Patents by Inventor Dirk Winkler

Dirk Winkler 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: 20240392710
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an engine assembly for a vehicle. The engine assembly includes an oil reservoir to receive oil from a crankcase. The oil reservoir is external to the crankcase and positioned rearward of the crankcase. The engine assembly also includes at least one scavenge pump configured to pump the oil from an oil collection pan. The scavenge pump is positioned within the crankcase forward of the crankshaft and includes a suction tube extending rearwardly to a low point in the oil collection pan. The engine assembly further includes a drive mechanism to drive a feed pump and the at least one scavenge pump with the crankshaft. The drive mechanism includes an oil pump shaft to drive the feed pump and includes a gear train coupled to the oil pump shaft to drive the at least one scavenge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Ralf Centmayer, Jochen Hämmerle, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20240392721
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an engine assembly for a vehicle. The engine assembly comprises an engine including an extended crankshaft with additional main bearings, an alternator or a generator, a drive chain assembly, and a starter motor assembly. The engine may be used in different models of the vehicle having different characteristics, which enables to interchange or replace an internal generator with an external alternator, and vice versa in addition enable to use a common starter motor assembly, crankshaft, crankcase, and drive chain assembly for both engine configuration without modifying a basic design of the engine. Further, placement of the starter motor assembly provides a compact arrangement. In addition, the extended crankshaft with the additional main bearings enables low noise level operation, avoids additional shafts and roller bearings to be attached, and cost effective. Similarly, the drive chain assembly produces less vibration and noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Ralf Centmayer, Jochen Hammerle, Dirk Winkler, Jan Schempp, Dominik Hermann
  • Publication number: 20240392720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coolant system to cool an engine assembly. The coolant system includes a coolant pump impeller with multiple concentric ribs extending axially on a first side of the coolant pump impeller and multiple vanes extending axially on a second side of the coolant pump impeller. The coolant system also includes a coolant rail to collect coolant from a water jacket that surrounds portions of cylinders and a cylinder head of the engine assembly. The coolant system further includes bleed fittings to remove trapped air as the coolant system circulates coolant through the engine assembly. First and second bleed fittings are provided on opposite corners of the engine assembly such that either the first or the second bleed fitting is at a highest point of the coolant system based on an engine orientation of the engine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Ralf Centmayer, Dirk Winkler
  • Patent number: 11320040
    Abstract: A transmission (G) for a motor vehicle includes a pump (P), an oil sump (S), a hydraulic control unit (HCU), a gear set (RS) for providing different transmission ratios between an input shaft (GW1) and an output shaft (GW2) of the transmission (G), and a cavity (HY) arranged on an input side, in which a torque converter (TC) and/or an electric machine (EM) are accommodated. The cavity (HY) is connected to the oil sump (S) via a gap (C) configured for a passive return of oil out of the cavity (HY) into the oil sump (S). In order to reduce the gap (C), a separating element (T) is configured for making it difficult for oil to flow out of the oil sump (S) to the cavity (HY). A drive train comprising such a transmission (G) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Sauter, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20200309246
    Abstract: A transmission (G) for a motor vehicle includes a pump (P), an oil sump (S), a hydraulic control unit (HCU), a gear set (RS) for providing different transmission ratios between an input shaft (GW1) and an output shaft (GW2) of the transmission (G), and a cavity (HY) arranged on an input side, in which a torque converter (TC) and/or an electric machine (EM) are accommodated. The cavity (HY) is connected to the oil sump (S) via a gap (C) configured for a passive return of oil out of the cavity (HY) into the oil sump (S). In order to reduce the gap (C), a separating element (T) is configured for making it difficult for oil to flow out of the oil sump (S) to the cavity (HY). A drive train comprising such a transmission (G) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Bernhard Sauter, Dirk Winkler
  • Patent number: 10655727
    Abstract: A greaser for a transmission includes a shaft (1) having an axial bore (3) and a plurality of axially spaced radial bores (6a, 6b, 6c). Each of at least one tube (8a, 8b) is inserted into a respective one of the axially spaced radial bores (6a, 6b) and extends radially inwardly into the axial bore (3) beyond a circumferential surface (4) of the axial bore (3) that is adjacent the respective one of the axially spaced radial bores (6a, 6b). Each of the at least one tube (8a, 8b) includes a slot (11a, 11b) at a tube end (10a, 10b) facing a central axis (2) of the shaft (1). The slot (11a, 11b) of each of the at least one tube (8a, 8b) extends along a central axis (9a, 9b) of the respective tube (8a, 8b) into an interior space of the axial bore (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Rainer Grundler, Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Dietmar Gehring, Dirk Winkler
