Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. McGuire

Kenneth J. McGuire 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: 6877773
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine is beneficial for the operator (not shown). Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control levers continuously in a retract position, the operator (not shown) may simply move the control levers to an auto-retract position. The movement of the control levers in such a manner activates a control switch in connection with each of the control levers. The control switches, in turn, activate a timer relay that activates a solenoid detent operative with each control lever. Once the solenoid detents are in an activated state, the operator (not shown) may relinquish contact with the control levers. The solenoid detents will retain the control levers in the auto-retract position via electro-magnetic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: John S. Bibb, Shane W. Kiger, Kenneth J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6481749
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time. The activation of the control switches actuates a pair of solenoid valves which control the movement of the stabilizer legs from any one of a plurality of extended positions to a fully retracted position within the preselected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kem D. Ahlers, Robert Q. Elliott, John E. Francis, Gerald L. Graf, Kenneth J. McGuire, Terry A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020060450
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator (not shown) when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator (not shown) may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: KEM D. AHLERS, ROBERT Q. ELLIOTT, JOHN E. FRANCIS, GERALD L. GRAF, KENNETH J. MCGUIRE, TERRY A. MOORE
  • Patent number: 5648898
    Abstract: A method of operating a computer to automatically produce control software for an information manager on a machine is provided. The information manager is adapted to display information relating to the machine. The method includes the steps of (1) as a function of operator input, defining a set of information manager specifications; and (2) producing control software to operate the information manager as specified by said specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Amy L. Moore-McKee, J. Martin Hadank, Stephen J. Jackson, Sysounanh M. Pradaxay, Kenneth J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5463567
    Abstract: When compiling machine performance data it is advantageous for such data to have been acquired during periods in which the machine was in the same general operating state. The subject invention provides a system for producing historical data regarding machine operating parameters and including a plurality of sensors for producing signals indicative of the level of machine parameters. A control is included for selecting data representative of a first operating parameter in response to a dependency definition being satisfied and for processing the selected data to provide an indication of machine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Charles G. Boen, John M. Hadank, Kenneth J. McGuire, David R. Schricker, Rolland D. Scholl
  • Patent number: 5381874
    Abstract: Large work machines typically include an automatic lubrication system for lubricating critical areas during operation. In such systems it is advantageous to provide an efficient and flexible controller having substantial diagnostic capabilities. The subject inventions provides a sensor for determining the level of an operational parameter, a device for calculating a time interval being dependent on a previous lubrication event and the operational parameter, a device for producing a lubrication signal in response to the time interval reaching a predetermined interval constant, and a lubrication control for activating a lubrication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hadank, Kenneth J. McGuire, David R. Meinhold, Ron J. Penick
  • Patent number: 5040342
    Abstract: The glass sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet support stand which rotates the glass about a vertical axis and cutting and edging tools that move along linear axes generally perpendicular to the vertical axis. As the glass is rotated, the cutting tool moves towards and away the support stand to score the desired outline configuration of the glass part. The undesired trim portion of the glass is then removed. The glass sheet is then rotated and the edging tool is moved towards and away from the support stand to grind the periphery of the glass part to its final finished edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. McGuire, Dennis J. Korber, Donald P. Michelotti, Gary V. Cannon, Donald A. Mackey
  • Patent number: 4623296
    Abstract: An end effector apparatus for attachment to an industrial robot for transferring prepressed windshields to an autoclave tub. Vacuum cups engage and secure the windshield to the end effector for transfer of the windshield from an upender conveyor to the tub. A combination spacer clip sensing device and spacer clip retaining device senses the presence of a spacer clip on the top edge of the windshield and holds the clip in place during transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. McGuire, John R. Dahlberg, Charles J. Hyatt