Patents by Inventor Mark E. Rettig
Mark E. Rettig 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: 10029694Abstract: A control system for a powertrain in a machine includes a first sensor which generates a first signal indicative of a ground speed of the machine. The control system includes a second sensor which generates a second signal indicative of a load of an engine in the powertrain. The control system includes a third sensor which generates a third signal indicative of an operational state of the machine. The control system includes an input device which enables an operator to generate a request for a powertrain output. The control system further includes a controller in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and the input device. The controller determines an engine speed command and a transmission output torque command to produce a powertrain output based at least on the first signal, the second signal and the third signal in response to the requested powertrain output.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Sharp, Suman Goli, Mark E Rettig
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Publication number: 20180093670Abstract: A control system for a powertrain in a machine includes a first sensor which generates a first signal indicative of a ground speed of the machine. The control system includes a second sensor which generates a second signal indicative of a load of an engine in the powertrain. The control system includes a third sensor which generates a third signal indicative of an operational state of the machine. The control system includes an input device which enables an operator to generate a request for a powertrain output. The control system further includes a controller in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and the input device. The controller determines an engine speed command and a transmission output torque command to produce a powertrain output based at least on the first signal, the second signal and the third signal in response to the requested powertrain output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Sharp, Suman Goli, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 9556807Abstract: A transmission system is disclosed for use with an engine. The transmission system may have a plurality of gear sets, an input member configured to be powered by the engine and to drive the plurality of gear sets, an output member driven by the plurality of gear sets, and at least one clutch configured to selectively engage select gears of the plurality of gear sets. The transmission system may also have a controller in communication with the engine. The controller may be configured to generate an estimated temperature of the at least one clutch. The controller may further be configured to selectively derate the engine based on the estimated temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Mark E. Rettig, Michael D. Beyer, Steven D. Spencer
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Publication number: 20150354474Abstract: A transmission system is disclosed for use with an engine. The transmission system may have a plurality of gear sets, an input member configured to be powered by the engine and to drive the plurality of gear sets, an output member driven by the plurality of gear sets, and at least one clutch configured to selectively engage select gears of the plurality of gear sets. The transmission system may also have a controller in communication with the engine. The controller may be configured to generate an estimated temperature of the at least one clutch. The controller may further be configured to selectively derate the engine based on the estimated temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Brian D. HOFF, Mark E. RETTIG, Michael D. BEYER, Steven D. SPENCER
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Patent number: 9046160Abstract: A method for controlling an operational state of a differential of a machine is disclosed. The method includes determining a transmission output speed, a transmission output torque and a degree of steering of the machine. The method further includes actuating a locking mechanism associated with the differential based on the transmission output speed, the transmission output torque, and the degree of steering.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 8918258Abstract: System and method for controlling a transmission in response to transient torque events are disclosed. The method includes commanding a maximum transmission output torque; comparing the commanded output torque to a feedback torque to determine if they are equal; and incrementally increasing the transmission output torque until equal. A machine and a powertrain include a controller configured to command a maximum negative transmission output torque in response to a transient torque event, and incrementally increase the transmission output torque until such time as the transmission output torque is equal to or within a preset range of the feedback torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Michael Barngrover, Mark E. Rettig
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Publication number: 20140303862Abstract: A method for controlling an operational state of a differential of a machine is disclosed. The method includes determining a transmission output speed, a transmission output torque and a degree of steering of the machine. The method further includes actuating a locking mechanism associated with the differential based on the transmission output speed, the transmission output torque, and the degree of steering.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Mark E. Rettig
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Publication number: 20140095035Abstract: System and method for controlling a transmission in response to transient torque events are disclosed. The method includes commanding a maximum transmission output torque; comparing the commanded output torque to a feedback torque to determine if they are equal; and incrementally increasing the transmission output torque until equal. A machine and a powertrain include a controller configured to command a maximum negative transmission output torque in response to a transient torque event, and incrementally increase the transmission output torque until such time as the transmission output torque is equal to or within a preset range of the feedback torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Michael Barngrover, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 7509197Abstract: A retarding system for a work machine having a power source, a transmission, and a manually operated braking mechanism is disclosed. The retarding system has an engine retarder associated with the power source and a controller in communication with the transmission, the manually operated braking mechanism, and the engine retarder. The controller is configured to determine a deceleration rate of the work machine and compare the deceleration rate of the work machine to a predetermined threshold rate. The controller is also configured to determined if the manually operated braking mechanism is active and to cause the transmission to downshift if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be active. The controller is further configured to prevent the transmission from downshifting if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be inactive.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig, Ryan E. Graham
