Patents by Inventor John L. Marsolek
John L. Marsolek 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: 11550058Abstract: An autonomous articulated soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a first lidar sensor on a front of the machine; a second lidar sensor on a first side of the machine; and a third lidar sensor on a second side of the machine; wherein the first, second and the third lidar sensors are positioned such that 360 degree lidar coverage is provided around the articulated compactor machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine
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Publication number: 20230002981Abstract: A paving machine includes a plurality of sensor(s) for generating sensor data associated with a paving operation. Criteria associated with paving mat defects are compared against the sensor data to determine whether the criteria is satisfied and whether paving mat defects are predicted. For example, criteria may include whether a hopper of the paving machine is activated, whether a screed assembly of the paving machine is floating, a speed of the paving machine, and whether heat is applied to the screed assembly. In instances where defects are predicted, notifications of such may be provided, or displayed, on a control interface of the paving machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Steffen, Toby A. Frelich, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11543828Abstract: A method includes receiving project information indicating a location of a worksite. The method also includes providing a first travel path to an electronic device associated with a mobile machine, wherein providing the first travel path to the electronic device causes at least part of the first travel path to be displayed via a display. The method further includes receiving location information indicating an initial location of the machine and one or more additional locations of the machine. Additionally, the method includes determining that the machine reached the worksite, and identifying, based at least in part on the location information, a second travel path extending from the initial location to the worksite. The method further includes determining whether the second travel path matches the first travel path, and storing at least one of the travel paths in a memory associated with a controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
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Publication number: 20220410803Abstract: A compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a plurality of cameras mounted to the machine frame so as to provide a 360° bird's eye view of an area around the machine; a display showing the 360° bird's eye view; and a controller; wherein, the controller is configured to determine certain conditions regarding a compacting operation of the compactor machine and the controller overlays a highlight symbol on the 360° bird's eye view on the display notifying a machine operator of the certain conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2021Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Matthew D. Chisholm, Kent A Hoisington
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Patent number: 11531338Abstract: An automatic control mode system for heavy machinery and a method for controlling heavy machinery for an automatic control mode is disclosed. The method may include: monitoring one or more conditions of one or more systems of the heavy machinery for the automatic control mode; determining whether at least one of the one or more conditions is met; and disabling the automatic control mode if at least one of the one or more conditions are met.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, Kyle D. Hendricks, Robert J. McGee, John L. Marsolek, Sangameshwar Sonth
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Patent number: 11507902Abstract: A method includes receiving first location information of a first vehicle, and associating the first vehicle with a first project. The method also includes receiving second location information from a second vehicle, and associating the second vehicle with a second project. The method further includes providing, to an electronic device, instructions to output a user interface that includes a map, and a first visual indicia displayed on the map at a first location corresponding to the first location information, where the first visual indicia indicates that the first vehicle is associated with the first project. The user interface further includes a second visual indicia displayed on the map at a second location corresponding to the second location information, where the second visual indicia indicates that the second vehicle is associated with the second project, and is different from the first visual indicia.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11427972Abstract: A compactor machine includes a machine frame, at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine, and a first light attached to the machine frame, the light shining a line of light on a surface that indicates a location of an edge of the roller drum.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Ries, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11408134Abstract: In one aspect, a method of controlling an operation of a compactor during a paving operation may include obtaining thermal image data and position data of an asphalt mat using a measuring device on a paving machine, and determining, using a controller, whether a person is on the asphalt mat based on a temperature range and the thermal image data. The method also includes determining, using the controller, a distance between the person and the compactor using the obtained position data and a position of the compactor, and generating, using the controller, a signal for reducing a speed of the compactor when the determined distance between the person and the compactor is less than a maintain speed threshold distance. In other aspects, a related system is provided for controlling a compactor during a paving operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Joshua D. Keyes, Corey B. Hanback
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Publication number: 20220242232Abstract: According to one example, a system for control of a movement of a working vehicle within a work area is disclosed. The system can optionally include a steering system configured to direct the movement of the working vehicle, an object detection system, as speed sensor, and a controller. The object detection system can have one or more sensors configured to detect an object within the work area. The speed sensor can be configured to measure a speed of the working vehicle over a surface within the work area. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the steering system, the object detection system and the speed sensor. The controller can be configured to control the speed of the working vehicle based upon a steering angle of the working vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2021Publication date: August 4, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Oetken, Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11403114Abstract: An onsite computer system can be located at a material production facility and used to generate tickets associated with the transfer of bulk materials such as asphalt or concrete. A remote computer system can communicate with the onsite computer system and can be used to generate ticket templates and configuration files that may be uploaded to the onsite computer system. In addition, the remote computer system can access the onsite computer system to edit system software or perform other corrective actions in the event there are any errors with the onsite computer system.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gautham Subramanian, Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11232712Abstract: A method of establishing a desired flow of haul trucks with respect to a jobsite can include receiving, from a paver locating device, a paver location signal indicative of a location of a paver. A central computer can establish a desired location range of the first haul truck based on the paver location signal and a first haul truck location signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
