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: 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
  • Publication number: 20230048069
    Abstract: A power transmission unit of a single-acting plunger type includes a ball screw, a ball nut driven by the ball screw, and a plunger piston coupled to the ball nut. A block housing at least partially encloses the plunger piston and the ball screw. A plunger chamber is at least partially defined by the block housing and a face of the plunger piston. The plunger chamber is selectively pressurized by reciprocal motion of the plunger piston with respect to the block housing driven by longitudinal motion of the ball nut. An electric motor selectively drives the ball screw to responsively reciprocate the plunger piston within the plunger chamber. A motor housing at least partially encloses the ball nut, the electric motor, and the plunger piston. The motor housing includes a block lip which is crimped to the block housing to maintain the motor housing in relation to the block housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20230001903
    Abstract: A brake system for selectively actuating at least one wheel brake includes a reservoir and a power transmission unit for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating at least a selected one of the wheel brakes during a braking event. A first electronic control unit at least partially controls at least one of the power transmission unit and a selected one of the pair of rear brake motors. A second electronic control unit at least partially controls at least one of the power transmission unit and an other one of the pair of rear brake motors. The first electronic control unit controls at least one SAP valve, an isolation valve, and a dump valve for a selected two of the wheel brakes, and the second electronic control unit controls at least one SAP valve, an isolation valve, and a dump valve for an other two of the wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: ZF Active Safety US Inc
    Inventors: BLAISE J. GANZEL, FRANK EINIG
  • Publication number: 20230001902
    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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: ZF Active Safety US Inc
    Inventor: BLAISE J. GANZEL
  • Publication number: 20230001908
    Abstract: A brake system for selectively actuating at least one of a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes includes a reservoir and a power transmission unit configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating at least a selected one of the wheel brakes during a braking event. The power transmission unit includes an electric motor for selectively actuating a fluid pressurization cycle. The electric motor is a dual-wound electric motor having first and second windings. A first electronic control unit is provided for selectively controlling the first windings of the electric motor of the power transmission unit. A second electronic control unit is provided for selectively controlling the second windings of the electric motor of the power transmission unit. An isolation valve and a dump valve are associated with each wheel brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: FRANK EINIG, BLAISE J. GANZEL, NICHOLAS ALFORD
  • Patent number: 10940843
    Abstract: A brake system includes first and second wheel brakes, a reservoir, and a brake pedal unit having a housing and a pair of output pistons slidably disposed in the housing. The output pistons generate brake actuating pressure during a manual push-through mode for actuating the first and second wheel brakes. The system further includes a plunger assembly having a housing having first and second ports, a motor driving an actuator, and a piston connected to the actuator. The piston pressurizes a first chamber when the piston is moving in a first direction to provide fluid flow out of the first port. The piston pressurizes a second chamber when the piston is moving in a second direction opposite the first direction to provide fluid flow out of the second port. The first and second ports are selectively in fluid communication with the wheel brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20200307538
    Abstract: A brake for operating first, second, third, and fourth wheel brakes includes first and second hydraulic brake circuits each defining a fluid conduit to two of the wheel brakes. Each circuit includes a power transmission unit having a first motor driven piston for pressurizing pressure chambers therein for providing pressurized fluid to the respective fluid conduits. Each circuit includes at least a pair of valves adapted to selectively provide pressurized fluid from the fluid conduits to each one of the wheel brakes. The system includes two separate electronic control units for controlling each of the circuits, namely the power transmission units and the pair of valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20200298807
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 10730501
    Abstract: A brake system for actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of second wheel brakes. The brake system includes a reservoir and a brake pedal unit having a housing with first and second pistons slidably disposed in the housing. The first and second pistons are operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of a brake pedal connected to the brake pedal unit. The first and second pistons are movable to generate brake actuating pressure at first and second outputs for actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes. A first source of pressurized fluid actuates the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes during a non-failure normal braking event. A first electronic control unit controls the first source of pressurized fluid. A second source of pressurized fluid is hydraulically connected to the brake pedal unit and actuates the brake pedal unit to cause movement of the first and second pistons for generating pressure at the first and second outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 10710563
    Abstract: A pump attenuator bypass valve (40/100/200) is located at an outlet of a pump (30) in a vehicle braking system (10) between the pump (30) and an attenuator (34). The attenuator bypass valve (40/100/200) includes a bypass valve housing (41), a first fluid flow path (74, 57/179/220, 208), and a second fluid flow path (80/183). The first fluid flow path (74, 57/179/220, 208) is defined in the housing (41) and is configured to allow continuous flow of fluid when the pump (30) operates at a first pump flow rate. The second fluid flow path (80/183) is defined in the housing (41) and is configured to bypass the first fluid flow path (74, 57/179/220, 208) and to allow continuous flow of fluid when the pump (30) operates at a second pump flow rate higher than the first pump flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventors: Blaise J. Ganzel, William P. Caldwell, Joseph F. Zeoli
  • Patent number: 10583817
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a brake pedal unit (BPU) coupled to a vehicle brake pedal and including an input piston connected to operate a pedal simulator during a normal braking mode, and coupled to actuate a pair of output pistons during a manual push through mode. The output pistons are operable to generate brake actuating pressure at first and second outputs of the BPU. A hydraulic pressure source for supplying fluid at a controlled boost pressure is included. The system further includes a hydraulic control unit (HCU) adapted to be hydraulically connected to the BPU and the hydraulic pressure source, the HCU including a slip control valve arrangement, and a switching base brake valve arrangement for switching the brake system between the normal braking mode wherein boost pressure from the pressure source is supplied to first and second vehicle brakes, and the manual push through mode wherein brake actuating pressure from the BPU is supplied to the first and second vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 10272891
