Patents by Inventor James Brian Normann
James Brian Normann 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).
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Patent number: 11110810Abstract: A first inductive element including a plurality of first subcoils, each first subcoil characterized at least in part by a geometry that comprises a winding direction and a physical size is provided. The plurality of first subcoils are in electrical communication with each other, and the geometry of each first subcoil is selected to reduce a variation in an inductive coupling between the first inductive element and a second inductive element when a gap between the first inductive element and the second inductive element varies. A method of inductive alignment using the above system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Plugless Power, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gattan Stout, II, James Brian Normann
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Publication number: 20210046832Abstract: A first inductive element including a plurality of first subcoils, each first subcoil characterized at least in part by a geometry that comprises a winding direction and a physical size is provided. The plurality of first subcoils are in electrical communication with each other, and the geometry of each first subcoil is selected to reduce a variation in an inductive coupling between the first inductive element and a second inductive element when a gap between the first inductive element and the second inductive element varies. A method of vehicle wireless power charging using the above system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Thomas Gattan Stout, James Brian Normann
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Publication number: 20180048184Abstract: A first inductive element including a plurality of first subcoils, each first subcoil characterized at least in part by a geometry that comprises a winding direction and a physical size is provided. The plurality of first subcoils are in electrical communication with each other, and the geometry of each first subcoil is selected to reduce a variation in an inductive coupling between the first inductive element and a second inductive element when a gap between the first inductive element and the second inductive element varies. A method of inductive alignment using the above system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Thomas Gattan STOUT, II, James Brian NORMANN
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Patent number: 9739641Abstract: A method for controlling stray electromagnetic fields for a vehicle with an inductive charging system and a method for providing feedback to a vehicle operator for an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a vehicle mounted secondary coil. The methods provide sensors to detect the relative positions of the primary coil and secondary coil by determining voltages induced in the alignment coils by a magnetic field generated by the primary coil. The methods include providing feedback to the vehicle operator to guide the alignment of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil and directing the vehicle operator to position the secondary coil within an alignment zone so as to control stray electromagnetic fields.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Evatran Group, Inc.Inventors: Steven Raedy, Thomas Gattan Stout, II, James Brian Normann, Christopher Ryan Yahnker
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Patent number: 9631950Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Evatran Group, Inc.Inventors: Steven Raedy, Thomas Gattan Stout, II, James Brian Normann, Christopher Ryan Yahnker
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Publication number: 20160290832Abstract: A method for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Evatran Group, Inc.Inventors: Steven Raedy, Thomas Gattan Stout, II, James Brian Normann, Christopher Ryan Yahnker
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Publication number: 20150137801Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Steven Raedy, Thomas Gattan Stout, II, James Brian Normann, Christopher Ryan Yahnker
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Publication number: 20090136293Abstract: A coupler for a machine is disclosed. The coupler includes a housing sized to matingly engage a corresponding coupler housing. An electrical connector, disposed within the coupler housing is configured to create an electrical connection between the tool and the machine at a communication node. The electrical connection provides a circuit pathway for a conductor delivering both power and data to a plurality of devices connected to the machine. A message containing tool identification information is transmitted from the communication node when the coupler housing is connected to the complimentary coupler housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: CATERPILLAR S.A.R.L.Inventor: James Brian Normann
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Patent number: 7539570Abstract: A method is provided of operating a work machine having at least one work tool. The method includes sensing at least one operational characteristic of the work machine indicative of an application of the work tool. The operation of the work machine is altered in response to a new application of the work tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.Inventor: James Brian Normann
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Patent number: 6520593Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Paul A. Dvorak, James Brian Normann, Alessandro Magliulo, Michael S. Sekulich
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Publication number: 20020130547Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, James Brian Normann, Alessandro Magliulo, Michael S. Sekulich