Dynamic Patents (Class 188/159)
  • Patent number: 11358477
    Abstract: A magnitude of a road surface slope along which a vehicle travels is detected, when the magnitude of the road surface slope increases, a basic braking force set in advance is corrected to be decreased based on the magnitude of the road surface slope, or a basic driving force set in advance is corrected to be increased based on the magnitude of the road surface slope, when the magnitude of the road surface slope decreases, a basic braking force is corrected to be increased based on the magnitude of the road surface slope or a basic driving force is corrected to be decreased based on the magnitude of the road surface slope, and the corrected braking force or driving force is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Shiozawa, Katsuaki Kubotera, Tatsuya Suzuki, Naoki Miyashita, Mitsunori Ohta, Tomoyuki Kashiwaya, Satoshi Ota
  • Patent number: 11295557
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for detecting, identifying and addressing a maintenance event for light electric vehicles. The maintenance event may be detected based on rider profile information, riding parameter information and light electric vehicle information. If a maintenance event is detected, a light electric vehicle management system may determine an action that addresses the maintenance event and provide instructions regarding the action to the light electric vehicle and/or one or more individuals that are trained or otherwise certified to address the maintenance event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Cooper, Mattis Fjallstrom
  • Patent number: 10994169
    Abstract: A method of utilizing eddy currents to induce resistance that simulates and replaces physical weights in strength training exercise equipment includes a user moving at least one of a first member and a second member that supports magnets of alternating polarity, relative to each other bi-directionally. The bi-directional movement can be linear, radial, arcuate, or circular. The movement of the first member and a second member relative to each other induces in the first member eddy currents which resist the movement of the first member, the second member, or both bi-directionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Velocity Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Joseph Marzano
  • Patent number: 10848080
    Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes an upper switch, a lower switch connected in series with the upper switch and drives a brushless DC motor, a gate drive circuit that drives the lower switch and a brake circuit that uses an inductive voltage generated by the brushless DC motor to apply a voltage to a gate terminal of the lower switch via the gate drive circuit and turns on the lower switch. The gate drive circuit includes a push element that applies a predetermined source voltage to the gate terminal when on, a pull element that pulls out charge from the gate terminal when on, and a rectifier between the push element and the gate terminal to rectify current in a direction from the push element toward the gate terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NIDEC SERVO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatomo Ishikawa, Masahiro Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 10406923
    Abstract: A regenerative braking system and method are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, the regenerative braking system is engaged and adjusted when the navigation system recognizes that the vehicle is descending down a long grade. This can be pre-stored information, or information derived from prior experience or from the shared experiences of other drivers. The regenerative braking system does not engage to the full stop of the vehicle, but instead can release at approximately three mph and allows friction braking to handle the rest of the stop. The navigation system in this embodiment recognizes that a stop sign or other full-stop situation is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FARADA & FUTURE INC.
    Inventor: Marco Elkenkamp
  • Patent number: 10272902
    Abstract: A brake control system includes: a friction brake unit configured to generate a friction braking force; a regenerative brake unit configured to generate a regenerative braking force; and a brake control unit configured to control the regenerative brake unit and the friction brake unit based on a regenerative target value and a friction target value based on a target braking force, which is a target of the braking force to be provided to a wheel. The brake control unit controls the regenerative brake unit based on a second regenerative target value larger than a first regenerative target value that has been defined based on the target braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyazaki, Kazunori Nimura
  • Patent number: 10144402
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of brake assemblies and a plurality of electronic brake system (EBS) controllers. The brake assemblies each include an electro-mechanical actuator configured to adjust a torque force applied to a wheel of the vehicle. The EBS controllers are located remotely from one another. Each EBS controller has integrated therein an electronic actuator driver unit that includes an electronic power circuit configured to drive at least one of the electro-mechanical actuators. A first EBS controller is configured to drive a first group of electro-mechanical actuators, and a second EBS controller is configured to drive a second group of electro-mechanical actuators that exclude the electro-mechanical actuators of the first group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon C. Pennala, Christopher C. Chappell, Paul A. Kilmurray, Patrick J. Monsere, Eric E. Krueger, Alan J. Houtman, Kevin S. Kidston, Michael C. Roberts, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 10112589
    Abstract: A brake system for a motor vehicle includes separate first and second brake circuits associated to first and second vehicle axles, respectively, and rigidly connected to each other. Hydraulic brake pressure is supplied by a first brake piston of a master cylinder to the first brake circuit and by a second brake piston to the second brake circuit. Operably connected to the first vehicle axle is an electric motor and operates as a recuperator, with a blending device withdrawing hydraulic fluid from the first brake circuit during a recuperation phase of the electric motor. A partition wall between the first and second brake pistons subdivides the master cylinder into a first pressure chamber associated to the first brake piston, and a separate second pressure associated to the second brake piston. A connectable and disconnectable floating piston enables a hydraulic communication between the first and second brake circuits with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Thomas Klinger, Wolfgang Schmid
  • Patent number: 10017055
    Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioner includes determining whether or not a signal for operating the air conditioner is input to a controller. When it is determined that the signal for operating the air conditioner is input to the controller, determining whether or not conditions for variably controlling the air conditioner are satisfied. When it is determined that the conditions are satisfied, an energy flow mode is checked on the basis of an energy flow between a battery, a motor, an engine, and electric components. The air conditioner is controlled in a mode corresponding to the checked energy flow mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Won Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 9908417
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling regenerative braking in a vehicle having an electric motor and a torque-converter clutch may include the step of implementing a regenerative-braking torque request based at least in part on a speed of the motor and a slip of the torque-converter clutch. A motor torque command based at least in part on a deceleration of the motor may be sent to and used to control the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Yanan Zhao, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Patent number: 9598085
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain is configured to provide a regenerative-braking torque limit on a transmission during a regenerative-braking downshift. The regenerative-braking downshift event has sequential boost, start, torque, inertia, and end phases. The transmission may be operated in absence of a regenerative-braking torque limit during the boost and start phases to recapture more energy. The transmission may be operated with a regenerative-braking torque limit during the torque and inertia phases to protect for an input shaft speed dip that may occur without the limit. The limit may be removed once the regenerative-braking downshift event is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Yanan Zhao, Scott J. Lauffer, Francis Thomas Connolly, Zhengyu Dai, Matthew John Shelton
  • Patent number: 9522667
    Abstract: A control device for a rail vehicle, the rail vehicle having a braking system with at least one dynamic braking device and at least one further braking device. The control device determines the brake force exerted by the dynamic braking device during braking based on deceleration data, which represent an overall deceleration of the rail vehicle, tractive resistance data, which represent a tractive resistance of the rail vehicle, and braking data, which represent a brake force exerted by the at least one further braking device. Also disclosed is a braking system having the control device, a rail vehicle, and a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Marc-Oliver Herden, Rainer Rau, Andreas Trinkberger
  • Patent number: 9444310
    Abstract: A motor drive apparatus includes a motor having a shaft, an end frame, and a control unit having a heat sink. The end fame and the heat sink are arranged to overlap at least partly when the end frame and the heat sink are projected on a plane, which is parallel with a rotation axis of the shaft. This arrangement improves heat radiation performance of the motor drive apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Tsuboi, Takeshi Wakana
  • Patent number: 9381896
    Abstract: A driving force control device of a vehicle is provided which is configured to calculate a required braking force on the basis of an amount of pressure applied to a brake operating mechanism, which is operated for deceleration by a driver, and to control a braking force of a power plant, which includes a drive source generating an accelerating force and a braking force, and a braking force of a braking mechanism, which generates a braking force with the operation of the braking operating mechanism, in cooperation so that the total braking force of the vehicle as a whole becomes the required braking force. The driving force control device is configured to detect acceleration information including a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and to control the braking force of the power plant on the basis of the detected acceleration information when the brake operating mechanism is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Takeuchi, Kazuo Tsuruoka, Toshio Tanahashi, Yoshimitsu Agata, Hiroki Kaneko, Yoji Kanehara
  • Patent number: 9358890
