Patents by Inventor Chad Reed
Chad Reed 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).
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Patent number: 11787248Abstract: Modular double pin load sensing hitches including two-piece pin mounts are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a pin mount including a first piece, and a second piece, separate from and to be disposed opposite to the first piece. The apparatus further includes and a receiver tube including a first mounting ear to be coupled to the first piece via a first pin and a second mounting ear to be coupled to the second piece via a second pin.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Kevin Stanton Giaier, Andrew Niedert, Elliott Pearson, Anton Rogness, Johannes Gießibl, Chad Reed
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Publication number: 20230191859Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a dual reacting, single load sensing element coupled to a hitch receiver are disclosed herein. An example computer readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed, cause one or more processors to determine a location of a hitch ball of a hitch of a vehicle, determine a load condition of the hitch based on the location and data received from a sensor of a first pin of the hitch, the hitch including a second pin, the first pin to react loads in a first direction and a second direction, the second pin to react loads in the first direction and in response to the load condition satisfying an alert threshold, alert a user of the load condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Andrew Niedert, Kevin Stanton Giaier, Elliott Pearson, Anton Rogness, Johannes Gießibl, Chad Reed
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Patent number: 11607919Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a dual reacting, single load sensing element coupled to a hitch receiver are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a hitch configured to be coupled to a vehicle, the hitch including a crossbar, a receiver tube, and a pin housing coupled to the receiver tube. The pin housing includes a first pin including a load sensor, the first pin reacting loads in a first direction and a second direction and a second pin, the second pin reacting loads in the first direction, the first pin and the second pin acting as the only load path between the receiver tube and the crossbar.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andrew Niedert, Kevin Stanton Giaier, Elliott Pearson, Anton Rogness, Johannes Gießibl, Chad Reed
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Patent number: 11491832Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl, Chris Liston
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Publication number: 20220242180Abstract: Modular double pin load sensing hitches including two-piece pin mounts are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a pin mount including a first piece, and a second piece, separate from and to be disposed opposite to the first piece. The apparatus further includes and a receiver tube including a first mounting ear to be coupled to the first piece via a first pin and a second mounting ear to be coupled to the second piece via a second pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2020Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Kevin Stanton Giaier, Andrew Niedert, Elliott Pearson, Anton Rogness, Johannes Gießibl, Chad Reed
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Patent number: 11221262Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl, Chris Liston
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Patent number: 11135882Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl, Chris Liston
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Patent number: 11097580Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a modular double pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver. An example disclosed apparatus to be coupled to a receiver tube includes a crossbar interface to be coupled to a crossbar of a hitch, a pin adapter coupled to the crossbar interface, a first load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter, and a second load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Niedert, Christopher Eric Allard, Peter Simeon Lazarevski, Kevin Stanton Giaier, Chad Reed, Johannes Gießibl
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Patent number: 11084342Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl, Chris Liston
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Publication number: 20210229679Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a torque transferring member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the torque-transferring member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing. The torque sensing devices are incorporated on vehicle drive train components, including differential components, transfer case components, transmission components, and others, including on power transmission shafts, half-shafts, and wheels, and output signals representing characteristics of the vehicle are processed in algorithms to provide useful output information for controlling actions of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Johannes Gießibl, Chad Reed
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Patent number: 11014417Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl
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Publication number: 20210061030Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl, Chris Liston
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Patent number: 10899183Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetoelastic hitch receiver force detection are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a chassis, a trailer hitch receiver configured to receive a trailer hitch arm along an axis, a first pin having a first magnetic field, the first pin disposed above and perpendicular to the axis, a second pin, the first pin and the second pin coupling the trailer hitch receiver to the chassis and a first sensor configured to detect changes in the first magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Niedert, Rinku Patel, Anton Rogness, Elliott Pearson, Chad Reed, Johannes Gießibl
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Publication number: 20200240853Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Giessibl
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Publication number: 20200198421Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Giessibl, Chris Liston
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Publication number: 20200198423Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Giessibl, Chris Liston
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Patent number: 10670479Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl
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Publication number: 20200041362Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl, Chris Liston
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Publication number: 20190265112Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Giessibl
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Publication number: 20190263204Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl