Patents by Inventor Thomas Flender
Thomas Flender 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: 10759011Abstract: A method for installing an adjustable camshaft may include inserting an adjustable camshaft in an installation device. The camshaft may include an outer shaft surrounding an inner shaft. The installation device may enable alignment of at least one cam rotatably mounted on the outer shaft. The method may include aligning the at least one cam by pushing an alignment pin through a radial passthrough opening in the at least one cam and through a drillhole in the inner shaft congruent therewith. The method may include non-rotatably connecting the at least one cam to the inner shaft by pushing a connecting pin into the passthrough opening and the drillhole in a direction opposite a direction the alignment pin was pushed. Non-rotatably connecting the at least one cam to the inner shaft may include detachably coupling the connecting pin and the alignment pin in a positive locking manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 10683779Abstract: A valve train for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine may include a crankshaft, at least one inlet valve, at least one outlet valve, at least one camshaft coupled rotationally to the crankshaft, at least one inlet cam held on a first camshaft, at least one outlet cam held on one of the first camshaft or a second camshaft, at least one brake cam held on one of the first camshaft or the second camshaft, at least one inlet cam follower, which may actuate the at least one inlet valve and may be drive-connected at least at times to the inlet cam, at least one outlet cam follower, which may actuate the at least one outlet valve, may be drive-connected at least at times to the outlet cam, and, in a braking mode, may be drive-connected at least at times to the brake cam, and a phase shifting device for adjusting a phase position of the brake cam relative to the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Patrick Altherr, Christoph Beerens, Thomas Flender, Herrn Rolf Kirschner, Sascha Naujoks
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Patent number: 10550795Abstract: A cylinder head cover and a method for producing a cylinder head cover are disclosed. The method for producing a cylinder head cover may include: providing at least two metallic bearing bridges including a respective through-opening for mounting at least one camshaft and aligning the respective through-opening of the at least two bearing bridges axially relative to one another; connecting at least one metallic connection element to the at least two bearing bridges in a fixed manner so that the at least two bearing bridges are fixed and aligned relative to one another; and at least partially overmoulding the at least two bearing bridges and the at least one connection element with a plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Roberto Cutrona, Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig
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Patent number: 10478926Abstract: A method and device for assembling a composite housing fitted with a shaft and at least one associated mounted element are disclosed. The method may include the steps of: arranging the housing in a predetermined position with respect to an actuator; arranging the shaft in a predetermined position with respect to the housing and the actuator; selecting a mounting element to be mounted on the shaft; conveying the mounting element into a predetermined position within the housing; pushing the shaft via the actuator so that the shaft passes successively through an opening of the housing and an opening of the mounting element; and positioning the mounting element in a position adjacent to a heat source for a predetermined duration after the step of selecting the mounting element and prior to conveying the mounting element.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Mikael M. Moreau, Daniel M. Coulaud, Frank Dautel, Roberto Cutrona, Antonio Menonna, Thomas Flender, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 10478927Abstract: A device for assembling cams on a camshaft pipe of a camshaft may include a first gripper and a second gripper each configured for gripping and holding a respective cam. The first gripper and the second gripper may receive the respective cam in a common direction and may be movable in a common direction into alignment with respect to the camshaft pipe. The second gripper may be configured to grip and hold the respective cam that is pivoted by 90° with respect to an orientation of the respective cam in the first gripper.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Frank Dautel, Thomas Flender, Antonio Menonna, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 10465786Abstract: An adjustable camshaft may have an inner shaft and an outer shaft arranged coaxially thereto, the outer shaft having a recess, and the inner shaft having a recess open towards the outer shaft. The camshaft may also include a first cam connected to the inner shaft in a torque-proof manner, and a second cam connected to the outer shaft in a torque-proof manner. The camshaft may further include at least one axial bearing element fixed in the recess of the outer shaft and that engages in the recess of the inner shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Juergen Rommel, Stefan Steichele, Michael Kreisig
