Patents by Inventor Joseph Starr

Joseph Starr 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: 11021140
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system. The plunger assembly is operable as a pressure source to control brake fluid pressure supplied to one or more wheel brakes. The plunger assembly comprises a housing defining a cylinder; a reversible motor supported by the housing and having a rotor; and a linear actuator such as a ball screw/nut mechanism driven by the motor. A plunger head is mounted in the cylinder and driven by the linear actuator in first and second opposite directions. Improvements include a linear actuator rotationally supported on the housing by a bearing to actuate the plunger head connection to a ball screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Blaise Ganzel
  • Patent number: 11014543
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system. The plunger assembly is operable as a pressure source to control brake fluid pressure supplied to one or more wheel brakes. The plunger assembly comprises a housing defining a cylinder; a reversible motor supported by the housing and having a rotor; and a linear actuator such as a ball screw/nut mechanism driven by the motor. A plunger head is mounted in the cylinder and driven by the linear actuator in first and second opposite directions. Improvements include the plunger assembly engage at least one seal that defines a portion of a pressurized chamber. An end cap covers the projecting end of the cylinder and is secured to the housing to define a fluid passageway between the end of the cylinder and at least one fluid passageway provided in the housing block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Blaise Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20190275995
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system. The plunger assembly is operable as a pressure source to control brake fluid pressure supplied to one or more wheel brakes. The plunger assembly comprises a housing defining a cylinder; a reversible motor supported by the housing and having a rotor; and a linear actuator such as a ball screw/nut mechanism driven by the motor. A plunger head is mounted in the cylinder and driven by the linear actuator in first and second opposite directions. Improvements include the plunger assembly engage at least one seal that defines a portion of a pressurized chamber. An end cap covers the projecting end of the cylinder and is secured to the housing to define a fluid passageway between the end of the cylinder and at least one fluid passageway provided in the housing block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Blaise Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20190135250
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system. The plunger assembly is operable as a pressure source to control brake fluid pressure supplied to one or more wheel brakes. The plunger assembly comprises a housing defining a cylinder; a reversible motor supported by the housing and having a rotor; and a linear actuator such as a ball screw/nut mechanism driven by the motor. A plunger head is mounted in the cylinder and driven by the linear actuator in first and second opposite directions. Improvements include an elastomeric tubular torque coupler connected to a ball screw/nut anti-rotation member; and a clamped connection at an inner race of a motor bearing for securing the rotor to the ball screw/nut component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Blaise Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20190135252
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system. The plunger assembly is operable as a pressure source to control brake fluid pressure supplied to one or more wheel brakes. The plunger assembly comprises a housing defining a cylinder; a reversible motor supported by the housing and having a rotor; and a linear actuator such as a ball screw/nut mechanism driven by the motor. A plunger head is mounted in the cylinder and driven by the linear actuator in first and second opposite directions. Improvements include, the cylinder projecting from one side of a housing with an end cap covering the projecting end of the cylinder and is secured to the housing block in a generally coaxial relationship with the cylinder. The cylinder and the end cap cooperate to define a fluid passageway between the end of the cylinder and at least one fluid passageway provided in the housing block. The plunger head may include a stop cushion assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Blaise Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20190135251
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system. The plunger assembly is operable as a pressure source to control brake fluid pressure supplied to one or more wheel brakes. The plunger assembly comprises a housing defining a cylinder; a reversible motor supported by the housing and having a rotor; and a linear actuator such as a ball screw/nut mechanism driven by the motor. A plunger head is mounted in the cylinder and driven by the linear actuator in first and second opposite directions. Improvements include a linear actuator rotationally supported on the housing by a bearing to actuate the plunger head connection to a ball screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Blaise Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20060275721
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special facilitates a more compact device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam curtain generator for directing received steam to an outlet slot that directs the steam into the ambient atmosphere such that the steam is flowing in a substantially a first direction to produce a curtain of steam, fan that is oriented so as to produce a flow of air in a direction that is substantially parallel to the flow of a steam curtain, a deflector for redirecting the flow of air produced by the fan towards the steam curtain, an adjustable agitator for causing turbulent flow in the stream of air directed towards a steam curtain, and an LED light for producing light that is projected onto a steam curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: TECHNIFEX, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Starr, Rockne Hall, Donald Simon
  • Publication number: 20050101393
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect that is suitable for applications in which the viewers of the simulated flame are able inspect the device from relatively close range and/or from a number of perspectives. For example, the device can be used as a torchiere or wall sconce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: TECHNIFEX, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Starr