Patents by Inventor Markus Ulbricht

Markus Ulbricht 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: 10591057
    Abstract: An assembly (12) for actuating a transmission brake (1) that has a transmission brake cylinder (7), at least one control valve (16, 17) for controlling pressurizing and/or exhausting of the transmission brake cylinder (7), and at least one pressure line (14) via which the at least one control valve (16, 17) is connected to the transmission brake cylinder (7) to supply a pressure medium (10) to and discharge the pressure medium (10) from a pressure chamber (9) of the transmission brake cylinder (7). The assembly (12) includes a quick-exhaust valve (15), which is arranged in the pressure line (14) between the transmission brake cylinder (7), and the at least one control valve (16, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Markus Ulbricht, Andreas Graf, Martin Rist
  • Patent number: 10190699
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator and a valve having such an actuator. The actuator has a first magnetic coil and a second magnetic coil, as well as at least one permanent magnet and an anchor that can be moved axially by the magnetic coils and the permanent magnet between a first and a second position, on which at least one spring device acts in the axial direction. The first and second magnetic coils as well as the first permanent magnet are disposed axially behind one another thereby, such that the first permanent magnet is disposed coaxially between the first and second magnetic coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Ulbricht, Michael Pantke, Raphael Baumann
  • Publication number: 20180172153
    Abstract: An assembly (12) for actuating a transmission brake (1) that has a transmission brake cylinder (7), at least one control valve (16, 17) for controlling pressurizing and/or exhausting of the transmission brake cylinder (7), and at least one pressure line (14) via which the at least one control valve (16, 17) is connected to the transmission brake cylinder (7) to supply a pressure medium (10) to and discharge the pressure medium (10) from a pressure chamber (9) of the transmission brake cylinder (7). The assembly (12) includes a quick-exhaust valve (15), which is arranged in the pressure line (14) between the transmission brake cylinder (7), and the at least one control valve (16, 17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Markus ULBRICHT, Andreas GRAF, Martin RIST
  • Publication number: 20170254438
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator and a valve having such an actuator. The actuator has a first magnetic coil and a second magnetic coil, as well as at least one permanent magnet and an anchor that can be moved axially by the magnetic coils and the permanent magnet between a first and a second position, on which at least one spring device acts in the axial direction. The first and second magnetic coils as well as the first permanent magnet are disposed axially behind one another thereby, such that the first permanent magnet is disposed coaxially between the first and second magnetic coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus ULBRICHT, Michael PANTKE, Raphael BAUMANN
  • Patent number: 8656808
    Abstract: A transmission system for either a manual shift transmission, an automatic transmission or an automated transmission in which the electrical connections and the pneumatic connections including any ventilation port, for the internal components of the transmission are combined with one another so as to exit the transmission housing via a single unified connection formed in the housing wall of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Josef Bader, Gerhard Birkenmaier, Andreas Graf, Kim Führer, Kai Heinrich, Frank Gessler, Klaus Wöhr, Hubert König, Manfred Vetter, Gerhard Höring, Ludger Ronge, Henrik Schuh, Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Bernhard Walter
  • Publication number: 20120330520
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission brake of an automated manual transmission of countershaft design provided with claw clutches where the transmission brake is functionally connected, on the input side, with a transmission shaft and which can be actuated hydraulically or pneumatically by inlet and outlet valves, each being a 2/2-way magnetic pulse valve. When upshifting under load to a target gear, after the gear under load is disengaged, to synchronize the target gear, the inlet and outlet valve are controlled in such manner that, at the end of the disengagement process, the input speed reaches a predetermined synchronous speed. The magnetic pulse valves are controlled such that the duration of the synchronization process is harmonized and its quality is improved and at least the outlet valve is opened, in a controlled manner, as a function of the rotational speed difference between the transmission input and output speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Markus Ulbricht
  • Patent number: 8286532
    Abstract: A transmission control having an electronic control unit (17), at least one mechatronic component (19, 20, 21), and a housing (2) comprising an upper housing part (3), a lower housing part (5), and a central housing part (4). These housing parts together form at least one receiving space (8, 10, 11, 12) for the control unit (17) and/or the mechatronic component (19, 20, 21) which is arranged between the upper housing part (3) and the lower housing part (5). The control unit (17) and/or the at least one mechatronic component (19, 20, 21) are fastened on the upper housing part (3). A process for installation of a transmission control (1) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hubert Konig, Kim Fuhrer, Markus Ulbricht, Thomas Puth
  • Patent number: 8244440
