Patents by Inventor Christian E. Ross
Christian E. Ross 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: 9487231Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a control system for controlling a steering system having a tie rod is provided. The control system includes a sensor coupled to the tie rod, the sensor configured to measure forces exerted on the tie rod and to generate a signal indicative of the measured forces, and a control module communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the signal from the sensor. The control module is programmed to generate a motor assist command based on the generated signal to control the steering system.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventor: Christian E. Ross
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Patent number: 9254869Abstract: A steering system for detecting a hand wheel position is provided and includes an input shaft connected to a hand wheel, a main gear disposed around the input shaft, a puck gear meshingly engaged with the main gear, and a control module. The control module receives an angular main position of the main gear and an angular puck position of the puck gear. The control module includes a rotational calculation module for calculating the hand wheel position based on at least the angular main position and the angular puck position.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Zaki Ryne, Keith A. Kidder, Tomy Sebastian, Carl D. Tarum, Paul M. Fisher, Christian E. Ross, Scott T. Blehm
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Patent number: 9106175Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for an electric power steering system are provided. The diagnostic system includes a first microprocessor that determines a first relative position value indicating the relative rotational position of the rotatable shaft at the first time based on the signals from first and second position sensors. A second microprocessor determines a second relative position value indicating the relative rotational position of the rotatable shaft at the first time based on the signals from third and fourth position sensors. The first microprocessor determines whether the first relative position value is an acceptable value based on a difference between the first relative position value and the second relative position value.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Paul Fisher, Christian E. Ross, Mohammad S. Islam
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Publication number: 20150166101Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a control system for controlling a steering system having a tie rod is provided. The control system includes a sensor coupled to the tie rod, the sensor configured to measure forces exerted on the tie rod and to generate a signal indicative of the measured forces, and a control module communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the signal from the sensor. The control module is programmed to generate a motor assist command based on the generated signal to control the steering system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventor: Christian E. Ross
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Patent number: 8862328Abstract: A system and a method for determining an absolute position of a motor shaft in an electric power steering system during an ignition off state are provided. The system includes a microprocessor that energizes first and second position sensors to generate first and second signals, respectively, at a first time, and third and fourth signals, respectively, at a second time. The microprocessor determines a first relative position value based on the first and second signals, and a second relative position value based on the third and fourth signals. The microprocessor determines an amount of relative rotation of the shaft during the ignition off state based on the first and second relative position values, and determines a current absolute position value based on a previously stored absolute position value and the amount of relative rotation of the rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Abraham Gebregergis, Paul Fisher, Christian E. Ross
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Publication number: 20140222292Abstract: A vehicle electric power steering (EPS) control system includes a motor operatively coupled to an EPS linkage arrangement, the motor comprising a first winding and a second winding. Also included is a power source for the motor. Further included is a controller in operative communication with the motor and the power source. The controller includes a microprocessor configured to receive input from a torque sensor and a motor sensor. The EPS controller also includes a first field-effect transistor (FET) driver in operative communication with the microprocessor and a first plurality of FETs operatively connected to the first winding of the motor. The EPS controller further includes a second FET driver in operative communication with the microprocessor and a second plurality of FETs operatively connected to the second winding of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Paul M. Fisher, Darryl L. Greathouse, Timothy S. Keister, Eric D. Pattok, Christian E. Ross, Patrik Ryne, Tomy Sebastian
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Patent number: 8726742Abstract: A torque sensing system having a torque sensor, and a steering system, are provided. The torque sensor includes a first rotor having apertures extending therethrough and bar magnets disposed in the apertures. The torque sensor further includes a second rotor defining an interior region with the first rotor being disposed in the interior region. The second rotor has tooth members extending toward the first rotor. The torque sensor further includes first and second Hall effect sensors disposed in an open region of the second rotor proximate to the first rotor. The first and second Hall effect sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, indicative of an amount of torque applied between the first rotor and the second rotor.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Mohammed Rakibul Islam, Matthew Mielke, Christian E. Ross, Scott Blehm
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Publication number: 20130166141Abstract: A steering system for detecting a hand wheel position is provided and includes an input shaft connected to a hand wheel, a main gear disposed around the input shaft, a puck gear meshingly engaged with the main gear, and a control module. The control module receives an angular main position of the main gear and an angular puck position of the puck gear. The control module includes a rotational calculation module for calculating the hand wheel position based on at least the angular main position and the angular puck position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Zaki Ryne, Keith A. Kidder, Tomy Sebastian, Carl D. Tarum, Paul M. Fisher, Christian E. Ross, Scott T. Blehm
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Patent number: 8365628Abstract: A method for designing a pole piece for a power assist steering system, includes: selecting a number of teeth, k, for the pole piece where k=n/2 and n represents an even number of poles; and selecting a ratio between an angle made by an inner tooth tip and an outer tooth tip, ?tp, and an angle made by a magnet pole width, ?mp, to provide a desired torque function for the steering system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Christian E. Ross, Matthew W. Mielke
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Publication number: 20120130674Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for an electric power steering system are provided. The diagnostic system includes a first microprocessor that determines a first relative position value indicating the relative rotational position of the rotatable shaft at the first time based on the signals from first and second position sensors. A second microprocessor determines a second relative position value indicating the relative rotational position of the rotatable shaft at the first time based on the signals from third and fourth position sensors. The first microprocessor determines whether the first relative position value is an acceptable value based on a difference between the first relative position value and the second relative position value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Paul Fisher, Christian E. Ross, Mohammad S. Islam
