Patents by Inventor Patrick A. Hartman
Patrick A. Hartman 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: 11951960Abstract: A diagnostic method to identify a leak in simulator valve in a vehicle brake system includes the steps of: (1) providing a simulator partially filled with a pressure medium and a de-energized simulator valve; (2) energizing a pumping valve, a secondary three-way valve, and a plurality of apply valves; (3) applying and retracting a plunger in a plunger assembly at least two cycles so that a predetermined pressure is achieved; (3) holding a plunger in position within the plunger assembly while maintaining a replenishing check valve in a closed/de-energized position and energizing the simulator valve; (4) obtaining a measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay; (5) comparing the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay to a predetermined pressure decay value; and (7) identifying a leak in the simulator valve if the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay does not match the predetermined master cylinder secondary pressure decay.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Blaise Ganzel, Patrick Hartman
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Publication number: 20240084827Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a gas spring or damper can include a piston rod partially positioned within a pressure tube, and a linear position sensing apparatus capable of tracking and determining the velocity of the piston rod. The linear position sensing apparatus can include a sensor, such as a waveguide sensor, connected to the piston rod such that the sensor moves with the piston rod. A beacon, such as a magnet, can be contained within the pressure tube and the sensor can detect the position of the beacon relative to the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Stabilus GmbHInventors: JAMES T. KULL, PATRICK A. HARTMAN
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Patent number: 11859644Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a gas spring or damper can include a piston rod partially positioned within a pressure tube, and a linear position sensing apparatus capable of tracking and determining the velocity of the piston rod. The linear position sensing apparatus can include a sensor, such as a waveguide sensor, connected to the piston rod such that the sensor moves with the piston rod. A beacon, such as a magnet, can be contained within the pressure tube and the sensor can detect the position of the beacon relative to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: James T. Kull, Patrick A. Hartman
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Publication number: 20230137900Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a gas spring or damper can include a piston rod partially positioned within a pressure tube, and a linear position sensing apparatus capable of tracking and determining the velocity of the piston rod. The linear position sensing apparatus can include a sensor, such as a waveguide sensor, connected to the piston rod such that the sensor moves with the piston rod. A beacon, such as a magnet, can be contained within the pressure tube and the sensor can detect the position of the beacon relative to the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2021Publication date: May 4, 2023Applicant: Stabilus GmbHInventors: JAMES T. KULL, PATRICK A. HARTMAN
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Publication number: 20230112527Abstract: A method of conducting a diagnostic test to determine leakage within a brake system includes first providing a brake system having a plunger assembly including a housing defining a bore therein. The plunger assembly includes a piston slidably disposed therein such that movement of the piston pressurizes a pressure chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction. The pressure chamber of the plunger assembly is in fluid communication with an output, and wherein the plunger assembly further includes an electrically operated linear actuator for moving the piston within the bore. The linear actuator of the plunger assembly is actuated to provide pressure at the output of the plunger assembly at a first predetermined level. The pressure at the output of the plunger assembly is held for a predetermined length of time. The method further includes determining whether conditional criteria has been met indicating a leakage within the brake system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Greg Timm, Patrick Hartman, Weichao Kong
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Publication number: 20230010576Abstract: A diagnostic method to identify a leak in simulator valve in a vehicle brake system includes the steps of: (1) providing a simulator partially filled with a pressure medium and a de-energized simulator valve; (2) energizing a pumping valve, a secondary three-way valve, and a plurality of apply valves; (3) applying and retracting a plunger in a plunger assembly at least two cycles so that a predetermined pressure is achieved; (3) holding a plunger in position within the plunger assembly while maintaining a replenishing check valve in a closed/de-energized position and energizing the simulator valve; (4) obtaining a measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay; (5) comparing the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay to a predetermined pressure decay value; and (7) identifying a leak in the simulator valve if the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay does not match the predetermined master cylinder secondary pressure decay.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Blaise Ganzel, Patrick Hartman
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Patent number: 11535211Abstract: A method of determining a homing position of a piston within a plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system at the beginning of an ignition cycle of the vehicle includes first providing a plunger assembly having a housing defining a bore therein. The plunger assembly includes a piston slidably disposed in the bore for pressurizing fluid within a pressure chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction. The plunger assembly further includes an electrically operated linear actuator for moving the piston within the bore. The method further includes providing electrical power to the linear actuator of the plunger assembly. The linear actuator is actuated to retract the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction towards an end stop. The piston engaging with the end stop is then detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Wendy Zhang, Patrick Hartman, Weichao Kong
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Patent number: 11535227Abstract: A method of conducting a diagnostic test to determine leakage within a brake system includes first providing a brake system having a plunger assembly including a housing defining a bore therein. The plunger assembly includes a piston slidably disposed therein such that movement of the piston pressurizes a pressure chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction. The pressure chamber of the plunger assembly is in fluid communication with an output, and wherein the plunger assembly further includes an electrically operated linear actuator for moving the piston within the bore. The linear actuator of the plunger assembly is actuated to provide pressure at the output of the plunger assembly at a first predetermined level. The pressure at the output of the plunger assembly is held for a predetermined length of time. The method further includes determining whether conditional criteria has been met indicating a leakage within the brake system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Greg Timm, Patrick Hartman, Weichao Kong
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Patent number: 11498544Abstract: A diagnostic method to identify a leak in simulator valve in a vehicle brake system includes the steps of: (1) providing a simulator partially filled with a pressure medium and a de-energized simulator valve; (2) energizing a pumping valve, a secondary three-way valve, and a plurality of apply valves; (3) applying and retracting a plunger in a plunger assembly at least two cycles so that a predetermined pressure is achieved; (3) holding a plunger in position within the plunger assembly while maintaining a replenishing check valve in a closed/de-energized position and energizing the simulator valve; (4) obtaining a measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay; (5) comparing the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay to a predetermined pressure decay value; and (7) identifying a leak in the simulator valve if the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay does not match the predetermined master cylinder secondary pressure decay.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Blaise Ganzel, Patrick Hartman
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Publication number: 20210277973Abstract: A damping apparatus can be self-centering and include one or more pre-compressed and preloaded mechanical springs. A solar tracking apparatus can include a solar panel mounted on a rotating shaft, and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the rotating shaft to compensate for torque created when the solar panel is rotated at an angle to horizontal. A steering assembly for a zero-turn riding lawn mower can include a pair of steering levers and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the steering levers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2019Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Stabilus GmbHInventors: James T. Kull, Patrick A. Hartman, Rodney Armstrong, Edward William Twist
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Publication number: 20210146907Abstract: A diagnostic method to identify a leak in simulator valve in a vehicle brake system includes the steps of: (1) providing a simulator partially filled with a pressure medium and a de-energized simulator valve; (2) energizing a pumping valve, a secondary three-way valve, and a plurality of apply valves; (3) applying and retracting a plunger in a plunger assembly at least two cycles so that a predetermined pressure is achieved; (3) holding a plunger in position within the plunger assembly while maintaining a replenishing check valve in a closed/de-energized position and energizing the simulator valve; (4) obtaining a measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay; (5) comparing the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay to a predetermined pressure decay value; and (7) identifying a leak in the simulator valve if the measured master cylinder secondary pressure decay does not match the predetermined master cylinder secondary pressure decay.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2019Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: AF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Blaise Ganzel, Patrick Hartman
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Publication number: 20210061240Abstract: A method of determining a homing position of a piston within a plunger assembly for a vehicle brake system at the beginning of an ignition cycle of the vehicle includes first providing a plunger assembly having a housing defining a bore therein. The plunger assembly includes a piston slidably disposed in the bore for pressurizing fluid within a pressure chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction. The plunger assembly further includes an electrically operated linear actuator for moving the piston within the bore. The method further includes providing electrical power to the linear actuator of the plunger assembly. The linear actuator is actuated to retract the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction towards an end stop. The piston engaging with the end stop is then detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2018Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Wendy Zhang, Patrick Hartman, Weichao Kong
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Publication number: 20200339096Abstract: A method of conducting a diagnostic test to determine leakage within a brake system includes first pressurizing the brake system. The pressure within the brake system is held for a predetermined length of time. The method further includes determining whether a leakage within the brake system has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2018Publication date: October 29, 2020Applicant: ZF Active Safety US Inc.Inventors: Greg Timm, Patrick Hartman, Weichao Kong
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Patent number: 10221915Abstract: Piston assembly includes a piston housing defining an interior and having a first housing end and a second housing end, a piston rod having a first rod end extending into the interior and moveable therein between an extended position toward the first housing end and a retracted position toward the second housing end, a first plate joined to the piston rod proximate the first rod end, a second plate joined to the piston rod and spaced apart a distance along the piston rod from the first plate, and a piston head slidably joined to the piston rod between the first plate and the second plate. A lift assembly including a piston assembly and configured to provide a damping force to a pivotable body during pivoting of the pivotable body relative a stationary body between a closed position and an open position is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: STABILUS, INC.Inventors: James T. Kull, Patrick Hartman, Alan Jolley
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Patent number: 9829034Abstract: A retention clip having a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mounting hole defined in the first end of the body; and a U-shaped retaining slot formed by a leg arranged at the second end of the body and a portion of the body between the mounting hole and the U-shaped slot. The leg arranged at the second end of the body extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Rodney Armstrong, James Kull, Patrick Hartman
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Patent number: 9764609Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for warming a tire of a driven wheel of a vehicle, in which the vehicle includes one or more driven wheels and one or more non-driven wheels. The method includes determining a range of a transmission associated with the vehicle and determining a position of a throttle pedal associated with an engine of the vehicle. Based on the determined range of the transmission and the determined position of the throttle pedal, the method includes outputting one or more control signals to apply a braking force to the one or more non-driven wheels of the vehicle and outputting one or more control signals to drive the one or more driven wheels to warm the tire of the one or more driven wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignees: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANY, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: J. William Handzel, Jr., Patrick Hartman
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Publication number: 20170211610Abstract: A retention clip having a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mounting hole defined in the first end of the body; and a U-shaped retaining slot formed by a leg arranged at the second end of the body and a portion of the body between the mounting hole and the U-shaped slot. The leg arranged at the second end of the body extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Rodney ARMSTRONG, James KULL, Patrick HARTMAN
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Patent number: 9707967Abstract: A method of traction control for a vehicle. Lateral and longitudinal accelerations are measured for a vehicle. A maximum supportable drive torque for a first wheel of the vehicle is calculated as a function of the lateral and longitudinal accelerations. A commanded vectoring brake torque is applied to the first wheel using a brake device. The commanded vectoring brake torque is an amount by which a driveline torque delivered to the first wheel exceeds the maximum supportable drive torque.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventors: Patrick A. Hartman, Greg Timm, Jeff Breitner, Craig B. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20170190228Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for warming a tire of a driven wheel of a vehicle, in which the vehicle includes one or more driven wheels and one or more non-driven wheels. The method includes determining a range of a transmission associated with the vehicle and determining a position of a throttle pedal associated with an engine of the vehicle. Based on the determined range of the transmission and the determined position of the throttle pedal, the method includes outputting one or more control signals to apply a braking force to the one or more non-driven wheels of the vehicle and outputting one or more control signals to drive the one or more driven wheels to warm the tire of the one or more driven wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2015Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicants: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANY, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: J. WILLIAM HANDZEL, JR., PATRICK HARTMAN
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Publication number: 20170001644Abstract: A method of traction control for a vehicle. Lateral and longitudinal accelerations are measured for a vehicle. A maximum supportable drive torque for a first wheel of the vehicle is calculated as a function of the lateral and longitudinal accelerations. A commanded vectoring brake torque is applied to the first wheel using a brake device. The commanded vectoring brake torque is an amount by which a driveline torque delivered to the first wheel exceeds the maximum supportable drive torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Applicant: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANYInventors: Patrick A. Hartman, Greg Timm, Jeff Breitner, Craig B. Mitchell