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a dual acting plunger assembly. The dual acting plunger assembly comprises a housing, an anti-rotation tube secured to a ball screw assembly, and a torque coupler. The torque coupler is attached between the housing and anti-rotation tube, wherein the torque coupler allows rotation between the housing and the anti-rotation tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Daniel Ryan Malwitz, Blaise J. Ganzel, Gregory P. Campau
  • Publication number: 20190092304
    Abstract: A brake system for actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of second wheel brakes. The brake system includes a reservoir and a brake pedal unit having a housing with first and second pistons slidably disposed in the housing. The first and second pistons are operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of a brake pedal connected to the brake pedal unit. The first and second pistons are movable to generate brake actuating pressure at first and second outputs for actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes. A first source of pressurized fluid actuates the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes during a non-failure normal braking event. A first electronic control unit controls the first source of pressurized fluid. A second source of pressurized fluid is hydraulically connected to the brake pedal unit and actuates the brake pedal unit to cause movement of the first and second pistons for generating pressure at the first and second outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20180029575
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a dual acting plunger assembly. The dual acting plunger assembly comprises a housing, an anti-rotation tube secured to a ball screw assembly, and a torque coupler. The torque coupler is attached between the housing and anti-rotation tube, wherein the torque coupler allows rotation between the housing and the anti-rotation tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Daniel Ryan Malwitz, Blaise J. Ganzel, Gregory P. Campau
  • Publication number: 20180022333
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a brake pedal unit (BPU) coupled to a vehicle brake pedal and including an input piston connected to operate a pedal simulator during a normal braking mode, and coupled to actuate a pair of output pistons during a manual push through mode. The output pistons are operable to generate brake actuating pressure at first and second outputs of the BPU. A hydraulic pressure source for supplying fluid at a controlled boost pressure is included. The system further includes a hydraulic control unit (HCU) adapted to be hydraulically connected to the BPU and the hydraulic pressure source, the HCU including a slip control valve arrangement, and a switching base brake valve arrangement for switching the brake system between the normal braking mode wherein boost pressure from the pressure source is supplied to first and second vehicle brakes, and the manual push through mode wherein brake actuating pressure from the BPU is supplied to the first and second vehicle brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Patent number: 9751510
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a brake pedal unit (BPU) coupled to a vehicle brake pedal and including an input piston connected to operate a pedal simulator during a normal braking mode, and coupled to actuate a pair of output pistons during a manual push through mode. The output pistons are operable to generate brake actuating pressure at first and second outputs of the BPU. A hydraulic pressure source for supplying fluid at a controlled boost pressure is included. The system further includes a hydraulic control unit (HCU) adapted to be hydraulically connected to the BPU and the hydraulic pressure source, the HCU including a slip control valve arrangement, and a switching base brake valve arrangement for switching the brake system between the normal braking mode wherein boost pressure from the pressure source is supplied to first and second vehicle brakes, and the manual push through mode wherein brake actuating pressure from the BPU is supplied to the first and second vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANY
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20170240155
    Abstract: A pump attenuator bypass valve (40/100/200) is located at an outlet of a pump (30) in a vehicle braking system (10) between the pump (30) and an attenuator (34). The attenuator bypass valve (40/100/200) includes a bypass valve housing (41), a first fluid flow path (74, 57/179/220, 208), and a second fluid flow path (80/183). The first fluid flow path (74, 57/179/220, 208) is defined in the housing (41) and is configured to allow continuous flow of fluid when the pump (30) operates at a first pump flow rate. The second fluid flow path (80/183) is defined in the housing (41) and is configured to bypass the first fluid flow path (74, 57/179/220, 208) and to allow continuous flow of fluid when the pump (30) operates at a second pump flow rate higher than the first pump flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Blaise J. Ganzel, William P. Caldwell, Joseph F. Zeoli
  • Publication number: 20170217418
    Abstract: A brake system includes first and second wheel brakes, a reservoir, and a brake pedal unit having a housing and a pair of output pistons slidably disposed in the housing. The output pistons generate brake actuating pressure during a manual push-through mode for actuating the first and second wheel brakes. The system further includes a plunger assembly having a housing having first and second ports, a motor driving an actuator, and a piston connected to the actuator. The piston pressurizes a first chamber when the piston is moving in a first direction to provide fluid flow out of the first port. The piston pressurizes a second chamber when the piston is moving in a second direction opposite the first direction to provide fluid flow out of the second port. The first and second ports are selectively in fluid communication with the wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Blaise J. GANZEL
  • Patent number: 9371844
    Abstract: The brake system includes a pedal, a pedal simulator, and a brake pedal unit. The brake pedal unit includes an input piston connected to the brake pedal for operating the pedal simulator during a normal braking mode. The brake pedal unit further includes first and second output pistons actuated by the input piston during a manual push through mode such that the first output piston generates brake actuating pressure at a first output of the brake pedal unit, and the second output piston generates actuating pressure at a second output of the brake pedal unit. The brake system further includes a hydraulic pressure source for supplying fluid at a controlled boost pressure, and a hydraulic control unit adapted to be hydraulically connected to the brake pedal unit and the hydraulic pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Blaise J. Ganzel, Andreas Bōrsch, Michael Geider, Axel Rüdell