Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Hickam

Christopher D. Hickam 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: 8970246
    Abstract: An assembly and circuit structure for measuring current through an integrated circuit (IC) module device is disclosed. The circuit structure includes a power supply, at least one IC module device, at least one amplifier, and a resistive washer. The power supply can be configured to generate direct or alternating current. The at least one IC module device having a pair of terminals can be configured to receive the generated current. The at least one amplifier can be configured to measure the amount of current that flows through the IC module device. The at least one amplifier may be electrically coupled to a resistor. Also, a resistive washer may be configured to oppose current flow through the at least one IC module so as to redirect current to flow through the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam
  • Publication number: 20130001944
    Abstract: An improved system and method for starting an engine of an electric drive machine is disclosed. The method includes supplying electric current from a first energy storage device to inductive windings of a propulsion motor. The method also includes accumulating energy in the inductive windings of the propulsion motor based on a magnetic field created when the supplied electric current flows through the inductive windings. Electrical energy is generated by regulating a first plurality of switches associated with a first inverter to cause a collapse of the accumulated energy in the inductive windings. Such electrical energy is stored in an energy storage device. A controller regulates a second plurality of switches associated with a second inverter to cause a release of the stored electrical energy. The released electrical energy is supplied to a generator to start the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher D. Hickam, Baojun Si
  • Publication number: 20120167026
    Abstract: An assembly and circuit structure for measuring current through an integrated circuit (IC) module device is disclosed. The circuit structure includes a power supply, at least one IC module device, at least one amplifier, and a resistive washer. The power supply can be configured to generate direct or alternating current. The at least one IC module device having a pair of terminals can be configured to receive the generated current. The at least one amplifier can be configured to measure the amount of current that flows through the IC module device. The at least one amplifier may be electrically coupled to a resistor. Also, a resistive washer may be configured to oppose current flow through the at least one IC module so as to redirect current to flow through the resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam
  • Patent number: 7789685
    Abstract: An electrical shorting system includes an electrical switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a switching terminal. The electrical shorting system also includes a housing, a first contact in electrical communication with the first terminal of the electrical switch and supported by the housing, and a second contact in electrical communication with the second terminal of the electrical switch and supported by the housing. The electrical switch may be in a closed state in which the first contact is shorted with the second contact through the electrical switch, and when a voltage is applied to the switching terminal, the electrical switch is placed in an open state that impedes current flow through the electrical switch between the first contact and the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam
  • Patent number: 7616421
    Abstract: An interface system may be used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus. The interface system may include a first end and a second end in electrical communication with the first end. Where the interface system is used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus, the first end may be connected to the electrical bus and the second end may be connected to the electrical device. The interface system may also include a reverse current blocking circuit configured to block current from flowing from the second end to the first end. Additionally, the interface system may include a discharge circuit electrically connected between the first end and the second end for discharging the blocked current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam
  • Publication number: 20090141412
    Abstract: An interface system may be used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus. The interface system may include a first end and a second end in electrical communication with the first end. Where the interface system is used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus, the first end may be connected to the electrical bus and the second end may be connected to the electrical device. The interface system may also include a reverse current blocking circuit configured to block current from flowing from the second end to the first end. Additionally, the interface system may include a discharge circuit electrically connected between the first end and the second end for discharging the blocked current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam
  • Publication number: 20080142344
    Abstract: An electrical shorting system includes an electrical switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a switching terminal. The electrical shorting system also includes a housing, a first contact in electrical communication with the first terminal of the electrical switch and supported by the housing, and a second contact in electrical communication with the second terminal of the electrical switch and supported by the housing. The electrical switch may be in a closed state in which the first contact is shorted with the second contact through the electrical switch, and when a voltage is applied to the switching terminal, the electrical switch is placed in an open state that impedes current flow through the electrical switch between the first contact and the second contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam