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:
Jun. 08, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 12, 2002
John M. Kremer, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
BorgWarner, Inc., Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A clutch assembly ( ) having an inner race ( ), an outer race ( ), and an engagement mechanism ( ) disposed between the inner and outer races. The engagement mechanism ( ) is operable to move between a disengaged position wherein the inner and outer races may freely rotate in one direction relative to one another and an engaged position wherein in the inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween in the opposite rotational direction. The inner race ( ) and outer race ( ) may be defined by a plurality of plates ( ) and layers of elastomer ( ) that are disposed between adjacent plates in laminated fashion. The inner race and/or outer race may further include at least one bearing surface through which a force may be translated. The bearing surface is defined by a plurality of plates ( ) that are offset relative to an adjacent plate by a predetermined distance. The elastomeric layer ( ) allows movement of the offset plate ( ) in the direction of a force acting on the bearing surface such that the offset plates ( ) and the elastomeric layers ( ) act to absorb energy and dampen noise and vibration when the bearing surface is subjected to a force.