Patents by Inventor Stefan Renner

Stefan Renner 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: 12679189
    Abstract: A drive unit includes two coaxially aligned electric machines. Each electric machine includes a rotor and stator. Each stator has a stator core lamination packet on which stator coils are arranged. The ends of the stators form end-face coil ends. One coil end forms a switching side for connecting electric current and the other coil end forms a counter-switching side. A housing that accommodates the electric machines is provided. The first of the electric machines with its counter-switching side and the second of the electric machines with its counter-switching side are arranged in the shared housing in such manner that the counter-switching sides face toward one another in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rayk Gersten, Stefan Renner, Karlheinz Hoher
  • Patent number: 12661970
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (3) includes a drive shaft (6), an output shaft (7), and a first planetary gear set (P1), a second planetary gear set (P2) and a third planetary gear set (P3). The drive shaft (6) is provided for coupling to at least one drive engine. Furthermore, exactly one first shifting element (B) and one second shifting element (A) are provided, at least functionally, for the representation of different force flow paths between the drive shaft (6) and the output shaft (7) via the planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3). The invention also relates to a drive unit (1), an electrically driven motor vehicle drive axle, a hybrid or electric vehicle and a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Fabian Kutter, Thomas Martin, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20260170234
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for encoding character data using an encoding scheme, the encoding scheme being configured to represent, in accordance with a formatting scheme, an original binary value of each character of a predefined character set into a unique set of one or more code units of the encoding scheme, the method comprising for a specific token: representing metadata descriptive of the specific token with a binary value, referred to as metadata binary value; for each character in the specific token: representing the character with a binary value, referred to as character binary value; creating, in accordance with the formatting scheme, a unique set of code units including at least part of the metadata binary value and character binary value; storing the specific token by storing resulting one or more sets of code units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2025
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Inventors: Alexander Merschel, Stephan Hiller, Oliver Harm, Yannick Saillet, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12654537
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (2) has a first drive input shaft (9), a second drive input shaft (10), a drive output shaft (11), and a first planetary gearset (P1) and a second planetary gearset (P2). The drive input shafts (9, 10) are designed to be coupled in each case to a respective drive machine. In addition, a first shifting device (26) and a second shifting device (27) are provided. The motor vehicle transmission can be part of a drive unit (1), a motor vehicle drive axle, or a hybrid or electric vehicle. A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle transmission and a drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Blattner, Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20260133986
    Abstract: A set of processing core resources of a database system is operable to obtain the query statement regarding a set of data values of a dataset. The set is further operable to obtain source data type information regarding source data type of the set of data values and target data type information regarding target data type regarding resulting data of the query statement. When the source data type does not match the target data type, the set is operable to access a data type conversion path list to identify a set of entries. The set is operable to determine, for the set of entries, whether an entry of the set of entries includes a source data type that corresponds to the source data type information. When the entry includes the source data type, the set is operable to output a representation of data conversion path information of the entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2026
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Applicant: Ocient Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Steffen R. Knoll, Helen L. Hu, George Kondiles, Austin Chang, Evan Jiang, Jonathan C. Kelley, Pavel Yusim, Owen Pang, Knut Stolze, Brendan J. Batliner, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12600228
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (2) includes a first drive input shaft (9), a second drive input shaft (10), a first planetary gearset (P1), and a second planetary gearset (P2), where the drive input shafts (9, 10) are each designed to be coupled to a respective drive machine. Furthermore, at least functionally, three shifting elements are provided, in the form of a first shifting element (B), a second shifting element (D), and a third shifting element (E). Further, a drive unit (1), a motor vehicle drive axle, a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2025
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Fabian Kutter, Thomas Martin, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20260098532
    Abstract: A control unit (7) is configured for controlling electric oil pumps of at least one towed and switched-off vehicle (3.1, 3.2, 3.3). The control unit can be configured to transfer data between the electric oil pumps and the control unit and detecting a fault in one or more electric oil pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2025
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Patrick KNIESS, Andreas ACKER, Philipp SCHNEIDER, Karlheinz HOHER, Michael TRÜBENBACH, Stefan RENNER, Patrick TRÖSTLER
  • Patent number: 12571460
