Patents by Inventor Gerhard Ruhnau

Gerhard Ruhnau 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).

  • Patent number: 8336364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating wheel speed signals measured by wheel rpm sensors in a vehicle equipped with at least one longitudinal acceleration sensor integrates the signal of the longitudinal acceleration sensor during the acceleration or deceleration phases of the vehicle, and the resulting vehicle speed signal is compared against the signals of the individual wheel rpm sensors. A determination is made as to whether a deviation that may exist for a wheel lies within a predefined tolerance range. If a deviation falls outside of the tolerance range, the parameterized tire circumference of the associated wheel is adaptively recalibrated until the deviation falls within the tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Munko, Axel Stender, Gerhard Ruhnau, Ingo Tha
  • Publication number: 20110264301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a travel direction of a vehicle (1), particularly a trailer vehicle, wherein wheel speed signals (n1, n2, n3) are captured and a travel speed (v) is determined, a longitudinal acceleration (a) of the vehicle (1) is measured, and a longitudinal acceleration measurement signal (Sa) is output, an approach process is determined from a time change in the travel speed (v), and the direction of the approach process is determined from the longitudinal acceleration measurement signal (Sa). An approach process in the reverse direction is particularly detected thereby. The invention further relates to a control device (2) for performing the method, particularly in a vehicle controller, a vehicle system, and a corresponding vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Immanuel Henken, Tobias Munko, Gerhard Ruhnau, Axel Stender, Ingo Tha
  • Patent number: 7996136
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring brake performance, in particular, in motor vehicles, are provided. The braking distances specific to each vehicle wheel are determined and compared using an electronic control unit. If a wheel exhibits a longer than average braking distance, insufficient braking is identified and is displayed by means of a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Patent number: 7647145
    Abstract: A method for error processing in electronic controllers, particularly, in motor vehicles, is provided whereby errors determined on each vehicle start are permanently written in an error memory. On repeated recognition of similar errors, an error counter, provided for the error, is increased. In the case where it is determined that the error counter has reached a pre-determined state on a renewed vehicle start, a special “poor maintenance” is launched, which only permits the start of the monitored function when further tests are carried out and completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Eickhoff, Klaus Pape, Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Publication number: 20090205401
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating wheel speed signals measured by wheel rpm sensors in a vehicle equipped with at least one longitudinal acceleration sensor integrates the signal of the longitudinal acceleration sensor during the acceleration or deceleration phases of the vehicle, and the resulting vehicle speed signal is compared against the signals of the individual wheel rpm sensors. A determination is made as to whether a deviation that may exist for a wheel lies within a predefined tolerance range. If a deviation falls outside of the tolerance range, the parameterized tire circumference of the associated wheel is adaptively recalibrated until the deviation falls within the tolerance range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Tobias Munko, Axel Stender, Gerhard Ruhnau, Ingo Tha
  • Patent number: 7413266
    Abstract: An improved method and associated system for controlling the brake system of a vehicle train including a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle, wherein a control device disposed in the tractor vehicle is adapted to initiate automatic braking of the trailer vehicle, and wherein the conditions of the driving roadway, especially the coefficient of friction, are taken into account in braking of the trailer vehicle. The intensity of braking of the trailer vehicle is reduced by the control device when a coefficient of friction smaller than a predetermined minimum value is detected between the vehicle train or parts thereof and the driving roadway. One application of the invention is in load trains equipped with means for preventing rollover or overturning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Thomas Lenz, Benno Meyer, Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Patent number: 7415325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer; the first and second devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first device sends request data via the data link to the second device. The first device receives status information via the data link sent by the second device in response to the request data. The first device outputs, in a manner that correlates with the trailer, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor. The same output scheme is used for both the tractor and trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Michael Knosmann, Gerhard Ruhnau, Matthias Radtke, Ulrich Weihe
  • Publication number: 20070244612
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring brake performance, in particular, in motor vehicles, are provided. The braking distances specific to each vehicle wheel are determined and compared using an electronic control unit. If a wheel exhibits a longer than average braking distance, insufficient braking is identified and is displayed by means of a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Publication number: 20070162782
    Abstract: A method for error processing in electronic controllers particularly, in motor vehicles, is provided whereby errors determined on each vehicle start are permanently written in an error memory. On repeated recognition of similar errors, an error counter, provided for the error, is increased. In the case where it is determined that the error counter has reached a pre-determined state on a renewed vehicle start, a special “poor maintenance” program is launched, which only permits the start of the monitored function when further tests are carried out and completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: WABCO GMBH & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Eickhoff, Klaus Pape, Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Patent number: 6984005
    Abstract: An improved braking method and system for a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), a traction control or anti-slip regulation system (ASR) and one or more additional systems capable of effecting automatic braking of the vehicle independently of driver control, e.g., an adaptive cruise control system (ACC) or a rollover stability control system (RSC). Automatic braking takes place by admission of brake pressure to the drive axle. To detect a simultaneous braking demand of the driver, the wheel speeds of the non-driven axle or axles are compared with the wheel speeds of the drive axle or axles. If the wheel speeds of the non-driven axle(s) are less than the wheel speeds of the drive axle(s), or less than a vehicle reference speed, the brake pressure injected in response to driver demand is also fed to the brake cylinders of the wheels of the drive axle(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Benno Meyer, Marcel Schlottmann, Immanuel Henken, Thomas Lenz, Tobias Munko, Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Patent number: 6964455
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a tri-axle wheeled vehicle equipped with wheel speed sensors and modulators for adjusting brake pressure. The modulators are actuated by a six-channel electronic control unit. The modulators associated with the front axle of the vehicle are individually actuated. The modulators associated with the two rear axles of the vehicle are side-by-side or axle modulators, each actuated jointly by respective end stages of the six channels. The electronic control unit detects whether the anti-lock brake system in which it is installed is a compatible anti-lock brake system. An error signal indicating improper installation is delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Patent number: 6935707
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a tri-axle wheeled vehicle equipped with wheel speed sensors and modulators for adjusting brake pressure. The modulators are actuated by a six-channel electronic control unit. The modulators associated with the front axle of the vehicle are individually actuated. The modulators associated with the two rear axles of the vehicle are side-by-side or axle modulators, each actuated jointly by respective end stages of the six channels. The electronic control unit detects whether the anti-lock brake system in which it is installed is a compatible anti-lock brake system. An error signal indicating improper installation is delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Publication number: 20050182527
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer; the first and second devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first device sends request data via the data link to the second device. The first device receives status information via the data link sent by the second device in response to the request data. The first device outputs, in a manner that correlates with the trailer, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor. The same output scheme is used for both the tractor and trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Knosmann, Gerhard Ruhnau, Matthias Radtke, Ulrich Weihe
  • Publication number: 20050134109
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a tri-axle wheeled vehicle equipped with wheel speed sensors and modulators for adjusting brake pressure. The modulators are actuated by a six-channel electronic control unit. The modulators associated with the front axle of the vehicle are individually actuated. The modulators associated with the two rear axles of the vehicle are side-by-side or axle modulators, each actuated jointly by respective end stages of the six channels. The electronic control unit detects whether the anti-lock brake system in which it is installed is a compatible anti-lock brake system. An error signal indicating improper installation is delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Patent number: 6799129
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system and method for vehicles equipped with anti-lock breaking systems (ABS), especially vehicles with more than two axles, is provided. Wheel sensors associated with the ABS are utilized to sense variables which depend on wheel rotation, such as speed of rotation of the wheels or travel distances covered by the wheels. An ABS control unit logically combines the determined variables with one another and performs an evaluation with respect to change of rolling radii of the wheels while allowing for changes of the variable caused by driving operation. The ABS control unit generates a warning signal when the change of variables caused by tire pressure decrease exceeds a preselected limit value. In addition to the wheel sensors, a tire pressure measuring system which measures the absolute tire inflation pressure of the wheels of at least one axle and generates a warning signal when the measured tire inflation pressure drops below a preselected setpoint pressure can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Detlef Schmidt, André Bork, Klaus Pape, Gerhard Ruhnau, Thomas Dieckmann
  • Publication number: 20040119334
    Abstract: An improved method and associated system for controlling the brake system of a vehicle train including a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle, wherein a control device disposed in the tractor vehicle is adapted to initiate automatic braking of the trailer vehicle, and wherein the conditions of the driving roadway, especially the coefficient of friction, are taken into account in braking of the trailer vehicle. The intensity of braking of the trailer vehicle is reduced by the control device when a coefficient of friction smaller than a predetermined minimum value is detected between the vehicle train or parts thereof and the driving roadway. One application of the invention is in load trains equipped with means for preventing rollover or overturning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Lenz, Benno Meyer, Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Publication number: 20040012252
    Abstract: An improved braking method and system for a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), a traction control or anti-slip regulation system (ASR) and one or more additional systems capable of effecting automatic braking of the vehicle independently of driver control, e.g., an adaptive cruise control system (ACC) or a rollover stability control system (RSC). Automatic braking takes place by admission of brake pressure to the drive axle. To detect a simultaneous braking demand of the driver, the wheel speeds of the non-driven axle or axles are compared with the wheel speeds of the drive axle or axles. If the wheel speeds of the non-driven axle(s) are less than the wheel speeds of the drive axle(s), or less than a vehicle reference speed, the brake pressure injected in response to driver demand is also fed to the brake cylinders of the wheels of the drive axle(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Benno Meyer, Marcel Schlottmann, Immanuel Henken, Thomas Lenz, Tobias Munko, Gerhard Ruhnau
  • Publication number: 20030234575
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a tri-axle wheeled vehicle equipped with wheel speed sensors and modulators for adjusting brake pressure. The modulators are actuated by a six-channel electronic control unit. The modulators associated with the front axle of the vehicle are individually actuated. The modulators associated with the two rear axles of the vehicle are side-by-side or axle modulators, each actuated jointly by respective end stages of the six channels. The electronic control unit detects whether the anti-lock brake system in which it is installed is a compatible anti-lock brake system. An error signal indicating improper installation is delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Patent number: 6622077
    Abstract: An anti-lock braking system (ABS) for multi-axle vehicles equipped with multiple wheel-speed sensors and modulators for adjustment of braking pressure. The brake cylinder for each wheel may be controlled by an individual modulator, or, alternatively, a single common supply axle modulator may regulate both brake cylinders of an axle. In a preferred embodiment, the ABS is controlled by an ABS electronic control unit (ECU), which has four regulating channels with four corresponding end stages for controlling three modulators, where one of the modulators is commonly regulated by two end stages. The ECU also detects whether it is coupled to a proper ABS. The ABS electronic control unit eliminates the danger of an undetected installation of an ABS electronic control unit into an incompatible anti-lock braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Publication number: 20030109971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor vehicle is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer vehicle; the first and second electronic devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first electronic device sends request data via the data link to the second electronic device. The first electronic device receives status information via the data link sent by the second electronic device in response to the request data. The first electronic device outputs, in a manner that can be correlated with the trailer vehicle, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Knosmann, Gerhard Ruhnau, Matthias Radtke, Ulrich Weihe