Patents by Inventor Erik M. Widdifield

Erik M. Widdifield 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: 6044809
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle engine coolant fan. Because operation of the engine coolant fan creates a power drain upon the engine, it is undesirable to operate the coolant fan when the engine is fueled. Conversely, a power drain upon the engine is desirable when an attempt is being made to slow the vehicle. Consequently, the present invention requests activation of the coolant fan whenever a power drain upon the engine is desirable. Not only is this desirable in order to slow the vehicle, but it also lowers the coolant temperature, thereby reducing the chance that the coolant fan will have to be operated in the future when such operation is undesirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary L. Till, Erik M. Widdifield