Patents by Inventor Joseph G. Mueller

Joseph G. Mueller 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).

  • Patent number: 6964315
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Magnadrivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6929577
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, an actuation mechanism, and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes a driveshaft driven by the geartrain, a cam driven by the driveshaft, and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a cam member with ramp surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the ramp surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the geartrain. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 6905436
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline, a second output shaft adapted for connection to a second driveline, an interaxle differential operably disposed between the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft, and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit, and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Patent number: 6883657
    Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translate an apply plate via a closed hydraulic system to operatively engage the clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Joseph G. Mueller, James Brissenden, John D. Zalewski, Sankar K. Mohan, Richard Mizon, Aaron Ronk, Khazaee Mozaffar
  • Patent number: 6808037
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040200655
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030201145
    Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translate an apply plate via a closed hydraulic system to operatively engage the clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Joseph G. Mueller, James Brissenden, John D. Zalewski, Sankar K. Mohan, Richard Mizon, Aaron Ronk, Khazaee Mozaffar
  • Patent number: 6595338
    Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translate an apply plate via a closed hydraulic system to operatively engage the clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Joseph G. Mueller, James Brissenden, John D. Zalewski, Sankar K. Mohan, Richard Mizon, Aaron Ronk, Khazaee Mozaffar
  • Publication number: 20030057050
    Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translate an apply plate via a closed hydraulic system to operatively engage the clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Joseph G. Mueller, James Brissenden, John D. Zalewski, Sankar K. Mohan, Richard Mizon, Aaron Ronk, Khazaee Mozaffer
  • Patent number: 6079535
    Abstract: A transfer case having a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, and a transfer clutch disposed therebetween. The transfer clutch includes an inner drum journalled on the primary output shaft and which has clutch teeth that are selectively engageable with clutch teeth on the primary output shaft, an outer drum rotatably supported on the primary output shaft and which is fixed for rotation with the secondary output shaft, and a clutch pack operably interconnected between the inner and outer drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Scott R. Moll