Patents by Inventor Blaise J. Ganzel

Blaise J. Ganzel 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).

  • Publication number: 20240067144
    Abstract: A brake system for actuating front and rear wheel brakes includes a reservoir and a master cylinder operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of a brake pedal to generate brake actuating pressure at a first output for hydraulically actuating the pair of front wheel brakes. A power transmission unit is configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes during a braking event. First and second two-position three-way valves are provided. Each three-way valve is hydraulically connected with the master cylinder, the power transmission unit, and a selected one of the front wheel brakes. Each of the first and second three-way valves selectively controls hydraulic fluid flow from a chosen one of the master cylinder and the power transmission unit to the selected one of the pair of front wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20240067151
    Abstract: A brake system includes a single chamber power transmission unit, a plurality of wheel brakes, and an iso/dump control valve arrangement associated with each wheel brake of the plurality of wheel brakes. A reservoir is hydraulically connected to the single chamber power transmission unit and to each of the iso/dump control valve arrangements. A pump piston is associated with at least one wheel brake. The pump piston is driven by a second electric motor for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the iso/dump control valve arrangement of the at least one associated wheel brake. First and second switching valves are provided, and are two-position, three-way type valves, each hydraulically interposed between at least one iso/dump control valve arrangement and both of a selected pump piston and the output line of the single chamber power transmission unit. First and second electronic control units are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 11904820
    Abstract: A brake system for selectively actuating at least one of a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes of a vehicle, one of which is hydraulically actuated and the other of which is electrically actuated, includes a reservoir. First and second integrated control units are in fluid communication with the reservoir and respective ones of the hydraulically actuated wheel brakes. The first and second integrated control units have first and second power transmission units connected to first and second electronic control unit, respectively. Each electronic control unit is configured to control a corresponding power transmission unit and a selected one of the electrically actuated wheel brakes on a contralateral side of the vehicle from the selected one of the hydraulically actuated wheel brakes which is actuated by the power transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20240001896
    Abstract: A brake system includes a reservoir and a master cylinder operable to provide a brake signal responsive to actuation of a brake pedal connected thereto. A power transmission unit is configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating at least one of the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes in a normal non-failure braking mode. A plurality of iso/dump valve arrangements are each hydraulically interposed between the power transmission unit and a corresponding one of the wheel brakes. A plurality of two-position three-way valves are each hydraulically connected with the master cylinder, the power transmission unit, and at least a selected wheel brake of the pair of front wheel brakes. The three-way valves selectively control hydraulic fluid flow from a chosen one of the master cylinder and the power transmission unit to the corresponding one of the front wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20240001901
    Abstract: A brake system includes a reservoir and a master cylinder operable to provide a brake signal responsive to actuation of a brake pedal connected thereto. A power transmission unit is configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating at least one of the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes in a normal non-failure braking mode. A iso/dump valve arrangement is hydraulically interposed between the power transmission unit and a corresponding one of the wheel brakes. A fluid separator is hydraulically interposed between a selected one of the pair of front wheel brakes and a corresponding iso/dump valve arrangement. A normally open base brake iso valve is energized closed during normal non-failure braking mode. The base brake iso valve is open to place the master cylinder into fluid communication with at least one of the fluid separators during manual push-through braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 11820348
    Abstract: A user-manipulable signal generating apparatus includes a base plate and an elongate pedal lever having first and second lever ends separated by a lever body. The first lever end is hingedly connected to the base plate. The second lever end is spaced apart from the base plate for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The lever body is configured to move pivotally between a predetermined home position and a maximum pivot position. An elongate resilient biasing beam has first and second beam ends longitudinally separated by a beam body. The first beam end is connected to the base plate. The second beam end is connected to the lever body. A sensor detects pivotal motion of the lever body and generate a signal responsive thereto. The beam body is biased toward an unflexed condition and, when in the flexed condition, urges the lever body in a return direction toward the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230311827
    Abstract: A dual-directional normally closed valve (“NC valve”) includes a housing having NC valve first and second passages in fluid communication with a center bore. An armature is provided for selective longitudinally reciprocating motion with respect to the center bore between first and second armature positions. A valve seat is located within the center bore in selective fluid communication with the NC valve first and second passages. A poppet is located at least partially within the housing and is interposed longitudinally between the armature and the valve seat. The poppet is at least partially maintained in engagement with the armature and carried thereby for selective longitudinally reciprocating motion with respect to the valve seat between first and second poppet positions. The poppet defines a dual-directional valving structure cooperatively with the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230311836
    Abstract: A tandem power transmission unit includes a ball screw and a ball nut selectively driven by the ball screw for longitudinal motion relative thereto. A primary piston is operatively coupled to the ball nut. A secondary piston is operatively coupled to the primary piston. A primary chamber is configured to contain hydraulic fluid and is selectively pressurized by reciprocal motion of the primary piston. A secondary chamber is configured to contain hydraulic fluid and is selectively pressurized by reciprocal motion of the secondary piston driven indirectly by longitudinal motion of the ball nut. A first output channel selectively places the primary chamber in fluid communication with at least one component of a brake system for provision of pressurized hydraulic fluid thereto. A second output channel selectively places the secondary chamber in fluid communication with at least one component of a brake system for provision of pressurized hydraulic fluid thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230311832
    Abstract: An unloading valve is disclosed. A housing defines a primary and secondary pump inlets, and collective and bypass pump outlets. The housing defines a bypass seat. A tappet has first and second tappet ends longitudinally spaced by a tappet body. The tappet is configured for selective longitudinal reciprocal motion between first and second tappet positions. A tappet shoulder is located on an external surface of the tappet body for selective sealing engagement with the bypass seat to allow fluid flow in a bypass direction and resist fluid flow in a collection direction longitudinally opposite the bypass direction. The primary and secondary pump inlets are in fluid communication with the collective pump outlet for flow in the collection direction when the fluid pressure at the primary and secondary pump inlets combined is below a predetermined bypass pressure and the tappet is located in the first tappet position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230311833
    Abstract: A brake system includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a plurality of wheel brakes, and an iso/dump control valve arrangement associated with at least one wheel brake. A reservoir is connected to the source of pressurized fluid and to the iso/dump control valve arrangement. A fast-replenishing circuit includes a FR iso valve, a venting valve, and a replenishing check valve. The venting and replenishing check valves are interposed between the source of pressurized fluid and the reservoir. The FR iso valve is interposed between the source of pressurized fluid and the iso/dump control valve arrangement. When the source of pressurized fluid reaches a predetermined stroke position, the FR iso valve is energized to restrict movement of fluid from at least one iso/dump control valve arrangement to the source of pressurized fluid. The source of pressurized fluid is re-stroked to draw fluid from the reservoir through the replenishing check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 11691600
    Abstract: A brake pedal unit includes a housing defining a bore formed therein. An input piston is slidably disposed in the bore. The input piston is connected to a brake pedal such that engagement of the brake pedal causes movement of the input piston within the bore of the housing of the brake pedal unit. The brake pedal unit is defined to be in an at rest position when the brake pedal in not engaged causing movement of the input piston. A primary piston is slidably disposed in the bore for pressurizing a primary chamber. A primary passageway permits fluid communication between the primary chamber and the reservoir, wherein fluid flow through the primary passageway is blocked when the brake pedal unit is in the rest position. A secondary piston is slidably disposed in the bore for pressurizing a secondary chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY US INC.
