Patents Assigned to Caterpillar
  • Publication number: 20240167470
    Abstract: An example system includes a fluid end having a block, a fluid inlet formed in the block, and a fluid outlet formed in the block. The system also includes an intake manifold fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet, and a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet and the intake manifold. The system further includes a valve fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, the valve configured to control fluid flow through the fluid conduit, an actuator coupled to the valve and configured to position the valve in an open position or a closed position, and a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator and configured to send one or more signals to the actuator, causing the actuator to position the valve in the open position or the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: YUESHENG HE, Todd Ryan Kabrich, Casey Alan Otten
  • Publication number: 20240167246
    Abstract: A dipper lip includes a first side wing, a second side wing, a rear attachment portion that spans from the first side wing and the second side wing, and a front shovel portion that extends from the first side wing to the second side wing, and the front shovel portion defines a top shovel surface, while the rear attachment portion forms a top rear surface. The top shovel surface forms an obtuse angle with the top rear surface in a midplane of the dipper lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip J. Kunz, James G. Jamilosa
  • Publication number: 20240165543
    Abstract: A filter has a filter center tube that includes a plurality of layers of solidified material including a first layer with a first undulating strip of solidified material extending in a first predetermined direction, and a second layer with a second undulating strip of solidified material extending in a second predetermined direction. The first layer is in contact with the second layer and the first predetermined direction is not parallel with the second predetermined direction, forming a plurality of pores therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Tyler Immel, Javier A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11990388
    Abstract: In one aspect, a pump-motor assembly is provided outside of and adjacent to a storage container that stores a back-up energy storage unit. The pump-motor assembly includes a pump-motor that maintains a minimum pressure of a liquid coolant in a liquid coolant system that cools the back-up energy storage unit, and a housing that is completely enclosed, the housing containing the pump-motor, and having a removable access panel on one side thereof the enclosed structure, and an opening on another side thereof to the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Adam C. Grove, Nirag Sheth, Umakanth Sakaray, John M. Tanner, Jeremy Byrd, Gregory S. Hasler
  • Patent number: 11988119
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed including an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine can include an engine block defining a combustion chamber and a crankcase in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine can include an auxiliary device in fluid communication with the crankcase of the engine block. The auxiliary device is driven by the internal combustion engine to supply air to the crankcase of the engine block at a desired pressure range and a desired mass flow rate range to ventilate the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas K. Smith, Rodney Allen Lawrence
  • Patent number: 11988504
    Abstract: A service tool and method of using for calibrating a position of a cutting edge of a blade. The service tool may comprise an inward-side face disposed between a first face and a second face. The inward-side face may include a curved portion, a leg portion and a notch configured to receive the cutting edge. The first face includes a curved edge, a plurality of horizontal lines and a plurality of vertical lines. When the cutting edge is received in the notch, and the curved portion abuts the top face of a bolt, the plurality of horizontal lines is configured to measure a vertical distance from a center of the top face to the cutting edge, and the plurality of vertical lines is configured to measure a horizontal distance from the center of the top face to the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Francis Desio
  • Patent number: 11987290
    Abstract: A suspension connection weldment may include a cross member having a first end and a second end and a pair of substantially parallel flank walls spaced apart from one another and arranged at respective first and second ends of the cross member. The flank walls may extend upward and forward from the respective first and second ends of the cross member and generally orthogonal to the cross member. The flank walls may include a plurality of vertically extending rib elements spaced horizontally along respective flank walls from a rear side of the flank wall to a front side of the flank wall. Each rib element may include an upper bore in an upper end and a lower bore in a lower end. The upper and lower bores may be configured to receive a suspension connecting pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David O. Zalanka, Timothy D. Harman
  • Patent number: 11988117
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of determining a lubrication oil condition of a stationary gas engine comprising the steps of retrieving a lubrication oil temperature information and retrieving a lubrication oil level information from a lubrication oil level sensor, wherein the lubrication oil level sensor is a capacitance sensor, and a step of normalizing a lubrication oil level information over the lubrication oil temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Darshit Shah, Jan-Rudolf Spitzer, Markus Frank
  • Patent number: 11988324
    Abstract: An assembly includes an attachment arm having an axle extending from a first end of the attachment arm. The attachment arm of the detachable wheel assembly further includes a securing portion forming a second end of the attachment arm, the securing portion of the attachment arm including a pin positioned to extend above a first frame member of a gantry truss and to secure the first frame member between the pin and a portion of the attachment arm. The attachment arm also includes a frame support corresponding to a second frame member of the gantry truss such that the frame support supports the second frame member when the assembly is secured to the gantry truss, and the assembly includes a wheel rotatably attached to the axle of the attachment arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Peter Sergison
  • Patent number: 11988126
    Abstract: A turbine connector (40) in an engine exhaust manifold (30) includes a turbine foot (54) attached to incoming exhaust conduits (42,46). The turbine foot (54) has an outer perimetric edge (72) defining a trapezoidal shape, and inner perimetric edges (86,90) forming exhaust outlets (88,92) from the incoming exhaust conduits (42,46). The inner perimetric edges (86,90) have varied perimetric curvatures largest in finite curvature size upon a web (94) extending between the exhaust outlets (88,92), and together forming an hourglass web profile in a turbine-mounting plane defined by the turbine foot (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wolk, Thomas L Atwell, Vikas Bhupendra Sheth, Jeremy Ross Conyers
  • Patent number: 11987302
    Abstract: A rim includes a wall, a first annular projection, and a second annular projection. The wall has a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first opening, and the second end includes a second opening that communicates with the first opening to define a bore for a shaft of a track roller. The first annular projection and the second annular projection, which are configured to engage a track, extend radially from the wall. The first annular projection includes a first flange that is configured to constrain movement of the track in a first axial direction. The first flange includes a plurality of notches. The second annular projection includes a second flange that is configured to constrain movement of the track in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gennaro Suanno
  • Patent number: 11986756
    Abstract: A filter medium includes a plurality of layers each including an undulating strip of solidified material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Javier A. Rodriguez, Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Philip Carl Spengler
  • Patent number: 11987303
    Abstract: A track pad includes a shoe member that has two bottom voids extending upwardly from the ground engaging surface of the shoe member, and which form a central support pillar having a serpentine surface laterally on side of the central support pillar, and another serpentine surface laterally on the other side of the central support pillar. The two bottom voids form oval perimeters at the ground engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Isaac Jones, Mircea Dumitru
  • Publication number: 20240157802
    Abstract: A power rail connector for an electric power system in an electric machine includes a linkage having a lower link and an upper link, and a rail contactor coupled to the lower link and including electrical contacts positioned to electrically connect to a power rail. The linkage includes a fold joint, a lift joint, and a pivot, and is adjustable from an extended, current-collecting configuration to a collapsed configuration via rotation of the lower link relative to the upper link and rotation of the upper link relative to the pivot. Related machinery and methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt L. Winckler, Igor Strashny
  • Publication number: 20240157903
    Abstract: A rollover protection structure (ROPS) for a work machine includes a rigid strut having a fixed longitudinal length. On one end of the strut, a pivot end mechanism is attached that has a mounting plate that pivots relative to the strut. On the opposite end of the strut, a jack end mechanism is attached that has a mounting plate that extends longitudinally relative to the strut. When installed, e.g., with the mounting plate on each end of the strut being affixed to the work machine such as by welding, the ROPS can be extended to span an opening in the chassis of the work machine and to impart specific compression/tension on the strut. Moreover, the jack end mechanism can be disassembled, while its mounting plate remains affixed to the work machine, and the strut can be rotated about an axis in pivot end mechanism about which the mounting plate therein pivots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James D. COSTNER, III, Scott M. SHAFFER, Paul IVES, Ashraf I.S. IDKAIDEK
  • Publication number: 20240157798
    Abstract: A controller of a machine identifies that a battery of the machine is connected to an electrical power connector component. The controller then causes one or more charging components of the battery of the machine to be enabled, then cause one or more electrical components associated with the battery of the machine to be enabled, then causes one or more cooling components of the machine to be enabled, then causes one or more propulsion components of the machine to be disabled, then causes one or more accumulator components of a hydraulic system of the machine to bleed, and then causes one or more non-accumulator components of the hydraulic system of the machine to be enabled. In this way, the controller causes the battery of the machine to enter into a charging state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Dale DENNING, Jason Lee MILLER, Christopher L. WYNKOOP, Srikar THADUVAYI, Brett Michael NEE
  • Publication number: 20240162522
    Abstract: A modular and on-demand battery thermal management system (BTMS) for an electric machine with a battery is disclosed. The BTMS may include one or more independently operable BTMS modules, where each BTMS module may be configured to cool a corresponding component of the electric machine, such as a particular battery pack. Each BTMS module, in turn, may include a plurality of BTMS units that cool coolant that is to be delivered to the components that are to be cooled within the electric machine. The individual BTMS units may be independently operable by a BTMS controller based at least in part on the cooling needs of the components to be cooled. The BTMS controller is also configured to select BTMS units to operate in a manner that maximizes the operating life and durability of the BTMS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kent Schache, Scott Alan Tipton
  • Publication number: 20240157809
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump for a battery-powered electric mobile machine includes receiving one or more command signals for one or more hydraulically-driven systems. The method also includes determining a minimum pump speed for each of the one or more hydraulically-driven systems, and determining a highest minimum pump speed for the one or more hydraulically-driven systems. The method further includes converting the highest minimum pump speed to an electric motor command, and sending the electric motor command to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew OLSON, Dustin D. DENNING, Christopher L. WYNKOOP, Srikar THADUVAYI, Karl P. SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20240159317
    Abstract: Air valves, such as wastegates, utilize a shaft that rotates within a bushing system. Conventional deposition processes limit the thickness of the wear material between the shaft and bushing system. Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein utilize one or more coating sleeves that are press-fit onto the shaft. This enables a thicker layer of wear material to be applied to the shaft, thereby improving the longevity and durability of the air valve, while also simplifying the manufacturing process. Embodiments may also utilize one or more anti-rotation features, such as a dowel or axial protrusion, and/or may utilize snap ring(s) to prevent axial sliding of the coating sleeve(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Allen LAWRENCE, Eric FERGUSON, Brandyn STACK
  • Publication number: 20240162521
    Abstract: A modular and on-demand battery thermal management system (BTMS) for an electric machine or a stationary energy storage solution with a battery is disclosed. The BTMS may include one or more independently operable BTMS modules, where each BTMS module may be configured to cool a corresponding component of the electric machine, such as a particular battery pack. Each BTMS module, in turn, may include a plurality of BTMS units that cool coolant that is to be delivered to the components that are to be cooled within the electric machine. The individual BTMS units may be independently operable by a BTMS controller based at least in part on the cooling needs of the components to be cooled. The BTMS controller is also configured to control pumps and valves to appropriately direct coolant to the BTMS units that are operating in a modular fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Wayne Seibert, Anthony Loren De Luca, Dhanasekar Murugan, Ramoji Rao Sharma Ravuri