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).
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Publication number: 20250196561Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2024Publication date: June 19, 2025Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Stefan Spühler, Eike Helm, Konrad Feyerabend, Johann Lucas
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Patent number: 12275285Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 15, 2025Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BVInventors: Johann Lucas, Andreas Thimm, Sebastian Jermis, Britta Warnecke
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Patent number: 12240286Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BVInventor: Johann Lucas
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Patent number: 12172485Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BVInventors: Stefan Filter, Johann Lucas
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Publication number: 20240308445Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Robert Sohn, Ralph Schumacher, Carsten Lehr, Johann Lucas
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Patent number: 12076751Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Schenck Process LLCInventors: Anthony Goodwin, Matheus Johannes Lucas
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Publication number: 20240217300Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2024Publication date: July 4, 2024Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Stefan Filter, Oliver Kortmann, Johann Lucas, Oliver Topic
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Patent number: 11975582Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BVInventors: Przemyslaw Zak, Stefan Filter, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Nosrat Moradi Dehdezi, Andreas Thimm
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Patent number: 11958330Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ZF CV Systems Global GmbHInventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
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Patent number: 11701939Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BVInventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
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Publication number: 20230130275Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
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Patent number: 11601746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: DOPPLE IP B.V.Inventor: Johannes Lucas Schreuder
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Publication number: 20220288991Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Johann Lucas, Andreas Thimm, Sebastian Jermis, Britta Warnecke
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Publication number: 20220234409Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventor: Johann Lucas
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Publication number: 20220234411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Stefan Filter, Johann Lucas
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Publication number: 20210245567Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Przemyslaw Zak, Stefan Filter, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Nosrat Moradi Dehdezi, Andreas Thimm
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Publication number: 20210176557Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventor: Johannes Lucas Schreuder
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Publication number: 20200406700Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2018Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
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Patent number: 10727624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBAInventors: Thomas Stellmacher, Ingo Brinkmeier, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
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Publication number: 20190356088Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Thomas Stellmacher, Ingo Brinkmeier, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas