Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Davis and Bujold
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Patent number: 8307936Abstract: A transmission device (1) for a vehicle with a variator (3), a planetary gear unit (4) and a gearshift transmission unit (9). The variator (3) has a length which is greater than a width and a depth of the variator (3). When the variator (3) is installed in position in the vehicle, the length of the variator (3) is orientated at least approximately diagonally to the length of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Gerhard Bailly, Thomas Ratzmann, Karl Grad, Jurgen Pohlenz
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Patent number: 8311717Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train, whereby the drive train comprises a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having an automatically operating clutch, positioned between the transmission and the output. The clutch is operated in a continuous slip mode and in such a way that the all-wheel splitter splits the transmission output torque for variable torque distribution to driven axles. The splitting of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit, implemented into the all-wheel drive strategy, so that the output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque, is transferred to a first axle, and the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a limiting of the torque, set by the drive unit, and/or the nominal torque, set by the all-wheel strategy, occurs to avoid a thermal overloading of the clutch of the all-wheel splitter.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Wilfrid Eberhard, Gerhard Hermann Martin
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Patent number: 8311715Abstract: A method for monitoring frictional engagement in an automatic or automated motor vehicle transmission having a hydrodynamic starter element when the transmission is in a preset neutral or parking position and the automatic or automated motor vehicle transmission controlled by this method. When the motor vehicle is at or close to a standstill in a preset neutral or parking position, the current transmission rotational input speed and a current engine rotational speed of the drive motor are determined and based on the speed ratio between the current transmission rotational input speed and the current engine rotational speed an error is found to be present if the speed ratio is less than a predefined threshold value, which is less than/equal to 1.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Georg Gierer, Christian Popp, Thilo Schmidt, Klaus Steinhauser
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Patent number: 8308600Abstract: A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets being actively connected. A shaft of each gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. A shifting mechanism is provided, between the two output shafts, for shifting between a first power path and a second power path. In the area of a further shaft of one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine flows along the first or the second power path. When the first power path is engaged, the torque from the electric machine flows in equal parts and with the same sign to the two output shafts, and when the second power path is engaged, the torque flows to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. A motor output shaft of the electric machine is arranged perpendicularly to one of the two output shafts.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Rosemeier, Bernd-Robert Hohn, Christoph Pelchen
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Patent number: 8303455Abstract: A multi speed transmission comprising planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (4) which can couple housing (G) via brake (04) and the carrier of set (P1) couples shaft (3) which can couple housing (G), via brake (03), and drive shaft (1) via clutch (13), and shaft (6) via clutch (36). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gears of gearsets (P3, P4). Shaft (1) couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and is operatively connected to the carrier of gearset (P3). Shaft (7) couples the ring gear of set (P1) and the carrier of gearset (P2). The ring gear of gearset (P4) couples shaft (5) which can couple housing (G) via brake (05) and output shaft (2) operatively couples the carrier of gearset (P4) and the ring gear of gearset (P3).Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Christian Sibla, Stefan Beck, Josef Haupt, Gert Bauknecht, Peter Ziemer
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Method for controlling the desired speed in an overrun condition for a vehicle comprising a retarder
Patent number: 8306716Abstract: A method for controlling a desired speed of a vehicle having a retarder operating in an overrun condition is proposed, such that the desired speed of the vehicle is controlled by a continuously adjustable retarder braking system and/or an engine braking control system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Hugo Burkhart, Bernd Aumann -
Patent number: 8299779Abstract: A device for measuring the intensity of an electric current which has a simple and economical design and offers a high measurement dynamic compatible with combined measurement, protection and energy metering applications. The device (1) is insensitive to parasitic fields and to the position of the electric conductor to be measured, and that can be opened to facilitate placement thereof. The device (1) defines a closed path (C), about a conductor (2) for the circulation of the lines of magnetic field induced by the current to be measured, and the path is formed by two plates (30) having a high magnetic permeability separated by two air gaps (E) closed by two identical and opposed electric coils (4) for supplying a voltage proportional to the derivative of the intensity (I) of the current to be measured. The device (1) reduces the is compact so that it can be easily integrated into any type of electric appliance.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Socomec S. A.Inventor: Christian Kern
