Patents by Inventor Ward L. Bivens

Ward L. Bivens 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: 5709080
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a leak in an HC fluid supply of an exhaust purification system for an engine is disclosed. The fluid supply includes an injector that injects an amount of a NOx reducing fluid, a tank that holds the NOx reducing fluid, and a pump that pressurizes the NOx reducing fluid. The system fluid pressure is read before and after the pump is shut off. The pressure readings are compared and the exhaust purification system is turned off in response to the difference between the pressure readings being greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Arora, Ward L. Bivens, Darren L. Krahn, Randy N. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4097791
    Abstract: A delayed turn-on and turn-off control circuit for an electric motor includes a motor relay having an electrical actuator and a normally open motor contactor which is connected in series between the motor and an electrical power source for running the motor when the electrical actuator is energized. A normally non-conductive electrical switching device is serially connected between the electrical actuator and the power source. A turn-on delay circuit is responsive to closing of a normally open motor start switch and produces an electrical signal to render the electrical switching device conductive only after a predetermined lapse of time following the closing of the motor start switch, thereby energizing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Towmotor Corporation
    Inventors: Ward L. Bivens, Richard A. Schwehr
  • Patent number: 4080556
    Abstract: A DC electrical motor of the form having one field winding connected in series with the armature winding in addition to a shunt field winding connected in parallel with the armature winding is provided with a diode or the like in the shunt field winding circuit. This blocks reversed current flow in the shunt field winding which can otherwise occur during start-up due to an inductive interaction with the series field winding and armature circuit. The diode or the like enables faster magnetization of the stator poles by preventing creation of negative shunt field ampere turns due to the magnetic couple with the series field-armature circuit during the motor start period. Faster starting of the motor results, and adverse effects such as heating, brush deterioration, and commutation problems are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Frank S. Buchwald, Ward L. Bivens
  • Patent number: 4024525
    Abstract: A brush which presses against the commutator of a direct current machine has a groove in one side thereof into which a fixed probe partially extends. As the brush wears, movement thereof causes physical engagement of the probe with the end of the groove to complete a current path through the probe. Flow through the current path energizes and latches a warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Assignee: Towmotor Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Baumgartner, Ward L. Bivens