Patents by Inventor Duane R. Pillar

Duane R. Pillar 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).

  • Patent number: 5607028
    Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. A dead band may be employed which maintains the rear wheels in a straight ahead position when the front wheel angle does not exceed the dead band value. The maximum rear wheel cramp angle may also be controlled as a function of vehicle speed. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: Eric E. Braun, Duane R. Pillar, Curtis Halgrimson
  • Patent number: 5417299
    Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. Further, the operator may select from a plurality of relational curves, polynomial equations, tabulated values as well as a plurality of manually selectable modes including an independent rear wheel steering mode. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Duane R. Pillar, Michael C. Wrege, Calvin J. Kraning