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine, and friction brakes configured to resist rotation of a vehicle wheel. The further includes at least one controller programmed to (i) issue a command for the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque to decelerate the vehicle in response to driver braking demand, and (ii) cause both a decay in the regenerative torque and a countervailing increase in the resistance of the friction brakes when vehicle speed is reduced to less than a first threshold such that braking demand is substantially satisfied by only the friction brakes when the vehicle speed is less than a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Francis Thomas Connolly, Daniel Scott Colvin, Zhengyu Dai, Ming Lang Kuang, Xiaoyong Wang, Yanan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20150100215
    Abstract: In a method for adjusting the clamping force which is exerted by a parking brake and is generated by an electric brake motor, in the event of a jump in the voltage or the current of the electric brake motor, a correction current is ascertained on which the calculation of the motor parameters is based.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Sussek
  • Patent number: 8839918
    Abstract: A braking actuator for a brake of an aircraft, the actuator comprising: an electric motor; a pusher actuated by the motor; and a position sensor for sensing the position of the movable portion of the motor and provided with transmitter and receiver members. The motor has first and second exciters adapted to move the movable portion of the motor and adapted to be powered independently from each other. The transmitter member of the position sensor comprises first and second transmitters adapted to be powered independently, and the receiver member generates the signal representative of position on being excited by at least one of the transmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Julien Thibault, Florent Nierlich
  • Publication number: 20140246281
    Abstract: In a method for braking of a motor vehicle which is driven by a drive torque of at least one electrical machine electrically connected to an electric energy storage device, the at least one electrical machine is operated in a first operating mode as a generator for generating a generator braking torque. In a second operating mode, the at least one electrical machine is supplied with electrical energy from the energy storage device in such a way that a braking torque opposing the drive torque is generated by the at least one electrical machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Bodo Kleickmann, Thomas-Willibald Meier
  • Publication number: 20140116821
    Abstract: An aircraft electromechanical braking system comprising a braking control unit 10 and at least one electromechanical brake 1, the brake 1 being fitted with at least one electromechanical actuator 4 having a pusher 6 suitable for being moved by means of an electric motor 7. The actuator 4 also has a blocking member 8 for blocking the pusher 6 in position. The control unit 10 is adapted to cause the braking system to operate in an additional braking mode referred to as “combined” mode, in which the motor 7 is activated to bring the pusher 6 into a position in which it exerts a given holding force, and then the blocking member 8 is activated, while activation of the motor 7 is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY
    Inventors: Dominique ONFROY, Thomas LEPAGE, Franck SELLES, Frédéric RAGOT
  • Publication number: 20140076674
    Abstract: In a method for adjusting a parking brake, which includes an electromechanical braking device having an electric brake motor, the brake motor is braked upon reaching an end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Baehrle-Miller, Tobias Putzer
  • Publication number: 20130313055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor unit having a simple sensor structure to detect intensity of force applied to a parking cable upon braking a vehicle and an electronic parking brake with the same. The disclosed sensor unit includes a sensor housing, in which a Hall IC is installed to sense variation of magnetic force caused by displacement of a magnet, a magnet housing arranged to be movable within the sensor housing, the magnet being installed in the magnet housing, and an elastic member arranged between the magnet housing and the sensor housing, to elastically support the magnet housing. The magnet housing is coupled to a power conversion unit to operate for pulling of the parking cable or release of the pulling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wook Jin CHOI, Jae Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20130230075
    Abstract: An electric brake for an aircraft wheel comprising a support 4 formed by a torsion tube 5 and by an actuator-carrier 6, a stack 7 of disks mounted around the torsion tube 5, electromechanical actuators 8 carried by the actuator-carrier 6, each actuator comprising an electric motor 12 and a pusher 14, the electric motor 12 being adapted to move the pusher 14 facing the stack 7 of disks in order to apply a braking force selectively to the stack 7 of disks; and temperature measurement means for measuring a temperature representative of a temperature that exists in the stack 7 of disks. The temperature measurement means comprises at least one temperature sensor 18 arranged in the pusher 14 of one of the electromechanical actuators 8 so as to be located in the immediate proximity of the stack 7 of disks when the pusher 14 is brought into contact therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY
    Inventors: Franck SELLES, Jean-Baptiste VANEY, Emmanuel COLIN
