Having Brake Or Clutch Controlling Movement Of A Flow Guide Located In The Impeller-turbine Flow Path Patents (Class 60/341)
  • Patent number: 11873759
    Abstract: A method for pressurizing exhaust gases from a turbine power plant includes the steps of: applying a pressure to at least a proportion, in particular a proportion rich in carbon dioxide, of the exhaust gases from the power plant by way of a fluid operating machine of a pressurization device, and applying a torque to the fluid operating machine and/or driving the fluid operating machine by way of such a torque, which is present at an output shaft of a main turbine of the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Braun, Hans Schirle
  • Patent number: 11078998
    Abstract: A torque convertor stator includes an annular bearing support, a plurality of stator blades, and a web extending radially between the annular bearing support and the plurality of stator blades. The annular bearing support, the plurality of stator blades, and the web are formed from a single continuous piece of amorphous metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Jorge Cisneros, Juraj Cuperka, Troy Menebroker, Enrique Cardenas Urquizo, Andreas Thiede
  • Patent number: 10895310
    Abstract: A stator assembly of a torque converter includes a stator having circumferentially arranged blades, an inner ring, and projections circumferentially arranged around the inner ring and extending radially inward therefrom. An annular plate is circumscribed by the inner ring and has a plurality of attachment portions circumferentially arranged around an outer surface of the plate. Each of the attachment portions engages with an associated one of the projections and has a pair of spaced anti-rotation tabs that define a receptacle. The receptacle receives the associated one of the projections to prevent relative rotation between the stator and the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Long Souers, Drew Hilty
  • Patent number: 9841093
    Abstract: A torque converter, including an axis of rotation, a cover arranged to receive torque, an impeller including an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover and, at least one impeller blade fixedly connected to the impeller shell, a turbine including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade fixedly connected to the turbine shell, a stator axially disposed between the impeller and turbine shells and including at least one stator blade and a first core ring fixedly secured to the at least one impeller blade and, including at least one first flat annular surface facing the at least one turbine blade or a second core ring fixedly secured to the at least one turbine blade and, including at least one second flat annular surface facing the at least one impeller blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Larry Chad Boigegrain, Rolf Mueller, Jeremy Jewell, Jasmina Subotic, Trent Hendershot, Michael Resh
  • Patent number: 9303746
    Abstract: A vehicular torque converter includes: a pump impeller having a pump covering and vanes disposed within an output-side portion of the pump covering; a turbine impeller having vanes opposed to the pump impeller vanes; a stator impeller; a one-way clutch between the stator impeller and a stationary member; and a lock-up clutch configured to connect the turbine impeller to an inner surface of a wall of said pump covering. The vanes are offset with respect to the one-way clutch toward the output side. The vehicular torque converter further includes: a thrust bearing between the stator impeller and the turbine impeller, the thrust bearing having a sliding surface with respect to the stator impeller, the sliding surface being positioned radially outwardly of the one-way clutch and offset from an end face of each of sprags of the one-way clutch toward the output side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiya Yamashita, Takuya Okada
  • Patent number: 9217498
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a sealed liquid-tight fluid-containing chamber; an impeller clutch; and at least one piston for the clutch forming a part of the chamber. A torque converter including: first and second fluid-containing chambers; a torque converter clutch; a piston plate for the clutch having a one-way opening and forming part of the first chamber. The first chamber is liquid-tight for pressure levels greater than in the second chamber. During torque converter mode, fluid flows from a torus through the second chamber and one-way opening into the first chamber. A multi-function torque converter including: an impeller clutch; at least one impeller piston plate; a plate; and a fluid-containing chamber. The chamber is at least partially formed by a combination of one or more of the impeller plates and the plate and the combination is at least indirectly connected to balance axial forces generated by pressurization of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co., KG
    Inventors: Todd Sturgin, Vural Ari
  • Patent number: 9175760
