Patents by Inventor Robert T. Mintus

Robert T. Mintus 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: 5049802
    Abstract: Automated charging systems for vehicles having rechargeable batteries are in common use today. Such systems typically have exposed contacts or the need for additional circuitry to move the contacts. The subject system includes circuitry which allows the charge receiving member to be only connected to the battery during charging. The charging system produces a charging signal in response to a low battery. A microprocessor receives the charging signal and responsively produces a "pulse" signal. A second transistor switch receives the "pulse" signal and responsively energizes a charging contactor coil. In response to the charging contactor coil being energized, contacts controllably block power from the battery to the motor and pass power from the receiving member to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Industrial Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Mintus, John C. Paine