Sonnax Industries, Inc.

Sonnax Transmission Company

Markem Corporation

Michael G Morin

Graham D Walter

Gary F Fowler

John H Johansen

Methods of repairing a torque converter that enable the continued use of a torque converter and result in a repaired torque converter with a higher-strength and more durable construction. In some examples, a backing ring can be replaced with a replacement backing ring that includes a spline ring for replacing the function of a cover spline ring. In some examples, a method of repairing a torque converter can be improved by providing a replacement backing ring with a radial protrusion for locating the backing ring on the cover, and a method of determining an axial location of the radial protrusion.

Torque converters and methods and devices for rebuilding torque converters

A heavy-duty replacement torque converter cover for an automatic transmission designed to withstand the mechanical stresses generated during the torque converter lock-up cycle and other peak torque events in diesel engine pick-up trucks is disclosed. The present cover includes an internal spline that achieves up to a 70% increase in spline tooth engagement with a mating friction plate in the lock-up clutch in comparison to the original equipment cover providing increased torque capacity to the lock-up clutch. This is accomplished by machining a true internal spline within the cover on gear shaping equipment instead of utilizing the so-called Grob cold forming method, which provides only a simulated internal spline comprised of interlocking embossments having substantially less torque capacity than the present internal spline. The present cover also provides a thicker lock-up clutch surface, increased structural support for stud weldments, reduced stress cracking, improved heat dissipation, and increased service longevity.

Heavy-duty cover for torque converter

A direct replacement impeller hub for the torque converter of an automatic transmission and a method of repairing an impeller assembly utilizing the replacement impeller hub to provide increased service longevity. In the present impeller hub the geometric roundness characteristic of the impeller hub is controlled to an exacting tolerance during the manufacturing process in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) definitions to provide a close tolerance fit within a mating bearing sleeve. The present impeller hub is also finish ground in accordance with ANSI definitions to reduce surface friction and to provide an optimal sealing surface for engagement with a radial seal, which is disposed about the impeller hub sealing it to prevent contaminants from entering the hydraulic pump of the transmission. The present impeller hub also includes additional structural features such as fillet radii machined on selected features to facilitate assembly of the torque converter.

Impeller hub for torque converter

A special purpose tool for manual installation and removal of bushings or sleeve bearings from press fit bearing housings within automotive engines, transmissions, and other machinery with no resultant damage to the housing is disclosed. The present tool is comprised of a cylindrical body member including a pilot diameter, which aligns the tool in coaxial relation to the bushing and a bushing locating journal that engages the bushing to be removed. A plurality of machine screws are disposed in the body member at predetermined radial positions. To remove a bushing the machine screws are advanced axially within threaded holes such that the machine screw threads tap into and capture the worn bushing and/or bearing sleeve and the tool is withdrawn. The present tool is also utilized to manually install new bushings into housings and other components by removal of the aforementioned machine screws.

Bushing removal and installation tool

A printing pressure adjustment system and a method for adjusting the pressure applied by a print head against a backup member are disclosed. The adjustment system includes an elongated member that is slidably displaceable with respect to an outer surface of the print head. The elongated member has an inclined bearing surface on which a biasing member is positioned in order to apply a force to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a load transfer surface for transferring the biasing force to the print head.

Growing community of inventors

Keene, NH, United States of America

Michael G Morin