Patents by Inventor John F. Benton
John F. Benton 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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Publication number: 20240131918Abstract: A coolant circuit for a self-propelled work machine includes multiple electric drive components, including a coolant pump for generating a flow of coolant which circulates in the coolant circuit, a heat exchanger for dissipating thermal energy stored in the coolant, and at least two circuit lines which extend parallel to each other and are embodied to guide the coolant past the drive components respectively assigned to them, in order to absorb thermal energy. A self-propelled work machine, in particular a mobile crane, includes multiple electric drive components and one or more such coolant circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Andreas KRUG, John F. BENTON
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Patent number: 11713222Abstract: A crane includes a carrier unit having a chassis, tires connected to the chassis, a carrier deck and outriggers. A superstructure is mounted on the carrier unit, the superstructure includes a telescoping boom. A slope sensor is operably connected to the carrier unit and configured to detect a pitch and/or a roll of the carrier unit during a lift operation. The crane further includes a system for monitoring a load lifted by the telescoping boom. The system is configured to determine the current load lifted by the telescoping boom, receive pitch and/or roll information of the carrier unit from the slope sensor, adjust coordinates of the crane in a coordinate system based on the pitch and/or roll information, determine a transformed operating radius using the adjusted coordinates; and compare the load lifted to a rated capacity at the transformed operating radius.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: Stephen J. Schoonmaker, John F. Benton, Michael Stake
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Publication number: 20220242703Abstract: A locking head assembly (210) for a telescoping boom (118) of a crane (110) includes a locking head (212) having a base (218), an operating plate (220) operably coupled to the base, one or more cylinder pins (222) and/or one or more section lock arms (226) movable in response to movement of the operating plate relative to the base. An actuator (214) is operably coupled to the operating plate and configured to move the operating plate relative to the base. The actuator includes a motor (234) and a drive arm (236). The motor is configured to drive the drive arm between a drive arm first position and a drive arm second position. A motion mitigator (216) is connected to the actuator and the locking head and includes a housing (238), a rod (240) movable relative to the housing, and a biasing device (242) disposed between the rod and the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2020Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Stephen J. SCHOONMAKER, John F. BENTON, Bradley C. CALAMAN, Martin R. STANDER, Jared YORKE
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Patent number: 11142438Abstract: A working range diagram for a crane includes a boom model representing a current boom length and current lift angle. The working range diagram also includes a plurality of zones based on limit radii corresponding to different predetermined load utilizations. Each zone of the one or more zones represents a radial distance. The working range diagram further includes a load model representing a current load radius positioned relative to the one or more zones. A crane control system may generate the working range diagram.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
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Publication number: 20210179396Abstract: A crane includes a carrier unit having a chassis, tires connected to the chassis, a carrier deck and outriggers. A superstructure is mounted on the carrier unit, the superstructure includes a telescoping boom. A slope sensor is operably connected to the carrier unit and configured to detect a pitch and/or a roll of the carrier unit during a lift operation. The crane further includes a system for monitoring a load lifted by the telescoping boom. The system is configured to determine the current load lifted by the telescoping boom, receive pitch and/or roll information of the carrier unit from the slope sensor, adjust coordinates of the crane in a coordinate system based on the pitch and/or roll information, determine a transformed operating radius using the adjusted coordinates; and compare the load lifted to a rated capacity at the transformed operating radius.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Stephen J. Schoonmaker, John F. Benton, Michael Stake
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Patent number: 10906786Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, Mark A. Harbold, Todd Snider, David R. Peiffer
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Patent number: 10759637Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a telescoping boom assembly that includes a first section and at least a second section configured to nest within and to extend from the first section. At least one wear pad is positioned between the first section and the second section. The wear pad includes a length, a first surface, and a second surface spaced apart a height from the first surface. A first portion of the wear pad includes a first bending stiffness. The wear pad also includes a second portion having a second bending stiffness, wherein the second bending stiffness is different than the first bending stiffness. Optionally, the height of the wear pad between the first surface and the second surface is substantially the same in the first portion and the second portion. Optionally, the construction vehicle is a crane.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: Kurt W. Richter, John F. Benton, Jonathan M. Burkett, Donald C. Hade, Jr.
