Patents by Inventor Norbert Ackermann

Norbert Ackermann 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: 10434834
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle with a chassis arrangement having at least two vibration dampers. A body control is carried out at least partially with the vibration dampers. The chassis arrangement further has at least one stabilizer. During transverse accelerations below a threshold acceleration the stabilizer contributes to the body control less than the vibration dampers and contributes more than the vibration dampers from the threshold acceleration upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ackermann, Helmut Baalmann, Andreas Förster, Sven Greger, Steffen Heyn, Holger Kirchner, Sven Philip Krüger, Thomas Manger, Hendrik Marquar, Christian Maurischat, Stefan Rappelt, Alexander Schwarz, Jens Seiler, Achim Thomae, Michael Triebel
  • Patent number: 10427485
    Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle with a chassis system comprising at least two, preferably four vibration damper includes carrying out a body control and a wheel control with the chassis system, and controlling the energy supply for the chassis system via an energy control arrangement. A motor vehicle performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ackermann, Helmut Baalmann, Michael Triebel, Christian Maurischat, Achim Thomae, Andreas Förster, Steffen Heyn, Thomas Manger, Stefen Rappelt, Sven Greger, Sven Philip Krüger, Jens Seiler, Holger Kirchner, Hendrik Marquar, Alexander Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20180370319
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle with a chassis arrangement having at least two vibration dampers. A body control is carried out at least partially with the vibration dampers. The chassis arrangement further has at least one stabilizer. During transverse accelerations below a threshold acceleration the stabilizer contributes to the body control less than the vibration dampers and contributes more than the vibration dampers from the threshold acceleration upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Norbert ACKERMANN, Helmut BAALMANN, Andreas FÖRSTER, Sven GREGER, Steffen HEYN, Holger KIRCHNER, Sven Philip KRÜGER, Thomas MANGER, Hendrik MARQUAR, Christian MAURISCHAT, Stefan RAPPELT, Alexander SCHWARZ, Jens SEILER, Achim THOMAE, Michael TRIEBEL
  • Publication number: 20180037080
    Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle with a chassis system comprising at least two, preferably four vibration damper includes carrying out a body control and a wheel control with the chassis system, and controlling the energy supply for the chassis system via an energy control arrangement. A motor vehicle performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Norbert ACKERMANN, Helmut BAALMANN, Michael TRIEBEL, Christian MAURISCHAT, Achim THOMAE, Andreas FÖRSTER, Steffen HEYN, Thomas MANGER, Stefen RAPPELT, Sven GREGER, Sven Philip KRÜGER, Jens SEILER, Holger KIRCHNER, Hendrick MARQUAR, Alexander SCHWARZ
  • Patent number: 9004425
    Abstract: A damping device includes a cylinder which is under pressure and which has a connection opening for a mount-on part which is fastened to an outer surface of the cylinder by means of an annular tensioning band element. The tensioning band element encircles the cylinder and the mount-on part on a circumferential region and, by its pretensioning, exerts a holding force on the mount-on part. The tensioning band element is underdimensioned in relation to the cross section of the cylinder and mount-on part and the distance between the two structural component parts and is expanded in a final mounting position in relation to a pre-mounting state in order to apply the pretensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AC
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 8533924
    Abstract: Process for producing a pressure vessel having an enveloping body which occupies an arch shape in its predetermined installation position. The enveloping body has pillow-shaped portions which are connected to one another by stamped transitions at the inner diameter area of the enveloping body. The enveloping body for the intended installation position is placed with its inner diameter area one-sidedly on a die having a raised wedge-shaped profile. A designated outer diameter area of the enveloping body contacts a supporting surface, and the enveloping body is filled with a pressure medium so that the enveloping body is tensioned on the die and, in so doing, is plastically deformed in the area of the wedge-shaped profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ackermann, Thomas Meyer
  • Publication number: 20120312005
    Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic piston-cylinder unit comprising a working cylinder in which a piston rod with a piston is guided so as to be axially movable, wherein the working cylinder carries a hollow pump rod aligned in the longitudinal axis of the piston-cylinder unit, wherein a radial control bore in the pump rod cooperates with a pump sleeve on the piston rod side, wherein the pump rod and the pump sleeve are connected to a fluid reservoir and form a pumping device by which a determined level position is automatically adjusted, wherein the pump sleeve is controllable by an actuator to adjust the determined level position, characterized in that the axial position of the pump sleeve relative to the control bore is adjustable by means of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Norbert ACKERMANN, Holger Kirchner, Thomas Meyer
  • Publication number: 20120292470
    Abstract: A damping device includes a cylinder which is under pressure and which has a connection opening for a mount-on part which is fastened to an outer surface of the cylinder by means of an annular tensioning band element. The tensioning band element encircles the cylinder and the mount-on part on a circumferential region and, by its pretensioning, exerts a holding force on the mount-on part. The tensioning band element is underdimensioned in relation to the cross section of the cylinder and mount-on part and the distance between the two structural component parts and is expanded in a final mounting position in relation to a pre-mounting state in order to apply the pretensioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert ACKERMANN
  • Patent number: 8087646
    Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit for installing between a vehicle body and an axle includes a cylinder filled with damping medium, a piston dividing the cylinder into working spaces, and a piston rod. A first damping valve assembly in the piston damps movement of the piston in tension and in compression. A load dependent valve includes a valve body which can be moved axially by pressure in the damping medium, the valve body having axially opposed first and second actuation surfaces. The first actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a first accumulator, which is connected to one of the working spaces, and the second actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a second accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Holger Kirchner, Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7918437
    Abstract: Pressure vessel filled with at least one medium, where a gas mass enclosed by an envelope is pre-pressurized by a fluid, especially for volume compensation in piston-cylinder assemblies. The separating means is provided in an annular space, which is bounded by an interior wall and an exterior wall, and where at least one port for the annular space and at least one port for the enclosed gas mass are provided. The ports are aligned when the piston-cylinder assembly is inserted in the pressure vessel, which moves seals into their sealing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20100116351
