Patents by Inventor Thomas Martin

Thomas Martin 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: 20260204987
    Abstract: A rotary device includes a fixed part and a rotary part rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the fixed part, the rotary device including an angular-position detector detecting the angular position of the rotary part with respect to the fixed part, the angular-position detector including: a magnet secured to the rotary part and able to generate magnetic flux along a radial axis of the rotary part, a binary magnetic-field detector secured to the fixed part and configured to switch from a state referred to as open to a state referred to as closed when the binary magnetic-field detector has the magnetic flux of the magnet passing through it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Inventors: Emmanuel ESTEBAN, Jens ANDERS, Thomas MARTIN, Thomas JANNOT
  • Patent number: 12668112
    Abstract: A drive unit has a first and second electric motors arranged axially parallel, a manual gearbox arranged axially parallel to the motors and having first and second planetary gearsets, a positive-locking shift unit, a differential, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The first shift unit having first, second, and third shift elements, and an axially displaceable sliding sleeve. Closing the first shift element shifts a first gear, where the first web shaft, the second hollow gear shaft, and the driven shaft are connected in a rotationally fixed manner. Closing the second shift element shifts a second gear, where the second web shaft and the driven shaft are connected rotationally fixed. Closing the third shift element shifts a third gear, where the first sun shaft, the second sun shaft, the drive shaft, and the driven shaft are connected rotationally fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2025
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Alexander Thorwart, Michael Preuß
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 12642669
    Abstract: Plates are described for securement to an intervertebral implant, and for fixation to a vertebral body so as to stabilize the implant during the surgical procedure, and in particular as the patient is repositioned during the surgical procedure, for instance from from a lateral decubitus position to a prone position. The plate includes a securement member that is movable between an unlocked configuration whereby the securement member is positioned for insertion into the implant, and a locked configuration that couples the securement member to the intervertebral implant. The securement member is further movable to a secured position that secures the plate to the intervertebral implant as to to define a rigid construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Thomas Martin, Kurt Schmura, Cory Emil, Derek Redder
  • 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: 20260085518
    Abstract: A composite insulation panel comprising a first shell element and a second shell element surrounding an insulation core; the first shell element comprising a first end, a first shoulder and a first cheek extending between the first end and the first shoulder at one end of the composite insulation panel; the first shell element comprising a second end, a second shoulder, and a second cheek extending between the second end and the second shoulder at the opposing end of the composite insulation panel; wherein the first end comprises an outer groove, the first shoulder comprises an intermediate groove, the second shoulder comprises an outer tongue, and the second end comprises an intermediate tongue; the second shell element comprises an inner groove substantially parallel to the intermediate groove and an inner tongue substantially parallel to the intermediate tongue; a first thermal break is positioned between the intermediate tongue and the inner tongue and a second thermal break is positioned between the inte
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Inventors: Shane MULLIGAN, Thomas MARTIN
  • Patent number: 12571459
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit has a first and second electrical machines arranged in parallel, a manual gearbox arranged parallel to the electrical machines, a differential, a hollow drive shaft for connecting the first electrical machine to the gearbox, an output shaft within the drive shaft and for connecting the gearbox to the differential. A positive-locking shift unit has first and second shift elements and a sliding sleeve that is displaceable into three shift positions. In a first shift position, the first shift element is closed, and the second electrical machine is connected to the drive shaft with an actuating effect. In a second shift position, both shift elements are open, and the second electrical machine is decoupled from the gearbox. In a third shift position, the second shift element is closed, and the second electrical machine is connected to the output shaft with an actuating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2025
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2026
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Alexander Thorwart, Michael Preuß
  • 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
  • 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: 12510136
    Abstract: A drive unit has first and second electrical machines arranged axially parallel, a manual gearbox arranged axially parallel to the electrical machines, a differential, a drive shaft, an output shaft, and a positive-locking shift unit having a first shift element, a second shift element, and a sliding sleeve displaceable via a first actuator into one of three shift positions. In a first shift position, the first shift element is closed and the second electrical machine is connected to the drive shaft with an actuating effect; in a second shift position, both shift elements are open and the second electrical machine is decoupled from the gearbox; in a third shift position, the second shift element is closed and the second electrical machine is connected to the output shaft with an actuating effect. The drive shaft is hollow, and the output shaft is arranged within the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2025
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Alexander Thorwart, Michael Preuß
  • 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: 20250363281
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: for each pin of a part on a physical or virtual board, determining a signal inbounding or outbounding the pin and creating an association between the signal and the pin, and determining a shortest path connection between the pin and a pin of a configuration target and creating a mapping between the pin of the selected part and the pin of the configuration target; merging the associations and the mappings to detect whether there is an incompatible signal associated with a pin of the part; and responsive to detecting an incompatible signal, searching for an alternative hardware configuration to change at least one mapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2024
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics International N.V.
    Inventors: Luca CELETTO, Florent PASTOR, Emmanuel GRANDIN, Antonio VILEI, Thomas MARTIN, Pascale MONDOLONI, Silvio Lucio OLIVA
  • Publication number: 20250354786
    Abstract: A firearm projectile device is provided. The device is comprised of a projectile body with a partially hollow area that allows air to travel through the projectile and reduces the projectile's coefficient of drag. Both ends of the device are preferably pointed to further reduce the coefficient of drag of the device. In addition, the second end attaches to a fitted gas block that seals the projectile from a propellant within the casing of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Inventor: Thomas Martin
  • Patent number: 12449027
    Abstract: An electric transmission (16) for a motor vehicle drive train (12) includes a transmission input shaft (24) for operatively connecting the electric transmission to an electric prime mover (14), a reduction gear (26) for reducing a rotational speed of the electric prime mover, a transmission (28) for establishing gear steps, including a first planetary gear set (RS1) and a second planetary gear set (RS2), a first output shaft (34) and a second output shaft (36) for transmitting drive power from the electric transmission, and a plurality of shift elements (B, C, D) for engaging the gear steps. A planet carrier of the first planetary gear set is drivingly connected to a planet carrier of the second planetary gear set, and a sun gear of the first planetary gear set is drivingly connected to a ring gear of the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2025
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Ziemer, Bernard Hunold, Eckhardt Lübke, Thomas Riedisser, Thomas Schneider, Martin Brehmer, Thomas Martin, Michael Wechs, Fabian Kutter
  • 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
  • Patent number: 12433610
    Abstract: A flexible auger design for low-torque transmitting drive shafts, which allows effective tissue material transport through curved, flexible tubes and channels. A hollow auger has a hollow center, so that the helical member hugs the inner wall of the tube and material is transported along the center axis and the inner wall of the tube. The hollow flexible auger allows for transportation of material from an operative location in the patient (material removal) as well as to operative location in the patient (material delivery).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Daniel Thommen, Joern Richter, Salman Chegini, Joseph Peterson, Michael J. O'Neil, Gabriel Emmett Greeley, Matthew Brian De Nardo, Serge Cyril Roux, Ashley Lauren Whitney, John DeVincenzo, Thomas Martin
  • Publication number: 20250304150
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic steering system comprises a hydraulic steering actuator and a hydro-mechanical steering unit for actuating the hydraulic steering actuator in response to a steering demand from a steering wheel connected to the hydro-mechanical steering unit by a steering shaft. An electric motor is operative to apply a torque to the steering shaft and is controlled to provide a haptic steering torque feedback to a user through the steering wheel. The motor is controlled to provide a haptic steering torque feedback that follows a predetermined profile compensating for the effects of a spring in the hydro-mechanical steering unit which opposes movement of the steering member. The motor may be controlled to provide haptic steering torque feedback during a dead band range of movement of the steering member before the hydro-mechanical steering unit begins supplying fluid to the steering actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 2, 2025
    Inventors: Oliver Kaufmann, Gabriel Reitemann, Thomas Martin, Stefan Prestel
  • Patent number: 12429491
    Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is provided comprising: a number of container carriers, wherein the container carriers each comprise a magnetically active device and are adapted to carry a sample container; at least one fan being adapted to cause an airflow; and a number of transport modules, the transport modules being arrangeable adjacent to one another and respectively comprising: a transport surface being adapted to carry the container carriers; a number of heat dissipating electromagnetic actuators being stationary arranged below the transport surface, the electromagnetic actuators being adapted to move container carriers placed on top of the transport surface by applying magnetic forces to the container carriers; and an air guiding element being adapted to guide the airflow first towards an underside of the transport surface and afterwards towards the electromagnetic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward Down, Thomas Martin