Patents by Inventor Jeffrey D. Kernwein

Jeffrey D. Kernwein 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: 8175764
    Abstract: A system for identifying at least one condition of at least one upcoming feature of at least one track in a track network. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated train position on a track within the track network, and at least one database including track data and feature data. A computer (i) obtains the determined estimated train position on at least one track from the positioning system; and (ii) for the at least one track, identifies at least one condition for at least one upcoming feature based at least in part upon the track data and the feature data in the at least one database. The feature data is dynamically updated while the train is traversing the track in the track network. A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of an upcoming feature are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Patent number: 8000873
    Abstract: A braking system, including a brake control arrangement in operational communication with a braking arrangement for braking a vehicle, and a penalty power source to deliver current or power to the brake control arrangement through a brake interface circuit. The brake interface circuit includes a main positive current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal, and a main negative current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal. Upon opening of either of the main positive current switch or the main negative current switch, the braking arrangement will automatically brake the vehicle as controlled by the brake control arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, James L. Fenske
  • Publication number: 20100163656
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100127861
    Abstract: A fault detection system (10) and computer-implemented method for detecting a fault in a cab signal system (100), including: a plurality of sensors (12) in electrical communication with a cab signal display circuit (106), each associated with a respective one of a plurality of lamp circuits (108) and configured to sense or measure: presence or absence of voltage, voltage level, voltage drop, presence or absence of current and/or current level. A monitoring unit (14) is in communication with the plurality of sensors (12) and generates circuit data (16) representative of at least one condition of at least a portion of the cab signal system (100). A computer-implemented method for detecting a cab signal aspect of a train (T) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Publication number: 20100063656
    Abstract: A train control system for controlling trains traveling in a track network including tracks with signals associated therewith. The system includes an on-board track database, a positioning system and an on-board control system. The on-board control system receives position data and automatically brakes the train prior to encountering an upcoming signal based upon specified data points. The train is not automatically braked if certain conditions are met. A method for controlling a train traveling in a track network is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Knott, Steve R. Graham, Ann K. Grimm, James H. Moore, M. Frank Wilson, Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Patent number: 7654479
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Mark R Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100001108
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7637444
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R Brand, Brian M Johnson
  • Patent number: 7624937
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L O'Halloran, Dennis K Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R Brand, Brian M Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090281705
    Abstract: A braking system, including a brake control arrangement in operational communication with a braking arrangement for braking a vehicle, and a penalty power source to deliver current or power to the brake control arrangement through a brake interface circuit. The brake interface circuit includes a main positive current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal, and a main negative current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal. Upon opening of either of the main positive current switch or the main negative current switch, the braking arrangement will automatically brake the vehicle as controlled by the brake control arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, James L. Fenske
  • Patent number: 7597279
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L O'Halloran, Dennis K Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R Brand, Brian M Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090230225
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090216395
    Abstract: A system for identifying at least one condition of at least one upcoming feature of at least one track in a track network. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated train position on a track within the track network, and at least one database including track data and feature data. A computer (i) obtains the determined estimated train position on at least one track from the positioning system; and (ii) for the at least one track, identifies at least one condition for at least one upcoming feature based at least in part upon the track data and the feature data in the at least one database. The feature data is dynamically updated while the train is traversing the track in the track network. A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of an upcoming feature are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Publication number: 20090152386
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090105893
    Abstract: A system for determining a possible location of a train in a track network including interconnected tracks having wayside devices associated with these tracks. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated location area of a train and a track database having track location data. A computer: obtains the determined estimated location area of the train from the positioning system; identifies a plurality of tracks in the estimated location area of the train, based upon the track location data; obtains signal system data for at least one wayside device associated with at least one of the tracks identified within the estimated location area; and determines at least one possible train location on at least one of the identified tracks based at least in part upon the obtained signal system data. A method and apparatus for determining the possible location of a train is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Publication number: 20080291034
    Abstract: A system for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle having at least one activatable mechanism for causing a horn to sound. The system includes at least one monitoring device in communication with the at least one activatable mechanism, at least one component of the horn system or any combination thereof. The at least one monitoring device measures the presence or absence of at least one measurable characteristic in the horn system, and transmits a signal based upon the results of the measurement. A method for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Patent number: 7398140
    Abstract: Provided is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and/or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and/or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Frank Wilson, Kevin J. Angel, Scott A. Sollars
  • Publication number: 20080078851
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070257140
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070257141
    Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson