Patents by Inventor James F. Ziech
James F. Ziech has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11926206Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle assembly including a first motor-generator assembly, a second motor generator assembly, an axle housing, a first axle half shaft drivingly connected to the first motor-generator assembly and a second axle half shaft drivingly connected to the second motor-generator assembly. The first and second motor-generator assemblies each include a motor-generator and a housing and gear carrier portion. The axle housing includes a first axle tube portion, a second axle tube portion, a center portion, and an opening extending through the center portion of the axle housing, wherein the first axle tube portion and the second axle tube portion are disposed on axial opposite sides of the central portion. The first and second half shafts extended into the opening of the axle housing, and the first motor-generator assembly and the second motor-generator assembly are connected to the axle housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11760195Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Joshua A. Perry, William F. Waltz, George A. Willford, James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11679662Abstract: An electric vehicle comprising a portal axle architecture. The electric vehicle having a frame. An axle assembly including a De Dion tube. A first wheel hub and a second wheel hub rotatably coupled with the De Dion tube. A suspension system coupled with the vehicle frame, the suspension system having at least one pair of trailing arms pivotally coupled with the vehicle frame and at least one pair of air springs. A first electric drive assembly in driving engagement with the first wheel hub, and a second electric drive assembly in driving engagement with the second wheel hub.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11639094Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain is provided. The hybrid drivetrain comprises a power source, a transmission, and a tandem axle assembly. The transmission includes a primary clutch and is drivingly engaged with the power source. The tandem axle assembly includes a first axle and a second axle and is drivingly engaged with the transmission. One of the transmission and the tandem axle assembly includes a first motor generator in electrical communication with a battery. The first motor generator and the primary clutch facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain as a hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes. The hybrid drivetrain may further comprise second and third motor generators in electrical communication with the battery to facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Raymond J. Haka, Krishna Kumar, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11460096Abstract: An electric drive axle for a motor vehicle including an axle housing, an electric motor having an output shaft directly driven by a bevel pinion gear coupled thereto, a fixed ratio planetary gear arrangement, a differential unit including a differential gear arrangement housed within a differential case and a first clutch selectively operable to connect a portion of the planetary gear set to a stationary member of the drive axle so that the drive axle operates in a first gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Publication number: 20220297537Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Joshua A. PERRY, William F. WALTZ, George A. WILLFORD, James F. ZIECH
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Patent number: 11433765Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLCInventors: Joshua A. Perry, William F. Waltz, George A. Willford, James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11220150Abstract: An electric axle drivetrain assembly for use in a vehicle. The electric axle drivetrain assembly includes a motor that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a differential assembly. Drivingly connected to ends of the differential assembly is a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft. At least a portion of a first and second wheel end assembly is connected to at least a portion of an end of the first and second axle half shafts opposite the differential assembly. A vehicle suspension system having a support member has a first hub carrier portion connected to a first end portion thereof and a second hub carrier portion connected to a second end portion thereof. Connected to at least a portion of a chassis is the motor and/or the differential assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Laforce, Seth A. Metzger, Brian Thisse, Robert L. Vailliencourt, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
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Publication number: 20210291635Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle assembly including a first motor-generator assembly, a second motor generator assembly, an axle housing, a first axle half shaft drivingly connected to the first motor-generator assembly and a second axle half shaft drivingly connected to the second motor-generator assembly. The first and second motor-generator assemblies each include a motor-generator and a housing and gear carrier portion. The axle housing includes a first axle tube portion, a second axle tube portion, a center portion, and an opening extending through the center portion of the axle housing, wherein the first axle tube portion and the second axle tube portion are disposed on axial opposite sides of the central portion. The first and second half shafts extended into the opening of the axle housing, and the first motor-generator assembly and the second motor-generator assembly are connected to the axle housing assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventor: James F. ZIECH
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Publication number: 20210293314Abstract: An electric drive axle for a motor vehicle including an axle housing, an electric motor having an output shaft directly driven by a bevel pinion gear coupled thereto, a fixed ratio planetary gear arrangement, a differential unit including a differential gear arrangement housed within a differential case and a first clutch selectively operable to connect a portion of the planetary gear set to a stationary member of the drive axle so that the drive axle operates in a first gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventor: James F. ZIECH
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Publication number: 20210260986Abstract: An electric vehicle comprising a portal axle architecture. The electric vehicle having a frame. An axle assembly including a De Dion tube. A first wheel hub and a second wheel hub rotatably coupled with the De Dion tube. A suspension system coupled with the vehicle frame, the suspension system having at least one pair of trailing arms pivotally coupled with the vehicle frame and at least one pair of air springs. A first electric drive assembly in driving engagement with the first wheel hub, and a second electric drive assembly in driving engagement with the second wheel hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventor: James F. ZIECH
