Thomas Schmidt

Title: Thomas Schmidt: Clutch and Brake Inventions

Introduction

Thomas Schmidt is an inventor associated with Lindau, Germany, and BorgWarner Inc. His patent work includes clutch and brake mechanisms designed to manage hydraulic pressure and balance forces within mechanical systems. The supplied information lists 4 patents.

Latest Patents

Schmidt’s listed inventions include a wet clutch or friction plate brake and a snap-in balance piston.

The wet clutch or friction plate brake patent describes a balance piston arranged coaxially with a clutch hub and connected to an apply-piston support. Its design uses cooperating cylindrical contact surfaces to form an equalizing space, supporting pressure balance within the clutch assembly.

The snap-in balance piston patent concerns a clutch device in which a pressure piston moves within a housing to actuate the clutch. A balance piston creates a counterpressure force, and a latching mechanism holds it substantially stationary relative to the housing as the pressure piston moves.

Career Highlights

Schmidt’s listed patent contributions focus on components that regulate pressure and counterpressure in clutch systems. This work reflects an engineering emphasis on balancing forces and supporting reliable operation in wet clutches and related mechanisms.

Collaborations

The supplied information identifies Robert Weiss and Thomas E. Braford Jr. as Schmidt’s coworkers. It does not specify particular joint patents or projects involving them.

Conclusion

Thomas Schmidt’s listed inventions address pressure management and mechanical balance in clutch and brake assemblies, contributing to BorgWarner’s patent portfolio in this area.