Patents by Inventor Michael D. Tober

Michael D. Tober 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: 10131336
    Abstract: A valve includes at least one of an electrical port adapted to receive an electronic control signal and a pneumatic control port adapted to receive a pneumatic control signal. The valve also includes a pneumatic delivery port. The pneumatic delivery port is adapted to transmit a pneumatic fluid, based on the at least one of the received electronic control signal and the received pneumatic control signal, from a second independent source to control i) a second associated service brake and ii) delivery of the pneumatic fluid from a first independent source to control a first associated service brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, David W. Howell, Gerhard Wieder, Adnan Mustapha, Friedbert Roether
  • Publication number: 20180273004
    Abstract: A valve system includes a control module on a tractor portion of a vehicle adapted to receive a supply pressure as a control module supply pressure of the pneumatic fluid, receive a control module control pressure of the pneumatic fluid, and deliver a control module delivery pressure of the pneumatic fluid based on the control module supply pressure and the control module control pressure. A park control module selectively transmits the pneumatic fluid at the supply pressure based on a park brake control signal. A supply glad-hand fluidly communicates the selectively transmitted supply pressure of the pneumatic fluid to supply a brake on an associated trailer portion of the vehicle. A control glad-hand fluidly communicates the control module delivery pressure of the pneumatic fluid to control the brake on the associated trailer portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, Randy J. Salvatora
  • Publication number: 20180273013
    Abstract: A valve system includes an isolation check valve delivering pneumatic fluid as a supply pressure, a double-check valve adapted to deliver a braking demand control signal of the pneumatic fluid based on a higher of a first braking demand in a first pneumatic braking circuit and a second braking demand in a second pneumatic braking circuit, and a control module. The control module is adapted to receive the supply pressure as a control module supply pressure of the pneumatic fluid, receive a control module control pressure of the pneumatic fluid based on the braking demand control signal, and deliver a control module delivery pressure of the pneumatic fluid based on the control module supply pressure and the control module control pressure. A park control module selectively transmits the pneumatic fluid at the supply pressure based on a park brake control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, Randy J. Salvatora
  • Publication number: 20180273012
    Abstract: A valve system includes an isolation check valve delivering pneumatic fluid as a supply pressure, a double-check valve adapted to deliver a braking demand control signal of the pneumatic fluid based on a higher of a first braking demand in a first pneumatic braking circuit and a second braking demand in a second pneumatic braking circuit, and a control module. The control module is adapted to receive the supply pressure as a control module supply pressure of the pneumatic fluid, receive a control module control pressure of the pneumatic fluid based on the braking demand control signal, and deliver a control module delivery pressure of the pneumatic fluid based on the control module supply pressure and the control module control pressure. A tractor protection module delivers the pneumatic fluid at the control module delivery pressure based on a trailer park brake pressure of the pneumatic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, Randy J. Salvatora
  • Patent number: 10084511
    Abstract: An electronic controller includes a first electrical input, receiving electrical power of a first voltage for powering the electronic controller, and a second electrical input, receiving an electrical power line communication signal at a second voltage. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. The power line communication signal is received from a second electronic controller that is powered by electrical power of the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Daniel P Zula, Timothy J Frashure, Michael D Tober
  • Publication number: 20180265063
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system for a vehicle combination includes a first brake axle including a first actuatable brake, a second brake axle including a second actuatable brake, a third brake axle including a third actuatable brake, a first valve controlling actuation of the first actuatable brake and actuation of the second actuatable brake, and a second valve controlling actuation of the second actuatable brake and actuation of the third actuatable brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, David W. Howell
  • Publication number: 20180086324
    Abstract: A valve includes at least one of an electrical port adapted to receive an electronic control signal and a pneumatic control port adapted to receive a pneumatic control signal. The valve also includes a pneumatic delivery port. The pneumatic delivery port is adapted to transmit a pneumatic fluid, based on the at least one of the received electronic control signal and the received pneumatic control signal, from a second independent source to control i) a second associated service brake and ii) delivery of the pneumatic fluid from a first independent source to control a first associated service brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, David W. Howell, Gerhard Wieder, Adnan Mustapha, Friedbert Roether
  • Publication number: 20170313291
    Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve. In another embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve only when no first control pressure is delivered through the first solenoid valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: David W. Howell, Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, Gerhard Wieder
  • Publication number: 20170106757
    Abstract: An electronic controller includes a first electrical input, receiving electrical power of a first voltage for powering the electronic controller, and a second electrical input, receiving an electrical power line communication signal at a second voltage. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. The power line communication signal is received from a second electronic controller that is powered by electrical power of the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Daniel P. Zula, Timothy J. Frashure, Michael D. Tober
  • Patent number: 9592800
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Eric A Matoy, Michael D Tober
  • Publication number: 20150210257
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Matoy, Michael D. Tober
  • Patent number: 9031754
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes: an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Matoy, Michael D. Tober
  • Publication number: 20150084402
    Abstract: A system and method of diagnosing and/or mitigating the effects of a malfunctioning brake valve configured to supply pressurized fluid to a brake unit via a pressure delivery line during automated braking operations including detecting a period of no braking activity, venting the pressure delivery line to atmosphere during the period of no braking activity, monitoring pressure in the pressure delivery line to detect a pressure change resulting from the venting, and generating an error signal if a detected pressure change exceeds a threshold value. The pressure modulating valve can be periodically cycled once a fault is detected to reduce the effects thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Tober, Timothy Carritte, Timothy J. Frashure
  • Patent number: 8532897
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for a vehicle braking system capable of determining vehicle pull during automated braking, are disclosed. The controller comprises a yaw rate input for receiving a yaw rate signal indicative of a yaw rate of the vehicle; a stability input for receiving a stability signal from a stability sensor of the vehicle; a deceleration input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request and a brake output for transmitting a brake control signal. The controller includes control logic to determine vehicle pull based on the yaw rate signal and the stability signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Tober, Kenneth A. Grolle, Eric A. Matoy
  • Publication number: 20130158801
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for a vehicle braking system capable of determining vehicle pull during automated braking, are disclosed. The controller comprises a yaw rate input for receiving a yaw rate signal indicative of a yaw rate of the vehicle; a stability input for receiving a stability signal from a stability sensor of the vehicle; a deceleration input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request and a brake output for transmitting a brake control signal. The controller includes control logic to determine vehicle pull based on the yaw rate signal and the stability signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Tober, Kenneth A. Grolle, Eric A. Matoy
  • Publication number: 20130085649
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes: an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Matoy, Michael D. Tober
  • Publication number: 20120296543
    Abstract: A vehicle, air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilizes a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Rogers, Mark A. Bennett, Ron R. Stahl, Michael D. Tober, Kenneth A. Grolle, Richard J. Conklin, Timothy J. Frashure, David W. Howell
  • Patent number: 7740396
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the operational performance of a moving cement mixer vehicle with a rotatable mixing drum by automatically stopping the rotation of the mixing drum at select moments. The system may include a sensor adapted to deliver a signal indicative of an operational parameter, such as steering angle of the vehicle, and a processing unit adapted to receive the signal from the sensor and deliver a control signal based on the signal for stopping rotation of the mixing drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Ross, William P. Amato, Michael D. Tober, Timothy J. Frashure