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Publication number: 20210221214Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain is provided. The hybrid drivetrain comprises a power source, a transmission, and a tandem axle assembly. The transmission includes a primary clutch and is drivingly engaged with the power source. The tandem axle assembly includes a first axle and a second axle and is drivingly engaged with the transmission. One of the transmission and the tandem axle assembly includes a first motor generator in electrical communication with a battery. The first motor generator and the primary clutch facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain as a hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes. The hybrid drivetrain may further comprise second and third motor generators in electrical communication with the battery to facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Raymond J. HAKA, Krishna KUMAR, Steven J. WESOLOWSKI, James F. ZIECH
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Patent number: 11065949Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle assembly including a first motor-generator assembly, a second motor generator assembly, an axle housing, a first axle half shaft drivingly connected to the first motor-generator assembly and a second axle half shaft drivingly connected to the second motor-generator assembly. The first and second motor-generator assemblies each include a motor-generator and a housing and gear carrier portion. The axle housing includes a first axle tube portion, a second axle tube portion, a center portion, and an opening extending through the center portion of the axle housing, wherein the first axle tube portion and the second axle tube portion are disposed on axial opposite sides of the central portion. The first and second half shafts extended into the opening of the axle housing, and the first motor-generator assembly and the second motor-generator assembly are connected to the axle housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11054009Abstract: An electric drive axle for a motor vehicle including an axle housing, an electric motor having an output shaft directly driven by a bevel pinion gear coupled thereto, a fixed ratio planetary gear arrangement, a differential unit including a differential gear arrangement housed within a differential case and a first clutch selectively operable to connect a portion of the planetary gear set to a stationary member of the drive axle so that the drive axle operates in a first gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 11001134Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain is provided. The hybrid drivetrain comprises a power source, a transmission, and a tandem axle assembly. The transmission includes a primary clutch and is drivingly engaged with the power source. The tandem axle assembly includes a first axle and a second axle and is drivingly engaged with the transmission. One of the transmission and the tandem axle assembly includes a first motor generator in electrical communication with a battery. The first motor generator and the primary clutch facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain as a hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes. The hybrid drivetrain may further comprise second and third motor generators in electrical communication with the battery to facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLCInventors: Raymond J. Haka, Krishna Kumar, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 10974586Abstract: An electric vehicle comprising a portal axle architecture. The electric vehicle having a frame. An axle assembly including a De Dion tube. A first wheel hub and a second wheel hub rotatably coupled with the De Dion tube. A suspension system coupled with the vehicle frame, the suspension system having at least one pair of trailing arms pivotally coupled with the vehicle frame and at least one pair of air springs. A first electric drive assembly in driving engagement with the first wheel hub, and a second electric drive assembly in driving engagement with the second wheel hub.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Publication number: 20200346506Abstract: An electric axle drivetrain assembly for use in a vehicle. The electric axle drivetrain assembly includes a motor that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a differential assembly. Drivingly connected to ends of the differential assembly is a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft. At least a portion of a first and second wheel end assembly is connected to at least a portion of an end of the first and second axle half shafts opposite the differential assembly. A vehicle suspension system having a support member has a first hub carrier portion connected to a first end portion thereof and a second hub carrier portion connected to a second end portion thereof. Connected to at least a portion of a chassis is the motor and/or the differential assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2018Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Nicholas W. LAFORCE, Seth A. METZGER, Brian THISSE, Robert L. VAILLIENCOURT, Steven J. WESOLOWSKI, James F. ZIECH
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Publication number: 20200300346Abstract: An electric drive axle for a motor vehicle including an axle housing, an electric motor having an output shaft directly driven by a bevel pinion gear coupled thereto, a fixed ratio planetary gear arrangement, a differential unit including a differential gear arrangement housed within a differential case and a first clutch selectively operable to connect a portion of the planetary gear set to a stationary member of the drive axle so that the drive axle operates in a first gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2017Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLCInventor: JAMES F. ZIECH
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Publication number: 20200269675Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain is provided. The hybrid drivetrain comprises a power source, a transmission, and a tandem axle assembly. The transmission includes a primary clutch and is drivingly engaged with the power source. The tandem axle assembly includes a first axle and a second axle and is drivingly engaged with the transmission. One of the transmission and the tandem axle assembly includes a first motor generator in electrical communication with a battery. The first motor generator and the primary clutch facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain as a hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes. The hybrid drivetrain may further comprise second and third motor generators in electrical communication with the battery to facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: August 27, 2020Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLCInventors: RAYMOND J. HAKA, KRISHNA KUMAR, STEVEN J. WESOLOWSKI, JAMES F. ZIECH
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Publication number: 20200164734Abstract: Regular series-parallel hybrid electric powertrains (powersplit eCVT) are two-motor HEV propulsion systems mated with a planetary gear, and most mild or full parallel hybrid systems are single motor systems with a gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled with an electric machine. Coupling a ball-type continuously variable planetary (CVP), such as a VariGlide®, with one electric machine enables the creation of a parallel HEV architecture with the CVP functioning as a continuously variable transmission, and the motor providing the functionality of electric assist, starter motor capability, launch assist and regenerative braking. Two motor variants provide series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: DANA LIMITEDInventors: JEFFREY M. DAVID, RAYMOND J. HAKA, KRISHNA KUMAR, ROBERT A. SMITHSON, WILLIAM F. WALTZ, STEVEN J. WESOLOWSKI, JAMES F. ZIECH