Particular Vibration Dampening Or Balancing Structure Patents (Class 464/180)
  • Patent number: 12071999
    Abstract: An engine balance shaft (20) for an internal combustion engine (24) is provided having reduced total mass and rotational inertia while having sufficient bending stiffness and sufficient unbalance mass. The balance shaft (20) is formed by fixedly coupling a counterweight (56), a front bearing journal (68), a rear bearing journal (60), a tail piece (40), and a nose piece (44) to a hollow tube (52). The hollow tube (52) is hydroformed to expand the diameter of the tube and fasten the desired components to the tube (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Linamar Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R Biga, Allen W Hale, Jan Krassler, Mario Lindner, Markus Haertel
  • Patent number: 11988263
    Abstract: There is provided a damper device, including: a base; a rotor rotatably supported by the base; a cap defining a housing chamber of the rotor together with the base; and viscous liquid filled in the housing chamber. The base and the cap define a reservoir chamber for the viscous liquid on an outer side of the housing chamber in a radial direction. A gap between the housing chamber and the reservoir chamber is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Hosoya, Jun Saito
  • Patent number: 11976704
    Abstract: A propeller shaft (1) that is a power transmission shaft has a shaft member (2) as a tubular body made of iron-based metal and a balance weight (3) made of iron-based metal and welded to an outer peripheral surface of this shaft member (2). At least a part of the balance weight (3) of the propeller shaft (1) is covered with a sacrificial metal coating (4) made of sacrificial corrosion prevention material that contains metal whose ionization tendency is higher than that of metal forming the shaft member (2). With this, it is possible to suppress local progression of corrosion at a periphery of the balance weight (3) and improve durability of the propeller shaft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutomo Mabe, Kiyokazu Nakane, Hiromichi Komai, Xiaojin Zhu, Toshiyuki Masuda, Kenichiro Ishikura
  • Patent number: 11976564
    Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a first component, a second component, and a splined balance weight. The first component is arranged circumferentially around a central axis. The second component is arranged circumferentially around the central axis. The splined balance weight is located radially between the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Thurston, Jonathan Acker, Eric Engebretsen, Aaron Weishaar
  • Patent number: 11913516
    Abstract: Attenuation strips are provided for use in driveshaft dampers, and driveshaft dampers are provided for use in driveshafts to dampen or attenuate aspects of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Systems and methods for making and using driveshaft dampers are further provided. The driveshaft dampers may be made using a helical-winding process and include attenuation strips with elongate protrusions. Various embodiments of helically-wound driveshaft dampers include a core and one or more attenuation strips helically wound around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIAL AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Josh Wolfenbarger
  • Patent number: 11846338
    Abstract: A damping arrangement (1) for damping radial vibrations in a rotating shaft (2), the damping arrangement (1) comprising at least one first damping element (3), at least one second damping element (4), and a bearing arrangement (5) operably engaging the first damping element (3) and the second damping element (4). The bearing arrangement (5) comprises a first bearing member (6), a second bearing member (7), and a reference (8). The first bearing member (6) is rotatably mounted on the shaft (2) so that radial movement of the shaft (2) is transferred to the first bearing member (6), and is operably connected to the second bearing member (7) by the first damping element (3) and by a first steering structure (9). The first steering structure (9) allows only reciprocating movement of the first bearing member (6), and the shaft (2), in a first radial direction (D1), and the first damping element (3) dampens the reciprocating movement in the first radial direction (D1) with respect to the second bearing member (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Component 2.0 A/S
    Inventors: Asger Meng Larsen, Janus Juul Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 11808321
    Abstract: An apparatus for correcting an imbalance in a rotating shaft along with a method for correcting the imbalance in a rotating shaft is identified. The apparatus includes a joint assembly having a first joint member that is drivingly connected to a second joint member by one or more third joint members. At least a portion of a first shaft may be drivingly connected to at least a portion of the first joint member and at least a portion of a second shaft may be drivingly connected to at least a portion of a second end portion of the second join member. A boot can may be connected to at least a portion of a first end portion of the second joint member. One or more balancing elements may then be connected to at least a portion of the boot can and/or the second joint member of the joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Jose P. Da Silva, Jeffrey A. Dutkiewicz, Jeremy A. Rapp
  • Patent number: 11732690
