Patents by Inventor Johannes A. Huennekens
Johannes A. Huennekens 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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Patent number: 10814690Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle having a wheel that is subject to an external force includes an actuator having an output structure that is connected to the wheel, an energy storage device having a compressible chamber, a valve assembly that is operable to control flow of a working fluid between the actuator and the energy storage device, and a controller that determines whether to permit or resist motion of the output structure in response to the external force. The controller permits motion of the output structure by allowing fluid to flow from the actuator to the energy storage device using the valve assembly, thereby compressing the compressible chamber. The controller resists motion of the output structure by allowing fluid to flow from the energy storage device to the actuator using the valve assembly, thereby expanding the compressible chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Diomidis Katzourakis, Christopher L. Porritt, Johannes A. Huennekens, Huibert Mees, Paul J. Keas
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Patent number: 10384672Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an internal vehicle reference model that determines reference states for the vehicle that represent an expected vehicle response, sensors that determine measured states for the vehicle, and a vehicle motion control system that determines desired states for the vehicle. A stability determining module identifies a reference deviation between the reference states and the measured states, identifies a desired deviation between the desired states and measured states, and outputs a command for reducing the reference deviation and the desired deviation. Actuators are operable to reduce the reference deviation and the desired deviation in response to the command.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Diomidis Katzourakis, Huibert Mees, Christopher D. Gadda, Stefan Solyom, Johannes A. Huennekens
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Patent number: 10351162Abstract: A vehicle has a wheel, a frame, a suspension component, a steering knuckle, and a steering system. The suspension component is connected to the frame. The steering knuckle is connected to the suspension component and is connected to the wheel. The suspension component is operable to control vertical movement of the steering knuckle and the wheel relative to the frame. The suspension component and the steering knuckle define a steering axis for the wheel. The steering axis has a caster inclination angle of zero degrees. The steering system is connected to the suspension component and controls a steering angle of the wheel based on an electronic control signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Diomidis Katzourakis, Huibert Mees, Johannes A. Huennekens, Robin A. Auckland, Paul W. Choin
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Patent number: 10150448Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor programmed to output an occupant or object detection signal indicating a presence of an unauthorized occupant or unauthorized object in a host vehicle. An autonomous mode controller is programmed to determine, from the occupant or object detection signal, whether to operate the host vehicle in an autonomous mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES. LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta
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Patent number: 9972148Abstract: A key-less entry system for motor vehicle uses actuations of one or more pre-existing vehicle components accessible from outside the vehicle, such as door handles, to generate an unlock an unlock code that is stored in a control unit. The code represents a sequence of actuations of component(s). Upon leaving the vehicle, the user locks the vehicle and sets the code by actuating the components in the desired sequence. To later unlock the vehicle, the user repeats the sequence of actuations, and the control unit sends an unlock signal to one or more door latches.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Gregory Foletta, Samuel Ellis
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Publication number: 20170080900Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor programmed to output an occupant or object detection signal indicating a presence of an unauthorized occupant or unauthorized object in a host vehicle. An autonomous mode controller is programmed to determine, from the occupant or object detection signal, whether to operate the host vehicle in an autonomous mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta
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Patent number: 9580045Abstract: Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Patrick K. Holub, John R. Van Wiemeersch, Steven Y. Schondorf, George F. MacDonald, Johannes Huennekens, Graham Mace
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Patent number: 9334007Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a front steering assembly rotatably coupled to the frame, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the front steering assembly, and a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the frame. The frame includes an inflatable segment and a valve in communication with the inflatable segment for selectively inflating and deflating the inflatable segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Lauri Mikael Ohra-aho, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta
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Patent number: 9242624Abstract: An electronic parking brake system having selectable modes and varying parking brake actuation dependent on the selected mode and amount of parking brake application being requested. The system provides for varying interfaces with varying programmed outputs to control a vehicle's parking brake. One such mode being a boat launch mode in which an electronic parking brake is initially actuated to 100%, the amount of parking brake application is displayed, and the driver is allowed to modulate the parking brake application through + and ? buttons in combination with the visual display to allow the vehicle to back down a boat ramp using gravity.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Samuel Ellis, Gregory Foletta
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Patent number: 9211932Abstract: A self-propelled unicycle is selectively engaged with a vehicle for use with the vehicle and is selectively disengaged with the vehicle for independent use. The self-propelled unicycle includes a hub and a wheel rotatably coupled to the hub. A motor is supported on the hub and is coupled to the wheel for rotating the wheel relative to the hub. The hub including an engagement feature for selectively engaging and disengaging the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta, Lauri Mikael Ohra-aho
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Publication number: 20150353157Abstract: A self-propelled unicycle is selectively engaged with a vehicle for use with the vehicle and is selectively disengaged with the vehicle for independent use. The self-propelled unicycle includes a hub and a wheel rotatably coupled to the hub. A motor is supported on the hub and is coupled to the wheel for rotating the wheel relative to the hub. The hub including an engagement feature for selectively engaging and disengaging the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Johannes Huennekens, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta, Lauri Mikael Ohra-aho
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Publication number: 20150321720Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a front steering assembly rotatably coupled to the frame, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the front steering assembly, and a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the frame. The frame includes an inflatable segment and a valve in communication with the inflatable segment for selectively inflating and deflating the inflatable segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Lauri Mikael Ohra-aho, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta
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Publication number: 20150224969Abstract: An electronic parking brake system having selectable modes and varying parking brake actuation dependent on the selected mode and amount of parking brake application being requested. The system provides for varying interfaces with varying programmed outputs to control a vehicle's parking brake. One such mode being a boat launch mode in which an electronic parking brake is initially actuated to 100%, the amount of parking brake application is displayed, and the driver is allowed to modulate the parking brake application through + and ? buttons in combination with the visual display to allow the vehicle to back down a boat ramp using gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2014Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Johannes Huennekens, Samuel Ellis, Gregory Foletta
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Publication number: 20150102898Abstract: A key-less entry system for motor vehicle uses actuations of one or more pre-existing vehicle components accessible from outside the vehicle, such as door handles, to generate an unlock an unlock code that is stored in a control unit. The code represents a sequence of actuations of component(s). Upon leaving the vehicle, the user locks the vehicle and sets the code by actuating the components in the desired sequence. To later unlock the vehicle, the user repeats the sequence of actuations, and the control unit sends an unlock signal to one or more door latches.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Johannes HUENNEKENS, Gregory FOLETTA, Samuel ELLIS
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Publication number: 20120232765Abstract: Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Patrick K. Holub, John R. Van Weimeersch, Steven Y Schondorf, George F. MacDonald, Johannes Huennekens, Graham Mace