Patents by Inventor Robert D. Sorum
Robert D. Sorum 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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Patent number: 7389994Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Loralye Sorum, legal representative, Robert D. Sorum
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Patent number: 7261304Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Loralye Sorum, legal representative, Robert D. Sorum, deceased
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Patent number: 7126458Abstract: An alarm system that indicates to an operator the status of locking pins of a vehicle sliding axle assembly. The alarm system includes an alarm valve coupled to the locking pins and in fluid communication with an alarm. When the pins are unlocked from a vehicle component, the alarm valve is configured in an alarm mode to indicate the unsecured condition of the assembly. In this mode, air is diverted from the vehicle brakes to sound the alarm, thereby informing an operator that the pins are improperly engaged. In one embodiment, the alarm valve is in communication with or includes a pressure relief valve, which diverts a sufficient amount of air from the vehicle brakes so that the brakes cannot be released. When the pins are properly locked to secure the slider axle assembly, the alarm valve does not divert air from the brakes to sound the alarm.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Loralye Sorum, legal representative, Dick E. Winter, Robert D. Sorum, deceased
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Patent number: 6857646Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Gary L. Schafer, Curtis A. Trudeau, Dick E. Winter
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Patent number: 6832143Abstract: A control system that senses misalignment of components in a vehicle drive train system and adjusts the vehicle ride height to realign the components. A control unit monitors vibration, torque or other operating parameters of a vehicle's drive train or other vehicle components and determines whether the parameters are abnormal. If the monitored parameters are abnormal, then the control unit controls suspension elements on the vehicle to adjust the ride height of the vehicle and subsequently the alignment of the drive train, for example, the operating angle of the driveshaft. A ride height sensor feeds back ride height measurements as the suspension elements are adjusted to assist in finding an optimal ride height that eliminates or reduces excess vibration and/or torque. In another embodiment, the control unit adjusts the ride height based on vehicle speed or fuel economy to reduce the profile of the vehicle and improve fuel economy.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Robert D. Sorum
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Patent number: 6669217Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Dick E. Winter
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Publication number: 20030173750Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Gary L. Schafer, Curtis A. Trudeau, Dick E. Winter
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Patent number: 6516741Abstract: A leak-proof assembly for mounting an air horn on a truck cab roof. The mounting includes a threaded portion extending through the roof, a flange extending circumferentially around the fitting, and a horn stud portion. Concentric seals, adjacent the threaded portion provide a redundant water-tight compression seal against the roof. A nut is mounted on the threaded portion and also includes an o-ring. Upon tightening, the two concentric seals provide leak proof seals around the hole defined by the body panel. The mounting defines an internal air passage so that the horn can be operated by a source of compressed air attached to the threaded portion from the vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer
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Publication number: 20030023357Abstract: A control system that senses misalignment of components in a vehicle drive train system and adjusts the vehicle ride height to realign the components. A control unit monitors vibration, torque or other operating parameters of a vehicle's drive train or other vehicle components and determines whether the parameters are abnormal. If the monitored parameters are abnormal, then the control unit controls suspension elements on the vehicle to adjust the ride height of the vehicle and subsequently the alignment of the drive train, for example, the operating angle of the driveshaft. A ride height sensor feeds back ride height measurements as the suspension elements are adjusted to assist in finding an optimal ride height that eliminates or reduces excess vibration and/or torque. In another embodiment, the control unit adjusts the ride height based on vehicle speed or fuel economy to reduce the profile of the vehicle and improve fuel economy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Robert D. Sorum
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Publication number: 20020171219Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Robert D. Sorum, Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Dick E. Winter