Ronald P Muetzel from Hawthorn Woods, IL, age 60

Us Patents

Adaptive Shift Sequencing
view source
US Patent:

6874383, Apr 5, 2005
Filed:

Jun 23, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/602115
Inventors:

Robert A. Sayman - Laurinburg NC, US
James H. Devore - Laurinburg NC, US
Mario Steinborn - Friedrichshafen, DE
Ronald P. Muetzel - Southern Pines NC, US
Rupert Kramer - Friedrichshafen, DE
Assignee:

ZF Meritor, LLC - Maxton NC
International Classification:

F16H059/36
US Classification:

74335
Abstract:

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.

Method Of Timed Shift To Neutral In Apparent Stationary Modes
view source
US Patent:

7149617, Dec 12, 2006
Filed:

Nov 5, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/701791
Inventors:

James Henry DeVore - Laurinburg NC, US
Robert Anthony Sayman - Laurinburg NC, US
Ronald Peter Muetzel - Southern Pines NC, US
Assignee:

ZF Meritor, LLC - Maxton NC
International Classification:

G06F 7/00
US Classification:

701 67, 701 52, 192 351
Abstract:

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.

Method Of Timed Shift To Neutral In Apparent Stationary Modes
view source
US Patent:

7158872, Jan 2, 2007
Filed:

Nov 4, 2005
Appl. No.:

11/266820
Inventors:

James Henry DeVore - Laurinburg NC, US
Robert Anthony Sayman - Laurinburg NC, US
Ronald Peter Muetzel - Southern Pines NC, US
Assignee:

ZF Meritor LLC - Maxton NC
International Classification:

G06F 17/00
US Classification:

701 67, 701 1, 701 51
Abstract:

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.

Method And Assembly For Controlling A Centrifugal Clutch
view source
US Patent:

7232021, Jun 19, 2007
Filed:

Dec 9, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/731558
Inventors:

Muneer Abusamra - Southern Pines NC, US
Ronald Peter Muetzel - Pinehurst NC, US
James Henry DeVore - Laurinburg NC, US
Robert Anthony Sayman - Laurinburg NC, US
Assignee:

ZF Meritor, LLC - Maxton NC
International Classification:

F16D 23/10
F16D 43/24
US Classification:

192105C, 192 30 W
Abstract:

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.

Vehicle Driveline Control Including Open Clutch Indicator
view source
US Patent:

7727111, Jun 1, 2010
Filed:

Dec 3, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/308966
Inventors:

Muneer Abusamra - Southern Pines NC, US
Ronald Peter Muetzel - Pinehurst NC, US
James Henry Devore - Laurinburg NC, US
Assignee:

ZF Meritor, LLC - Laurinburg NC
International Classification:

B60W 10/00
US Classification:

477 78, 477 79, 477 83
Abstract:

A vehicle driveline control system includes monitoring when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is left open. If that condition exists for a selected amount of time, the controller provides an indication to the driver regarding the open clutch status. In one example, the controller alters the RPM rate of the engine to provide audible feedback to the driver. For example, the controller raises the engine RPM rate from an idle rate to a higher rate to simulate what the driver hears upon vehicle launch. A variety of indicators and control strategies may be used with a system designed according to this invention.

Clutch Control For Overcoming Tooth Butt
view source
US Patent:

20040118652, Jun 24, 2004
Filed:

Dec 19, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/324646
Inventors:

Ronald Muetzel - Pinehurst NC, US
Robert Sayman - Eriskirch, DE
James Devore - Laurinburg NC, US
International Classification:

B60K041/22
US Classification:

192/003550, 192/003610, 192/003630
Abstract:

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.

Vehicle Brake Pedal Interlock For Heavy Vehicle Neutral To Engaged Gear Shift
view source
US Patent:

20040173431, Sep 9, 2004
Filed:

Mar 6, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/382974
Inventors:

James DeVore - Laurinburg NC, US
Robert Sayman - Laurinburg NC, US
Ronald Muetzel - Pinehurst NC, US
Erwin Werner - Friedrichshafen, DE
International Classification:

B60K041/26
US Classification:

192/220200, 192/222000
Abstract:

A heavy vehicle transmission is provided with an interlock that prevents movement from neutral into an engaged speed ratio if the vehicle is under start from stop conditions. The interlock ensures that the operator does desire to engage a gear prior to effecting the engagement. The method is also incorporated into a control for the transmission. The method and control are most preferably incorporated into a type of automatic transmission which has an automatic clutch that does not require any operator input.

Warning Algorithms For Vehicle Driveline Failures
view source
US Patent:

20050073398, Apr 7, 2005
Filed:

Sep 23, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/668514
Inventors:

Robert Sayman - Laurinburg NC, US
James DeVore - Laurinburg NC, US
Ronald Muetzel - Southern Pines NC, US
Muneer Abusamra - Southern Pines NC, US
Rupert Kramer - Friedrichshafen, DE
International Classification:

B60Q001/00
US Classification:

340441000
Abstract:

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. If the control determines that clutch slippage continues to occur, then the frequency of the warning is increased to provide a more insistent indication to the operator that some corrective measure should be taken.