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission has a first, second, and third shifting elements. First and second planetary gearsets each have a sun shaft, a ring gear shaft, and a web shaft. The first sun shaft is connected rotationally fixed to the second sun shaft and form the drive input. The first web shaft is connected rotationally fixed to the second ring gear shaft, which is configured as the drive output. The shift elements are combined to form a shifting unit with five shift positions and having a single axially displaceable sliding sleeve. In the closed condition of the first shifting element, the first web shaft and the second ring gear shaft are connected to a stationary component. In the closed condition of the second shifting element, the first ring gear shaft is connected to a stationary component. In the closed condition of the third shifting element, the planetary gearsets are blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20260037538
    Abstract: A method for execution by a database system to improve testing, the method includes creating a synchronization database object (SDO) indicating a set of conditions for suspension of execution of queries. The method further includes establishing a first and second session, where the first session applies the SDO to a query expression and the second session monitors the SDO. The method further includes initiating, via the first session, execution of queries, and suspending the execution of queries when detecting a condition is met. The method further includes updating, via the first session, at least one relational database table to include monitoring data indicating suspension of the queries. The method further includes the second session verifying the suspension and instructing the SDO to resume suspended queries. The method further includes resuming, via the first session, the queries until a next condition is met or execution of the queries is finished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2024
    Publication date: February 5, 2026
    Applicant: Ocient Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Knut Stolze, Brendan J. Batliner, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12541532
    Abstract: A method for execution by a database system to improve testing, the method includes creating a synchronization database object (SDO) indicating a set of conditions for suspension of execution of queries. The method further includes establishing a first and second session, where the first session applies the SDO to a query expression and the second session monitors the SDO. The method further includes initiating, via the first session, execution of queries, and suspending the execution of queries when detecting a condition is met. The method further includes updating, via the first session, at least one relational database table to include monitoring data indicating suspension of the queries. The method further includes the second session verifying the suspension and instructing the SDO to resume suspended queries. The method further includes resuming, via the first session, the queries until a next condition is met or execution of the queries is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: Ocient Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Knut Stolze, Brendan J. Batliner, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12529412
    Abstract: An electric vehicle transmission has a drive input shaft, a drive output shaft, where the input shaft is provided for coupling to an electric machine. First, second, and third planetary gearsets each comprise a first element, a second element, and a third element, respectively, in the form of a sun gear, a planetary web, and a ring gear in each case. At least functionally a first shifting element, a second shifting element, and a third shifting element are provided. The first element of the first planetary gearset is connected rotationally fixed to the drive input shaft. In addition, to produce the function of a parking brake, the third shifting element is provided, by means of which two of the elements of the second planetary gearset or of the third planetary gearset can be connected rotationally fixed to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: David Rittler, Paul Lenz, Stefan Renner, Stefan Spühler, Michael Trübenbach
  • Patent number: 12523276
    Abstract: A gearbox has an input shaft, an output shaft, three shifting elements, and three planetary gearsets each having a sun shaft, ring gear shaft, and web shaft. The first sun shaft, the second sun shaft, and the input shaft are connected rotationally fixed. Rotationally fixed connections are made between the first ring gear shaft and a stationary component, the first web shaft and the second ring gear shaft, the second web shaft and the third sun shaft, and the third web shaft and the output shaft. Closing the first shifting element connects the third ring gear shaft rotationally fixed to a stationary component. Closing the second shifting element connects in a rotationally fixed manner the first web shaft, the second ring gear shaft, the third web shaft, and the output shaft. Closing the third shifting element connects rotationally fixed two of the three shafts of the third planetary gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2025
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12516717
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (2) has a first drive input shaft (9), a second drive input shaft (10), a drive output shaft (11), and a first planetary gearset (P1), a second planetary gearset (P2) and a third planetary gearset (P3), where the drive input shafts (9, 10) are designed in each case for coupling to a respective drive machine. In addition, at least four shifting elements in the form of a first shifting element (B), a second shifting element (C), a third shifting element (E), and a fourth shifting element (F) are provided, at least functionally. The motor vehicle transmission can be part of a drive unit (1), a vehicle drive axle, a hybrid or electric vehicle and the subject of a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12508892
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (3) includes a drive shaft (6), an output shaft (7), and a first planetary gear set (P1), a second planetary gear set (P2), and a third planetary gear set (P3). The drive shaft (6) is provided for coupling to at least one drive engine. The first planetary gear set (P1) is positioned axially at least overlapping with the second planetary gear set (P2) and is arranged radially on the inside of the second planetary gear set (P2). Furthermore, a shift element (A) is provided at least functionally. The invention also relates to a drive unit (1), an electrically drivable motor vehicle drive axle, a hybrid or electric vehicle and a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Kai Bornträger, Johannes Glückler, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20250377038
    Abstract: A device (12) for mounting a shift element (14) on a transmission shaft (16), has a first unit (18) having a sliding region for enabling axial and/or radial relative movement between the transmission shaft (16) and the shift element (14). The device has a second unit (20) having a compression region for counteracting radial deflection of the shift element (14) when the shift element (14) is subjected to a torque load. The present invention also relates to a corresponding shift element and system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2025
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Marcel Störkle, Bernd Lutz, Maximilian Scheufler, Stefan Renner, Andreas Graf, Martin Weiss, Rayk Gersten
  • Patent number: 12441171
    Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle includes an electric machine and a manual gearbox with at least a first shift element, a second shift element, a third shift element and two planetary gear sets coupled to one another and each having a sun shaft, a hollow gear shaft, and a web shaft. The second hollow gear shaft is connected rotationally fixed to the first web shaft. The first sun shaft is connected to a stationary component. In the respective actuated states, the first shift element locks the first planetary gear set to shift a first gear, the second shift element connects the first hollow gear shaft to the second web shaft to shift a second gear, and the third shift element connects the first hollow gear shaft to the second sun shaft to shift a third gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2025
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20250282215
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (2) includes a first drive input shaft (9), a second drive input shaft (10), a first planetary gearset (P1), and a second planetary gearset (P2), where the drive input shafts (9, 10) are each designed to be coupled to a respective drive machine. Furthermore, at least functionally, three shifting elements are provided, in the form of a first shifting element (B), a second shifting element (D), and a third shifting element (E). Further, a drive unit (1), a motor vehicle drive axle, a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Fabian Kutter, Thomas Martin, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 12404912
    Abstract: A planetary gearset (9) has a planetary carrier (11) and a plurality of planetary gearwheel axles arranged axially offset relative to one another and on which planetary gearwheels (13) are mounted to rotate. A first carrier section (14) is arranged at a first axial end of the planetary gearwheel axles and a second carrier section (15) is arranged at a second axial end of the planetary gearwheel axles. The first carrier section (14) is in the form of a casting with the planetary gearwheel axles formed as axially projecting journals (17) made integrally with the first carrier section (14). The second carrier section (15) is attached as a separate component onto the journals (17), and the first carrier section (14) and the second carrier section (15) hold the journals (17) axially at both ends at fixed, unvarying axial distances apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bergmann, Thomas Waim, Stefan Renner, Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 12404915
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit has an electric machine and a manual gearbox with first and second shift elements and two planetary gear sets coupled to one another. Each gear set has a sun shaft, a ring gear shaft, and a web shaft. The second sun shaft is drivable by the electric machine and is configured as an output of the shift gear. The second ring gear shaft is connected rotationally fixed to the first web shaft, and the first sun shaft is connected rotationally fixed to a stationary component. When actuated, the first shift element connects the first ring gear shaft to an element of the first planetary gear set and/or of the second planetary gear set. When actuated, the second shift element connects the first ring gear shaft rotationally fixed to the second sun shaft or the second web shaft in order to shift a second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20250251033
    Abstract: A gearbox has an input shaft, an output shaft, three shifting elements, and three planetary gearsets each having a sun shaft, ring gear shaft, and web shaft. The first sun shaft, the second sun shaft, and the input shaft are connected rotationally fixed. Rotationally fixed connections are made between the first ring gear shaft and a stationary component, the first web shaft and the second ring gear shaft, the second web shaft and the third sun shaft, and the third web shaft and the output shaft. Closing the first shifting element connects the third ring gear shaft rotationally fixed to a stationary component. Closing the second shifting element connects in a rotationally fixed manner the first web shaft, the second ring gear shaft, the third web shaft, and the output shaft. Closing the third shifting element connects rotationally fixed two of the three shafts of the third planetary gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2025
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Fabian Kutter, Johannes Glückler, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Renner