Patents by Inventor Dennis W. Sutherland

Dennis W. Sutherland 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: 10077033
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: James A. Oswald, Dennis W. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20160159329
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: James A. Oswald, Dennis W. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9296379
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: James A. Oswald, Dennis W. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9283945
    Abstract: Disclosed are a computer-implemented method for determining safety factors or a safety factor formula for use in a braking model of at least one train, a computer-implemented method for determining a plurality of safety factors for use in a braking model of at least one train, and braking systems for use on trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Dennis W. Sutherland, Kristofer M. Ruhland, James A. Oswald
  • Publication number: 20140343767
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: James A. Oswald, Dennis W. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6639898
    Abstract: A packet switched multi-mode mobile communication network and fixed and mobile devices for use therewith are disclosed. Each of the mobile vehicle equipment and a base station packet switch are coupled to respective data terminal equipment which generates packet data messages. The packet data messages have message characteristics associated therewith. Each of the mobile vehicle equipment and the base station packet switch have an intelligent switching node incorporated therein for selecting which of a plurality of radio frequency transmission paths to use in transmitting the packet data message to the other of the mobile vehicle equipment and the base station packet switch. Each of the plurality of radio frequency transmission paths has transmission path characteristics associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Motient Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Santanu Dutta, David W. Best, Dennis W. Sutherland, Thomas A. Trebs
  • Patent number: 6273521
    Abstract: An electronic air brake control system which utilizes an inter-car distance measuring sensor for determining the distance between adjacent railcars and thereby determining the coupling slack and also determining the performance and response of railcar brake applications. The system providing the capability of controlling the slack to increase or decrease slack at a controlled rate and further for monitoring and regulating the amount of pneumatic brake signal required to produce a predetermined level of wheel resistance, together with a system and method for applying railcar brakes when predetermined characteristics relating to distance between cars and rate of change of distance between cars meets predetermined characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Halvorson, Dennis W. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 5953319
    Abstract: A packet switched multi-mode mobile communication network and fixed and mobile devices for use therewith are disclosed. Each of the mobile vehicle equipment and a base station packet switch are coupled to respective data terminal equipment which generates packet data messages. The packet data messages have message characteristics associated therewith. Each of the mobile vehicle equipment and the base station packet switch have an intelligent switching node incorporated therein for selecting which of a plurality of radio frequency transmission paths to use in transmitting the packet data message to the other of the mobile vehicle equipment and the base station packet switch. Each of the plurality of radio frequency transmission paths has transmission path characteristics associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: AMSC Subsidiary Corporation
    Inventors: Santanu Dutta, David W. Best, Dennis W. Sutherland, Thomas A. Trebs
  • Patent number: 5068656
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting out-of-route mileage for long haul trucks which includes transmitting route data from a dispatcher to a distant truck where comparisons aboard the truck are made of its current position with predetermined acceptable positions and exception reports are generated and transmitted back to the dispatcher from the truck if the current position is not included in the set of predetermined acceptable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis W. Sutherland