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).
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Patent number: 8175764Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
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Patent number: 8000873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, James L. Fenske
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Publication number: 20100163656Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100127861Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
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Publication number: 20100063656Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.Inventors: Jeffrey G. Knott, Steve R. Graham, Ann K. Grimm, James H. Moore, M. Frank Wilson, Jeffrey D. Kernwein
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Patent number: 7654479Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Mark R Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100001108Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Patent number: 7637444Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R Brand, Brian M Johnson
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Patent number: 7624937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L O'Halloran, Dennis K Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R Brand, Brian M Johnson
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Publication number: 20090281705Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, James L. Fenske
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Patent number: 7597279Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L O'Halloran, Dennis K Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R Brand, Brian M Johnson
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Publication number: 20090230225Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20090216395Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
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Publication number: 20090152386Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20090105893Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
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Publication number: 20080291034Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
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Patent number: 7398140Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Wabtec Holding CorporationInventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Frank Wilson, Kevin J. Angel, Scott A. Sollars
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Publication number: 20080078851Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20070257140Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20070257141Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Mark Robert Stelter, James L. O'Halloran, Dennis K. Gabler, Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Ivan R. Brand, Brian M. Johnson