Patents by Inventor Joseph G. Mueller

Joseph G. Mueller 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: 9162570
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8968135
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140366685
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position, A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8888638
    Abstract: A hybrid transfer case can include first and second output shafts adapted for connection to respective rear and front drivelines, a first input shaft adapted for connection to a transmission and for selective connection to the first output shaft, and a second input shaft that can be rotatably supported on the first input shaft and selectively connected to the first output shaft. The transfer case can further include a planetary gearset, a transfer system and an electric motor/generator. The planetary gearset can include a first member fixed for rotation with the first input shaft, a second member fixed for rotation with the second input shaft, and a third member. The transfer system can couple the second input shaft to the second output shaft, and the electric motor can selectively drive the third member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Carl F. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8821334
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20140135171
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130303328
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8419578
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8267833
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20120178575
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20120077633
    Abstract: A hybrid transfer case can include first and second output shafts adapted for connection to respective rear and front drivelines, a first input shaft adapted for connection to a transmission and for selective connection to the first output shaft, and a second input shaft that can be rotatably supported on the first input shaft and selectively connected to the first output shaft. The transfer case can further include a planetary gearset, a transfer system and an electric motor/generator. The planetary gearset can include a first member fixed for rotation with the first input shaft, a second member fixed for rotation with the second input shaft, and a third member. The transfer system can couple the second input shaft to the second output shaft, and the electric motor can selectively drive the third member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Carl F. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20100144476
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft. An alternate transmission having the clutch and the planetary gearset reversed is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Carl F. STEPHENS, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090314110
    Abstract: A power transfer unit is provided with a torque limiting assembly that limits the torque transferred to driveline components when torque peaks occur. The power transfer unit can include, a first shaft, a second output shaft receiving drive torque, a second output shaft, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a coupling member and a biasing member. The coupling member is located between a driving member and a driven member and provides selective engagement therebetween when in an engaged position. The driving member and/or the driven member includes a recess therein receiving a portion of the coupling member when in the engaged position. The biasing member urges the coupling member and the driving member and/or driven member into the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN USA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Scott R. Moll, Brent A. Cring, John A. Desilvia
  • Patent number: 7611414
    Abstract: A power transfer unit is provided with a torque limiting assembly that limits the torque transferred to driveline components when torque peaks occur. The power transfer unit can include, a first shaft, a second output shaft receiving drive torque, a second output shaft, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a coupling member and a biasing member. The coupling member is located between a driving member and a driven member and provides selective engagement therebetween when in an engaged position. The driving member and/or the driven member includes a recess therein receiving a portion of the coupling member when in the engaged position. The biasing member urges the coupling member and the driving member and/or driven member into the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Scott R. Moll, Brent A. Cring, John A. DeSilvia
  • Patent number: 7399251
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a mode clutch, an actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, an actuator shaft driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes range, a cam driven by the actuator shaft and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a range cam member with cam surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the cam surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the actuator shaft. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the mode clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Aaron Ronk
  • Publication number: 20070191117
    Abstract: A power transfer unit is provided with a torque limiting assembly that limits the torque transferred to driveline components when torque peaks occur. The power transfer unit can include, a first shaft, a second output shaft receiving drive torque, a second output shaft, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a coupling member and a biasing member. The coupling member is located between a driving member and a driven member and provides selective engagement therebetween when in an engaged position. The driving member and/or the driven member includes a recess therein receiving a portion of the coupling member when in the engaged position. The biasing member urges the coupling member and the driving member and/or driven member into the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN USA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Scott R. Moll, Brent A. Cring, John A. DeSilvia
  • Patent number: 7229378
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Patent number: 7178652
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7081064
    Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline, a second output shaft adapted for connection to a second driveline, an interaxle differential operably disposed between the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft, and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit, and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Gareth Thomas
  • Patent number: 7033300
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, an actuation mechanism, and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes a driveshaft driven by the geartrain, a cam driven by the driveshaft, and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a cam member with ramp surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the ramp surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the geartrain. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Aaron Ronk