Patents by Inventor Daniel P. Sergison
Daniel P. Sergison 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).
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Patent number: 11788828Abstract: A device for measuring rotation of a spherical joint in a steering system, may include an anchor secured within a ball stud of the spherical joint and a rotational tie having a first end and a second end. The first end of the rotational tie may be secured to the anchor to hold the first end parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ball stud. The device may also include a rotation sensor including a sensor target rotationally coupled to the second end of the rotational tie and secured for free rotation to a framework of the spherical joint. The rotation sensor may also include an angle sensor configured and arranged to sense a changing angle of the sensor target.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeremy T. Peterson, Daniel P. Sergison, Edward William Mate, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Andrew J. de Haseth
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Patent number: 11746927Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of support legs to support the hose management system on a ground surface such that the base is substantially parallel to the ground surface, a tower, a pivot connection point disposed on the base, the pivot connection point configured to pivotably attach to a proximal end of the tower, a winch attached to the base, and a winch cable configured to be attached between the winch and the tower. Activation of the winch applies a tension to the winch cable to cause the tower to pivot from a prone position to an upright position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Daniel P. Sergison
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Patent number: 11662245Abstract: A payload measurement system can be used to measure the payload added to a machine supported on a plurality of walking beams. A plurality of load cell sensors is mounted to the walking beams in locations where, when the walking beam bends, the sensors are placed under load. The load cell sensors include a symmetrical strain bar having first and second mounting ends connected by a connecting span, wherein the end thickness is greater than the span thickness of the connecting span. The connecting span is disposed between and spaced apart from an upper plane and a lower plane with which the surfaces of the mounting ends are aligned.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: John J. Krone, Mitchell C. Vlaminck, James C. Hall, Daniel P. Sergison, Mark A. Spatz
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Patent number: 11389953Abstract: A construction system includes an excavator having a hydraulically controlled linkage and a hydraulic robot. The hydraulic robot includes a plurality of arms extending from a base, each arm having a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic robot further includes a robot control system directing movement of the plurality of arms and an end effector platform movable by rotation of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Daniel P. Sergison, Daniel J. Martinez, Corey L. Gorman, Rustin G. Metzger, Eric A. Reiners
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Publication number: 20220136265Abstract: A hose management system for a 3D printing system having a print medium pump and a print nozzle may include a base, a vertical tower extending upward from the base, a vertical pipe rotatably coupled to the vertical tower, a boom pipe extending laterally outward from and rotating with the vertical pipe, a stick connected to the boom pipe for relative rotation about at least two perpendicular axes, and a print hose connected between the boom pipe and the print nozzle so that the vertical pipe, the boom pipe and the print hose place the print medium pump in fluid communication with the print nozzle. The print hose may be suspended from the stick such that the vertical pipe, the boom pipe, the stick and the print hose follow movement of the print nozzle by the 3D printing system to print a 3D object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Daniel P. Sergison
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Publication number: 20220136619Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of support legs to support the hose management system on a ground surface such that the base is substantially parallel to the ground surface, a tower, a pivot connection point disposed on the base, the pivot connection point configured to pivotably attach to a proximal end of the tower, a winch attached to the base, and a winch cable configured to be attached between the winch and the tower. Activation of the winch applies a tension to the winch cable to cause the tower to pivot from a prone position to an upright position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Daniel P. Sergison
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Publication number: 20210318160Abstract: A payload measurement system can be used to measure the payload added to a machine supported on a plurality of walking beams. A plurality of load cell sensors is mounted to the walking beams in locations where, when the walking beam bends, the sensors are placed under load. The load cell sensors include a symmetrical strain bar having first and second mounting ends connected by a connecting span, wherein the end thickness is greater than the span thickness of the connecting span. The connecting span is disposed between and spaced apart from an upper plane and a lower plane with which the surfaces of the mounting ends are aligned.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: John J. Krone, Mitchell C. Vlaminck, James C. Hall, Daniel P. Sergison, Mark A. Spatz
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Publication number: 20200246967Abstract: A construction system includes an excavator having a hydraulically controlled linkage and a hydraulic robot. The hydraulic robot includes a plurality of arms extending from a base, each arm having a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic robot further includes a robot control system directing movement of the plurality of arms and an end effector platform movable by rotation of the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhijun CAI, Daniel P. SERGISON, Daniel J. MARTINEZ, Corey L. GORMAN, Rustin G. METZGER, Eric A. REINERS
