Patents by Inventor Michael J. Linstroth

Michael J. Linstroth 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: 20220127826
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Patent number: 11242669
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an industrial machine. One system includes a controller that includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to calculate an eccentricity of a center of gravity of the industrial machine with respect to a center of a bearing propelling the industrial machine and calculate a ground pressure associated with the bearing based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity. The electronic processor is also configured to set a maximum torque applied by an actuator included in the industrial machine to a value less than an available maximum torque based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity and the ground pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: MooYoung Lee, William J. Hren, Ethan J. Pedretti, Michael J. Linstroth, Nicholas R. Voelz
  • Patent number: 11028560
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Publication number: 20190153702
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Patent number: 10273655
    Abstract: An industrial machine that includes a dipper, a crowd actuation device, a hoist actuation device, a swing actuation device, one or more sensors, and a controller. The one or more sensors generate one or more signals related to a load within the dipper. The one or more signals are received by the controller. The controller determines, based on the one or more signals, whether the industrial machine is operating in an over-loaded condition by comparing a suspended load to a suspended load threshold value. If the suspended load is greater or equal to the suspended load threshold value, the controller takes an action to control the industrial machine. The action taken by the controller can include increasing, decreasing, or otherwise modifying a speed parameter or speed limit, increasing, decreasing, or otherwise modifying a force parameter, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Joseph J. Colwell, Michael J. Linstroth, Nicholas R. Voelz
  • Patent number: 10227754
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Publication number: 20180230673
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an industrial machine. One system includes a controller that includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to calculate an eccentricity of a center of gravity of the industrial machine with respect to a center of a bearing propelling the industrial machine and calculate a ground pressure associated with the bearing based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity. The electronic processor is also configured to set a maximum torque applied by an actuator included in the industrial machine to a value less than an available maximum torque based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity and the ground pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: MooYoung Lee, William J. Hren, Ethan J. Pedretti, Michael J. Linstroth, Nicholas R. Voelz
  • Publication number: 20170114527
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Patent number: 9567725
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Publication number: 20160194850
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Patent number: 9366004
    Abstract: An industrial machine and a method of controlling an industrial machine, the industrial machine including a dipper supported by a dipper handle. The method may include determining an operating phase of the industrial machine, in a first operating phase of the industrial machine, limiting, with at least one controller, a reach of the dipper handle, and in a second operating phase of the industrial machine, enabling, with the at least one controller, an extended reach of the dipper handle greater than the reach in the first operating phase. The industrial machine may include at least one controller configured to determine an operating phase of the industrial machine, in a first operating phase of the industrial machine, limit a reach of the dipper handle, and, in a second operating phase of the industrial machine, enable an extended reach of the dipper handle greater than the reach in the first operating phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Linstroth, Joseph J. Colwell, Mooyoung Lee, Matthew I. Loew, Jason Knuth, Peter Gizewski, Jr., Justin Zunker
  • Patent number: 9315967
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Publication number: 20160017573
    Abstract: An industrial machine that includes a dipper, a crowd actuation device, a hoist actuation device, a swing actuation device, one or more sensors, and a controller. The one or more sensors generate one or more signals related to a load within the dipper. The one or more signals are received by the controller. The controller determines, based on the one or more signals, whether the industrial machine is operating in an over-loaded condition by comparing a suspended load to a suspended load threshold value. If the suspended load is greater or equal to the suspended load threshold value, the controller takes an action to control the industrial machine. The action taken by the controller can include increasing, decreasing, or otherwise modifying a speed parameter or speed limit, increasing, decreasing, or otherwise modifying a force parameter, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph J. Colwell, Michael J. Linstroth, Nicholas R. Voelz
  • Publication number: 20150176240
    Abstract: An industrial machine and a method of controlling an industrial machine, the industrial machine including a dipper supported by a dipper handle. The method may include determining an operating phase of the industrial machine, in a first operating phase of the industrial machine, limiting, with at least one controller, a reach of the dipper handle, and in a second operating phase of the industrial machine, enabling, with the at least one controller, an extended reach of the dipper handle greater than the reach in the first operating phase. The industrial machine may include at least one controller configured to determine an operating phase of the industrial machine, in a first operating phase of the industrial machine, limit a reach of the dipper handle, and, in a second operating phase of the industrial machine, enable an extended reach of the dipper handle greater than the reach in the first operating phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Linstroth, Joseph J. Colwell, Mooyoung Lee, Matthew I. Loew, Jason Knuth, Peter Gizewski, JR., Justin Zunker
  • Publication number: 20140365082
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8768579
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth
  • Publication number: 20120263566
    Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Michael J. Linstroth