Patents Examined by San M Aung
  • Patent number: 11149810
    Abstract: A brake pad for a vehicle disc brake assembly has a backing plate, a shim, and an adhesive bond between the backing plate and the shim that retains the shim on the backing plate. The backing plate is configured to support a brake lining and has a recessed portion with transverse first and second surfaces. The first surface is a bottom surface of the recessed portion and the second surface is a perimeter surface that defines a perimeter of the bottom surface. The shim has a face surface that is also transverse to the bottom surface. The face surface is configured to engage with the perimeter surface to mechanically restrain the shim in the recessed portion from lateral displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventors: Saikiran Divakaruni, Peter Kula
  • Patent number: 11149814
    Abstract: A cover system for a damper includes an outer tube and a piston rod extending from an end of the outer tube. The cover system also includes a dust tube disposed around a portion of the outer tube. The dust tube includes a first end located proximal to the end of the outer tube and a second end opposite to the first end. The dust tube at least partially encloses the piston rod. The cover system further includes a cap connected to the outer tube. The cap is adapted to at least partially cover the first end of the dust tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Lukasz Wichary, Grzegorz Tomczuk, Tomasz Gorski
  • Patent number: 11136015
    Abstract: A distributor valve for a brake control system of a vehicle is provided with an access interface that includes a plurality of access ports for measuring the operational pressures of the distributor valve. The distributor valve includes a pipe bracket and a main line and main portions mounted on the pipe bracket. The pipe bracket includes a plurality of passages for communicating the main portion and the main line portion with each other and with a brake pipe, brake cylinder, and reservoir of the brake control system. The plurality of access ports of the access interface includes ports in communication with the working chamber passage, valve chamber passage, brake pipe passage, reservoir passage, and the brake cylinder passage of the pipe bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Skweres, Michael S. Plechey
  • Patent number: 11137040
    Abstract: A brake carrier and a method of manufacture. The brake carrier may have leading and trailing brake pad abutments. The leading brake pad abutment may have an unmachined leading wall surface and an unmachined leading floor surface. The trailing brake pad abutment may have a trailing wall surface and a trailing floor surface, at least one of which may be machined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Philpott, Soumar Jabbour
  • Patent number: 11131357
    Abstract: A torsion bar spring is disclosed. The torsion bar spring can include a first elongated spring bar made of a resiliently flexible material. The first elongated spring bar can have a first coupling interface portion at a distal end and an interior opening oriented along a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar spring can also include a second elongated spring bar made of a resiliently flexible material. The second elongated spring bar can have a second coupling interface portion at the distal end. The second elongated spring bar can be disposed at least partially in the interior opening of the first elongated spring bar. The first and second elongated spring bars can be directly coupled to one another at the first and second coupling interface portions such that uncoupled portions of the first and second elongated spring bars are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Hernandez, John F. Bugge
  • Patent number: 11125293
    Abstract: A brake device (102), in particular a utility vehicle disc brake, has a brake disc (106), at least one brake pad (104, 104?), a transmission member (114) coupled to the brake pad (104, 104?) for pressing the brake pad (104, 104?) against the brake disc (106), a drive for generating a drive variable, a non-linear mechanism (110) operatively connected to the drive and the transmission member (114) for transmission of the drive variable to the transmission member (114), and an adjusting unit (120) for adjusting a clearance (108) between the transmission member (114) and the brake disc (106). The device includes a brake pad wear sensor for detecting the degree of wear of the brake pad (104, 104?) and a control unit, with a signal-carrying connection to the sensor to vary the clearance (108) as a function of the wear of the brake pad (104, 104?) determined by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Paul Henning
  • Patent number: 11124263
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle such as a bicycle is disclosed. The brake system may comprise an improved master cylinder assembly configured for adjustment (such as adjustment of the stroke length, stroke start, etc.). The brake system may comprise a caliper assembly with an improved arrangement of flow paths configured to facilitate maintenance (such as to remove/bleed air and/or fluid from the body of the caliper assembly, inspection, etc.); the caliper assembly may also be configured for use with a tool (e.g. configured to fit in body to remove/bleed air and/or fluid from flow paths during maintenance). The master cylinder assembly may be configured (e.g. manufactured/produced, assembled, etc.) so that a setting and/or adjustment of the brake stroke and/or lever action/actuation can be provided by any one independent mechanism or one separate adjustment mechanism (e.g. without any other adjustment mechanism) or by a combination of adjustment mechanisms (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hayes Bicycle Group Inc.