    Abstract: A starting element for transmitting torque from a drive-side rotational input (14) of the starting element to a driven hub (8) includes a hydrodynamic torque converter (4) which has a turbine coupled to the driven hub (8) so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it and which comprises a turbine shell (56) with turbine blades (22) arranged therein. A maximum extension of the turbine shell (56) opposite an axial direction (12) terminates at a first axial position (53), and an impeller (20) located opposite the turbine in the axial direction (12). A stator (24) is arranged between the turbine and the impeller (22) and is coupled via a stator flange (58) to a freewheel (52) adjoining the driven hub (8) in an axial direction (12). A center of the freewheel (52) is located at a second axial position (54). A difference between the first axial position (53) and the second axial position (54) is greater than a predetermined minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Mencher, Peter Frey, Jörg Sudau
  • Patent number: 8667772
    Abstract: Solutions for clutching turbine wheels are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a turbine rotor shaft; a plurality of turbine wheels affixed to the turbine rotor shaft; an independent turbine wheel engagably attached to the turbine rotor shaft; and a clutch operably connected to the turbine rotor shaft, the clutch configured to couple and decouple the independent turbine wheel from the turbine rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Thomas Parry, Nestor Hernandez Sanchez, Michael Alan Davi
  • Publication number: 20130291528
    Abstract: A damper for a torque converter includes a first clutch arranged for selective engagement with a cover for the torque converter, a first spring, a second spring, and a first plate drivingly engaged with the first spring and the second spring. The damper also includes a second plate and a third plate. The second plate is axially displaceable relative to the first plate, drivingly engaged with one of the first or the second spring, and arranged for fixing to a turbine for the torque converter. The third plate is axially displaceable relative to the first and second plates, fixed to the first clutch, and drivingly engaged with the one of the first or second spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Scott Strong, Todd Sturgin
  • Publication number: 20110005215
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes: a torque converter having a pump vane wheel, a turbine vane wheel, and a stator vane wheel, the stator vane wheel rotatably disposed between the turbine vane wheel and the pump vane wheel; an electric motor that drives the stator vane wheel; a 25 first connecting and disconnecting means capable of connecting and disconnecting the electric motor and the stator vane wheel to/from each other; and a second connecting and disconnecting means capable of connecting and disconnecting the electric motor and a output shaft to/from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ota, Koichi Miyamoto, Toshiya Yamashita, Shingo Eto
  • Patent number: 7785229
    Abstract: A controllable hydrodynamic torque converter is provided for use within a vehicle having a detectable throttle level, the torque converter comprising a first stator having a first outlet angle and a second stator having a higher second outlet angle. The second stator is selectively engageable with the first stator using a hydraulic clutch to thereby vary the torque converter K-factor during idle and high-throttle conditions, and is permitted to freewheel during low or part throttle conditions. The first outlet angle is at least five degrees lower than the second outlet angle. A vehicle is also provided including an engine having an engine torque and a detectable throttle level, a transmission, a torque converter operable to transmit the engine torque to the transmission and having a stator assembly with two stators, a selectively controllable clutch, and a controller configured to selectively actuate the clutch to vary the K-factor depending on the throttle level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Maddock
  • Patent number: 7762065
    Abstract: A stator support device for a torque converter having a stator wheel and a non-rotating member has a one-way clutch and a bearing race. The one-way clutch includes an outer race disposed along the inner periphery of the stator wheel, an inner race connected to the outer periphery of the non-rotating member to prevent rotation of the inner race relative to the non-rotating member, and an end bearing provided between the outer race and the inner race. The bearing race is disposed at a side face of the outer race. The bearing race is supported so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. A gap is formed between the bearing race and the stator wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Ochi, Hiroaki Takeuchi, Kensuke Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20080190723
    Abstract: A piston plate stop for a torque converter including: a flexible connection element with a first end and a second end, the first end arranged to connect to a piston plate for the torque converter, the second end arranged to rotationally connect to a cover for the torque converter and a stop disposed on the flexible connection element. The stop is arranged to restrict axial movement of the piston plate. In some aspects, the flexible connection element is arranged to rotationally connect the cover and the piston plate. A torque converter including a piston plate; a cover; and at least one flexible connection element rotationally connecting the piston plate and the cover. The flexible connection element has a tab that is positioned to limit axial displacement of the piston plate away from the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heck, Jonathan G. Jameson, Brian Zaugg, Patrick Lindemann, David C. Avins
  • Publication number: 20070220874
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator and clutch assembly in a torque converter. The stator has a segment radially disposed between stator blades and a stator axis. The one-way clutch has a plate connected to a hub. The segment forms a portion of the clutch and the stator is axially displaceable to control operation of the clutch. A displacement element urges the stator in a first axial direction. The stator is arranged to move in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, in response to pressure from fluid in the torque converter. In some aspects, the displacement element is selected from the group consisting of a coil spring and a wave spring. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is arranged to disengage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the first direction and to engage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael Vansickle, Christian Huegel, Yannick Strub, J. Kevin Brown, Peter Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040139742
    Abstract: In a transmitting system for a small-sized vehicle, a centrifugal clutch, and a torque converter including a pump impeller connected to an output drum of the centrifugal clutch and a turbine impeller connected to an output gear, are placed between a crankshaft of an engine and the output gear. The pump impeller and the output drum adjacent to the pump impeller are integrally coupled, with an open surface of the output drum facing to an opposite side to the pump impeller, to be constructed as a single component. Thus, occurrence of rotation vibrations and unusual noises can be prevented without requiring machining with high precision, and the numbers of components and assembling steps can be reduced while providing favorable maintainability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Seiji Makita, Yoshihisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6264571
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a dynamically balanced putter with a sliding hosel to ensure that the center of mass of the putter lies on the axis defined by the putter shaft. The putter head includes a longitudinal slot which mates with an elongated “dovetail” tab on the hosel to slidingly position the axis, hosel, and putter head such that the aforementioned balancing objective is achieved. In a preferred embodiment, a dovetailed tab is mated with a mating slot, and the putter head is slid into a position with minor adjustments following an initial balancing, which results in a dynamic balancing of the entire putter. By rotating the putter about the shaft or suspending the shaft and evaluating the angle against vertical, minute adjustments can be made by sliding the putter head along the dovetailed tab until complete balancing is achieved. Once the putter head has been fixed using either a strong adhesive or other fixing means, the putter can then be used in its intended manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Lekavich
  • Patent number: 6216454
    Abstract: A torque converter is designed to control the torque capacity C and prevent a constant torque capacity C when the speed ratio E is in the middle to high operational range. The torque converter includes a bladed pump impeller driven by an internal engine, a bladed turbine runner in fluid flow relation with the pump impeller, and a bladed stator for redirecting fluid to produce a toroidal flow path of hydraulic fluid. The blades of the stator have an inlet portion facing the turbine runner and to which flows hydraulic fluid from the turbine runner, an outlet portion facing the pump impeller and discharging hydraulic fluid from the stator, a pressure surface disposed on one side of the blade between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, a suction surface disposed on another side of the blade, and a plate portion disposed near the inlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukihisa Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 5822987
    Abstract: In a torque converter, in order to reduce the cost, simplify the manufacturing process and ensure the centering precision of of the stator relative to the outer race of a one-way clutch, the stator and the outer race of the one-way clutch have first engaging surface portions preventing relative rotation therebetween and second engaging surface portions providing concentricity therebetween. The first and second surface portions are axially offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Koji Maeda, Yutaka Teraoka, Makoto Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5352100
    Abstract: In a pump drive for a motor vehicle automatic gearbox, a hollow shaft (6) secured in rotation to a primary part (3) of a torque converter (1) projects into the inside of a pump housing (7) and bears an impeller (10) of the pump. The hollow shaft (6) is borne in a bore (12) in the pump housing (7) via a rolling bearing, whereby, in order to seal the pump housing, there is a radial sealing ring (18) on one side of the rolling bearing and a sealing ring (14) on the other. The latter ring (14) is designed to enclose a uniform sealing gap (25) with the hollow shaft (6) and it is guided freely both radially and axially in the bore (12) so that the sealing gap (25) may automatically set itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gert Bauknecht, Rainer Pfalz, Manfred Bucksch
  • Patent number: 5241820
    Abstract: A torque convertor having a tubular toroidal member constituted by a pump, a turbine and a stator is so dimensioned that sufficient room is provided to accommodate associated components without sacrificing performance standards. In particular, since the cross sectional area of the flow passage of the stator, wherein eddies tend to generate and power transmission loss due to fluid collision increases, is larger in proportions to the cross sectional area of either the pump or the turbine the fluid turbulence is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Daikin Clutch Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Fukunaga, Kozo Mori
  • Patent number: 5125487
    Abstract: A method of manufactore of, and apparatus for, a torque converter assembly having an improved reactor assembly. A torque converter is disclosed having a stator which has improved and simplified casting and machining requirements. A stator hub is provided having a cylindrical bore substantially coaxial with the axis of the transmission shaft to which the torque converter is mounted. An overrunning clutch and thrust bearing cartridge assembly is provided to be fitted into the stator hub bore. The overrunning clutch provides improved lubrication on both sides of the clutch engaging element surfaces, either rollers or sprags, between the inner and outer rings which form the clutch races. Wear surfaces within the clutch assembly are stamped steel instead of aluminum. Clutch load is increased by increasing the roller or sprag dimensions in the direction of the stator axis, while maintaining the same stator hub width. Thrust bearings are mounted to the outside of the overrunning clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: INA Bearing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 4828079
    Abstract: For the improvement in the hydraulic retarder comprising a fixed member (1) of vehicle, a shaft (2), a housing (4), a vane chamber (3), a plurality of stator vanes (5) and a plurality of rotor vanes (7), a drum-like member (10), a plurality of clutch pistons (14a), (14b), (14c), a cylindrical member (6) a pair of arcuate brake shoes (16) and a parking lever (21) are added to function respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Fujinami
  • Patent number: 4014223
    Abstract: A multiple ratio power transmission mechanism having planetary gear elements controlled by friction clutches and brakes and having two torque input gear elements, a hydrokinetic torque converter disposed in the torque delivery path for each input gear element and a torque splitting gear unit disposed between the torque input side of the hydrokinetic converter and the other of said torque input gear elements, wherein provision is made for selecting alternately one of the two torque input gear elements whereby the torque delivery path during operation in the higher speed ratios is partly mechanical and partly hydrokinetic and wherein the torque delivery path during operation in the lowest speed ratio is fully hydrokinetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Stanley L. Pierce, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4009570
    Abstract: A torque converter comprises a vaned rotary impeller shell secured to the flywheel of a motor for driving the same, a vaned rotary turbine component secured to a turbine shaft which constitutes the output of the converter as a result of the torque conversion which takes place between the impeller and turbine vanes, and a vaned stator component located between the impeller and turbine vanes and which is coupled to a stator shaft surrounding the turbine shaft by means of a one-way clutch. In order to permit the one-way clutch to be easily removed, the impeller shell includes a removable hub portion secured by means of a ring of bolts to a flange on the impeller shell and this flange is dimensioned in such manner that its internal diameter is greater than the external diameter of the one-way clutch. Thus when the impeller hub is removed, the one-way clutch can be slid axially from its operating position and removed through the opening created by removal of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masahiro Ohkuoo, Heiji Fukutake
  • Patent number: 3964347
    Abstract: A torque converter of the type having a rotating casing connectable to a driving source and forming a working chamber. In the casing is a pump part comprising a ring of pump blades, a reaction part comprising a ring of guide blades and a turbine part including at least one ring of turbine blades. The pump part is mounted to be selectively connected to the casing for rotation therewith or released from the casing to rotate freely relative thereto. The selectable connection between the pump part and the casing may be a friction coupling such as engaging conical friction surfaces or a friction disc coupling. The pump part itself may serve as a piston for engaging or disengaging the pump part with the casing. Movement of this pump part may also control a direct drive connection between the casing and the turbine shaft. A forward reverse gear and/or a synchromesh gear may be connected to the turbine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
    Assignee: S.R.M. Hydromekanik Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Karl Gustav Ahlen