    Abstract: Process for producing a pressure vessel having an enveloping body which occupies an arch shape in its predetermined installation position. The enveloping body has pillow-shaped portions which are connected to one another by stamped transitions at the inner diameter area of the enveloping body. The enveloping body for the intended installation position is placed with its inner diameter area one-sidedly on a die having a raised wedge-shaped profile. A designated outer diameter area of the enveloping body contacts a supporting surface, and the enveloping body is filled with a pressure medium so that the enveloping body is tensioned on the die and, in so doing, is plastically deformed in the area of the wedge-shaped profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ackermann, Thomas Meyer
  • Patent number: 7681699
    Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic vibration damper with internal level control, especially for motor vehicles, has an oil-filled working cylinder under the pressure of at least one gas cushion. The working cylinder is divided into two working spaces by a working piston mounted on a piston rod. A piston pump, which is driven by the sprung movements of the vehicle and thus conveys damping oil from a low-pressure chamber into the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber. The pump cylinder of this piston pump is formed by the hollow piston rod, which connects the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber. An axially movable stepped pump piston is provided in the pump cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7487863
    Abstract: Vibration damper with a damping medium-filled cylinder, in which a piston rod is installed with freedom of axial movement, and a pressure container, which is connected to the vibration damper by an adapter piece. The adapter piece comprises a connecting part, which is connected to the pressure container, and an upper part, which is connected permanently to the vibration damper. A filling channel inside the adapter piece is open at both ends when the pressure container is full, and a filling channel on the vibration damper side, which is connected to the filling channel of the adapter piece, has a closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20080202945
    Abstract: Pressure vessel filled with at least one medium, where a gas mass enclosed by an envelope is pre-pressurized by a fluid, especially for volume compensation in piston-cylinder assemblies. The separating means is provided in an annular space, which is bounded by an interior wall and an exterior wall, and where at least one port for the annular space and at least one port for the enclosed gas mass are provided. The ports are aligned when the piston-cylinder assembly is inserted in the pressure vessel, which moves seals into their sealing positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20060196740
    Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit for installing between a vehicle body and an axle includes a cylinder filled with damping medium, a piston dividing the cylinder into working spaces, and a piston rod. A first damping valve assembly in the piston damps movement of the piston in tension and in compression. A load dependent valve includes a valve body which can be moved axially by pressure in the damping medium, the valve body having axially opposed first and second actuation surfaces. The first actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a first accumulator, which is connected to one of the working spaces, and the second actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a second accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Holger Kirchner, Norbert Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20060197268
    Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic vibration damper with internal level control, especially for motor vehicles, has an oil-filled working cylinder under the pressure of at least one gas cushion. The working cylinder is divided into two working spaces by a working piston mounted on a piston rod. A piston pump, which is driven by the sprung movements of the vehicle and thus conveys damping oil from a low-pressure chamber into the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber. The pump cylinder of this piston pump is formed by the hollow piston rod, which connects the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber. An axially movable stepped pump piston is provided in the pump cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20060175168
    Abstract: Vibration damper with a damping medium-filled cylinder, in which a piston rod is installed with freedom of axial movement, and a pressure container, which is connected to the vibration damper by an adapter piece. The adapter piece comprises a connecting part, which is connected to the pressure container, and an upper part, which is connected permanently to the vibration damper. A filling channel inside the adapter piece is open at both ends when the pressure container is full, and a filling channel on the vibration damper side, which is connected to the filling channel of the adapter piece, has a closing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6119831
    Abstract: A controllable vibration damper for motor vehicles, having a cylinder containing damping fluid, a piston rod entering the cylinder in a sealed manner and arranged axially displaceably therein, and a damping piston which is fastened to the piston rod and divides the cylinder into two working spaces, as well as a damping valve, which is provided with a valve seat and controls the effective cross section of a damping passage of the main stage via an axially displaceable valve body, the valve body being acted on in one direction by a precontrolling device and activated directly in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Heinz Knecht, Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 5265703
    Abstract: A hydraulic, adjustable vibration damper has an electromagnetically activated damping valve to at least partly control the damping force. In the electromagnet of the damping valve, the base of the armature guide and the end surface of the armature adjacent to the base are configured so that there is at least one recess in one of the parts, into which at least one recess, at least one correspondingly configured extension on the other part projects. With this configuration, the electromagnet is able to attain high forces, largely independent of the distance, over a short work stroke of the armature of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Boge Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 5251730
    Abstract: An adjustable vibration damper for motor vehicles has a cylinder containing a damping fluid, an axially-movable piston rod projecting into the cylinder in a sealed manner, and a damping piston fastened to the piston rod to divide the cylinder into two work chambers, whereby a damping valve equipped with an axially movable valve body and a valve seat controls the effective cross section of a damping passage. For this purpose, the valve body, starting from its pressurized end surface, has at least one constant throttle cross section running toward the back side of the valve body, and an additional throttle passage running in the outflow direction, whereby a pilot control element for regulating flow through the additional throttle passage is located in a recess inside the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Boge Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Ackermann, Hubert Beck