    Abstract: A method and device for actuating a shifting arrangement with electric actuators of a transmission control of a motor vehicle. The method includes determining a total current of the shifting arrangement available at a point in time, detecting shift requests of shift elements and compared these with the total available current. Shift requests are then tested according to preset priorities and the sequentially performed according to the priority test. The method avoids exceeding a preset allowed current load, when the requested shifts would exceed the total available current. If the total available current would not be exceeded by the requested shifts, the requests are carried out. A device is also provided in the shifting arrangement which has control and detection mechanisms that monitor current and control the current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Robert Ingenbleek, Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn, Armin Brentel
  • Patent number: 8240444
    Abstract: A control device for and a method of controlling a gearbox having a pressure-limiting device connected to a pressure medium source. A first controllable valve device is connected downstream of the pressure-limiting device and an actuating device is connected further downstream and adjusts the gearbox. A second controllable valve device is connected directly to the pressure medium source, via a supply line, and another actuating device is connected downstream of the second controllable valve device. An electric control device is provided for actuating the controllable valve devices and a sensor is connected to the electric control device for measuring pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line. The electric control device is connected to the second controllable valve device such that the second controllable valve device and the further actuating device are controlled by the pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn
  • Patent number: 8180142
    Abstract: Compact graphical representations of common test fail signatures and process related test fails are provided through methods of selecting, calculating and/or presenting information. The input may be a list of failing tests on a sample of devices under test from chip and/or wafer process fails. The failing tests are identified and then other tests that fail at the same time may be identified. Several graphical outputs are provided, including all possible combinations between test fails and between test fails and process fails. The dependencies are printed as sorted two dimensional bitmaps that are compact representations of the results using color codes. Subtraction of two independent bitmaps is provided, which eliminates common properties and emphasizes differences between multiple bitmaps which allows for quick identification of differences of process fails potentially different between the two different bitmaps indicating potential root causes for the selected one of the test fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Eckert, Georg Goecke, Marta Junginger, Klaus Kempter, Markus Ulbricht
  • Patent number: 8105204
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a fluid-actuated control system of an automatic or automated transmission of a motor vehicle, which has at least one pressure medium source, at least two control elements that are actuated by pressurized fluid and a control device for controlling the fluid-actuated control system. A further control module is used to reduce; the number and power consumption of valves that are actuated simultaneously to control the control elements; and the mechanical loading of the control elements (1, 2). The control module reads signals concerning at least one current control action and, in accordance with predetermined patterns, calculation rules and/or models, generates signals that cause non-switched control elements to be manipulated by pressurized working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Robert Ingenbleek, Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn, Armin Brentel
  • Patent number: 8036799
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fluid-actuated control system, to optimize post-switching times for actuation of control elements in such systems. The system includes at least one pressure medium source, at least one hydraulically controlled control element and a device for controlling the fluid-actuated control system. The optimum post-switching time after hydraulic actuation of the control element, depends on a number of different factors such as a control-element-specific parameter, a specific mounting location of the control element, at least one operating parameter of the fluid-actuated control system and/or of the vehicle. A post-switching time control device controls and/or regulates at least the duration of a post-switching time of the at least one control element and with the above factors determines the post-switching time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Robert Ingenbleek, Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn, Armin Brentel
  • Publication number: 20110146824
    Abstract: A control system for a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated shift cylinder of a transmission or transmission-related auxiliary drive output, namely, for controlling at least one valve associated with the shift cylinder, such that each shift position of the shift cylinder can be produced. The control system includes: a) devices of a first type with which valve requirements corresponding to a plurality of functions demanded from the shift cylinder can be calculated at the same time, or in parallel, for the valve; b) devices of a second type which logically link the valve requirements calculated for the valve individually for each valve so that, from the valve requirements calculated in parallel for the respective valve, the devices of the second type determine an effective control measure for the valve concerned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Armin Brentel, Robert Ingenbleek, Mario Steinborn, Markus Ulbricht
  • Publication number: 20100135570
    Abstract: Compact graphical representations of common test fail signatures and process related test fails are provided through methods of selecting, calculating and/or presenting information. The input may be a list of failing tests on a sample of devices under test from chip and/or wafer process fails. The failing tests are identified and then other tests that fail at the same time may be identified. Several graphical outputs are provided, including all possible combinations between test fails and between test fails and process fails. The dependencies are printed as sorted two dimensional bitmaps that are compact representations of the results using color codes. Subtraction of two independent bitmaps is provided, which eliminates common properties and emphasizes differences between multiple bitmaps which allows for quick identification of differences of process fails potentially different between the two different bitmaps indicating potential root causes for the selected one of the test fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin Eckert, Georg Goecke, Marta Junginger, Klaus Kempter, Markus Ulbricht
  • Publication number: 20100056329
    Abstract: A transmission control having an electronic control unit (17), at least one mechatronic component (19, 20, 21), and a housing (2) comprising an upper housing part (3), a lower housing part (5), and a central housing part (4). These housing parts together form at least one receiving space (8, 10, 11, 12) for the control unit (17) and/or the mechatronic component (19, 20, 21) which is arranged between the upper housing part (3) and the lower housing part (5). The control unit (17) and/or the at least one mechatronic component (19, 20, 21) are fastened on the upper housing part (3). A process for installation of a transmission control (1) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Hubert Konig, Kim Fuhrer, Markus Ulbricht, Thomas Puth
  • Publication number: 20100051408
    Abstract: A control device for and a method of controlling a gearbox having a pressure-limiting device connected to a pressure medium source. A first controllable valve device is connected downstream of the pressure-limiting device and an actuating device is connected further downstream and adjusts the gearbox. A second controllable valve device is connected directly to the pressure medium source, via a supply line, and another actuating device is connected downstream of the second controllable valve device. An electric control device is provided for actuating the controllable valve devices and a sensor is connected to the electric control device for measuring pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line. The electric control device is connected to the second controllable valve device such that the second controllable valve device and the further actuating device are controlled by the pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn
  • Publication number: 20090235770
    Abstract: A shift device (13) for a manual transmission having actuation mechanisms for shifting and selecting in which the selection motion is carried out by way of a selector actuator (10), which is connected to a driving lug (5) of a selector plate (4). An anchor (1) of the selector actuator (10) consists of a permanent magnet (2). End stops (3) of the selector actuator (10) are configured of ferromagnetic material, where the anchor (1) of the selector actuator (10) is fixed in a defined position for the installation of the selector actuator (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Josef Bader, Gerhard Birkenmaier, Kim Führer, Frank Gessler, Andreas Graf, Kai Heinrich, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Gerhard Höring, Hubert König, Ludger Ronge, Henrik Schuh, Mario Steinborn, Markus Ulbricht, Manfred Vetter, Bernhard Walter, Klaus Wöhr
  • Publication number: 20090132136
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fluid-actuated control system, to optimize post-switching times for actuation of control elements in such systems. The system includes at least one pressure medium source, at least one hydraulically controlled control element and a device for controlling the fluid-actuated control system. The optimum post-switching time after hydraulic actuation of the control element, depends on a number of different factors such as a control-element-specific parameter, a specific mounting location of the control element, at least one operating parameter of the fluid-actuated control system and/or of the vehicle. A post-switching time control device controls and/or regulates at least the duration of a post-switching time of the at least one control element and with the above factors determines the post-switching time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Robert Ingenbleek, Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn, Armin Brentel
  • Publication number: 20090093935
    Abstract: A method and a device for actuating a shifting arrangement with electric actuators with directly controlled valves of an electrohydraulic, electropneumatic, electromagnetic or electromotor transmission control of a motor vehicle. A current monitoring function, in which a total current of the shifting arrangement available at a point in time is determined, shift requests of shift elements are detected and compared with the total available current, the shift requests are tested according to preset priorities, and sequential shifting of shift elements according to the priority test is performed, is provided in order to avoid exceeding a preset allowed current load with a comparatively high current requirement of the electric consumers directly controlled valves, when the shift requests would cause the total available current to be exceeded, or direct shifting of the shift elements is carried out when the shift requests would not cause the total available current to be exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Robert Ingenbleek, Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn, Armin Brentel
  • Patent number: 7503438
    Abstract: A transmission brake (1) is described, where one transmission shaft (3) can be braked to carry out an upshift operation. The aim of the invention is to provide a transmission brake that is devoid of any hydraulic or pneumatic actuation device and that requires very little axial installation space. Such a transmission brake (1) has one electromagnetic actuation device (6, 7, 8) with which the friction elements (4, 5) of the transmission brake (1) can be pressed against each other for actuating the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Renner, Reiner Keller, Markus Ulbricht