Patents by Inventor Giles Kent Sorrells

Giles Kent Sorrells 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: 7970523
    Abstract: A torque estimator is disclosed for estimating torque on a machine. A computer system may include a torque estimator module located on the machine. The torque estimator module may be configured to receive a plurality of engine parameters, receive a drivetrain component parameter, determine an estimated torque value at the drivetrain component based on the plurality of engine parameters and the drivetrain component parameter. The computer system also may include an analysis module located on the machine. The analysis module may be configured to receive the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter, and update a histogram data structure based on the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter. The analysis module may also be configured to evaluate the histogram data structure in order to determine if excessive torque is being applied to a drivetrain component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Wallis, Paul Alan Ring, Giles Kent Sorrells, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Jason Edward Carter
  • Publication number: 20090006153
    Abstract: A computer system for a prognostic evaluation system is provided. The computer system has a platform, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the platform and the at least one input device. The central processing unit is configured to receive use history information for a piece of equipment. The central processing unit is also configured to perform prognostic analysis based on the received use history information and to determine an estimated remaining life for the piece of equipment based on the prognostic analysis. The central processing unit is further configured to generate a report for the piece of equipment based on the prognostic analysis and to provide the generated report to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Giles Kent Sorrells, Richard L. Gordon, Anthony J. Grichnik
  • Publication number: 20080147571
    Abstract: A method for analyzing machine customization costs includes receiving one or more specifications associated with a machine and identifying a machine type based on the one or more specifications. Prognostic data associated with the machine type is analyzed based on the specifications, and costs associated with operating a stock machine corresponding to the machine type is estimated based on the prognostic data analysis. A machine customization package may be assembled based on the specifications and costs associated with operating a customized machine associated with the machine customization package may be analyzed. A cost analysis report that compares estimated costs associated with operating the stock machine with estimated costs associated with operating the customized machine is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Giles Kent Sorrells, Richard Lee Gordon, Anthony James Grichnik
  • Publication number: 20080082345
    Abstract: A method for determining risk associated with delaying machine maintenance includes receiving health data associated with a machine and analyzing the health data based on predetermined threshold data to detect an event alert condition. A future failure date of a machine component is then estimated based on the health data analysis. Historic productivity data associated with the machine is analyzed and a cost associated with operating the machine with the event alert condition for a predetermined amount of time is estimated. A cost associated with removing the machine from service is predicted based on historic productivity analysis. The estimated cost associated with removing the machine from service is then analyzed based on the estimated cost associated with operating the machine with the event alert condition. A machine repair recommendation indicative of the cost analysis is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Giles Kent Sorrells, Richard Lee Gordon, Anthony James Grichnik
  • Publication number: 20080059411
    Abstract: A performance-based job site management system for a machine environment includes a plurality of monitoring devices for collecting productivity data associated with a machine and transmitting the productivity data to an on-board data collector associated with the machine. The system also includes a project management system communicatively coupled to the on-board data collector. The project management system is configured to receive the productivity data from the on-board data collector and analyze the productivity data based on predetermined performance criteria. The system also assesses machine performance based on the productivity analysis and evaluate job site performance based on the machine performance. The system also provides recommendations for improving job site performance based on the evaluation and adjusts one or more operational aspects associated with the machine, based on the recommendations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Giles Kent Sorrells, Richard Lee Gordon, Anthony James Grichnik
  • Publication number: 20080059005
    Abstract: A method for selective on-board processing of machine data includes receiving operation data associated with a machine and collecting the received operation data in an on-board processing unit of the machine. Required data associated with a data analysis task of the on-board processing unit may be identified and the received operation data may be analyzed based on the identified required data. The method may also include determining whether required data associated with the data analysis task is accessible by the on-board processing unit, based on the analysis. If any portion of the required data is inaccessible by the on-board processing unit, the inaccessible portion of the required data may be requested from an external system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Giles Kent Sorrells, Richard Lee Gordon, Anthony James Grichnik
  • Publication number: 20080059080
    Abstract: A method for selective, event-based communication of machine data includes receiving, in an on-board controller, operation data associated with a component of a machine and comparing the operation data with predetermined threshold data associated with the component. An event alert is generated if the operation data is inconsistent with the predetermined threshold data. The method also includes collecting, in an operational monitoring system associated with the machine, the operation data associated with the component of the machine in response to the event alert. A diagnostic analysis of the operation data associated with the component is performed, the results of which may be to a user of the operational monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Giles Kent Sorrells, Richard Lee Gordon, Anthony James Grichnik
  • Patent number: 6721680
    Abstract: A method is provided for promoting compliance by a vehicle operator with a payload standard for a vehicle. The payload weight of the vehicle is determined. The payload weight is compared with the payload standard to determine if the payload weight is compliant with the payload standard. The operation of the vehicle is then limited if the payload weight is not in compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Giles Kent Sorrells, Dennis A. Barney
  • Publication number: 20030120455
    Abstract: A method is provided for promoting compliance by a vehicle operator with a payload standard for a vehicle. The payload weight of the vehicle is determined. The payload weight is compared with the payload standard to determine if the payload weight is compliant with the payload standard. The operation of the vehicle is then limited if the payload weight is not in compliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Giles Kent Sorrells, Dennis A. Barney