192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Fluent material
Reexamination Certificate
2006-12-28
2009-12-08
Wright, Dirk (Department: 3655)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Fluent material
Reexamination Certificate
active
07628262
ABSTRACT:
A system for controlling the engagement and disengagement of a viscous type coupling is accomplished by controlling the relative positioning of a spring loaded valve arm relative to a fluid port through the use of an electrically-activated, temperature-sensitive member, such as a NiTi wire. The characteristics of shape memory alloy materials are such that they are hard above a predetermined temperature, but soft and ductile below a predetermined temperature. When engagement or disengagement of the coupling is desired, electrical current is introduced through the member, therein heating it above a predetermined temperature to harden it. This hardening causes the valve arm to either move to either cover or uncover a fluid port, depending upon the design arrangement of the valve arm relative to the fluid port. A controller coupled to a plurality of engine operating sensors and a power source controls the electrical activation as a function of a desired operating condition.
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patent: 7503444 (2009-03-01), Bohan
Barnum Stephen T.
Tuttle Michael D.
Borg-Warner Inc.
Wright Dirk
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