One-way Clutch Between The Movable Guide, An Impeller, Turbine Or A Second Movable Guide Patents (Class 60/345)
  • Patent number: 11852225
    Abstract: A core ring for a torque converter is disclosed herein. The core ring includes a plurality of through openings and a plurality of recesses each connected to a respective through opening of the plurality of through openings. The recesses are each dimensioned to receive a portion of a blade, and specifically a blade tip formed on an adjacent torque converter component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Diego Alejandro Ledesma, Andres Cuevas, Juan Pablo Cazares
  • Patent number: 11339861
    Abstract: A method of making a turbine assembly for a hydrokinetic torque converter includes providing a first turbine component including a polymeric first turbine shell element and first turbine blades connected to the first turbine shell element, providing a second turbine component including a second turbine shell element and second turbine blades connected to the second turbine shell element, and connecting the first turbine shell element to the second turbine shell element to collectively provide a turbine shell of the turbine assembly and fixedly secure the first and second turbine components to one another in a coaxial relationship about the rotational axis. The connecting involves welding and/or adhesive bonding the first turbine shell element to the second turbine shell element. A turbine assembly, a hydrokinetic torque converter, and a method of making a hydrokinetic torque converter are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: VALEO KAPEC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Alexandre Depraete, Gyubong Jeon, Xuexian Yin, Subramanian Jeyabalan
  • Patent number: 11242838
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a description of the means to create increased mechanical advantage by taking advantage of the rotation of confined liquid matter. The process described uses liquid both as a mass to store rotational energy, and at the same time the rotating liquid is used as a motive force to drive a rotating shell. A description of the process and one possible embodiment are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Werlpower, LLC
    Inventor: John B. Mcclurkin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11131373
    Abstract: A torque converter is disclosed. The torque converter includes a cover, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, and a first one-way clutch. A torque outputted from a prime mover is inputted to the cover. The impeller is unitarily rotated with the cover. The turbine is opposed to the impeller. The stator is disposed between the impeller and the turbine. The first one-way clutch is configured to make the cover rotatable relative to the turbine in a forward rotational direction. The first one-way clutch is further configured to rotate the cover unitarily with the turbine in a reverse rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 10914239
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high-speed section disconnect for a driven turbocharger with a traction drive. The turbo shaft is attached to a turbine and compressor, and interfaces with a high-speed traction drive. A mechanical coupling connects the traction drive to a transmission, which is connected to the engine so that power can flow to or from the turbo shaft, but the mechanical coupling can be selectively disconnected so that the high-speed section of the driven turbocharger can also be decoupled from the engine during certain operating conditions to reduce mechanical losses in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SUPERTURBO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jared William Brown, Christopher David Benson, Sterling Holman
  • Patent number: 10865864
    Abstract: A method of making a turbine assembly for a hydrokinetic torque converter includes providing a first turbine component including a polymeric first turbine shell element and first turbine blades connected to the first turbine shell element, providing a second turbine component including a second turbine shell element and second turbine blades connected to the second turbine shell element, and connecting the first turbine shell element to the second turbine shell element to collectively provide a turbine shell of the turbine assembly and fixedly secure the first and second turbine components to one another in a coaxial relationship about the rotational axis. The connecting involves welding and/or adhesive bonding the first turbine shell element to the second turbine shell element. A turbine assembly, a hydrokinetic torque converter, and a method of making a hydrokinetic torque converter are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Alexandre Depraete, Gyubong Jeon, Xuexian Yin, Subramanian Jeyabalan
  • Patent number: 10710738
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit for an aircraft, having a compressor, an intercooler including first conduit(s) having an inlet in fluid communication with the compressor outlet and second conduit(s) configured for circulation of a coolant therethrough, an engine core having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first conduit(s), and a bleed conduit in fluid communication with the outlet of the first conduit(s) through a bleed air valve. The auxiliary power unit may include a generator in driving engagement with the shaft of the engine core to provide electrical power for the aircraft. A method of providing compressed air and electrical power to an aircraft is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Richard Ullyott, Anthony Jones, Andre Julien, Jean Thomassin
  • Patent number: 10677254
    Abstract: A compressor device comprising a compressor element with a housing with, an inlet and an outlet. At least one rotor is affixed in the housing that is provided with a drive. The compressor device is provided with an oil circuit for injecting oil into the housing. The oil circuit only comprises one pump for driving the oil around in the oil circuit. This pump is coupled to a first shaft via a first disengageable coupling, more specifically a shaft of the aforementioned drive on the one hand, and to a second shaft via a second disengageable coupling, more specifically a shaft of a secondary drive on the other hand. The first and second disengageable couplings between the pump and the first shaft and between the pump and the second shaft are such that the pump is only driven by the shaft of these two shafts that has the highest speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Kurt Peeters
  • Patent number: 10612636
    Abstract: A torque converter incorporating a case having a rotation axis; an impeller within the case, the impeller being mounted for co-rotation with the case; a turbine mounted within the case for rotation with respect to the case; radially inner and outer walls within the case, the walls defining an annulus having axial and oppositely-axial ends, the walls being mounted for co-rotation with the case or the walls being mounted for co-rotation with the turbine; a piston slidably received within the annulus; a plurality of race and roller combinations mounted at the annulus's oppositely axial end, the race and roller combinations being adapted for centrifugally driving and for axially pressing their rollers against the piston; and a friction surface within the case, the friction surface being positioned for, upon the axial pressings of the rollers against the piston, frictionally engaging and resisting rotation of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Martin W. Chance
  • Patent number: 10165967
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Hector Hernandez-Rosas, Shawn Larvenz, Mark Dervaes, Indrawati Gauba, Michael Robert Mensinger, Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Jorge Valdes, Jacob S. Leach
  • Patent number: 10006343
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a boost system that provides boost pressure to an air intake manifold of an engine. The boost system includes a turbocharger and a supercharger that cooperate to provide the pressure boost to the air intake manifold. The boost system also includes a hybrid drive system for powering the supercharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Daniel R. Ouwenga
  • Patent number: 9915328
    Abstract: A cover hub assembly for a torque converter comprising: an axis of rotation; a cover including: an outer surface; an inner surface; and, at least two extruded pins protruding from inner surface and symmetrical about the axis of rotation; and, a cover hub including: a cylindrical wall having: a thickness; an inner cylindrical surface, symmetrical about the axis of rotation, forming an opening; and, an outer cylindrical surface symmetrical about the axis of rotation; a cover mounting portion including at least two mating holes for receiving said extruded pins; and, at least one flow groove extending from the outer cylindrical surface to the inner cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kelli Moore, Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 9890842
    Abstract: A drive train device for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The drive train device has at least one component which is included for the purpose of transmitting a torque, and at least one cast-in element which is partially cast into the component, which is included for the purpose of transmitting the torque, where the component and the cast-in element are made of different materials. The drive train device has a sealing device which is included for the purpose of sealing a junction between the component and the cast-in element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Kai Heukelbach, Bernd Koppitz, Thomas Lechthaler, Lukas Rube, Tobias Schuster, Bernhard Ziegler
  • Patent number: 9885405
    Abstract: A stator assembly of a hydrokinetic torque converter includes a stator rotatable about an axis and having a hub bore coaxial to the axis, the stator having a crimped portion, a one-way clutch mounted to the stator in the hub bore coaxially to the axis, and a retainer plate fixedly secured to the stator in hub bore by the crimped portion. A method for making a stator assembly of a hydrokinetic torque converter involves providing a stator having an axis and a hub bore that is coaxial with the axis, the hub bore containing a one-way clutch and an annular retainer plate, and crimping a portion of the stator to fixedly secure the one-way clutch and the annular retainer plate in the hub bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Alfonso Medellin, GyuBong Jeon
  • Patent number: 9869240
    Abstract: A compound engine assembly with an engine core including at least one internal combustion engine, a compressor, and a turbine section where the turbine shaft is configured to compound power with the engine shaft. The turbine section may include a first stage turbine and a second stage turbine. The turbine shaft is rotationally supported by a plurality of bearings all located on a same side of the compressor rotor(s) and all located on a same side of the turbine rotor(s), for example all located between the compressor rotor(s) and the turbine rotor(s), such that the compressor rotor(s) and the turbine rotor(s) are cantilevered. A method of driving a rotatable load of an aircraft is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Sylvain Lamarre, Mike Fontaine, Andre Julien, Michael Gaul, Jean Thomassin, Lazar Mitrovic
