Patents by Inventor John J. Bernardi

John J. Bernardi 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: 9067501
    Abstract: A system for controlling power in a machine includes an interface and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested hydraulic operation of a hydraulic actuator corresponding to a requested hydraulic power level. The controller is further configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested electric operation of the electric actuator corresponding to a requested electric power level. The controller is also configured to provide a signal for supplying electric power to the electric actuator less than the requested electric power level based on an electric power output ratio, and provide a signal for supplying hydraulic power to the hydraulic actuator less than the requested hydraulic power level based on a hydraulic power output ratio. At least one of the electric power output ratio and the hydraulic power output ratio is adjustable via the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Corey L. Gorman, John J. Bernardi
  • Patent number: 8909434
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling power in a machine. The system includes a controller configured to determine a level of power to be provided or consumed by at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device based on request signals, operation signals, and a control strategy for controlling at least one of electric power and hydraulic power for the machine, and provide control signals for controlling operation of the at least one device. The control strategy includes a subsystem control and a supervisory control. The subsystem control includes at least one of electric and hydraulic subsystem controls for controlling operation of at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device. The subsystem control is configured to provide range signals indicative of at least one of a range of acceptable electric power levels and a range of acceptable hydraulic power levels, and the supervisory control is configured to determine the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Corey L. Gorman, John J. Bernardi
  • Publication number: 20130004281
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling power in a machine. The system includes a controller configured to determine a level of power to be provided or consumed by at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device based on request signals, operation signals, and a control strategy for controlling at least one of electric power and hydraulic power for the machine, and provide control signals for controlling operation of the at least one device. The control strategy includes a subsystem control and a supervisory control. The subsystem control includes at least one of electric and hydraulic subsystem controls for controlling operation of at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device. The subsystem control is configured to provide range signals indicative of at least one of a range of acceptable electric power levels and a range of acceptable hydraulic power levels, and the supervisory control is configured to determine the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan W. ANDERS, Corey L. Gorman, John J. Bernardi
  • Publication number: 20120253570
    Abstract: A system for controlling power in a machine includes an interface and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested hydraulic operation of a hydraulic actuator corresponding to a requested hydraulic power level. The controller is further configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested electric operation of the electric actuator corresponding to a requested electric power level. The controller is also configured to provide a signal for supplying electric power to the electric actuator less than the requested electric power level based on an electric power output ratio, and provide a signal for supplying hydraulic power to the hydraulic actuator less than the requested hydraulic power level based on a hydraulic power output ratio. At least one of the electric power output ratio and the hydraulic power output ratio is adjustable via the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan W. ANDERS, Corey L. Gorman, John J. Bernardi
  • Publication number: 20120253610
    Abstract: A system for controlling power in a machine includes a controller configured to compare at least one of the following: a combined requested power level of a sum of a requested hydraulic power level and a requested electric power level to a combined maximum available power level, the requested hydraulic power level to a maximum available hydraulic power level, and the requested electric power level to a maximum available electric power level. If at least one of the maximum available power levels is less than the respective requested power level, the controller is configured to provide a signal for supplying electric power to the electric actuator at a level less than the requested electric power level, and a signal for supplying hydraulic power to the hydraulic actuator at a level less than the requested hydraulic power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan W. ANDERS, Corey L. Gorman, John J. Bernardi
  • Patent number: 7514904
    Abstract: A system for approximating a temperature of a battery includes a sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement of the ambient air, a sensor configured to provide a voltage measurement of the battery, a sensor configured to provide a current measurement of the battery, and signal processing circuitry configured to determine an approximate battery temperature as a function of the measured ambient air temperature, the measured voltage of the battery, and the measured current of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Gregory Marchand, John F. Szentes, David C. Orr, John J. Bernardi
  • Patent number: 7290517
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system is configured to assist a main engine start of a machine. The auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system may include an auxiliary power unit and a controller. The controller may monitor a parameter of the machine, automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range, and bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Marchand, David C. Orr, John J. Bernardi, Jon B. Borgeson
  • Patent number: 7240653
    Abstract: A method is provided for assisting a start-up of a work machine having a battery assembly and a main engine. The method may include starting an auxiliary power unit, and using electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to condition the battery assembly. The method may also include adding electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to electrical power generated by the battery assembly for a main engine cranking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: David G. Marchand, John J. Bernardi, David C. Orr
  • Patent number: 6176224
    Abstract: A method of controlling a internal combustion engine assembly is disclosed. The internal combustion engine assembly includes (i) a internal combustion engine having an engine inlet and an engine outlet, (ii) a mixing chamber having an air inlet, a gaseous fuel inlet, and a fuel-air mixture outlet, (iii) a fuel valve which controls a ratio of air-to-gaseous fuel in a fuel-air mixture advanced through the fuel-air mixture outlet of the mixing chamber, and (iv) a throttle operable to control flow rate of the fuel-air mixture which is advanced from the fuel-air mixture outlet to the engine inlet. The method includes the step of determining oxygen content of exhaust gases advanced through the engine outlet and generating a oxygen content signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of determining a load on the internal combustion engine and generating a load signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Min Wu, Dennis Walling, John J. Bernardi, Richard P. Staab
  • Patent number: 5771860
    Abstract: A power balancing control to balance power output from a first and second engine that mutually drive a load is disclosed. The control includes an electronic control module electrically connected to a control panel. A first and second inlet manifold pressure sensor are associated with the first and second engine, respectively. An offset potentiometer is connected to the control panel. The control automatically adjusts power output of the second engine in response to the inlet manifold pressure of said first engine, the inlet manifold pressure of said second engine, and a signal produced by said offset potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Bernardi