Mitchell P Schmalz

US Patent:

6665597, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

Feb 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/248887

Inventors:

Paul Edmund Hanser - Tipton IA
John Friede - Walcott IA
Mitchell P. Schmalz - Iowa City IA

Assignee:

HWH Corporation - Moscow IA

International Classification:

B60G 1701

US Classification:

701 37, 280 5514, 280 6157

Abstract:

A vehicle ride-height and automatic suspension control system for a vehicle having an air suspension system. The automatic suspension control system provides the vehicle operator with selectable ride-heights and controls vehicle level as it rounds curves or corners. The system utilizes a series of photoelectric sensors that are linked between the vehicle chassis and axles and are combined with the vehicle steering system. Continuously sampling of the photoelectric sensors by a controller increments or decrements a digital register. When the counter reaches either the upper or lower selected threshold values the appropriate air bag is inflated or deflated for a duration of time. System sensitivity is adjustable by selecting different counter thresholds and by selecting the duration of air bag inflation or deflation.

US Patent:

6684138, Jan 27, 2004

Filed:

May 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/063989

Inventors:

John Friede - Walcott IA
Mitchell P. Schmalz - Iowa City IA

Assignee:

HWH Corporation - Moscow IA

International Classification:

G06F 700

US Classification:

701 36, 280 615, 3336612, 73290 R

Abstract:

An improved, dynamic level detection and leveling system utilizing a biaxial inclinosensor to generate a series of measurements that reflect a level of tilt. When sufficient measurements have been collected, an average value is obtained. If the average value obtained exceeds (in either direction, low or high) a selected value limit, then corrective action may be instituted, or a signal may be generated to indicate a need for automatic or manual correction. Such measurements are taken along both axes of the biaxial sensor. Leveling system response is minimized by selecting not only a value limit, but also a value null limit.

US Patent:

6894447, May 17, 2005

Filed:

Jul 12, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/064437

Inventors:

John Friede - Walcott IA, US
Mitchell P. Schmalz - Iowa City IA, US

Assignee:

HWH Corporation - Moscow IA

International Classification:

H02K007/10
B62P003/34

US Classification:

318 14, 318 3, 318 9, 296 2601, 296 2603, 296176

Abstract:

A system for extending and retracting expandable rooms in vehicles. The system employs linear actuators that can be mounted laterally to the direction of movement of the room when it is expanded or extended. In order to provide for extending and retracting the room, the actuators are connected to heavy chains which are connected to the main body of the vehicle structure and which will flex in one direction only. The chains ride in tracks such that when the actuators are retracted, the room will be extended, and when the actuators are extended, the room will be retracted. The system includes infrared sensors that sense movement of each chain to produce a signal that is used to synchronize movement of all of the actuators as the room is extended or retracted.

US Patent:

6590758, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

Apr 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/681497

Inventors:

John Friede - Walcott IA 52773-8567
Dan Boddicker - Tipton IA 52772-9421
Mitchell P. Schmalz - Iowa City IA 52245

International Classification:

H01H 4700

US Classification:

361170, 713320, 713323, 340 34, 340 1033

Abstract:

A wakeup circuit is disclosed that allows for provision of a circuit completing ground connection in response to actuation of a control for a networked accessory such that a resting system may draw zero current when not in use and respond upon actuation through the powering of a central control module and networked accessories. A safety circuit is also disclosed for removing power from networked accessories in the event communication with a central control module is lost. A combination circuit is disclosed wherein the safety circuit is integral with the wakeup circuit to provide a circuit appropriate for use in a system of networked accessories wherein energy conservation is a priority and improved safety in the form of improved power termination reliability is desired.