Patents by Inventor Michael Preus
Michael Preus 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: 11746857Abstract: Disclosed is a starting device for a transmission. The starting device includes a drive input shaft provided for coupling the starting device to a drive engine connected upstream from the transmission. An output shaft is configured to connect the starting device to a gearset of the transmission. The drive input shaft and the output shaft can be connected rotationally fixed to one another by means of a first shifting element. An electric machine is provided whose rotor is connected to an intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is coupled to the output shaft by way of at least one gear step. In order to realize integration of the upstream drive engine and the electric machine, a second shifting element is also provided which, when actuated, forms a rotationally fixed connection between the intermediate shaft and the drive input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Glückler, Michael Preuß, Bernard Hunold
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Patent number: 11511616Abstract: A transmission arrangement for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, having change-speed transmission (G) with a drive output shaft (AW), a retarder (RE) with a retarder shaft (RW), an electric machine (EM) with a rotor shaft (RO) and a first gear ratio step (Ü1) between the drive output shaft (AW) and the retarder shaft (RW). The retarder (RE) is driven by way of the first gear ratio step (Ü1). The electric machine (EM) is arranged with its axis parallel to the retarder (RE) and can be coupled to the retarder shaft (RW) by way of a second gear ratio step (Ü2).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernard Hunold, Michael Preuß
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Publication number: 20220307574Abstract: Disclosed is a starting device for a transmission. The starting device includes a drive input shaft provided for coupling the starting device to a drive engine connected upstream from the transmission. An output shaft is configured to connect the starting device to a gearset of the transmission. The drive input shaft and the output shaft can be connected rotationally fixed to one another by means of a first shifting element. An electric machine is provided whose rotor is connected to an intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is coupled to the output shaft by way of at least one gear step. In order to realize integration of the upstream drive engine and the electric machine, a second shifting element is also provided which, when actuated, forms a rotationally fixed connection between the intermediate shaft and the drive input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Glückler, Michael Preuß, Bernard Hunold
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Publication number: 20210268891Abstract: A transmission arrangement for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, having change-speed transmission (G) with a drive output shaft (AW), a retarder (RE) with a retarder shaft (RW), an electric machine (EM) with a rotor shaft (RO) and a first gear ratio step (Ü1) between the drive output shaft (AW) and the retarder shaft (RW). The retarder (RE) is driven by way of the first gear ratio step (Ü1). The electric machine (EM) is arranged with its axis parallel to the retarder (RE) and can be coupled to the retarder shaft (RW) by way of a second gear ratio step (Ü2).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Bernard HUNOLD, Michael PREUß
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Patent number: 10940749Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle having a hybrid drive, a transmission with shift elements, a drive output with a brake, a main transmission with input shafts, an output shaft and planetary gear sets (PG1, PG2). The main transmission has five gear planes. One shift element can connect a gear plane to an element of gear set (PG1) adjoining the main transmission. Another shift element couples a further element of gear set (PG1) either to the output shaft or a housing. An electric machine is permanently connected to an element of gear set (PG2). If, while driving with a transmission gear engaged, the drive output brake is engaged for a full brake application, a shift element of the transmission is first relieved by the electric machine and/or a brake assigned to one of the input shafts and then subsequently disengaged to decouple the combustion engine from the drive output.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Michael Preuß, Johannes Kaltenbach, Christian Mittelberger, Johannes Glückler, Stefan Renner, Rayk Gersten
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Patent number: 10871203Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a motor vehicle including two sub-transmissions, each having at least one input shaft. An output shaft outputs drive from both sub-transmissions. The input shafts are arranged on an input shaft axis and the output shaft is arranged on the input shaft axis or a parallel countershaft axis. An intermediate gear system includes at least one countershaft which is arranged on the countershaft axis. At least four shifting elements are arranged such that, in each case, at least two shifting elements are arranged on the input shaft axis and on the countershaft axis. At least one input shaft can be connected to the output shaft by way of two wheel planes and/or at least one shifting element. Preferably half of the shifting elements are unsynchronized and at least one-third of the shifting elements are synchronized. Also a method for operating a dual clutch transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Bernd Schepperle, Michael Preuβ
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Publication number: 20200313453Abstract: A battery pack including a housing, one or more battery cells within the housing, a user-interface configured to receive an input from a user, and a controller having an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a signal, from the user-interface, corresponding to the input, verify the signal, and enable the battery pack based on verification.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, J. Porter Whitmire
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Publication number: 20200306848Abstract: A reciprocating saw may include a housing, a motor within the housing, a reciprocating drive mechanism having a rotational input driven by the motor and a reciprocating spindle to which a saw blade is attachable, and an onboard, integrated dust collection system for collecting and storing dust and debris generated by the saw blade during a cutting operation. The dust collection system includes an inlet duct, a dust container positioned downstream of the inlet duct, an outlet duct positioned downstream of the dust container, and a centrifugal fan driven by the motor for inducing an airflow through the inlet duct, the dust container, and the outlet duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Michael Preus, Brianna Williams
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Patent number: 10443295Abstract: A garage door opener system includes a garage door opener having a motor for moving a garage door and a controller coupled to a wireless communication interface, a user communication interface including a microphone, and a garage door opener accessory. The controller controls the garage door opener motor to move the garage door, detects a command from a user via the microphone, authenticates the command, and generates a responsive control action to control the garage door opener accessory. The user interface may include a speaker that produces an audible response to the user. The accessory may include an object tracker that alerts a user with an audible or illuminating alert. Other accessories may include a video camera, a radio, a music player, a battery charger, an energy storage system, a garage door lock, a hinged lid, an entry door, and a window lock.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: Mark Huggins, J. Porter Whitmire, Michael Preus, Scott Kippes
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Publication number: 20190292848Abstract: A motor module is configured to convert a manually-operable window covering assembly to a motorized window covering assembly. In one embodiment, the motor module includes output shaft that engage with couplers of the window covering assembly that receive a spring module when the assembly is in a manually-operated state. The couplers are displaceable such that the spring module and motor module may be either removed and inserted into the assembly. The motor module is made sufficiently compact to fit in the header by arranging a motor, battery, circuit board, and internal gearing system to efficiently use the space in the motor module. In another embodiment, a motorized converter module is configured to be installed on a manually-operated window covering assembly to convert the window covering assembly from a manually-operated state to a motorized stated without removing any components of the window covering assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Applicant: TTI (Macao Commercial Offshore) LimitedInventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Michael Preus, Austin Clark, John Schnell, Elton Lee Watson
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Publication number: 20190193560Abstract: An auxiliary power take-off assembly (32) for a transmission (6) of a motor vehicle (2) having a torque converter (8). A driveshaft (30) is permanently connected to a drive motor (4), via the pump shaft (24) of the torque converter (8). In addition, the auxiliary power take-off assembly (32) has a transmission drive chain which includes at least a drive input element (34) and a drive output element (42) connected to an additional assembly (66) to be driven, and a shifting element (64, 68). The shifting element (64, 68) is functionally arranged between the driveshaft (30) and the drive input element (34) of the transmission chain for the optionally connecting the driveshaft (30) to the drive input element (34).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2017Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Michael TRÜBENBACH, Michael PREUß, Patrick KNIESS
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Patent number: 10237996Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Patent number: 10167661Abstract: A garage door opener system includes sensor components and actuatable components. When a condition is detected based on sensor output, a responsive action is selected. The actuatable component is controlled to perform the selected responsive action. Accessory sensors and actuatable accessories may be in communication with the garage door system. When the accessories are found to be present by the garage door opener system, and a condition is detected by the accessory sensor, a responsive action is selected and the actuatable accessory is controlled to perform the responsive action. In either case, the responsive actions may be selected based on rules. The responsive actions may be performed by a combination of the actuatable components of the garage door opener system and the actuatable accessories in communication with the garage door opener system.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: Michael Preus, William McNabb
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Publication number: 20180263129Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Publication number: 20180245395Abstract: A garage door opener system includes a garage door opener having a motor for moving a garage door and a controller coupled to a wireless communication interface, a user communication interface including a microphone, and a garage door opener accessory. The controller controls the garage door opener motor to move the garage door, detects a command from a user via the microphone, authenticates the command, and generates a responsive control action to control the garage door opener accessory. The user interface may include a speaker that produces an audible response to the user. The accessory may include an object tracker that alerts a user with an audible or illuminating alert. Other accessories may include a video camera, a radio, a music player, a battery charger, an energy storage system, a garage door lock, a hinged lid, an entry door, and a window lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Mark Huggins, J. Porter Whitmire, Michael Preus, Scott Kippes
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Patent number: 10015898Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Publication number: 20180158318Abstract: An accessory device system includes a charger, a battery pack selectively coupled to a battery receiving portion of the charger to receive charging current, and a first accessory device selectively coupled to an accessory device port of the charger. The charger further includes an electronic controller having a wireless transceiver and configured to communicate with a peripheral device to one or more of provide identity and status information regarding the first accessory device and to receive settings data to control the first accessory device. The charger receives the identity and status information from the first accessory device, and provides the settings data to the first accessory device to control the first accessory device. In some instances, the peripheral device and the charger communicate via a network and server, and the charger communicates wirelessly with the network via the wireless transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Matthew Asher
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Patent number: D841444Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, John Schaalje, Taku Ohi, Steven Westover, C. Eric Lagman
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Patent number: D871472Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, John Schaalje, Taku Ohi, Steven Westover, C. Eric Lagman
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Patent number: D872153Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, John Schaalje, Taku Ohi, Steven Westover, C. Eric Lagman