Lateral Vehicle Disposition Patents (Class 280/5.508)
  • Patent number: 11845421
    Abstract: A mobile work machine includes a propulsion subsystem that propel the mobile work machine about a worksite. The mobile work machine includes a steering subsystem that steers the mobile work machine about the worksite. The mobile work machine includes a stability determination system that determines a stability factor based on a characteristic of the steering subsystem. The mobile work machine also includes a control system that controls the mobile work machine based on the stability factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christian A. Von Holst, Nathanael K. Rehn, Jacob M. Mazanec, Jacob M. Kongs, Anthony D'Alessandro, Lowell Stutzman, Kyle A. Maakestad
  • Patent number: 11772445
    Abstract: A construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, comprising a machine frame, a traveling mechanism with front and rear traveling devices with at least one pair of front traveling devices and/or one pair of rear traveling devices, at least one pair of the front or rear traveling devices being connected to the machine frame via lifting columns each having a hydraulically adjustable piston-cylinder unit, a drive device for driving the hydraulically adjustable piston-cylinder unit of the lifting columns separately from one another, and a control device configured to control the lifting adjustment of the lifting columns by means of the hydraulically adjustable piston-cylinder units, and to a method for controlling the lifting position of a piston-cylinder unit of a lifting column of a construction machine, in particular a construction machine according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventor: Joachim Ponstein
  • Patent number: 11440369
    Abstract: A crane, in particular a pick and carry crane, may have a front chassis with front wheels and a back chassis with back wheels, the front chassis being articulated relative to the back chassis so that the crane can travel whilst carrying a load suspended from a boom. The back and front wheels have independent suspensions which are capable of connection to one another so that movement of a left wheel influences movement of a right wheel, thereby improving the handing of the crane, particularly over rough terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TEREX AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Clayton McPherson
  • Patent number: 11396215
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimation of a ride height of a vehicle axle via a linear displacement sensor. In one example, a method may include, during motion of vehicle wheels, estimating a change in ride height of an axle based on a distance of axial movement between a first axle constant velocity universal (CV) joint and a differential unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Perry M. Paielli, Scott R. Green
  • Patent number: 11279197
    Abstract: An air suspension system and a method of controlling the same. The air suspension system includes air springs, each having a first input port, the air springs adjusting heights of left and right front and rear wheels, a data collection unit configured to receive data regarding a vehicle state, a solenoid valve configured to control the flow of compressed air, a double-acting cylinder whose piston rod is moved to guide the flow of the compressed air in left and right directions, so that the compressed air is supplied to the air springs through the solenoid valves connected to left and right sides of the double-acting cylinder, a drive unit having a drive motor to move the piston rod, and a sub-control unit configured to set a driving position and driving acceleration, based on the vehicle state, and to operate the solenoid valve and the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 11195350
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating axles of a vehicle are provided. In one example, an apparatus is configured to consume a first amount of electric power to indicate a first axle operating state. The apparatus is also configured to consume a second amount of electric power to indicate a second axle operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Casey R. Lofthouse, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11001268
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating and controlling an active dampening system for a chassis of a vehicle having an engine involve operating the engine in a cylinder deactivation mode and, during the cylinder deactivation mode, (i) receiving, from a set of sensors, measured vibrations on first and second frame rails of the chassis, (ii) generating control signals for a set of actuators based on the measured vibration of the first and second frame rails, each actuator being configured to generate a vibrational force in at least one direction, and (iii) outputting, to the set of actuators, the control signals, wherein receipt of the control signals cause the set of actuators to generate vibrational forces that dampen the vibration of the first and second frame rails, respectively, to decrease noise/vibration/harshness (NVH).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M Orzechowski, Brian D Dwyer, Gregory A Sbroglia, Peter Kalinowsky, Matthew Kamps
  • Patent number: 10858230
    Abstract: A lift device includes a chassis, a first actuator coupled to the chassis, a second actuator coupled to the chassis, a third actuator coupled to the chassis, a fourth actuator coupled to the chassis, and a fluid circuit. The fluid circuit is configured to facilitate selectively fluidly coupling the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in at least four different configurations where, in each of the at least four different configurations, two of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator are fluidly coupled together while the other two of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator are fluidly decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Hackenberg, Jihong Hao, Harish Sivasubramanian, Marcel Amsallen
  • Patent number: 10850963
    Abstract: A lift device includes a base having a first end and an opposing second end, a first arm pivotally coupled to the first end, a second arm pivotally coupled to the first end, a third arm pivotally coupled to the opposing second end, a fourth arm pivotally coupled to the opposing second end, and a leveling assembly. The leveling assembly includes a first actuator extending between the first arm and the first end, a second actuator extending between the second arm and the first end, a third actuator extending between the third arm and the opposing second end, a fourth actuator extending between the fourth arm and the opposing second end, and a controller configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator to reconfigure the leveling assembly between (i) a shipping, transport, or storage mode and (ii) an operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Hackenberg, Harish Sivasubramanian, Marcel Amsallen, Jesse Holmes, Peter Gilbert, Milan Klimes
  • Patent number: 10703160
    Abstract: A roll control apparatus for a vehicle which comprises front wheel side and rear wheel side active stabilizer devices and a control unit that is configured to control the stabilizer devices, to calculate a target anti-roll moment, to determine optimum control gains of electric actuators of the stabilizer devices among pre-stored control gains based on a vehicle speed and a frequency of change in a roll angle of a vehicle body, and to control the electric actuators so that a sum of anti-roll moments generated by the front wheel side and rear wheel side active stabilizer devices becomes the target anti-roll moment and control gains of the electric actuators become the optimum control gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shingo Koumura
  • Patent number: 10569612
    Abstract: In one aspect, a suspension control system is provided for dynamically adjusting pistons located proximal to wheels of an agricultural machine to account for tire deflection or squat with varying loads. Articulation, pitch, roll and/or machine height can be determined from pressure measurements on the machine to apply such tire height corrections. For sprayers, this allows controlling clearance and suspension height to maintain the boom parallel to the ground to prevent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Blaine A. Schwalbe, Nathan P. Brooks
  • Patent number: 10343480
    Abstract: A valve control device is configured to execute a specific valve control when a valve switching condition at high pressure is satisfied. The specific valve control switches the spring constant change valves for front wheel to a blocking state and switches a spring constant change valves for rear wheel to a communication permission state. The valve switching condition at high pressure is satisfied when oil pressure of hydraulic oil of rear wheel side oil hydraulic cylinders, which is detected by rear wheel side oil pressure detection means, is more than or equal to a predetermined oil pressure threshold and the traveling state determination means determines that a vehicle is in a predetermined traveling state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kohtaroh Okimura
  • Patent number: 10286744
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes: a pressure tank capable of storing air in a compression state; a plurality of vehicle height adjustment units that are provided in correspondence with wheels of a vehicle and individually adjust vehicle heights at the respective wheels by supplying the air from the pressure tank or returning the air to the pressure tank; an information acquisition unit that acquires turn route information during travel of the vehicle; and a control unit that raises the vehicle height at the vehicle height adjustment unit on a turn outer side more than the vehicle height at the vehicle height adjustment unit on a turn inner side such that the vehicle takes a tilt posture on the basis of the turn route information when the vehicle turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Kondo, Atsuto Ogino
  • Patent number: 10288143
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorber (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, which comprises: a cylinder (2) containing a hydraulic fluid; a main piston (4) actuated by a rod (3), defining in the cylinder a first main chamber (5) and a second main chamber (6), the second main chamber containing the rod; a hydraulic fluid vessel (24); and a valve (11) placed in the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the first main chamber and the second main chamber or between the first main chamber and the vessel. The valve comprises a mobile gate (14) engaging with a seat (13), a spring (20) tending to urge the gate against the seat thereof, and a mobile valve piston (17, 78), defining a first valve chamber (18, 82) and a second valve chamber (19, 83) in the valve, said mobile valve piston being capable of compressing the spring and closing the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventors: Jacques Sirven, Marc Sirven, François Sirven, Aude Sirven, Alain Bordier
  • Patent number: 9696231
    Abstract: A machine tool having a numeric control device is configured such that a storage unit of the numeric control device stores a weight and a position of a center of gravity of a fixed unit and a movable unit of the machine tool, and the position of the center of gravity of the entire set including the machine tool and the load is calculated using the weights and the positions of the center of gravity, the weight and the position of the center of gravity of the load, and a relative position of the movable unit of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Nakahama
  • Patent number: 9346428
    Abstract: A system and method for determining when to deploy a vehicle safety system includes a processor and inertial sensor. The inertial sensor has a filtered output and an unfiltered or lightly filtered output. The unfiltered or lightly filtered output is in communication with the processor and provides inertial information relating to the vehicle. The filtered output of the inertial sensor is in communication with a vehicle stability control system. The processor is further configured to monitor the unfiltered or lightly filtered output of the inertial sensor and determine if the inertial information indicates that the vehicle has been involved in a collision. If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, the processor is configured to deploy a vehicle safety system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: Dino Bortolin