  • Publication number: 20120298459
    Abstract: An occupant support 30 includes a frame 32, at least one rolling element 44 enabling the frame to be rolled from an origin to a destination and a brake command generator 60 adapted to generate a brake command 62. An electromachine 66 produces an output 68 in response to the brake command for decelerating the rolling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: David P. Lubbers, David A. Albersmeyer, Gregory A. Meyer, Jerome E. Reckelhoff, Dale J. Struewing
  • Publication number: 20120279814
    Abstract: In a method for carrying out an emergency braking procedure in a vehicle, at least one electric actuator in the braking system is automatically actuated to generate an increased brake force in the case of an emergency situation. A maximum voltage, which exceeds the rated voltage of the actuator, is applied to the electric actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Oliver Liebfried, Oliver Schmautz, Christian Doberschuetz, Ralph Lauxmann
  • Publication number: 20120175200
    Abstract: A system is provided for customized vehicle deceleration. The system includes a braking system and a brake pedal position sensor that transmits a brake pedal position signal. A user interface is configured for transmitting a profile selection signal in response to a user input. A controller is configured for receiving the brake pedal position signal, the profile selection signal and an available torque signal, the available torque signal being indicative of a braking system torque capability. The controller analyzes the profile selection signal, to select a brake profile from pre-existing data. The controller compares the brake pedal position signal to the brake profile to determine a deceleration value. The controller compares the deceleration value to the available torque signal to determine a torque command. The controller transmits a torque command signal to the braking system for initiating braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Clement Newman Sagan, John Phillip McCormick, Elizabeth Ann Scheuing
  • Publication number: 20120139329
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system includes a regenerative brake system operable upon a deceleration request from at least one of an acceleration member and a braking member. At least a portion of the deceleration request is adjustable by a user when the deceleration request is provided by the acceleration member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Lewis Fabini, Brian Lee Gallagher, Oliver Chin-Liong Kho, Edward Todd Brown, Paul Thomas Geantil
  • Publication number: 20120138395
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system includes an electronic shift controller in communication with a vehicle control unit for manually adjusting a signal indicative of a regenerative braking intensity. The electronic shift controller communicates with the vehicle control unit through a gateway module for analyzing the signal indicative of the regenerative braking intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: James Anthony Curtis, Paul Thomas Geantil
  • Publication number: 20120132490
    Abstract: A method of derating a retarding grid assembly of a machine is provided. The method may determine the temperatures of resistive elements and insulators associated with the retarding grid assembly, generate a trigger if any one of the temperatures of the resistive elements and insulators exceeds a respective temperature threshold, and determine a magnitude of deration to be applied to a drivetrain associated with the machine in response to the trigger. The magnitude of deration may be based at least partially on feedback and feedforward analyses of the temperatures of the resistive elements and insulators. The magnitude of deration may correspond to a reduction in retarding capacity of the drivetrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Bradley Bailey, Joanne Borchert
  • Publication number: 20120132489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a drive engine and transmission connected downstream in the power flow, wherein the transmission comprises a transmission output shaft on the output side, via which drive power of the drive engine is transferred indirectly onto the drive wheels of the motor vehicle; with a universal shaft which is connected directly or indirectly to the transmission output shaft in order to transfer drive power from the transmission output shaft via an axle gear or the like onto the drive wheels; with a vehicle frame, on which the drive engine, the transmission, the universal shaft and the drive wheels are suspended or mounted at least indirectly; with a hydrodynamic retarder, electromagnetic retarder or permanent magnet retarder, comprising a rotor and a stator, which are switchable via a hydrodynamic working medium circuit or a magnetic field into a torque-transferring connection, so that the rotor is braked by torque transfer to the stator, with the rotor being in a drive conne
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Werner Adams, Hans-Martin Kulhanek, Bruno Fochi, Alfred Weigel, Horst Pomereinke, Christa Pomereinke, Otto Laux, Herbert Doerr, Andreas Brueckner, Steffen Reinmuth
  • Publication number: 20110308901
    Abstract: A regenerative brake system for converting kinetic energy of a moving vehicle into usable mechanical or electrical power is disclosed. The regenerative brake system includes a generator operably coupled to at least one of the vehicle wheels. The system further includes a battery and a thermal storage system, each of which stores power generated by the generator until it can be efficiently used. The thermal storage system includes a heater that uses electrical power from the generator to vaporize a working fluid disposed within a storage tank. The thermal storage system further includes an expander to selectively expand the vaporized working fluid to convert heat from the working fluid into usable energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Jason Ritter
