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).
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Publication number: 20260022746Abstract: An actuator assembly (14) of an electromechanical vehicle brake (10) has a housing (30) comprising a load-carrying housing part (32) and a cover part (70), wherein on the load-carrying housing part (32) an electric motor mount (52) for mounting an electric motor (54), a transmission mount (50) in which a transmission assembly (58) is at least partially arranged, and a fastening structure (34) for connection to a brake housing (12). The load-carrying housing part (32) consists of a metal. The electromechanical vehicle brake (10) can be used as a service brake and/or as a parking brake.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2024Publication date: January 22, 2026Inventors: Philip Harvey, Galus Chelaidite, Kraig E. Gerber, Michael Wozniak
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Publication number: 20260009437Abstract: A brake actuator (10) is specified, in particular for an electromechanical vehicle brake, having a brake caliper (12) in which an intermediate space (14) is formed for a brake rotor, wherein a brake pad (16), which can be applied against the brake rotor, is arranged in the intermediate space (14), a brake piston (18) for applying the brake pad (16) against the brake rotor, a spindle drive (20) which comprises a spindle (22) which is driven by an electric motor and a spindle nut (24) which is mounted on the spindle (22) via a thread pair which is designed to be self-releasing, and a ball ramp mechanism (28) which comprises a first ramp body (30) which is mounted fixedly in terms of rotation and which has an actuating surface (32) which is oriented toward the brake piston, and a second ramp body (34) which is arranged between the first ramp body (30) and the spindle nut (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: January 8, 2026Inventors: Galus Chelaidite, Kraig E. Gerber, Lukas Madzgalla, Florian Roessinger, Marco Becker
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Publication number: 20250333038Abstract: An electromechanical brake actuator for applying braking force to a rotor includes a first ball nut assembly having a first spindle and a first nut axially movable relative to the rotor in response to rotation of the first spindle. A second ball nut assembly includes a second spindle and a second nut axially movable relative to the rotor in response to rotation of the second spindle. A motor supplies torque to the spindles such that both spindles rotate to cause both nuts to simultaneously move towards the rotor for applying braking force thereto. An anti-rotation member is secured to both the first and second nuts for limiting relative movement between the first and second nuts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2024Publication date: October 30, 2025Inventors: Galus Chelaidite, Kraig E. Gerber
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Publication number: 20250320900Abstract: A ball-screw drive for an actuator assembly of a vehicle brake includes a ball screw rotatable about an axis and having an exterior track winding extending around the ball screw from a first opening to a second opening. An inner recess extends into the ball screw and is connected to the first and second openings. A ball nut includes an interior track winding and is positioned over the ball screw so as to be movable along the axis in response to rotation of the ball screw for applying the vehicle brake. Balls are provided between the track windings. A tube extends continuously through the recess between the openings and cooperates with the track windings to form a recirculation loop for the balls during brake application.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2024Publication date: October 16, 2025Inventors: Galus Chelaidite, Kraig E. Gerber, Changming Wu
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Publication number: 20250237302Abstract: A frame is provided for an actuator assembly of a vehicle brake having a housing enclosing a gear stage and a motor for delivering torque to the gear stage. The frame includes a base having a first interface for connecting to the gear stage and a second interface for connecting to the motor. Projections extend outward from the first interface for receiving fasteners to secure the base directly to the housing and transfer loads from the motor to the housing during braking operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2024Publication date: July 24, 2025Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Michael Wozniak, Pascal Jung, Markus Reinhard
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Patent number: 11512750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY US INC.Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
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Patent number: 11511715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
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Patent number: 11193547Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
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Patent number: 11149811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignees: ZF Active Safety US Inc., Lucas Automotive GmgHInventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
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Publication number: 20210301892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Galus Chelaidite
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Publication number: 20210300310Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: KRAIG E. GERBER, Galus Chelaidite
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Publication number: 20210301889Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: KRAIG E. GERBER, Galus Chelaidite
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Publication number: 20210301893Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventor: Kraig E. Gerber
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Patent number: 11131354Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventor: Kraig E. Gerber
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Publication number: 20190360539Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicants: ZF Active Safety US Inc., Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
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Patent number: 10458494Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignees: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Markus Mallmann
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Patent number: 10415660Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignees: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Manuel Barbosa, Kraig E. Gerber, Anthony Dixon, Frank Madzgalla, Juergen Korte, Tobias Lenarz, Raphael Mueller, Philip Kexel
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Publication number: 20190003538Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventors: Kraig E. GERBER, Chad BRIZENDINE
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Patent number: 10094438Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Antonio Eduardo De Morais
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Publication number: 20180238406Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicants: Kelsey-Hayes Company, Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Kraig E. Gerber, Markus Mallmann