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Publication number: 20120125138Abstract: A torque sensing system having a torque sensor, and a steering system, are provided. The torque sensor includes a first rotor having apertures extending therethrough and bar magnets disposed in the apertures. The torque sensor further includes a second rotor defining an interior region with the first rotor being disposed in the interior region. The second rotor has tooth members extending toward the first rotor. The torque sensor further includes first and second Hall effect sensors disposed in an open region of the second rotor proximate to the first rotor. The first and second Hall effect sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, indicative of an amount of torque applied between the first rotor and the second rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Mohammed Rakibul Islam, Matthew Mielke, Christian E. Ross, Scott Blehm
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Publication number: 20110282552Abstract: A system and a method for determining an absolute position of a motor shaft in an electric power steering system during an ignition off state are provided. The system includes a microprocessor that energizes first and second position sensors to generate first and second signals, respectively, at a first time, and third and fourth signals, respectively, at a second time. The microprocessor determines a first relative position value based on the first and second signals, and a second relative position value based on the third and fourth signals. The microprocessor determines an amount of relative rotation of the shaft during the ignition off state based on the first and second relative position values, and determines a current absolute position value based on a previously stored absolute position value and the amount of relative rotation of the rotatable shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Abraham Gebregergis, Paul Fisher, Christian E. Ross
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Patent number: 7721616Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that relates to a gear set. The apparatus includes, a housing, a first gear movable in the housing such that a first axis defined by the first gear is repositionable relative to the housing, a second gear in mesh with the first gear, and a second axis defined by the second gear. The apparatus constrains movement of the first axis to a plane containing both the first axis and a line commonly perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and a biasing member that urges the first gear toward the second gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Augustine, Christian E. Ross, Steven J. Collier-Hallman, Mohammad S. Islam
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Publication number: 20080314177Abstract: A method for designing a pole piece for a power assist steering system, includes: selecting a number of teeth, k, for the pole piece where k=n/2 and n represents an even number of poles; and selecting a ratio between an angle made by an inner tooth tip and an outer tooth tip, ?tp, and an angle made by a magnet pole width, ?mp, to provide a desired torque function for the steering system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Christian E. Ross, Matthew W. Mielke
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Patent number: 7188533Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are parallel. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The first and second stator plates form a gap between the lower surface of the first stator plate and the upper surface of the second stator plate. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly and a sensing device disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D Pattok, Mohammad S Islam, Matthew W Mielke, Sainan Feng, Ryan J Pavlawk, Tomy Sebastian, Christian E Ross
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Patent number: 7021160Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are parallel. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The first and second stator plates form a gap between the lower surface of the first stator plate and the upper surface of the second stator plate. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly and a sensing device disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Pattok, Mohammad S. Islam, Matthew W. Mielke, Sainan Feng, Ryan J. Pavlawk, Tomy Sebastian, Christian E. Ross
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Patent number: 6908110Abstract: A collapsible steering column is used with motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a frame. The steering column has an outer jacket and a stationery bracket. The outer jacket is releasably coupled to the frame. The stationery bracket is coupled to the frame. The outer jacket and stationery bracket are collapsible in response to release of the outer jacket from the frame. An electrically actuated brake mechanism is coupled between the stationery bracket and the outer jacket and provides an infinitely variable resistive force to the collapse of the outer jacket and the stationery bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christian E. Ross, Xiaoyu Li, Matthew W. Mielke, James S. Baughman
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Patent number: 6851324Abstract: A variable reluctance rotational displacement sensor with: an annular sleeve; a coil coaxially aligned within the sleeve; a first ring in magnetic communication with the sleeve, coaxially aligned and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. The first ring including a first plurality of axially directed teeth arranged about a circumference of the ring on a front portion thereof. The sensor also includes a second ring in magnetic communication with the first ring and the sleeve, the second ring coaxially aligned and configured to rotate relative to the first ring and the sleeve and including a second plurality of axially directed teeth configured substantially the same as the first plurality of axially directed teeth and oriented adjacent to the first plurality of axially directed teeth on a rear portion of the second ring. The coil generates a signal responsive to a differential displacement between the first and second rings.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Sayeed A. Mir, Tomy Sebastian, Christian E. Ross
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Publication number: 20040250631Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are parallel. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The first and second stator plates form a gap between the lower surface of the first stator plate and the upper surface of the second stator plate. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly and a sensing device disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Eric D. Pattok, Mohammad S. Islam, Matthew W. Mielke, Sainan Feng, Ryan J. Pavlawk, Tomy Sebastian, Christian E. Ross
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Publication number: 20040145324Abstract: An integrated control device for an environmental system comprises a motor that is in mechanical communication with a device forcing fluid through the environmental system and a controller physically mounted to the motor. The controller includes a processor programmed to control the motor and at least one other internal system of said environmental system in response to a thermostat control signal. The other internal system may comprise a heater and/or cooling unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Christian E. Ross, Sayeed A. Mir, Wesley G. Zanardelli, Tomy Sebastian, Tom C. Wong