    Inventor: John L Thomas
  • Patent number: 11117562
    Abstract: A first valve module (4000) includes a valve block and circuits for controlling hydraulic pressure to parking brake and differential lock actuation circuits of a vehicle. An extension flowpath (4010) has an extension inlet and outlet opening respectively through an interface surface and further external surface of the valve block. A second module (1000) may be connected to supply a first service brake circuit, the circuits of the first module, and, via a second service brake outlet communicating with the extension inlet, a second service brake circuit. In a method, first and second valve blocks with internal flowpaths formed respectively by machining and by casting are assembled together with valves to define valve modules (4000, 1000) having respective, first and second functional circuits. The first valve block includes an extension flowpath. The second module supplies pressure to the first functional circuit and the extension flowpath of the first module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Adam Adeeb, Steven Johnson
  • Patent number: 11118985
    Abstract: A load sensor to be used in an electromechanical brake system includes a flange member capable of deflecting when receiving, at a load receiving portion, a load from the axially front side; a support member capable of supporting the flange member from the axially rear side, at a support portion displaced from the load receiving portion in a radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction; and a displacement detecting mechanism configured to detect the amount of relative movement between the flange and support members. A variable detection sensitivity mechanism enables the relative movement amount with respect to the change of the load applied to the flange member to be larger in a low load range in which the load is equal to or lower than a predetermined load value than in a high load range in which the load is higher than the predetermined load value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yamasaki, Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 11110906
    Abstract: A parking brake apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system and a number of devices providing a plurality of output signals indicative of a plurality of vehicle factors. The parking brake apparatus comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) monitor the output signals indicative of a plurality of vehicle factors, and (ii) provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply parking brakes based upon a predefined sequence of the plurality of vehicle factors having been met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: David J Taneyhill, Phillip J Kasper, Girish Barade, Christopher H Hutchins, Thomas J Weed
  • Patent number: 11110903
    Abstract: A control valve for applying a spring-loaded brake pressure to spring-loaded parts of a rear-axle wheel brake is pneumatically activated as a function of a parking-brake braking demand and a service-brake braking demand. A first control chamber is connected via a first control piston to a control arrangement in the control valve. During an adjustment of the first control chamber via the service-brake control pressure, the spring-loaded brake pressure at the working output is a function of the service-brake control pressure or of the parking-brake control pressure. The first control piston is connected to a third control chamber, wherein the pressure in the first control chamber acts on the first control piston in one direction, and the pressure in the third control chamber acts on the first control piston in the opposite direction. The first control chamber is selectively connectable to the third control chamber via a switchable bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBA
    Inventors: Paulina Kuncewicz, Adam Lango, Thomas Müller, Leszek Toma
  • Patent number: 11104320
    Abstract: Provided is a brake bleeding device for bleeding air accumulated in brake fluid inside a braking device provided in a vehicle. The brake bleeding device includes: a master cylinder constituting a part of the braking device and provided inside a front-side storage chamber, the master cylinder being configured to generate brake hydraulic pressure in accordance with a stroke of an input piston; a brake pedal unit provided inside the front-side storage chamber and configured to give pressing force in a stroke direction to the input piston when a link mechanism connected to the input piston via a rod is operated; and an operating lever attached to the link mechanism in a state where the link mechanism is operable by the operating lever. The operating lever extends downward to a position where the operating lever is accessible from outside the front-side storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ikuru Konno, Takenori Kubo, Keiichi Naito, Kazuki Uesugi, Akira Takioka, Itsuki Miyachi, Yuji Saito, Taisei Matsubara
  • Patent number: 11098782
    Abstract: A damping valve arrangement of a vibration damper for a motor vehicle includes a damping valve body having a longitudinal axis A and a throughflow passage is covered by at least one valve disk, a spring arrangement has at least a first substantially disk-shaped spring element; and a force transmission disk arranged between the valve disk and the first spring element so as to be axially displaceable coaxial to the damping valve body. The force transmission disk has a first surface facing the first spring element and comprising a first contact ring with a first diameter, which first contact ring is axially elevated above the first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, which second surface faces the valve disk and comprises a second contact ring with a second diameter, which second contact ring is axially elevated above the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Andreas Förster