  • Patent number: 10113635
    Abstract: A drag torque reduction device for an automatic transmission includes a hydraulic controller with a radiator. In one embodiment, the drag torque reduction device also includes a parallel connection of a pressure relief valve, a constant aperture and a temperature-dependent, switchable aperture positioned upstream of the radiator. In another embodiment, the drag torque reduction device includes an overflow cooling oil diversion with a temperature-dependent, switchable aperture and a pressure relief valve that is positioned upstream of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Gerhard Martin, Ahmed Mouhcine, Rainer Grundler, Dirk Winkler, Valentine Vincent
  • Publication number: 20180266539
    Abstract: A greaser for a transmission includes a shaft (1) having an axial bore (3) and a plurality of axially spaced radial bores (6a, 6b, 6c). Each of at least one tube (8a, 8b) is inserted into a respective one of the axially spaced radial bores (6a, 6b) and extends radially inwardly into the axial bore (3) beyond a circumferential surface (4) of the axial bore (3) that is adjacent the respective one of the axially spaced radial bores (6a, 6b). Each of the at least one tube (8a, 8b) includes a slot (11a, 11b) at a tube end (10a, 10b) facing a central axis (2) of the shaft (1). The slot (11a, 11b) of each of the at least one tube (8a, 8b) extends along a central axis (9a, 9b) of the respective tube (8a, 8b) into an interior space of the axial bore (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Rainer Grundler, Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Dietmar Gehring, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20170261101
    Abstract: A drag torque reduction device for an automatic transmission includes a hydraulic controller with a parallel connection of a pressure relief valve, a constant aperture and a temperature-dependent, switchable aperture that is positioned upstream of a radiator relative to a flow of fluid to the radiator. The parallel connection is disposed between a first control edge of a converter switching valve and a first line. The first line leads to both to the radiator and through a check valve to the converter ring. The first control edge of the converter switching valve is open and lubricating oil flows through the parallel connection when the converter switching valve is in a first switching position. The first control edge of the converter switching valve is closed and lubricating oil does not flow through the parallel connection when the converter switching valve is in a second switching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Gerhard Martin, Ahmed Mouhcine, Rainer Grundler, Dirk Winkler, Valentine Vincent
  • Publication number: 20170261091
    Abstract: A drag torque reduction device for an automatic transmission includes a hydraulic controller with a diversion for excess cooling oil into an oil sump that is positioned upstream of a radiator relative to a flow of fluid to the radiator. The diversion includes a temperature-dependent, switchable aperture and a switching valve. The temperature-dependent, switchable aperture is configured to close above a temperature threshold. The switching valve is configured to close above a threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Gerhard Martin, Ahmed Mouhcine, Rainer Grundler, Dirk Winkler, Valentine Vincent
  • Publication number: 20170002922
    Abstract: A drag torque reduction device for an automatic transmission includes a hydraulic controller with a radiator. In one embodiment, the drag torque reduction device also includes a parallel connection of a pressure relief valve, a constant aperture and a temperature-dependent, switchable aperture positioned upstream of the radiator. In another embodiment, the drag torque reduction device includes an overflow cooling oil diversion with a temperature-dependent, switchable aperture and a pressure relief valve that is positioned upstream of the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Gerhard Martin, Ahmed Mouhcine, Rainer Grundler, Dirk Winkler, Valentine Vincent
  • Patent number: 9145373
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: CHDI FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler
  • Patent number: 8883785
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: CHDI Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Celia Dominguez, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Dirk Winkler, Frederick Brookfield, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena
  • Patent number: 8691824
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: CHDI Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20130331370
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler
  • Patent number: 8536186
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CHDI Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20130029988
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Celia Dominguez, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Dirk Winkler, Frederick Brookfield, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena
  • Publication number: 20120329812
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20110230428
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler
  • Publication number: 20110183957
    Abstract: Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: John Wityak, Leticia M. Toledo-Sherman, Celia Dominguez, Stephen Martin Courtney, Christopher John Yarnold, Paula C. De Aguiar Pena, Andreas Scheel, Dirk Winkler