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Publication number: 20200048893Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a mobile implement system with a nozzle, an implement system pose sensor, and a controller. The controller determines a plurality of potential poses and a plurality of potential paths of the nozzle. A desired pose and a desired path are selected and a sequence and rate of operation of the mobile implement system is determined to permit the nozzle to deposit sequential layers of material to form a desired structure. After moving the mobile implement system towards the desired pose, a modified sequence and rate of operation of the mobile implement system is determined that will cause the nozzle to follow the desired path even if the mobile implement system is not at the desired pose while depositing the sequential layers of material along the desired path to form the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2018Publication date: February 13, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Martinez, Zhijun Cai, Daniel P. Sergison
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Patent number: 9593723Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Douglas Anderson, Megan Alissa Brinkmeyer, Daniel P. Sergison, Thomas Alan Brosowske, Grant Steven Peterson, Michael G. Cronin, Raymond B. Derer
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Publication number: 20160097429Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: April 7, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Michael Douglas Anderson, Megan Alissa Brinkmeyer, Daniel P. Sergison, Thomas Alan Brosowske, Grant Steven Peterson, Michael G. Cronin, Raymond B. Derer
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Patent number: 8626404Abstract: The described system and method are implemented within a motor grader or other machine for grading of surfaces, wherein the machine includes a ground engaging element, as well as one or more blades for removing surface material. In this context, the described system and method prevent slippage of the ground engaging element against the underlying surface. In an embodiment, a torque limit is applied, wherein the torque limit corresponds to a torque that is less than that required for slippage under the current operating conditions, thus avoiding the problems caused by both overly aggressive and overly conservative cut depth strategies.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Gregory Durst, Martin Lehman, Shane McBride, Daniel P. Sergison
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Patent number: 8327697Abstract: An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerry O. McCann, Jesse C. Anderson, Aaron F. Clay, Keith F. Harvey, Keith A. Kabrick, Alice L. Kim, Daniel T. Wilhelm, Daniel P. Sergison
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Patent number: 8261544Abstract: A method of braking a hydrostatic drive machine includes steps of reducing a displacement of a pump of a hydrostatic drive system to a non-zero displacement, and increasing a displacement of a motor of the hydrostatic drive system to a displacement that is less than a maximum displacement. The method also includes a step of accelerating an engine of the hydrostatic drive system toward a desired engine speed range.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: J. Swapna Basana, Steven A. Daniel, Norval Thomson, Michael Anderson, Daniel P. Sergison
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Publication number: 20120130600Abstract: The described system and method are implemented within a motor grader or other machine for grading of surfaces, wherein the machine includes a ground engaging element, as well as one or more blades for removing surface material. In this context, the described system and method prevent slippage of the ground engaging element against the underlying surface. In an embodiment, a torque limit is applied, wherein the torque limit corresponds to a torque that is less than that required for slippage under the current operating conditions, thus avoiding the problems caused by both overly aggressive and overly conservative cut depth strategies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: NORVAL P. THOMSON, GREGORY DURST, MARTIN LEHMAN, SHANE MCBRIDE, DANIEL P. SERGISON
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Patent number: 8061466Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Carlton, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel P. Sergison, Robert E. Stone, Corwin E. Storer, Norval P. Thomson, Todd M. Weier
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Patent number: 8051916Abstract: A rear wheel drive assist for a wheel tractor scraper, the wheel tractor scraper having a tractor portion with a power source operatively connected to the front driven wheels, and a rear, scraper portion having a bowl, work tool, and first and second rear wheels, the rear wheel drive assist includes a work tool pump fluidly connected to a work tool motor to drive the work tool, fluid operated drive motors operatively connected to the rear wheels, and a diverter valve selectively movable between a first position that delivers fluid flow from the pump to the work tool motor, and a second position that delivers fluid flow from the work tool pump to the rear wheel drive motors.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: C. Erik Bright, Steven A. Daniel, Bradley J. McManus, Daniel P. Sergison, Norval P. Thomson
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Publication number: 20110089655Abstract: An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.Inventors: Gerry O. McCann, Jesse C. Anderson, Aaron F. Clay, Keith F. Harvey, Keith A. Kabrick, Alice L. Kim, Daniel T. Wilhelm, Daniel P. Sergison
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Patent number: 7837220Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Daniel P. Sergison, Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, W. Christopher Swick
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Publication number: 20100050620Abstract: A method of braking a hydrostatic drive machine includes steps of reducing a displacement of a pump of a hydrostatic drive system to a non-zero displacement, and increasing a displacement of a motor of the hydrostatic drive system to a displacement that is less than a maximum displacement. The method also includes a step of accelerating an engine of the hydrostatic drive system toward a desired engine speed range.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: J. Swapna Basana, Steven A. Daniel, Norval Thomson, Michael Anderson, Daniel P. Sergison