Patents by Inventor Helmut Fennel

Helmut Fennel 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: 5899540
    Abstract: A brake system including electronic anti-lock control (ABS) and electronically controlled brake force distribution (EBV). This brake system has electrically operable hydraulic valves, of which the inlet valves are open in their inactive position. An electronic error monitoring device is provided which responds upon the occurrence of defects or malfunctions and disconnects the control at least in part. The brake system also has control electronics including secondary circuits which remain in function after the error monitoring device has responded, and by which the inlet valves leading to the rear-wheel brakes are actuated and which are provided such that the pressure in the rear-wheel brakes is maintained constant when a limit value of the braking pressure in the master cylinder is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Burgdorf, Helmut Fennel, Michael Latarnik
  • Patent number: 5895434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microprocessor arrangement for use in a vehicle control system which includes a plurality of microprocessor systems that are linked by bus systems and perform at least anti-lock control (ABS) and/or traction slip control (ASR) and at least one other high-computation control function, such as yaw torque control (GMR), and monitoring functions. The microprocessor arrangement includes three microprocessor systems to which the individual functions are allocated so that the first microprocessor system along with the second microprocessor system performs the ABS and ASR functions, including the monitoring of these functions, and that the third microprocessor system along with the second microprocessor system performs the other control function (GMR), including its monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Bernhard Kant, Hermann Esselbrugge, Michael Zydek, Bernhard Giers
  • Patent number: 5819193
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for conditioning and evaluating the signals emanating from wheel sensors in a first stage determines the sensor(s) supplying the highest useful signal at very low wheel speeds. The signal from the most sensitive sensor is delivered when the wheel speed is below the predetermined speed threshold. Above the speed threshold, however, the signal from a sensor arranged on a driven vehicle wheel is used as the vehicle speed signal. The circuit is especially suitable for anti-lock and traction slip control systems which supply speed signals which can also be evaluated for other vehicle control or regulating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Burgdorf, Helmut Fennel
  • Patent number: 5795039
    Abstract: A circuit for a brake system with pressure fluid distribution, anti-lock control, and traction slip control. The circuit includes circuits to monitor the brake system and to change over or disconnect the control in response to defects and/or the respective control situation or driving situation. Upon failure of any one of the sensors which sense wheel rotation behavior or one sensor per axle or in the presence of an incorrect sensor signal, the vehicle reference speed is produced on basis of the intact sensors, and an electronic brake force distribution control function is still possible, however, an anti-lock control or a traction slip control is prevented. When the defective sensor is a rear-wheel sensor, both rear wheels are controlled synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Norbert Ehmer, Alexander Kolbe, Robert Schmidt, Thomas Proger
  • Patent number: 5704766
    Abstract: Method and circuit configuration for controlling the flow rate of an electromotively driven hydraulic pump which is activated by a variable pulse/pulse-break train for controlling the auxiliary pressure supply of a brake system including anti-lock control (ABS) and traction slip control by brake management (BASR). The generator voltage produced by the pump motor during times of pulse break is evaluated as a standard of the rotational speed of the pump. The nominal value of the pump speed is compared with the actual value of the pump speed in a control circuit, and the new correcting variable for the pump activation is derived from the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Alexander Kolbe, Klaus Honus
  • Patent number: 5562327
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for detecting wheel sensor malfunctions includes circuits which process and analyze the sensor signals (s.sub.1 to s.sub.4), which ascertain the speed (v.sub.Rmax, v.sub.Rmin), deceleration and acceleration (a.sub.R) of the individual wheels and which compare these values with one another and compare them with predetermined threshold values (a.sub.0, v.sub.0, v.sub.1, -a.sub.1). Upon the detection of signals or combinations of signals typical of a sensor malfunction, the control will be disconnected after a predetermined period of time (T, T1+T2). When the measured acceleration values (a.sub.R) are below an overspeed threshold (a.sub.0) and the speed at any one of the remaining wheels is below a bottom speed threshold (v.sub.0), the control will be disconnected as soon as the speed of a wheel (v.sub.Rmax) exceeds a top speed threshold (v.sub.1). A time monitoring function is started in the presence of a measured acceleration value (a.sub.R) which is above the overspeed threshold (a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Ivica Batistic, Michael Latarnik
  • Patent number: 5551768
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for detecting wheel sensor malfunctions includes circuits which process and analyze the sensor signals (s.sub.1 to s.sub.4), which ascertain the speed (v.sub.Rmax, v.sub.Rmin), deceleration and acceleration (a.sub.R) of the individual wheels and which compare these values with one another and compare them with predetermined threshold values (a.sub.0, v.sub.0, v.sub.1, -a.sub.1). Upon the detection of signals or combinations of signals typical of a sensor malfunction, the control will be disconnected after a predetermined period of time (T, T1+T2). When the measured acceleration values (a.sub.R) are below an overspeed threshold (a.sub.0) and the speed at any one of the remaining wheels is below a bottom speed threshold (v.sub.0), the control will be disconnected as soon as the speed of a wheel (v.sub.Rmax) exceeds a top speed threshold (v.sub.1). A time monitoring function is started in the presence of a measured acceleration value (a.sub.R) which is above the overspeed threshold (a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Ivica Batistic, Michael Latarnik
  • Patent number: 5476311
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for detecting wheel sensor malfunctions includes circuits which process and analyze the sensor signals (s.sub.1 to s.sub.4), which ascertain the speed (v.sub.Rmax, v.sub.Rmin), deceleration and acceleration (a.sub.R) of the individual wheels and which compare these values with one another and compare them with predetermined threshold values (a.sub.0, v.sub.0, v.sub.1, -a.sub.1). Upon the detection of signals or combinations of signals typical of a sensor malfunction, the control will be disconnected after a predetermined period of time (T, T1+T2). When the measured acceleration values (a.sub.R) are below an overspeed threshold (a.sub.0) and the speed at any one of the remaining wheels is below a bottom speed threshold (v.sub.0), the control will be disconnected as soon as the speed of a wheel (v.sub.Rmax) exceeds a top speed threshold (v.sub.1). A time monitoring function is started in the presence of a measured acceleration value (a.sub.R) which is above the overspeed threshold (a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Ivica Batistic, Michael Latarnik
  • Patent number: 5477456
    Abstract: For the reduction of disadvantageous effects of engine stall torques on the braking behavior of a vehicle which is equipped with a brake unit having an anti-lock control system, the brake slip of the driven wheels is monitored independently of any actuation of the brake. In the event of a rotational behavior of the driven wheels which is typical of the effect of engine stall torques, in particular in the event of a brake slip at the driven wheels exceeding a limit value, brake pressure existing in the wheel brakes of the driven wheels is maintained constant or reduced, or, if the braking action has not yet commenced, the supply of brake pressure into the wheel brakes of the driven wheels is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Jean-Claude Schwartz, Otto Determann, Robert Schmidt, Norbert Ehmer
  • Patent number: 5458404
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for a brake system with anti-lock control and/or traction slip control composed of circuits for conditioning wheel sensor signals, controller circuits for analyzing and processing the conditioned sensor signals and for generating braking pressure control signals, monitoring circuits which process the sensor signals irrespective of the controller circuits, and circuits for exchanging and comparing signals of the controller circuits with corresponding signals of the monitoring circuits. The monitoring circuits have a simpler structure than the controller circuits. The control philosophy is reproduced in the monitoring circuits. In particular, the control phases are determined by the reproduction on the basis of the same control criteria and control parameters which the controller circuits use. The signals of the reproduction circuits are united with the valve-excitation signals in correlation circuits for the detection of errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Hans-Wilhelm Bleckmann
  • Patent number: 5350226
    Abstract: An anti-lock hydraulic brake system is described wherein a throttle valve has a restrictive flow condition which becomes effective in the brake line in the event of brake slip control. Pumps for reapply pressure deliver fluid to the wheel brake via this restriction and regulating the pressure in the wheel brake is performed by control of an outlet valve. The throttle valve is operated hydraulically by various arrangements including the application of pump pressure, or by wheel brake pressure applied upon opening of the outlet valve at the start of an anti-lock control cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Burgdorf, Hans-Dieter Reinartz, Helmut Steffes, Norbert Ocvirk, Peter Volz, Lutz Weise, Helmut Fennel, Hans Wupper, Hans-Wilhelm Bleckmann, Erhard Beck, Dieter Dinkel, Karlheinz Haupt
  • Patent number: 5277481
    Abstract: In a hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles with an electronically controlled brake force distribution and with anti-lock control, the rear-wheel brakes are connected via inlet valves (5, 7) closed in their inactive position. Placed in parallel to these valves is an arrangement (13, 14; 13', 14') which is substantially composed of the series connection of a brake force regulator (17, 18, 17', 18') with a throttle (15, 16) or a multiple-way valve (21, 22) which is open in its inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Weise, Helmut Fennel, Hans Wupper
  • Patent number: 5270933