    Abstract: A new type of independently damping pendulum suspension for pendulum dampers for use in tall slender constructions and technical installations, more particularly used in wind turbines. A Cardan joint is equipped with damping elements and mounted at the other end opposite the pendulum mass. The Cardan joint is able, despite the small motions, to sufficiently damp the oscillations of the pendulum produced by disturbing frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: FM Energie GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 11732585
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for trapped rotatable weights to improve rotor balance are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a lock nut; a rotor assembly; a channel defined by the lock nut and the rotor assembly, the channel wrapped circumferentially around a geometric center of the rotor assembly; and a weight trapped within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Allen Hagan, Jason Francis Pepi, Kevin Robert Shannon
  • Patent number: 11719284
    Abstract: A coupling assembly arranged between an input shaft and a rotor shaft of a supercharger includes a first hub, a second hub, a first side coupling assembly, a second side coupling assembly, a central hub and a plurality of coupler pins. The first hub is mounted for concurrent rotation with the input shaft. The second hub is mounted for concurrent rotation with the rotor shaft. The first side coupling assembly has a first side coupling body and a first side elastomeric insert. The first side coupling body includes an inboard body portion having a first series of pockets and an outboard body portion having a second series of pockets. The first side elastomeric insert has a first and second plurality of lobes. The pockets of the first and second series of pockets are tangentially offset relative to each other and each receive respective first and second plurality of lobes therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Mark Harold Pratley
  • Patent number: 11680609
    Abstract: A unidirectional joint includes a wedge member having a pressure contact portion that comes in pressure contact with an inner circumferential surface of an immovable ring. The wedge member includes a first follower displacing the wedge member to an unlocked position by receiving a pressing force from a release cam when a driving force is input to an input side protrusion and a second follower displacing the wedge member to a locked position by receiving a pressing force from a pressure cam when a driving force is input to an output side rotating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masashi Hiroshima, Wataru Sakaguchi, Yasuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11644092
    Abstract: A dynamic damper for suppressing vibration generated by a gear attached to a rotation shaft, the dynamic damper, includes: a mass body that is disposed inside a rotation shaft having a hollow shape and extends along a shaft center of the rotation shaft; and an elastic body that couples the mass body to the rotation shaft. Further, a flow path for lubricating liquid to flow is provided between an inner peripheral surface of the rotation shaft and the mass body, and the flow path is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the rotation shaft at an axial position where the elastic body is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Ono
  • Patent number: 11598336
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-piece counterweight for a scroll compressor is provided. The method includes molding an outer plate, and molding a base having a first opening configured to receive a scroll compressor drive shaft having a longitudinal axis. The method further includes configuring the base for assembly and attachment to the drive shaft. The method also includes attaching the outer plate to the base such that the outer plate is axially offset from the base. In a particular embodiment of this method, the base and outer plate are molded from powdered metal. In certain embodiments, the base and outer plate include one or more openings aligned to permit attachment by inserting a mechanical fastener through the aligned openings. In alternate embodiments, the base and outer plate are attached via brazing or welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BITZER Kuehlmaschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Lauren A. Markley
  • Patent number: 11512761
    Abstract: A propeller shaft (1) that is a power transmission shaft has a shaft member (2) as a tubular body made of iron-based metal and a balance weight (3) made of iron-based metal and welded to an outer peripheral surface of this shaft member (2). At least a part of the balance weight (3) of the propeller shaft (1) is covered with a sacrificial metal coating (4) made of sacrificial corrosion prevention material that contains metal whose ionization tendency is higher than that of metal forming the shaft member (2). With this, it is possible to suppress local progression of corrosion at a periphery of the balance weight (3) and improve durability of the propeller shaft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutomo Mabe, Kiyokazu Nakane, Hiromichi Komai, Xiaojin Zhu, Toshiyuki Masuda, Kenichiro Ishikura
  • Patent number: 11493093
