Patents by Inventor Michael D. Grandstaff

Michael D. Grandstaff 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).

  • Controller and method for monitoring trailer brake applications
    Patent number: 9821779
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a tractor controller for monitoring trailer brake applications is disclosed. The control logic of the tractor control is capable of receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application; receiving a signal indicative of a foot brake application; totaling a number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application for a predetermined time period; and totaling a number of signals indicative of a foot brake application for the predetermined time period. The control logic then compares the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application with the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application. The control logic records a flag in response to the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application being greater than the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael D Grandstaff, John V Ripley
  • Controller and Method for Monitoring Trailer Brake Applications
    Publication number: 20170137003
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a tractor controller for monitoring trailer brake applications is disclosed. The control logic of the tractor control is capable of receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application; receiving a signal indicative of a foot brake application; totaling a number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application for a predetermined time period; and totaling a number of signals indicative of a foot brake application for the predetermined time period. The control logic then compares the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application with the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application. The control logic records a flag in response to the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application being greater than the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Grandstaff, John V. Ripley
  • School bus door/service brake interlock system
    Patent number: 6758298
    Abstract: A bus door/service brake interlock system having a warning system is provided. The interlock system includes a foot valve assembly to effect a service brake application when warning lights are activated, a vehicle door is open, and minimum speed conditions are met. An auxiliary line is positioned between a source of pressure and the foot valve assembly and includes a valve and a low pressure indicator. Should the operator leave the driver seat with the interlock system engaged, the parking brake is automatically applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Eberling, Michael D. Grandstaff
  • School bus door/service brake interlock retrofit system
    Publication number: 20020189882
    Abstract: A bus door/service brake interlock system having a warning system is provided. The interlock system includes a foot valve assembly to effect a service brake application when warning lights are activated, a vehicle door is open, and minimum speed conditions are met. An auxiliary line is positioned between a source of pressure and the foot valve assembly and includes a valve and a low pressure indicator. Should the operator leave the driver seat with the interlock system engaged, the parking brake is automatically applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company
    Inventors: Charles E. Eberling, Michael D. Grandstaff