Patents by Inventor Brian J. Althoff

Brian J. Althoff 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: 11667342
    Abstract: An active track-chain sag management system for usage in conjunction with crawler vehicles having tracked undercarriages includes a movable track-engaging member positioned for physical engagement into a track-chain of the tracked undercarriage, an electric drive assembly controllable to adjust a track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member relative to the track-chain, and a controller operatively coupled to the electric drive assembly. The controller is configured to command the electric drive assembly to repeatedly adjust the track-chain sag of the track-chain by varying the track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member during operation of the tracked undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sean P. West, Reginald M. Bindl, Brian J. Althoff, Lawrence W. Bergquist, Russell R. Reeg
  • Publication number: 20210101653
    Abstract: An active track-chain sag management system for usage in conjunction with crawler vehicles having tracked undercarriages includes a movable track-engaging member positioned for physical engagement into a track-chain of the tracked undercarriage, an electric drive assembly controllable to adjust a track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member relative to the track-chain, and a controller operatively coupled to the electric drive assembly. The controller is configured to command the electric drive assembly to repeatedly adjust the track-chain sag of the track-chain by varying the track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member during operation of the tracked undercarriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Sean P. West, Reginald M. Bindl, Brian J. Althoff, Lawrence W. Bergquist, Russell R. Reeg
  • Patent number: 9835186
    Abstract: A hydraulic flushing system comprises a hydraulic machine including a case drain, a gearbox having a cavity, and a flushing valve. The case drain is included in a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor. The flushing valve is fluidly connected to the case drain, fluidly connected to the cavity, and fluidly positioned between the case drain and the cavity. The flushing valve is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the case drain to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bradley C. Dauderman, Donald O. Johannsen, John R. Mahrenholz, Chris J. Schaub, Kyle S. Droessler, Brian J. Althoff, Todd R. Simms, Denis J. Roling
  • Patent number: 9453537
    Abstract: A coupler pin couples an output sleeve of rotary unit to an input member of a rotary sensor with interference fits. The coupler pin has a first part and a second part. A key groove is formed in an inner surface of a coupling bore in the output sleeve. The first part is received by the coupling bore, and the first part has a key member which is received by the key groove. The second part has a key slot formed therein. The input member has a key. The key has a slip fit with a first part of the key slot and has an interference fit with a second part of the key slot. The key projects inwardly from a wall of a coupling bore in the input member. The second part is divided into a plurality of sections by axially extending cross-cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Zachary T. Flatley, Nathan J. Horstman, Brian J. Althoff, James Luong, Stephan E. Bohner
  • Publication number: 20150354609
    Abstract: A hydraulic flushing system comprises a hydraulic machine including a case drain, a gearbox having a cavity, and a flushing valve. The case drain is included in a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor. The flushing valve is fluidly connected to the case drain, fluidly connected to the cavity, and fluidly positioned between the case drain and the cavity. The flushing valve is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the case drain to the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Bradley C. Dauderman, Donald O. Johannsen, John R. Mahrenholz, Chris J. Schaub, Kyle S. Droessler, Brian J. Althoff, Todd R. Simms, Denis J. Roling
  • Publication number: 20150117938
    Abstract: A coupler pin couples an output sleeve of rotary unit to an input member of a rotary sensor with interference fits. The coupler pin has a first part and a second part. A key groove is formed in an inner surface of a coupling bore in the output sleeve. The first part is received by the coupling bore, and the first part has a key member which is received by the key groove. The second part has a key slot formed therein. The input member has a key. The key has a slip fit with a first part of the key slot and has an interference fit with a second part of the key slot. The key projects inwardly from a wall of a coupling bore in the input member. The second part is divided into a plurality of sections by axially extending cross-cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: ZACHARY T. FLATLEY, NATHAN J. HORSTMAN, BRIAN J. ALTHOFF, JAMES LUONG, STEPHAN E. BOHNER
  • Patent number: 6348871
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adverse condition detection apparatus that enables a user to test the apparatus in close proximity without having to endure fully operational alarm noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a detector, a transducer, and a test system. The detector provides an adverse condition signal in response to detecting an adverse condition (e.g., smoke). The transducer is operably connected to the detector for receiving the adverse condition signal. The transducer generates an operational alarm in response to receiving the adverse condition signal when the detector detects the adverse condition. The test system is operably connected to the transducer and causes it to generate a test alarm in response to a user activating the test system. However, the test alarm, at least initially, is lower in audibility than the operational alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Maple Chase
    Inventors: William P. Tanguay, Thomas W. Kondziolka, Brian J. Althoff