Patents by Inventor Steven J. Kowalec

Steven J. Kowalec 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: 7426099
    Abstract: A control system, method and article allows a monitoring module to monitor operation of a main controller in an electric drive, by providing questions and evaluating the accuracy and/or timeliness of responses from the main controller. Upon detection of an excessive number of incorrect or late responses, the monitoring module can shutdown operation, and may provide an alternative communications path, thereby preventing corrupt data from reaching a vehicle network, while providing communications for diagnostic and recovery such as by provision of new software or firmware instructions. The main controller may monitor the operation of the monitoring module, taking appropriate action if a fault is detected. Disabling a supply of power to a traction motor may be based on current operating conditions, such as speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Soudier, Bing Cheng, Steven J. Kowalec, Venkatapathi R. Nallapa, Richard J. Hampo
  • Patent number: 6900643
    Abstract: A system including a current sensor to sense a current provided by an electronic power converter, the current sensor includes an output; an overcurrent detection circuit with an input coupled to an output of the current sensor; and a logic control circuit configurable to maintain the current provided by the electronic power converter in response to the sensed current having a short circuit magnitude, the logic control circuit including an input coupled to an output of the overcurrent detection circuit and at least one output coupled to at least one switch of the electronic power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Duo Deng, Kerry E. Grand, Steven J. Kowalec
  • Patent number: 6714424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for compensating the voltage distortion and minimizing the available voltage range loss both caused by switching dead-time of solid-state switch components in power conversion devices. As a result, the power quality supplied from the power conversion devices can be improved and the output voltage of such devices can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Doug D. Deng, Kon-King M. Wang, Steven J. Kowalec
  • Publication number: 20040037097
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for compensating the voltage distortion and minimizing the available voltage range loss both caused by switching dead-time of solid switch components in power conversion devices. As a result, the power quality supplied from the power conversion devices can be improved and the output voltage of such devices can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Doug D. Deng, Kon-King M. Wang, Steven J. Kowalec