    Abstract: A propeller shaft as a power transmission shaft is provided between vehicle-side first second shaft parts, and a first tube as a first shaft member is connected to the first shaft part through a first joint member and to the second shaft part through a second joint member. The first tube is connected to the first joint member through a first collar member and to the second joint member through a second collar member. The first collar member includes a first main body part exposed from a first end portion of the first tube, and a first insertion part inserted into the inside of the first end portion. In at least the first collar member, the maximum value of the outer diameter of the first main body part is set to be no greater than the maximum value of the outer diameter of the first insertion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutomo Mabe, Toshiyuki Masuda, Hiromichi Komai, Kenichiro Ishikura
  • Patent number: 11480212
    Abstract: An assembly comprising: a nut having a cylindrical body with a threaded external surface, an axially extending interior tool socket, and a radially outwardly extending flange at a proximal end of the cylindrical body; a first component including a hollow cylindrical tube with a connector end having a radially inwardly extending shoulder, the radially inwardly extending shoulder abutting the radially outwardly extending flange of the nut in an assembled position; and a second component including an annular hub with a threaded internal surface matching the threaded external surface of the nut, and an annular mounting surface abutting the connector end of the propeller shaft in the assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Paul Weaver, John Wilson, Michel Desjardins, Herve Turcotte
  • Patent number: 11472267
    Abstract: A rotary apparatus includes a motor, a plurality of gears including an output gear, and a housing accommodating the plurality of gears and the motor. The housing includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion facing the first surface portion and spaced apart from the first surface portion, and a sidewall portion provided at an outer peripheral portion of the first surface portion and the second surface portion and supporting the first surface portion and the second surface portion. One of the first surface portion and the second surface portion includes a vibration damping part opposing the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventor: Yukimasa Matsumura
  • Patent number: 11434987
    Abstract: A damping apparatus includes a first sidewall defining a centerline axis, a second sidewall disposed coaxial with the first sidewall, a main cavity defined between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a damping material disposed in the main cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Leque, Joseph H. Polly
  • Patent number: 11312232
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a multi-piece propeller shaft includes an outer race extending from a first outer race end to a second outer race end to define an exterior surface. A tuned damper extends radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the of the outer race for reducing noise, vibration, and/or harshness (NVH) generated during operation of the multi-piece propeller shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: John Willyard
  • Patent number: 11248496
    Abstract: A center vent tube support device includes: an annular sleeve having an inner surface that comes into contact with an outer surface of a center vent tube; a ring formed of a pair of segments and placed between the sleeve and a shaft; and an annular nut for fixing the ring to the sleeve. An outer surface of the sleeve or the nut includes a pressurizing surface formed as a conical surface. Each ring segment includes a supporting surface formed as a cylindrical surface having a diameter equal to an inner diameter of the main shaft in a portion where the device is installed, a bearing surface formed as a conical surface having a vertex angle equal to that of the conical surface forming the pressurizing surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a pair of end faces formed as planes each spaced from a plane including the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayuki Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 11207801
    Abstract: Systems and methods for making and/or using a hybrid laminate composite tube structure. The methods comprise: wrapping a plurality of lamina layers around a male cylindrical tool (e.g., mandrel); treating the lamina layers with heat/pressure to form the hybrid laminate composite tube structure; and assembling a structure by adhesively bonding the hybrid laminate composite tube structure to a metallic fitting. The lamina layers comprise: at least one first lamina layer formed of a first material having a first CTE; and at least one second lamina layer formed of a second material different from the first material and having a second CTE different than the first CTE. The hybrid laminate composite tube structure has at least one property that is different in the axial direction than the hoop direction. An axial CTE of the hybrid laminate composite tube structure is tailored to provide a net zero CTE for the assembled structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Ian D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11143031
    Abstract: A tool for balancing a turbine engine module in a balancer, the module including a stator, a rotor and a shaft, the balancer including at least one power drive unit and a table equipped with two support of the shaft of the module. The tool includes at least: one stator support, fixed on the table of the balancer behind the supports, a tubular false bearing, configured to support a bearing for guiding the rotor in the stator and protruding outside of the stator, a guiding sleeve of the shaft, confining a support of the false bearing, and received on the supports of the balancer, a rear support plate of the stator, fixed to the support of the stator, and immobilising the rotor with respect to the stator, a front support plate of the stator, fixed to the stator support, and immobilising and centring the false bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Alain Roland Luinaud, Alain Decocq
