Patents by Inventor Gerhard Bockmann
Gerhard Bockmann 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).
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Patent number: 6503171Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission of an engine-driven vehicle having a plurality of gears, the vehicle including a service module actuable by a driver of the vehicle to select a desired gear, the service module being connected to a transmission control system which automatically changes gears in response to actuation of the service module, the vehicle further including an engine braking system connected to the transmission control system which is actuable to brake the vehicle engine during a gear change, the method comprising: monitoring the transmission input rotational speed (NE) and the transmission output rotational speed (NA); calculating a synchronous rotational speed (NE) of the desired gear; actuating the engine braking system to reduce the rotational input speed (NE) and synchronize it with the synchronous rotational speed (NS) so that the desired gear change can be effected; and disabling the engine braking system when a predetermined switch-off threshold is reached at a point in time before aType: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. oHGInventors: Gerhard Böckmann, Andreas Böhm
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Patent number: 6374688Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission in a motor vehicle by operation of a transmission control system which evaluates the actuating wishes of the driver and by an electrical/pneumatic adjusting device, permits rapid shifting of gears in a non-synchronized transmission. In certain cases, for example when traveling uphill, the speed of the vehicle may decrease by the end of the gear changing process to such an extent that an engagement of the gear selected by the driver would lead to a drop below the engine idling speed. Similarly, the corollary applies to the highest acceptable engine speed, for example during down-hill travel. Therefore, the evolution in time of the actual transmission input speed or of the engine speed during a gear changing process is compared with the transmission input speed calculated on the basis of the gear ratio of the selected gear and the speed to be expected in case of synchronization of both speeds is calculated in advance.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Wabco GmbH & Co. oHGInventors: Gerhard Böckmann, Andreas Böhm
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Patent number: 6167996Abstract: A shift by wire vehicle transmission system includes control methods that are especially useful for controlling the transmission under start-from-stop conditions. Since the master clutch must be manually operated under such conditions, the invention includes a method of determining whether the clutch is open or closed. The rotational speed of the engine output shaft is compared to the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft and if the difference between those speeds is greater than a preselected value, the clutch is determined to be open. Another use of the disclosed method is to provide an indication to the driver whether a desired gear has been engaged. A visual or audible signal indicates to the driver that the desired gear is not yet engaged. Once engagement is confirmed, the signal is turned off and the driver knows that the desired shift has been accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignees: ZF Meritor, LLC, WABCO Standard GmbHInventors: Jon M. Huber, Gerhard Böckmann, Andreas Böhm
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Patent number: 6145399Abstract: Non-synchronized, manually shiftable transmissions of modern vehicle types are actuated by means of an automated transmission control, and the driver can optionally select any gear by means of an actuator which is electrically connected to the transmission control device. In general terms, the method of this invention includes the operator generating a signal indicating a desire to shift the transmission. The transmission then automatically begins implementing the shift. If the currently engaged gear is not disengaged within a preselected time period, because the system cannot achieve a break torque condition, for example, the system signals the driver to manually operate the clutch. A visual and audible signal preferably are provided to the driver. Once the driver manually operates the clutch, the system is able to complete the desired shift.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Wabco GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Gerhard Bockmann, Andreas Bohm
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Patent number: 6126570Abstract: A method of engaging and disengaging transmission gears in a vehicle is provided. A controller processes an initial torque representing an engine torque and an estimated zero torque representing an estimate of a transmission output shaft torque. The controller also sets a high and low band torque about the estimated zero torque. Once the above torques have been determined, the controller compares the initial torque to the high band torque. If the initial torque is below the high band torque, the controller increases the engine torque to the high band torque. If the initial torque is greater than the high band torque, then no preliminary adjustments to the engine torque need be made. At least one shift valve is energized when the engine torque is equal to or greater than the high band torque. The engine torque is decayed by the controller to the low band torque to facilitate engaging and disengaging transmission gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: ZF MeritorInventors: Andreas Bohm, Gerhard Bockmann, James Henry DeVore, Jon Michael Huber, Robert Anthony Sayman
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Patent number: 6109407Abstract: A process for the control of non-synchronized, manually shiftable vehicle transmissions which are actuated in vehicles of new construction by means of an automated transmission control system whereby the driver is able to select a desired gear by means of an operating unit which is connected electrically to the transmission control system. When the vehicle is stopped and the clutch is disengaged practice of the invention prevents a situation in which the engagement of a gear is prevented by a tooth-on-tooth position of the transmission claws. The disclosed process makes it possible to engage the selected gear in all operating states of the vehicle in a simple and reliable manner. In this regard, a desired gear is first selected, and the clutch is then disengaged. When a suitable speed of the transmission input is then reached, a gear to be engaged is automatically engaged. Thereby, the engagement of a gear when the vehicle is stopped is systematized and facilitated for the driver.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co, OHGInventors: Gerhard Bockmann, Andreas Bohm