Patents by Inventor Keith Nicholas

Keith Nicholas 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).

  • Publication number: 20250128611
    Abstract: A work machine using a direct current power system that isolates reactive loads is described herein. The work machine uses a machine power distribution unit that receives direct current power from two or more battery banks of a power unit, whereby each of the battery banks deliver electrical power on a separate direct current bus. A machine power distribution unit of the work machine receives the electrical power from the battery and is used to isolate the power using bus connectors. One of the battery banks provides power to one direct current bus of the work machine and another battery bank provides power to another direct current bus of the work machine. A reactive load serviced by one of the battery banks is electrically disconnected from another reactive load serviced by the other battery bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Robinson, Corey Allen Kauk, Michael John Barngrover, Steven Robert Krause, Ben Evans, Keith Nicholas Edward Troisi
  • Publication number: 20250109572
    Abstract: The electric vehicle that may comprise an electrical power system that includes a first DC link; a first swappable battery in electrical communication with the first DC link, and a second swappable battery substantially the same as the first swappable battery. The first swappable battery is configured to provide power to the electric vehicle during normal operation of the electric vehicle and to at least a first operation of the electric vehicle while the second swappable battery is removed from the electric vehicle and replaced. The second swappable battery is substantially the same as the first swappable battery and disposed on the electric vehicle, the second swappable battery configured to provide power to the electric vehicle during normal operation of the electric vehicle and to at least a second operation of the electrical vehicle while the first swappable battery is removed from the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John BARNGROVER, Corey Allen KAUK, Mark Andrew ROBINSON, Steven Robert KRAUSE, Ben EVANS, Keith Nicholas TROISI
  • Patent number: 12234899
    Abstract: An improvement to continuously variable transmissions whereby power is transmitted from a driver axle to a driven axle through a variable transmission mechanism. A plurality of unidirectional sprocket wheels positioned radially around a driver axle within a set of frustoconical members is provided so that the distance from the driver axle can be adjusted. The unidirectional sprocket wheels are connected by a chain to a similar driven axle portion. This low vibration, high torque capable transmission is superior to variable transmissions that rely on friction-based power transmissions that can slip during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Inventor: Keith Nicholas Jourden
  • Publication number: 20240360890
    Abstract: An improvement to continuously variable transmissions whereby power is transmitted from a driver axle to a driven axle through a variable transmission mechanism. A plurality of unidirectional sprocket wheels positioned radially around a driver axle within a set of frustoconical members is provided so that the distance from the driver axle can be adjusted. The unidirectional sprocket wheels are connected by a chain to a similar driven axle portion. This low vibration, high torque capable transmission is superior to variable transmissions that rely on friction-based power transmissions that can slip during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventor: Keith Nicholas Jourden
  • Patent number: 11739817
    Abstract: An improvement to continuously variable transmissions whereby power is transmitted from a driver axle to a driven axle through a variable transmission mechanism. A plurality of unidirectional sprocket wheels positioned radially around a driver axle within a set of frustoconical members is provided so that the distance from the driver axle can be adjusted. The unidirectional sprocket wheels are connected by a chain to a similar driven axle portion. This low vibration, high torque capable transmission is superior to variable transmissions that rely on friction-based power transmissions that can slip during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Keith Nicholas Jourden
  • Publication number: 20230228319
    Abstract: An improvement to continuously variable transmissions whereby power is transmitted from a driver axle to a driven axle through a variable transmission mechanism. A plurality of unidirectional sprocket wheels positioned radially around a driver axle within a set of frustoconical members is provided so that the distance from the driver axle can be adjusted. The unidirectional sprocket wheels are connected by a chain to a similar driven axle portion. This low vibration, high torque capable transmission is superior to variable transmissions that rely on friction-based power transmissions that can slip during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventor: Keith Nicholas Jourden
  • Publication number: 20070129822
    Abstract: A termination system used to apply a terminal to a wire includes a movable ram configured to be driven by a termination machine and tooling coupled to the movable ram and configured to apply the terminal to the wire. A smart tag having data related to the applicator is configured to communicate with the termination machine to control an operation of the termination machine. Optionally, the smart tag may store data in a memory, and the smart tag may be configured to send data to and receive data from a microprocessor of the termination machine. The smart tag may store at least one type of data including, but not limited to, data relating to a feeding operation of the terminating machine, data relating to a terminating operation of the terminating machine, data relating to set-up parameters for the terminating machine, data relating to changes in the set-up parameters of the terminating machine, data relating to a maintenance schedule of the applicator, and data relating to identification of the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20060222141
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to applicator counters and assemblies for counting, recording and transmitting cycles of machines, tools and the like. An applicator counter assembly for operative association with an applicator or the like is provided. The applicator counter assembly includes an applicator counter for counting, recording and transmitting cycles of the applicator. The applicator counter includes a magnetically responsive switch capable of being actuated in response to a magnetic force, whereby the applicator counter registers a count for each actuation of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: George Hoover, Keith Nicholas