Patents by Inventor Bruce H. Hein

Bruce H. Hein 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: 8901760
    Abstract: A machine is described that includes an electric drive for propelling the machine along a ground surface. The machine includes an electric power supply system configured to deliver operating electrical power to the electric drive. The electric power system includes a first generator and a second generator. The electric power system also includes a first rectifier coupled to the first generator and having a first direct current (DC) output and a second rectifier coupled to the second generator and having a second DC output. Both the first DC output and the second DC output are coupled to the single DC bus, thereby providing an arrangement for the first rectifier and the second rectifier to simultaneously provide power to the single DC bus. The electrical power system also includes a first inverter/controller coupled to the single DC bus and configured to provide a controlled alternating current to a first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson Wai, Robert R. Sychra, Robert W. Lindsey, Thomas M. Sopko, Bruce H. Hein
  • Publication number: 20140210208
    Abstract: A machine is described that includes an electric drive for propelling the machine along a ground surface. The machine includes an electric power supply system configured to deliver operating electrical power to the electric drive. The electric power system includes a first generator and a second generator. The electric power system also includes a first rectifier coupled to the first generator and having a first direct current (DC) output and a second rectifier coupled to the second generator and having a second DC output. Both the first DC output and the second DC output are coupled to the single DC bus, thereby providing an arrangement for the first rectifier and the second rectifier to simultaneously provide power to the single DC bus. The electrical power system also includes a first inverter/controller coupled to the single DC bus and configured to provide a controlled alternating current to a first motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Jackson Wai, Robert R. Sychra, Robert W. Lindsey, Thomas M. Sopko, Bruce H. Hein
  • Patent number: 8427331
    Abstract: A method for testing a power converter having at least one power transistor is disclosed. The method may include receiving a power transistor test request, and resetting a fault flag. The method may also include applying a gate driver signal to each power transistor, receiving a feedback signal from each power transistor, and determining a difference between the gate driver signal and the feedback signal associated with a respective power transistor. The method may further include identifying a fault if the difference exceeds a threshold profile, and setting a fault flag when a fault is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Hartman, James D. Siegle, Thuong D. Le, Bruce H. Hein
  • Patent number: 8242735
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power converter in an electric drive machine is disclosed. The method may include determining a first switching frequency and determining a second switching frequency. The method may also include comparing the first switching frequency and the second switching frequency. The method may further include selecting a power converter switching frequency from the lesser of the first switching frequency and the second switching frequency to control a power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Hein, Thomas M. Sopko, Gregory J. Speckhart, Jackson Wai
  • Publication number: 20100164735
    Abstract: A method for testing a power converter having at least one power transistor is disclosed. The method may include receiving a power transistor test request, and resetting a fault flag. The method may also include applying a gate driver signal to each power transistor, receiving a feedback signal from each power transistor, and determining a difference between the gate driver signal and the feedback signal associated with a respective power transistor. The method may further include identifying a fault if the difference exceeds a threshold profile, and setting a fault flag when a fault is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Hartman, James D. Siegle, Thuong D. Le, Bruce H. Hein
  • Publication number: 20100007300
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power converter in an electric drive machine is disclosed. The method may include determining a first switching frequency and determining a second switching frequency. The method may also include comparing the first switching frequency and the second switching frequency. The method may further include selecting a power converter switching frequency from the lesser of the first switching frequency and the second switching frequency to control a power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce H. Hein, Thomas M. Sopko, Gregory J. Speckhart, Jackson Wai
  • Patent number: 7443122
    Abstract: An electric drivetrain for a mobile machine is disclosed. The electric drivetrain has at least one power consuming device, a sensor associated with the at least one power consuming device, and a controller in communication with the power consuming device and the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature of the power consuming device. The controller is configured to limit a power consumption level of the at least one power consuming device to an amount corresponding to a value of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William James Tate, Robert Paul Bertsch, Bruce H. Hein, Thuong Dao Anh Le
  • Publication number: 20080001564
    Abstract: An electric drivetrain for a mobile machine is disclosed. The electric drivetrain has at least one power consuming device, a sensor associated with the at least one power consuming device, and a controller in communication with the power consuming device and the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature of the power consuming device. The controller is configured to limit a power consumption level of the at least one power consuming device to an amount corresponding to a value of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: William James Tate, Robert Paul Bertsch, Bruce H. Hein, Thuong Dao Anh Le