Patents by Inventor Michael P. McDonald

Michael P. McDonald 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).

  • Train vehicle control microprocessor power reset
    Patent number: 4247897
    Abstract: There is disclosed a passenger vehicle operation control apparatus and method including program microprocessor control apparatus for providing a dynamic output signal when the microprocessor completes a predetermined main computer control program subroutine and this dynamic output signal operates with a hardware logic circuit apparatus including a timing circuit such that a repetition rate in excess of that required to keep the timing circuit reset is required, otherwise the computer control program is reinitialized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Michael P. McDonald, Larry W. Anderson
  • Speed decoding and speed error determining control apparatus and method
    Patent number: 4209828
    Abstract: A speed decoding and error determining control apparatus and method are disclosed, including two independently programmed microprocessors responsive to a desired speed command from the wayside for determining respective speed errors for a coupled passenger vehicle, which speed errors must compare within a predetermined tolerance before the speed command is permitted to control the actual speed of the passenger vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Larry W. Anderson, Donald L. Rush, Michael P. McDonald
  • Train vehicle control apparatus
    Patent number: 4017044
    Abstract: A train vehicle zero speed sensing apparatus is provided for operation with a pair of tachometers coupled to the drive mechanism of a train vehicle, such that zero speed or an equivalent zero speed of the vehicle is sensed, and any single failure is detectable and will not yield a false zero speed indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Anderson, Michael P. McDonald