| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090293760 | Variable-Speed-Drive System for a Grid Blower - A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100175580 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION - Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100175581 | VEHICLE AND TRUCK ASSEMBLY - Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. An example truck assembly may include a truck frame element, and a carrier coupled with the truck frame element. A bias may be configured to bias the carrier away from the truck frame element. An actuatable linkage arrangement may include a compliant linkage coupled with the carrier. The compliant linkage may pull the carrier against the bias in a first direction. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20110221159 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION - Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20120061367 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING ADHESION - A system is provided for use with a rail vehicle having a wheel that travels on a rail. The system includes an air source for supplying compressed air and a heating unit fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to produce heated compressed air by heating the compressed air or heating air prior to the air being compressed by the air source, and to direct the heated compressed air onto a contact surface of the rail. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120199039 | Variable-Speed-Drive System for a Grid Blower - A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device. | 08-09-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20110079168 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle having a plurality of axles and a lift mechanism configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one example, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the lift mechanism to provide a determined amount of lift, and in response to vehicle braking, a vehicle stall risk, poor infrastructure conditions, and/or a high vehicle penalty, reducing the determined amount of lift. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110082606 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle having a first truck with a first lift mechanism and a second truck with a second lift mechanism, each of the first and second trucks further configured with a plurality of axles, each of the first and second lift mechanisms configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one embodiment, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the first lift mechanism different from the second lift mechanism. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20120167797 | DYNAMIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE VIA HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS - Methods and system are provided for a vehicle truck assembly which includes a spring coupling an axle carrier to a truck frame. In one example, the system comprises a substantially vertically-mounted hydraulic actuator which generates hydraulic forces between the axle carrier and the truck frame. The actuator includes a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. Further, the actuator is coupled between the axle carrier and the truck frame with longitudinal and lateral play so that the axle carrier can move laterally and longitudinally with respect to the truck frame while the actuator applies hydraulic force. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120169050 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENGINE CRANKING - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine, the engine coupled to a traction alternator for vehicle travelling. In one example, the method includes, in an off-highway vehicle running mode of operation, supplying current from the traction alternator to a traction motor via a traction inverter to propel the vehicle, and, in a starting mode of operation, supplying stored energy from a first energy source and a secondary energy source to the traction alternator to start the engine. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120253565 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle having a plurality of axles and a lift mechanism configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one example, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the lift mechanism to provide a determined amount of lift, and in response to vehicle braking, a vehicle stall risk, poor infrastructure conditions, and/or a high vehicle penalty, reducing the determined amount of lift. | 10-04-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20100148581 | POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRIVING AN ELECTROMOTIVE TRACTION SYSTEM AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT THROUGH A COMMON POWER BUS - Power system and method for providing electrical power are provided. The system includes a traction system and auxiliary equipment coupled to a power bus. The traction system includes one or more electromotive machines having a first type of stator winding that provides protection relative to voltage spikes expected at the traction stator under a first voltage level appropriate for the traction system. The auxiliary equipment includes one or more electromotive machines having a second type of stator winding that provides protection relative to spikes expected at the auxiliary stator under a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level. Inverter circuitry is coupled to drive the auxiliary equipment, and signal-conditioning circuitry is provided to attenuate voltage spikes produced by the inverter circuitry. The power bus is operated at the first voltage level, and the voltage spike attenuation is sufficient to protect the auxiliary stator. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100170413 | Locomotive Truck and Method for Distributing Weight Asymmetrically To Axles of the Truck - A locomotive (or other rail vehicle) truck and method for distributing weight asymmetrically to axles of the truck includes a first axle of a truck uncoupled from a traction system of the locomotive and a first suspension assembly coupling the first axle to the truck for applying to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight. The truck also includes a second axle coupled to the traction system and a second suspension assembly coupling the second axle to the truck for applying to the second axle a second portion of the locomotive weight greater than the first portion so that weight is asymmetrically distributed to the first axle and the second axle so as to transmit a corresponding incremental amount of tractive effort for a given amount of a driving torque applied to the second axle via the traction system of the locomotive. The axle weight distribution involves relatively slight weight distribution compared to the nominal weights normally carried by the axles. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20110315496 | POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A contactless power transfer system for a mobile asset is presented. The system includes a primary loop disposed adjacent to a location that is coupled to a power source. A secondary receiving coil is disposed on the mobile asset and coupled to a traction motor for receiving power from the primary loop. The power transfer system further includes a field-focusing element that can focus a magnetic field from the primary loop onto the secondary receiving coil, the field-focusing element having a non-linear current distribution. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20130067911 | SHAFT IMBALANCE DETECTION SYSTEM - A shaft imbalance detector system ( | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130067914 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING A TURBOCHARGER - Various methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a method includes determining a first pressure at a first location within a turbocharger and determining a second pressure at a second location within the turbocharger. The method further includes indicating degradation of the turbocharger based on the first pressure and the second pressure. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130067915 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING A TURBOCHARGER - Various methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a method includes receiving a signal indicative of a monitored pressure of a pressurized oil supply of a turbocharger or other turbomachine. The method further includes determining whether a high frequency component of the signal meets one or more designated criteria, and, if the high frequency component of the pressure meets the one or more designated criteria, generating a first control signal. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130067994 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING AN ENGINE - Presently disclosed are methods and systems for diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine. A method may include diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine based on identified fill signatures of a measured engine coolant pressure. A vehicle system is also disclosed, including an engine, a coolant system operatively connected to the engine, a coolant pressure sensor configured to measure engine coolant pressure during operation of the engine, and a controller, including instructions configured to create a coolant pressure profile corresponding to a given engine speed, and diagnose a condition of the engine based on the coolant pressure profile. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130071260 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR - Methods and systems are provided for a compressor including a crankcase. A condition of the compressor may be diagnosed based on a valve leak condition of the compressor based on piston motion within the crankcase. Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate remedial action can be taken to minimize severity. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130073172 | DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A detector ( | 03-21-2013 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090130698 | CUSTOMIZABLE AND RENEWABLE NANOSTRUCTURED INTERFACE FOR BIOELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS - A chemical composite useful for preparing a bioelectronic device includes a biologically active compound, such as an enzyme, that is bound directly or indirectly to a polyelectrolye, which can be reversibly coupled to a chemically treated electrically conductive substrate by electrostatic forces to provide biomimetic sensors, catalyst systems, and other devices having an electrode that can be regenerated and reused. Required or desired cofactors, mediators or the like may be incorporated into the devices, typically by bonding them to the treated substrate and/or the polyelectrolyte. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20100314248 | RENEWABLE BIOELECTRONIC INTERFACE FOR ELECTROBIOCATALYTIC REACTOR - An inexpensive, easily renewable bioelectronic device useful for bioreactors, biosensors, and biofuel cells includes an electrically conductive carbon electrode and a bioelectronic interface bonded to a surface of the electrically conductive carbon electrode, wherein the bioelectronic interface includes catalytically active material that is electrostatically bound directly or indirectly to the electrically conductive carbon electrode to facilitate easy removal upon a change in pH, thereby allowing easy regeneration of the bioelectronic interface. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20120160708 | Nanostructured Biosensor Containing Neuropathy Target Esterase Activity - The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods for detecting esterase activity. The present invention also provides devices and methods of detecting esterase inhibitors, for example, organophosphates. In particular, the present invention provides a biosensor comprising Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE) polypeptides. Further, the present invention relates to medicine, industrial chemistry, agriculture, and homeland security. | 06-28-2012 |