Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Bell

Christopher D. Bell 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).

  • Method and apparatus for monitoring the coefficient of friction between a tire and rolling surface, particularly to provide the vehicle operator with coefficient of friction, tire tread wear out and skid warning indications
    Patent number: 5864056
    Abstract: A method for providing skid warning, a qualitative assessment of the coefficient of friction in the footprint of each tire, and a tire tread wear out indication to a vehicle operator or other automatic systems, is described. The method uses tread force sensors, which can be installed in a tire with minimal changes to tire materials and manufacturing methods, or after tire manufacture. Tread forces within the footprint of a tire are sensed by means of embedded sensors anchored at one end to the tire structure, and at the other end to the tire tread, such that slipping of small discrete tread elements in contact with the roadway can be detected; thereby enabling the determination of the coefficient of friction before the entire footprint slips. Furthermore, coupling of the sensors between the tire structure and the tread within a small area, enables the system to use tire deformation-induced tread gripping forces to determine the coefficient of friction without the presence of maneuvering loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventors: Larry D. Bell, Christopher D. Bell