  • Publication number: 20110303498
    Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling regenerative braking may utilize the maximum available regenerative braking torque for some time during a braking event. As the vehicle speed and/or powertrain torque decreases, the regenerative braking torque is controlled to deviate from the maximum. The point at which the regenerative braking torque deviates from the maximum is chosen based on the level of vehicle deceleration. The regenerative braking torque is then smoothly blended out until it reaches zero. The regenerative braking torque is brought to zero when the vehicle speed is very low, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies associated with operating a motor at a very low speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Crombez, John Czubay
  • Publication number: 20110180357
    Abstract: A spool carrier has a winding body with a shell having a trapezoidal cross section with two substantially right angles and one acute angle, wherein the spool wire is guided on the obtuse angle edge of the winding body, beginning parallel to the front face edges of the winding body, along the side surface adjoining the obtuse angle edge, around the winding body, to the acute angle edge of the winding body, and guided on the front face from the acute to the obtuse angle edge at an angle to the front face edge, such that it comes to rest on the obtuse angle edge in one winding step directly adjacent to the winding wire of the previous winding, and in one winding step in the next adjacent groove between two windings of the previous layer, or optionally between the flange and the winding of the previous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Uwe Schein, Klaus Werner, Heinrich Zuber
  • Patent number: 7942247
    Abstract: In a vehicle disk brake, a motor housing houses in a housing recess a case into which an end of an output shaft liquid-tightly protrudes, and is mounted to a caliper body. A reduction mechanism having an output rotating member is sealed in the case while part of the output rotating member fluid-tightly protrudes from the case so as to be coaxially and operatively connected to a rear portion of the screw shaft. Grease is charged into the case. Thus, the case for housing the reduction mechanism is simply configured while preventing leakage of the grease charged into the case, and mounting of the case to the caliper body is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Adachi, Akihiko Koike
  • Patent number: 7825616
    Abstract: A drive system is provided for a utility vehicle and includes an alternating-current (AC) motor for providing a drive torque. An AC motor controller receives a battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) signal, and run/tow signal indicative of the utility vehicle being configured to be driven and being configured to be towed. The AC motor controller generates an AC drive signal for the AC motor, wherein the AC drive signal is based on the battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, FNR signal, and run/tow signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Clark, Oliver A. Bell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7806241
    Abstract: Pistons 3 and 7 are pressed to a friction member 11 at two points that are positioned at a rotating-in side and a rotating-out side in a rotating direction of a brake rotor 10. An axial force control is performed for the piston 3 on the rotating-out side, and a position control based on the position of the piston 3 on the rotating-out side is performed for the piston 7 on the rotating-in side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Takahashi, Kimio Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20100089709
    Abstract: A vehicle brake control apparatus is provided with a master cylinder capable of outputting master cylinder pressure, which is pressure of operating fluid generated by operation of a brake pedal, and hydraulic pumps capable of outputting pressurized pressure generated by pressurizing the operating fluid as braking force, wherein a brake ECU is configured to detect driver's requested braking force based on the master cylinder pressure to drive-control the hydraulic pumps based on the requested braking force, and when the hydraulic pumps outputs the braking force, the brake ECU changes the requested braking force according to a pedal stroke of the brake pedal at the time of the detection of the requested braking force, thereby enabling high-precision braking force control by setting optimal requested braking force always according to intension of a driver irrespective of a driving condition of the vehicle to improve drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Michihito Shimada, Kazuya Maki
  • Publication number: 20100076657
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when an ECO switch 88 is “on” when a brake demand operation is performed by a driver, a target regeneration distribution rate d is set using an ECO mode regeneration distribution rate setting map that gives priority to energy efficiency in comparison to a normal regeneration distribution rate setting map that is used when the ECO switch 88 is “off” and a braking force demand BF* that is based on the brake demand operation of the driver (S150), and a motor MG2 and a brake unit 90 are controlled so that the braking force demand BF* is obtained based on the target regeneration distribution rate d (S160 to S230).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kunihiko Jinno, Tadashi Nakagawa, Masahiko Maeda, Hideaki Yaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100065386
