Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Macnamara

Joseph M. Macnamara 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).

  • Patent number: 10029529
    Abstract: A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system is adapted to identify each of the respective pneumatically independent circuits, in turn, as a currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, measure a respective pneumatic pressure of the currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine a calculated pneumatic pressure based on the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine the load weight based on the calculated pneumatic pressure, and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Macnamara, Jon D. Intagliata
  • Publication number: 20180190119
    Abstract: A platoon management control system and method for local detection and determination of a non-platooning vehicle inserted or otherwise disposed between and/or adjacent to one or more platooning vehicle(s). A platooning vehicle determines a forward physical distance between itself and a vehicle physically ahead, and compares the determined physical distance with a value of a rearward distance to the platooning vehicle received from a next ahead platooning vehicle. The vehicle physically ahead is determined to be the next ahead platooning vehicle in accordance with a correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance. Conversely, the vehicle physically ahead is determined to be a non-platooning vehicle in accordance with a mis-correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: T. Stephen Miller, JR., Joseph M. Macnamara, Martin Bohley
  • Publication number: 20180147905
    Abstract: A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system is adapted to identify each of the respective pneumatically independent circuits, in turn, as a currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, measure a respective pneumatic pressure of the currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine a calculated pneumatic pressure based on the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine the load weight based on the calculated pneumatic pressure, and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph M. Macnamara, Jon D. Intagliata
  • Publication number: 20180148024
    Abstract: A controller determines a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system. The controller is adapted to receive an electronic pressure signal, at a controller electronic input port, based on a single pneumatic signal representative of respective pneumatic pressures in the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits. The controller is also adapted to determine the load weight based on the electronic pressure signal and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph M. Macnamara, Jon D. Intagliata
  • Publication number: 20180148046
    Abstract: A controller determines a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system. The controller is adapted to receive a first electronic pressure signal, which is based on a first pneumatic signal representative of a first pneumatic pressure in a first of the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits, and receive a second electronic pressure signal, which is based on a second pneumatic signal representative of a second pneumatic pressure in a second of the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits. The controller is also adapted to determine the load weight based on the first electronic pressure signal and the second electronic pressure signal. The controller is also adapted to control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph M. Macnamara, Jon D. Intagliata
  • Publication number: 20170246926
    Abstract: A trailer having a liftable first axle and an air suspended second axle includes a controller, a first valve coupled to the first axle and a second valve coupled to the second axle. The controller receives an air suspension exhaust request signal and a pressure signal from an air suspension bellows coupled to the second axle. The controller transmits an air suspension control signal to the second valve in response to the air suspension exhaust request signal and transmits a lift axle control signal to the first valve to lower the first axle in response to the pressure signal being less than a predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph M. Macnamara
  • Patent number: 9415643
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicly Systems LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Lammers, Sharon A. Seitz, Joseph M. Macnamara, Daniel P. Zula
  • Publication number: 20160207367
    Abstract: A system for conveying information includes a visual signaling device and a processor. The visual signaling device is capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of messages. The processor electrically communicates with the visual signaling device. The processor receives a plurality of messages from respective systems via a communication system, identities a respective priority and at least one respective attribute of each of the messages, and transmits signals based on the priorities of the messages to cause the visual signaling device to simultaneously convey the respective priority and at least one attribute of at least one of the messages. The respective priorities and the at least one attributes of each of the messages is previously assigned, and a diagnostic message having a lowest of the priorities is previously assigned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel P. Zula, Timothy J. Frashure, Jon D. Intagliata, Brian S. Bernard, Joseph M. Macnamara
