Patents by Inventor James F. Blubaugh

James F. Blubaugh 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).

  • Publication number: 20090078507
    Abstract: A machine lubrication system that includes an assembly for sensing the level of lubricant in the reservoir, the reservoir including a follower that travels axially within the reservoir and substantially conforms to an inner cross-sectional dimension thereof, a magnet being attached to the follower for actuation of a plurality of magnetically actuated switches. The system may include a first and second level sensor, which may be independently connected to one or more power sources, where the first level sensor may be associated with an operator station, and the second level sensor may be associated with a remote indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Susan J. Gaugush, Ted J. Loeffelholz, James F. Blubaugh, Douglas D. Long
  • Patent number: 7023199
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement includes a body and at least one of a piston assembly and a rod assembly slideably disposed in the body. A sensor arrangement includes a sensor, a sensor electronics module, and an interactive element. The interactive element is moveable relative to the sensor, wherein a position of the interactive element indicative of a position of the at least one of a piston assembly and a rod assembly is communicated to the sensor electronics module through the sensor. A housing assembly is attached to an end of the body and includes a sensor pilot portion. The sensor pilot portion in the housing assembly is structured and arranged to sealably receive the sensor electronics module therein, wherein the sensor electronics module is encased within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Blubaugh, Arun M. Hamasagar, David J. McIntyre, Thomas G. Skinner, Sean P. Wiltz
  • Patent number: 6509733
    Abstract: The present fluid cylinder includes a cylinder body having a cylindrical internal cavity therein with a longitudinal axis therethrough, the internal cavity being adapted for disposition of a piston and rod assembly for axial movement therein. The cylinder includes a member such as an end cap enclosing an axial end of the internal cavity, the member having a sensor port or passage therethrough extending between an internal opening communicating with the internal cavity and an external opening. A sensor is disposed in the internal opening of the sensor port or passage, and a sensor electronics module is disposed therein between the sensor and the external opening. The sensor is operable for sensing an axial distance of the piston or the rod from a predetermined location when disposed in the internal cavity and outputting signals representative of the distance to the sensor electronics module which includes circuitry for retrieving the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James F. Blubaugh, Hans P. Dietz, Wayne W. Lark, David J. McIntyre, Thomas G. Skinner, Sean P. Wiltz
  • Publication number: 20020074994
    Abstract: The present fluid cylinder includes a cylinder body having a cylindrical internal cavity therein with a longitudinal axis therethrough, the internal cavity being adapted for disposition of a piston and rod assembly for axial movement therein. The cylinder includes a member such as an end cap enclosing an axial end of the internal cavity, the member having a sensor port or passage therethrough extending between an internal opening communicating with the internal cavity and an external opening. A sensor is disposed in the internal opening of the sensor port or passage, and a sensor electronics module is disposed therein between the sensor and the external opening. The sensor is operable for sensing an axial distance of the piston or the rod from a predetermined location when disposed in the internal cavity and outputting signals representative of the distance to the sensor electronics module which includes circuitry for retrieving the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: James F. Blubaugh, Hans P. Dietz, Wayne W. Lark, David J. McIntyre, Thomas G. Skinner, Sean P. Wiltz