Patents by Inventor Michael I. Cline

Michael I. Cline 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: 6618967
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a work implement having a ground engaging tool is provided. A swing command is supplied to a swing assembly to move the ground engaging tool in an arcuate path about a vertical axis. A crowd command is determined based on the velocity of the swing assembly and is calculated to generate a resulting net movement of the ground engaging tool toward a predetermined end point. The crowd command is supplied to a crowd mechanism to move the ground engaging tool towards the predetermined end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Ronald L. Satzler, Michael I. Cline
  • Publication number: 20030115779
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a work implement having a ground engaging tool is provided. A swing command is supplied to a swing assembly to move the ground engaging tool in an arcuate path about a vertical axis. A crowd command is determined based on the velocity of the swing assembly and is calculated to generate a resulting net movement of the ground engaging tool toward a predetermined end point. The crowd command is supplied to a crowd mechanism to move the ground engaging tool towards the predetermined end point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Satzler, Michael I. Cline
  • Patent number: 6129156
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically moving the blade of a motor grader from a present blade position to a mirror image position. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, blade controls having position sensors, and an input switch; obtaining information from the position sensors indicating the position of the blade controls; determining the present blade position; receiving an input signal from the input switch requesting a mirror image position; calculating the mirror image position of the present blade position; and producing a control signal for actuating the blade controls to move the blade from the present blade position to the mirror image position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Boast, Michael I. Cline, Matthew A. Hartman, Xiaojun Zhang, Mark D. Shane, Daniel E. Shearer
  • Patent number: 5622226
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the bounce of a work implement attached to a machine having an electro-hydraulic system. The method comprises the steps of sensing the operating pressure in an actuator arrangement connected between the frame of the machine and the work implement, monitoring an upper and a lower operating pressure level in the actuator arrangement to establish a threshold pressure level and altering the pressure level in the actuator arrangement in the event the threshold level is exceeded to re-establish the threshold pressure level. Once the original threshold level is attained, the system is reset. This effectively eliminates the bounce of the work implement at the initial onset of the bounce and resets the system to react to future bounces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hausman, John J. Krone, Michael I. Cline
  • Patent number: 4141423
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus includes a shaft on which track frames are pivotally mounted, the shaft at the ends thereof having fitted on each end thereof a cap, the track frame on that end having secured thereto a retaining member with a plate in sealing relation with the track frame and disposed between the cap and retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Michael I. Cline, Arthur E. Olt, Jr.