  • Patent number: 9393845
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D Lammers, Jon D Intagliata, Joseph M Macnamara, Sharon A Seitz, Daniel P Zula
  • Publication number: 20160039256
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Lammers, Jon D Intagliata, Joseph M Macnamara, Sharon A Seitz, Daniel P Zula
  • Publication number: 20160016444
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Lammers, Sharon A. Seitz, Joseph M. Macnamara, Daniel P. Zula
  • Patent number: 9139054
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Lammers, Jon D. Intagliata, Joseph M. Macnamara, Sharon A. Seitz, Daniel P. Zula
  • Publication number: 20150057873
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Lammers, Jon D. Intagliata, Joseph M. Macnamara, Sharon A. Seitz, Daniel P. Zula
  • Patent number: 7251549
    Abstract: A receiver capable of receiving a remote vehicle stop request signal is mounted to a commercial vehicle and connected to the vehicle antilock braking ECU by a vehicle communication bus. The receiver may also be capable of transmitting a signal, thereby allowing the desired vehicle to be isolated. Furthermore, a user input device may be mounted to the vehicle that allows manual input of a park signal. When the park signal has been received by the vehicle ECU, the vehicle braking system is employed, thereby preventing the movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar, Majed M. Hamdan
  • Patent number: 6909956
    Abstract: A receiver capable of receiving a remote vehicle stop request signal is mounted to a commercial vehicle and connected to the vehicle antilock braking ECU by a vehicle communication bus. The receiver may also be capable of transmitting a signal, thereby allowing the desired vehicle to be isolated. Furthermore, a user input device may be mounted to the vehicle that allows manual input of a park signal. When the park signal has been received by the vehicle ECU, the vehicle braking system is employed, thereby preventing the movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar
  • Patent number: 6862504
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting alternator condition is provided. Information is taken from the vehicle powerline and the communication links, and processed by the vehicle ECU, such as the vehicle antilocking brake system ECU, to obtain data. The battery voltage ripple amplitude is then calculated and compared at different engine speeds. If the difference in the ripple amplitude at the different engine speeds is greater than a predetermined threshold value, a signal is sent indicating that the alternator has failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Marv M. Hamdan, Gusztav Holler, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar
  • Publication number: 20040111207
    Abstract: A receiver capable of receiving a remote vehicle stop request signal is mounted to a commercial vehicle and connected to the vehicle antilock braking ECU by a vehicle communication bus. The receiver may also be capable of transmitting a signal, thereby allowing the desired vehicle to be isolated. Furthermore, a user input device may be mounted to the vehicle that allows manual input of a park signal. When the park signal has been received by the vehicle ECU, the vehicle braking system is employed, thereby preventing the movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar, Majed M. Hamdan
  • Publication number: 20040090114
    Abstract: A trailer ABS diagnostics display system utilizes an output device to communicate specific ABS diagnostics information to a user located within the tractor cab in the form of ON-OFF code data. The system preferably includes wheel velocity sensors, at least one brake pressure modulator, an output device, a user interface which generates a user request signal, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the wheel velocity sensors, the brake pressure modulator, the output device, and the user interface. The electronic control unit generates the ON-OFF code data which is indicative of a diagnostic condition in response to the user request signal. The ON-OFF code data is transmitted to the output device for communication to the user located with the tractor cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Macnamara, Paul J. Waszkowski
  • Publication number: 20040049361
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting alternator condition is provided. Information is taken from the vehicle powerline and the communication links, and processed by the vehicle ECU, such as the vehicle antilocking brake system ECU, to obtain data. The battery voltage ripple amplitude is then calculated and compared at different engine speeds. If the difference in the ripple amplitude at the different engine speeds is greater than a predetermined threshold value, a signal is sent indicating that the alternator has failed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Marv M. Hamdan, Gusztav Holler, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar
  • Publication number: 20040034462
    Abstract: A receiver capable of receiving a remote vehicle stop request signal is mounted to a commercial vehicle and connected to the vehicle antilock braking ECU by a vehicle communication bus. The receiver may also be capable of transmitting a signal, thereby allowing the desired vehicle to be isolated. Furthermore, a user input device may be mounted to the vehicle that allows manual input of a park signal. When the park signal has been received by the vehicle ECU, the vehicle braking system is employed, thereby preventing the movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar