Patents by Inventor Kraig E. Gerber

Kraig E. Gerber 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: 11512750
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake apparatus includes a housing supporting an inboard brake pad and an oppositely facing outboard brake pad for selective frictional contact with a rotor interposed longitudinally therebetween. The housing includes a mechanism cavity located longitudinally between the inboard pad and a motor having a motor output shaft. An adjuster ramp assembly indirectly receives torque from the motor. A spindle is operatively connected with the adjuster ramp assembly to indirectly receive torque from the motor therethrough. A leading ramp assembly is configured to transmit applied torque from the motor to the adjuster ramp assembly. The leading ramp assembly receives stepped-up torque from the motor via the motor output shaft and a ball thrust bearing at least partially located radially between the motor output shaft and an actuator ramp of the leading ramp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY US INC.
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
  • Patent number: 11511715
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake apparatus includes a housing supporting an inboard brake pad and an oppositely facing outboard brake pad for selective frictional contact with a rotor interposed longitudinally therebetween. An adjuster ramp assembly indirectly receives torque from the motor unit. A spindle is provided for selectively moving the inboard brake pad longitudinally. The spindle is operatively connected with the adjuster ramp assembly to indirectly receive torque from the motor unit therethrough. A leading ramp assembly is configured to transmit applied torque from the motor unit to the adjuster ramp assembly via at least one ramp ball longitudinally interposed therebetween. A predetermined amount and direction of torque is applied to each of the adjuster ramp assembly and the leading ramp assembly to assist with a selected one of (1) service brake application and (2) service brake release functions. The electromechanical brake apparatus is operative, at different times, for both functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
  • Patent number: 11193547
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake apparatus includes a housing supporting an inboard brake pad and an outboard brake pad for selective frictional contact with a rotor interposed longitudinally therebetween. The housing includes a mechanism cavity located longitudinally between the inboard pad and a motor having a sun gear motor output shaft. An adjuster ramp assembly indirectly receives torque from the motor. A spindle is provided for selectively moving the inboard brake pad longitudinally. The spindle is operatively connected with the adjuster ramp assembly to indirectly receive torque from the motor therethrough. A leading ramp assembly is configured to transmit applied torque from the motor to the adjuster ramp assembly. The leading ramp assembly receives stepped-up torque from the motor via the sun gear motor output shaft and a plurality of planet gears located radially between the sun gear motor output shaft and a toothed inner lumen of the leading ramp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
  • Patent number: 11149811
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a brake clip having a U-shaped section, at least one retention tang, and an abutment leg. The U-shaped section has a base leg and opposing upper and lower legs extending from the base leg. The upper leg has an inner face facing the lower leg. The at least one tang extends away from the U-shaped section and inner face. The abutment leg extends from the lower leg and has a midpoint between a top edge and a bottom edge. The midpoint is not planar with the top and bottom edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignees: ZF Active Safety US Inc., Lucas Automotive GmgH
    Inventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
  • Publication number: 20210300310
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake apparatus includes a housing supporting an inboard brake pad and an oppositely facing outboard brake pad for selective frictional contact with a rotor interposed longitudinally therebetween. An adjuster ramp assembly indirectly receives torque from the motor unit. A spindle is provided for selectively moving the inboard brake pad longitudinally. The spindle is operatively connected with the adjuster ramp assembly to indirectly receive torque from the motor unit therethrough. A leading ramp assembly is configured to transmit applied torque from the motor unit to the adjuster ramp assembly via at least one ramp ball longitudinally interposed therebetween. A predetermined amount and direction of torque is applied to each of the adjuster ramp assembly and the leading ramp assembly to assist with a selected one of (1) service brake application and (2) service brake release functions. The electromechanical brake apparatus is operative, at different times, for both functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: KRAIG E. GERBER, Galus Chelaidite
  • Publication number: 20210301889
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake apparatus includes a housing supporting an inboard brake pad and an outboard brake pad for selective frictional contact with a rotor interposed longitudinally therebetween. The housing includes a mechanism cavity located longitudinally between the inboard pad and a motor having a sun gear motor output shaft. An adjuster ramp assembly indirectly receives torque from the motor. A spindle is provided for selectively moving the inboard brake pad longitudinally. The spindle is operatively connected with the adjuster ramp assembly to indirectly receive torque from the motor therethrough. A leading ramp assembly is configured to transmit applied torque from the motor to the adjuster ramp assembly. The leading ramp assembly receives stepped-up torque from the motor via the sun gear motor output shaft and a plurality of planet gears located radially between the sun gear motor output shaft and a toothed inner lumen of the leading ramp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: KRAIG E. GERBER, Galus Chelaidite
  • Publication number: 20210301893
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake system includes a housing defining a mechanism cavity. An apparatus for force application includes a first piston, including a first piston motivator comprising a first push rod and an actuator. A brake pad is operatively connected to both the first and second pistons for longitudinal driving thereby. A rocker arm is operatively connected to both the first and second pistons for force transmission therebetween. A pivot bearing rotatably supports the rocker arm. The actuator is configured to move selectively longitudinally with respect to the first push rod to move at least a portion of the first piston toward the brake pad. The pivot bearing is maintained in a predetermined longitudinal position as a reaction force is developed between the first piston and the brake pad. The rocker arm transmits at least a portion of the reaction force from the first push rod to the second piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventor: Kraig E. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20210301892
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake apparatus includes a housing supporting an inboard brake pad and an oppositely facing outboard brake pad for selective frictional contact with a rotor interposed longitudinally therebetween. The housing includes a mechanism cavity located longitudinally between the inboard pad and a motor having a motor output shaft. An adjuster ramp assembly indirectly receives torque from the motor. A spindle is operatively connected with the adjuster ramp assembly to indirectly receive torque from the motor therethrough. A leading ramp assembly is configured to transmit applied torque from the motor to the adjuster ramp assembly. The leading ramp assembly receives stepped-up torque from the motor via the motor output shaft and a ball thrust bearing at least partially located radially between the motor output shaft and an actuator ramp of the leading ramp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
