Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Haerr

Timothy A. Haerr 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: 7673950
    Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventors: Gary C. Fulks, Douglas E. Poole, Timothy A. Haerr, Xavier Groult
  • Patent number: 7665742
    Abstract: A hydraulic system incorporated into a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of actuators for providing a desired configuration of a vehicle. A valve system is operatively coupled to the plurality of actuators for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid to the plurality of actuators to energize the actuators to produce, responsive to the desired configuration of the vehicle, a first configuration of a plurality of first configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle, or a second configuration of a plurality of second configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Michael C. Pfeil
  • Patent number: 7568541
    Abstract: An auxiliary lean control system is provided for controlling a lean angle of at least a portion of a vehicle. The auxiliary lean control system includes an energy storage device for storing energy to actuate the lean control system, a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the energy storage device and to the at least a portion of the vehicle for applying energy received from the energy storage device to the at least a portion of the vehicle to adjust the lean angle of the at least a portion of a vehicle, and a linkage coupled to the energy storage device and to the stabilizing mechanism for transferring energy from the energy storage device to the stabilizing mechanism. The auxiliary lean control system controls the lean angle of the portion of the vehicle in an absence of control of the lean angle by a primary lean control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Pfeil, Gary C. Fulks, Timothy A. Haerr, Scott J. Saiki, Andrew H. Roth
  • Patent number: 7497523
    Abstract: A pressure locking master cylinder including a fluid reservoir for storing a hydraulic fluid, a housing, a piston slidably received within the housing and defining a working chamber and a blocking chamber, wherein the blocking chamber is in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a valve positioned between the blocking chamber and the reservoir, the valve being adapted to selectively trap the hydraulic fluid within the blocking chamber to lock the piston in a position with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Fulks, Douglas E. Poole, Timothy A. Haerr
  • Publication number: 20070262549
    Abstract: A hydraulic system incorporated into a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of actuators for providing a desired configuration of a vehicle. A valve system is operatively coupled to the plurality of actuators for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid to the plurality of actuators to energize the actuators to produce, responsive to the desired configuration of the vehicle, a first configuration of a plurality of first configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle, or a second configuration of a plurality of second configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Haerr, Gary Fulks, Michael Pfeil
  • Publication number: 20070044648
    Abstract: A vacuum booster includes a housing defining a control volume in which a movable diaphragm separates the control volume into an apply chamber and a vacuum chamber. A power piston extends through and engages the diaphragm and has an axial bore containing a valve assembly that controls a diaphragm pressure differential across the diaphragm. The power piston drives an output rod in the forward direction. The output rod has a rearward portion exposed to pressure within the vacuum chamber and a forward face exposed to atmospheric pressure. When the pressure within vacuum chamber is less than atmospheric, a piston pressure differential across the power piston provides a return force in the rearward direction to the power piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Haerr, Gary Fulks
  • Publication number: 20060255550
    Abstract: An auxiliary lean control system is provided for controlling a lean angle of at least a portion of a vehicle. The auxiliary lean control system includes an energy storage device for storing energy to actuate the lean control system, a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the energy storage device and to the at least a portion of the vehicle for applying energy received from the energy storage device to the at least a portion of the vehicle to adjust the lean angle of the at least a portion of a vehicle, and a linkage coupled to the energy storage device and to the stabilizing mechanism for transferring energy from the energy storage device to the stabilizing mechanism. The auxiliary lean control system controls the lean angle of the portion of the vehicle in an absence of control of the lean angle by a primary lean control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Pfeil, Gary Fulks, Timothy Haerr, Scott Saiki, Andrew Roth
  • Publication number: 20060091728
    Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Fulks, Douglas Poole, Timothy Haerr, Xavier Groult
  • Publication number: 20050200196
    Abstract: A pressure locking master cylinder including a fluid reservoir for storing a hydraulic fluid, a housing, a piston slidably received within the housing and defining a working chamber and a blocking chamber, wherein the blocking chamber is in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a valve positioned between the blocking chamber and the reservoir, the valve being adapted to selectively trap the hydraulic fluid within the blocking chamber to lock the piston in a position with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Fulks, Douglas Poole, Timothy Haerr
  • Patent number: 6912946
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing an improved controlled airflow within a vacuum booster system. The system includes a vacuum booster assembly having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end in communication with the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. The system additionally includes an airflow control assembly operably coupled to the second end of the outer tube, and an inner tube, concentric to the outer tube, having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to the airflow control assembly, the second end in communication with the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. In the system, air flows from the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly to the airflow control assembly within the inner tube and air flows from the airflow control assembly to the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly within the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Ryan M. Elking, Derek T. Dreischarf, Patrick T. MacLellan
  • Publication number: 20050023887
    Abstract: A power brake apparatus includes a hydraulic pressure intensifier apparatus, having a hydraulic pressure intensifier controlled by a vacuum powered actuator. The hydraulic pressure intensifier defines a circuit for hydraulic fluid having an intensifier inlet for receiving hydraulic fluid from a master cylinder of the power brake apparatus at a master cylinder pressure, and an intensifier outlet for selectively delivering hydraulic pressure to a braking device at either the master cylinder pressure or at an intensified pressure higher than the master cylinder pressure. The vacuum powered actuator selectively controls the hydraulic pressure intensifier to deliver hydraulic fluid at the intensifier outlet at the master cylinder pressure when vacuum is available for providing power braking and at the intensified hydraulic pressure when vacuum is not available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Fulks, Timothy Haerr, Douglas Poole
  • Publication number: 20040237770
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing an improved controlled airflow within a vacuum booster system. The system includes a vacuum booster assembly having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end in communication with the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. The system additionally includes an airflow control assembly operably coupled to the second end of the outer tube, and an inner tube, concentric to the outer tube, having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to the airflow control assembly, the second end in communication with the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. In the system, air flows from the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly to the airflow control assembly within the inner tube and air flows from the airflow control assembly to the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly within the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Ryan M. Elking, Derek T. Dreischarf, Patrick T. Maclellan
  • Publication number: 20040188193
    Abstract: A method is directed to controlling an electric caliper brake system. The method provides for receiving an ignition voltage signal, receiving a caliper position signal, sending a motor shut down signal, sending a back drive control signal based on the received ignition voltage signal and the caliper position signal, and releasing stored energy from a non-linear device to a caliper brake system motor responsive to the back drive control signal. The non-linear device may be implemented as a capacitor. The step of sending a back drive control signal based on the received ignition voltage and the capacitor position signal includes analyzing the ignition voltage signal for an ignition voltage failure, analyzing the caliper position signal for caliper engagement, and transmitting the back drive control signal responsive to the ignition voltage failure and caliper engagement. Ignition voltage failure occurs when the ignition voltage signal is a low value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Gary C. Fulks, Douglas E. Poole, Michael C. Pfeil, John E. Pozenel, Timothy A. Haerr
  • Patent number: 6748846
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a valve housing having first, second, and third valve ports, an actuation rod, a first tip valve actuated by the first end of the actuation rod to allow or block fluid passage through the first valve port, and a second tip valve actuated by the second end of the actuation rod to allow or block passage through the second valve port. A vacuum booster diaphragm subassembly includes a vacuum booster diaphragm and a grommet attached to the vacuum booster diaphragm. A vacuum booster assembly includes the above-described solenoid valve, includes primary and secondary diaphragms, and includes the above-described grommet attached to the secondary diaphragm, wherein the secondary diaphragm is the above-described vacuum booster diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Timothy M. Schlangen
  • Publication number: 20030234573
    Abstract: A controlled brake apparatus and method of operating a brake apparatus utilize a pre-charge circuit connected directly between the fluid reservoir of a master cylinder of the apparatus and the inlet of a controlled braking pump, to thereby direct pre-charge flow and pressure to the controlled braking pump inlet in a parallel circuit relationship to a primary hydraulic circuit, rather than in a series flow arrangement through the primary hydraulic circuit as was the case in prior brake systems. The pre-charge circuit includes an integral back-flow check valve, and an accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: David F. Reuter, Earl Wayne Lloyd, Timothy A. Haerr
  • Publication number: 20030234574
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control unit for a controlled braking system includes a hydraulic control unit (HCU) having a controlled braking pump and a pre-charge pump driven by a single motor. The HCU also includes one or more hydraulic components for controlling a flow of hydraulic fluid in the braking apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: David F. Reuter, Earl Wayne Lloyd, Timothy A. Haerr, Jamshid Moradmand
  • Patent number: 6626080
    Abstract: A power booster for a brake system including a housing having an interior and a pair of diaphragms separating the interior of the housing into three chambers. A power piston assembly is coupled for movement with the diaphragms and includes an output member. A reaction member is coupled to the power piston assembly, and an input member is adapted to be coupled to a movable brake pedal. An air valve assembly moves between open and closed positions to selectively admit atmospheric air into selected ones of the chambers. This induces an output force on the diaphragm that is transferred to the output member of the power piston assembly. The triple booster adds an additional working chamber with an added approximately 45% increase in power boost. The triple power booster retains many of the same components as prior dual or tandem boosters to provide an economical solution to increase booster output without the need for new tuning procedures or added booster diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks
  • Patent number: 6612108
    Abstract: A manifold assembly for pneumatically interconnecting a brake booster to an engine and to an electrically-driven vacuum pump. A manifold housing has an engine port pneumatically communicable with the engine, a separate booster port pneumatically communicable with the brake booster, and an orifice pneumatically communicable with the vacuum pump inlet. An engine check valve substantially blocks pneumatic flow from the engine port to the booster port. A vacuum-pump check valve substantially blocks pneumatic flow from the engine port to the vacuum pump outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Michel J. Vermoesen, Kenneth C. Williams, William R. Peltz
  • Publication number: 20030154852
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a valve housing having first, second, and third valve ports, an actuation rod, a first tip valve actuated by the first end of the actuation rod to allow or block fluid passage through the first valve port, and a second tip valve actuated by the second end of the actuation rod to allow or block passage through the second valve port. A vacuum booster diaphragm subassembly includes a vacuum booster diaphragm and a grommet attached to the vacuum booster diaphragm. A vacuum booster assembly includes the above-described solenoid valve, includes primary and secondary diaphragms, and includes the above-described grommet attached to the secondary diaphragm, wherein the secondary diaphragm is the above-described vacuum booster diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Timothy M. Schlangen
  • Patent number: 6561075
    Abstract: A power booster for a brake system including a housing having an interior and a diaphragm separating the interior of the housing into at least two chambers. A power piston is coupled for movement with the diaphragm and includes an output member. A reaction member is coupled to the power piston, and an input member is adapted to be coupled to a movable brake pedal. An air valve assembly moves between open and closed positions to selectively admit atmospheric air into at least one of the chambers. This induces an output force on the diaphragm that is transferred to the output member of the power piston. The air valve assembly includes a portion adapted to engage the reaction member in response to an input force applied to the input member and is length adjustable between the input member and the reaction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Michael C. Pfeil