Patents by Inventor Erwin Petersen

Erwin Petersen 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: 6264289
    Abstract: Implementation of a travel dynamics control system in a vehicle is facilitated by integration of same with other operational components of an electrically controlled vehicle braking system. In an embodiment of the invention, travel dynamics electronics are integrated with the braking system electronics. In another embodiment, a yawing speed sensor and a transverse acceleration sensor are integrated with the travel dynamics electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Wabco GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Franke, Klaus Gläbe, Bodo Klein, Ralf Koschorek, Erwin Petersen, Thomas Reich, Christian Wiehen
  • Patent number: 6108601
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle with one or several driven axles, as well as with corresponding equalizing gears and/or power dividers for the compensation of differences in the speeds of the wheels, the spinning of wheels and/or axles is avoided through the use of braking devices for the braking of individual wheels, in conjunction with locking devices for the above-mentioned equalizing gears and/or power dividers. Upon reaching a predetermined speed difference value between the drive axles, a reduction of this speed difference is first brought about by actuation of the corresponding braking devices. When a predetermined approach tendency of the wheel speeds to each other is reached, a synchronization of the wheels is obtained by actuating the appropriate locking device. In this manner, a synchronization of rotating parts is achieved during any speed behavior of the rotating parts, without damage to parts of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf-Christian Breithor, Erwin Petersen, Horst Deike, Detlef Schmidt, Klaus Lindemann
  • Patent number: 5531288
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an activation apparatus for a differential pawl. Such activation apparatus is designed to prevent damage to components of the differential pawl and/or of the drive train resulting from operator error. When a drive wheel slips, a monitoring means acquires a slip signal; and when a wheel slip signal is present, an interrupt means, which can be provided as a switching apparatus, prevents the preassurization of a pressure-medium-operated actuator of the activation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Deike, Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 5496096
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of and an apparatus for regulating an electrically regulated brake circuit of a multi-circuit brake mechanism. To eliminate the cost of brake pressure modulators, this invention measures the brake value of a pressure signal regulated brake circuit and transforms it into an electric brake value signal to regulate or co-regulate the electrically regulated brake circuit in a normal mode of operation by this brake value signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Petersen, Manfred Schult
  • Patent number: 5436836
    Abstract: An electronic regulating system for regulating the supply of pressure medium to each brake cylinder of a vehicle having a plurality of wheels thereby preventing spinning of the wheels upon starting and locking of the wheels upon braking, comprises wheel speed sensors which detect the rotation of the wheels and which produce signals indicative of the individual rotational speeds of the wheels, and an electronic control unit which monitors the individual rotational speeds of the wheels and which controls the supply of the pressure medium to the brake cylinders based on the individual rotational speeds. The electronic control unit includes a speed signal processor which receives the signals produced by the wheel speed sensors and which determines the individual rotational speeds of the wheels and a vehicle reference speed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: W A B C O Standard GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Holtz, Helmut Pannbacker, Erwin Petersen, Gerald Stanusch
  • Patent number: 5265468
    Abstract: An error detection and display system for an apparatus having first and second operating states comprises a testing device, a display unit (e.g., a warning light), and a switch-on control unit. The testing device runs primary error test cycles for detecting errors of a first kind which occur during the first operating state of the apparatus (e.g., a vehicle at standstill), and secondary error test cycles which occur and can be detected only in the second state of the apparatus (e.g., the vehicle moving above a predetermined minimum speed). The system also includes a non-volatile memory wherein all occurrences of errors of the second kind are stored. The switch-on control unit switches on the testing device and the warning light when the vehicle is first started. If no error of the first kind is detected by the testing device and no error of the second kind is stored in the error memory, the switch-on control unit switches off the warning light while the vehicle is still at a standstill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: WABCO Standard GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Holst, Harald Kaess, Erwin Petersen, Johann Rothen, Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Patent number: 5189391
    Abstract: A method for the surveillance of a brake device includes an indirect measurement of temperature of a selected device component, for example a brake drum, of a brake device. A warning signal is furnished, if this measured temperature reaches a maximum permissible value. The invention method is quick by employing the pressure-dependent deformation characterizing curve (11) of the device component heated to the permissible temperature. The device component represented by the brake drum (1) can heat to the maximum permissible temperature and is placed under surveillance during a brake actuation based on deformation and pressure measurement. It is then determined if the actual values reach or exceed the deformation characterizing curve (11). The invention apparatus is used in connection with brake devices in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Feldmann, Erwin Petersen, Manfred Schult
  • Patent number: 5181418
    Abstract: The invention device monitors the pressure of a measurement chamber subjected to the pressure prevailing in a vehicle tire. A pressure-sensitive device scans the tire pressure with a pressure measurement member in a measurement chamber. In case of a tire-pressure drop, the tire pressure is used to actuate an auxiliary actuator (3, 24, 26). The auxiliary actuator genrates the regulating distance (s) dependent on a tire pressure drop below a pressure value required for an actuation of the actuator (13). The regulating distance (s) is recognizable by a sensor. The invention device is suitable for providing a permanent signal even in case of an absence of pressure in the measurement chamber (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Bartscher, Gunther Singbartl, Erwin Petersen, Helmut Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5130928
    Abstract: This invention provides an anti-lock and/or an anti-slip apparatus for commercial-type vehicles, in which there is a front axle and two live rear axles. The apparatus includes an electronic system as part of the anti-lock and/or anti-slip system. Such electronic system is preferably a four-channel system. To improve the quality of regulation during acceleration and braking, there is an additional speed sensor for the direct or indirect monitoring of the angular velocity of the cardan shaft. The electronic system determines whether the rotational speed of the cardan shaft varies from the average speed of the monitored wheels (vehicle reference speed). If a variance is determined, the electronic system activates measures for an alarm indicator, the regulation of the retarder acting on the drive train and/or for the synchronization and subsequent locking of the longitudinal differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 5101754
    Abstract: A device for the surveillance of the pressure of a vehicle tire includes a pressure-sensitive device which senses the tire pressure and generates, in case of a pressure loss in the tire, a pressure change signal. A set member is actuated with this pressure change signal such that the signal member performs a stroke. A sensor tests the position of the set member and recognizes when the tire pressure is too low. A pressure-sensitive device (1) includes a check valve (9, 12), opening toward the pressure discharge port (3). The pressure at the pressure discharge port (3) can be blocked versus the tire pressure based on the check valve (9, 12). The invention device is suitable for furnishing a continuous signal up to the complete emptying of a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen
    Inventors: Peter Bartscher, Erwin Petersen, Erich Reinecke, Gunther Singbartl, Manfred Schniggenfittich, Gerhard Stegemann, Helmut Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5079947
    Abstract: A method for the approximate determination of the average temperature of a device component of a brake device. The average temperature is determined by the deformation of the device component at the start of a brake actuation and at a point in time t.sub.1 following said start as well as by a temperature-dependent change of the elasticity module of the material of the device component. The method is particularly useful for surveillance of brake devices of vehicles with respect to overloading and fading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Feldmann, Erwin Petersen, Manfred Schult
  • Patent number: 5031716
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive engagement control and speed governor system for a vehicle which is capable of adapting a prior art system, known as a DEC/G system, to different types of vehicles. To accomplish this, the invention provides a valve system having fluid pressure delivery as a function of the magnitude of the control signal fed by an electronic control system. According to this invention, the electronic control system transmits a control signal to the valve system which is only sufficient to eliminate the spinning of a drive wheel on such vehicle or to eliminate exceeding of a predetermined maximum speed by an operator of such vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: WABCO Standard GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Feldmann, Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 4962690
    Abstract: A relay valve unit having a control pressure communication line for the relay valve equipped with a reducer unit so that when activating the relay valve, any delay is either non-existent or negligibly larger than would be required for the complete opening of the relay valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: WABCO Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Moller, Erwin Petersen, Johann Rothen
  • Patent number: 4925254
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for vehicles with an electronic system which regulates the braking pressure of a monitored wheel as a function of the wheel speed, so that locking is prevented. The system is designed so that each wheel has its own speed sensor, and both wheels of one axle are pressurized with pressure medium by means of a joint control valve controlled by the electronic system. This arrangement corresponds to that of a select-low regulation. To shorten the extended braking distance on roads with different traction on each side, which occurs with a select-low regulation, the control system is designed so that when a retard signal (-b) occurs, the electronic system does not switch as usual to "remove pressure", but, at least until the occurrence of a slip signal (.lambda.), the control valve is switched to the "maintain pressure" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Holst, Klaus Lindemann, Manfred Saba, Hans-Harald Kaess, Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 4903576
    Abstract: A solenoid-controlled valve arrangement is provided which includes a relay valve having in its control line a series arrangement of a shut-off valve and a shifting valve. Each of the shut-off valve and the shifting valve is solenoid-controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Wabco Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Hofler, Johannes Moller, Erwin Petersen, Johann Rothen
  • Patent number: 4861115
    Abstract: An electrically-controlled motor vehicle brake system, which responds to fluid pressure supplied from a common source. The system includes an electronic control system to process information and issue brake commands. A brake cylinder, to apply and release brake pressure on each respective wheel brake, receives pressure from at least one solenoid valve, connected to receive pressure from the source. The pressure is communicated to the brake cylinder of each respective wheel brake upon receipt of a control signal from the control system. A brake power selector includes both a pedal-operated brake valve, connected on an input side to receive pressure from the source, and connected on an output side to a ventilation portion of the solenoid valve for modulating the brake pressure, and an electrical frequency selector is connected to provide an input signal to the electronic control system upon actuation by an operator of such vehicle during a brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 4824178
    Abstract: An electrically-controlled fluid pressure responsive brake system, in which a solenoid valve is installed between a manual brake valve and a parking brake. The parking brake is equipped with a spring actuator. The solenoid valve can be positioned by an electronic system into an open position only when an ignition switch has been turned on and the brake system has been successfully tested by the electronic system. The test can be initiated by pressing the brake pedal all the way to the floor. The solenoid valve allows the release of the parking brake only if the brake system is intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 4819995
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having an anti-locking brake system and a drive traction regulation system. The vehicle has one drive axle and a non-driven front or rear axle and is equipped with a preferably four-channel ABS/ASR electronic system. The invention provides between the brake cylinders of the drive axle and the front or rear axle a double check valve on each side. Both double check valves are activated together by one brake line. This arrangement prevents the non-driven wheels of the front or rear axle from being braked undesirably when the drive traction regulation system of the driven wheels is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Wabco Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Lohmann, Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 4805715
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an activation apparatus for a differential pawl. Such activation apparatus is designed to prevent damage to components of the differential pawl and/or of the drive train resulting from operator error. According to the invention, when a drive wheel slips, a first apparatus acquires a slip signal; and when a slip signal is present, a second apparatus prevents the pressurization of a pressure-medium-operated actuator apparatus of the activation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Deike, Erwin Petersen
  • Patent number: 4784442
    Abstract: A setpont adjuster for a brake pedal in a motor vehicle to control an electric brake system. The setpoint adjuster includes a displacement sensor and a force sensor in parallel-connection, in which the force sensor supplies the reference value. Electronic main circuits are connected subsequently to the sensors and test the signals of the sensors for reasonableness according to different criteria and control a warning light in case of a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Petersen