Patents by Inventor Johann Lucas

Johann Lucas 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).

  • Publication number: 20250196561
    Abstract: For a vehicle with a front axle (1) and at least two suspended rear axles (2, 3), a level relative to the roadway can be adjusted by t controlling pressurized suspension elements (7, 8) arranged on the rear axles (2, 3), where the rear axles (2, 3) are each driven electrically by an electric motor (10) controlled by at least one control unit (11). A separate transmission (13) with a shifting element that operates with interlock is associated with each rear axle (2, 3), and at least one control device (15) is associated with the rear axles (2, 3). The control device is designed to detect the occurrence of a shifting process at one of the rear axles (2, 3), and as a function of the occurrence of the shifting process, to reduce the pressure of the pressurized suspension elements (7, 8) of the rear axle (2, 3) being shifted and to increase the pressure of the pressurized suspension elements (7, 8) of the other rear axle (2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2024
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Spühler, Eike Helm, Konrad Feyerabend, Johann Lucas
  • Patent number: 12275285
    Abstract: A mechanically suspended vehicle has a travel measurement device (9), a control unit (10) and an algorithm stored in the control unit (10). The algorithm performs a method for determining an axle load. In a first test routine a level signal of a travel measurement device is acquired and evaluated, wherein, in a loading operation of the vehicle, a loading curve (F_i) is determined, and, in an unloading operation of the vehicle, an unloading curve (F_u) is determined. The values of the two curves are used to calculate an averaged load-travel characteristic curve (F_m) to be stored in the control unit. After each start of the vehicle, an axle load determination routine is repeated cyclically, and axle load values are continuously determined with the averaged load-travel characteristic curve (F_m). An axle load average value is calculated from the axle load values and displayed as the current axle load value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventors: Johann Lucas, Andreas Thimm, Sebastian Jermis, Britta Warnecke
  • Patent number: 12240286
    Abstract: An air suspension control system is for a vehicle with a first and a second axle. The system has an auxiliary control unit connected to a main control unit via a data link. The auxiliary unit has a pressure sensor associated with the first axle for determining pressure measurements of the first axle as pressure sensor signals and an input for receiving height sensor signals. The input can be connected to a first height sensor on the first axle for receiving first height signals and to a second height sensor on the second axle for receiving second height signals. The auxiliary unit is adapted to transmit the first and/or second height sensor signals and/or the pressure sensor signals to the main unit. The main unit is adapted to carry out weighing for the first and/or second axle in dependence on the first and/or second height signals and/or the pressure signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventor: Johann Lucas
  • Patent number: 12172485
    Abstract: A module is provided for an air suspension system of a vehicle, the module having a sensor interface for connecting to a sensor, in particular a displacement sensor, a valve, in particular an electropneumatic valve, and a data interface. This sensor interface is configured to receive sensor values from the sensor. The data interface is configured to output sensor values received via the sensor interface to a control device, and to receive control commands for controlling the valve from the control device. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a control device, an air suspension system, a vehicle, a vehicle trailer, a method for operating an air suspension system, and a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventors: Stefan Filter, Johann Lucas
  • Publication number: 20240308445
    Abstract: A system includes multiple drive modules, each for at least one actuator of a wheel or an axle of a vehicle. Each drive module has a bus interface for connecting to a bus, a switching signal input and a switching signal output. The drive module is configured to operate in an operating mode and a learning mode. The drive module has a switch and is configured to use the switch in the operating mode to conductively connect the switching signal input to the switching signal output and, after a transition from the operating mode to the learning mode, to interrupt the connection between the switching signal input and the switching signal output. The drive modules are connected in series via the switching signal inputs and switching signal outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Sohn, Ralph Schumacher, Carsten Lehr, Johann Lucas
  • Patent number: 12076751
    Abstract: There as herein defined a pneumatic conveying system comprising a cyclonic feed apparatus. In particular, there is described a pneumatic conveying system comprising a vessel (e.g. a cyclonic separator) in combination with a sifting device (e.g. a centrifugal device) which is capable of separating pneumatically conveyed material into oversize powder discharge (e.g. waste material) and fine powder discharge (e.g. valuable product material).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Schenck Process LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Goodwin, Matheus Johannes Lucas
  • Publication number: 20240217300
    Abstract: Sensor device for determining the spatial position of the coachwork or body of a vehicle wherein inclinations or existing distances in each case relative to one another of the body or coachwork and axles or chassis and/or road surface are measurable via the sensor device and the signals from the sensor device corresponding to the determined inclinations or distances are transmittable to an electronic control device of a level-regulating system and are processable there in a regulating algorithm, wherein the sensor device has a combination of at least one distance-measuring sensor and an inclination sensor, and also an electronic evaluation unit, wherein the sensor signals from both sensors are processable by the electronic evaluation unit and are transmittable to the electronic control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Stefan Filter, Oliver Kortmann, Johann Lucas, Oliver Topic
  • Patent number: 11975582
    Abstract: An air suspension control system (ECAS, electronic controlled air suspension) (10) for a utility vehicle, such as a truck or the like, or for a passenger car, includes a main control unit (12) for operating the air suspension control system (10) and at least two auxiliary control units (14) connected to the main control unit (12) via a data link (16). The auxiliary control units (14) each have at least one output (18) for actuating at least one actuator (20) which can be connected to the output (18), in particular an adjustment drive (28) for a valve (30). Furthermore, at least one function for generating control signals at the output (18) can be stored in the auxiliary control units (14), and the main control unit (12) is adapted to call up and/or to parameterize at least the stored functions by transmitting commands via the data link (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Zak, Stefan Filter, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Nosrat Moradi Dehdezi, Andreas Thimm
  • Patent number: 11958330
    Abstract: Assembly in a compressed air system of a vehicle provided with an air ride suspension, the assembly being configured to lift the vehicle body by filling at least one air spring, the solenoid valves being switchable in cooperation with an electronic control device, and the assembly including a pressure line for filling the air springs, and the pressure line including a first branch line connectable to the pressure line via a pilot-controlled solenoid valve for filling the air springs and including first supply pipes and pilot-controlled solenoid valves for each air spring as well as a second branch line for providing a control pressure which includes second supply pipes for the pilot-controlled solenoid valves, wherein the second branch line is connected to the pressure line via a check valve, the check valve providing a block position against venting or pressure drop in the second branch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Global GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
  • Patent number: 11701939
    Abstract: In a method for determining an axle load on a mechanically and/or pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle, the axle load is determined with the aid of control and sensor means that are installed in the vehicle and/or functionally enhanced. Functions for axle load determination at mechanically suspended vehicle axles (4) and for axle load determination at pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axles (2) are available. In a mechanically suspended vehicle axle (4) a distance measuring unit (9), and in a pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axle (2) a pressure measuring unit (7) are used to determine the axle load. An initial plausibility check is implemented in an electronic control unit (10) of the level control system (1), on the basis of which the level control system (1) identifies the particular suspension type, mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic, of a vehicle axle (2, 4) and, thereafter, the appropriate function for axle load determination is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
  • Publication number: 20230130275
    Abstract: Assembly in a compressed air system of a vehicle provided with an air ride suspension, the assembly being configured to lift the vehicle body by filling at least one air spring, the solenoid valves being switchable in cooperation with an electronic control device, and the assembly including a pressure line for filling the air springs, and the pressure line including a first branch line connectable to the pressure line via a pilot-controlled solenoid valve for filling the air springs and including first supply pipes and pilot-controlled solenoid valves for each air spring as well as a second branch line for providing a control pressure which includes second supply pipes for the pilot-controlled solenoid valves, wherein the second branch line is connected to the pressure line via a check valve, the check valve providing a block position against venting or pressure drop in the second branch line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
  • Patent number: 11601746
    Abstract: An audio headset sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) providing the operative functionality for true wireless headphones/headset (100) includes circuitry operative to effect wireless communication and audio signal processing, and a battery (212). These circuits and battery (212) are contained in a sealed enclosure (610, 710, 1210, 1310). In one embodiment, the sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) includes all electronic components for wireless communications and audio signal processing, and a battery (212), but does not include a speaker. A microphone (240) may be part of the sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) or may be external. In another embodiment, a speaker (230) is part of the sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) as well. The sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) may include several cavities (1254, 1252) and vents (1264, 1262) before and behind the speaker (230) for optimal acoustic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: DOPPLE IP B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Lucas Schreuder
  • Publication number: 20220288991
    Abstract: A mechanically suspended vehicle has a travel measurement device (9), a control unit (10) and an algorithm stored in the control unit (10). The algorithm performs a method for determining an axle load. In a first test routine a level signal of a travel measurement device is acquired and evaluated, wherein, in a loading operation of the vehicle, a loading curve (F_i) is determined, and, in an unloading operation of the vehicle, an unloading curve (F_u) is determined. The values of the two curves are used to calculate an averaged load-travel characteristic curve (F_m) to be stored in the control unit. After each start of the vehicle, an axle load determination routine is repeated cyclically, and axle load values are continuously determined with the averaged load-travel characteristic curve (F_m). An axle load average value is calculated from the axle load values and displayed as the current axle load value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Johann Lucas, Andreas Thimm, Sebastian Jermis, Britta Warnecke
  • Publication number: 20220234409
