Stephen J Grotzinger

US Patent:

6854576, Feb 15, 2005

Filed:

Mar 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/094390

Inventors:

John H. Dahlin - LaGrangeville NY, US
Stephen J. Grotzinger - Hopewell Junction NY, US

International Classification:

F16D013/58

US Classification:

192 13R, 192110 B, 192115

Abstract:

A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure in or near the clutch assembly, e. g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting. Furthermore, the various embodiments according to the present invention substantially enhance the bearing life, increase the positional stability of the clutch assembly in its normal operation, enhance the useful life of the clutch components, reduce wear on the transmission and starter assemblies, provide increased starter efficiency, reduce drive-line backlash, and potentially enhance performance by increasing available power by reducing power lost in the clutch assembly and associated bearing and connecting elements, without disturbing traditional outboard clutch deployment. Additional inventive embodiments include clutch hub braking mechanisms to further enhance clutch operation.

US Patent:

7320390, Jan 22, 2008

Filed:

Feb 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/057810

Inventors:

John H. Dahlin - LaGrangeville NY, US
Stephen J. Grotzinger - Hopewell Junction NY, US

International Classification:

F16D 13/58

US Classification:

192 13R, 192 70251, 192110 B, 1921116, 192115

Abstract:

A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure in or near the clutch assembly, e. g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting. Furthermore, the various embodiments according to the present invention substantially enhance the bearing life, increase the positional stability of the clutch assembly in its normal operation, enhance the useful life of the clutch components, reduce wear on the transmission and starter assemblies, provide increased starter efficiency, reduce drive-line backlash, and potentially enhance performance by increasing available power by reducing power lost in the clutch assembly and associated bearing and connecting elements, without disturbing traditional outboard clutch deployment. Additional inventive embodiments include clutch hub braking mechanisms to further enhance clutch operation.

US Patent:

6474459, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Jan 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/476534

Inventors:

John H. Dahlin - LaGrangeville NY 12540
Stephen J. Grotzinger - Hopewell Junction NY 12533
Joseph H. Pistner - Saint Marys PA 15857

International Classification:

F16D 1358

US Classification:

192110B, 192115

Abstract:

A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure near the clutch assembly, e. g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting. Furthermore, the various embodiments according to the present invention substantially enhance the bearing life, increase the positional stability of the clutch assembly in its normal operation, enhance the useful life of the clutch components, reduce wear on the transmission and starter assemblies, provide increased starter efficiency, reduce drive-line backlash, and potentially enhance performance by increasing available power by reducing power lost in the clutch assembly and associated bearing and connecting elements, without disturbing traditional outboard clutch deployment.