  • Patent number: 11137046
    Abstract: A drive shaft assembly includes an elongate member and a tuned absorber assembly. The elongate member has an exterior surface that is disposed about an axis. The tuned absorber assembly includes a mass and a sleeve. The mass is at least partially disposed about the exterior surface. The sleeve extends between a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end. The sleeve is disposed about the mass and spaces the mass apart from the exterior surface of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bales
  • Patent number: 11131247
    Abstract: A rotating shaft and a method for additively manufacturing the rotating shaft are provided. The rotating shaft includes an elongated body extending along an axial direction and including an inner surface that defines a hollow central portion. An internal support structure extends from the inner surface into the hollow central portion to stiffen the rotating shaft and provide a high stiffness-to-weight ratio. The internal support structures may include stiffening ribs, truss structures, mesh structures, solid disks, and/or regions having a decreased density relative to the elongated body. The elongated body and some or all internal features may be integrally formed as a single monolithic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, Nitesh Jain, Srinivasarao Surapu
  • Patent number: 11105203
    Abstract: A balancing weight mountable within a balance hole of a rotary component includes a cylindrical body having a desired weight. An opening is formed in a portion of the body to define a hollow passageway and a mechanism couples the cylindrical body within an interior of the balance hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Jing Chen
  • Patent number: 11072958
    Abstract: A fluid damper hinge using a fluid damper only and a damper hinge using the fluid damper in combination with a torsion damper, used especially in relation to an opening and closing element such as seat lid and seat for western-style toilet, wherein both have a simple structure, do not require time for assembly and can be manufactured at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: KEM HONGKONG LIMITED
    Inventors: Ryuta Kuramochi, Eiji Kawamura
  • Patent number: 11053998
    Abstract: An automotive driveline component includes a housing and a dampener carried by the housing. The dampener includes a plurality of shims joined together via at least one joint through which vibrations are transmitted among individual shims of the plurality of shims. When the housing experiences vibrations during use of the automotive driveline component, the vibrations are transmitted to the plurality of shims and relative movement among individual shims of the plurality of shims dampens the vibrations experienced by said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Campbell, Gavin B. Streather, David I. Lysse, Daniel P. Vandro, Chadd M. Yagiela, Steven L. Dickens
  • Patent number: 11028899
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system includes a dual mass flywheel having an input side adapted for connection to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and an output. A dry damper assembly having an input flange is connected to an output of the dual mass flywheel and an output flange. An electric motor having a fixed mounted stator and a rotor is provided, and the output flange is connected to the rotor. A torque converter having a torque converter input is connected to the rotor and a torque converter output flange is adapted for connection to a downstream drive input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kyle Nelson, Jonathan Adams
  • Patent number: 10993867
    Abstract: An actuation assembly for an oral irrigator includes a bezel secured to or formed as part of a housing of the oral irrigator, an actuator operably connected to the bezel and moveable relative thereto, and an augmentation fluid positioned between the bezel and the actuator. The augmentation fluid modifies a frictional relationship between the bezel and the actuator to provide a predefined resistance force between the actuator and the bezel as the actuator is rotated relative to the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: WATER PIK, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Williams, Robert D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 10962077
    Abstract: An active composite variable damping rotational control device includes a variable damping module and a power module. The variable damping module includes a magnetorheological fluid tank and a rotational inertia wheel. The rotational inertia wheel is arranged in the magnetorheological fluid tank fully filled with magneorheological fluid. The power module includes a device tubular cavity, a driver, an encoder and a speed changer. The driver is fixed on the inner wall of the device tubular cavity. The driver, the encoder and the speed changer are coaxial. A driving shaft of the driver passes through the speed changer and extends into the magnetorheological fluid tank to be fixed perpendicularly at the center of the rotational inertia wheel. The control effect of the present invention may not be greatly affected by the change of a structural form and the change of an external load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Qingdao University of Technology
    Inventors: Chunwei Zhang, Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 10954817
    Abstract: A multi-film oil damper for accommodating radial movement of a rotary shaft bearing relative to a bearing housing, the multi-film oil damper comprising: an annular damper cavity defined within the bearing housing between a radially outward wall, a first radially extending side wall and a second radially extending side wall, the annular damper cavity having an oil inlet in the radially outward wall, the oil inlet being in communication with a source of pressurized oil; an inner damper ring having axial ends abutting the first and second radially extending side walls of the annular damper cavity; a plurality of outer damper rings coaxially nested between the inner damper ring and the radially outward wall, each outer damper ring having axial ends adjacent the first and second radially outward walls of the annular damper cavity, each outer damper ring having a first cylindrical surface and a second cylindrical surface; a spacer ring disposed at each axial end of the plurality of outer damper rings, a contact sur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Richard Ivakitch, David Beamish
  • Patent number: 10947863
    Abstract: A multi-film oil damper has a housing defining an annular damper cavity having an oil inlet in communication with a source of pressurized oil. A plurality of nested damper rings is disposed within the annular damper cavity, the plurality of nested damper rings defining a plurality of squeeze film annuli. Spacer rings are disposed adjacent opposed ends of the damper rings. A contact surface of the spacer rings extends radially beyond a first cylindrical surface of an associated damper ring for engaging a second cylindrical surface of an adjacent damper ring. Recesses are defined in the second cylindrical surface of the damper rings, the recesses fluidly communicating between the squeeze film annuli and the oil inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Richard Ivakitch, David Beamish
  • Patent number: 10823255
    Abstract: A balancing system for a rotating member is presented. The rotating member includes a hollow portion and an axis of rotation which extends through the hollow portion. The balancing system includes a vessel that is insertable into the hollow portion of the rotating member. The vessel includes an outer shell which is shaped to conform to inner walls of the hollow portion. A plurality of solid balancing beads partially fill the vessel. When the vessel is inserted into hollow portion and the rotating member is rotating, the axis of rotation passes through the vessel and the balancing beads are centrifugally positioned within the vessel to compensate for imbalance in the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Daniel Cadalso
  • Patent number: 10794103
    Abstract: A door component has a damper device with two connection units that can be moved relative to each other for damping a door movement of a door of a vehicle. The damper device contains a magnetorheological fluid, as an operating fluid, and a cylinder unit having a first chamber and a second chamber. The two chambers are separated from each other by a piston which is provided with a damping valve. The damper device has a connection which is constructed for coupling to a drive. The damper device can be moved in an active manner at least from a first position into a second position by the drive which is coupled via the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 10767723
    Abstract: A torque converter for a vehicle including a front cover; an impeller which is coupled to the front cover and rotates together with the front cover; a turbine which is disposed at a position facing the impeller; a reactor which is positioned between the impeller and the turbine and changes a flow of oil flowing from the turbine to the impeller; a lock-up clutch which has a piston that directly connects the front cover and the turbine; and a torsional damper which includes a pair of retaining plates that receives driving power of an engine from the turbine or the lock-up clutch, and a driven plate that is disposed between the retaining plates, the torsional damper being coupled to the lock-up clutch and absorbing impact and vibration applied in a rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Kapec Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jun Yong Song, Soon Seok Hong, Soon Cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 10738853
    Abstract: A damper includes a body and a movement limiter. A movement limiter may extend from the body. In embodiments, a movement limiter may include a plurality of ribs that may be configured for contacting an inner surface of an aperture or recess of a bracket to limit movement of the body relative to said bracket. A plurality of connecting members may extend from the body. The plurality of connecting members may connect the body with the bracket. The plurality of connecting members may include substantially T-shaped or bow tie-shaped configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Vibracoustic USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Tristan J. Roeda, Erich L. Merrill
  • Patent number: 10731466
    Abstract: A device for balancing a turbomachine rotor having a driver rotor and a driven rotor is provided. The device comprises a base that is coaxially fixable to the turbomachine rotor and configured to transfer torque from the driver rotor to the driven rotor. The device also comprises at least three balancing tools arranged on the base, each balancing tool (i) defining a respective balancing direction along a radial direction of the base and (ii) comprising: a weight moveable along the respective balancing direction, and a motor configured to move the weight along the respective balancing direction to balance the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE TECHNOLOGIE SRL
