Patents by Inventor Robert D. Kostadina

Robert D. Kostadina 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: 6873898
    Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle control system for controlling a performance characteristic of the vehicle and a controller. The controller is coupled to the vehicle control system and adapted to receive a position signal indicative of the present physical position of the vehicle. The controller employs the position signal to determine at least one characteristic pertinent to the operation of the vehicle control system and outputs a control signal. The control signal is received by the vehicle control system, causing the vehicle control system to tailor its performance in response thereto. A method for controlling a vehicle having a vehicle control system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Kostadina
  • Patent number: 6595602
    Abstract: A vehicle includes multiple wheels, a locking drive differential, and a stability controller. A first wheel is mechanically coupled to a second wheel. The locking drive differential mechanically couples the second wheel to a third wheel. The stability controller is coupled to the third wheel. The stability controller is programmed to attain a slip rate of about the first and the second wheel at the third wheel, which stabilizes the vehicle in an over-steer condition. The method applies a modulated stability pressure to the third wheel until the third wheel attains about the combined slip rate of the first wheel and the second wheel and a fourth wheel is rotating at about the velocity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: Mile Jokic, Robert D. Kostadina, Martin Kuemmel, Markus E. Schneider, Christian H. P. Schumacher, William Skellenger
  • Publication number: 20020180265
    Abstract: A vehicle includes multiple wheels, a locking drive differential, and a stability controller. A first wheel is mechanically coupled to a second wheel. The locking drive differential mechanically couples the second wheel to a third wheel. The stability controller is coupled to the third wheel. The stability controller is programmed to attain a slip rate of about the first and the second wheel at the third wheel, which stabilizes the vehicle in an over-steer condition. The method applies a modulated stability pressure to the third wheel until the third wheel attains about the combined slip rate of the first wheel and the second wheel and a fourth wheel is rotating at about the velocity of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Mile Jokic, Robert D. Kostadina, Martin Kuemmel, Markus E. Schneider, Christian H.P. Schumacher, William Skellenger
  • Patent number: 6435626
    Abstract: A vehicle having a steering mechanism and a vehicle control system which cooperate to improve the performance of the vehicle and the vehicle control system. The vehicle also includes an input device adapted to produce a steering signal indicative of a manual steering input received from a vehicle operator. The steering mechanism has an input member operable for receiving a steering input and output member moveable in response to the steering input. The output member is positionable to control the direction in which the vehicle travels. The vehicle control system is operable for controlling a performance characteristic of the vehicle, and may include an anti-lock brake system, a traction control system or a stability system. The vehicle control system receives the steering signal and tailors its operation in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Continential Teves, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Kostadina
  • Publication number: 20020101116
    Abstract: A vehicle having a steering mechanism and a vehicle control system which cooperate to improve the performance of the vehicle and the vehicle control system. The vehicle also includes an input device adapted to produce a steering signal indicative of a manual steering input received from a vehicle operator. The steering mechanism has an input member operable for receiving a steering input and output member moveable in response to the steering input. The output member is positionable to control the direction in which the vehicle travels. The vehicle control system is operable for controlling a performance characteristic of the vehicle, and may include an anti-lock brake system, a traction control system or a stability system. The vehicle control system receives the steering signal and tailors its operation in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Robert D. Kostadina