Patents by Inventor Joseph Wilfred Schumacher

Joseph Wilfred Schumacher 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).

  • Systems and methods for detecting solenoid armature movement
    Patent number: 7483253
    Abstract: A method for detecting actuation of an armature associated with a solenoid includes providing a voltage potential to a solenoid coil associated with the solenoid. The method also includes measuring a current flowing through the solenoid coil. The method further includes switching the voltage potential off when the measured current reaches a predetermined maximum value. The method also includes switching the voltage potential on when the measured current reaches a predetermined minimum value. The method further includes measuring a time period between pulses associated with the switching on and off of the voltage potential. The method also includes comparing the measured time period between pulses with predetermined data indicative of an inductance growth level associated with the coil. The method further includes determining, based on the comparison, a pull-in time of an armature associated with the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wilfred Schumacher
  • Systems and methods for detecting solenoid armature movement
    Publication number: 20070279047
    Abstract: A method for detecting actuation of an armature associated with a solenoid includes providing a voltage potential to a solenoid coil associated with the solenoid. The method also includes measuring a current flowing through the solenoid coil. The method further includes switching the voltage potential off when the measured current reaches a predetermined maximum value. The method also includes switching the voltage potential on when the measured current reaches a predetermined minimum value. The method further includes measuring a time period between pulses associated with the switching on and off of the voltage potential. The method also includes comparing the measured time period between pulses with predetermined data indicative of an inductance growth level associated with the coil. The method further includes determining, based on the comparison, a pull-in time of an armature associated with the solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Wilfred Schumacher