  • Patent number: 9421854
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: a torque converter having an input-side rotating member to which power from a prime mover is input and an output-side rotating member outputting power to drive wheels; an electric motor coupled to the input-side rotating member; a transmission coupled to the output-side rotating member of the torque converter; and a case member housing the torque converter, the electric motor, and the transmission, the case member having an air chamber and an oil chamber, the prime mover and the electric motor being disposed at positions with the torque converter interposed therebetween in an axial direction, the torque converter being housed in the air chamber, the electric motor being housed in the oil chamber the vehicle drive device further comprising a second electric motor coupled to the output-side rotating member of the torque converter, the second electric motor being disposed between the electric motor and the transmission in the axial direction in the oil chamber, an oil pressure ge
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura, Keita Imai, Sho Mizushino
  • Patent number: 9127759
    Abstract: A thrust washer for a torque converter, the thrust washer having a curved front surface with a plurality of grooves for increasing fluid flow between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the thrust washer. This increased fluid flow reduces the buildup of back pressure within the torque converter enabling better operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fingerman, Daljit Singh, Tomasz K Kietlinski, John G Rasico, Prashant Modi , Marvin G Schiemann, Willem S Haven
  • Publication number: 20150128582
    Abstract: A stator support structure supports a stator of a torque converter on a stationary shaft, and includes an inner race and an annular one-way plate. The inner race is coupled to the stationary shaft to be non-rotatable relative thereto, and has a plurality of protrusions on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The annular one-way plate is mounted to the inner peripheral surface of the stator to be non-rotatable relative thereto, and has a plurality of pawls. The pawls are configured to prevent relative rotation between the stator and the inner race by making contact with first end surfaces formed as one rotation-directional end surfaces of the plural protrusions when the stator is rotated in a first direction. The pawls are configured to allow relative rotation between the stator and the inner race by elastically deforming in a radial direction to climb over the protrusions when the stator is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Takeshi Kawamoto, Ken Mototsune
  • Patent number: 8899032
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes first and second blade plates, a one-way clutch assembly disposed axially between the blade plates and a centering plate. The one-way clutch assembly has an inner race with an outer circumferential surface, an outer race with an outer circumferential surface, and a plurality of blocking elements disposed radially between the inner race and the outer race. The centering plate includes a ring portion grippingly engaged with the outer race outer circumferential surface and an annular portion with an inner circumferential surface arranged to radially position the inner race outer circumferential surface. In an example embodiment, at least one of the blade plates is made by stamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Patent number: 8881516
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a member fixed against rotation and including engagement surfaces spaced mutually about an axis, a stator formed with pockets spaced about the axis, rockers, each rocker located in a pocket, able to pivot toward and away from engagement with the engagement surfaces, and springs, each spring urging a rocker toward engagement with the engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norman J. Bird, Dennis N. Wys, John S. Kozar, Kenneth W. May
  • Patent number: 8825127
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Apurv Ullas Kamath, James Brauker, J. Michael Dobbles
  • Patent number: 8813484
    Abstract: A starting device for a motor vehicle includes a pump connected to a prime mover and a turbine connected to a turbine shaft. The pump and turbine are hydrodynamically connected. A stator assembly is disposed between the pump and the turbine. The stator assembly houses a slidable throttle plate. In a first position, the throttle plate partially blocks a return fluid flow from the stator assembly, thereby effectively reducing the capacity of the starting device. In a second position, the throttle plate does not reduce the capacity of the starting device. The throttle plate position is a function of a balance of forces acting on the throttle plate by a biasing member and a flow of hydraulic fluid contacting the throttle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Victor M. Roses, Ted R. Skrzycke
  • Patent number: 8776971
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael Vansickle, Christian Huegel, Yannick Strub, J. Kevin Brown, Peter Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8677741
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ota, Koichi Miyamoto, Toshiya Yamashita, Shingo Eto
  • Patent number: 8613352
    Abstract: A retainer for a one-way clutch is provided. In some embodiments, the retainer includes an annular portion with an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface and a first axial surface disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface. The first axial surface has a plurality of grooves, a second axial surface is disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, and the second axial surface is configured to engage an outer race of the one-way clutch assembly. The retainer also includes a plurality of inner lobes that project generally radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface, and are configured to engage an inner race of the one-way clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals, LLC
    Inventors: Virgiliu-Adrian Savu, Damien J. Fron, Alfred J. Chiesa
  • Publication number: 20130174538
    Abstract: A torque converter of the present invention includes a pump impeller, a turbine impeller, a first stator impeller, a second stator impeller, a first one-way clutch annularly provided on the inner periphery of the first stator impeller, and a second one-way clutch annularly provided from the inner periphery of the first one-way clutch to the inner periphery of the second stator impeller. The first stator impeller is coupled to a fixed shaft via the first and second one-way clutches, and the second stator impeller is coupled to the fixed shaft only via the second one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Masato Takashima, Kouji Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8365892
    Abstract: The present invention is a ratcheting one-way clutch for an automotive component such as, for example, a stator for a torque converter. A plurality of ramp plates is provided that are positioned on either side of the catch plate. Each ramp plate includes a series of locking fingers directed at an angle toward the catch plate in a plane that enables the fingers to engage with one of the at least one windows on the catch plate. Such an engagement prevents the catch plate from rotating in the engagement direction, while the angled orientation of the locking fingers allows the catch plate to rotate freely in the opposite (freewheeling) direction. Biasing elements are proved to axially bias the ramp plates toward the centrally positioned catch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Todd J. Sturgin
  • Publication number: 20120186242
    Abstract: A starting device for a motor vehicle includes a pump connected to a prime mover and a turbine connected to a turbine shaft. The pump and turbine are hydrodynamically connected. A stator assembly is disposed between the pump and the turbine. The stator assembly houses a slidable throttle plate. In a first position, the throttle plate partially blocks a return fluid flow from the stator assembly, thereby effectively reducing the capacity of the starting device. In a second position, the throttle plate does not reduce the capacity of the starting device. The throttle plate position is a function of a balance of forces acting on the throttle plate by a biasing member and a flow of hydraulic fluid contacting the throttle plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Victor M. Roses, Ted R. Skrzycke
  • Patent number: 8186492
    Abstract: A one way clutch arranged for coupling a transmission having a stator shaft to a torque converter stator including a hub having an outer circumferential edge having a first wall extending perpendicularly therefrom and an inner circumferential edge having a hub spline arranged thereon, the first wall having at least one hub slot, and each of the at least one hub slot has a first length, a substantially cylindrical spring ring having a second wall, the second wall including at least one spring ring slot and at least one spring ring tab arranged adjacent to an open end of the at least one spring ring slot and forming at least a portion of an edge of the at least one spring ring slot, each of the at least one spring ring slot has a second length greater than the first length, the at least one hub slot in registered alignment with the at least one spring ring slot and the at least one spring ring tab arranged within and adjacent to the at least one hub slot and extends radially therethrough and a tab plate having
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Publication number: 20120073278
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes first and second blade plates, a one-way clutch assembly disposed axially between the blade plates and a centering plate. The one-way clutch assembly has an inner race with an outer circumferential surface, an outer race with an outer circumferential surface, and a plurality of blocking elements disposed radially between the inner race and the outer race. The centering plate includes a ring portion grippingly engaged with the outer race outer circumferential surface and an annular portion with an inner circumferential surface arranged to radially position the inner race outer circumferential surface. In an example embodiment, at least one of the blade plates is made by stamping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Patent number: 8141354
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter including a stator, a stator shaft, a one-way clutch including blocking elements and being connected to the stator shaft, a stator hub connecting the stator to the one-way clutch, and axial bearings supporting the stator hub, an axial length of the blocking elements being larger than an axial length between the bearings. Embodiments with blocking elements in a pump hub with an inner race with a radius similar to the stator shaft and with adjacent blocking elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Patent number: 8132656
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: a first annular element; a second annular element arranged to lockingly engage with the first element for relative rotation of the second element, with respect to the first annular element, in a first rotational direction; a third annular element at least partly rotatable about the axis and axially disposed between the first and second elements; and a fourth annular element at least partly rotatable about the axis and including a radially disposed body and an axial protrusion extending from the body and connected to the third element. The axial protrusion forms a portion of a space arranged to at least partially enclose fluid to dampen energy associated with the locking engagement of the first and second annular elements, and the first or second element is axially disposed between the third and fourth elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 8065872
    Abstract: A one-way clutch including a first radially disposed plate having at least one tab extending radially outward, and having a receiving feature or an axial protrusion; a second radially disposed plate including the other of the receiving feature or the axial protrusion; and a spacing element with at least one segment circumferentially interleaved with the at least one tab. One of the spacing element or the second plate is arranged for connection to a torque transmitting element in an automotive device, the at least one segment forms a mechanical path between first and second axial ends of the clutch, and the receiving feature and protrusion are lockingly engageable for relative rotation of the first and second plates in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Patent number: 8033371
    Abstract: A one-way clutch including a race disposed about an axis for the clutch and a wedge plate with a plurality of finger elements extending toward the race and in contact with the race. One of the plate or race is arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element in an automotive device and is arranged to rotate independently of the other of the plate or race for rotation, with respect to the other of the plate or race, in a first rotational direction. The plurality of fingers are arranged to grip the race, to rotationally lock the plate and race, for relative rotation of the plate or race in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Davis
  • Patent number: 7987958
    Abstract: A one-way clutch including first and second races with radially opposed circumferential surfaces and at least one wedge separate from the races and disposed radially between the races. The first race is arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element in an automotive device and is arranged to rotate independently of the second race for relative rotation in a first direction. A circumference for one of the circumferential surfaces has a uniform radius. A circumference for the other of the circumferential surfaces includes at least one radial protrusion. The wedge elements are arranged to engage the protrusions and the opposing circumferential surface to rotationally lock the first and second races for relative rotation of the first race in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction. During lockup, a circumferential extent of the wedge elements in contact with the second race is greater than an axial extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael Davis, William Brees
  • Patent number: 7975819
    Abstract: A bushing-type roller overrunning dutch comprising an inner and/or outer ring (4), clamping ramps (2) adapted to the needles or rollers (5), a cage (6), pressure springs (7) for the needles or rollers (5), a bushing (1) with integrally formed clamping ramps (2), and a solid inner or outer ring (4) in or on which the bushing (1) is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Frieder Altmann, Swen Dörrie, Werner Wirth, Volker Ploetz
  • Patent number: 7908849
    Abstract: A stator shell for a hydrodynamic torque converter (1), wherein said stator shell (2) comprises a plurality of blades (32, 34), wherein said stator shell (2) comprises plural components (20, 22), produced separately from one another and respectively comprising one or plural blades (32, 34) of said stator shell (2), wherein said components (20, 22) are fixated to one another and disposed relative to one another, so that blades (32, 34) of several of said components (20, 22) are disposed respectively offset relative to one another in a circumferential direction forming gaps provided in said circumferential direction extending about a central axis of the stator shell (2), wherein each of said blades (32, 34) is configured from an integral component between its respective leading edge and its respective trailing edge, so that each of the blades (32, 34) is respectively configured integrally from one of the components (20 or 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christine Buedenbender, Christian Huegel, Bruno Mueller, Christopher Shamie
  • Patent number: 7896144
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator and one-way clutch assembly including a segment of a stator, a one-way clutch engaged with the segment, and at least one elastically deformable element engaged with the segment and the clutch and arranged to dampen transfer of torque from the stator to the clutch. In some aspects, the clutch includes a first plate and the deformable element is engaged with the segment and the plate. The segment urges the deformable element against the first plate. The first plate is arranged to rotate in response to the urging. The segment and the first plate are arranged to rotationally lock. The first plate and a second plate, connected to a clutch hub, rotationally lock in response to the urging, and the segment and the first plate are arranged to rotationally lock following the locking of the first and second plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Patent number: 7878316
    Abstract: A high torque capacity one-way clutch includes a first, inner annulus nested within a second, outer annulus. The inner annulus includes a plurality of transverse grooves on its outer surface as well as a centrally disposed circumferential groove. A like plurality of moveable struts having a central opening are received within respective grooves in the inner annulus and are retained there by a circumferential band passing through the openings in the struts and received in the circumferential groove. The outer annulus includes a plurality of transverse grooves on its inner surface and receives the inner annulus, struts and circumferential band. Upon relative rotation of the annuli in one direction, the struts engage the grooves and inhibit rotation between the annuli, thereby transmitting torque. Upon relative rotation in the opposite direction, the struts slide along the inner surface of the outer annulus without engaging and thus do not transmit torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Dwayne P. Joppeck
  • Patent number: 7866454
    Abstract: A torque converter includes at least two thrust bearings disposed on respective axially-opposite sides of a radially-inward portion of a stator. The stator includes a non-rotatable member, a rotatable member, and a one-way clutch. The rotatable member has a cylindrical portion having an inner peripheral surface interlocked with the one-way clutch, and an extension portion which extends from an approximately axially-central region of the cylindrical portion in a radially-outward direction relative to the cylindrical portion, and has an axial thickness less than that of the cylindrical portion. The thrust bearings are disposed to clamp the extension portion from respective axially-opposite sides of the extension portion at respective positions located radially outwardly relative to the cylindrical portion, so as to facilitate reduction in axial dimension of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tokimori Saka
  • Patent number: 7849990
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a one-way clutch in an automotive drive component. In some aspect, the component is a stator and the clutch includes first, second, and third radially disposed elements. The first and second elements lockingly engage. The third element is between the first and second plates and hydraulically or mechanically dampens energy associated with the locking engagement. In some aspects, the third element forms structures to partially enclose torque converter fluid and one of the first or second elements rotates to causes displacement of the fluid. In some aspects, the clutch includes a fourth radially disposed element at least partially blocking openings in the first or second elements. In some aspects, the third element includes at least one elastically deformable extension and rotation of one of the first or second elements causes the first and second elements to compress the at least one elastically deformable extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Christopher Shamie, Philip George, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 7850420
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a blade for a torque converter stator including a first blade segment connected to inner and outer circumferential sections of the stator and a second blade segment, separately formed from the first blade segment, and connected to the circumferential sections. In some aspects, the blade segments are: in contact along edges, overlapped, circumferentially misaligned, at least partially folded, stamped, or cast. Configurations of the blade segments can be selected to modify performance characteristics of the stator such as torque ratio, efficiency, and capacity. In some aspects, the blade segments are in a circumferential alignment, and the stator includes an alignment element operatively arranged to control the circumferential alignment, for example, in response to pressure from fluid in the stator upon the blade. In some aspects, the stator includes axial halves, separately formed and fixedly connected and the blade segments are connected to respective halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Christopher Shamie, Aliihsan Karamavruc
  • Patent number: 7832536
    Abstract: A supporting structure for a one-way clutch supports the one-way clutch arranged between a stator of a torque converter for transmitting a torque from an engine to a transmission side via a fluid and a shaft at the transmission side. The supporting structure includes a first protrusion and a first contact plate. The first protrusion is provided at an inner periphery of the stator and protruding towards an inner-peripheral side of the stator. The first contact plate is fitted between the one-way clutch and the first protrusion of the stator and supports the one-way clutch while restraining an axial movement of the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhito Maeda, Ryousuke Iida
