Company Filing History:
5 out of 6,152 
1 out of 25,921 
Years Active: 1987-1998
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Hans-Peter Wirtz: A Spotlight on His Patents
Introduction: Hans-Peter Wirtz, an accomplished inventor based in Cologne, Germany, has made significant contributions to the field of automotive engineering. With a total of six patents to his name, his innovations have sought to enhance the performance and efficiency of torque converters in automatic transmissions.
Latest Patents: Among his latest patents, Wirtz has developed a torque converter with a cone-type lock-up clutch. This inventive design features a clutch disc with a conical friction disc area that cooperates directly with the conical inner wall of the torque converter housing. The innovative structure includes concentric conical areas that accommodate clutch discs of varying radial extents and friction disc areas, ultimately improving the efficiency of the torque converter.
Another notable patent by Wirtz is a shift/regulating valve for controlling hydrodynamic torque converters in automatic transmissions. This valve comprises a shifting component and a valve body that integrates several critical features, including a control pressure chamber, guide bore, and control plunger with various pressure connections. The design enhances the control and regulation of the fluid medium, contributing to better performance in automatic transmission systems.
Career Highlights: Hans-Peter Wirtz has had an impressive career at leading automotive companies, including Ford Motor Company Limited and Ford Global Technologies, LLC. His work there has been instrumental in advancing the technologies associated with automatic transmission systems.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Wirtz has collaborated with esteemed colleagues in the industry, including Winfried Franz-Xaver Schulz and Johann Kirchhoffer. Their teamwork has facilitated the development of innovative solutions and has contributed to the success of various projects within the automotive sector.
Conclusion: Hans-Peter Wirtz's dedication to innovation and engineering excellence is evident through his patents and collaborations in the automotive industry. His work on torque converters and shift/regulating valves showcases his commitment to improving the performance of automatic transmissions, making a significant impact on the field.