Patents by Inventor David W. Howells
David W. Howells 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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Publication number: 20250145123Abstract: A system for controlling a wheel brake on an auxiliary axle of a vehicle includes an electro-pneumatic drive axle brake control valve that deliver fluid pressure from a fluid source to a drive axle wheel brake on a drive axle of the vehicle responsive to an electronic control signal. An auxiliary axle brake control valve delivers fluid pressure from the electro-pneumatic drive axle brake control valve to an auxiliary axle wheel brake on the auxiliary axle of the vehicle responsive to a fluid pressure control signal. A fluid control signal generating valve generates the fluid pressure control signal responsive to a command to apply a steer axle wheel brake on a steer axle of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2023Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: Ryan S. Hurley, David W. Howell, Brandon Ferrell, Randy J. Salvatora
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Patent number: 12257986Abstract: When a leak occurs in one service circuit of a multi-circuit braking system, the leak can prevent replenishing the non-leaking service reservoir. To address this problem, a shared backup reservoir can be used to replenish the non-leaking service reservoir. A valve can be used to allow flow from the backup reservoir to whichever service reservoir is under higher pressure, as low pressure would indicate a leak. Additional valve(s) can be used to impede flow from the service reservoirs to the backup reservoir to prevent the service reservoirs from being drained if the backup reservoir is subject to a leak.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: David W. Howell
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Publication number: 20240174208Abstract: A dual-control electro-pneumatic foot brake system and method are provided for use with a vehicle having multiple foot brake modules that communicate electronic signals to an electronic brake controller. As a backup feature in case there is a problem with the electron braking system, one of the foot brake modules provides pneumatic pressure to the other foot brake module, which supplies the provided pneumatic pressure to various components of the vehicle's braking system. Other alternatives are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2022Publication date: May 30, 2024Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Jeremy Beaulieu, Anthony M. Pitts, David W. Howell, Alexander J. Augoustidis, Chitti Kolli
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Publication number: 20240116992Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for stabilizing enzymes. Also provided are systems, compositions and methods for using the stabilized enzymes to produce a desired compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2022Publication date: April 11, 2024Applicant: Bondwell Technologies LPInventors: David W. Howell, Sarah E. Bondos, Rebecca M. Booth, Christi Parham, Dat P. Truong, Rebecca E. Skouby
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Publication number: 20240067147Abstract: When a leak occurs in one service circuit of a multi-circuit braking system, the leak can prevent replenishing the non-leaking service reservoir. To address this problem, a shared backup reservoir can be used to replenish the non-leaking service reservoir. A valve can be used to allow flow from the backup reservoir to whichever service reservoir is under higher pressure, as low pressure would indicate a leak. Additional valve(s) can be used to impede flow from the service reservoirs to the backup reservoir to prevent the service reservoirs from being drained if the backup reservoir is subject to a leak.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: David W. Howell
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Patent number: 11260690Abstract: A wheel speed sensor assembly includes a sensor having a housing configured to be received within a bore in a mounting block such that the sensor is spaced from, and faces, an exciter ring and senses rotation of the exciter ring. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a key on a radially outer surface having first and second portions having different heights. The first portion is configured to be received within a first keyway that is formed in the mounting block and is in communication with the bore in the mounting block. A clamping sleeve is configured to secure the sensor within the bore in the mounting block. The clamping sleeve defines a bore configured to receive the housing of the sensor and a second keyway in communication with the bore in the clamping sleeve. The second portion of the key is received within the second keyway.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Nianqing Zhou, Alexander J. Augoustidis, Anthony J. Cydzik, David W. Howell, Pravin Jawarikar, Amadeus Mlynarski, Tobias Rohse
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Publication number: 20210300111Abstract: A wheel speed sensor assembly includes a sensor having a housing configured to be received within a bore in a mounting block such that the sensor is spaced from, and faces, an exciter ring and senses rotation of the exciter ring. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a key on a radially outer surface having first and second portions having different heights. The first portion is configured to be received within a first keyway that is formed in the mounting block and is in communication with the bore in the mounting block. A clamping sleeve is configured to secure the sensor within the bore in the mounting block. The clamping sleeve defines a bore configured to receive the housing of the sensor and a second keyway in communication with the bore in the clamping sleeve. The second portion of the key is received within the second keyway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Nianqing Zhou, Alexander J. Augoustidis, Anthony J. Cydzik, David W. Howell, Pravin Jawarikar, Amadeus Mlynarski, Tobias Rohse
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Patent number: 10850716Abstract: A controller comprises an electronic communication line configured to receive a system brake request control signal representing a requested system brake application and an identified urgency.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Randy J Salvatora, Michael D Tober, Nicholas A Broyles, Andrew J Pilkington, David W Howell, Thomas S Miller, Jr., Daniel T Boyce, Parth Kalra, Subashish Sasmal
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Patent number: 10543820Abstract: A vehicle braking system for a vehicle combination includes a first brake axle including a first actuatable brake, a second brake axle including a second actuatable brake, a third brake axle including a third actuatable brake, a first valve controlling actuation of the first actuatable brake and actuation of the second actuatable brake, and a second valve controlling actuation of the second actuatable brake and actuation of the third actuatable brake.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Paul C Niglas, Michael D Tober, David W Howell