  • Patent number: 7770707
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator for a torque converter with first and second plates. The first plate is connected to a rim for the stator and includes at least one first opening. The second plate is connected to the a hub for the stator and includes at least one first protrusion lockingly engageable with the at least one first opening. The first plate is rotatable about an axis for the hub and the at least one first protrusion and the at least one first opening are lockingly engageable when the first plate is rotated in a first direction with respect to the axis. The at least one first protrusion and the at least one first opening are slidingly engageable when the first plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Jeffrey Hemphill, Joachim Hoffmann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7757829
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a radial one-way clutch for an automotive device, including: a first annular element; a second annular element arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element in the device; at least one engagement element radially disposed between the first and second annular elements and having at least one first interlocking feature; and an annular frictional element frictionally engaged with the engagement element. One of the first and second annular elements includes at least one second interlocking feature and is rotationally locked with the frictional element. In a first rotational direction, the frictional engagement urges the engagement element to radially displace to engage the interlocking features to rotationally connect the first and second annular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, James Habegger
  • Patent number: 7703590
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a turbine and a one-way clutch rotationally connected to said turbine and an output hub for said converter. The one-way clutch rotationally disconnects the hub and the turbine when the hub receives torque from an input transmission shaft. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is a ratchet clutch. The converter can include a torque converter clutch to lock a cover and the turbine. In some aspects, the converter includes a torque converter clutch to connect a cover, the one-way clutch, and the hub and the torque converter clutch transmits torque from the hub to the cover to start a drive unit connected to the cover. The converter can include a damper element rotationally connected to the torque converter clutch and the turbine, one-way clutch, or hub. The one-way clutch is rated to operate under multiplied drive unit torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heck, Kevin Parks
  • Publication number: 20100064675
    Abstract: Improvements in a transmission are provided for transferring power from a power source to a work unit. The pump transfers energy received from the power source into a fluid or gas. The first turbine is fixed to output shaft, and a plurality of additional turbines are fixed on either one-way overrunning clutches or multi-disc clutches and these clutches are fixed to the output shaft and after each turbine is a multi-valves that discharges the fluid or gas. After all of the multi-stage turbines a first planetary gear set connects the transmission to the vehicle or work unit. The second planetary gear set is located between the last turbine and the first planetary gear set. During braking the planetary gear set reverses turning direction of the turbines and convert the turbines into pumps where they will pump low pressure fluid to a high pressure accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Rez Mustafa
  • Patent number: 7677033
    Abstract: The present invention broadly includes a hub assembly for a torque converter having a hub arranged to rotationally connect to a transmission input shaft and includes first and second radial surfaces, a first plate rotationally connected to a turbine, rotationally connected to the hub, and fixed in a first axial direction by the first surface and a second plate rotationally connected to the first plate and fixed in a second axial direction, opposite the first direction, by the second surface. The hub assembly may include a hub having at least one radially disposed protrusion, the protrusion includes the second radial surface, and the first plate is rotationally connected to the protrusion. The hub may further include a body with a first diameter and the protrusion with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The first and second radial surfaces may be arranged to axially fix a turbine with respect to the hub, or the first and second radial surfaces may be coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Steven Olsen, Edward Smeltzer
  • Patent number: 7640734
    Abstract: A turbine hub has a through-hole extending through it in the axial direction. This through-hole is provided such that a portion of a thrust bearing covers part of the through-hole when the thrust bearing has been properly assembled onto the turbine hub, which enables assembly of the thrust bearing to be checked by the relative position relationship between the through-hole and the thrust bearing. If a portion of the thrust bearing does not cover part of the through-hole, it can be determined that either the thrust bearing is not assembled or that it has not been assembled properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Ochi, Tomohiro Matsumoto