Patents by Inventor Dante T. Thomas

Dante T. Thomas 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).

  • Method and apparatus for controlling the speed ranges of a machine
    Patent number: 7287620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein an operator traverses the work machine within an operator selected speed range. The operator positions a speed-range control device to select the operator selected speed range, thus, sending a speed-range signal from the speed-range control device to an electronic control module indicative of the position of the speed-range control device. The speed-range signal is converted to a scaling factor to re-calibrate at least one drive map indicative of the scaling factor. The operator then may position a control device to traverse the work machine within the operator selected speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Dante T. Thomas, Mark A. Sporer, Michael S. Freberg, Paul A. Dvorak
  • Electronic engine speed controller
    Patent number: 6854549
    Abstract: An electronic engine speed control system is used on a work machine utilizing an engine with a governor control movable between a plurality of positions. The governor control is operated by an operator so that a desired engine speed may be selected for driving a plurality of wheels through a transmission. The transmission is specifically controlled to obtain a desired ground speed independent of the selected engine speed. The engine speed control system includes an electronic control module. An operator switch is connected to the control module and is movable to a set position which sends an input signal with a desired engine speed value corresponding to a selected engine speed to the control module. An engine sensor is connectable between the engine and the control module for sensing the speed of the engine and sending an input signal with an actual engine speed value to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Calamari, Paul D. Fuller, Bhikhubhai S. Mistry, Dante T. Thomas, J. Roger Watson
  • Electronic engine speed controller
    Publication number: 20030221885
    Abstract: An electronic engine speed control system is used on a work machine utilizing an engine with a governor control movable between a plurality of positions. The governor control is operated by an operator so that a desired engine speed may be selected for driving a plurality of wheels through a transmission. The transmission is specifically controlled to obtain a desired ground speed independent of the selected engine speed. The engine speed control system includes an electronic control module. An operator switch is connected to the control module and is movable to a set position which sends an input signal with a desired engine speed value corresponding to a selected engine speed to the control module. An engine sensor is connectable between the engine and the control module for sensing the speed of the engine and sending an input signal with an actual engine speed value to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Calamari, Paul D. Fuller, Bhikhubhai S. Mistry, Dante T. Thomas, J. Roger Watson
  • Electronic engine speed controller
    Publication number: 20010010276
    Abstract: An electronic engine speed control system is used on a work machine utilizing an engine with a governor control movable between a plurality of positions. The governor control is operated by an operator so that a desired engine speed may be selected for driving a plurality of wheels through a transmission. The transmission is specifically controlled to obtain a desired ground speed independent of the selected engine speed. The engine speed control system includes an electronic control module. An operator switch is connected to the control module and is movable to a set position which sends an input signal with a desired engine speed value corresponding to a selected engine speed to the control module. An engine sensor is connectable between the engine and the control module for sensing the speed of the engine and sending an input signal with an actual engine speed value to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: Michael A. Calamari, Paul D. Fuller, Bhikhubhai S. Mistry, Dante T. Thomas, J. Roger Watson
  • Electronic engine speed controller
    Patent number: 6260647
    Abstract: An electronic engine speed control system is used on a work machine utilizing an engine with a governor control movable between a plurality of positions. The governor control is operated by an operator so that a desired engine speed may be selected for driving a plurality of wheels through a transmission. The transmission is specifically controlled to obtain a desired ground speed independent of the selected engine speed. The engine speed control system includes an electronic control module. An operator switch is connected to the control module and is movable to a set position which sends an input signal with a desired engine speed value corresponding to a selected engine speed to the control module. An engine sensor is connectable between the engine and the control module for sensing the speed of the engine and sending an input signal with an actual engine speed value to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Calamari, Paul D. Fuller, Bhikhubhai S. Mistry, Dante T. Thomas, J. Roger Watson