitch surface around the axis, an opposite surface opposed to the conical pitch surface, and a side surface around the axis; gear teeth formed on the pitch surface, each of the gear teeth having a top land projecting from the pitch surface; and clutch teeth formed on the opposite surface, each of the clutch teeth having a bottom land standing back from the opposite surface, each of the bottom lands of the clutch teeth being aligned with any of the top lands of the gear teeth in a line parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd
    Inventors: Masaaki Fusegi, Yasuo Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20140284167
    Abstract: Electromechanical apparatus for use with a coupling assembly and controllable coupling assembly including such apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a housing part including an end wall having an outer coupling face with a single pocket defining a load-bearing shoulder in communication with an inner face of the end wall. An electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil which is at least partially surrounded by the housing part. An element is received within the pocket in an uncoupling position and is movable outwardly from the pocket to a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement of the element with the load-bearing shoulder. A reciprocating armature is arranged concentrically relative to the at least one excitation coil and is axially movable when the at least one excitation coil is supplied with current. The armature is connected to the element to move the element between the coupling and uncoupling positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8833536
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism of a bicycle hub includes a ring fixed in the hub. The ring has a tapered surface and a flange is formed in the inner periphery of the ring. A driving unit is located in the hub and has multiple first ratchet teeth extending axially therefrom. A passive unit is located in the tapered surface and corresponding to the driving unit. The passive unit has a passive seat which has a tapered outer face matched with the tapered surface. The passive seat further has a stop portion which is stopped by the flange in one direction. The passive seat has multiple second ratchet teeth engaged with the first ratchet teeth. A magnetic unit is located between the hub and the passive set, and two magnetic members which are magnetically repulsive to each other so as to linearly move the passive seat toward the driving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kunshan Henry Metal Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kee Ping Tho
  • Publication number: 20140238811
    Abstract: A clutch including a rotatable member including a first ramp and first teeth, a second member held against rotation, axially displaceable, including a second ramp and second teeth, a spring urging the first and second members apart, and an electromagnet causing the first and second teeth to engage and prevent rotation in a first direction, rotation in a second direction separating the first and second members as the first ramp ascends the second ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley R. Heuver
  • Patent number: 8813929
    Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly includes first, second and third coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. A face of the first coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts upon projecting outwardly from the pockets to prevent relative rotation of the first and second coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis. A face of the third coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A different face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts from the third member to prevent relative rotation of the second and third coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8770603
    Abstract: A divided roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle between whose two stabilizer parts (2a) an actuator (1) can be arranged for a torsion of the stabilizer parts (2a). At least one of the stabilizer parts (2a) is provided with a torsion transmitting connecting part (4a) for connection to the actuator (1), and the connecting part (4a) is magnetically coded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Wittmann, Ralf Mayer, Andrea Lottes, Norbert Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8720659
    Abstract: An overrunning coupling or clutch and control assembly including first and second coupling members and an electromechanical actuator subassembly having an electromagnetically inductive coil which creates a magnetic flux when the coil is energized is provided. A control force caused by the magnetic flux is applied to an armature member of the subassembly to move the armature member and cause the coupling members to be either coupled to or uncoupled from each other by means of struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brice A. Pawley
  • Patent number: 8646587
    Abstract: A strut for a controllable one-way clutch wherein a projecting leg portion on the strut provides an attachment location for a free end of a rod which reciprocates. The strut includes a member-engaging first end surface. The strut further includes a member-engaging second end surface diametrically opposite the first end surface. The strut still further includes a main body portion between the end surfaces. The projecting leg portion extends from the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8591375
    Abstract: A clutch device is used in combination with a differential device. The clutch device is comprised of: a clutch housed in and rotatable with the differential device and axially movable from a disengaged state into an engaged state; a plunger slidably fit on the differential device and being axially movable from a first position where the plunger does not force the clutch to a second position where the plunger forces the clutch into the engaged state; an anti-rotated solenoid configured to drive the plunger; and a retainer supported by the differential device and in contact with both the plunger at the first position and the solenoid, whereby the plunger is barred from going beyond the first position and the solenoid is axially positioned in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Maruyama, Toshiaki Komatsu, Noriyuki Sudou, Masaaki Fusegi, Hiroyasu Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8522943
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) clutch assembly includes input and output discs, a plunger, a control solenoid, and a controller. The input disc is connected to a rotatable input member, and defines an input face having a mechanical feature. The output disc is connected to a rotatable output member, and includes a bore wall defining a bore. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the bore. The controller transmits a time-varying electrical control signal to the solenoid to thereby resonate the plunger toward the input disc, and transmits a steady-state electrical control signal to capture the plunger in an engaged position. Rotation of the discs is controlled until the plunger encounters the mechanical feature, thereby placing the assembly in an engaged state. A vehicle having a transmission and the EM clutch assembly is also disclosed, as is a method for controlling the clutch assembly via the electrical control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operation LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, Jr., Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8459429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission device for a water pump, including a pulley, a magnetic flux generator, a disk assembly, and a hub assembly, wherein the disk assembly has a disk, a friction ring for providing a frictional contact with the hub assembly, and a resilient ring adapted to pressurize the friction ring toward the hub assembly, so that when the attracting magnetic flux of the magnetic flux generator is not applied, the friction ring makes a frictional contact with the hub assembly through the resilient pressurization of the resilient ring, whereas, when it is applied, the disk moves toward the pulley to allow the frictional contact between the friction ring and the hub assembly to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Suk-Jae Chung, Eun-Young Seo, Sung-Taeg Oh, Seong-Gyu Gong
  • Patent number: 8454471
    Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a case, a gear rotatable about an axis, a lock ring held against rotation relative to the case, a lever contacting the lock ring, and an electromagnetic coil that is displaced axially when energized, pivoting the lever, engaging the lock ring with the side gear, and preventing the gear from rotating relative to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Isken, II, Hihong Guo, Brian J. Andonian, Jacob M. Povirk, Yasser Hindi
  • Patent number: 8418825
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first plate including cams distributed about an axis, a second plate axially facing the cams and including pockets, a coil located in one of the plates, struts, each strut supported in one of the pockets for pivoting axially relative to the cams in response to an electromagnetic field induced by current in the coil, and springs urging the struts to pivot opposite a pivot direction caused by energizing the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norman J. Bird
  • Publication number: 20120298467
    Abstract: An electrically actuated torque transfer device including an input shaft and at least one output shaft selectively coupled to the input shaft. At least one modulating clutch assembly selectively couples the input shaft to the output shaft. The modulating clutch assembly includes an electrical clutch operator configured to engage a ball ramp operator. The ball ramp operator includes first and second opposed annular rings having complimentarily configured opposed ramped recesses and rolling members disposed in the recesses. Relative rotation of the annular rings translates the annular rings axially to engage the clutch assembly and transfer torque from the input shaft to the output shaft. The first annular ring is coupled to the input shaft and the second annular ring is coupled to the output shaft. A third element disposed between the first annular ring and a shoulder of the input shaft has an engagement diameter selected to minimize torque variations between the torque transfer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Bellinger, Jƶrg Molz, Sven Pinzl
  • Patent number: 8276725
    Abstract: A clutch for transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a locking plate having an engagement groove, a carrier disposed adjacent the locking plate, an engagement member rotatably supported in an aperture of the carrier, an apply biasing element, a release plate, a release biasing element, and an electromagnet. The engagement member is rotatable between an engagement position and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LC
    Inventors: Shawn H Swales, Scott H. Wittkopp, Norman Schoenek
  • Patent number: 8267232
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle transmission (80) is proposed for connecting a shaft (12) to a rotational element (14), in particular to a freely moving wheel (14), which is mounted thereon, wherein the clutch arrangement (10) has: a sliding sleeve (22) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft (12) and is mounted in an axially displaceable fashion on the shaft (12) between a closed position and an open position and has a first sliding toothing (24); a clutch element (26) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the rotational element (14) and has a second sliding toothing (28) into which the first sliding toothing (24) can be inserted axially in the closing direction (30) in order to connect the rotational element (14) to the shaft (12) in the closed position; and an actuator arrangement (40) for axially sliding the sliding sleeve (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Daniel Knoblauch
  • Publication number: 20120228076
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) clutch assembly includes input and output discs, a plunger, a control solenoid, and a controller. The input disc is connected to a rotatable input member, and defines an input face having a mechanical feature. The output disc is connected to a rotatable output member, and includes a bore wall defining a bore. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the bore. The controller transmits a time-varying electrical control signal to the solenoid to thereby resonate the plunger toward the input disc, and transmits a steady-state electrical control signal to capture the plunger in an engaged position. Rotation of the discs is controlled until the plunger encounters the mechanical feature, thereby placing the assembly in an engaged state. A vehicle having a transmission and the EM clutch assembly is also disclosed, as is a method for controlling the clutch assembly via the electrical control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, JR., Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20120152687
    Abstract: An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus is provided. The assembly includes a first subassembly including a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized. At least one bi-directionally movable rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strut movement. An actuator is operatively connected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shifting movement along a rotational axis between a first position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuator to move between positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 8196724
