Michael K Hodge

US Patent:

6351926, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Jan 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/487168

Inventors:

Michael J. Hodge - Brunswick OH
Gregg H. Mertens - Parma Hts. OH

Assignee:

Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. - Streetsboro OH

International Classification:

B65B 106

US Classification:

53473, 53459

Abstract:

An improved loading assembly in a packaging system utilizing chains of interconnected preopened bags is disclosed. The assembly includes an elongated chute component including a tubular portion having spaced end loading and exit openings. The chute is movably mounted adjacent a load station for sequential cooperation with bags sequentially registered in and opened at the load station. A gate is mounted on the chute. The gate is movable between a closed position closing the exit opening and an open position for transfer of products being packaged from positions within the chute into registered bags. The gate includes a canning arrangement for moving the gate from its closed to its open position. A spring against the gate for urging the gate toward its closed position. A process of packaging using the assembly is also disclosed.

US Patent:

20120067687, Mar 22, 2012

Filed:

Jun 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/166671

Inventors:

Michael HODGE - Creston OH, US
Jeffrey HEMPHILL - Copley OH, US

Assignee:

SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO., KG - Buhl

International Classification:

F16D 13/75
F16D 13/38

US Classification:

192 663, 1921112

Abstract:

A pivot ring for a clutch assembly which has a first annular segment, a second annular segment, and a radial segment. The first annular segment has a first face on a front side of the pivot ring and the second annular segment has a second face, predominately opposing the first face, on a back side of the ring. The radial segment is disposed between the first annular segment and the second annular segment, connecting the first annular segment and the second annular segment. The first annular segment, the second annular segment, or both the first annular segment and the second annular segment can include axial protrusions with arcuately shaped pivot portions. Preferably, in the clutch assembly, the pivot ring is disposed between the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate, allowing for rotational freedom between the pressure plate and the diaphragm spring.

US Patent:

20220412412, Dec 29, 2022

Filed:

Jun 28, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/359740

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Michael Hodge - Creston OH, US
Carsten Behler - Wooster OH, US

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F16D 41/12

Abstract:

A one-way clutch, including: an outer race; an inner race; and a rocker assembly. The outer race includes: a first outer race plate defining a first rocker pocket; and a second outer race plate non-rotatably connected to the first outer race plate and defining a second rocker pocket. The inner race is axially disposed between the first and second outer race plates. The rocker assembly is at least partly disposed in the first and second rocker pockets and includes a rocker arranged to contact the inner race, a spring guide including a spring arm, and a spring wrapped around the spring arm and urging the rocker in a pivot direction. The one-way clutch includes: a first annular thrust washer axially disposed between the first outer race plate and the inner race; or a friction-reducing coating adhered to the first outer race plate and facing the inner race.

US Patent:

20230008408, Jan 12, 2023

Filed:

Jul 7, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/368897

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Michael Hodge - Creston OH, US
Tobias Heumann - Arberg, DE

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F16H 63/34
B60T 1/00
F16C 1/16

Abstract:

A cable actuated multi-pawl park lock includes an actuator, a first park lock device arranged for engaging a first gear wheel, a first cable connecting the actuator to the first park lock device, a second park lock device arranged for engaging a second gear wheel, and a second cable connecting the actuator to the second park lock device. In some example embodiments, the actuator includes an actuator housing, the first park lock device includes a first park lock housing, the first cable includes a first outer jacket having a first end fixed to the actuator housing and a second end fixed to the first park lock housing, the second park lock device includes a second park lock housing, and the second cable includes a second outer jacket having a first end fixed to the actuator housing and a second end fixed to the second park lock housing.

US Patent:

20210054886, Feb 25, 2021

Filed:

Jul 17, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/931822

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Michael Hodge - Creston OH, US

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F16D 41/12
F16D 41/04

Abstract:

A clutch assembly includes an outer ring having a first and second pocket, and an inner ring. A strut and pawl may be disposed within the first and second pockets. The pawl may be configured such that rotation of the strut pushes the pawl toward teeth of the inner ring for engagement therewith. In a first mode of operation, the pawl does not contact the teeth and the inner ring is free to rotate in the first and second rotational directions. In a second mode of operation, the pawl is in partial engagement with the teeth and the inner ring is free to rotate in the second rotational direction and prevented from rotation in the first rotational direction. In a third mode of operation, the pawl is in full engagement with the teeth and the inner ring is prevented from rotation in both the first and the second rotational directions.

US Patent:

20200400200, Dec 24, 2020

Filed:

Jun 16, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/902442

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Michael Hodge - Creston OH, US

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F16D 13/64
F16D 13/52
F16D 48/06

Abstract:

A clutch assembly comprises a first clutch member configured to selectively couple a first torque input and a second torque input for torque transmission therebetween. The clutch assembly includes a second clutch member configured to selectively couple the second torque input and a third torque input for torque transmission therebetween. In one embodiment, the first clutch member is nested radially inside the first torque input, the second torque input is nested radially inside the first clutch member, the second clutch member is nested radially within the second torque input, and the third torque input is nested radially within the second clutch member.

US Patent:

20200309205, Oct 1, 2020

Filed:

Mar 29, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/368947

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Michael Hodge - Creston OH, US

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F16D 41/16

Abstract:

A switchable clutch, including: a first race including a pocket; a second race radially offset from the first race; a pawl including a portion disposed in the pocket and pivotable within the pocket; and a cage radially disposed between the first race and the second race and including a ramp. The ramp includes: a first surface; and a second surface sloping radially and circumferentially from the first surface. The first surface does not slope radially along a first circumferential direction. In a locked mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch, the pawl is in contact with the first surface and the outer race, and the first race and the second race are non-rotatably connected. In a freewheel mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch, the pawl is in contact with the second surface, and relative rotation of the first race with respect to the second race is enabled.

US Patent:

20200232515, Jul 23, 2020

Filed:

Jan 21, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/748401

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Michael Hodge - Creston OH, US

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F16D 11/14

Abstract:

A clutch coupler assembly for a hybrid transmission having a first torque input, a second torque input, and a torque output comprises a sleeve fixed to the first torque input and an output hub connected to an output shaft of the torque output. A first ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the output hub and fixed to the sleeve such that the first torque input is always coupled to the torque output. An input hub is connected to an input shaft of the second torque input and a second ring is disposed on an outer diameter of the input hub. A sliding collar is mounted on the first ring and is configured to engage with the second ring to selectively connect the second torque input to the torque output.