Patents by Inventor Michael LENGENFELDER

Michael LENGENFELDER 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: 11424712
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inverter for controlling an electric machine on a voltage source having a first and a second potential. The inverter comprises a plurality of bridge circuits which each comprise a first flow control valve, a second flow control valve and a connector for the electric machine, and a first interface for receiving individual control signals for the flow control valves and a second interface for detecting a switch-off signal. Each first flow control valve is configured to control current between the high electrical potential and the associated connector, and each second flow control valve is configured to control current between the associated connector and the low electrical potential. A switch-off device is configured to close either all first or all second flow control valves as a function of the shut-off signal and independently of signals on the first interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Michael Lengenfelder
  • Publication number: 20210226571
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inverter for controlling an electric machine on a voltage source having a first and a second potential. The inverter comprises a plurality of bridge circuits which each comprise a first flow control valve, a second flow control valve and a connector for the electric machine, and a first interface for receiving individual control signals for the flow control valves and a second interface for detecting a switch-off signal. Each first flow control valve is configured to control current between the high electrical potential and the associated connector, and each second flow control valve is configured to control current between the associated connector and the low electrical potential. A switch-off device is configured to close either all first or all second flow control valves as a function of the shut-off signal and independently of signals on the first interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael LENGENFELDER