Patents by Inventor Robert A. Hoehn

Robert A. Hoehn 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).

  • Publication number: 20240124049
    Abstract: A steering transmission for an electro-mechanical steering system for a vehicle includes an electric motor, a servo transmission, and an angle transmission for connecting a steering column of the steering system to a control stalk of the steering system. The angle transmission is a mechanically driven recirculating-ball transmission with a ball nut, which is engaged with a segment shaft of the steering transmission that is/can be connected to the steering stalk. A spindle of the recirculating-ball transmission is continuous. The spindle is connected to an output shaft of the servo transmission on one side. The servo transmission is/can be driven by the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Huba NEMETH, Bernd-Robert HOEHN, Franz-Thomas MITTERER, Janos TOTH, Sven KRUEGER, Ahmed SALEME, Stephan KRINKE
  • Patent number: 11892063
    Abstract: A compact and fast-shifting two-speed transmission for an electric drive system, such as an electric vehicle, has two synchronized dog clutches. A sliding sleeve for engaging a first and second gear is actuatable using a single actuator. A substantially load-interruption-free shifting is realized via a friction engagement in the synchronization. A drive system having such a two-speed transmission is capable of achieving at least substantially load-interruption-free shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: HÖHN GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Höhn
  • Patent number: 11781619
    Abstract: A planetary transmission (2) includes a stepped planetary gear (24), or planetary gears, which are connected to each other, that is/are disposed radially between a first shaft (6) and axially-adjacent first and second ring gears (12, 16). The stepped planetary gear, or connected planetary gears, include(s) a first gearing region (26) that meshes with a sun gear (8) on the first shaft (6) and the first ring gear (12), as well as a helically-toothed second gearing region (28) that meshes with the second ring gear (16). A cylindrical support region (32) is coaxially provided on/around the first shaft. The stepped planetary gear or the connected planetary gears is/are supported on the cylindrical support region of the first shaft by the outer circumferential surface of the second gearing region. The second gearing region lies on the addendum circle of the second gearing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HÖHN GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Höhn
  • Publication number: 20230296162
    Abstract: A compact and fast-shifting two-speed transmission for an electric drive system, such as an electric vehicle, has two synchronized dog clutches. A sliding sleeve for engaging a first and second gear is actuatable using a single actuator. A substantially load-interruption-free shifting is realized via a friction engagement in the synchronization. A drive system having such a two-speed transmission is capable of achieving at least substantially load-interruption-free shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert HÖHN
  • Publication number: 20230235812
    Abstract: A planetary transmission (2) includes a stepped planetary gear (24), or planetary gears, which are connected to each other, that is/are disposed radially between a first shaft (6) and axially-adjacent first and second ring gears (12, 16). The stepped planetary gear, or connected planetary gears, include(s) a first gearing region (26) that meshes with a sun gear (8) on the first shaft (6) and the first ring gear (12), as well as a helically-toothed second gearing region (28) that meshes with the second ring gear (16). A cylindrical support region (32) is coaxially provided on/around the first shaft. The stepped planetary gear or the connected planetary gears is/are supported on the cylindrical support region of the first shaft by the outer circumferential surface of the second gearing region. The second gearing region lies on the addendum circle of the second gearing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert HÖHN
  • Patent number: 8430779
    Abstract: A power-dividing gear train assembly for motor vehicles includes a differential that outputs torque to two output shafts. The output torque applied to the output shafts is changeable by using a superimposing gear train, which comprises a plurality of epicyclic gear trains and is drivingly connected indirectly or directly with the output shafts. A drive motor is drivingly coupled to the superimposing gear train and the transmission ratio of the superimposing gear train is set such that an output shaft of the drive motor is still when the output shafts are rotating synchronously. To achieve a more precise and quicker-reacting redistribution of the drive torques, at least one epicyclic gear train, which reduces torque and cooperates with the differential, is connected upstream of the superimposing gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: FZGmbH
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Hoehn
  • Publication number: 20100167862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power-dividing gear train assembly for motor vehicles, having a driven differential that outputs to two output shafts via compensating elements, wherein the output torque at the output shafts is changeable by using a superimposing gear train, which is formed by epicyclic gear trains and is drivingly connected indirectly or directly with the output shafts, and a drive motor coupled thereto, and wherein the transmission ratio of the superimposing gear train is set such that the drive motor is still when the output shafts are rotating synchronously. For achieving a more precise and quicker-reacting redistribution of the drive torques in a structurally-advantageous construction of the superimposing gear train and the drive motor, it is proposed that at least one epicyclic gear train (Uz, Uz2, U1, U2), which reduces torque and interacts with the differential (U), is connected upstream to the superimposing gear train (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: FZGMBH
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Hoehn
  • Patent number: 6632155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system, especially for motor vehicles, with a first power source (10), especially an internal combustion engine, and a second power source (20), especially an electric motor. The power sources acts upon a gearbox (14) that is provided with a plurality of gearwheel sets which modulate. The first power source is linked with the gearbox via a clutch (L1) and the second power source is linked with the gearbox directly. The aim of the invention is to provide a construction that is favorable both in terms of design and functionality. To this end, the first power source acts upon a shaft (12) that carries the one gearwheels of the gearwheel sets and the second power source acts upon a second shaft (16) that carries the other gearwheels of the gearwheel sets. A separate output shaft (22) can be optionally coupled to the first (12) or the second (16) shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Höhn
  • Patent number: 6491602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly, in particular for motor vehicles. Said assembly comprises a first drive source, in particular, an internal combustion engine and a second drive source, in particular, an electric motor. Said drive sources operate on a variable transmission as speed converters, whereby the first drive source is connected via a clutch to the transmission and the second drive source is connected directly to said transmission. In order to achieve an optimal construction in terms of form and function, the first drive source impinges upon a first conversion element of the variable transmission, the second drive source impinges upon the second conversion element and a separate drive shaft is provided which can be selectively coupled to the first or second conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Höhn