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a strut plate co-annular to a slide plate and a notch plate. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to transfer torque between a strut plate and a notch plate in a first direction when a displacement actuator moves a pin and a slide plate to a first position. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to disengage the strut plate from the notch plate when the displacement actuator moves the pin and the slide plate to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Alexander Millerman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8167104
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear shifting point (10) for producing a rotationally fixed connection between a toothed wheel (16, 18) and a shaft (12). Said gear shifting point (10) comprises a shaft (12), a sliding sleeve (24) and at least one toothed wheel (16, 18). The toothed wheel (16, 18) is mounted rotationally with respect to the shaft (12). The sliding sleeve (24) is mounted on the shaft (12) in such a way that it is not rotatable therewith. The toothed wheel (16, 18) and the sliding sleeve (24) are embodied in such a way that a rotationally fixed connection can be produced therebetween in the coupled state of the gear shifting point (10) and no connection can be produced between the toothed wheel (16, 18) and the sliding sleeve (24) in the neutral state of the gear shifting point (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel
  • Patent number: 7966854
    Abstract: It comprises a carriage (4) displaceable forwards and backwards by means of a spindle (3) actuated by a motor (2), the carriage (4) containing clutch pins (12) so that in the forward displacement the engagement takes place with a clutch disc (22) integral with which is an eccentric, whose rotation will cause the actuation of the lock in which the unit is fitted. In its displacements the carriage (4) is guided in rods (8) provided in the corresponding cover (5) of a rotor (1) in which the motor (2) and carriage (4) assembly is housed. The clutch pins (12) are connected to pushing springs (13) for pushing them towards the emergency position and therefore that of engagement when those pins (12) are facing the holes (23) of the disc (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Salto Systems, S.L.
    Inventor: Juan Imedio OcaƱa
  • Patent number: 7963134
    Abstract: A deadbolt lock includes a deadbolt, a user rotatable actuator, and a lock interface. The user rotatable actuator is operatively connected with the deadbolt for movement of the deadbolt between locked and unlocked conditions when the actuator is changed from an inoperable condition to an operable condition. The lock interface is configured to change the actuator from the inoperable condition to the operable condition in response to proper user manipulation of the lock interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Rafferty, John William Grosz, Andrew Brian Terrill, Jerry Smith, Mike Enslow
  • Patent number: 7921977
    Abstract: Blocking apparatus, as well as a gearbox drive unit containing such a blocking apparatus, as well as a method for production of a gearbox drive unit such as this for blocking any rotary movement of a shaft (14) with respect to a housing (16) of a gearbox drive unit (10), having a first blocking element (32) and having a second blocking element (34) which can be moved axially with respect to the first blocking element (32) by means of an electromagnet (44) and at least one return element (42), in order to produce a connection between the first blocking element (32) and the second blocking element (34) such that they cannot rotate with respect to one another, with the electromagnet (44) having an inner pole (47) which is surrounded by an electrical coil (45), and with the inner pole (47) having an axial projection (51) which engages in a corresponding opening (64) in the second blocking element (34), for axial guidance and centering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rettmar, Ewald Becker, Peter Klobes, Uwe Velte
  • Patent number: 7909339
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7832739
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7828130
    Abstract: A pump system that pressurizes a fluid includes a shaft, a first rotor and a second rotor that is selectively driven by the shaft. Relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor generates variable sized pockets therebetween to pressurize the fluid. A clutch regulates a degree of coupling of the rotor to the shaft between a decoupled state and a coupled state to regulate the relative rotation between the first and second rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Philip J. Francis
  • Patent number: 7744500
    Abstract: An axle assembly with an electronic locking differential that employs a locking mechanism having components that are fixed to one another along an axis such that they co-translate with one another when the actuator that effects the locking and unlocking of the differential is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Donofrio, Jeffrey A. Goolsby
  • Patent number: 7631737
    Abstract: To achieve automatic setting into coincidence, the following are provided: a mechanical tension elements arranged to act on an upstream member (9) substantially along the axis (X) along which approach elements (13) act, but in the opposite direction; elements (37) for constraining the member (9) in rotation with a mechanical angular guide element; and phase-shifter elements (47) for shifting the phase of the upstream member (9) relative to the downstream member (10) by sliding against a reference that is stationary in rotation relative to the downstream member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignees: Eurocopter, Artus
    Inventors: Charles Louis, Jean-Luc Leman, Patrick Quesne
  • Patent number: 7621158
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes an inner shaft rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis of rotation, an outer shaft concentric with the inner shaft for selective rotation about the longitudinal axis, a coupling element movable between a first position engaging the inner shaft to the outer shaft for rotation therewith, and a second position disengaging the inner shaft from the outer shaft for relative rotation therebetween, and an actuating element connected to the coupling element and operable to move the coupling element between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jon Arthur Roepke, Joshua Paul Kopecky, Derek Lee Watkins, Mark Aaron Weaver, Christopher Gregory Hoppe, Bertram Joseph Stocker, Jr.