Patents by Inventor Darren L. Krahn

Darren L. Krahn 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: 6710467
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing the rating of engine generator set by selecting a generator set rating using a rating selector included in the generator set control system. The generator set rating includes at least an engine rating and voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Andrew N. Braun, Michael A. Dvorsky, Jeffrey A. Kocovsky, Darren L. Krahn
  • Publication number: 20040007876
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing the rating of engine generator set by selecting a generator set rating using a rating selector included in the generator set control system. The generator set rating includes at least an engine rating and voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew N. Braun, Michael A. Dvorsky, Jeffrey A. Kocovsky, Darren L. Krahn
  • Patent number: 6107927
    Abstract: A generator set controller verifies the status of a synchroscope mode selector to determine whether the generator set controller is operating in a synchroscope mode. When operating in a synchroscope mode, the generator set controller uses an existing display panel to create an indication of the difference between the phase of the power on a power bus and the phase of the power output of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dvorsky, Darren L. Krahn, Sekar Srinivasan, Siva Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 6104171
    Abstract: A generator set controller includes a dead bus sensor producing a dead bus signal indicative of a power failure on a power bus that is an input to the controller on a digital input channel. The controller also receives a voltage signal from a phase of a power bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dvorsky, Darren L. Krahn
  • Patent number: 5709080
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a leak in an HC fluid supply of an exhaust purification system for an engine is disclosed. The fluid supply includes an injector that injects an amount of a NOx reducing fluid, a tank that holds the NOx reducing fluid, and a pump that pressurizes the NOx reducing fluid. The system fluid pressure is read before and after the pump is shut off. The pressure readings are compared and the exhaust purification system is turned off in response to the difference between the pressure readings being greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Arora, Ward L. Bivens, Darren L. Krahn, Randy N. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5072648
    Abstract: A control system for a fluid operated jack reduces the speed of retraction of a piston rod of the jack to an acceptable rate during a preselected range of operation by adding pressurized fluid flow to the fluid being exhausted from the jack through a restrictor valve to the reservoir. This reduction in speed reduces the potential for damage to the jack and associated componentry without sacrificing efficiency of operation. An implement controller causes fluid flow from a fluid source to be combined with the flow of fluid being exhausted from the jack in response to receiving a position signal from a implement position sensor and subsequent to the implement controller commanding the shifting of a control valve to a position at which fluid flow is passed from the fluid operated jack to the reservoir. The control system is particularly suitable for use on an automatic guided vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Industrial Inc.
    Inventors: Darren L. Krahn, John E. Wible
  • Patent number: 5052882
    Abstract: An apparatus controllably moves the forks of a material handling vehicle in traverse directions relative to a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes fork position sensors which detect the transverse location of each fork. A controller receives signals from the position sensors and moves the forks to locations a preselected or calculated distance apart. Forktip sensors detect the opening in a load during movement of the forks. The controller receives signals from the forktip sensors and positions the forks such that they are disposable within the load opening. The apparatus is especially suitable for use on an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Industrial Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Blau, Paul D. Grohsmeyer, Joseph J. Harding, Darren L. Krahn
  • Patent number: 4869635
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controllably moving the carriage assembly of a automated load handling vehicle vertically and horizontally. The carriage assembly includes load detecting sensors which detect the opening in the load during movement of the carriage assembly. Once the opening is located, a controller positions the carriage assembly at vertical and horizontal target positions, and moves the carriage assembly into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Caterpillar Industrial Inc.
    Inventor: Darren L. Krahn