Patents by Inventor Eric S. Engelmann
Eric S. Engelmann 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: 11255059Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have at least one actuator connecting the frame to at least one of the ground engaging tracks. The actuator may adjust a height of the frame relative to at least one of the tracks. The milling machine may also have a non-contact leg-height sensor attached to the frame. The sensor may generate a signal indicative of a height of the frame relative to at least one of the tracks. The milling machine may also have a controller configured to determine the height based on the signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, Jr., Joseph Forcash, Clayton Padgett, Andrew Whitten, Paul Friend
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Patent number: 11220796Abstract: A milling machine includes a milling rotor, at least one leg, a grade sensor, and a control circuit. The milling rotor is configured to engage a surface beneath the milling machine. The at least one leg is controllable to raise and lower the milling machine. The grade sensor is configured to sense a position indicative of a cut depth of the milling rotor, and the control circuit is configured to receive data from the grade sensor. The control circuit is also configured to: identify a distance from the milling rotor to the surface based on a selected position of the at least one leg; identify a value associated with a detected condition using the grade sensor while the at least one leg is at the selected position; and calibrate the grade sensor by associating the identified distance from the milling rotor to the surface and the identified value.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Timothy J. Lindholm, Eric S. Engelmann
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Patent number: 11209812Abstract: A method for determining part wear, such as using a wear model, includes receiving, from a sensor, sensor data representing a surface of a wear part. The method further includes determining an estimated time until the part should be replaced. The method further includes batching together multiple wear parts that need replacing to enable a user to replace multiple parts in one maintenance period. The method may also include providing information to the user during replacement of a worn part to indicate the part location.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Dustin W. Sondreal, Eric S. Engelmann
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Publication number: 20210395962Abstract: A cold planer can include a frame; an operator station coupled to the frame and including a monitor; a cutting rotor coupled to the frame, the cutting rotor configured to be lowered a selected distance into a surface to define a depth of cut; a conveyor to receive material from the cutting rotor; and a cutting rotor location indication system including: a camera coupled to the frame and oriented to show an area on a side of the frame; and a visual indicator system configured to receive a first image from the camera and display on the monitor a visual image of a location of a leading edge and a trailing edge of the cutting rotor relative to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2020Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jason R. Bjorge, Sean Robert Laclef, Eric S. Engelmann
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Publication number: 20210388564Abstract: A milling machine includes a milling rotor, at least one leg, a grade sensor, and a control circuit. The milling rotor is configured to engage a surface beneath the milling machine. The at least one leg is controllable to raise and lower the milling machine. The grade sensor is configured to sense a position indicative of a cut depth of the milling rotor, and the control circuit is configured to receive data from the grade sensor. The control circuit is also configured to: identify a distance from the milling rotor to the surface based on a selected position of the at least one leg; identify a value associated with a detected condition using the grade sensor while the at least one leg is at the selected position; and calibrate the grade sensor by associating the identified distance from the milling rotor to the surface and the identified value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: December 16, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Timothy J. Lindholm, Eric S. Engelmann
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Publication number: 20210354749Abstract: A milling machine can include a frame; at least two tracks coupled to the frame for propelling the milling machine; first and second hydraulic cylinders configured to steer each of the at least two tracks, respectively; an adjustable hydraulic tie rod extending between the at least two tracks; first and second steering collars coupled to the each of the tracks to move the tracks, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the first steering collar and the second hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the second steering collar, and wherein the adjustable hydraulic tie rod is coupled to both of the steering collars; one or more sensors to determine the positions of the at least two tracks; and a hydraulic steering control system coupled to the first and second hydraulic cylinders and the adjustable hydraulic tie rod and configured to vary a steering mode of the at least two tracks between a parallel steering mode and an Ackerman steering mode, wherein if one of the one or more sensors fails, the hydraulic stType: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2020Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Argenziano, Eric S. Engelmann
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Patent number: 11174604Abstract: A method of adjusting milling properties of a rotor for a milling machine includes accessing the rotor. The rotor includes a drum and a plurality of cutting assemblies, and each cutting assembly includes a tool block, a tool holder, and a cutting bit. The method also includes adjusting a rotational orientation of a plurality of cutting bits and tool holders relative to the corresponding tool blocks, and enclosing the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. Johnson, Eric S. Engelmann
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Publication number: 20210293001Abstract: A control device may obtain sensing data from at least one sensing device associated with a work machine and may determine, based on the sensing data, a projected path of the work machine and a location of at least one obstacle. The control device may determine that the at least one obstacle is in a portion of the projected path of the work machine, wherein the portion of the projected path of the work machine is associated with an accessory component of the work machine. The control device may identify, based on determining that the at least one obstacle is in the portion of the projected path of the work machine, a potential collision of the at least one obstacle and the accessory component of the work machine and may cause the accessory component to adjust from a first position to a second position to avoid the potential collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Brandon BARES, Nathan Louis MASHEK, Eric S. ENGELMANN
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Patent number: 11105051Abstract: A system may include a first transportation device, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes first and second slope sensors. The first slope sensor is coupled to the first transportation device and the second slope sensor is coupled to the construction machine. The controller controls the construction machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Mark A. Tarvin, Conwell K. Rife, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210247756Abstract: A method for determining part wear, such as using a wear model, includes receiving, from a sensor, sensor data representing a surface of a wear part. The method further includes determining an estimated time until the part should be replaced. The method further includes batching together multiple wear parts that need replacing to enable a user to replace multiple parts in one maintenance period. The method may also include providing information to the user during replacement of a worn part to indicate the part location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Dustin W. Sondreal, Eric S. Engelmann
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Publication number: 20210238814Abstract: A system may include a first transportation device of a milling machine, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes a first sensor coupled to the first transportation device to sense an orientation of the first transportation device relative to the frame of the milling machine. The controller controls the milling machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicants: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLCInventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Mark A. Tarvin, Conwell K. Rife, JR.
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Publication number: 20210229516Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have at least one actuator connecting the frame to at least one of the ground engaging tracks. The actuator may adjust a height of the frame relative to at least one of the tracks. The milling machine may also have a non-contact leg-height sensor attached to the frame. The sensor may generate a signal indicative of a height of the frame relative to at least one of the tracks. The milling machine may also have a controller configured to determine the height based on the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Eric S. ENGELMANN, Conwell K. RIFE, JR., Joseph FORCASH, Clayton PADGETT, Andrew WHITTEN, Paul FRIEND
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Publication number: 20210231139Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have a tank that stores hydraulic fluid. The milling machine may also have at least one actuator connecting the frame to the tracks. The actuator may adjust a height of the frame relative to a ground surface. A fluid conduit may connect the tank to the actuator. The milling machine may have a flow sensor in the fluid conduit. The flow sensor may determine a flow parameter associated with a flow of the hydraulic fluid into or out of the actuator. The milling machine may also have a controller that determines a height of the frame relative to the ground surface based on the flow parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Eric S. ENGELMANN, Conwell K. RIFE, JR., Mark HOLUB, Clayton PADGETT, Matthew J. SIROVATKA, Paul FRIEND
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Publication number: 20210231138Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have height adjustable actuators connecting the frame to the tracks. Each actuator may have a cylinder attached to the frame, a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder, and a rod connected at a first end to the piston and connected to a track at a second end. The milling machine may have a tank storing hydraulic fluid and a fluid conduit connecting the tank to the cylinder. The milling machine may have a control valve selectively controlling a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the fluid conduit. The milling machine may also have a controller that determines a height of the frame relative to the ground surface based on the flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Eric S. ENGELMANN, Conwell K. RIFE, JR., Mark HOLUB
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Patent number: 11015305Abstract: A milling machine is disclosed. The milling machine may have a frame, first and second tracks connected to a first end of the frame, a third track connected to a second end of the frame, and a milling drum attached to the frame. The milling machine may have first, second, and third actuators connecting the frame and the first, second, and third tracks, respectively. Each actuator may adjust a height of the frame relative to a respective one of the first, second, and third tracks. The milling machine may include a damper assembly attached to each of the first and second actuators. The damper assembly may have an accumulator connected to a respective one of the first and second actuators and a control valve for controlling a flow of fluid between the accumulator and the respective one of the first and second actuators.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, Jr., Matthew J. Sirovatka
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Publication number: 20210131047Abstract: The present disclosure is a dust mitigation system for a cold planer. The dust mitigation system may include the following components: a cutting drum; a conveyor system proximate to the cutting drum and adapted to collect cut paving material from the cutting drum and convey the cut paving material to a conveyor system exit; a fan proximate the conveyor system and directing dust from the cutting drum to the conveyor system; a conduit having a first end positioned in the cutting chamber and a second end proximate the fan; a water source; and a conveyor spray nozzle located between the fan and the conveyor system exit and adapted to communicate water from the water source on to the conveyor system such that the dust directed from the fan to the conveyor system is blown through the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Eric S. Engelmann
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Patent number: 10995460Abstract: The present disclosure is a dust mitigation system for a cold planer. The dust mitigation system may include the following components: a cutting drum; a conveyor system proximate to the cutting drum and adapted to collect cut paving material from the cutting drum and convey the cut paving material to a conveyor system exit; a fan proximate the conveyor system and directing dust from the cutting drum to the conveyor system; a conduit having a first end positioned in the cutting chamber and a second end proximate the fan; a water source; and a conveyor spray nozzle located between the fan and the conveyor system exit and adapted to communicate water from the water source on to the conveyor system such that the dust directed from the fan to the conveyor system is blown through the water.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Eric S. Engelmann
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Patent number: 10949786Abstract: A management system for a cold planer is disclosed. The management system may include one or more sensors located onboard the cold planer and configured to generate data regarding at least one of cold planer operating parameters and milled material transferred from the cold planer to a plurality of haul vehicles. The management system may also include a locating device configured to generate a signal indicative of a cold planer location, a communication device configured to transfer information from the cold planer to a plant, and a controller in electronic communication with the one or more, the locating device, and the communication device. The controller may be configured to determine a rate of material transfer from the cold planer to the plurality of haul vehicles based on the data, and transmit the rate of material transfer and the cold planer location to the plant via the communication device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John Lee Marsolek, Eric S. Engelmann
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Patent number: 10776638Abstract: An example cold planer system includes a machine frame, a milling rotor disposed in a milling chamber, a first sensor, a second sensor and a control module. The control module comprises a processor and a controller. The processor is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a direction of motion of the machine, and a second signal indicative of whether an object is present in an object detection zone. The processor processes the first signal and the second signal to generate a control signal. The controller is configured to receive the control signal from the processor and to initiate a rotor collision avoidance mode if an object is present in an object detection zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Eric S. Engelmann
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Publication number: 20200193179Abstract: An example cold planer system includes a machine frame, a milling rotor disposed in a milling chamber, a first sensor, a second sensor and a control module. The control module comprises a processor and a controller. The processor is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a direction of motion of the machine, and a second signal indicative of whether an object is present in an object detection zone. The processor processes the first signal and the second signal to generate a control signal. The controller is configured to receive the control signal from the processor and to initiate a rotor collision avoidance mode if an object is present in an object detection zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Eric S. Engelmann