    Abstract: An air suspension control system is for a vehicle with a first and a second axle. The system has an auxiliary control unit connected to a main control unit via a data link. The auxiliary unit has a pressure sensor associated with the first axle for determining pressure measurements of the first axle as pressure sensor signals and an input for receiving height sensor signals. The input can be connected to a first height sensor on the first axle for receiving first height signals and to a second height sensor on the second axle for receiving second height signals. The auxiliary unit is adapted to transmit the first and/or second height sensor signals and/or the pressure sensor signals to the main unit. The main unit is adapted to carry out weighing for the first and/or second axle in dependence on the first and/or second height signals and/or the pressure signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventor: Johann Lucas
  • Publication number: 20220234411
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a module for an air suspension system of a vehicle, the module having a sensor interface for connecting to a sensor, in particular a displacement sensor, a valve, in particular an electropneumatic valve, and a data interface. This sensor interface is configured to receive sensor values from the sensor. The data interface is configured to output sensor values received via the sensor interface to a control device, and to receive control commands for controlling the valve from the control device. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a control device, an air suspension system, a vehicle, a vehicle trailer, a method for operating an air suspension system, and a computer program product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Stefan Filter, Johann Lucas
  • Publication number: 20210245567
    Abstract: An air suspension control system (ECAS, electronic controlled air suspension) (10) for a utility vehicle, such as a truck or the like, or for a passenger car, includes a main control unit (12) for operating the air suspension control system (10)and at least two auxiliary control units (14) connected to the main control unit (12) via a data link (16). The auxiliary control units (14) each have at least one output (18) for actuating at least one actuator (20) which can be connected to the output (18), in particular an adjustment drive (28) for a valve (30). Furthermore, at least one function for generating control signals at the output (18) can be stored in the auxiliary control units (14), and the main control unit (12) is adapted to call up and/or to parameterize at least the stored functions by transmitting commands via the data link (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Zak, Stefan Filter, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Nosrat Moradi Dehdezi, Andreas Thimm
  • Publication number: 20210176557
    Abstract: An audio headset sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) providing the operative functionality for true wireless headphones/headset (100) includes circuitry operative to effect wireless communication and audio signal processing, and a battery (212). These circuits and battery (212) are contained in a sealed enclosure (610, 710, 1210, 1310). In one embodiment, the sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) includes all electronic components for wireless communications and audio signal processing, and a battery (212), but does not include a speaker. A microphone (240) may be part of the sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) or may be external. In another embodiment, a speaker (230) is part of the sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) as well. The sub-assembly (600, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500) may include several cavities (1254, 1252) and vents (1264, 1262) before and behind the speaker (230) for optimal acoustic performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventor: Johannes Lucas Schreuder
  • Publication number: 20200406700
    Abstract: In a method for determining an axle load on a mechanically and/or pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle, the axle load is determined with the aid of control and sensor means that are installed in the vehicle and/or functionally enhanced. Functions for axle load determination at mechanically suspended vehicle axles (4) and for axle load determination at pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axles (2) are available. In a mechanically suspended vehicle axle (4) a distance measuring unit (9), and in a pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axle (2) a pressure measuring unit (7) are used to determine the axle load. An initial plausibility check is implemented in an electronic control unit (10) of the level control system (1), on the basis of which the level control system (1) identifies the particular suspension type, mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic, of a vehicle axle (2, 4) and, thereafter, the appropriate function for axle load determination is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
  • Patent number: 10727624
    Abstract: A strain relief arrangement (4) for a connecting cable (2) has a threaded pin (12), clamping tongues (13), a union nut (3), an enlarged diameter (10, 11) on the threaded pin (12), an extension (15), and a passage bore (25) for the connecting cable (2). By screwing of the union nut (3) onto the threaded pin (12), the clamping tongues (13) move inward and press against the connecting cable (2) for strain relief. The extension (15) is non-round, and an opening (6) of a carrier element (5) is complementary (7, 8) to the extension (15). An enlarged region (16) of the extension (15) has a circumferential groove (20) adjacent to the enlarged diameter (10, 11). The extension (15) can be introduced into the opening (6) of the carrier element (5) and can be fastened by rotation in the opening (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBA
    Inventors: Thomas Stellmacher, Ingo Brinkmeier, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
  • Publication number: 20190356088
    Abstract: A strain relief arrangement (4) for a connecting cable (2) has a threaded pin (12), clamping tongues (13), a union nut (3), an enlarged diameter (10, 11) on the threaded pin (12), an extension (15), and a passage bore (25) for the connecting cable (2). By screwing of the union nut (3) onto the threaded pin (12), the clamping tongues (13) move inward and press against the connecting cable (2) for strain relief. The extension (15) is non-round, and an opening (6) of a carrier element (5) is complementary (7, 8) to the extension (15). An enlarged region (16) of the extension (15) has a circumferential groove (20) adjacent to the enlarged diameter (10, 11). The extension (15) can be introduced into the opening (6) of the carrier element (5) and can be fastened by rotation in the opening (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Stellmacher, Ingo Brinkmeier, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas