Patents by Inventor Steven J. Weber

Steven J. Weber 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: 11823811
    Abstract: A high density wiring system to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to superconducting qubits disposed within a dilution refrigerator is disclosed. The high density wiring system comprises a plurality of flexible layers, with conductive layers disposed between adjacent pairs of flexible layers. The conductive layers may be constructed using phosphor bronze. The wiring system that is disposed at the lower temperature stages of the dilution refrigerator may be coated with a superconducting material. The wiring system is useful for superconducting quantum computers and cryogenic sensors, as well as cryogenic infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John D. Cummings, John A. Rokosz, Kyle J. Thompson, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20230211766
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a system and a method of monitoring a condition of a brake fluid. The system includes a first sensor configured to measure a fluid level of the brake fluid within a reservoir, a second sensor configured to measure a concentration of the brake fluid, a third sensor configured to measure a temperature of the brake fluid, and a processor. The processor is configured to estimate the condition of the brake fluid from the fluid level, the concentration and the temperature and send a signal to a display, the signal indicative of the condition of the brake fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Hung Huu Nguyen, Frances Helen Tenney, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 11414057
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a brake pedal emulator housing and at least one pedal coupled to the brake pedal emulator housing. The at least one pedal is actuatable by an occupant. The vehicle includes a first gearing element operably coupled to the pedal and a second gearing element operably coupled with the first gearing element. The vehicle further includes an actuator operably coupled to the second gearing element. The actuator is configured to disengage from the second gearing element and apply a motive force to the second gearing element. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the pedal to the first position and control the actuator to move the pedal to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Ghaffari, Steven J. Weber, Tomasz R. Warzecha
  • Publication number: 20220230785
    Abstract: A high density wiring system to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to superconducting qubits disposed within a dilution refrigerator is disclosed. The high density wiring system comprises a plurality of flexible layers, with conductive layers disposed between adjacent pairs of flexible layers. The conductive layers may be constructed using phosphor bronze. The wiring system that is disposed at the lower temperature stages of the dilution refrigerator may be coated with a superconducting material. The wiring system is useful for superconducting quantum computers and cryogenic sensors, as well as cryogenic infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: John D. Cummings, John A. Rokosz, Kyle J. Thompson, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20220194220
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a mower having a chassis and a rear suspension assembly. The chassis supports a cutter deck. The rear suspension assembly includes a support, a drive axle, and a shock absorber. The support includes a pivot, and the pivot includes a bushing to allow pivotable motion relative to the chassis. The drive axle is supported by the support and is configured to transfer power to drive at least one wheel. The shock absorber is coupled to the support and the chassis. The at least one wheel and the drive axle are configured to vertically oscillate relative to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. WEBER, Denis OSWALD, Travis RASCH, Erik SLEGELIS, Mark J. MELONE, James F. MARSHALL, Richard SMITH, Mark LYNCH
  • Patent number: 11273705
    Abstract: Front and rear independent suspension mechanisms accommodating an increased range of motion to better absorb shock originating at the wheels of a riding mower to insulate the operator and reduce stress on the mower chassis and other mechanical components. The front suspension can include a front axle with pivot pockets allowing 360 degree rotation of pivots engaged within the pockets, thereby providing a greater range of absorption of shock entering the front axle at varying angles. The rear suspension can include a vertically pivoting transmission platform, providing for controlled vertical motion in the transmission while the transmission is powered by an engine by way of a belt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch
  • Patent number: 11148646
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a brake pedal emulator housing and at least one pedal interface coupled to the housing. The vehicle also includes an actuator operably coupled to the brake pedal emulator housing. The actuator is configured to selectively move the housing and the pedal interface between a first position and a second position with respect to the passenger compartment. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control the actuator to move the housing and the pedal interface to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the housing and the pedal interface to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Ghaffari, Steven J. Weber, Tomasz R. Warzecha
  • Patent number: 11148647
    Abstract: A method of operating an anti-lock braking system includes that real-time brake corner temperature data, real-time brake corner pressure data real-time brake corner torque data, and deceleration parameters of the vehicle are detected. The method also includes that an apparent friction at the brake corner is determined in response to at least the real-time brake corner temperature data, the real-time brake corner pressure data, the real-time brake corner torque data, and the deceleration parameters of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alexander A. Nygaard, Chong Keong Tang, Matthew A. Robere, Steven J. Weber, Anthony J. Rifici, Ali Shabbir
  • Patent number: 11047439
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a brake corner of a vehicle including that real-time brake corner temperature data of the brake corner is detected, real-time brake corner pressure data of the brake corner is detected, and real-time brake corner torque data of the brake corner is detected. The method further includes that a brake drag or a brake pulsation is determined in response to the braking energy of the brake corner, whether the brake pedal of the vehicle is applied, and at least one of the real-time brake corner pressure data of the brake corner and the real-time brake corner torque data of the brake corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew A. Robere, Ali Shabbir, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 11002328
    Abstract: A shield assembly is employed for a friction brake used to decelerate a road wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle has a body with a first body end configured to face an incident ambient airflow, a second body end opposite of the first body end, and an underbody section spanning a distance between the first and second ends. The shield assembly includes a first shield component arranged proximate the brake and rotationally fixed relative to the vehicle body. The shield assembly also includes a second shield component operatively connected to the first shield component for shifting relative thereto. The shield assembly additionally includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy element to shift the second shield component relative to the first shield component in response to a temperature of the brake to thereby direct at least a portion of the airflow to the brake and control temperature thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander, Anthony L. Smith, David Begleiter, Mark T. Riefe, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20210122237