  • Patent number: 11131354
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake system includes a housing defining a mechanism cavity. An apparatus for force application includes a first piston, including a first piston motivator comprising a first push rod and an actuator. A brake pad is operatively connected to both the first and second pistons for longitudinal driving thereby. A rocker arm is operatively connected to both the first and second pistons for force transmission therebetween. A pivot bearing rotatably supports the rocker arm. The actuator is configured to move selectively longitudinally with respect to the first push rod to move at least a portion of the first piston toward the brake pad. The pivot bearing is maintained in a predetermined longitudinal position as a reaction force is developed between the first piston and the brake pad. The rocker arm transmits at least a portion of the reaction force from the first push rod to the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventor: Kraig E. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20190360539
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a brake clip having a U-shaped section, at least one retention tang, and an abutment leg. The U-shaped section has a base leg and opposing upper and lower legs extending from the base leg. The upper leg has an inner face facing the lower leg. The at least one tang extends away from the U-shaped section and inner face. The abutment leg extends from the lower leg and has a midpoint between a top edge and a bottom edge. The midpoint is not planar with the top and bottom edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicants: ZF Active Safety US Inc., Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
  • Patent number: 10458494
    Abstract: A vehicle disc brake assembly includes a brake caliper. The brake caliper has a lug through which a bore extends, the bore having an axis. A guide rod fastener extends through the bore and is secured to a guide rod. An elastic bushing is in the bore between the lug and the guide rod fastener, wherein a circumference of the bushing contacts the lug. A radial clearance is between the lug and the guide rod fastener. The radial clearance is perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignees: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Markus Mallmann
  • Patent number: 10415660
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a brake clip having a U-shaped section, at least one retention tang, and an abutment leg. The U-shaped section has a base leg and opposing upper and lower legs extending from the base leg. The upper leg has an inner face facing the lower leg. The at least one tang extends away from the U-shaped section and inner face. The abutment leg extends from the lower leg and has a midpoint between a top edge and a bottom edge. The midpoint is not planar with the top and bottom edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
  • Publication number: 20190003538
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a brake clip having a U-shaped section and a plurality of dimples. The U-shaped section has a base leg and opposing upper and lower legs extending from the base leg. The plurality of dimples is on the upper leg and extend in a direction from the lower leg to the upper leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Kraig E. GERBER, Chad BRIZENDINE
  • Patent number: 10094438
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly comprises an anchor bracket having at least one bore formed therein; a guide pin configured to be slidably supported in the bore and having a stem; at least one main damper configured to be disposed between the stem and an interior surface of the bore and configured to bias a portion of the stem against the interior surface of the bore depending upon brake loading on the disc brake assembly; and at least one secondary damper configured to be disposed between the stem and the interior surface, wherein the secondary damper is configured to limit a contact between the stem and the interior surface depending upon brake loading on the disc brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Antonio Eduardo De Morais
  • Publication number: 20180238406
    Abstract: A vehicle disc brake assembly includes a brake caliper. The brake caliper has a lug through which a bore extends, the bore having an axis. A guide rod fastener extends through the bore and is secured to a guide rod. An elastic bushing is in the bore between the lug and the guide rod fastener, wherein a circumference of the bushing contacts the lug. A radial clearance is between the lug and the guide rod fastener. The radial clearance is perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicants: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Markus Mallmann
  • Patent number: 10041553
    Abstract: A brake clip adapted for use in a disc brake assembly comprises a brake clip configured to be disposed between an anchor bracket and at least one brake pad of the disc brake assembly. The brake clip has at least one tab extending therefrom which is configured to initially contact and prevent the at least one brake pad from falling free prior to installation of the disc brake assembly on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Chad Brizendine, Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20180163800
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a brake clip having a U-shaped section, at least one retention tang, and an abutment leg. The U-shaped section has a base leg and opposing upper and lower legs extending from the base leg. The upper leg has an inner face facing the lower leg. The at least one tang extends away from the U-shaped section and inner face. The abutment leg extends from the lower leg and has a midpoint between a top edge and a bottom edge. The midpoint is not planar with the top and bottom edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicants: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
  • Patent number: 9976614
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a service brake assembly and an electromechanically actuable parking brake assembly. The electromechanically actuable parking brake assembly has a ball nut assembly comprising a ball screw and a ball nut. The ball screw and ball nut form a raceway for bearing members. The bearing members circulate within an internal path formed in the ball screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Manuel Barbosa, Changming Wu
  • Patent number: 9976609
    Abstract: A vehicle disc brake assembly includes a brake caliper. The brake caliper has a lug through which a bore extends, the bore having an axis. A guide rod fastener extends through the bore and is secured to a guide rod. An elastic bushing is in the bore between the lug and the guide rod fastener, wherein a circumference of the bushing contacts the lug. A radial clearance is between the lug and the guide rod fastener. The radial clearance is perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignees: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Markus Mallmann
  • Publication number: 20180119760
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly comprises an anchor bracket having at least one bore formed therein; a guide pin configured to be slidably supported in the bore and having a stem; at least one main damper configured to be disposed between the stem and an interior surface of the bore and configured to bias a portion of the stem against the interior surface of the bore depending upon brake loading on the disc brake assembly; and at least one secondary damper configured to be disposed between the stem and the interior surface, wherein the secondary damper is configured to limit a contact between the stem and the interior surface depending upon brake loading on the disc brake assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Antonio Eduardo De Morais