Patents by Inventor Justin D. Middleton
Justin D. Middleton 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: 11642967Abstract: A machine may a first high voltage interlocking loop (HVIL) system to provide power to one or more components of the machine, the first HVIL system comprising: a plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of disconnect components connected to the plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of sets of contactors, a set of contactors, of the plurality of sets of contactors, being connected to a group of batteries of the plurality of groups of batteries. The machine may a second HVIL system to receive power from a power source, the second HVIL system comprising: a port configured to receive a connector of the power source and receive power, from the power source via the connector, to charge the plurality of groups of batteries, wherein the second HVIL system is independent with respect to the first HVIL system.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Baumann, Justin D. Middleton, Jason Lee Miller, Dustin Craig Selvey, Alexander C. Crosman, III
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Patent number: 11600997Abstract: In some aspects, a method of monitoring a battery system of an industrial vehicle is disclosed. The battery system may include a first string of battery modules including at least two battery modules connected in series; a first contactor connected to a positive end of the first string of battery modules, a second contactor connector to a negative end of the first string of battery modules; a third contactor connected to the first contactor; a fourth contactor connected to the second contactor; and one or more controllers configured to monitor the first contactor and the second contactor. The method may include receiving, at the one or more controllers, an indication of a failure of one of the first contactor and the second contactor; and opening, via the one or more controllers, at least one of the third contactor or the fourth contactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Justin D. Middleton, Jonathan M. Baumann, Jason Lee Miller, Dustin C. Selvey, Adam R. Rosenberger, Evan B. Stumpges
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Publication number: 20220077699Abstract: In some aspects, a method of monitoring a battery system of an industrial vehicle is disclosed. The battery system may include a first string of battery modules including at least two battery modules connected in series; a first contactor connected to a positive end of the first string of battery modules; a second contactor connector to a negative end of the first string of battery modules; a third contactor connected to the first contactor; a fourth contactor connected to the second contactor; and one or more controllers configured to monitor the first contactor and the second contactor. The method may include receiving, at the one or more controllers, an indication of a failure of one of the first contactor and the second contactor; and opening, via the one or more controllers at least one of the third contactor or the fourth contactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2020Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Justin D. MIDDLETON, Jonathan M. BAUMANN, Jason Lee MILLER, Dustin C. SELVEY, Adam R. ROSENBERGER, Evan B. STUMPGES
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Publication number: 20220077441Abstract: In one example, a battery housing assembly may be provided in an industrial vehicle, and the battery housing assembly may include a battery housing having a top, bottom, and opposite sides, and a length, a width, and a height, the length and width extending between the opposite sides, and the height extending from the top to the bottom of the battery housing; a plate extending substantially the entire length and height of the battery housing; and a plurality of battery modules positioned within the housing, wherein at least two of the plurality of battery modules are connected in series and located on the opposite sides of the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2020Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Justin D. MIDDLETON, Jonathan M. BAUMANN
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Publication number: 20220024318Abstract: A machine may a first high voltage interlocking loop (HVIL) system to provide power to one or more components of the machine, the first HVIL system comprising: a plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of disconnect components connected to the plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of sets of contactors, a set of contactors, of the plurality of sets of contactors, being connected to a group of batteries of the plurality of groups of batteries. The machine may a second HVIL system to receive power from a power source, the second HVIL system comprising: a port configured to receive a connector of the power source and receive power, from the power source via the connector, to charge the plurality of groups of batteries, wherein the second HVIL system is independent with respect to the first HVIL system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2020Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. BAUMANN, Justin D. MIDDLETON, Jason Lee MILLER, Dustin Craig SELVEY, Alexander C. CROSMAN, III
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Publication number: 20210218004Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack may include a battery pack housing having an exterior surface. The battery pack may include one or more battery cells positioned within the battery pack housing. The battery pack may include one or more pipes having openings, wherein the one or more pipes are positioned within the battery pack housing to provide, through the openings, a fluid onto the one or more battery cells. The battery pack may include a port positioned in the exterior surface of the battery pack housing, wherein the port is in fluid connection with the one or more pipes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: July 15, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric A. MORR, Justin D. MIDDLETON
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Patent number: 10950833Abstract: A battery packaging assembly having safety features that reduce the risk of thermal propagation is disclosed. The battery packaging assembly may include a foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, the foam layer configured to engage battery cells in a press-fit relationship. In addition, the battery packaging assembly may include a tray configured to receive the foam layer, the tray enclosing a compartment configured for receiving a plurality of battery cells. Further, the battery packaging assembly may include a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches of the foam layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Baumann, Justin D. Middleton
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Publication number: 20200212384Abstract: A battery packaging assembly having safety features that reduce the risk of thermal propagation is disclosed. The battery packaging assembly may include a foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, the foam layer configured to engage battery cells in a press-fit relationship. In addition, the battery packaging assembly may include a tray configured to receive the foam layer, the tray enclosing a compartment configured for receiving a plurality of battery cells. Further, the battery packaging assembly may include a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches of the foam layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Baumann, Justin D. Middleton