Patents Examined by Stephen M Bowes
  • Patent number: 11209067
    Abstract: A damper assembly includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a plunger, a passage, and a piston. The inner cylinder is positioned at least partially within the outer cylinder and has a cap attached to one end thereof. The plunger is positioned radially inward from the inner cylinder and coupled to a rod. The plunger, the cap, and an interior of the inner cylinder at least partially define a first chamber. The passage extends through the rod and is fluidly coupled with the first chamber. The piston is coupled to the inner cylinder and extends radially outward toward the outer cylinder. The piston, an exterior surface of the inner cylinder, and the outer cylinder at least partially define a second chamber. The plunger is configured to move relative to the inner cylinder, and the piston is configured to move relative to the outer cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Ellifson, Darin Rosenboom
  • Patent number: 11199236
    Abstract: In a suspension device, a first piston is movable in an axial direction inside of a cylinder, and an inner pipe that extends in the axial direction is provided inside of the cylinder. A first rod is coupled to the first piston and inserted into the inner pipe. A second rod is coupled to the first piston and projects outwardly from the cylinder. A second piston is movable in the axial direction while sealing a space between an outer surface of the inner pipe and an inner surface of the cylinder. A first gas chamber is located between the second piston and a closure to be arranged outside of the inner pipe. A second gas chamber is located inside of the inner pipe. The first rod includes a first inner passage that communicates with the second gas chamber, and the second rod includes a second inner passage that communicates with the first inner passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamazaki, Yutaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11193553
    Abstract: A vibration damper may comprise a damper tube filled at least partially with damping liquid. A piston rod is movable to and fro in the damper tube, and a working piston is movable with the piston rod. The working piston may divide an interior space of the damper tube into a piston rod-side working space and a working space distal the piston rod. A piston rod attachment may include an attachment element, a bracing element, and a wedge element. On a side that faces away from the working piston, the piston rod may have a wedge element cut-out for partially receiving the wedge element in a braced state. The attachment element may be connected to the bracing element such that the attachment element braces the bracing element with respect to the piston rod via the wedge element arranged in the wedge element cut-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP BILSTEIN GMBH, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Daniel Pitsch, Martin Flick
  • Patent number: 11187047
    Abstract: A multi-axis isolator configured to isolate a payload from unwanted vibrations and shocks includes a housing, at least one pair of radial isolators in the housing, and an axial isolator in the housing. Each radial isolator includes an elastomer dome, a chamber at least partially defined by the elastomer dome, and a fluid in the chamber. The multi-axis isolator also includes a fluid track placing the chambers of the radial isolators in fluid communication with each other. The axial isolator includes an elastomer dome, a backpressure membrane, a primary chamber, a backpressure chamber, a fluid in the primary and backpressure chambers, a conduit placing the primary chamber in fluid communication with the backpressure chamber. The multi-axis isolator also includes a shaft configured to be connected to the payload. The pair of radial isolators and the axial isolator are coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Shahan, Sloan P. Smith, Adam E. Sorensen, Casey J. Sennott, Christopher P. Henry, Geoffrey P. McKnight
  • Patent number: 11162552
    Abstract: In a friction pad assembly for a disc brake, a plurality of lining assemblies supported on a guide plate are pressed to a disc rotor. The lining assembly includes a friction material and a back plate portion. A plate fitting portion of the lining assembly is inserted and equipped to a guide hole portion, and braking torque is transmitted from the plate fitting portion to the guide plate. A plurality of link plates applying pressing force from a torque receiving plate to the lining assembly are provided between the torque receiving plate and the back plate portion adhered to the guide plate. A damping layer sandwiched between inner surfaces of the torque receiving plate is provided on back surface sides of the link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: AKEBONO BRAKE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Okada, Yoshikazu Harigai, Akihiko Yamazaki, Takayuki Shindo, Yoshihisa Ezawa, Toshitaka Izumihara, Yosuke Miyahara
  • Patent number: 11162550
    Abstract: A belt-like rib that extends in a peripheral direction is provided to the outer surface, in the axial direction, of an outer body. The inner diameter side sections of the bottoms of outer cylinders at the outer diameter side and the outer diameter side sections of the bottoms of outer cylinders at the inner diameter side, all the cylinders being provided to the outer body so as to be separated into two stages in the radial direction, are covered with the belt-like rib from outside in the axial direction so as to traverse along the peripheral direction. The outer diameter side sections of the bottoms of the outer cylinders at the outer diameter side and the inner diameter side sections of the bottoms of the outer cylinders at the inner diameter side are made to protrude from the belt-like rib in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: AKEBONO BRAKE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takefumi Morio
  • Patent number: 11143254
    Abstract: An EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) apparatus may include: a housing unit; a motor unit mounted in the housing unit; a worm wheel gear unit engaged and rotated with the motor unit; a piston unit connected with a brake shoe; and a nut unit mounted on the worm wheel gear unit, coupled to the piston unit, and moved by the rotation of the worm wheel gear unit so as to pressurize the piston unit. The housing unit is deformed by the movement of the piston unit and restricts the operation of the motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moo Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 11143268
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system includes multiple isolators between an inner object and an outer housing that surrounds the object. In one example the inner object may be a rack or container that holds electronics, such as printed circuit boards, and the outer housing may be a housing for a missile, such as a supersonic or hypersonic missile. The isolators have flexures to attenuate vibrations, isolating the inner object at least in part from vibrations encountered by the outer housing. The flexures may be oriented in different directions for different isolators to change the resonant frequency of the system for a given axis. In addition the isolators are able to compensate for differences in expansion between the inner object and the outer housing. The isolators may also include multi-part isolators that have spring-loaded wedge elements used to expand the isolators in one or more radial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Forgacs, Bradley E. Bergmann, Nicholas E. Kosinski
  • Patent number: 11131362
    Abstract: A hydraulic damper for a vehicle including a main tube. A first piston assembly is slideably disposed in the main tube and axially divides the main tube into a rebound chamber and a primary compression chamber. A hydraulic compression stop assembly is disposed in the primary compression chamber and includes a narrowed section extending between an open end and a closed end. A second piston assembly is slideably disposed in the narrowed section and is coupled with the first piston assembly. The second piston assembly has a piston tube that extends between an opened end and a shut end. A displaceable partition is slideably disposed in the piston tube. A first auxiliary compression chamber is defined between the partition and the closed end of the narrowed section. A second auxiliary compression chamber is defined between the partition and the shut end of the piston tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Piotr Andrzej Flacht
  • Patent number: 11131361
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening. In one aspect a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber; a secondary compression chamber in fluid communication with the damper chamber; and an adjustable fluid meter controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11124264
    Abstract: A stand-alone, auxiliary brake system is provided for operating the rear wheel brake of a motorcycle. The auxiliary brake includes an actuator that is connected to a hand lever by a hose. The actuator is mounted to the rear brake using a fastener. A push rod of the actuator is installed onto the rear brake master cylinder replacing the existing push rod. The push rod is attached to a piston, which is mounted inside a cylinder of the actuator. A transfer port on the actuator connects the hose to the cylinder with the fluid inside the hose being pressurized by the hand lever to push the piston to activate the rear brake through the push rod. Thus, the auxiliary brake system provides an efficient and effective braking mechanism through the user's hand actuation without compromising the existing foot pedal braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Charles Robert Schueller
    Inventor: Charles Robert Schueller
  • Patent number: 11114930
    Abstract: Described herein are eddy current brakes and associated methods of their use, particularly configurations that have a kinematic relationship with at least two rotational degrees of freedom used to tune operation of the brake or apparatus in which the brake is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: EDDY CURRENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher James Allington, Andrew Karl Diehl, Kevin A. Wright, Weston Hill, Dave Walters
  • Patent number: 11097703
    Abstract: Electronic control units, vehicles, and methods for controlling trailer brake output circuits based on vehicle wheel ABS statuses are disclosed. An electronic control unit for controlling a trailer brake output circuit based on vehicle wheel ABS statuses is configured to determine a first vehicle wheel ABS status, determine a second vehicle wheel ABS status, and control the trailer brake output circuit based on the first vehicle wheel ABS status and the second vehicle wheel ABS status. The first vehicle wheel ABS status is indicative of whether braking of a first vehicle wheel is being controlled in accordance with a vehicle ABS mode. The second vehicle wheel ABS status is indicative of whether braking of a second vehicle wheel is being controlled in accordance with the vehicle ABS mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Yuichi Shimizu, Lisa DiMaggio, Mikhal el Arculli
  • Patent number: 11084470
    Abstract: A method for regulating a vehicle-actual-deceleration in a vehicle with an ABS brake system includes detecting the vehicle-actual-deceleration; determining a target vehicle deceleration and detecting at least one actual wheel rotational behavior. The method further includes calculating actuation times for actuation of pressure control valves of the ABS brake system associated with the wheels of the first vehicle axle and the wheels of the further vehicle axle and determining correction actuation times if at least one of the respective calculated actuation times is less than a minimum actuation time associated with the respective pressure control valve. Calculation of each of the respective actuation times is carried out at least for all of a first number of pressure control valves with which wheels are associated whose rotational behavior follows the at least one actual wheel rotational behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS HANNOVER GMBH
    Inventors: Horst Eckert, Florian Schwagmeyer
  • Patent number: 11078976
    Abstract: A disc brake of a floating type includes: an inner pad and an outer pad respectively located on opposite sides of a rotor rotatable with a wheel; a pressing device configured to press the inner pad and the outer pad against the rotor; and a housing mounted on a non-rotating member and holding the pressing device. The pressing device includes: a first pressing member movable toward the rotor; a second pressing member movable away from the rotor; and a frame having a substantially frame shape and including (i) a first side portion opposed to the second pressing member and (ii) a second side portion engaged with the outer pad and movable together with the outer pad in a direction parallel with a rotation axis of the rotor. The disc brake includes a return spring provided between the frame and one of the housing and the inner pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11066055
    Abstract: A braking system for a motor vehicle for actuating hydraulically actuatable wheel brakes comprises a first and a second electrically controllable pressure source for providing a brake pressure for actuating the wheel brakes. A first electric energy supply unit and a second electric energy supply unit that is independent of the first electric energy supply unit are provided. An electrically controllable pressure modulation device for setting brake pressures that are individual to each of the wheel brakes has at least one electrically actuatable inlet valve for each wheel brake. The first pressure source can be supplied with electric energy by the first energy supply unit, the second pressure source can be supplied with electric energy by the second energy supply unit, and the pressure modulation device can be supplied with electric energy by the first energy supply unit and by the second energy supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Besier, Stefan Drumm
  • Patent number: 11067143
    Abstract: An adjustment structure of a hydraulic brake system is provided, which includes a main body, a piston and an adjusting device. The main body includes at least one fluid reservoir, an inner chamber and at least one fluid passage. The inner chamber includes a cylinder channel and an opening part, and the cylinder channel is communicated with the fluid reservoir by at least one fluid port. The piston is driven by the brake cable to be limitedly moved in the cylinder channel. The piston includes a cable hole for receiving the brake cable, and the piston has a normal operated position relative to the fluid port. The adjusting device is disposed in the opening part and is abutted against the piston. The adjusting device is operated to be moved relative to the brake cable such that the piston is adjusted to be returned to the normal operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: I-Teh Chen, Che-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 11067144
    Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus comprising a casing (1) having arranged therein a hydraulic machine (2), a shaft (4) mounted to rotate relative to the casing (1) by means of a bearing (5), a braking system (3) having a plurality of brake disks (31, 34) configured to prevent the shaft (4) rotating relative to the casing (1) in selective manner, and a control system (6, 7) for controlling said braking disks (31, 34), the hydraulic system including an irrigation system adapted to cool said brake disks (31, 34) by means of a fluid, the irrigation system including a fluid inlet (81) and a fluid outlet (82), the hydraulic system being characterized in that the fluid inlet and outlet (81, 82) of the irrigation system define a fluid flow within the casing in which the braking system (3) is downstream from the hydraulic machine (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Julien Engrand, Jean-Philippe Raisin, Stéphane Vidal, Aurélien Ulmer, Dominique Costaz
  • Patent number: 11041540
    Abstract: A simple and robust suspension arrangement is provided for taking into account different suspension modes without the need for excessive sensoring or electronics. The novel suspension arrangement includes a first suspension element, which directly suspends the object to the frame, and a second suspension element, which suspends the object to the frame through a magnetic coupling between the object and the second suspension element. The magnetic coupling provides a magnetic coupling force (Fh) to act as a threshold such that the suspension arrangement is designed to magnetically decouple the second suspen-sion element from the object when the excitation force (Fe) transmitted be-tween the frame and the object exceeds the magnetic coupling force (Fh).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy
    Inventors: Jarkko Keinänen, Kalle Vehviläinen, Ismo Vessonen
  • Patent number: 11027756
    Abstract: An ECP overlay system for a UIC-type distributor valve includes a manifold body having a pipe bracket face configured to engage a face of a pipe bracket of a brake system, a valve face configured to engage a face of a UIC-type distributor valve of a brake system, and an electric manifold face. The system further including an electric manifold assembly engaged with the electric manifold face of the manifold body, with the electric manifold assembly having a pneumatic mode where the electric manifold assembly is configured to allow pneumatic-only control of a brake cylinder of brake system and an ECP mode where the electric manifold assembly is configured to allow electronic control of a brake cylinder of a rbrake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Plechey, Jeffrey B. Skweres