James S. Brissenden - Baldwinsville NY, US Richard Bakowski - Warners NY, US
Assignee:
MAGNA POWERTRAIN USA, INC. - Troy MI
International Classification:
G06F 17/00 F16D 11/04 F16D 43/20
US Classification:
701 67, 192 6631, 192 551
Abstract:
A vehicle driveline component that includes an input member, at least one output member and a preloaded clutch that is disposed between the input member and the at least one output member. The preloaded clutch limits drive torque transmitted form the input member to each output member. The driveline component is selected from a group consisting of transfer cases, propshafts, viscous couplings and differentials. A related method is also provided.
Full-Time Transfer Case With Synchronized Range Shift Mechanism And On-Demand Differentiation Control
Richard A. Bakowski - Warners NY Richard E. Eastman - Central Square NY
Assignee:
New Venture Gear, Inc. - Troy MI
International Classification:
F16H 4802
US Classification:
475199
Abstract:
A power transfer system is disclosed for a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle. The power transfer system includes a layshaft gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.
Power Transmission Device For A Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
Richard E. Eastman - Central Square NY Richard A. Bakowski - Warners NY
Assignee:
New Venture Gear, Inc. - Troy MI
International Classification:
F16H 3708
US Classification:
475221
Abstract:
A power transmission device for converting a four wheel drive vehicle is disclosed. The device utilizes the existing highway gear ratios available on standard front wheel drive vehicles. By incorporating an additional gear ratio for both the front and rear wheels, the lower gear ratios desired by off-road users are provided.
Mechanical Clutch For Planetary-Type Gear Reduction Unit
The present invention is directed to a two-speed gear reduction unit and a shift mechanism for establishing two distinct speed ratio drive connections between an input member and an output member. More specifically, the shift mechanism includes a clutch apparatus for stopping relative rotation between the input and output members prior to shifting the gear reduction unit from its neutral operating state into either of its high-range or low-range operating states. Thus, the present invention is adapted for use in the transfer case of a four-wheel drive vehicle for shifting between four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes.
Transfer Case For Part Time Front Wheel Drive In A Four Wheel Drive Motor Vehicle
James S. Brissenden - Baldwinsville NY Richard A. Bakowski - Warners NY
Assignee:
New Venture Gear, Inc. - Troy MI
International Classification:
F16H 3708 B60K 17346
US Classification:
475204
Abstract:
The present invention provided a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer system includes a part-time transfer case having an input member rotatably driven by the vehicle's engine, first and second output members operable to rotatively drive respective front and rear axle assemblies, and an intermediate shaft through which power is selectively transferred from the input member to one or both of the first and second output members. In operation, driven rotation of the intermediate shaft causes power to be constantly delivered to the first output member and the front axle assembly for establishing a two-wheel drive mode of operation. Moreover, selective actuation of a mode shift arrangement functions to interconnect the second output member to the intermediate shaft for also delivering power to the rear axle assembly for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation.
Pyramid Lamp Medallion Control For Solar Thermal Power Generation System
Brian M. Fitzgerald - Cazenovia NY, US John D. Zalewski - Liverpool NY, US Peter M. Jacobsen - Oakland MI, US Franz Faschinger - Lannach, AT Richard A. Bakowski - Warners NY, US Philipp Ebner - Lannach, AT David W. Wenthen - Rochester Hills MI, US Burke Smith - Romeo MI, US
International Classification:
F24J 2/40 G01B 11/26
US Classification:
126578, 126601, 356138
Abstract:
A method of calibrating a mirror orientation system of a heliostat includes mounting an artificial light source to a heliostat mirror, providing an array of light sensors on a solar thermal tower and positioning the heliostat mirror at a first orientation. A control module is provided a signal indicative of a mirror drive mechanism position at the first mirror orientation. The control module correlates the signal indicative of the mechanism position with an energy distribution across the sensor array as the artificial light source is energized when the mirror is at the first orientation. The drive mechanism moves the mirror to a second orientation and directs artificial light on the sensor array. The drive mechanism position signal is correlated with an energy distribution across the sensor array based on the second mirror orientation. The heliostat is calibrated based on the energy distributions and the drive mechanism position signals.
Brian M. Fitzgerald - Cazenovia NY, US John D. Zalewski - Liverpool NY, US Franz Faschinger - Lannach, AT Richard A. Bakowski - Warners NY, US Philipp Ebner - Lannach, AT David W. Wenthen - Rochester Hills MI, US Burke Smith - Romeo MI, US Peter M. Jacobsen - Oakland MI, US
International Classification:
F24J 2/54 H01L 31/052
US Classification:
136246, 126606
Abstract:
A heliostat for reflecting sunlight toward a target includes a first structure supporting a mirror including inner and outer tubes being rotatable relative to one another. A first actuator includes an electric motor driving a reduction gearset to rotate one of the first tubes and rotate the mirror about a first axis. A second structure also includes inner and outer rotatable tubes. A second actuator includes a second electric motor driving a reduction gearset to rotate the mirror about a second axis.