Patents by Inventor Peter Rentfrow

Peter Rentfrow 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).

  • Publication number: 20240288061
    Abstract: An electric beam axle for use in an electric or hybrid motor vehicle includes a valve positioned between a differential case and an axle tube. The valve includes a valve housing with a fluid flow path extending through the valve housing, and a valve member positioned within the fluid flow path of the valve housing. The valve can also include a stop coupled to the valve housing, the stop being configured to retain the valve member within the fluid flow path of the valve housing. The valve member is configured to prevent fluid from flowing through the fluid flow path and into the axle tube of the electric beam axle when the electric or hybrid motor vehicle is driving across steep road grades and/or under lateral acceleration (cornering) events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Publication number: 20240266908
    Abstract: An induction motor rotor shaft assembly may include an induction motor rotor shaft rotatable about a center axis, the induction motor rotor shaft including a hollow cylindrical base including an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface, a first axial end and a second axial end. The induction motor rotor shaft can include a helical structure extending about the center axis on or in the inner circumferential surface. The induction motor rotor shaft assembly may include a coolant supply for providing coolant inside of the hollow cylindrical base onto the helical structure for flow axially inside the hollow cylindrical base along the helical structure as the induction motor rotor shaft rotates about the center axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Peter Rentfrow, Eric Ubelhart, Charles Clark
  • Patent number: 11353097
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electric machine including a rotor defining a hollow center and a fluid-coupling assembly at least partially disposed within the hollow center. The fluid-coupling assembly includes an input shaft, a turbine fixedly coupled to the rotor and having a hub configured to connect with a transmission input shaft, and an impeller configured to fluid couple with the turbine. The impeller is selectively coupled to the rotor and selectively coupled to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Patent number: 11331998
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a torque converter including an impeller, a turbine, and a stator, wherein the impeller is configured to receive torque from the engine input shaft without utilizing a torque converter cover or shell. The hybrid powertrain includes an electric machine including a rotor and motor stator, wherein the electrical machine is configured to transfer torque to a transmission input via the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeremy Jewell, Peter Rentfrow
  • Publication number: 20220032761
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a torque converter including an impeller, a turbine, and a stator, wherein the impeller is configured to receive torque from the engine input shaft without utilizing a torque converter cover or shell. The hybrid powertrain includes an electric machine including a rotor and motor stator, wherein the electrical machine is configured to transfer torque to a transmission input via the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeremy JEWELL, Peter RENTFROW
  • Patent number: 11199224
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a first component, a second component, a first bearing, and a retainer. The first component has a pilot surface and a threaded portion, and the second component has a shaft and a tool. The tool has a first drive profile. The first bearing is installed on the pilot surface and the retainer is threaded onto the threaded portion. The retainer has a second drive profile, complementary to the first drive profile. A second bearing may be installed between the first component and the shaft, and a retaining ring may be installed in the shaft or the first component to prevent axial displacement of the shaft relative to the first component. The retainer may be disposed on a first axial side of the first bearing, and the second bearing may be disposed on a second axial side of the first bearing, opposite the first axial side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Publication number: 20210277946
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a first component, a second component, a first bearing, and a retainer. The first component has a pilot surface and a threaded portion, and the second component has a shaft and a tool. The tool has a first drive profile. The first bearing is installed on the pilot surface and the retainer is threaded onto the threaded portion. The retainer has a second drive profile, complementary to the first drive profile. A second bearing may be installed between the first component and the shaft, and a retaining ring may be installed in the shaft or the first component to prevent axial displacement of the shaft relative to the first component. The retainer may be disposed on a first axial side of the first bearing, and the second bearing may be disposed on a second axial side of the first bearing, opposite the first axial side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Publication number: 20210246974
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electric machine including a rotor defining a hollow center and a fluid-coupling assembly at least partially disposed within the hollow center. The fluid-coupling assembly includes an input shaft, a turbine fixedly coupled to the rotor and having a hub configured to connect with a transmission input shaft, and an impeller configured to fluid couple with the turbine. The impeller is selectively coupled to the rotor and selectively coupled to the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventor: Peter RENTFROW
  • Patent number: 11047462
    Abstract: A compact integrated torque converter assembly is disclosed herein. The integrated torque converter assembly includes a clutch assembly that is integrated with a core ring arrangement. Based on this arrangement, the clutch assembly is positioned inside of the torus and radially inward from a radially outward periphery of the pump and the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Zipeng Han, Peter Rentfrow
  • Patent number: 10975944
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a rotor carrier, a rotor, first and second pluralities of clutch plates, an input, a spring element, and first and second torsion dampers. The rotor carrier has a first outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface with a first spline. The rotor is fixed to the first outer circumferential surface. The first plurality of clutch plates is drivingly connected to the first spline. The input has a second outer circumferential surface with a second spline. The second plurality of clutch plates is drivingly connected to the second spline. The spring element is for compressing the clutch plates to transmit a clutch torque. The first torsion damper is arranged in a first torque path between the input and an engine. The second torsion damper is arranged in a second torque path between the rotor carrier and a multi-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Publication number: 20210079988