    Abstract: Ride-on equipment includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a main frame, a subframe pivotally coupled to the main frame about a pivot axis, a power source, and a transaxle assembly. The power source is coupled to and supported by the main frame and includes a drive pulley. The transaxle assembly is configured to pivot with respect to the power source, is operably coupled to the pair of rear drive wheels, and includes at least one driven pulley. The drive pulley and the at least one driven pulley are operably coupled by a belt such that the at least one driven pulley of the transaxle assembly is configured to be driven by the drive pulley of the source via the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
  • Patent number: 10988097
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a housing and at least one pedal coupled to the housing and the at least one pedal is actuatable by an occupant. The vehicle also includes an actuator operably coupled to the pedal and enclosed within the housing. The actuator is configured to selectively move the pedal relative to the housing between a first position and a second position with respect to the passenger compartment. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Ghaffari, Steven J. Weber, Tomasz R. Warzecha
  • Patent number: 10882397
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment. The transaxle drive system can include a frame supporting at least one power source and at least two subframes, the at least one power source including at least one drive pulley. The system can also include transaxle assemblies driven by at least a portion of at least one belt from the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can include a first transaxle assembly supported by a subframe, the first transaxle assembly coupled to the at least one drive pulley with at least one belt, and a second transaxle assembly supported by another subframe, the second transaxle assembly coupled by at least one belt to the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can be independently pivoted with respect to each other, the frame, and the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
  • Publication number: 20200317167
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a brake pedal emulator housing and at least one pedal coupled to the brake pedal emulator housing. The at least one pedal is actuatable by an occupant. The vehicle includes a first gearing element operably coupled to the pedal and a second gearing element operably coupled with the first gearing element. The vehicle further includes an actuator operably coupled to the second gearing element. The actuator is configured to disengage from the second gearing element and apply a motive force to the second gearing element. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the pedal to the first position and control the actuator to move the pedal to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Ghaffari, Steven J. Weber, Tomasz R. Warzecha
  • Publication number: 20200317152
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a housing and at least one pedal coupled to the housing and the at least one pedal is actuatable by an occupant. The vehicle also includes an actuator operably coupled to the pedal and enclosed within the housing. The actuator is configured to selectively move the pedal relative to the housing between a first position and a second position with respect to the passenger compartment. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Ghaffari, Steven J. Weber, Tomasz R. Warzecha
  • Publication number: 20200317166
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a brake pedal emulator housing and at least one pedal interface coupled to the housing. The vehicle also includes an actuator operably coupled to the brake pedal emulator housing. The actuator is configured to selectively move the housing and the pedal interface between a first position and a second position with respect to the passenger compartment. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control the actuator to move the housing and the pedal interface to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the housing and the pedal interface to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Ghaffari, Steven J. Weber, Tomasz R. Warzecha
  • Publication number: 20200247375
    Abstract: A method of operating an anti-lock braking system includes that real-time brake corner temperature data, real-time brake corner pressure data real-time brake corner torque data, and deceleration parameters of the vehicle are detected. The method also includes that an apparent friction at the brake corner is determined in response to at least the real-time brake corner temperature data, the real-time brake corner pressure data, the real-time brake corner torque data, and the deceleration parameters of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander A. Nygaard, Chong Keong Tang, Matthew A. Robere, Steven J. Weber, Anthony J. Rifici, Ali Shabbir
  • Publication number: 20200232531
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a brake corner of a vehicle including that real-time brake corner temperature data of the brake corner is detected, real-time brake corner pressure data of the brake corner is detected, and real-time brake corner torque data of the brake corner is detected. The method further includes that a brake drag or a brake pulsation is determined in response to the braking energy of the brake corner, whether the brake pedal of the vehicle is applied, and at least one of the real-time brake corner pressure data of the brake corner and the real-time brake corner torque data of the brake corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew A. Robere, Ali Shabbir, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 10697512
    Abstract: A shield assembly is employed for a friction brake used to decelerate a road wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle has a body with a first body end configured to face an incident ambient airflow, a second body end opposite of the first body end, and an underbody section spanning a distance between the first and second ends. The shield assembly includes a first shield component arranged proximate the brake and rotationally fixed relative to the vehicle body. The shield assembly also includes a second shield component operatively connected to the first shield component for shifting relative thereto. The shield assembly additionally includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy element to shift the second shield component relative to the first shield component in response to a temperature of the brake to thereby direct at least a portion of the airflow to the brake and control temperature thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander, Anthony L. Smith, David Begleiter, Mark T. Riefe, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20200191219
    Abstract: A shield assembly is employed for a friction brake used to decelerate a road wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle has a body with a first body end configured to face an incident ambient airflow, a second body end opposite of the first body end, and an underbody section spanning a distance between the first and second ends. The shield assembly includes a first shield component arranged proximate the brake and rotationally fixed relative to the vehicle body. The shield assembly also includes a second shield component operatively connected to the first shield component for shifting relative thereto. The shield assembly additionally includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy element to shift the second shield component relative to the first shield component in response to a temperature of the brake to thereby direct at least a portion of the airflow to the brake and control temperature thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander, Anthony L. Smith, David Begleiter, Mark T. Riefe, Steven J. Weber