Patents by Inventor John K. Ma
John K. Ma 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: 7204339Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft that is directly mountable to a wheel adapter to drive a vehicle wheel. A gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft to transfer driving force from an input to the output shaft. The gear assembly includes an output gear that is directly coupled to the output shaft. Thus, the wheel adapter and output gear are both supported directly on the output shaft. The gear assembly and output shaft are substantially enclosed within a housing that is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle component. The output shaft is solely supported by a pair of bearings for rotation relative to the housing. The bearings are installed for direct engagement with the output shaft and housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Tomaz Dopico Varela, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, John L. Bennett, Mark C. Smith
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Patent number: 7072763Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Nancy L. Saxon, James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Patent number: 6793035Abstract: A suspension system includes a swing arm which pivots about a pivot axis. A hub assembly, hub gear box and input gear box are mounted to an independently pivoting swing arm. The pivot axis is located closer to the ground than a rotational axis defined by the hub assemblies and the input gear box. A coupling extends from the input gear box to receive an input driveline from a drive source such as vehicle engine. The coupling is located proximate the pivot axis to minimize relative movement during articulation of the swing arm. An axle housing extends between the input gear box and an opposite hub gear box to support a drive shaft and serves as a torsion bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: John L. Bennett, Mark C. Smith, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward Jay Eshelman, Dean Mark House, Tomaz Dopico Varela
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Patent number: 6755093Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a low floor vehicle utilizes a single input gear assembly to drive a pair of laterally spaced wheel ends. The input gear assembly is positioned next to one of the wheel ends so that the vehicle floor can be lowered to facilitate passenger access to the vehicle. Each wheel end includes a gear reduction assembly with a ring gear rotatably mounted within a gear housing. A drive gear is operatively coupled to the input gear assembly and is in meshing engagement with the ring gear. The gear reduction assembly also includes an output or driven gear, which is larger than the drive gear, to provide the desired gear reduction. The driven gear is also in meshing engagement with the ring gear. A pair of idler gears is rotatably mounted within the gear housing and are in meshing engagement with both the drive and driven gear. The idler gears and drive gear do not have a common centerline.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: John L. Bennett, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, Tomaz Dopico Varela, Mark C. Smith
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Publication number: 20040079557Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Nancy L. Saxon, James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Patent number: 6719315Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Steven G. Saieg, James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Joe Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Patent number: 6659217Abstract: A drive unit assembly utilizes a single input to drive a pair of laterally spaced wheel ends. Each wheel end is suspended independently from the other. The input is operatively coupled to only one of the wheel ends and an exposed axle shaft assembly interconnects the input to the opposite wheel end. The axle shaft assembly includes multiple shaft members to interconnect the laterally spaced wheel ends. One of the axle shaft members is mounted to a vehicle floor structure with a bearing mount and includes connection joints at either end to accommodate the independent motion of each wheel end. The floor and the shaft member move together during suspension travel, allowing the floor to have a lower profile than is traditionally available.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Mark C. Smith, John L. Bennett, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, Tomaz Dopico Varela
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Publication number: 20030218375Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft that is directly mountable to a wheel adapter to drive a vehicle wheel. A gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft to transfer driving force from an input to the output shaft. The gear assembly includes an output gear that is directly coupled to the output shaft. Thus, the wheel adapter and output gear are both supported directly on the output shaft. The gear assembly and output shaft are substantially enclosed within a housing that is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle component. The output shaft is solely supported by a pair of bearings for rotation relative to the housing. The bearings are installed for direct engagement with the output shaft and housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Tomaz Dopico Varela, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, John L. Bennett, Mark C. Smith
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Patent number: 6641157Abstract: A system for connecting a slider to a trailer frame includes a rotatable locking member having a plurality of teeth that engage with a plurality of openings in the trailer from. The locking member is biased by a rotary biasing in a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology LLCInventors: James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Publication number: 20030184038Abstract: A suspension system for a low floor vehicle includes an independent suspension system which includes a spring strut of the McPherson type. The spring strut essentially combines a spring and shock into a load bearing member of the suspension. The spring strut is mounted to the hub support structure and the top of each wheel box. An input gear box such as a differential is mounted to the vehicle underside or directly to a hub gear box.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Mark C. Smith, John L. Bennett, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, Tomaz Dopico Varela
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Publication number: 20030173137Abstract: A suspension system includes a swing arm which pivots about a pivot axis. A hub assembly, hub gear box and input gear box are mounted to an independently pivoting swing arm. The pivot axis is located below (closer to the ground) than a rotational axis defined by the hub assemblies and the input gear box. A coupling extends from the input gear box to receive an input driveline from a drive source such as vehicle engine. The coupling is located proximate the pivot axis to minimize relative movement during articulation of the swing arm. An axle housing extends between the input gear box and an opposite hub gear box to support a drive shaft and serves as a torsion bar between the independent swing arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: John L. Bennett, Mark C. Smith, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean Mark House, Tomaz Dopico Varela
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Patent number: 6619673Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Publication number: 20030155170Abstract: A drive unit assembly utilizes a single input to drive a pair of laterally spaced wheel ends. Each wheel end is suspended independently from the other. The input is operatively coupled to only one of the wheel ends and an exposed axle shaft assembly interconnects the input to the opposite wheel end. The axle shaft assembly includes multiple shaft members to interconnect the laterally spaced wheel ends. One of the axle shaft members is mounted to a vehicle floor structure with a bearing mount and includes connection joints at either end to accommodate the independent motion of each wheel end. The floor and the shaft member move together during suspension travel, allowing the floor to have a lower profile than is traditionally available.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Mark C. Smith, John L. Bennett, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, Tomaz Dopico Varela
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Publication number: 20030140717Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a low floor vehicle utilizes a single input gear assembly to drive a pair of laterally spaced wheel ends. The input gear assembly is positioned next to one of the wheel ends so that the vehicle floor can be lowered to facilitate passenger access to the vehicle. Each wheel end includes a gear reduction assembly with a ring gear rotatably mounted within a gear housing. A drive gear is operatively coupled to the input gear assembly and is in meshing engagement with the ring gear. The gear reduction assembly also includes an output or driven gear, which is larger than the drive gear, to provide the desired gear reduction. The driven gear is also in meshing engagement with the ring gear. A pair of idler gears is rotatably mounted within the gear housing and are in meshing engagement with both the drive and driven gear. The idler gears and drive gear do not have a common centerline.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: John L. Bennett, Chihping Kuan, John K. Ma, William C. Sullivan, Edward J. Eshelman, Dean M. House, Tomaz Dopico Varela, Mark C. Smith
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Publication number: 20030111820Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Steven G. Saieg, James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Joe Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Publication number: 20030001355Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Patent number: 6471227Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: James Eckelberry, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Steven R. Miller, John K. Ma, Joseph Melekian, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Publication number: 20020135153Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: James Eckelberry, Frank A. Maly, Steven R. Miller, John K. Ma, Joseph Melekian, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
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Publication number: 20020130479Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Applicant: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay