Patents by Inventor David G. Marchand

David G. Marchand 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).

  • Electric drive retarding system and method
    Patent number: 8324846
    Abstract: A retarding system for an electric drive machine (100) includes a direct current (DC) link (312), at which a DC voltage is developed, disposed between a rectifier (206) and an inverter (208). A first contactor switch (216) electrically communicates with a first rail of the DC link (312), and a second contactor switch (216) electrically communicates with a second rail of the DC link (312). A first resistor grid (214) is connected in series between the first contactor switch (216) and the second contactor switch (216). The first resistor grid (214) dissipates electrical energy in the form of heat by conducting a current between the first rail and the second rail of the DC link (312) when the first contactor switch (216) and the second contactor switch (216) are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Marchand, Matthew E. Williams, Gerald Brown, John Gunzburger
  • Electric drive retarding system and method
    Publication number: 20100066280
    Abstract: A retarding system for an electric drive machine (100) includes a direct current (DC) link (312), at which a DC voltage is developed, disposed between a rectifier (206) and an inverter (208). A first contactor switch (216) electrically communicates with a first rail of the DC link (312), and a second contactor switch (216) electrically communicates with a second rail of the DC link (312). A first resistor grid (214) is connected in series between the first contactor switch (216) and the second contactor switch (216). The first resistor grid (214) dissipates electrical energy in the form of heat by conducting a current between the first rail and the second rail of the DC link (312) when the first contactor switch (216) and the second contactor switch (216) are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: David G. Marchand, Matthew E. Williams, Gerald Brown, John Gunzburger
  • Automatic start-up of an auxiliary power unit
    Patent number: 7290517
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system is configured to assist a main engine start of a machine. The auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system may include an auxiliary power unit and a controller. The controller may monitor a parameter of the machine, automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range, and bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Marchand, David C. Orr, John J. Bernardi, Jon B. Borgeson
  • System for assisting a main engine start-up
    Patent number: 7240653
    Abstract: A method is provided for assisting a start-up of a work machine having a battery assembly and a main engine. The method may include starting an auxiliary power unit, and using electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to condition the battery assembly. The method may also include adding electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to electrical power generated by the battery assembly for a main engine cranking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: David G. Marchand, John J. Bernardi, David C. Orr