    Inventors: Gianni Mochi, Giacomo Braglia
  • Patent number: 10562420
    Abstract: A seat including a seat bottom, a seatback, and a device. The device supports the seatback on the seat bottom. The device includes a housing supported on the seat bottom and a rotor supported on the housing. The device includes a helical interface between the housing and the rotor. The rotor is moveable relative to the housing along the helical interface. The housing and the rotor define a cavity therebetween, and a resilient material is disposed in the cavity. During a vehicle impact, the rotor may move relative to the housing and compress the resilient material in the cavity. In this situation, the resilient material may absorb energy from the vehicle impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng, Robert William McCoy, Saeed David Barbat
  • Patent number: 10527128
    Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing an unbalanced article about a rotary axis. The method includes determining a mass and a position of a corrective weight, the mass and position of the corrective weight being configured to at least partly correct an imbalance in the unbalanced article that is generated when the unbalanced article is rotated about the rotary axis; and spraying an atomized liquid or molten material toward a surface of the unbalanced article to form the corrective weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Curt D. Gilmore, Holly A. Giangrande
  • Patent number: 10487838
    Abstract: An annular balance adjusting device (50) is included in the clamping region of a turbocharger (1) rotating assembly. The annular balance adjusting device (50) includes an annular member (51, 61) having a non-uniform weight distribution. By setting the rotational orientation of the annular member (51, 61) relative to the rotating assembly ((not labeled)), imbalance of the rotating assembly can be addressed. The annular balance adjusting device (50) can be used to correct the imbalance of the rotating assembly, thereby reducing turbocharger (1) vibration and increasing turbocharger (1) durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Pruitt, Evan Lucas, David Ledger, Matt Tondra
  • Patent number: 10465557
    Abstract: A magnetic squeeze film damper system comprises a bearing assembly having an outer race with a first outer surface and a first inner surface and a bearing located along the first inner surface. The system further comprises a squeeze film damper housing having a second outer surface and a second inner surface that is contiguous with the first outer surface. A channel having a forward end and an aft end is defined within the housing along the second inner surface, the channel bordered by the first outer surface. The system further includes a first seal gland located along the forward end of the channel and a second seal gland located along the aft end of the channel. Both seal glands comprise a reservoir for holding a magneto-rheological fluid, the reservoir encased in an elastomer. At least one electromagnet is arranged in close proximity to each of the seal glands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Copeland, Donald W. Burns, Stanford O. Clemens, Alan B. Cookerly
  • Patent number: 10450865
    Abstract: A damper ring is mounted in frictional engagement with a radially inwardly facing surface of a circumferential groove defined in a rotary part of a gas turbine engine. Energy dissipation is provided via sliding friction of the ring in the groove. Pressure relief dimples are provided around the outer diameter of the ring for locally reducing contact pressure at the outer diameter below a value at which the damper ring locks in the groove by friction forces when subject to centrifugal loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Maksim Pankratov
  • Patent number: 10418685
    Abstract: One embodiment disclosed herein is related to a device for pointing a radiating element. The device includes an aligned radiating surface; a hinge that is circumferentially mounted to a rear side of the aligned radiating surface, the hinge configured to change azimuth of the aligned radiating surface; and a Tubular Universal joint (TU-joint) having one end coupled to a rear side of the aligned radiating surface and a second end coupled to a base, the TU-joint being configured to change an elevation of the aligned radiating surface. Another embodiment is related to a Tubular Universal-joint (TU-joint). In the embodiment, the TU-joint includes a hollow tube having a first end and a second end; a plurality of slits along the surface of the tube; and a plurality of members between the plurality of slits, each of the plurality of members configured to bear a portion of a load of the TU-joint, wherein the TU-joint is configured to be axially and torsionally stiff while being bendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: L3 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared E. Campbell, Matthew Bare, Walter Coe, Charles Paul Curtis, Michael Patrick Walton, Cameron Schmidt, Bryce Anderson, Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 10385875
