Patents by Inventor Robert Sayman
Robert Sayman 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: 20060183595Abstract: A vehicle power train system includes an engine, a transmission, and a centrifugal clutch assembly that selectively couples an engine output shaft to a transmission input shaft in response to an operator input. An operator selects a desired vehicle-operating mode by actuating a shift lever or shift switch from a gear selection device. The gear selection device indicates many different operating modes and includes a low-speed maneuvering mode that is selected for low-speed operations such as coupling a truck to a trailer, or positioning a truck and/or trailer in relation to a loading dock area. Once the low-speed maneuvering mode is selected, a control unit controls at least one of engine speed and engine torque to indirectly effect clutch slippage, which results in improved vehicle speed control at low-speed operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2005Publication date: August 17, 2006Inventors: Ludger Ronge, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, James DeVore, Loren Dreier, Robert Sayman, Ronald Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
-
Publication number: 20060180425Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a reaction surface that provides several disengagement surfaces that cause axial movement of a front plate to reduce torque transmission at rotational speeds above an engagement speed. The disengagement surfaces reduce torque to break torque lock at rotational speeds corresponding to desired gear changes. The clutch assembly is controlled to tailor the relationship between clutch torque and engine speed to current vehicle operating conditions to provide consistent vehicle performance over different operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2005Publication date: August 17, 2006Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Ludger Ronge, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Loren Dreier, Robert Sayman, James DeVore, Ronald Muetzel
-
Publication number: 20060169570Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly includes a clutch cover attachable to a rotatable input member. Friction plates are clamped between pressure plates in response to rotation of the clutch assembly. Rotation of the clutch assembly causes at least one centrifugal weight to move radially outward to force the pressure plates against the friction plates. The radial position of the centrifugal weights is modified to tailor clutch actuation. This modification of centrifugal weight position causes a corresponding change to engagement characteristics of the clutch assembly allowing clutch actuation to be tailored to operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Robert Sayman, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren Dreier, James DeVore, Ronald Muetzel
-
Publication number: 20060074539Abstract: A control for a transmission and a clutch monitors conditions to determine when a vehicle associated with the clutch and transmission is likely in a stationary state. If the vehicle appears to be stationary, with the transmission engaged and the clutch open, then the control determines that the transmission should be moved to a neutral position. Upon movement to the neutral position, the control then closes the clutch. It is preferable for a vehicle remaining stationary to have its clutch closed and its transmission in neutral than to have its transmission engaged and its clutch open. In a further aspect of this invention, the neutral state is verified by testing the ability to move one of the transmission shift components. If the transmission shift component can move beyond a predetermined amount, this is indicative that the transmission is in neutral.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2005Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: James DeVore, Robert Sayman, Ronald Muetzel
-
Publication number: 20050241423Abstract: An inertia brake assembly for a transmission includes a hollow shaft rotatable relative to an input shaft of the transmission. An inertia brake housing is rotatable relative to the input shaft and the hollow shaft. A first clutch assembly couples the hollow shaft to the inertia brake housing. A second clutch assembly couples the input shaft to the inertia brake housing and a retarder assembly couples the inertia brake housing to the transmission housing. Selective actuation of a combination of the various clutch assemblies provides the functions of an inertia brake, engine brake, hill holder, master clutch and drive a power take-off assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2004Publication date: November 3, 2005Inventors: Ronald Muetzel, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Ludger Ronge, Loren Dreier, Robert Sayman, James DeVore, Muneer AbuSamra
-
Publication number: 20050211524Abstract: A clutch assembly controller monitors initiation points for torque transfer and clutch lockup to determine a clutch engagement rate. Engine output shaft and transmission input shaft speeds are monitored to determine the points at which the torque transfer and clutch lockup begin. These points are stored as reference points and are updated as the clutch wears over time. The clutch engagement rate is also modified over time as the reference points change. Further, the controller utilizes the reference points to approach the desired clutch engagement and disengagement points at a higher rate of speed to optimize responsiveness while automatically changing to a lower rate of speed once operating in the desired region of interest to optimize clutch operating performance and comfort.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: September 29, 2005Inventors: James DeVore, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren Dreier, Robert Sayman, Ronald Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
-
Patent number: 6939268Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes a transmission component that has an engaged condition where torque can be transferred from a vehicle engine to a drive component, and a non-engaged condition where torque is prohibited from being transferred to the drive component. A controller generates control signals to control whether the transmission component is in the engaged or non-engaged condition. The controller also identifies when a vehicle start maneuver is a coast start based on vehicle conditions existing just prior to or during the vehicle start maneuver. When a coast start is identified, the controller generates a control signal to either disengage the transmission component or to maintain the transmission component in the non-engaged condition until engine speed generally matches transmission component speed. The controller can directly control engagement by automatically actuating a movable transmission member or can indirectly control engagement by controlling engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: ZF Meritor LLCInventors: James H. DeVore, Charles E. Allen, Jr., Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren C. Dreier, Robert A. Sayman, Ronald P. Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
-
Publication number: 20050133337Abstract: A normally open clutch assembly includes a device holding a centrifugal weight in a position causing axial movement of pressure plates and thereby a clamping force between pressure plates and the friction disks. The clamping force holds the friction disks in a desired aligned position during assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Ludger Ronge, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Loren Christopher Dreier, Robert Sayman, James DeVore, Ronald Muetzel
-
Publication number: 20050133336Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly includes movable centrifugal weight reaction surfaces that provide for actuation at varying rotational speeds. A radially movable front plate with a ramped surface changes the radial position at which the centrifugal weight begins moving the front plate axially to compress a clamp spring and begin clutch actuation. An axially movable back plate moves axially to change the magnitude of compression caused by axial movement of the front plate. The changes to clamping force corresponding to movement of the reaction surfaces of the centrifugal weight change the rotational speed required to beginning and maintain actuation of the clutch assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Ludger Ronge, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Loren Dreier, Robert Sayman, James DeVore, Ronald Muetzel
-
Publication number: 20050121284Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly includes a sleeve movable to selectively engage the clutch assembly independent of rotational speed. The clutch assembly includes centrifugal weights that move radially responsive to rotation of the clutch assembly. The centrifugal weights move pressure plates between clamped and open positions in response to a desired rotational speed. The sleeve is movable to selectively engage the pressure plate independent of rotational speed of the clutch assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: June 9, 2005Inventors: Muneer Abusamra, Ronald Muetzel, James DeVore, Robert Sayman
-
Publication number: 20050109141Abstract: A transmission system which relates the relative movement of vehicle components to determine the onset of zero relative torque to permit a shift change to be effected at approximately zero relative torque. When a predetermined signature is identified which relates to the onset of zero relative torque the transmission shift controller initiates a shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2003Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventors: James DeVore, Robert Sayman, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren Dreier, Ronald Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
-
Publication number: 20050096181Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes a transmission component that has an engaged condition where torque can be transferred from a vehicle engine to a drive component, and a non-engaged condition where torque is prohibited from being transferred to the drive component. A controller generates control signals to control whether the transmission component is in the engaged or non-engaged condition. The controller also identifies when a vehicle start maneuver is a coast start based on vehicle conditions existing just prior to or during the vehicle start maneuver. When a coast start is identified, the controller generates a control signal to either disengage the transmission component or to maintain the transmission component in the non-engaged condition until engine speed generally matches transmission component speed. The controller can directly control engagement by automatically actuating a movable transmission member or can indirectly control engagement by controlling engine speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: May 5, 2005Inventors: James DeVore, Charles Allen, Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren Dreier, Robert Sayman, Ronald Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
-
Publication number: 20050096824Abstract: A control for a transmission and a clutch monitors conditions to determine when a vehicle associated with the clutch and transmission is likely in a stationary state. If the vehicle appears to be stationary, with the transmission engaged and the clutch open, then the control determines that the transmission should be moved to a neutral position. Upon movement to the neutral position, the control then closes the clutch. It is preferable for a vehicle remaining stationary to have its clutch closed and its transmission in neutral than to have its transmission engaged and its clutch open. In a further aspect of this invention, the neutral state is verified by testing the ability to move of one of the transmission shift components. If the transmission shift component can move beyond a predetermined amount, this is indicative that the transmission is in neutral.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2003Publication date: May 5, 2005Inventors: James DeVore, Robert Sayman, Ronald Muetzel
-
Publication number: 20050073398Abstract: The basic warning devices utilized in a vehicle driveline are improved. In particular, should a problem be detected with a clutch or transmission, it is known to actuate a primary warning device. However, the primary warning device itself may be subject to failure. If the primary warning device fails, then an operator of the vehicle may not be provided with an indication of an impending problem in a timely manner. The present invention monitors the operation of each primary warning device, and actuates a secondary warning device should the primary warning device fail. In another portion of this invention, a sensor senses the operation of an automatic clutch for clutch slippage. If clutch slippage occurs, then a warning is sent to the vehicle operator. If the vehicle operator does not take corrective measures, the clutch slippage can continue to occur over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: April 7, 2005Inventors: Robert Sayman, James DeVore, Ronald Muetzel, Muneer Abusamra, Rupert Kramer
-
Patent number: 6874383Abstract: The inventive transmission has at least two different shift modes for shifting between the same two gear ratios. A control unit electronically senses various vehicle conditions and based on this information selects the appropriate shift mode suited for the particular driving situation. The transmission then shifts from one gear ratio to another based on this selection.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLCInventors: Robert A. Sayman, James H. Devore, Mario Steinborn, Ronald P. Muetzel, Rupert Kramer
-
Publication number: 20040259686Abstract: The inventive transmission has at least two different shift modes for shifting between the same two gear ratios. A control unit electronically senses various vehicle conditions and based on this information selects the appropriate shift mode suited for the particular driving situation. The transmission then shifts from one gear ratio to another based on this selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Robert A. Sayman, James H. Devore, Mario Steinborn, Ronald P. Muetzel, Rupert Kramer
-
Patent number: 6769523Abstract: A strategy for overcoming a tooth butt condition includes changing a target closed clutch position over time. When a tooth butt condition exists, a controller selectively closes a clutch to provide limited engagement between the engine and the transmission. A first target closed clutch position is used on the first attempt. If the tooth butt condition is not resolved, the controller then changes the target closed clutch position to provide a different level of engagement between the engine and the transmission. This process is repeated until the tooth butt condition is resolved, a preselected period of time expires, a maximum number of attempts has been completed or the maximum desirable closed clutch position has been used.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLCInventors: Ronald P. Muetzel, Robert A. Sayman, James H. Devore
-
Publication number: 20040118652Abstract: A strategy for overcoming a tooth butt condition includes changing a target closed clutch position over time. When a tooth butt condition exists, a controller selectively closes a clutch to provide limited engagement between the engine and the transmission. A first target closed clutch position is used on the first attempt. If the tooth butt condition is not resolved, the controller then changes the target closed clutch position to provide a different level of engagement between the engine and the transmission. This process is repeated until the tooth butt condition is resolved, a preselected period of time expires, a maximum number of attempts has been completed or the maximum desirable closed clutch position has been used.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Ronald P. Muetzel, Robert A. Sayman, James H. Devore