The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 27, 1999
Filed:
May. 29, 1997
Dave W Hein, Oakdale, MN (US);
Horton, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for controlling the transmission of rotational forces between first (14) and second (66) members through an axially shiftable friction element (56) that rotates in unison with the first member (14) and can be selectively brought into engagement with the second member (66) is provided with a forced air cooling system that functions to cool the interface between the friction element (56) and the second member (66), as well as a first bearing (54) allowing relative rotation between the friction element (56) and an actuation member (38). A flow of cooling air is developed during operation of the apparatus by fins (172,174) formed about an outer radial surface portion of the friction element (56) and the air is caused to flow through enlarged lobe cut-out sections (156) in the second member (66) along the interface and through holes (164) formed in the friction element (56) which are arranged opposite the first bearing (54). The apparatus also incorporates a power transfer assembly that is extends directly adjacent an additional rotatable support bearing (30,80) that is mounted directly adjacent an end portion (16,18) on the first member (14). The power transfer assembly includes a coupling unit (102,137) which interconnects a power transfer member (88,126) to the end portion (16,18) of the first member (14) by developing a radial clamping force therebetween, while also functioning to axially retain the additional bearing (30,80) without inducing axially stresses on the additional bearing (30,80) during operation of the apparatus (10).