  • Patent number: 5636575
    Abstract: A retarder apparatus controls the speed of a free, load-carrying conveyor as it moves in a predetermined direction along a path of travel defined by the track in which the conveyor runs. Paddle members are spaced at regular intervals along an endless movable chain and each, in turn, is positioned in the track in the path of the next conveyor. Upon engagement of an individual paddle by an oncoming conveyor, the chain is instantly accelerated to the speed of the conveyor and this motion is transmitted through a chain sprocket to a centrifugal brake which, if a normal speed is being exceeded, limits the speed of movement of the chain to hold back a runaway conveyor and return it to the normal speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Lico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hoehn, Mark A. Pollard
  • Patent number: 5400717
    Abstract: Track sections of industrial conveyor systems are joined in end-to-end relationship using alignment devices that ensure that the internal running surfaces of the rail flanges of the track are free from irregularities at the track joints. Tubular bushings are located at the ends of the sections on adjacent external surfaces of the rail flanges out of running contact with the moving conveyor components. When the bushings are brought into register and united to form a connection, proper alignment is achieved and maintained without the need to weld the track sections together at each joint. This provides a modular track configuration to facilitate the installation and maintenance of conveyor track systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Robert A. Hoehn
  • Patent number: 4718810
    Abstract: A high-speed, bidirectional transporter for a multiple station production line provides for the programmable pickup, transport and delivery of materials at non-sequential work stations along the production line. The transporter is self-propelled by a rack and pinion drive and moves along a track that defines a course through the multiple work stations. A turntable on the transporter carries an extensible and retractable arm whose motion, when coupled with a materialladen pallet, provides for either the pickup or delivery of a pallet to or from an individual work station. Coupling and uncoupling of the arm with a pallet is effected by the controlled rotation of the turntable, which is capable of 180 degrees of rotation to also impart to the transporter the ability to transfer pallets off of both sides to address a work station on either side of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Lico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hoehn, Thomas B. Doyle, Donald L. Van Pelt
  • Patent number: 4635558
    Abstract: A reinforced track section for a power and free conveyor system utilizes a conventional power rail with a free trolley track suspended therefrom. A uniform rail cap is superiorly attached to the power rail so as to provide a continuous, uninterrupted reinforcement thereto. The rail cap includes a continuous mounting flange in cooperation with hanger clamps which suspend the rail cap and underlying power and free tracks from overhead support structure at user-selectable points along the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Robert A. Hoehn
  • Patent number: 4633784
    Abstract: A positive-acting coupling device for rigidly coupling a product-carrying dolly to the shuttle carriage of a high speed indexing conveyor is disclosed. Intercoupling of the carriage and the dolly is effected by a pair of clamp arms carried by the carriage which close against the opposed contact surfaces of a striker bar that projects from beneath the dolly. A cam mechanism on the carriage is operated by remotely mounted pneumatic cylinders located at positions along the conveyor where it is desired to either open or close the clamp arms. The cam mechanism is self-locking in the closed position of the clamp so that only a momentary actuating force applied by a cylinder is required. Since the clamp arms are closed against the opposed contact surfaces of the striker bar, no relative movement of the product-carrying dolly and the shuttle carriage is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Lico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hoehn, Thomas B. Doyle
  • Patent number: 4615274
    Abstract: The invention provides an efficient and economical way for indexing products from a continuously moving chain conveyor to a stationary position for robotic operations and then returning the product to the moving chain conveyor. Indexing is achieved by a moveable shuttle carriage which is propelled along the axis of a main drive shaft through the engagement of a follower, located beneath the shuttle carriage, with a helical recess in the circumference of the shaft. Controlled acceleration, deceleration and positioning are accomplished by varying the rotational speed of a uniform helical drive shaft or by the use of a variable helical drive shaft rotated at constant speed. The shuttle carriage picks up a product carrier by engagement of a drive dog with the carrier to propel the carriage and carrier in unison to an operating station along tracks in parallelism with the axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Robert A. Hoehn
  • Patent number: 4567979
    Abstract: In an indexing conveyor that employs a helically grooved drive shaft to propel a shuttle carriage that is, in turn, coupled with a product-bearing dolly, the carriage is provided with a drive connection assembly comprising a pair of follower rollers that are received within the drive shaft groove. The rollers are carried by a swivel bar on opposite sides of its axis, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. The assembly further includes a spring that biases the swivel bar in one direction so as to maintain the followers in engagement with the leading and trailing surfaces respectively of the shaft within the groove when the shaft is at rest or rotating at constant speed. Under rapid acceleration or deceleration of the drive shaft, pivotal movement in the opposite direction against the action of the spring causes both followers to engage the trailing surface during acceleration and the leading surface during deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Robert A. Hoehn
  • Patent number: 4072111
    Abstract: In a power and free conveyor system which comprises a train of free trolleys including a leading trolley and one or more following trolleys, one of the following trolleys is provided with a transfer dog that remains fully retracted within the trolley track and out of contact therewith until conveying of the train is to be transferred from a first to a second powered conveying chain. To initiate the transfer, a power dog on the first chain disengages from a drive dog on the leading trolley, and the transfer dog is raised out of the following trolley for engagement with another power dog on the first chain. Engagement of the transfer dog with the power dog is maintained preferably throughout the transfer area until the leading trolley is adjacent to the second conveyor chain for engagement of a power dog thereon with the drive dog of the leading trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Mid-West Conveyor Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Hoehn