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Patent number: 10676328Abstract: A method for controlling a boom of a crane includes saving, in a memory, data representing a maximum horizontal working distance for a load on a hook of a boom, saving, in the memory, boom data representing the position of the boom, calculating a minimum vector between the position of the hook and the maximum horizontal working distance, and controlling, by the computing device, movement of the boom to prevent the vector from reaching a zero magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, Stephen J. Schoonmaker
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Publication number: 20190062130Abstract: A working range diagram for a crane includes a boom model representing a current boom length and current lift angle. The working range diagram also includes a plurality of zones based on limit radii corresponding to different predetermined load utilizations. Each zone of the one or more zones represents a radial distance. The working range diagram further includes a load model representing a current load radius positioned relative to the one or more zones. A crane control system may generate the working range diagram.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
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Publication number: 20180148304Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: John F. Benton, Mark A. Harbold, Todd Snider, David R. Peiffer
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Publication number: 20180057318Abstract: A method for controlling a boom of a crane includes saving, in a memory, data representing a maximum horizontal working distance for a load on a hook of a boom, saving, in the memory, boom data representing the position of the boom, calculating a minimum vector between the position of the hook and the maximum horizontal working distance, and controlling, by the computing device, movement of the boom to prevent the vector from reaching a zero magnitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: John F. Benton, Stephen J. Schoonmaker
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Patent number: 9878886Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, Mark A. Harbold, Todd Snider, David R. Peiffer
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Publication number: 20170029253Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a telescoping boom assembly that includes a first section and at least a second section configured to nest within and to extend from the first section. At least one wear pad is positioned between the first section and the second section. The wear pad includes a length, a first surface, and a second surface spaced apart a height from the first surface. A first portion of the wear pad includes a first bending stiffness. The wear pad also includes a second portion having a second bending stiffness, wherein the second bending stiffness is different than the first bending stiffness. Optionally, the height of the wear pad between the first surface and the second surface is substantially the same in the first portion and the second portion. Optionally, the construction vehicle is a crane.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: Kurt W. Richter, John F. Benton, Jonathan M. Burkett, Donald C. Hade, JR.
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Publication number: 20170015534Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John F. BENTON, Mark A. HARBOLD, Todd SNIDER, David R. PEIFFER
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Patent number: 9365398Abstract: An outrigger pad monitoring system for determining crane stability includes a plurality of outriggers having sensors for measuring a load placed on the outriggers. A crane control system utilizes the measured load on the outriggers to determine the stability of the crane. A crane control system utilizes the measured load on the outriggers with positional information for the crane boom to determine if the crane boom is in a side-load condition. The outrigger pad monitoring system may be used during the setup of the crane and to verify the proper operation of a rated capacity limiter.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, Matthew T. Oswald, Stephen J. Schoonmaker
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Patent number: 8881919Abstract: An extendable beam measurement system includes a support; a beam mounted on the support and movable with respect to the support along an axis of movement; a series of sensory points mounted along either the beam or the support in an orientation that is not parallel to the axis of movement of the beam; and a sensor attached to the other of the beam or the support in a direction that crosses the series of sensory points at different positions during movement of the beam along said axis. The sensor generates a first signal varying as the beam is moved along the axis to thereby provide a signal indicating the position of the beam with respect to the support. The system is useful on an outrigger for supporting a crane. Optionally the system can provide a second signal indicative of whether a jack on the outrigger is contacting a support surface and supporting the crane.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
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Publication number: 20140116975Abstract: An outrigger pad monitoring system for determining crane stability includes a plurality of outriggers having sensors for measuring a load placed on the outriggers. A crane control system utilizes the measured load on the outriggers to determine the stability of the crane. A crane control system utilizes the measured load on the outriggers with positional information for the crane boom to determine if the crane boom is in a side-load condition. The outrigger pad monitoring system may be used during the setup of the crane and to verify the proper operation of a rated capacity limiter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventors: John F. Benton, Matthew T. Oswald, Stephen J. Schoonmaker
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Publication number: 20120279938Abstract: An extendable beam measurement system includes a support; a beam mounted on the support and movable with respect to the support along an axis of movement; a series of sensory points mounted along either the beam or the support in an orientation that is not parallel to the axis of movement of the beam; and a sensor attached to the other of the beam or the support in a direction that crosses the series of sensory points at different positions during movement of the beam along said axis. The sensor generates a first signal varying as the beam is moved along the axis to thereby provide a signal indicating the position of the beam with respect to the support. The system is useful on an outrigger for supporting a crane. Optionally the system can provide a second signal indicative of whether a jack on the outrigger is contacting a support surface and supporting the crane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
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Patent number: 7987914Abstract: A technique is provided for actuating devices deployed in a wellbore. The technique utilizes an actuator that cooperates with a downhole device, such as a well tool. The actuator has a phase change material that can be caused to undergo a phase change upon an appropriate input. The phase change of the material is used to provide the force necessary for actuation of the downhole device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: John F. Benton
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Patent number: 7469748Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids in a subterranean wellbore. A submersible pumping system can be deployed in a wellbore for moving desired fluids within the wellbore. The pumping system energizes the desired fluid movement by reciprocating a working fluid between expandable members.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Murat Ocalan, John F. Benton, Michael H. Du, Jeffrey Miller, Arukumar Arumugam, Peter Julstrom, John David Rowatt, Allan D. Ross, Steven Dornak, Arthur I. Watson, Brigitte Finkiewicz