Daniel V Gochenour

US Patent:

6371266, Apr 16, 2002

Filed:

Apr 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/560238

Inventors:

Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN
Christopher D. Cole - Ft. Wayne IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 6702

US Classification:

192 13R, 192 7013, 192 98, 192 8924

Abstract:

A clutch release mechanism is slideably disposed over a driven shaft to transfer force from a plurality of levers or springs to a pressure plate. The release mechanism is axially displaced to engage or release a clutch. A modular release mechanism disclosed herein comprises a release sleeve which is slideably disposed on a driven shaft, the release sleeve has an axis of rotation, a first end and a second end. The release sleeve has a lever engagement portion disposed at the first end for contact with a release lever. A bearing is disposed about the axis of rotation and has an inward race and an outer race. The release sleeve has a bearing housing portion disposed at the second end for receiving the bearing. The bearing housing portion has a shoulder for locating the bearing therein. The bearing housing portion has a retainer for securing the bearing therein by limiting the axial travel of the bearing relative to the release sleeve when the outer race of the bearing is disposed between the shoulder of the bearing housing portion and the retainer.

US Patent:

6415899, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Oct 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/686230

Inventors:

Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN
Arif Mirza - Fort Wayne IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 1371

US Classification:

192 7014, 192107 R

Abstract:

A pressure plate for a motor vehicle includes an annular disc having a first frictional engagement surface. The first frictional engagement surface has an annular initial engagement region substantially normal to the axis of rotation, and a secondary engagement region disposed radially inwardly of the initial engagement region defining a concave surface within the pressure plate.

US Patent:

6578690, Jun 17, 2003

Filed:

Apr 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/845919

Inventors:

Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 2508

US Classification:

192 85CA, 192 8924, 192 91 A

Abstract:

A fluid pressure operated actuator mechanism for a friction clutch is provided that includes a housing having a generally annular piston disposed therein that is operatively engaged with a resilient member that is pivotably connected to a clutch throw-out bearing. The piston is reciprocally received in a cylinder that possesses a longitudinal axis coaxial with a longitudinal axis of a clutch output shaft. The cylinder is in communication with a plurality of ducts formed in the housing that supply fluid pressure to the piston. The piston, when pressurized, causes the resilient member to pivot about a fulcrum member to redirect the force generated by the piston. The redirected force of the piston causes the bearing and a connected clutch spring to move in a direction away from the friction clutch to disengage the clutch.

US Patent:

6609602, Aug 26, 2003

Filed:

Aug 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/943497

Inventors:

Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN
Martin E. Kummer - Auburn IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 314

US Classification:

192105C, 192105 CP, 192109 R, 192 93 R

Abstract:

A centrifugal master friction clutch having an installation device is provided that includes a cover assembly fixed for rotation with an engine flywheel and at least one friction plate fixed for rotation with a transmission input shaft. The cover assembly includes a pressure plate for applying a clamping force against the friction plate and a plurality of flyweights that rotate outward under the effects of centrifugal force to cause the pressure plate to exert a clamping force against the friction plate. The clutch installation device includes a first member rotatably disposed in the cover assembly radially inward of the flyweights. A portion of the first member is configured to engage at least one of the flyweights to force the engaged flyweight to rotate outward. A second member is included for engagably limiting the degree of rotation of the first member. A method of installing a centrifugal clutch is also described.

US Patent:

6633806, Oct 14, 2003

Filed:

Aug 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/943042

Inventors:

Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

G06F 700

US Classification:

701 51, 701 67, 477 5, 477 74, 192 532

Abstract:

A control system/method for controlling a vehicle drive-train system including an internal combustion engine, a transmission and a centrifugal clutch for drivingly coupling an engine output to a transmission input shaft. A system controller issues command output signals for controlling engine speed in order to prevent damage and/or overheating of the clutch during periods of prolonged operation of the clutch in a partially engaged state.

US Patent:

6634479, Oct 21, 2003

Filed:

Mar 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/113313

Inventors:

Martin E. Kummer - Auburn IN
Daniel Gochenour - Auburn IN
Steven Peterson - Auburn IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 4308

US Classification:

192105CP, 192 30 V, 192109 R

Abstract:

An actuation module of a centrifugal clutch incorporates a plurality of actuating weights mounted on pivot links. The weights pivot radially outwardly under centrifugal forces induced by rotation of the actuation module. One weight is secured to each of the pivot links, and springs counter the radially outward movements of the weights. Each weight defines a slot; a roller is disposed in each of the slots. Each slot defines a pair of spaced walls; each of the rollers is rotatable on an axle secured between one pair of walls. The rollers engage cam ramps that rotate with the module but are axially displaceable with respect thereto for engagement and disengagement of the clutch. Each pair of walls is oriented in direction of pivotal movement of its associated weight. A roller thrust plate is secured between each roller and the wall of the slot spaced farthest away from the pivot link.

US Patent:

6666313, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Mar 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/107916

Inventors:

Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN
Michael L. Bassett - Aubrun IN
Kevin F. Schlosser - Auburn IN
Mark L. Beakas - Auburn IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 4702

US Classification:

192 5561, 192 7017, 192 85 AA, 192 847

Abstract:

A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.

US Patent:

6808055, Oct 26, 2004

Filed:

Apr 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/427127

Inventors:

Martin E. Kummer - Auburn IN
Daniel V. Gochenour - Auburn IN

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16D 314

US Classification:

192105C, 192 93 R, 192105 CP, 192109 R

Abstract:

An installation device for a centrifugal clutch is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal clutch includes a clutch cover, a pressure plate for applying a clamping force against a friction plate, and at least one flyweight that moves radially outward under the effects of centrifugal force to cause the pressure plate to exert a clamping force against the friction plate. The installation device includes an installation hub moveable relative to the clutch cover between a first position, wherein the installation hub is engaged with the flyweight to force the engaged flyweight to move radially outward, and a second position, wherein the installation hub is disengaged from the flyweight. A resilient member biases the installation hub toward the second position and is selectively engaged with the clutch cover to inhibit movement of the installation hub toward the first position.