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).

  • Publication number: 20210278838
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'DONNELL, Kyle D. HENDRICKS, Robert J. McGEE, John L. MARSOLEK, Sangameshwar SONTH
  • Publication number: 20210276494
    Abstract: 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; a plurality of sensors mounting locations on the machine frame for mounting one or more lidar sensors and cameras; and a plurality of brackets, wherein, one of each of the plurality of brackets is positioned at each of the sensor mounting locations for mounting the lidar sensors and the cameras, wherein the bracket at each of the sensor mounting locations has a similar design as the other of the plurality of brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 11111644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Robert J. McGee, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20210248539
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20210215543
    Abstract: A method and system of verifying asphalt mat temperature values and location data generated by a paving machine includes identifying a location and temperature value of a threshold thermal characteristic of thermal data generated by the paving machine, and displaying the paver-generated location and temperature value of the threshold thermal characteristic on a display of the paving machine. The method further includes determining a location and temperature value of the threshold thermal characteristic by one or more external systems, and comparing the externally-determined location and temperature value to the paver-generated location and temperature value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. KEYES, Jacob J. MCALPINE, Nicholas A. OETKEN, John L. MARSOLEK
  • Publication number: 20210215542
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of determining lateral edges of an asphalt mat deposited by a paving machine includes obtaining thermal image data of the asphalt mat at a thermal measuring device associated with the paving machine, and determining, on the paving machine, the lateral edges of the asphalt mat based on a threshold temperature value and the thermal image data. Other aspects include a method of generating a thermal map of an asphalt mat formed by paving machine, and a system for determining lateral edges of an asphalt mat deposited by a paving machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. TARVIN, Jacob J. MCALPINE, John L. Marsolek, Sivakumar P. SHANMUGASUNDARAM
  • Publication number: 20210165665
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gautham Subramanian, Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 10920381
    Abstract: A method includes determining a first temperature of paving material, determining a first location of a paving machine corresponding to the first temperature, determining a second temperature of the paving material, and determining a second location of the paving machine corresponding to the second temperature. The method also includes generating a paving material map based at least partly on the first and second temperatures, and the first and second locations. The method further includes causing at least part of the paving material map to be displayed. The displayed at least part of the paving material map including visual indicia indicating the first temperature and the second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20210008997
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 10890455
    Abstract: A method includes receiving information associated with a first haul truck configured to traverse a travel path extending from a paving material plant to a worksite. The method also includes identifying the first haul truck as having a location sensor that is one of missing and faulty, determining whether a second haul truck traversed the travel path ahead of the first haul truck, and determining an arrival time at which the first haul truck is expected to arrive at the worksite. In such a method, the arrival time is determined based at least in part on an estimated travel time associated with the first haul truck traversing the travel path, or a recorded travel time associated with the second haul truck traversing the travel path ahead of the first haul truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Dann J. Rawls
  • Publication number: 20200332480
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20200326713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spielman, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20200256021
    Abstract: A method of determining optimal frequency to load haul trucks can include a central controller receiving an indication of the amount of paving material at a paving machine, and an indication of production rate of the paving machine. The central controller can then determine when more paving material should be provided to the paving machine. Based on this determination, the central controller can provide alerts or triggers to a paving material plant to indicate when haul trucks should be loaded to provide additional paving materials to the paving machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek, Muthushankar Raghunathan
  • Patent number: 10718093
    Abstract: A method includes receiving project information including a project identifier uniquely identifying a paving project, and a first asset identifier uniquely identifying a first paving asset. The method also includes associating the project identifier with the first asset identifier, and receiving first location information indicating a first location of the first paving asset. The method further includes identifying a first processing machine disposed at a worksite associated with the paving project, wherein the first processing machine is identified based at least in part on the first location information and a geofence associated with the first processing machine. The method also includes associating the project identifier with a second asset identifier uniquely identifying the first processing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20200217033
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Robert J. McGee, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20200219400
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20200190752
    Abstract: A method includes determining a first temperature of paving material, determining a first location of a paving machine corresponding to the first temperature, determining a second temperature of the paving material, and determining a second location of the paving machine corresponding to the second temperature. The method also includes generating a paving material map based at least partly on the first and second temperatures, and the first and second locations. The method further includes causing at least part of the paving material map to be displayed. The displayed at least part of the paving material map including visual indicia indicating the first temperature and the second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 10669678
    Abstract: A method includes determining a first temperature of paving material, determining a first location of a paving machine corresponding to the first temperature, determining a second temperature of the paving material, and determining a second location of the paving machine corresponding to the second temperature. The method also includes generating a paving material map based at least partly on the first and second temperatures, and the first and second locations. The method further includes causing at least part of the paving material map to be displayed. The displayed at least part of the paving material map including visual indicia indicating the first temperature and the second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 10640943
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Robert J. McGee, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10642265
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling multiple autonomous construction vehicles on a work site are described. The systems include a command and control station located on a mobile construction vehicle working on the worksite. The command and control station provides the ability to control operation of the autonomous construction vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek