Thaddeus F Zlotek

20090095591, Apr 16, 2009

Oct 12, 2007

11/871542

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Center Line MI, US

F16D 23/00

192 63, 192114 R

A retainer for sprags in an overrunning clutch is provided. The retainer is disposed between the inner and outer races of the clutch. The retainer includes first and second rings disposed about an axis and axially spaced from one another and a plurality of cross bars extending between the first and second rings. The plurality of cross bars are circumferentially spaced and define a plurality of openings. Each opening is configured to receive one of the sprags disposed between the inner and outer races of the clutch. At least the cross bars of the retainer are made from a tool steel, preferably S7 tool steel. The construction of the retainer increases the abrasion resistance of the retainer and extends the service life of the clutch.

47563958, Jul 12, 1988

Dec 3, 1985

6/804802

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Center Line MI

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

F16D 4107

192 41A

An overrunning clutch includes an actuating ring to displace sprags from the race surfaces in the overrunning mode to reduce sprag wear. The actuating ring is positioned in the radial space between the inner and outer races and is cooperative with the sprag retainer to lift the sprags from engagement with the race surfaces in the overrunning mode. In a first embodiment, an actuating ring carries a plurality of circumference distributed tilt pads which are spaced axially from the sprags. Each tilt pad is pivotally mounted on the actuating ring and includes a shoe portion. The rotation of the inner race causes the shoe portion to experience hydrodynamic drag against the lubricant on the inner race surface. The drag tends to displace the ring relative to the sprag retainer and thereby contact the sprags and pivot them out of surface contact with the inner race. In a second embodiment, the actuating ring takes the form of a sleeve bushing with recesses formed in the inner radial surface.

41620003, Jul 24, 1979

May 31, 1977

5/801816

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Warren MI

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

F16D 4107

192 41A

A one-way clutch assembly having an annular outer race and an annular inner race, and a plurality of sprags spaced circumferentially within the space defined by the outer and inner races adapted to connect the outer and inner races during relative rotation thereof in one direction and to permit relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction. The sprags have camming surfaces at opposite ends thereof formed on arcs having their centers located within the profile of the sprag, while the terminal portion of at least one of the camming surfaces is formed on an arc having a center point outside the profile of the sprag.

46217207, Nov 11, 1986

Dec 26, 1985

6/813538

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Center Line MI

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

F16D 4104

192 4892

A two speed drive system for rotatable devices having large moments of inertia. The drive system has two input driving members each of which is adapted to be driven as an input drive member. One of said members being a first speed driving member an the other of said members being a second speed driving member. The two driving members are coaxial with respect to each other and carry inner races for respective one-way over-running input clutches. An output drive member is also disposed coaxially with respect to the input drive members and carries an inner race for a one-way over-running clutch. A cylindrical outer race is disposed about the inner races of the first input drive member, the second input drive member and the output drive member. One-way drive means are disposed between the respective inner and outer races to complete the clutches. The first and second speed drive member drive from the inner to the outer races while the output drive member drives from the outer to the inner race.

42917956, Sep 29, 1981

Feb 22, 1979

6/013959

Loris J. Charchian - Troy MI
Donald O. Emmons - Novi MI
Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Warren MI

F16D 1374

192113B

A backstop and standby drive coupling using a sprag-type clutch is disclosed. The coupling includes a lubrication arrangement providing oil lubrication and cooling from an external supply and internal recirculation from an internal sump. Lubrication flow paths for distributing oil to critical parts of the coupling and to control the flow of surplus oil are provided.

50709763, Dec 10, 1991

Dec 27, 1990

7/634903

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Center Line MI

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

F16D 4107

192 451

An improved sprag clutch is disclosed. A retainer for the sprags is generally U-shaped in cross-section. Legs at each axial end of the retainer extend radially outwardly of a central planar portion, which has notches to position the sprags. The U-shaped cross-section allows the use of a thin metal for forming the retainer body. A disclosed sprag has a single central spring notch at its inner periphery, and a solid contact surface at its outer periphery.

53378695, Aug 16, 1994

Dec 15, 1992

7/991021

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Center Line MI

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

F16D 4107

192 451

A sprag retainer includes a cross member central portion which is biased into contact with an inner peripheral surface of an outer race. The central portion is spaced slightly radially outwardly from axial ends of the retainer. Thus, only the central portion contacts the outer race. The axial ends provide pilot diameters to ensure that the retainer is properly inserted into the outer race. The cross member forms a spring-like structure also assisting in the insertion of the retainer.

48785709, Nov 7, 1989

Jan 25, 1988

7/147854

Thaddeus F. Zlotek - Center Line MI

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

F16D 4107

192 45

A linearly extending metallic element includes at least one relatively hard arcuate surface formed by ion implantation. The elements are utilized in an overrunning clutch and can be rollers or sprags. The clutch roller has the entire arcuate surface treated while the clutch sprag has only the opposed arcuate ends treated. In addition, tracks on the inner and outer races of a clutch can have relatively hard surfaces formed by ion implantation for contacting the rollers and the sprags.