Paul S Osterman

US Patent:

6417768, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Jun 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/894622

Inventors:

Paul S. Osterman - Eugene OR
Walter E. Heron - Veneta OR

Assignee:

Indian Head Industries, Inc. - Charlotte NC

International Classification:

B60Q 144

US Classification:

340479, 340453, 340454, 188 111 W, 188 111 E

Abstract:

A vehicle brake monitor for a brake actuator including a housing, a reciprocal push rod extending through an opening in the housing and a stone shield mounted in the housing opening. An annular sleeve surrounds the push rod which is integrally formed of plastic including opposed sleeve portions which are generally semicircular in cross-section and a longitudinal integral flexible hinge portion interconnecting the adjacent sides of the sleeve portions, such that the annular sleeve may be received on the push rod, and an adjustable connector element interconnecting the opposed sides of the sleeve portions. The sleeve includes an elongated magnet, preferably a ceramic magnet having face portions which are magnetized with adjacent north and south poles and the stone shield includes a Hall-effect sensor which senses the location of the sleeve as the push rod reciprocates through the stone shield.

US Patent:

6480107, Nov 12, 2002

Filed:

Sep 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/952825

Inventors:

Terry L. Stonehocker - Anderson SC
R. Ryan Moore - Easley SC
Paul S. Osterman - Eugene OR
Walter E. Heron - Veneta OR

Assignee:

Indian Head Industries, Inc. - Charlotte NC

International Classification:

B60Q 144

US Classification:

340479, 340453, 340454, 188 111 W, 188 111 E

Abstract:

An apparatus for assembling a brake monitor upon a brake actuator, wherein the brake monitor includes an annular push rod sleeve having a first sensor element, preferably a magnet, and a second sensor element fixed relative to the brake actuator housing. The installation apparatus includes a push rod sleeve adjustment member which supports the push rod sleeve and movable by a servomotor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), preferably including an analog card, operably connected to the second sensor element including a power supply having a predetermined voltage. The PLC controls the servomotor to adjust the axial position of the push rod sleeve on the push rod until the second sensor element senses a predetermined voltage, and the apparatus then fixes the push rod sleeve on the push rod. The installation apparatus also locates an annular sensor sleeve within the brake actuator housing and disposes the push rod through the sensor sleeve and aligns the components of the housing, push rod, return spring, etc.

US Patent:

20010030602, Oct 18, 2001

Filed:

Jun 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/884558

Inventors:

Paul Osterman - Eugene OR, US
Walter Heron - Veneta OR, US

International Classification:

B60Q001/00

US Classification:

340/453000, 340/454000

Abstract:

A vehicle brake monitor for a brake actuator including a housing, a reciprocal push rod extending through an opening in the housing and a stone shield mounted in the housing opening. An annular sleeve surrounds the push rod which is integrally formed of plastic including opposed sleeve portions which are generally semicircular in cross-section and a longitudinal integral flexible hinge portion interconnecting the adjacent sides of the sleeve portions, such that the annular sleeve may be received on the push rod, and an adjustable connector element interconnecting the opposed sides of the sleeve portions. The sleeve includes an elongated magnet, preferably a ceramic magnet having face portions which are magnetized with adjacent north and south poles and the stone shield includes a Hall-effect sensor which senses the location of the sleeve as the push rod reciprocates through the stone shield.

US Patent:

62559419, Jul 3, 2001

Filed:

Feb 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/512504

Inventors:

Paul S. Osterman - Eugene OR
Walter E. Heron - Veneta OR

Assignee:

Indian Head Industries, Inc. - Charlotte NC

International Classification:

B60Q 144

US Classification:

340479

Abstract:

A vehicle brake monitor for a brake actuator including a housing, a reciprocal push rod extending through an opening in the housing and a stone shield mounted in the housing opening. An annular sleeve surrounds the push rod which is integrally formed of plastic including opposed sleeve portions which are generally semicircular in cross-section and a longitudinal integral flexible hinge portion interconnecting the adjacent sides of the sleeve portions, such that the annular sleeve may be received on the push rod, and an adjustable connector element interconnecting the opposed sides of the sleeve portions. The sleeve includes an elongated magnet, preferably a ceramic magnet having face portions which are magnetized with adjacent north and south poles and the stone shield includes a Hall-effect sensor which senses the location of the sleeve as the push rod reciprocates through the stone shield.