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) with reduced vibration is provided. In an implementation, an ESP section has radial bearings placed at shaft locations of reduced vibration to reduce wear. The locations of reduced vibration are selected to avoid areas of high vibration and vibrational waves that reinforce each other due to structure resonance and natural excitation frequencies. In an implementation, a radial bearing is positioned at a node of reduced vibration of a standing vibrational wave. In an implementation, a succession of multiple radial bearings are spaced at different intervals from each other to avoid conventional even spacing of the bearings that causes standing waves, resonance waves, and vibrational waves at natural excitation frequencies. In an implementation, a span between adjacent radial bearings is selected to spare other adjacent bearings at different spans the effects of vibrations that may extend over a range of excitation frequencies in the ESP section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hao Lam, Arthur I. Watson, Jacques Orban, Lauro De Camargo, David Milton Eslinger
  • Patent number: 10377419
    Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle may include a first shaft part and a second shaft part. The first and second shaft parts may be connected in a way such that torques are transferred. A damping element can be disposed between the first and second shaft parts for damping oscillations and/or vibrations. The damping element may contact a carrier along a contact area. The damping element may be coupled to the carrier at only a portion of the contact area. The carrier may be, for example, the first shaft part, the second shaft part, a sleeve, or a bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Michael Bugl, Martin Voscek
  • Patent number: 10364879
    Abstract: A housing for a gear unit includes a housing top part mounted on a housing bottom part, a first bearing mounting for a first bearing of a shaft being formed by a first bearing carrier of the housing top part and a first bearing carrier of the housing bottom part, a second bearing mounting for a second bearing of a shaft being formed by a second bearing carrier of the housing top part and a second bearing carrier of the housing bottom part, a first end area of a first bearing carrier of the housing bottom part and a first end area of a second bearing carrier of the housing bottom part being joined by two end plates set apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Zili Wu
  • Patent number: 10316932
    Abstract: A method for forming a shaft assembly includes: providing a shaft structure, the shaft structure comprising a shaft and a universal joint member that is coupled to an end of the shaft; inserting a weight member to the shaft structure to form an intermediate assembly, the weight member being formed at least partly from a liquid resin, the intermediate assembly having an initial rotational unbalance; rotating the intermediate assembly about a longitudinal axis of the shaft structure to re-distribute a least a portion of the weight member circumferentially about the shaft structure to at least partly attenuate the initial rotational unbalance; and curing the liquid resin while rotating the intermediate assembly to fix the re-distributed portion of the weight member to the shaft structure to thereby form a balance weight that at least partly attenuates the initial rotational unbalance. A shaft assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Charles G. Stuart
  • Patent number: 10221910
    Abstract: A fluid damper device may include a tube-shaped case including a bottom wall, a tube part extended from the bottom wall, and a partitioning protruded part protruded to an inner side from an inner peripheral face of the tube part, and a turning shaft including a body part facing a first end face of the partitioning protruded part, and a flange part which is enlarged from the body part and faces a second end face of the partitioning protruded part, a valve body supported by the body part, and fluid filled within the case. The first end face of the partitioning protruded part is provided with a first rib protruded toward the body part and extended in the axial line direction and a second rib protruded toward the body part and extended in the axial line direction at a position separated in a circumferential direction from the first rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Mihara, Hiroyuki Iwashita
  • Patent number: 10221606
    Abstract: A fluid damper device may include a tube-shaped case with a bottom wall, a tube part and a partitioning protruded part protruded from the tube part, a turning shaft provided with a body part which faces a first end face of the partitioning protruded part and a flange part enlarged to an outer side in the radial direction from the body part and faces a second end face of the partitioning protruded part, a valve body supported on an outer side of the body part, and fluid filled on an inner side of the case. A face of the flange part is provided with a first region structured to contact the partitioning protruded part and a second region where a distance between the second end face and the flange part is set to be wider than the first region along one direction in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoya Mihara
  • Patent number: 10190652
    Abstract: A damped automotive driveline component can be propshaft, a bar shaft, a torque tube housing, a power transfer unit (PTU) housing, or a final drive unit (FDU) housing, among other possibilities. The component is equipped with a dampener in order to dissipate vibration experienced during use of the component. The damper includes metal wire strands. Relative movement among the metal wire strand is believed to damp the vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Campbell, Arthur J. Ball, Michael J. Miller