Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Frashure

Timothy J. Frashure 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: 11718287
    Abstract: A system for automatically parking a commercial vehicle comprises a service brake system having at least one braking valve, a braking controller for controlling the service brake system, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) controller. The ADAS controller communicates with the braking controller and requests activation of the service brakes of the commercial vehicle until the vehicle is stationary. The braking controller, in response to the ADAS controller requesting activation of the service brakes, determines the commercial vehicle should remain stationary and activates at least one braking valve to exhaust system pressure to mechanically park the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: Timothy J Frashure
  • Patent number: 11624754
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies incorporating a temperature varying resistor provide information regarding the temperature of the operating environment for a sensor or protect the sensor from extreme temperatures. The assembly includes only two conductors—one transmitting current from a power source and another transmitting an output signal. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a sensor and a temperature varying resistor in parallel between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and information regarding a temperature of an operating environment for the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor and temperature varying resistor are in series between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and the temperature varying resistor preventing delivery of current to the sensor when a temperature of the operating environment for the sensor meets a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, Nianqing Zhou, Michael D. Cremona, Steven C. Schapel, Timothy J. Frashure
  • Patent number: 11539398
    Abstract: A system for controlling a level of communication signals broadcast onto an associated power line communication (PLC) network by an associated transmitting device includes an input circuit, an adjustable amplifier circuit, and an output circuit. The input circuit receives a first communication signal having a first signal level from the associated transmitting device. The adjustable amplifier circuit applies a selectable gain to the first communication signal based on one or more of a monitored condition of the associated vehicle and/or a monitored condition of the associated PLC network to generate a level-adjusted communication signal having a second signal level different than the first signal level of the first communication signal. The output circuit receives the level-adjusted communication signal and broadcasts the level-adjusted communication signal onto the associated PLC network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Tandi Wijaya, Timothy J. Frashure, Michael D. Cremona
  • Patent number: 11474122
    Abstract: A wheel speed sensor comprises a body, the body being overmolded and having a head zone and a coil zone. The wheel speed sensor also includes a cylindrical metallic canister fitted on the coil zone of the body, wherein the head zone has an equal or smaller diameter than the cylindrical metallic canister. The wheel speed sensor also comprises a cable, wherein the cable extends from the head zone. The wheel speed sensor is sized to be blindly insertable entirely through a bore in an associated mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Nianqing Zhou, Daniel P. Zula, Jon D. Intagliata, Timothy J. Frashure, Joseph M. Macnamara
  • Publication number: 20220176944
    Abstract: A system for automatically parking a commercial vehicle comprises a service brake system having at least one braking valve, a braking controller for controlling the service brake system, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) controller. The ADAS controller communicates with the braking controller and requests activation of the service brakes of the commercial vehicle until the vehicle is stationary. The braking controller, in response to the ADAS controller requesting activation of the service brakes, determines the commercial vehicle should remain stationary and activates at least one braking valve to exhaust system pressure to mechanically park the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy J. Frashure
  • Publication number: 20220163554
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies incorporating a temperature varying resistor provide information regarding the temperature of the operating environment for a sensor or protect the sensor from extreme temperatures. The assembly includes only two conductors—one transmitting current from a power source and another transmitting an output signal. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a sensor and a temperature varying resistor in parallel between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and information regarding a temperature of an operating environment for the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor and temperature varying resistor are in series between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and the temperature varying resistor preventing delivery of current to the sensor when a temperature of the operating environment for the sensor meets a predetermined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, Nianqing Zhou, Michael D. Cremona, Steven C. Schapel, Timothy J. Frashure
  • Publication number: 20220128586
    Abstract: A wheel speed sensor comprises a body, the body being overmolded and having a head zone and a coil zone. The wheel speed sensor also includes a cylindrical metallic canister fitted on the coil zone of the body, wherein the head zone has an equal or smaller diameter than the cylindrical metallic canister. The wheel speed sensor also comprises a cable, wherein the cable extends from the head zone. The wheel speed sensor is sized to be blindly insertable entirely through a bore in an associated mounting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Nianqing Zhou, Daniel P. Zula, Jon D. Intagliata, Timothy J. Frashure, Joseph M. Macnamara