  • Patent number: 11097698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel chock for blocking a stationary wheel having a bottom surface (1) for resting on a floor and a wheel surface (2) for engagement with the wheel. The wheel surface (2) is provided for blocking the wheel angled to the bottom surface (1). The bottom surface (1) and wheel surface (2) are connected to each other via a hinge and designed to be foldable. A locking device is arranged movably on the bottom surface (1) and/or the wheel surface (2) and, in a locking position, locks the bottom surface (1) and wheel surface (2) in an unfolded, angled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SATCOM CORPORATION SA
    Inventor: Daniel Stieger
  • Patent number: 11091215
    Abstract: An assembly for enabling continuous seat post function during extreme conditions is described and includes: a first valve at least partially, slidably disposed within a stationary piston and for controlling a first fluid pathway there through, wherein the first fluid pathway runs from a first portion and to a second portion of the oil chamber, wherein the stationary piston separates the oil chamber into the first portion and the second portion; and a second valve at least partially disposed within the stationary piston and disposed in series with the first valve and having a second fluid pathway disposed through the first valve and the second valve, being in parallel with the first fluid pathway, running from the first portion to the second portion of the oil chamber, and providing a bypass for oil to flow from the first portion to the second portion when the first fluid pathway is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Barna Madau, Jeremiah Docter
  • Patent number: 11091141
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a solenoid valve, the method including: applying a test signal on one side of the solenoid valve, the solenoid valve having a control coil for controlling an air pressure in a brake cylinder of an electro-pneumatic brake, wherein the solenoid valve has a supply voltage side, at which the control coil takes up an electric supply current, and a reference potential side, at which the control coil delivers the electric supply current; tapping a measurement signal on the other side of the solenoid valve; and determining the state of the solenoid valve based on a juxtaposition of the test signal and of the measurement signal. Also described are a related control apparatus, an electro-pneumatic brake, and a computer readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Scholl, Ping Zhao
  • Patent number: 11077837
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for a vehicle which has expanded functionality, where a pre-charge occurs in the brake system upon deactivation of the cruise control, reducing the time needed to generate pressure in each brake unit, reducing stopping distance. The pre-charge function involves generating pressure in each caliper of the brake system upon deactivation of the cruise control function of the vehicle, such that the hydraulic brake system is pre-charged prior to the driver of the vehicle applying force to the brake pedal, which reduces stopping distance. One aspect of the pre-charge function includes generating enough pressure such that the brake pads contact each corresponding rotor. Another aspect of the pre-charge function includes generating enough pressure such that the brake pads apply force to each corresponding rotor, providing a minimum amount of deceleration prior to the driver of the vehicle applying force to the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Conrad Tuhro
  • Patent number: 11078982
    Abstract: A damper includes a cylinder in which a working fluid is enclosed, a piston which is slidably inserted into the cylinder, a piston rod which is connected with the piston, a disk valve which is provided to restrict a flow of a working fluid caused by sliding of the piston and to close an opening portion of a tubular case member, an annular seal portion which is provided on at least one surface side of the disk valve, and a chamber which is partitioned by the disk valve and the seal portion. Recessed portions and projecting portions are alternately formed in the disk valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventor: Mikio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11078981
    Abstract: A hydraulic mem-inerter container device and applications thereof. The hydraulic mem-inerter container device comprises a first cylinder barrel, a first piston, and a spiral passage. The first cylinder barrel is divided by the first piston into a left cavity and a right cavity; and the spiral passage enables the left cavity and the right cavity of the first cylinder barrel to communicate, and the length of the spiral passage changes along with the change of the relative displacement of the first cylinder barrel and the first piston. The cylinder barrel and the piston serve as a first end point and a second end point that are independent and movable correspondingly. When used, the hydraulic mem-inerter container device can be connected to a system to control mechanical force. The hydraulic mem-inerter container device can serve as a regulation and control valve for an inerter and a damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Zhang, Jiamei Nie, Zhenxing Huang, Hai He, Long Chen
  • Patent number: 11073187
    Abstract: A brake pad according to an embodiment includes a friction material containing copper at 0.5 wt % or less, a back plate, and an under-layer material laminated between the friction material and the back plate and having an average loss modulus of 500 MPa or more at ?50° C. to 0° C. in a bending mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shusuke Suzuki, Katsuya Okayama, Masato Nishioka