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Patent number: 8297177Abstract: Ballistic projectile armour includes a hard shell, kinetic energy absorption material and an energy diffusing backing layer. The hard shell is made from a material capable of deforming a projectile and slowing a velocity of the projectile. The kinetic energy absorption material is capable of deforming to further slow and capture the projectile after it has pierced the hard shell. The energy diffusing backing layer is capable of diffusing energy transferred from the projectile into the kinetic energy absorption material. Elastic containment keeps the kinetic energy absorption material sandwiched between the hard shell and the energy diffusing backing, while accommodating expansion of the kinetic energy absorption material during energy absorption.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: In the Line of Fire Inc.Inventor: Darren S. Schulte
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Patent number: 8297024Abstract: A method of reinforcing a previously existing structure comprising the steps of constructing a ring foundation surrounding and reinforcing a previously existing foundation. Thereafter, securing reinforcing wall panel assemblies to previously existing wall structures with the wall panel assemblies being external to and secured to upright members of the previously existing wall structures and supported by the ring foundation. Securing platform segments forming reinforcing floor assemblies to upright structural elements of the reinforcing wall panel assemblies, the platform segments being supported by previously existing floor structures during assembly of the platform segments and attachment of the platform segments to the reinforcing wall panel assemblies. Then removing the previously existing floor structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventor: Raymond W. Hawes
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Patent number: 8289718Abstract: A connector for electrical and mechanical interconnection of first and second mechanically adjacent modules with one another. The first module includes a first electrical connector and an alignment pin and the second module includes a printed circuit board floatingly and displacably mounted on the second module with at least one alignment hole aligned for alignment with the alignment pin of the first module and a second electrical connector aligned for engagement with a corresponding first electrical connector of the first module. During assembly, the alignment pin of the first module engages the alignment hole of the second module and displaces the printed circuit board to align the second electrical connector with the first electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Schober, Werner Beck, Thomas Deichler
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Patent number: 8287420Abstract: A transmission with forward and reverse gears comprising planetary gearsets, shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (5) that is connectable, via brake (05), to housing (G). The carriers of gearsets (P1, P2) couple shaft (8) which is connectable, via clutch (18), to drive input shaft (1). Input shaft (1) is connectable, via clutches (16, 14), respectively to shafts (6, 4). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P3). Shaft (4) is connectable, via brake (04), to housing (G) and couples the sun gears of gearsets (P4, P3). The ring gears of gearsets (P1, P2) couple drive output shaft (2). The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7) which couples a component connecting the ring gear of gearset (P4) and the sun gear of gearset (P2). The carrier of gearset (P4) couples shaft (3) which is connectable, via brake (03), to housing (G).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: ZF FriedrichshafenInventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Martin Brehmer, Peter Ziemer, Peter Tiesler, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt
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Patent number: 8287988Abstract: A powder-coated glass panel in which print (5) on the back (4) of a transparent polyester coating (2) carried by a glass sheet (1), is covered by an epoxy coating (6), and the longitudinal margin (9) of metal foil (7) covering the edges of the panel overlaps onto the back of the coating (6) to relieve thermal stress in the sheet (1). Heat to melt and cure the powders forming the coatings (2, 6) and to cure the printing ink (5) is applied through the sheet (1) from infra-red lamps (22) mounted within an internally-reflective trough (23). The frequency of the radiation is varied from high to low during heating. A double-glazed spandrel unit includes the panel (31) mounted with spacing behind a facing-sheet (32), and with metal foil (34) covering the edges of the unit and overlapping marginally (37) onto the back (38) of the panel (31) for thermal-stress relief.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Thorstone Business Management LimitedInventor: Roger John Leach
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Patent number: 8286532Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Hubert Konig, Kim Fuhrer, Markus Ulbricht, Thomas Puth