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Patent number: 6920387Abstract: A control system for determining the net power output of an engine associated with a work machine or other vehicle wherein parasitic loads encountered during engine operation are taken into account, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to the engine, at least one sensor coupled to the controller for inputting at least one signal representative of certain operating parameters associated with the engine, and at least one other sensor coupled to the controller for inputting at least one signal representative of the operation of any parasitic load encountered during engine operation, the controller being operable to determine the total output power of the engine and the power requirements associated with any parasitic load based upon the sensor signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 6878098Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for processing a signal in a moveable vehicle having an engine. A first combustion governor receives a first control signal and transmits a first governor signal operable to control an engine speed of the engine as a function of the first control signal. A second combustion governor receives the first control signal and to transmits a second governor signal operable to control an engine power production of the engine as a function of the first control signal. A first sensor determines a first characteristic of the vehicle transmits a first selecting signal as a function of the first characteristic. A governor-selecting device is coupled with the sensor to receive the first selecting signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 6843221Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection device. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is less than a first predetermined threshold. A first fuel shot and a second fuel shot is delivered when rack is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is above a third predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: CaterpillarInventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
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Publication number: 20040079325Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection device. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is less than a first predetermined threshold. A first fuel shot and a second fuel shot is delivered when rack is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is above a third predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
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Publication number: 20030186781Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for processing a signal in a moveable vehicle having an engine. A first combustion governor receives a first control signal and transmits a first governor signal operable to control an engine speed of the engine as a function of the first control signal. A second combustion governor receives the first control signal and to transmits a second governor signal operable to control an engine power production of the engine as a function of the first control signal. A first sensor determines a first characteristic of the vehicle transmits a first selecting signal as a function of the first characteristic. A governor-selecting device is coupled with the sensor to receive the first selecting signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig
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Publication number: 20030109977Abstract: A control system for determining the net power output of an engine associated with a work machine or other vehicle wherein parasitic loads encountered during engine operation are taken into account, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to the engine, at least one sensor coupled to the controller for inputting at least one signal representative of certain operating parameters associated with the engine, and at least one other sensor coupled to the controller for inputting at least one signal representative of the operation of any parasitic load encountered during engine operation, the controller being operable to determine the total output power of the engine and the power requirements associated with any parasitic load based upon the sensor signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 6108600Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably shifting into a lower gear of a manual transmission is disclosed. A high downshift speed value is established and stored in a memory. The downshift speed variable of the manual transmission is set equal to the high downshift speed value for a duration time in response to a control signal. The manual transmission is controllably shifted into a lower gear when an engine speed becomes equal to or less than the downshift speed variable.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Lehner, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 5984830Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably shifting into a lower gear of a manual transmission is disclosed. A maximum downshift limit value is established and stored in a memory. The downshift speed variable of the manual transmission is set equal to the maximum downshift limit value in response to a valid control condition being determined. The manual transmission is controllably shifted into a lower gear when the engine speed is less than or equal to the downshift speed variable.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Lehner, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 5978729Abstract: An electronic control for a compression ignition engine preferably includes engine sensors and vehicle sensors connected to the control. The control inputs signals produced by the sensor and responsively calculates a plurality of rating factors. The control weights the rating factors according to owner programmed weighting and also calculates a driver performance factor as the sum of the weighted rating factors. A modified vehicle speed limit is calculated in response to the driver performance score exceeding a minimum incentive value.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 5884210Abstract: A programmable electronic engine controller includes customer programmable engine and vehicle operating parameters. A communications device is connectable to said engine controller. Stored in the communications device are a predetermined set of parameters. The communications device downloads the engine and vehicle operating parameters that are present in the engine controller, compares those values to corresponding predetermined parameters, and prints an exception report based on that comparison.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Rettig, Thomas R. Sandborg
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Patent number: 5758299Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating performance ratings that indicate the driving performance of a vehicle operator is disclosed. The method senses various operating parameters of the vehicle and produces representative signals. Sensed signals are compared to corresponding target values. A plurality of is performance ratings are determined. Finally, an operator summary report illustrating the performance ratings is generated. The report includes recommended actions to improve the performance of the operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Sandborg, David R. Schricker, Mark E. Rettig