  • Patent number: 11262375
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the speed and direction of rotation of a wheel in a vehicle are provided. The system includes a tone wheel configured for rotation with the vehicle wheel and a wheel speed sensor facing the tone wheel. The sensor generates different pluralities of phase-shifted signals responsive to rotation of the tone wheel depending on the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel. A controller receives one of the pluralities of phase-shifted signals from the sensor, receives a direction signal indicative of the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel from a source other than the sensor, and associates the plurality of phase-shifted signals with the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel indicated by the direction signal in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Daniel P. Zula, Nianqing Zhou, Timothy J. Frashure, Claus G. Beyer
  • Publication number: 20210181228
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the speed and direction of rotation of a wheel in a vehicle are provided. The system includes a tone wheel configured for rotation with the vehicle wheel and a wheel speed sensor facing the tone wheel. The sensor generates different pluralities of phase-shifted signals responsive to rotation of the tone wheel depending on the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel. A controller receives one of the pluralities of phase-shifted signals from the sensor, receives a direction signal indicative of the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel from a source other than the sensor, and associates the plurality of phase-shifted signals with the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel indicated by the direction signal in a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel P. Zula, Nianqing Zhou, Timothy J. Frashure, Claus G. Beyer
  • Patent number: 10818106
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-trip inspection of a tractor trailer are provided. The system includes a communications gateway configured for electronic communication with a vehicle control system of the tractor-trailer and a computing device configured for communication with the vehicle control system through the communications gateway. The device is configured to display an instruction to a user to perform a task of the pre-trip inspection and receive an input associated with the task from the user. The input is indicative of an operating characteristic of the tractor-trailer. The device may be further configured to determine whether the operating characteristic meets a predetermined condition. The device is further configured to transmit an instruction to the vehicle control system through the communications gateway when the operating characteristic does not meet the predetermined condition. The instruction establishes a restriction on operation of the tractor-trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Daniel P. Zula, Hans M. Molin, Michael D. Cremona, Adedapo A. Alabi, Timothy J. Frashure, Thomas J. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20200118354
    Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic device comprises a first mode of operation in which a user can perform vehicle diagnostics on an actual vehicle that is physically connected to the vehicle diagnostic device. The vehicle diagnostic device also comprises a second mode of operation in which a user can demonstrate vehicle diagnostics on a virtual vehicle without an actual vehicle having to be physically connected to the vehicle diagnostic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy J. Frashure, Mathew Fry
  • Publication number: 20200118361
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-trip inspection of a tractor trailer are provided. The system includes a communications gateway configured for electronic communication with a vehicle control system of the tractor-trailer and a computing device configured for communication with the vehicle control system through the communications gateway. The device is configured to display an instruction to a user to perform a task of the pre-trip inspection and receive an input associated with the task from the user. The input is indicative of an operating characteristic of the tractor-trailer. The device may be further configured to determine whether the operating characteristic meets a predetermined condition. The device is further configured to transmit an instruction to the vehicle control system through the communications gateway when the operating characteristic does not meet the predetermined condition. The instruction establishes a restriction on operation of the tractor-trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel P. Zula, Hans M. Molin, Michael D. Cremona, Adedapo A. Alabi, Timothy J. Frashure, Thomas J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 10496109
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for controlling at least one solenoid comprise a first electrical connector for electrically communicating with a vehicle communications bus; a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to a plurality of solenoids; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of associating each of a plurality of solenoids with a vehicle function when the plurality of solenoids are in electrical communication with the controller; receiving a control message at the first electrical connector in a first format to enable a first vehicle function; and electrically communicating a control message in a second format at the second electrical connector in response to receiving the control message in the first format to control one of the plurality of solenoids associated with the first vehicle function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Christopher H. Hutchins, Daniel P. Zula, Randy S. Wise, Timothy J. Frashure, Thomas S. Legeza
  • Patent number: 10084511
    Abstract: An electronic controller includes a first electrical input, receiving electrical power of a first voltage for powering the electronic controller, and a second electrical input, receiving an electrical power line communication signal at a second voltage. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. The power line communication signal is received from a second electronic controller that is powered by electrical power of the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Daniel P Zula, Timothy J Frashure, Michael D Tober
  • Publication number: 20180267564
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for controlling at least one solenoid comprise a first electrical connector for electrically communicating with a vehicle communications bus; a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to a plurality of solenoids; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of associating each of a plurality of solenoids with a vehicle function when the plurality of solenoids are in electrical communication with the controller; receiving a control message at the first electrical connector in a first format to enable a first vehicle function; and electrically communicating a control message in a second format at the second electrical connector in response to receiving the control message in the first format to control one of the plurality of solenoids associated with the first vehicle function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher H. Hutchins, Daniel P. Zula, Randy S. Wise, Timothy J. Frashure, Thomas S. Legeza
  • Patent number: 10050674
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling communications between members of a tractor-trailer along a power line extending between the members are provided. The system includes an input signal conditioning circuit including an amplifier and conditioning stage configured to convert an analog input signal from the power line to a digital input signal. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the digital input signal, identify a communication protocol for the analog input signal from among a plurality of communication protocols responsive to the digital input signal and decode the digital input signal using the communication protocol. The controller may also identify a communication protocol for an output signal on the power line from among the plurality of communication protocols and encode a digital communication using the communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, Daniel P. Zula, Timothy J. Frashure, Amit N. Chincholi, Jochen Retter
  • Patent number: 10001786
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for controlling at least one solenoid comprise a first electrical connector for electrically communicating with a vehicle communications bus; a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to a plurality of solenoids; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of associating each of a plurality of solenoids with a vehicle function when the plurality of solenoids are in electrical communication with the controller; receiving a control message at the first electrical connector in a first format to enable a first vehicle function; and electrically communicating a control message in a second format at the second electrical connector in response to receiving the control message in the first format to control one of the plurality of solenoids associated with the first vehicle function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Christopher H Hutchins, Daniel P Zula, Randy S Wise, Timothy J Frashure, Thomas S Legeza
  • Patent number: 9802593
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes a brake associated with a respective wheel of the vehicle, a multi-pressure valve associated with the brake, and a controller electrically communicating with the multi-pressure valve. The multi-pressure valve receives fluid at a first pressure at a supply port and is capable of delivering the fluid at a delivery port at a plurality of pressure profiles. A control signal is transmitted to the multi-pressure valve. The multi-pressure valve delivers the pressurized fluid to the brake, via the delivery port, at one of the plurality of delivery pressure profiles based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Frashure, Robert J. Custer, Richard J. Conklin
  • Publication number: 20170277204
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for controlling at least one solenoid comprise a first electrical connector for electrically communicating with a vehicle communications bus; a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to a plurality of solenoids; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of associating each of a plurality of solenoids with a vehicle function when the plurality of solenoids are in electrical communication with the controller; receiving a control message at the first electrical connector in a first format to enable a first vehicle function; and electrically communicating a control message in a second format at the second electrical connector in response to receiving the control message in the first format to control one of the plurality of solenoids associated with the first vehicle function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher H. Hutchins, Daniel P. Zula, Randy S. Wise, Timothy J. Frashure, Thomas S. Legeza
  • Publication number: 20170106757
    Abstract: An electronic controller includes a first electrical input, receiving electrical power of a first voltage for powering the electronic controller, and a second electrical input, receiving an electrical power line communication signal at a second voltage. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. The power line communication signal is received from a second electronic controller that is powered by electrical power of the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Weed, Daniel P. Zula, Timothy J. Frashure, Michael D. Tober