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Patent number: 8290667Abstract: A method for the operation of a traveling power take-off shaft clutch connected to a drive motor, in a case of known wheel or vehicle speed, the speed of rotation of the power take-off shaft, electronically evaluated through the speed of rotation of the motor, can be made to agree in ratio with the wheel speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Stefan Prebeck, Kurt Schachner, Günter Pilat
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Patent number: 8287414Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device comprising a variator and a secondary power splitting. For power splitting, a planetary gear set has a first shaft coupled to the transmission input, a second shaft of the gear set coupled a first shaft of the variator, and a third shaft of the gear set couples a second shaft of the variator. First and second shift elements are provided to switch between first and second gear ratio ranges. Via the variator, the gear ratio is continuously variable within the gear ratio range and the two gear ratio ranges overlap. To implement the first gear ratio range, the second shaft of the gear set is connected, via the first shift element, to the transmission output, and to implement the second gear ratio range, the third shaft of the planetary gear set is connected, via the second shift element, to the transmission output.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Tobias Weber, Gerhard Bailly, Thomas Ratzmann, Walter Fischer, Jurgen Pohlenz
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Patent number: 8286952Abstract: A vapor distributor for use in atmospheric or vacuum columns includes a new design of vapor inlet device, or vapor horn, to provide superior mixing and distribution of a tangential first feed and a vertical second feed. New vapor inlet device has an inlet dividing the first feed into two portions, each flowing in respective housings in opposed circulation directions, and a plurality of vanes for redirection of vapor. Mixing and distribution of feeds by the vapor distributor is further enhanced by inclusion in vapor distributor of a mixer and vapor directing plates.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignees: AMT International, Inc., Petroliam Nasional BerhadInventors: Adam T. Lee, Farzad G. Tahmassi, Lindsey Vuong, Zainab Kayat, Mohd Rizal Bin Abdul Rahman, Arman Bin Anuar
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Patent number: 8282524Abstract: A transmission device is proposed for distributing a drive torque to at least two output shafts (Ab1, Ab2), comprising a differential (2) that is permanently connected to the output shafts (Ab1, Ab2), wherein a double planetary gearset (4) is provided co-axially to the output (Ab2) between the differential cage (3) of the differential (2) and the output (Ab2) of one side, said planetary gearset comprising a first sun gear (5) and a second sun gear (6), a first planetary range (7), an intermediate planetary range (8), and an internal gear (9), herein the internal gear (9) is connected to the differential cage (3) and the planet carrier (10) of the planetary gearset (4) is connected to the output (Ab2), wherein the first sun gear (5) meshes with the first planetary range (7) and can be coupled to the housing (G) by means of a brake (11) in order to shift the torque in one direction, and wherein the second sun gear (6) meshes with the intermediate planetary range (8) and can be coupled to the housing (G) by meanType: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Alois Böck, Detlef Baasch, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Thomas Rosemeier
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Patent number: 8282528Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train (1) comprising a combustion engine (2), a turbo charger (22) assigned to the combustion engine, a mechanism for the injection of additional compressed air into an air intake system (8) of the combustion engine (2), a start and shift clutch (60), and a transmission (62). To optimally prepare and execute a start procedure of such an equipped vehicle, additional compressed air is only injected into the air intake system (8) of the combustion engine (2) if, depending upon the actual operating situation of the vehicle, the injection of additional compressed air benefits the safety of the driver, fuel consumption, drive comfort and/or the clutch wear.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Jager, Christoph Ruchardt, Roland Mair
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Patent number: 8276722Abstract: The repeating transverse support is either a one-branch or a two-branch (15, 16) sleeper which is pressed against the bed plate (8) by elements which secure the directional guide rail (2). The terminal ends of this sleeper, which are in the form of mounting plates (23, 24), each support an electrical power supply lateral profile (33, 34) by way of an electrical insulator (27, 28) and an adjustment member. This repeating transverse support is of interest to the manufacturers of tracks for electrically powered guided road vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Lohr IndustrieInventor: Martin Klotz
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Patent number: 8272340Abstract: A method of enhancing the soil structure of land having a topsoil layer and a subsoil layer beneath the topsoil layer includes providing at least one subsoil tiller blade having a tilling surface and a bottom end, and a channel positioned behind the tilling surface of the subsoil tiller blade for injecting nutrients toward the bottom end of the subsoil tiller blade. The subsoil tiller blade is inserted into the land such that the bottom end extends into the subsoil layer. The subsoil tiller blade is driven through the land such that the tilling surface loosens the subsoil layer while the channel deposits nutrients into the subsoil layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventor: Leonard Leskiw