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for a brake system with anti-lock control and traction slip control comprising, wheel sensors for generating electric signals representing the wheel rotational behavior and circuits for the cornering identification is provided such that lateral reference speeds (13, 14) are formed by virtue of selection circuits (8, 9) which select leading wheel speed according to specific criteria, and by virtue of a filter means (10, 11) whose time constants (12) are variable. A difference signal (DVS) is formed of the lateral references speeds (SRG.sub.L, SRG.sub.R), the magnitude of which is variable by inverse feedback. This difference signal (DVS) serves to actuate an adaptation circuit (18) as a function of the vehicle reference speed (V.sub.REF). The adaptation circuit influences on the control thresholds of the anti-lock control and traction slip control to adapt the control to the particularities of cornering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Hans Wupper, Ivica Batistic, Hans-Joachim Buettner
  • Patent number: 5265947
    Abstract: The circuit configuration for a brake system having an anti-locking control generates pulse-type brake pressure control signals. For pressure rebuild-up after a pressure decrease, brake pressure is applied first at a steep and subsequently at a flatter gradient, this being achieved by a variable pulse (P1) and by short fixed pulses (P2) succeeding one another at a large interval. Circuits are provided rendering dependent the pulse and pulse break times (T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.k) determining the pressure build-upon the duration of the pressure build-up (T.sub.1) during the steep-rise build-up in the preceding cycle,on the duration (T.sub.1 +nT.sub.2) of the entire pressure build-up in the preceding cycle, andon the duration (T.sub.o) of the preceding pressure decrease, with the pulse times being so dimensionedthat, at a constant coefficient of friction and at a constant static pressure, the locking limit of the wheel is rereached after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined pulse number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventors: Hans Wupper, Helmut Fennel, Gunther Buschmann, Ivica Batistic, Norbert Ehmer, Robert Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5210692
    Abstract: For evaluating the wheel speed signals (V(n)) required by an anti-locking or traction slip control system, a basic speed (VBas(n)) is derived from the speed signals of the individual wheels, and a wheel factor (Ki(n)) is formed for each wheel which, when multiplied by the wheel speed, forms the basic speed. For further signal processing, the wheel speed multiplied by the appertaining wheel factor is used in lieu of the actual wheel speed to form the reference speed, and the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Michael Latarnik
  • Patent number: 5207484
    Abstract: A brake system with anti-lock and/or traction slip control, wherein quantities (.DELTA.t.sub.EV, .DELTA.t.sub.AV) determining the pressure in the wheel brakes (10, 11) are measured and assessed. A wheel pressure pattern (p(t)) is formed from these quantities by integration which, by approximation, represents the pressure variation in the wheel brakes (10, 11). The output signal of the integrator (20) is fed back to the control logic (16) and assessed for slip control and/or braking pressure control. For the integration, taken into account are the braking-pressure-increase and braking-pressure-decrease characteristic curves (P.sub.A, P.sub.E) and the initial conditions (21) which represent the initial pressure upon commencement of the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: Hans W. Bleckmann, Helmut Fennel, Hans Wupper, Michael Latarnik, Alexander Kolbe
  • Patent number: 5197788
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for an anti-lock brake system, including a master cylinder (1) with a travel switch (27, 27') and an electromotively (31, 31') driven hydraulic pump (32, 32'), disposes of a "pump control" (45) which switches on the drive motor (31, 31') of the hydraulic pump (32, 32') in dependence on the vehicle deceleration and on the pressure fluid requirement during an anti-lock controlled braking operation, or on corresponding criteria and test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Gunther Buschmann, Norbert Ehmer, Frank Jourdan
  • Patent number: 5180211
    Abstract: In a hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles with an electronically controlled brake force distribution and with anti-lock control, the rear-wheel brakes are connected via inlet valves (5, 7) closed in their inactive position. Placed in parallel to these valves is an arrangement (13, 14; 13', 14') which is substantially composed of the series connection of a brake force regulator (17, 18, 17', 18') with a throttle (15, 16) or a multiple-way valve (21, 22) which is open in its inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Weise, Helmut Fennel, Hans Wupper
  • Patent number: 5060159
    Abstract: To control the brake system of a two-channel anti-lock system, solely the rotational behavior of the front wheels (VR, VL) is measured and analyzed for generating a vehicle reference speed (V.sub.REF) and braking-pressure control signals. The quantities determining the braking pressure in the wheel brakes and/or in the brake circuits (I, II) are measured, and a wheel pressure pattern (RDM) is formed from these which, by approximation, represents the pressure variation in the wheel brakes. The wheel-pressure-pattern signals are utilized for dimensioning the valve control signals and for determining the variation of the vehicle reference speed (V.sub.REF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Fennel
  • Patent number: 5058699
    Abstract: For controlling a traction slip control system with brake and motor management, motor regulating signals (m) are derived from electrical signals indicative of the brake pressure or which influence the brake pressure. Preferably, a brake pressure pattern (p[t]) is formed taking into account the pressure build-up and pressure decrease characterics of the wheel brakes or of the entire system as a basis for computing the motor regulating signals (m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Hans Wupper, Gunther Buschmann, Lothar Keller, Rainer Klusemann