  • Patent number: 9266522
    Abstract: A driving force transmission controller includes: a normal turning control unit that computes command values such that driving force transmitted to an outer wheel in a turning direction is larger than that transmitted to an inner wheel during normal turning; a counter-steering control unit that computes the command values such that the driving force transmitted to the outer wheel is larger than that transmitted to the inner wheel during counter-steering; a counter-steering return control unit that corrects the command values such that a rate of change in each of the driving forces transmitted to the right and left rear wheels is lower than a rate of change in a steered angle of front wheels when a steering velocity is equal to or higher than a prescribed value during the counter-steering; and a driving force transmission control unit that controls a driving force transmission device based on the command values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Kodama, Kenta Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 9248813
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the stability of a vehicle including a controller which is adapted to detect when conditions exist under which vehicle rollover is likely and, when such conditions exist, to trigger an alarm signal or initiate a control intervention by means of which the vehicle travel is controlled to reduce the likelihood of vehicle rollover, wherein the apparatus further includes an accelerometer, the accelerometer being configured to measure the acceleration of the vehicle along two non-parallel axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: HALDEX BRAKE PRODUCTS LTD.
    Inventor: Dudley Harrison
  • Patent number: 8997911
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a steering section and a main body section connected together; a steerable wheel which is rotatably mounted to the steering section and which steers the vehicle body; a non-steerable wheel which is rotatably mounted to the main body section; a steering apparatus for inputting a steering instruction information; an inclination actuator apparatus for inclining the steering section or the main body section in a turning direction; a steering actuator apparatus for varying a steering angle of the steerable wheel based on the steering instruction information inputted from the steering apparatus; and a control apparatus which controls the inclination actuator apparatus and the steering actuator apparatus. The control apparatus controls a center of gravity to move in a steering direction included in the steering instruction information at an initial steering stage so that an acceleration toward turning-locus inner side is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Equos Research, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koki Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20150091261
    Abstract: A system for varying an eyelet-to-eyelet distance of a vehicle. The system includes top and bottom mounting components defining the eyelet-to-eyelet distance, the top mounting component being operatively connected to a frame of the vehicle, and the bottom mounting component being operatively connected to a supporting component of the vehicle. The system also includes a telescopic component disposed about a housing of at least one of the top and bottom components, the telescopic component being displaceable with respect to said housing in response to a given input of a driver of the vehicle, for varying a distance between the top and mounting components, and thus varying the eyelet-to-eyelet distance of the vehicle. Also described is a vehicle including such a system, and a method of operating associated thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Lamoureux, Nicolas Rousseau, Patrick Tellier
  • Publication number: 20150091262
    Abstract: Embodiments of a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a locking assembly. The locking assembly inhibits tipping of a frame of the vehicle when tipping of the frame is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz, Gerald Fought
  • Patent number: 8967629
    Abstract: A first communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at an upper vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at a lower vehicle side to be communicated with each other, and a second communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the lower vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the upper vehicle side to be communicated with each other. Between the first and second communication passages is a valve mechanism so that the first and second communication passages are normally communicated with each other, and fluid flow from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other is blocked, when a pressure difference, caused when fluid moves from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morito Oshita, Fumio Kojima, Katsuhiko Takasu
  • Patent number: 8954233
    Abstract: A vehicle body drifting suppression device including a steering torque detection unit which detects a steering torque of a vehicle, wherein a vehicle body drifting suppression is performed according to a vehicle body drifting suppression control-amount, and the vehicle body drifting suppression control-amount is adjusted according to a temporal sustention status of the steering torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Nakamura, Norio Yamazaki, Shigenori Takimoto, Yoshimichi Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20150028551
    Abstract: An automobile includes an active suspension system and a leveling system. The leveling system receives high pressure fluid from the active suspension system in order to change static vehicle height and compensate for static load changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.
    Inventor: Koen REYBROUCK
  • Publication number: 20140319788
    Abstract: A vehicle air suspension system includes at least two spring bellows assigned to pneumatic springs on opposite vehicle sides of a vehicle axle. The springs can be connected via connection lines, each of which is provided with a level-regulating valve, to a main pressure line and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main pressure line can be connected via a main pressure valve alternately to a compressed air source and to a compressed air sink. The connection lines of the spring bellows are connected to each other via a connection line provided with a throttle and can be shut off by a shut-off valve. A mechanically activatable shut-off valve is coupled to one of the level-regulating valves arranged on the offside of the vehicle such that the shut-off valve is open when the level-regulating valve is closed and is closed when the level-regulating valve is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Tobias Gomann, Michael Haverkamp, Andreas Rutsch
  • Patent number: 8870191
    Abstract: An active roll control device utilizes driving torque to move a suspension arm side connection point of a stabilizer link connecting both sides of a stabilizer bar with a suspension arm along a sliding unit to actively control vehicle roll. The sliding unit may include slide rails, a load surface on an upper surface and a lower surface, and a guide surface on an inner side surface, a connector is connected to a pushrod of a drive shaft of the operating source and a lower end portion of the stabilizer link through a double ball joint, a plurality of load rollers rotatably disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the connector through a roller pin and contacts the load surface of the sliding rail, and guide rollers rotatably on the connector through a roller pin and contacts the guide surface of the sliding rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140300066
    Abstract: Roll stabilizers as an example for chassis actuators are used for compensating or suppressing rolling movements of a vehicle about its longitudinal axis. Such rolling movements are caused, in particular, when driving around curves due to centrifugal forces. A chassis actuator device is provided, in particular, a roll stabilizer, for a vehicle with a flange connection between an actuator and a stabilization component. A holder-side positive-locking contour is arranged on a holder section of the flange connection and a flange-side positive-locking contour is arranged on a flange. The positive-locking contours together form a positive-locking connection in the circumferential direction about a torsion axis A, and the flange-side positive-locking contour is arranged on a flange-side lateral surface and/or the holder-side positive-locking contour is arranged on a holder-side lateral surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Ralf Mayer, Thomas Dirnberger, Alois Friedrich, Manfred Kraus
  • Publication number: 20140239601
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a sway control system are disclosed. Various embodiments may have pivoting or sliding control arms. Said control arms are operatively coupled to a plurality of ground-engaging elements, of a vehicle, via connecting rods. A dampening and or or cushioning element employed in the assembly comprised of said control arm, said connecting rods, and said ground engaging elements to give the assembly the characteristics best suited for the particular vehicle application. Embodiments may have mechanical, spring, hydraulic, pneumatic, friction other developed dampening or cushioning elements employed as needed to achieve optimum performance for application. Some embodiments may provide for active control of the degree cushioning and or dampening available in said assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: David Monroe Campbell
  • Patent number: 8818700
    Abstract: The motor vehicle of the invention is provided with at least three wheels and includes a driving cab capable of accommodating a single person in the width direction. The motor vehicle comprises a bend-balancing means that acts by the inclination of at least the portion of the chassis that bears the driving cab. According to the invention, the vehicle is also provided with speed, acceleration and/or inclination sensors, and the balancing means are automatically controlled when the information supplied by the sensors is lower than a main predetermined threshold. The invention also provides that the automatic control of the balancing means is deactivated when the information provided by the sensors is higher than said main threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Moulene, Thierry Moulene
  • Patent number: 8807542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
  • Patent number: 8801015
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels; a pair of rear wheels; a cabin frame portion; a first support frame portion extending forward from the cabin frame portion; a second support frame portion extending rearward from the cabin frame portion; a first suspension system supported by the first support frame portion and suspending the front wheels; and a second suspension system supported by the second support frame portion and suspending the rear wheels. Each of the first suspension system and the second suspension system includes a damping unit. Each damping unit includes a pair of dampers generating damping forces via oil viscosity resistance; an adjuster that adjusts the damping forces generated by the dampers; and a pair of oil paths which connect the dampers with the adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Inui, Takashi Yamamura
  • Patent number: 8789834
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes: a plurality of wheels; a first primary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a second primary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a first secondary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a second secondary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a first gas line extending in fluid communication between the compartment of the first primary airbag and the compartment of the second secondary airbag; a second gas line extending in fluid communication between the compartment of the second primary airbag and the compartment of the first secondary airbag; and an axle assembly supported by the plurality of wheels for compressing or expanding the airbags as different loads are applied to the wheels to facilitate the transfer of gas between the airbags through the first and second gas lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Roy A. Turner
  • Patent number: 8740229
    Abstract: A zero turning radius vehicle is disclosed having a power transmission operatively and independently engaged to each one of at least two driven wheels, and including at least one caster, supporting a portion of said vehicle weight, rotatably connected to the vehicle whereby the caster is operatively biased while the vehicle is operating at a side angle such that the caster neutralizes the gravitational force that would tend to drive the vehicle downward when traversing a slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: William D. Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 8682539
    Abstract: A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on machine operation are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so are the damping and stiffness properties of the controllable mount. With other operations such as roading or working on a flat surface, the feedback afforded by the mounts is not as important as operator comfort, in which case the current applied to the coils can be lowered and thus the mount can be made more relaxed. The machine of the present disclosure identifies the machine operation being performed through sensors, predictive algorithms, implement position, and operator input and sets the current and properties of the controllable mounts accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Jones, Ronald B. Warnat, Brett D. Ellen, Nathan S. Pauli, Michael S. Contratto
  • Patent number: 8608181
    Abstract: An active roll control system may include a sliding unit which includes a housing disposed on a suspension, a slide rail disposed within the housing along vehicle width direction, and a connector movably disposed on the slide rail, wherein the connector may be pivotally connected with a lower end of the stabilizer link, the connector guided along the vehicle width direction according to vehicle driving condition, and a driving unit connected with the connector so as to drive the connector, wherein the connector may be movable at inward of an imaginary line connecting the first connecting point connected with the knuckle and the second connecting point connected with the outward portion of the sub frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8596647
    Abstract: An active roll control device utilizes a driving torque to move a suspension arm side connection point of a stabilizer link that connects both sides of a stabilizer bar with a suspension arm along a sliding unit such that roll of a vehicle is actively controlled. The sliding unit includes a linear shaft that extends in a vehicle width direction in a housing on the suspension arm, a linear bushing into which the linear shaft is inserted to be slidably moved along the linear shaft in the housing, and a bushing housing that is fixed on an external circumference of the linear bushing, a double ball joint is fixed on an inner side thereof to connect the bushing housing, and the double ball joint is connected to a drive shaft of the drive source through one end of a push rod and a lower end of the stabilizer link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8540251
    Abstract: An active roll control system (ARCS) can actively control roll of a stabilizer bar connected to a pair of upper arms mounted respectively at both sides of a vehicle body through stabilizer links. The system may include a rail plate mounted in a space formed by bending a middle portion of the suspension arm, a connector having a screw hole and a connecting end that is connected to the stabilizer link, upper and lower portions of the connector being movable along the rail plate, a drive motor coupled to the suspension arm and provided with a screw shaft, wherein the connector is movable along the rail plate, and a cover covering the space in a state of being coupled with the rail plate and having a slot formed at a lower surface thereof, wherein the stabilizer link being inserted in and movable along the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8508172
    Abstract: A method of actuating a robotic mechanism having a first leg member rotatably coupled to a first side of a chassis and a second leg member rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis. The method comprises positioning the first leg member and the second leg member generally about 180 degrees with respect to each other and effecting movement of the chassis by rotating both the first leg member and the second leg member with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Bossa Nova Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Sarjoun Skaff
  • Patent number: 8498773
    Abstract: A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Prabhakar R. Marur, Chandra S. Namuduri
  • Patent number: 8485539
    Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system includes a fixed housing having a canister and end caps forming an enclosure. A rod moves axially relative to the housing. Abutment members on the rod are separated by a spring and confront or telescope into end stops in the housing, depending upon a rotated position of the end stops relative to the abutment members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Bidlake, Dennis M. Mark
  • Publication number: 20130147136
    Abstract: An active roll control system may include a sliding unit which includes a housing disposed on a suspension, a slide rail disposed within the housing along vehicle width direction, and a connector movably disposed on the slide rail, wherein the connector may be pivotally connected with a lower end of the stabilizer link, the connector guided along the vehicle width direction according to vehicle driving condition, and a driving unit connected with the connector so as to drive the connector, wherein the connector may be movable at inward of an imaginary line connecting the first connecting point connected with the knuckle and the second connecting point connected with the outward portion of the sub frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyundai Motor Company
  • Publication number: 20130147135
    Abstract: An active roll control system (ARCS) can actively control roll of a stabilizer bar connected to a pair of upper arms mounted respectively at both sides of a vehicle body through stabilizer links. The system may include a rail plate mounted in a space formed by bending a middle portion of the suspension arm, a connector having a screw hole and a connecting end that is connected to the stabilizer link, upper and lower portions of the connector being movable along the rail plate, a drive motor coupled to the suspension arm and provided with a screw shaft, wherein the connector is movable along the rail plate, and a cover covering the space in a state of being coupled with the rail plate and having a slot formed at a lower surface thereof, wherein the stabilizer link being inserted in and movable along the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8434581
    Abstract: A suspension device for suspending a mass relative to a substructure. The suspension device comprises a spring/damper arrangement which is disposed between the mass and the substructure and dampens vibrations, and comprises at least one Watt's linkage. At least one of the pivot points of the Watt's linkage is movably connected to the mass and the substructure. The relative position between the pivot point, the mass and the substructure can be adjusted by at least one substantially linearly acting actuator. The suspension device is robust and suitable for determining the vertical degree of freedom of movement of a truck driver's cab, and for damping or preventing undesired movement of the driver's cab. At the same time, undesired rolling or tilting motion of the driver's cab can be actively controlled or prevented by using the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Matthias Quaing, Friedhelm Langhorst, Karl Lorenz, Kerstin Lahmann, Jens Eismann
  • Publication number: 20130099455
    Abstract: A roll stabilizer for installation to a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a transverse torsion bar rotatably mounted to a body of the motor vehicle and two longitudinal arms which are connected to the torsion bar to thereby establish a substantially U shaped configuration. The longitudinal arms are articulated directly or indirectly to wheel control elements of the wheel suspension. A servomotor is arranged at one end of the torsion bar between one of the longitudinal arms and the torsion bar for adjusting the longitudinal arms in relation to one another to thereby stabilize a rolling motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Beringer, ANDREAS SCHINDLER
  • Publication number: 20130099456
    Abstract: A first communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at an upper vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at a lower vehicle side to be communicated with each other, and a second communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the lower vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the upper vehicle side to be communicated with each other. Between the first and second communication passages is a valve mechanism so that the first and second communication passages are normally communicated with each other, and fluid flow from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other is blocked, when a pressure difference, caused when fluid moves from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morito Oshita, Fumio Kojima, Katsuhiko Takasu
  • Patent number: 8408559
    Abstract: An active geometry control suspension system may include an active roll control unit having a guide rail formed along a predetermined distance in a front-rear direction from a rail seat inserted down from above a lower arm, sliders slidably fitting in the guide rail, a stabilizer link with one end pivotally coupled to the sliders, a pushrod with one end pivotally connected to the sliders, and an actuator having an operation bar, one end of which may be pivotally connected to the other end of the pushrod, the operating bar operating forward or backward, wherein the one end of the stabilizer link and the one end of the pushrod may be connected to the sliders through a double ball joint, and the other end of the pushrod and the one end of the operation bar may be connected through a ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8346433
    Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Keith Mattson, Joe Meyers
  • Patent number: 8272650
    Abstract: A low-end adjusting mechanism for vehicle suspensions useful for compensating rolling and pitching motions and for leveling purposes, in which a vehicle spring (1) having a longitudinal axis is mounted between two spring seats or receptacles (2, 3), and at least one spring seat can be adjusted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spring by rod shaped coupling elements which are mounted at both ends in an articulated or pivotable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: asturia Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Freund, Daniel Lezock, Andreas Kissler, Juergen Schulze
  • Patent number: 8219282
    Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Keith Mattson, Joe Meyers
  • Patent number: 8191903
    Abstract: A gas spring system of a vehicle includes a multi-chamber gas spring associated with each vehicle wheel. Each multi-chamber gas spring comprises a main chamber and at least one auxiliary chamber connectable to the main chamber, such that the spring rigidity of the multi-chamber gas springs can be changed. A control device determines a target axle rigidity as a function of a guide lateral acceleration and adjusts the target rigidity. The spring rigidity of the multi-chamber gas spring located on an inner side of the vehicle (relative to a curve traversed by the vehicle) is first changed. The spring rigidities of the multi-chamber gas springs of a vehicle axle are changed in stages in an alternating fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Carsten Beuermann, Jochen Goetz, Eberhard Kaus