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230182702
    Abstract: A brake system for hydraulically actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes includes a reservoir and a master cylinder fluidly connected to the reservoir and operable to provide a brake signal. A first power transmission unit is in fluid communication with the reservoir, a selected one of the rear wheel brakes, and a first fluid separator corresponding to a selected one of the front wheel brakes. A first electronic control unit is configured to control the first power transmission unit. A second power transmission unit is in fluid communication with the reservoir, the other one of the front wheel brakes, and a second fluid separator corresponding to an other one of the front wheel brakes. A second electronic control unit is configured to control the second power transmission unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230182693
    Abstract: A user-manipulable signal generating apparatus includes a base plate and an elongate pedal lever having first and second lever ends separated by a lever body. The first lever end is hingedly connected to the base plate. The second lever end is spaced apart from the base plate for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The lever body is configured to move pivotally between a predetermined home position and a maximum pivot position. An elongate resilient biasing beam has first and second beam ends longitudinally separated by a beam body. The first beam end is connected to the base plate. The second beam end is connected to the lever body. A sensor detects pivotal motion of the lever body and generate a signal responsive thereto. The beam body is biased toward an unflexed condition and, when in the flexed condition, urges the lever body in a return direction toward the home position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230174032
    Abstract: A brake system for hydraulically actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes includes master cylinder fluidly connected to a reservoir and operable to provide a brake signal responsive to actuation of a brake pedal connected thereto. The master cylinder is selectively operable in a manual push-through mode. First and second power transmission units are in fluid communication with the reservoir and selected front and rear wheel brakes. An electronic control unit selectively controls at least one of the first and second power transmission units. First and second two-position three-way valves are each hydraulically connected with a respective power transmission unit, the master cylinder, and a respective front wheel brake. The first and second two-position three-way valves are configured to place the master cylinder in push-through fluid-supplying connection with at least a corresponding one of the pair of front wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230103597
    Abstract: A brake system includes a reservoir and a motor-driven master cylinder operable during a backup braking mode by actuation of an electric motor of the master cylinder to generate brake actuating pressure for hydraulically actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes. A power transmission unit is configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a PTU output for actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes in a normal non-failure braking mode. First and second two-position three-way valves are each hydraulically connected with the master cylinder, the power transmission unit, and a selected pair of the front and rear wheel brakes. Each of the first and second three-way valves selectively controls hydraulic fluid flow from a chosen one of the master cylinder and the power transmission unit to the selected pair of front and rear wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230096418
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake wear detection apparatus and a method for detecting a degree of pad wear of a brake pad of a hydraulic brake includes a caliper piston located at least partially within a caliper cavity and attached to the brake pad. The caliper piston includes a piston cavity extending from a caliper piston rim into a caliper piston body at a location longitudinally opposite, and spaced from, the brake pad. An internal piston is located at least partially within the piston cavity and is entirely enclosed in an internal space defined cooperatively by the piston cavity and the caliper cavity for reciprocal longitudinal motion with respect to the internal space. The internal piston is reciprocated by a predetermined volume of pressurized hydraulic fluid responsive to wear of the brake pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Blaise J. Ganzel, Jeffrey E. Shaya
  • Publication number: 20230048177
    Abstract: A brake system for hydraulically actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes includes a master cylinder fluidly connected to a reservoir and operable to provide a brake signal responsive to actuation of a brake pedal connected thereto. The master cylinder is selectively operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of the brake pedal to generate brake actuating pressure at an output for hydraulically actuating a selected one of the pair of front and rear wheel brakes. A first power transmission unit is configured for actuating the selected one of the pair of front and rear wheel brakes. A second power transmission unit is configured for actuating the other one of the pair of front and rear wheel brakes. A first electronic control unit is provided for controlling at least one of the first and second power transmission units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230047015
    Abstract: A fluid separator includes a separator housing defining a longitudinal bore having first and second bore ends. A first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the bore at the first bore end. A second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the bore adjacent the second bore end. A third fluid passage is in fluid communication with a portion of the bore spaced apart from both the first and second bore ends. A free-floating piston is located inside the bore and configured for longitudinal movement with respect to the bore responsive to fluid pressure within the bore. A biasing spring urges the piston toward the second bore end. An end cap is located at the second bore end. The end cap is maintained on the housing via at least two retainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230048447
    Abstract: A brake system includes a reservoir and a master cylinder operable to provide a brake signal responsive to actuation of a brake pedal connected thereto. The master cylinder is selectively operable to generate brake actuating pressure at an output for hydraulically actuating a pair of hydraulically actuated wheel brakes in a manual push-through operation. A power transmission unit is configured to selectively generate pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating the pair of hydraulically actuated wheel brakes. First and second two-position three-way valves are hydraulically connected to respective ones of the pair of hydraulically operated brakes and to both the master cylinder and the power transmission unit. The first and second three-way valves each are configured to selectively switch the respective hydraulically operated brake to receive fluid from a selected one of the master cylinder, in a backup braking mode, and the power transmission unit, in a normal non-failure braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230050897
    Abstract: A brake system for actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes is selectively operable during a manual push-through mode. A primary power transmission unit actuates at least one of wheel brakes in a normal braking mode. A secondary power transmission unit actuates the front wheel brakes in a backup braking mode. A primary electronic control unit controls at least one of the primary power transmission unit and a pair of rear brake motors. A secondary electronic control unit controls at least one of the secondary power transmission unit and the rear brake motors. An ABS modulator arrangement is hydraulically interposed between at least one of first and second three-way valves and at least a selected wheel brake. A multiplex control valve arrangement is hydraulically interposed between the secondary power transmission unit and the front wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel