Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Tobben

Matthew A. Tobben 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).

  • Method for derating a power source to limit damage
    Patent number: 8095285
    Abstract: A method for derating a power source to limit damage to a drive train of a machine including determining a first operational parameter associated with a power conversion unit and a second operational parameter associated with the power source, selecting, based on the first operational parameter associated with the power conversion unit and the second operational parameter associated with the power source, a power source derate value, and reducing an available power output associated with the power source according to the derate value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Schifferer, Matthew A. Tobben, Alan W. Schweizer
  • System and method for reducing quiescent power draw and machine using same
    Patent number: 7977813
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of electronic controllers electrically connected to an electrical power source along a first electrical circuit through a first relay and along a second electrical circuit through a second relay. A relay controller is directly connected to the electrical power source along a third electrical circuit, and is in communication with the first relay and the second relay. The relay controller is configured to open or close the first relay or the second relay in response to a power requirement indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Arick M. Bakken, Dwight D. Lemke, Joseph A. Willenborg, Amanda J. Wilke, Thomas J. Bickel, David L. Rottier, Matthew A. Tobben
  • System and method for reducing quiescent power draw and machine using same
    Publication number: 20100149716
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of electronic controllers electrically connected to an electrical power source along a first electrical circuit through a first relay and along a second electrical circuit through a second relay. A relay controller is directly connected to the electrical power source along a third electrical circuit, and is in communication with the first relay and the second relay. The relay controller is configured to open or close the first relay or the second relay in response to a power requirement indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Arick M. Bakken, Dwight D. Lemke, Joseph A. Willenborg, Amanda J. Wilke, Thomas J. Bickel, David L. Rottier, Matthew A. Tobben
  • Method for derating a power source to limit damage
    Publication number: 20090000292
    Abstract: A method for derating a power source to limit damage to a drive train of a machine including determining a first operational parameter associated with a power conversion unit and a second operational parameter associated with the power source, selecting, based on the first operational parameter associated with the power conversion unit and the second operational parameter associated with the power source, a power source derate value, and reducing an available power output associated with the power source according to the derate value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew N. Schifferer, Matthew A. Tobben, Alan W. Schweizer