    Abstract: A fully electrically controlled electric braking system is provided for a road vehicle fitted with wheels (1). Each of the wheels is connected for rotation to at least one rotary electric machine (2) specific thereto, with at least one electronic wheel control module (23) controlling the electric machine(s) (2) of that wheel. Each electronic wheel control module (23) makes it possible to impart selectively to a corresponding wheel a control torque of determined amplitude and sign, in such a way that the corresponding wheel imparts to the vehicle a drive force or a braking force in accordance with the control torque. The system includes a central unit (3) for managing vehicle displacement, the central unit (3) controlling all the electronic wheel control modules (23). The central unit (3) has a vehicle braking mode activated by a vehicle braking control signal having a given amplitude representing a total desired braking force for the fully electrically controlled wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Gerald BOURQUI
  • Publication number: 20100006380
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle in which the amount of energy collected by regenerative braking is increased and a decrease in reliability is prevented is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Masataka Kawaguchi, Munenobu Uchida
  • Publication number: 20090260901
    Abstract: There is provided an electric ground working vehicle including a left wheel and a right wheel, at least one caster, a working apparatus, an acceleration operating element for performing acceleration instructions, a turn operating element for performing turn instructions, and a control unit. The left wheel and the right wheel are independently driven by left and right electric motors respectively. The control unit controls a regenerative brake driving unit so that electric power is regenerated from the left and right electric motors to an electric power source unit when the acceleration operating element is not operated during traveling to regeneratively brake the left and right wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihiro ISHII, Kengo SASAHARA, Tomoyuki EBIHARA, Kazunari KOGA
  • Patent number: 7585258
    Abstract: An exercise system includes a user input arrangement; a rotatable member that rotates in response to an input force applied by a user on the user input arrangement; a power sensing arrangement that senses power applied to the rotatable member due to the input force applied by the user; and a variable resistance arrangement interconnected with the power sensing arrangement and with the user input arrangement. The resistance arrangement applies resistance to rotation of the rotatable member, and is variable in response to the power sensing arrangement to vary the resistance applied to the rotatable member. The variable resistance arrangement may be a brake that interacts with the rotatable member to resist rotation of the rotatable member, and to thereby resist the input force applied by the user. The variable resistance arrangement includes a controller for controlling the brake in response to the power sensing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Watson, David L. Wendt, Clint D. Kolda
  • Patent number: 7567044
    Abstract: A braking device for an electrically driven rotor comprises a drive signal generating circuit for an electrically driven rotor, an output stage, a motor for the electrically driven rotor, driven by the output stage, and a monitor circuit for detecting interruption of an electric power supply for the motor. The output stage has a MOSFET of an upper stage side and a MOSFET of a lower side, and a diode inserted between a gate of the MOSFET of the lower stage side and the electric power supply. An electromagnetic brake is generated and applied on the electrically driven rotor when the MOSFET of the upper stage side is turned OFF and the MOSFET of the lower stage side is turned ON by a control signal from the monitor circuit, and an exciter coil of the motor is shorted when the electric power supply is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Matsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20090120698
    Abstract: Harrison Automobiles (HA) that use the kinetic energy stored in Harrison Flywheel Engines (HFE), and electricity generated by Harrison Flywheel Engines (HE) to power the propulsion and control of automobiles and other machines. Propulsion and control by Harrison Flywheel Engines (HFE) shall also be used for the propulsion of other machines such as trucks, tractors, aircraft, boats, torpedoes, etc. Harrison Flywheel Engines (HFE) are fully flywheel powered, with periodic recharging required by electricity only. No gasoline is required for propulsion, operation or recharging of the Harrison Flywheel Engines (HFE). The typical flywheel powered Engine consists of two or more equal but counter rotating flywheel power units, thus neutralizing the gyroscopic moment caused by each rotating flywheel power unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Wilbur Ernest Harrison, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080251328
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type for actuating a motor vehicle brake system having a brake booster which is operable in response to the driver's input by a brake pedal and to an electronic regulating and control unit. A device is provided to decouple a force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Christian Albrich Von Albrichsfeld, Timo Gurzawski, Thorsten Ullrich, Jochen Fuhrer
  • Publication number: 20080245625
    Abstract: A brake assembly and system (202) characterized by the use of a flexible force transfer member (230) to enable an electric motor (220) to be mounted remotely from other brake components and preferably at a location shielded from the elements and/or more easily accessible for maintenance and repair. By mounting the electric motor (220) in a less confining area, and using a force distribution device (350) to distribute force to a plurality of rams (342,344), one larger motor (220) may be used to drive multiple disk engagement members rather than several smaller motors mounted on the brake assembly. Since larger motors are typically more efficient than smaller motors, using one larger motor increases the overall efficiency of the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Ortman, Steven Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080217122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake actuation unit for actuating a ‘brake-by-wire’ type brake system for a motor vehicle comprising a brake booster operable both by means of a brake pedal mounted on a shaft and by means of an electronic control unit depending on the driver's request, with means being provided to decouple a force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode, means to detect a deceleration request of the driver, as well as a pedal travel simulator which interacts with the brake pedal and is formed of a simulator spring, which is arranged in terms of effect between a force-transmitting part connected to the brake pedal and a simulator housing, which is mounted on the shaft by means of two bearings. It is arranged according to the invention that the simulator housing (22) includes a cylindrical area (26) for the accommodation of the two bearings (27, 28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Thomas Sellinger, Torsten Queisser, Lazar Milisic
  • Patent number: 7303054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a popular amusement device with a personal transportation device, moving along a guide track arrangement (14), and eddy-current braking device (10, 70), comprising a magnet arrangement (10) and an induction body (70), for the selective braking of the personal transportation device, with one of the pieces of either the magnet arrangement (10) or the induction body (70) being provided on a guide track arrangement (14) and the other piece (10 or 70) being connected to the personal transportation device. The magnet arrangement (10) comprises at least two partial magnet arrangements (18, 20) each with at least one permanent magnet (74, 76, 78, 82, 84, 86), said partial magnet arrangements (18, 20) are, at least in the operating position thereof, arranged essentially orthogonal to the braking area guide track direction (B), at a separation (a) from each other, with the induction body (70) being arranged between the partial magnet arrangements (18, 20) during the braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Rosner
  • Patent number: 7168770
    Abstract: A wind-powered brake system which is operated to brake a movable body when a driving force of a driving source for moving the movable body should be decreased, is described. The object of the present invention is to assist normal braking, to reduce a heat energy loss, and to perform braking suitable for a necessary braking force. A wind tunnel 34 is installed in each armrest 16 of a wheelchair 10. In braking, a load for generating power is put on rotary vanes 40 provided in the wind tunnel 34. Thus, the flow of wind is obstructed, and this functions as a braking force. It is thus possible to brake the wheelchair 10 using a combination of a brake mechanism of an electric motor and a wind-powered brake system. The burden on the brake mechanism of the electric motor can be lessened, and early wear and performance degradation due to frictional heat can be suppressed. By assisting the brake function of the electric motor, the amount of heat energy released from the electric motor into the air can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kesatoshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6970761
    Abstract: Based on the realization that, at the instant a holding brake in the drive of a machine tool is actuated, it may not be necessary to precisely observe the setpoint values, it may be provided to adapt control parameters in the controller of the drive such that, given an engaged holding brake, oscillations may be avoided or substantially reduced. By applying a correction value to the controller, it may be possible to prevent the adaptation of the control parameters from resulting in a change at the output of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Kerner, Frieder Kohler
  • Patent number: 6739675
    Abstract: A brake effort monitor for railcar braking systems includes means connected to receive a brake effort request signal and a vehicle speed signal for generating an energy requested signal. Another device is connected to receive a brake effort actual signal and a vehicle speed signal for generating an actual energy signal. There is a mechanism connected to receive the energy requested signal and add it to one of a previous energy requested signal and a predetermined value for generating an energy requested sum signal. A device is connected to receive the actual energy signal and add it to one of a previous actual energy signal and a predetermined value for generating an actual energy sum signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Scharpf, David E. Schweikert, James T. Dewberry