Patents by Inventor Michael LINDE

Michael LINDE 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).

  • Injector valve force control
    Patent number: 12704100
    Abstract: A method includes applying a first current to a control valve having an actuated state and a resting state, the first current causing the control valve to move from the resting state to the actuated state. The method includes applying a second current that causes the control valve to remain in the actuated state, the second current having an amplitude that is lower than an amplitude of the first current. The method includes maintaining the second current for a duration. The method includes stopping the second current at an end of the duration to allow the control valve to return to the resting state. The method includes measuring a control valve return time. The method includes setting an amplitude of current for a fuel injection event based on the control valve return time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell B. Juchems, Daniel R. Puckett, Michael Linde
  • INJECTOR VALVE FORCE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20260168457
    Abstract: A method includes applying a first current to a control valve having an actuated state and a resting state, the first current causing the control valve to move from the resting state to the actuated state. The method includes applying a second current that causes the control valve to remain in the actuated state, the second current having an amplitude that is lower than an amplitude of the first current. The method includes maintaining the second current for a duration. The method includes stopping the second current at an end of the duration to allow the control valve to return to the resting state. The method includes measuring a control valve return time. The method includes setting an amplitude of current for a fuel injection event based on the control valve return time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2024
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell B. JUCHEMS, Daniel R. PUCKETT, Michael LINDE