Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Bickel

Thomas J. Bickel 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).

  • Managing steering with short from battery to ground
    Patent number: 9139223
    Abstract: A redundancy system for a steering system having a primary controller and a primary power source is provided. The redundancy system may include a secondary controller coupled to a secondary power source and configured to manage control of the steering system, and an interface circuit disposed between at least a first node and a second node. The first node may be in electrical communication with the primary power source, and the second node may be in electrical communication with the secondary power source. The interface circuit may be configured to selectively engage a self-test of the primary power source and the secondary power source, isolate a short at the first node from the secondary power source, and isolate a short at the second node from the primary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bickel, Amanda J. Wilke, Wendell D. Stahl, Andrew G. Genseal, Md Nasir Uddin, Dane S. Richards, Jennie L. Nelson
  • Managing Steering with Short From Battery to Ground
    Publication number: 20140350794
    Abstract: A redundancy system for a steering system having a primary controller and a primary power source is provided. The redundancy system may include a secondary controller coupled to a secondary power source and configured to manage control of the steering system, and an interface circuit disposed between at least a first node and a second node. The first node may be in electrical communication with the primary power source, and the second node may be in electrical communication with the secondary power source. The interface circuit may be configured to selectively engage a self-test of the primary power source and the secondary power source, isolate a short at the first node from the secondary power source, and isolate a short at the second node from the primary power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bickel, Amanda J. Wilke, Wendell D. Stahl, Andrew G. Genseal, Md Nasir Uddin, Dane S. Richards, Jennie L. Nelson
  • 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