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Patent number: 10449640Abstract: A device for mounting at least one receiving element on a shaft may include at least one holder for holding a receiving element having a cut-out for receiving a shaft. A moveable guide slide may be configured to move the shaft in a first direction through the cut-out in the receiving element. A tailstock may be configured to move counter to the first direction. The tailstock may include a tailstock tip configured to couple to an end face of the shaft. A vibration generator may be arranged in the tailstock for vibrating the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Justus Himstedt, Michael Kreisig, Antonio Menonna, Ralf Rieger, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 10309268Abstract: An adjustable camshaft may include an inner shaft and an outer shaft disposed coaxial therewith. A first cam may be connected non-rotatably to the inner shaft, and a second cam may be connected non-rotatably to the outer shaft. At least two bearing elements may be connected fixedly to the outer shaft. The first cam may be disposed between the at least two bearing elements. The at least two bearing elements may fix the first cam in an axial direction relative to the outer shaft, and the at least two bearing elements via the first cam may fix the inner shaft in the axial direction relative to the outer shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Juergen Rommel, Stefan Steichele
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Publication number: 20180264605Abstract: A method for installing an adjustable camshaft may include inserting an adjustable camshaft in an installation device. The camshaft may include an outer shaft surrounding an inner shaft. The installation device may enable alignment of at least one cam rotatably mounted on the outer shaft. The method may include aligning the at least one cam by pushing an alignment pin through a radial passthrough opening in the at least one cam and through a drillhole in the inner shaft congruent therewith. The method may include non-rotatably connecting the at least one cam to the inner shaft by pushing a connecting pin into the passthrough opening and the drillhole in a direction opposite a direction the alignment pin was pushed. Non-rotatably connecting the at least one cam to the inner shaft may include detachably coupling the connecting pin and the alignment pin in a positive locking manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Thomas Flender, Stefan Steichele
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Publication number: 20180216502Abstract: A valve train for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine may include a crankshaft, at least one inlet valve, at least one outlet valve, at least one camshaft coupled rotationally to the crankshaft, at least one inlet cam held on a first camshaft, at least one outlet cam held on one of the first camshaft or a second camshaft, at least one brake cam held on one of the first camshaft or the second camshaft, at least one inlet cam follower, which may actuate the at least one inlet valve and may be drive-connected at least at times to the inlet cam, at least one outlet cam follower, which may actuate the at least one outlet valve, may be drive-connected at least at times to the outlet cam, and, in a braking mode, may be drive-connected at least at times to the brake cam, and a phase shifting device for adjusting a phase position of the brake cam relative to the crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Patrick Altherr, Christoph Beerens, Thomas Flender, Herrn Rolf Kirschner, Sascha Naujoks
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Patent number: 9982705Abstract: A roller-bearing mounted shaft may include a shaft tube having a shaft outer face with at least one rolling body running face. The shaft tube may have at least one functional element joined thermally thereto, wherein the shaft tube is formed as a welded and drawn tube and includes a carbon content of greater than 0.45 percent by mass.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Antonio Menonna, Falk Schneider, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 9797278Abstract: An adjustable camshaft may include an inner shaft and an outer shaft arranged coaxially thereto. The camshaft may also include a camshaft adjuster having a stator connected to the outer shaft in a torque-proof manner, and a rotor connected to the inner shaft. The camshaft may further include an integral first connection contour provided at an end of the inner shaft, and an integral second connection contour complementary to the integral first connection contour and provided on the rotor. The connection contours may directly or indirectly enable an interlocking connection between the inner shaft and the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Alf Heydenblut, Michael Kreisig, Andre Maeder, Antonio Menonna, Juergen Rommel, Stefan Steichele, Christoph Steinmetz
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Publication number: 20170159605Abstract: A cylinder head cover and a method for producing a cylinder head cover are disclosed. The method for producing a cylinder head cover may include: providing at least two metallic bearing bridges including a respective through-opening for mounting at least one camshaft and aligning the respective through-opening of the at least two bearing bridges axially relative to one another; connecting at least one metallic connection element to the at least two bearing bridges in a fixed manner so that the at least two bearing bridges are fixed and aligned relative to one another; and at least partially overmoulding the at least two bearing bridges and the at least one connection element with a plastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Roberto Cutrona, Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig
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Publication number: 20170159791Abstract: An adjustable camshaft may have an inner shaft and an outer shaft arranged coaxially thereto, the outer shaft having a recess, and the inner shaft having a recess open towards the outer shaft. The camshaft may also include a first cam connected to the inner shaft in a torque-proof manner, and a second cam connected to the outer shaft in a torque-proof manner. The camshaft may further include at least one axial bearing element fixed in the recess of the outer shaft and that engages in the recess of the inner shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Thomas Flender, Juergen Rommel, Stefan Steichele
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Publication number: 20170159512Abstract: An adjustable camshaft may include an inner shaft and an outer shaft disposed coaxial therewith. A first cam may be connected non-rotatably to the inner shaft, and a second cam may be connected non-rotatably to the outer shaft. At least two bearing elements may be connected fixedly to the outer shaft. The first cam may be disposed between the at least two bearing elements. The at least two bearing elements may fix the first cam in an axial direction relative to the outer shaft, and the at least two bearing elements via the first cam may fix the inner shaft in the axial direction relative to the outer shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Juergen Rommel, Stefan Steichele
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Publication number: 20170107867Abstract: An adjustable camshaft may include an inner shaft and an outer shaft arranged coaxially thereto. The camshaft may also include a camshaft adjuster having a stator connected to the outer shaft in a torque-proof manner, and a rotor connected to the inner shaft. The camshaft may further include an integral first connection contour provided at an end of the inner shaft, and an integral second connection contour complementary to the integral first connection contour and provided on the rotor. The connection contours may directly or indirectly enable an interlocking connection between the inner shaft and the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Thomas Flender, Alf Heydenblut, Michael Kreisig, Andre Maeder, Antonio Menonna, Juergen Rommel, Stefan Steichele, Christoph Steinmetz
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Patent number: 9574464Abstract: The present invention relates to a camshaft (1) for an internal combustion engine with a drive wheel (4) arranged on a longitudinal end side, in particular with a chain wheel or belt pulley, and with at least one first bearing (2) arranged in the region of the drive wheel (4) and a second bearing (3) arranged in the further course of the camshaft (1). Here it is substantial to the invention that at least the first bearing (2) is designed as a rolling bearing and has an inner diameter of 24 mm<di<30 mm, wherein the inner diameter di is larger than the outer diameter da of the camshaft (1) on the second bearing (3). Because of this, the camshaft (1) can be configured more compact and lighter.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Falk Schneider
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Publication number: 20160271742Abstract: A device for assembling cams on a camshaft pipe of a camshaft may include a first gripper and a second gripper each configured for gripping and holding a respective cam. The first gripper and the second gripper may receive the respective cam in a common direction and may be movable in a common direction into alignment with respect to the camshaft pipe. The second gripper may be configured to grip and hold the respective cam that is pivoted by 90° with respect to an orientation of the respective cam in the first gripper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Frank Dautel, Thomas Flender, Antonio Menonna, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 9447706Abstract: A bearing frame or cylinder head cover of an internal combustion engine may include at least one camshaft mounted therein. The camshaft may be tunnel-mounted in at least two bearing openings arranged along a bearing channel. At least two radial bearings may be arranged on the camshaft, each of the radial bearings having an outer bearing shell. The outer bearing shells of the at least two radial bearings may include different outer diameters, each of the respective outer diameters adapted to be complementary to an inner diameter of the associated bearing opening. The inner diameters of the bearing openings may decrease in a direction of assembly of the camshaft along the bearing channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Frank Dautel, Thomas Flender, Klaus Heidenberger, Antonio Menonna, Kurt Schwellenbach, Stefan Steichele
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Patent number: 9416687Abstract: A camshaft module may include a shaft and at least one functional element. The functional element may have a functional element opening through which the shaft passes. The functional element may be fixed to the shaft in a seat portion of the shaft. The camshaft module may include a bearing arrangement in which at least one bearing portion of the shaft is mounted. The shaft may include at least one adjusting portion axially adjacent to the at least one seat portion. The adjusting portion may have a first outer diameter smaller than a second outer diameter of the seat portion. The functional element opening may have an inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter of the seat portion and larger than the first outer diameter of the adjusting portion such that a press fit fixing is realized between the functional element and the seat portion of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Antonio Menonna, Thomas Flender