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Patent number: 10473228Abstract: A solenoid valve comprises first, second, and third ports. The solenoid valve further comprises an armature movable between a first position in which fluid flow from the second port to the third port is blocked and fluid flow from the first port to the third port is unblocked and a second position in which fluid flow from the second port to the third port is unblocked and fluid flow from the first port to the third port is blocked. The fluid flow in the second position is blocked until fluid pressure at the first port exceeds fluid pressure at the third port by a predetermined amount to thereby provide check valve functionality. The check valve functionality is integral to the armature. The solenoid valve also comprises an energizeable solenoid that, when energized, moves the armature from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Christopher H Hutchins, David W Howell, Thanh Ho, Tarah L Peabody
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Patent number: 10328918Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: David W. Howell
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Publication number: 20180355994Abstract: A solenoid valve with an integrated check valve functionality is provided. The solenoid valve comprises first, second, and third ports. The solenoid valve further comprises an armature movable between a first position in which fluid flow from the second port to the third port is blocked and fluid flow from the first port to the third port is unblocked and a second position in which fluid flow from the second port to the third port is unblocked and fluid flow from the first port to the third port is blocked until fluid pressure at the first port exceeds fluid pressure at the third port by a predetermined amount of fluid pressure to thereby provide the check valve functionality. The check valve functionality is integral to the armature. The solenoid valve also comprises an energizeable solenoid for, when energized, moves the armature from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Christopher H Hutchins, David W Howell, Thanh Ho, Tarah L Peabody
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Patent number: 10150457Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve. In another embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve only when no first control pressure is delivered through the first solenoid valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: David W Howell, Paul C Niglas, Michael D Tober, Gerhard Wieder
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Patent number: 10131338Abstract: Various embodiments of a heat-exchange dryer apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat-exchange dryer apparatus includes a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, a purge-air reservoir secured to the desiccant cartridge, and a compressed-air conduit disposed inside the purge-air reservoir. In another embodiment, a vehicle air-brake system includes an air compressor, a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, and a heat exchange dryer apparatus disposed between the compressor and the desiccant. The temperature of the compressed air is decreased while the temperature of the purge air is increased and the desiccant adsorbs a greater amount of contaminants form the compressed air for improved drying.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: David W. Howell, Fred W. Hoffman
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Patent number: 10131336Abstract: A valve includes at least one of an electrical port adapted to receive an electronic control signal and a pneumatic control port adapted to receive a pneumatic control signal. The valve also includes a pneumatic delivery port. The pneumatic delivery port is adapted to transmit a pneumatic fluid, based on the at least one of the received electronic control signal and the received pneumatic control signal, from a second independent source to control i) a second associated service brake and ii) delivery of the pneumatic fluid from a first independent source to control a first associated service brake.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, David W. Howell, Gerhard Wieder, Adnan Mustapha, Friedbert Roether
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Publication number: 20180265063Abstract: A vehicle braking system for a vehicle combination includes a first brake axle including a first actuatable brake, a second brake axle including a second actuatable brake, a third brake axle including a third actuatable brake, a first valve controlling actuation of the first actuatable brake and actuation of the second actuatable brake, and a second valve controlling actuation of the second actuatable brake and actuation of the third actuatable brake.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, David W. Howell
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Publication number: 20180086324Abstract: A valve includes at least one of an electrical port adapted to receive an electronic control signal and a pneumatic control port adapted to receive a pneumatic control signal. The valve also includes a pneumatic delivery port. The pneumatic delivery port is adapted to transmit a pneumatic fluid, based on the at least one of the received electronic control signal and the received pneumatic control signal, from a second independent source to control i) a second associated service brake and ii) delivery of the pneumatic fluid from a first independent source to control a first associated service brake.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2016Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, David W. Howell, Gerhard Wieder, Adnan Mustapha, Friedbert Roether
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Publication number: 20170355357Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventor: David W. Howell
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Publication number: 20170313291Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve. In another embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve only when no first control pressure is delivered through the first solenoid valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: David W. Howell, Paul C. Niglas, Michael D. Tober, Gerhard Wieder
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Publication number: 20160368469Abstract: Various embodiments of a heat-exchange dryer apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat-exchange dryer apparatus includes a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, a purge-air reservoir secured to the desiccant cartridge, and a compressed-air conduit disposed inside the purge-air reservoir. In another embodiment, a vehicle air-brake system includes an air compressor, a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, and a heat exchange dryer apparatus disposed between the compressor and the desiccant. The temperature of the compressed air is decreased while the temperature of the purge air is increased and the desiccant adsorbs a greater amount of contaminants form the compressed air for improved drying.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: David W. Howell, Fred W. Hoffman