Patents by Inventor Bernard M. Murphy

Bernard M. Murphy 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: 12529421
    Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a transmission connected with a traction motor to receive motive power embodied as torque and speed. To adjust the torque and speed, the transmission has a plurality of gear sets that are selectively engaged by actuation of associated hydraulic clutches. For actuation, the hydraulic clutches receive hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic system. To calibrate actuation of the clutches, the traction motor is run at a reduced speed range under calibration conditions while the hydraulic system is operated at a operational speed range. Further, a torque/current limit is applied to the traction motor to limit torque applied to the transmission during calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Bernard M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 12504069
    Abstract: A transmission associated with a powertrain receives torque from a power source and includes a plurality of gear sets that can be selectively engaged and released. To shift gear sets, a shifting process conducted by an electronic controller may estimate a torque assist capacity of the power source to provide or accommodate changes in torque during the gear shift. If the torque assist capacity is less than a gear shift torque value, the shifting process prevents or ignores the gear shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Bernard M. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20250369513
    Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a transmission connected with a traction motor to receive motive power embodied as torque and speed. To adjust the torque and speed, the transmission has a plurality of gear sets that are selectively engaged by actuation of associated hydraulic clutches. For actuation, the hydraulic clutches receive hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic system. To calibrate actuation of the clutches, the traction motor is run at a reduced speed range under calibration conditions while the hydraulic system is operated at a operational speed range. Further, a torque/current limit is applied to the traction motor to limit torque applied to the transmission during calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Bernard M. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20250369512
    Abstract: A transmission associated with a powertrain receives torque from a power source and includes a plurality of gear sets that can be selectively engaged and released. To shift gear sets, a shifting process conducted by an electronic controller may estimate a torque assist capacity of the power source to provide or accommodate changes in torque during the gear shift. If the torque assist capacity is less than a gear shift torque value, the shifting process prevents or ignores the gear shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Bernard M. Murphy