Patents by Inventor Clive Tucker
Clive Tucker 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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Publication number: 20170137023Abstract: In some embodiments, a rapid-response active suspension system controls suspension force and position for improving vehicle safety and drivability. The system may interface with various sensors that detect safety critical vehicle states and adjust the suspension of each wheel to improve safety. Pre-crash and collision sensors may notify the active suspension controller of a collision and the stance may be adjusted to improve occupant safety during an impact while maintaining active control of the wheels. Wheel forces may also be controlled to improve the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems such as ABS and ESP in order to improve traction. Also, bi-directional information may be communicated between the active suspension system and other vehicle safety systems such that each system may respond to information provided to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jack A. Ekchian
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Patent number: 9597940Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
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Patent number: 9550404Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil, Shakeel Avadhany
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Publication number: 20160097406Abstract: Hydraulic bump stops and bi-directional diverter valves may be used to protect hydraulic systems, including, for example in one embodiment, the hydraulic actuators of an active suspension system, from damage due to operation outside the normal operating range of the system. In some embodiments, a hydraulic bump stop may be used to slow down the motion of a piston at the extremes of the compression and/or extension strokes of an actuator. In another embodiment, a diverter valve may be used to protect a hydraulic motor/pump in a hydraulic system from an over-speed condition. When the piston in an active suspension system actuator moves at a speed in excess of a threshold value, one or more diverter valves may be used to divert flow away from the hydraulic motor/pump. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be a dual or single spool bi-directional diverter valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Clive Tucker, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20160075205Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
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Publication number: 20160059664Abstract: An active suspension system is configured in a strut arrangement. The active suspension system comprises a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic pump/electric motor assembly, wherein the actuator movement is preferably in lockstep with the hydraulic motor-pump and electric motor-generator combination. Torque in the electric motor is instantaneously controlled by a controller to create an immediate force change on the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is configured so that it can be used as a strut whereby the actuator has sufficient structural rigidity to carry the applied suspension loads while capable of supplying damper forces in at least three quadrants of the force velocity graph of the suspension actuator operation. Embodiments disclosed include low cost active suspension systems for a MacPherson strut application.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Clive Tucker, Zackary Martin Anderson, David Michael Lewis, Ross J. Wendell, Alexander Apstolos Alexandridis
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Publication number: 20160031285Abstract: A multi-path fluid flow control valve for a shock absorber that restricts fluid into a first path while opening fluid flow to a second path when a given fluid flow velocity is reached. Exemplary configurations of this diverter valve are disclosed such as a spring loaded disc valve with face sealing lands, and a spool valve with diametric sealing lands. Applications include active suspension dampers in order to limit maximum RPM into a hydraulic motor. For such a system, in one mode the diverter valve allows fluid to move unrestricted into the hydraulic motor. When fluid velocity reaches a tunable set point, in a second mode the diverter valve restricts flow into the hydraulic motor and bypasses it shuttling fluid into the opposite side of the damper. In some cases progressive damping valves are utilized in series or parallel to smooth damping characteristics during, before, and after transitions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Clive Tucker, Johannes Schneider, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Marco Giovanardi, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil
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Publication number: 20150316039Abstract: A linear energy harvesting device that includes a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when it is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator that produces electricity. Both the motor and generator are central to the device housing. Exemplary configurations are disclosed such as monotube, twin-tube, tri-tube and rotary based designs that each incorporates an integrated energy harvesting apparatus. By varying the electrical characteristics on an internal generator, the kinematic characteristics of to the energy harvesting apparatus can be dynamically altered. In another mode, the apparatus can be used as an actuator to create linear movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Evan Moen, Johannes Schneider, Zachary J. Jackowski, Sean C. Morton
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Patent number: 9174508Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
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Publication number: 20150224845Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system comprising an actuator body, hydraulic pump, electric motor, plurality of sensors, energy storage facility, and controller is provided. The method comprises disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Shakeel Avadhany, Matthew D. Cole, Robert Driscoll, John Giarratana, Marco Giovanardi, Vladimir Gorelik, Jonathan R. Leehey, William G. Near, Patrick W. Neil, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Tyson David Sawyer, Johannes Schneider, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Richard Anthony Zukerman
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Patent number: 9035477Abstract: A linear energy harvesting device that includes a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when it is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator that produces electricity. Both the motor and generator are central to the device housing. Exemplary configurations are disclosed such as monotube, twin-tube, tri-tube and rotary based designs that each incorporates an integrated energy harvesting apparatus. By varying the electrical characteristics on an internal generator, the kinematic characteristics of the energy harvesting apparatus can be dynamically altered. In another mode, the apparatus can be used as an actuator to create linear movement.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Clive Tucker, Ross Wendell, Zackary M. Anderson, Evan Moen, Johannes Schneider, Zachary J. Jackowski, Sean Morton
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Publication number: 20140297113Abstract: An active suspension system for a truck cabin that actively responds to and mitigates external force inputs between the truck chassis and the cabin. The system greatly reduces pitch, roll, and heave motions that lead to operator discomfort. The assembly is comprised of two or more self-contained actuators that respond to commands from an electronic controller. The controller commands the actuators based on feedback from one or more sensors on the cabin and/or chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Clive Tucker, Johannes Schneider, John Giarratana
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Publication number: 20140294625Abstract: A method and system for measuring rotor position or velocity in an electric motor disposed in hydraulic fluid. The system comprises a contactless position sensor that measures electric motor rotor via magnetic, optical, or other means through a diaphragm that is permeable to the sensing means but impervious to the hydraulic fluid. An electronic sensor is positioned outside the operating fluid, whereas the motor is located in the fluid volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Clive Tucker, Vladimir Gorelik, Jonathan R. Leehey, Robert Driscoll, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Ross J. Wendell, Tyson David Sawyer
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Publication number: 20140288776Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
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Patent number: 8840118Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil, Shakeel Avadhany
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Patent number: 8841786Abstract: A linear energy harvesting device that includes a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when it is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator that produces electricity. Both the motor and generator are central to the device housing. Exemplary configurations are disclosed such as monotube, twin-tube, tri-tube and rotary based designs that each incorporates an integrated energy harvesting apparatus. By varying the electrical characteristics on an internal generator, the kinematic characteristics of to the energy harvesting apparatus can be dynamically altered. In another mode, the apparatus can be used as an actuator to create linear movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Clive Tucker, Ross Wendell, Zackary M. Anderson, Evan Moen, Johannes Schneider, Zachary J. Jackowski, Sean Morton
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Publication number: 20140260233Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil, Shakeel Avadhany
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Publication number: 20140265168Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil, Shakeel Avadhany
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Publication number: 20140265169Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, John Giarratana, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil
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Publication number: 20140265170Abstract: Various embodiments related to hydraulic actuators and active suspension systems as well as their methods of use are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary M. Anderson, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Vladimir Gorelik, Tyson David Sawyer, Jonathan R. Leehey, Johannes Schneider, Robert Driscoll, Patrick W. Neil, Shakeel Avadhany