Patents by Inventor Jack A. Ekchian
Jack A. Ekchian 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: 20210268943Abstract: Embodiments related to the operation of an active seat suspension using prefiltered road data are described. In one embodiment, the prefiltered road data may be filtered to exclude road and/or driving inputs with low frequencies, or long length scales, such as hills, curves Such an embodiment may at least partially reduce operation of an active seat suspension in response to these low frequency long length scale of inputs where displacements of the vehicle may be greater than a range of motion of the active seat suspension while still permitting the active seat suspension to respond to higher frequency inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: ClearMotion Acquisition I LLCInventors: Jack A. EKCHIAN, Pankaj CHOPRA, Ari GORDIN
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Publication number: 20210268942Abstract: Embodiments related to active seat suspensions as well as their methods of operation are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, a failure state of an active seat suspension may be detected after which operation of one or more actuators of the active seat suspension may be limited in response to the detected failure state. In another embodiment, a crash or imminent crash of a vehicle may be detected and an active seat suspension may be operated to lower a seat connected thereto to lower the seat toward an underlying portion of the vehicle. In yet another embodiment, operation of an active seat suspension may be limited to reduce a temperature of the active seat suspension when a rate of change and/or a magnitude of a sensed temperature of an actuator of an active seat suspension is greater than a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: ClearMotion Acquisition I LLCInventors: Pankaj CHOPRA, Jack A. EKCHIAN, Ari GORDIN, Mario Flores ALANIS
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Publication number: 20210221258Abstract: Embodiments related to systems and methods for controlling an active vehicle seat are described. In some embodiments, the active vehicle seat is controlled based at least partly on internal sensor information, external sensor information, and operator input from a user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: ClearMotion Acquisition I LLCInventors: Jack A. Ekchian, Ari Gordin, Pankaj Chopra, Zackary Martin Anderson
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Publication number: 20210172463Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving the performance, response, and durability of an electro-hydraulic active suspension system. The noise caused by hydraulic flow ripple is reduced and system response is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2020Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Clive Tucker, Johannes Schneider, John Giarratana, William G. Near, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Tyson David Sawyer, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian
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Patent number: 10906371Abstract: Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic systems as well as their methods of use are described. Depending on the particular application, the integrated electro-hydraulic systems may exhibit different frequency responses and/or may be integrated into a single combined unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
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Patent number: 10851816Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving the performance, response, and durability of an electro-hydraulic active suspension system. The noise caused by hydraulic flow ripple is reduced and system response is improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Clive Tucker, Johannes Schneider, John Giarratana, William G. Near, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Tyson David Sawyer, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20200223274Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described where multiple linear and/or rotary actuators operate cooperatively in, for example, cross-linked arrangements to control the motion of sprung and unsprung masses in a vehicle. The actuators may include linear primary suspension actuators, spring perch actuators and/or rotary roll-bar actuators that, in some operating modes, are driven directly or indirectly by one or more hydraulic machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2018Publication date: July 16, 2020Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20200055362Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
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Publication number: 20200039316Abstract: In one embodiment, certain aspects of forces at a structural interface applied by one actuator are mitigated by a secondary actuator that applies a secondary force. In some embodiments the secondary actuator applies a static force. In yet another embodiment, an actuator is used to apply a force on a wheel assembly of a vehicle to detect and/or ameliorate the effect of certain tire incongruities.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Jack A. Ekchian, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Marco Giovanardi, David Ta-wei Hsu
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Patent number: 10513161Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
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Publication number: 20190381998Abstract: In some embodiments, a rapid-response active suspension system controls suspension force and position for improving vehicle safety and drivability. The system may interface with various sensors that detect safety critical vehicle states and adjust the suspension of each wheel to improve safety. Pre-crash and collision sensors may notify the active suspension controller of a collision and the stance may be adjusted to improve occupant safety during an impact while maintaining active control of the wheels. Wheel forces may also be controlled to improve the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems such as ABS and ESP in order to improve traction. Also, bi-directional information may be communicated between the active suspension system and other vehicle safety systems such that each system may respond to information provided to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jack A. Ekchian
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Patent number: 10480552Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods that allow for adapting at least one dimension of an accumulator in a hydraulic system when faced with certain dimensional constraints and to vary the compliance or stiffness of an accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Clive Tucker, Jason Steven Sirois, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20190308484Abstract: Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic systems as well as their methods of use are described. Depending on the particular application, the integrated electro-hydraulic systems may exhibit different frequency responses and/or may be integrated into a single combined unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2016Publication date: October 10, 2019Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
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Patent number: 10377371Abstract: In some embodiments, a rapid-response active suspension system controls suspension force and position for improving vehicle safety and drivability. The system may interface with various sensors that detect safety critical vehicle states and adjust the suspension of each wheel to improve safety. Pre-crash and collision sensors may notify the active suspension controller of a collision and the stance may be adjusted to improve occupant safety during an impact while maintaining active control of the wheels. Wheel forces may also be controlled to improve the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems such as ABS and ESP in order to improve traction. Also, bi-directional information may be communicated between the active suspension system and other vehicle safety systems such that each system may respond to information provided to the other.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20180216639Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods that allow for adapting at least one dimension of an accumulator in a hydraulic system when faced with certain dimensional constraints and to vary the compliance or stiffness of an accumulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Clive Tucker, Jason Steven Sirois, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20180162186Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
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Patent number: 9868332Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
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Patent number: 9702424Abstract: Hydraulic bump stops and bi-directional diverter valves may be used to protect hydraulic systems, including, for example in one embodiment, the hydraulic actuators of an active suspension system, from damage due to operation outside the normal operating range of the system. In some embodiments, a hydraulic bump stop may be used to slow down the motion of a piston at the extremes of the compression and/or extension strokes of an actuator. In another embodiment, a diverter valve may be used to protect a hydraulic motor/pump in a hydraulic system from an over-speed condition. When the piston in an active suspension system actuator moves at a speed in excess of a threshold value, one or more diverter valves may be used to divert flow away from the hydraulic motor/pump. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be a dual or single spool bi-directional diverter valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Clive Tucker, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20170137023Abstract: In some embodiments, a rapid-response active suspension system controls suspension force and position for improving vehicle safety and drivability. The system may interface with various sensors that detect safety critical vehicle states and adjust the suspension of each wheel to improve safety. Pre-crash and collision sensors may notify the active suspension controller of a collision and the stance may be adjusted to improve occupant safety during an impact while maintaining active control of the wheels. Wheel forces may also be controlled to improve the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems such as ABS and ESP in order to improve traction. Also, bi-directional information may be communicated between the active suspension system and other vehicle safety systems such that each system may respond to information provided to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jack A. Ekchian
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Publication number: 20170136842Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan