Patents by Inventor Thomas Michael Sopko
Thomas Michael Sopko 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: 11673477Abstract: An electric machine and method for powering the electric machine using interchangeable power modules that are configured to be interchangeably placed within power bays of the electric machine is disclosed. The electric machine includes an electrical module that is configured to receive power from one or more of the power modules placed in the power bays and transform, such as from DC to multi-phase alternating current (AC), and provide the power to one or more motors of the electric machine. The power modules may be of the same dimensions, same electrical interfaces, and/or same power output (e.g., type, magnitude) as each other to enable the interchangeability of the power modules. The power modules may be ones that generate power or ones that store energy. In some cases, the generating power modules may charge the energy storage power modules, while the energy storage power modules power the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Jonathan Matthew Baumann, Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron
-
Patent number: 11404986Abstract: A control system for an induction motor executes an on-board, dynamic model to estimate rotor resistance and control the torque output by the induction motor. The model includes equations to calculate stator and rotor temperatures and/or resistances based on combinations of voltage and current data, electrical frequency, rotor speed, switching patterns, and air flow rates during operation of the induction motor. The control system updates the model based on feedback collected during the operation of the induction motor, including the difference between the actual observed stator temperature and the stator temperature predicted by the model. The model is updated to converge the predicted stator temperature on the actual observed stator temperature, and corresponding updates are made to the rotor resistance estimations to provide more accurate estimations of the rotor resistance and improve the accuracy of the induction motor torque output.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Suresh Baddam Reddy, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron
-
Publication number: 20220052633Abstract: A control system for an induction motor executes an on-board, dynamic model to estimate rotor resistance and control the torque output by the induction motor. The model includes equations to calculate stator and rotor temperatures and/or resistances based on combinations of voltage and current data, electrical frequency, rotor speed, switching patterns, and air flow rates during operation of the induction motor. The control system updates the model based on feedback collected during the operation of the induction motor, including the difference between the actual observed stator temperature and the stator temperature predicted by the model. The model is updated to converge the predicted stator temperature on the actual observed stator temperature, and corresponding updates are made to the rotor resistance estimations to provide more accurate estimations of the rotor resistance and improve the accuracy of the induction motor torque output.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Suresh Baddam Reddy, Alexander C. Crosman III, Thomas Michael Sopko Jr., Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron
-
Publication number: 20220024324Abstract: An electric machine and method for powering the electric machine using interchangeable power modules that are configured to be interchangeably placed within power bays of the electric machine is disclosed. The electric machine includes an electrical module that is configured to receive power from one or more of the power modules placed in the power bays and transform, such as from DC to multi-phase alternating current (AC), and provide the power to one or more motors of the electric machine. The power modules may be of the same dimensions, same electrical interfaces, and/or same power output (e.g., type, magnitude) as each other to enable the interchangeability of the power modules. The power modules may be ones that generate power or ones that store energy. In some cases, the generating power modules may charge the energy storage power modules, while the energy storage power modules power the electric machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2020Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, JR., Jonathan Matthew Baumann, Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron
-
Patent number: 10843578Abstract: An electric drive work machine may include a body frame, a first electric power storage device mounted on the body frame, a second electric power storage device mounted on the body frame, and a junction box mounted on the body frame. The junction box may be operatively connected to the first electric power storage device by a first electric connection having a first inductance, and operatively connected to the second electric power storage device by a second electric connection having a second inductance. The first inductance may be equal to the second inductance such that power source charging power from the junction box is distributed equally to the first electric power storage device and the second electric power storage device, and power source output power to the junction box is drawn equally from the first electric power storage device and the second electric power storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Baumann, Edward L. Zwilling, Andrew Ellis Diecker, Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20200298713Abstract: An electric drive work machine may include a body frame, a first electric power storage device mounted on the body frame, a second electric power storage device mounted on the body frame, and a junction box mounted on the body frame. The junction box may be operatively connected to the first electric power storage device by a first electric connection having a first inductance, and operatively connected to the second electric power storage device by a second electric connection having a second inductance. The first inductance may be equal to the second inductance such that power source charging power from the junction box is distributed equally to the first electric power storage device and the second electric power storage device, and power source output power to the junction box is drawn equally from the first electric power storage device and the second electric power storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Baumann, Edward L. Zwilling, Andrew Ellis Diecker, Thomas Michael Sopko, JR.
-
Patent number: 9941831Abstract: A control system for a switched reluctance (SR) motor includes a Direct Current (DC) power source, and an inverter. The control system includes a user interface configured to enable an operator to specify a desired torque output. The control system further includes a controller which converts a DC current from the Alternating Current (AC) supplied to the SR motor by the inverter. The controller estimates an actual power output generated by the SR motor based on a DC voltage supplied by the DC power source to the inverter, and the converted DC current. The controller estimates an actual torque output based on the actual power output and a rotational speed of the SR motor. The controller compares the actual torque output and a desired torque output to calculate a torque error. The controller adjusts a torque output limit and the rotational speed of the SR motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason L. Miller, Ernesto Inoa, Jesse Gerdes, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Carlos E. Nino-Baron, Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Jackson Wai, Ahmed Khalil
-
Patent number: 9738163Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electric drive. The electric drive may include a first power inverter, a second power inverter, and a positive DC bus connecting the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may also include a first switch connected to the positive DC bus between the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may include a second switch connected to the positive DC bus between the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may further include a control unit connected to the first switch and to the second switch. The control unit may be configured to selectively allow current to pass through the first switch and the second switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rodwan Tarek Adra, Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Jackson Wai, Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron
-
Publication number: 20160152146Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electric drive. The electric drive may include a first power inverter, a second power inverter, and a positive DC bus connecting the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may also include a first switch connected to the positive DC bus between the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may include a second switch connected to the positive DC bus between the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may further include a control unit connected to the first switch and to the second switch. The control unit may be configured to selectively allow current to pass through the first switch and the second switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rodwan Tarek Adra, Thomas Michael Sopko, JR., Jackson Wai, Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron
-
Patent number: 7679311Abstract: A field weakening control system for use with an induction motor is disclosed. The field weakening control system has a sensing device configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed of the induction motor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an initial voltage command based on the signal and determine an acceleration of the induction motor based on the signal. The controller is also configured to generate a desired voltage command based on at least one of the initial voltage command and the acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, Jackson Wai
-
Publication number: 20090082945Abstract: A method is provided of boosting power to a continuously variable transmission having a motor. The continuously variable transmission is powered by an engine. The method includes selectively adjusting a power output of the engine above a steady state power output rating of the engine when an acceleration of the motor exceeds an acceleration threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Brian Dean Kuras, Thomas Michael Sopko, JR., Maria-Magdalena Dilmot, Michael Edward Vanderham
-
Publication number: 20090001924Abstract: A field weakening control system for use with an induction motor is disclosed. The field weakening control system has a sensing device configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed of the induction motor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an initial voltage command based on the signal and determine an acceleration of the induction motor based on the signal. The controller is also configured to generate a desired voltage command based on at least one of the initial voltage command and the acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, Jackson Wai
-
Patent number: 7469761Abstract: A method is provided of boosting power to a continuously variable transmission having a motor. The continuously variable transmission is powered by an engine. The method includes selectively adjusting a power output of the engine above a steady state power output rating of the engine when an acceleration of the motor exceeds an acceleration threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian Dean Kuras, Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Maria-Magdalena Dilimot, Michael Edward Vanderham
-
Patent number: 7192374Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission includes sensing an output speed of a motor, determining an upper speed limit based on the output speed of the motor and a positive torque limit associated with the motor, determining a limited motor speed command based on the lesser of a motor speed command and the upper speed limit, and controlling the motor based on the limited motor speed command.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Brian Dean Kuras, Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Maria-Magdalena Dilimot
-
Patent number: 7076954Abstract: A system for controlling intake pressure of a combustion engine operably coupled to a power generation system includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a pressure in an intake system of the combustion engine and a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a load on the power generation system. The system further includes a turbocharger operably coupled to the intake system. The system also includes an electric machine operably coupled to the turbocharger. The electric machine is configured to supply torque to the turbocharger. The system further includes a turbocharger controller operably coupled to the electric machine. The turbocharger controller is configured to control operation of the electric machine such that the turbocharger supplies a desired intake pressure to the combustion engine based at least partially on the signal indicative of a pressure in the intake system and the signal indicative of a load on the power generation system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Michael Edward Vanderham, Kent Allen Casey, Brian D. Kuras
-
Publication number: 20050277501Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission includes sensing an output speed of a motor, determining an upper speed limit based on the output speed of the motor and a positive torque limit associated with the motor, determining a limited motor speed command based on the lesser of a motor speed command and the upper speed limit, and controlling the motor based on the limited motor speed command.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: December 15, 2005Inventors: Brian Dean Kuras, Thomas Michael Sopko, Maria-Magdalena Dilimot
-
Patent number: 6901324Abstract: A predictive load management system includes a power source operable to generate power output, the power source having a desired operating range. A transmission having a drive member is operably engaged with the power source. A control system is in communication with the power source and the transmission. The control system receives at least one input indicative of a load on the transmission and identifies a change in the load on the transmission based on the at least one input. The control system is further operable to determine a desired power output of the power source to account for the change in the load on the transmission. The control system modifies a performance characteristic of the power source to cause the power source to generate the desired power output when the change in the load on the transmission will result in the power source operating outside of the desired operating range.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Charles Earl Rose, Brian D. Kuras, Michael Edward Vanderham, Mustafa Kamil Guven, Thomas Michael Sopko Jr.