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a rotor carrier, a rotor, first and second pluralities of clutch plates, an input, a spring element, and first and second torsion dampers. The rotor carrier has a first outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface with a first spline. The rotor is fixed to the first outer circumferential surface. The first plurality of clutch plates is drivingly connected to the first spline. The input has a second outer circumferential surface with a second spline. The second plurality of clutch plates is drivingly connected to the second spline. The spring element is for compressing the clutch plates to transmit a clutch torque. The first torsion damper is arranged in a first torque path between the input and an engine. The second torsion damper is arranged in a second torque path between the rotor carrier and a multi-speed transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Patent number: 10760659
    Abstract: A transmission comprising a motor, a torque converter cover including an outside surface and an inside surface, a clutch configured to contact a portion of the inside surface of the torque converter cover, and a sprayer including a first end and a second end and configured to emit fluid on an outside surface of the torque converter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Eric Ubelhart, Peter Rentfrow
  • Patent number: 10723216
    Abstract: A hybrid assembly, including: a torque converter; a shaft; a hybrid module; and a module hub. The torque converter includes: a cover; an impeller; a turbine; a stator; and an output hub arranged to non-rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft. The shaft is arranged to receive torque and includes a channel. The hybrid module includes: an electric motor including a stator and a rotor non-rotatably connected to the cover; and a transfer clutch arranged to control transmission of the torque from the shaft to the cover. The hub is non-rotatably connected to the cover and includes a channel: connected to the torque converter; and arranged to receive first pressurized fluid from a first channel in the transmission input shaft. The channel of the shaft is arranged to receive second pressurized fluid, from a second channel in the transmission input shaft, to control operation of the transfer clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kyle Nelson, Peter Rentfrow
  • Patent number: 10677332
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train assembly for a motor vehicle drive train includes an electric motor; a differential configured for connecting a first front axle and a second front axle of the motor vehicle drive train to each other; a motor output gearing connecting an output of the electric motor to the differential; and a transmission output gearing configured for connecting an output of a transmission to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Schaffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gregory Heeke, Peter Rentfrow, Peter Burke, Md. Wasi Uddin, Patrick Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20200072331
    Abstract: A transmission comprising a motor, a torque converter cover including an outside surface and an inside surface, a clutch configured to contact a portion of the inside surface of the torque converter cover, and a sprayer including a first end and a second end and configured to emit fluid on an outside surface of the torque converter is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Eric UBELHART, Peter RENTFROW
  • Patent number: 10309486
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum absorber is provided. The centrifugal pendulum absorber includes a flange; a first mass slidably attached on a first axial side of the flange; a second mass slidably attached on a second axial side of the flange; and a roller received in slots formed in the flange, the first mass and the second mass. The roller is geared to the flange and at least one of the first and second masses. A method of forming a centrifugal pendulum absorber is also provided. The method includes gearing a roller to a flange of the centrifugal pendulum and to a mass slidably attached to an axial side of the flange. The roller is received in slots formed in the flange and the mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Rentfrow
  • Publication number: 20190128393
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train assembly for a motor vehicle drive train includes an electric motor; a differential configured for connecting a first front axle and a second front axle of the motor vehicle drive train to each other; a motor output gearing connecting an output of the electric motor to the differential; and a transmission output gearing configured for connecting an output of a transmission to the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Gregory HEEKE, Peter RENTFROW, Peter BURKE, Md. Wasi UDDIN, Patrick LINDEMANN
  • Publication number: 20180283491
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum absorber is provided. The centrifugal pendulum absorber includes a flange; a first mass slidably attached on a first axial side of the flange; a second mass slidably attached on a second axial side of the flange; and a roller received in slots formed in the flange, the first mass and the second mass. The roller is geared to the flange and at least one of the first and second masses. A method of forming a centrifugal pendulum absorber is also provided. The method includes gearing a roller to a flange of the centrifugal pendulum and to a mass slidably attached to an axial side of the flange. The roller is received in slots formed in the flange and the mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventor: Peter RENTFROW
  • Patent number: 10060504
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum absorber is provided. The centrifugal pendulum absorber includes a first pair of masses, a second pair of masses, and a spring extending circumferentially from first notches in the masses of the first pair into second notches in the masses of the second pair. The spring connects the first pair of masses and the second pair of masses and includes a first enlarged end portion extending past an outer diameter of coils of the spring and a second enlarged end portion extending past the outer diameter of the coils of the spring. The first enlarged end portion is connected to the first pair of masses in the first notches without an interference fit and the second enlarged end portion being connected to the second pair of masses in the second notches without an interference fit. A method of forming a centrifugal pendulum absorber is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Rentfrow, Phani Krishna Kalapala
  • Publication number: 20170307047
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum absorber is provided. The centrifugal pendulum absorber includes a first pair of masses, a second pair of masses, and a spring extending circumferentially from first notches in the masses of the first pair into second notches in the masses of the second pair. The spring connects the first pair of masses and the second pair of masses and includes a first enlarged end portion extending past an outer diameter of coils of the spring and a second enlarged end portion extending past the outer diameter of the coils of the spring. The first enlarged end portion is connected to the first pair of masses in the first notches without an interference fit and the second enlarged end portion being connected to the second pair of masses in the second notches without an interference fit. A method of forming a centrifugal pendulum absorber is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Peter RENTFROW, Phani Krishna KALAPALA