Patents by Inventor Larry Eccleston
Larry Eccleston 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: 11400903Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Larry Eccleston
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Publication number: 20210380086Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Jerald Prater, Jason Reichard, Dennis Morse, Mark Austin, Pat Burgess, Marvin Hoot, Larry Eccleston, Steve Zavodny
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Publication number: 20180339687Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Jerald Prater, Jason Reichard, Dennis Morse, Mark Austin, Pat Burgess, Marvin Hoot, Larry Eccleston, Steve Zavodny
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Patent number: 10040437Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Jerald Prater, Jason Reichard, Dennis Morse, Mark Austin, Pat Burgess, Marvin Hoot, Larry Eccleston, Steve Zavodny
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Patent number: 9758089Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
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Publication number: 20170217411Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Jerald Prater, Jason Reichard, Dennis Morse, Mark Austin, Pat Burgess, Marvin Hoot, Larry Eccleston, Steve Zavodny
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Publication number: 20160362044Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
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Patent number: 9428105Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal may be a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter may be configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
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Publication number: 20150367774Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal may be a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter may be configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
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Patent number: 9120424Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
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Publication number: 20140288795Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Larry Eccleston
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Publication number: 20140246974Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal may be a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter may be configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signa.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
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Patent number: 8746812Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Jerald Prater, Jason Reichard, Dennis Morse, Mark Austin, Pat Burgess, Marvin Hoot, Larry Eccleston, Steve Zavodny, Doug Marsden, Kirk Englert
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Patent number: 7902848Abstract: A reversible test probe and test probe tip. In one embodiment, a test probe tip is reversible relative to a test probe body. The reversible probe has a first probe tip at a first end and a second probe tip at a second end. The test probe body has an opening operable to receive the first probe tip and the second probe tip. When the first probe tip is positioned in the opening, the first probe tip is electrically coupled to a metal device in the test probe body. When the second probe tip is positioned in the opening, the second probe tip is electrically coupled to a metal device in the test probe body. In another embodiment, a test probe having two test probe tips is reversible relative to a test lead.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Larry Eccleston, Chris W. Lagerberg, John Renner, III, David J. Gibson, Sr.
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Publication number: 20100176828Abstract: A reversible test probe and test probe tip. In one embodiment, a test probe tip is reversible relative to a test probe body. The reversible probe has a first probe tip at a first end and a second probe tip at a second end. The test probe body has an opening operable to receive the first probe tip and the second probe tip. When the first probe tip is positioned in the opening, the first probe tip is electrically coupled to a metal device in the test probe body. When the second probe tip is positioned in the opening, the second probe tip is electrically coupled to a metal device in the test probe body. In another embodiment, a test probe having two test probe tips is reversible relative to a test lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Fluke CorporationInventors: Larry Eccleston, Chris W. Lagerberg, John Renner, III, David J. Gibson, SR.
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Publication number: 20060214506Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2005Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Marcia Albright, Chandrakumar Kulkarni, Jerald Prater, Jason Reichard, Dennis Morse, Mark Austin, Pat Burgess, Marvin Hoot, Larry Eccleston, Steve Zavodny, Doug Marsden, Kirk Englert
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Publication number: 20060176166Abstract: Brake controllers typically require a microprocessor or some complex digital circuitry to achieve a proportional brake control signal suitable to control electric brakes on a towed vehicle. These components can be difficult to manufacture and can be expensive.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventors: Bruce Smith, Larry Eccleston, William Demerly
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Patent number: 6615125Abstract: A brake control unit for providing a brake output signal to a brake load includes a processor, an accelerometer and a memory subsystem. The accelerometer is coupled to the processor and provides a brake control signal to the processor, which is configured to provide the brake output signal to the brake load in response to the brake control signal. The memory subsystem is coupled to the processor and stores processor executable code, which causes the processor to automatically set at least one of a gain level and a boost level for the brake control unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Tekonsha Towing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni, Bruce E. Smith, Marcia S. Albright
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Publication number: 20020123837Abstract: A brake control unit for providing a brake output signal to a brake load includes a processor, an accelerometer and a memory subsystem The accelerometer is coupled to the processor and provides a brake control signal to the processor, which is configured to provide the brake output signal to the brake load in response to the brake control signal. The memory subsystem is coupled to the processor and stores processor executable code, which causes the processor to automatically set at least one of a gain level and a boost level for the brake control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni, Bruce E. Smith, Marcia S. Albright
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Patent number: 6445993Abstract: A brake control unit for providing a brake output signal to a brake load includes a processor, an accelerometer and a memory subsystem. The accelerometer is coupled to the processor and provides a brake control signal to the processor, which is configured to provide the brake output signal to the brake load in response to the brake control signal. The memory subsystem is coupled to the processor and stores processor executable code, which causes the processor to automatically acquire an operating point of the brake control signal when the brake control unit is mounted within a range of operating positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventors: Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni, Bruce E. Smith, Marcia S. Albright