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Publication number: 20210404135Abstract: A method includes receiving first information indicative of a location of a perimeter of a worksite surface, and receiving second information indicative of compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface. The method also includes generating a compaction plan based at least partly on the first and second information. Such a compaction plan includes a travel path for a compaction machine. In such a method, the travel path is substantially within the perimeter of the worksite surface. The method also includes causing at least part of the travel path to be displayed via a control interface of the compaction machine. The method further includes receiving an input indicative of approval of the travel path, and controlling operation of the compaction machine on the worksite surface, in accordance with the compaction plan, based at least partly on receiving the input.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Robert J. McGee, Timothy M. O'Donnell
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Patent number: 11208768Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; and a radar sensor mounted to a front portion of the machine frame and positioned forward of the roller drum, wherein the radar sensor is mounted to the machine frame by a sensor bracket configured to directly mount to the machine frame for both a blade and a non-blade soil compactor machine configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine
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Patent number: 11207995Abstract: A method includes causing, with a controller, operation of a first compaction machine at a worksite based at least in part on a worksite plan. The method also includes determining, with the controller, a return path extending from a current location of the first machine to a charging zone located at the worksite, and determining, with the controller, a return power required for the first machine to traverse the return path. The method further includes causing, with the controller, the first machine to traverse the return path, from the current location to the charging zone, based on at least one of the return power and an amount of available power stored in an energy storage device of the first machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: John L. Marsolek
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Publication number: 20210324587Abstract: In one aspect, a method of controlling an operation of a compactor during a paving operation may include obtaining thermal image data and position data of an asphalt mat using a measuring device on a paving machine, and determining, using a controller, whether a person is on the asphalt mat based on a temperature range and the thermal image data. The method also includes determining, using the controller, a distance between the person and the compactor using the obtained position data and a position of the compactor, and generating, using the controller, a signal for reducing a speed of the compactor when the determined distance between the person and the compactor is less than a maintain speed threshold distance. In other aspects, a related system is provided for controlling a compactor during a paving operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: October 21, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Joshua D. Keyes, Corey B. Hanback
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Publication number: 20210318440Abstract: An autonomous articulated soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a first lidar sensor on a front of the machine; a second lidar sensor on a first side of the machine; and a third lidar sensor on a second side of the machine; wherein the first, second and the third lidar sensors are positioned such that 360 degree lidar coverage is provided around the articulated compactor machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine
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Publication number: 20210302979Abstract: A method includes receiving project information indicating a location of a worksite. The method also includes providing a first travel path to an electronic device associated with a mobile machine, wherein providing the first travel path to the electronic device causes at least part of the first travel path to be displayed via a display. The method further includes receiving location information indicating an initial location of the machine and one or more additional locations of the machine. Additionally, the method includes determining that the machine reached the worksite, and identifying, based at least in part on the location information, a second travel path extending from the initial location to the worksite. The method further includes determining whether the second travel path matches the first travel path, and storing at least one of the travel paths in a memory associated with a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11126188Abstract: A method includes receiving a worksite plan to be executed by a machine at a worksite, and determining first travel parameters of the machine. Such first travel parameters include a first travel path along a work surface, and first work tool positions. The method also includes controlling the machine to traverse at least part of the first travel path, receiving sensor information associated with the work surface, and identifying an imperfection of the work surface located along the first travel path. The method further includes determining second travel parameters of the machine. Such second travel parameters including a second travel path along the work surface, and second work tool positions. The method also includes controlling the machine to traverse at least part of the second travel path while positioning the work tool according to at least one of the second work tool positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Spielman, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20210277610Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; and a radar sensor mounted to a front portion of the machine frame and positioned forward of the roller drum, wherein the radar sensor is mounted to the machine frame by a sensor bracket configured to directly mount to the machine frame for both a blade and a non-blade soil compactor machine configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine
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Patent number: D969816Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Dann J. Rawls