Patents by Inventor Paul T. Corcoran

Paul T. Corcoran 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: 10364548
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20180044888
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Patent number: 9822509
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20170314232
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Patent number: 9423332
    Abstract: A system for validating compaction of work material at a work site including a compaction machine. A sensor and a location sensor are associated with the compaction machine. A controller is configured to receive compaction data from the sensor and position data from the location sensor and to determine a structural parameter of the work material based on the compaction data and physical properties of the compaction machine. The controller associates the structural parameter of the work material with the position data. The controller saves structural parameters and associated position data for different locations in the work site and for different layers of work material in the work site and compares the saved structural parameters and associated position data with predetermined structural design criteria for corresponding locations and layers in the work site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Liqun Chi, Brad L. Holsapple
  • Publication number: 20160168806
    Abstract: A compactor is disclosed that has at least one roller drum configured to compact a work material. The compactor also has a memory storing a calibration system. The calibration system has a plurality of reference propelling power values, a plurality of reference ground stiffness values, and correlation information between the plurality of reference propelling power values and the plurality of reference ground stiffness values. The compactor further has a processor. The processor is configured to determine a propelling power of the compactor. The processor is also configured to compare the propelling power of the compactor with at least one of a plurality of reference propelling power values in the calibration system. The processor is further configured to determine a stiffness value of the work material based on a relationship between the propelling power of the compactor and the at least one of the plurality of reference propelling power values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Liqun Chi
  • Publication number: 20160103051
    Abstract: A system for validating compaction of work material at a work site is provided including a compaction machine. A sensor and a location sensor are associated with the compaction machine. A controller is configured to receive compaction data from the sensor and position data from the location sensor and to determine a structural parameter of the work material based on the compaction data and physical properties of the compaction machine. The controller associates the structural parameter of the work material with the position data. The controller saves structural parameters and associated position data for different locations in the work site and for different layers of work material in the work site and compares the saved structural parameters and associated position data with predetermined structural design criteria for corresponding locations and layers in the work site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Liqun Chi, Brad L. Holsapple
  • Publication number: 20160076205
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a system and method for compacting materials, and more specifically, a system and method for proactively varying compaction effort over a mat of materials located at a worksite area responsive to previously mapped data relating to the compaction makeup of that specific worksite area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Nicholas Oetken, Allen DeClerk
  • Patent number: 9169605
    Abstract: A system for determining a state of compaction of a work material includes a compactor and a compaction sensor system. A controller is configured to determine an empirical state of compaction of the work material based upon signals from the compaction sensor system and the characteristics of a machine associated with the compaction sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20140348587
    Abstract: A system for determining a state of compaction of a work material includes a compactor and a compaction sensor system. A controller is configured to determine an empirical state of compaction of the work material based upon signals from the compaction sensor system and the characteristics of a machine associated with the compaction sensor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20120107045
    Abstract: A compactor system includes a tipped drum having a plurality of tips, and a drum axle rotatably coupling the tipped drum to a frame. The compactor system further includes a sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of a height of the drum axle above a surface of a material substrate, and an electronic control unit configured to output a compaction progress signal responsive to inputs from the sensor. Related methods of preparing a work area with a compactor system, and determining a compaction state of a material substrate, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Allen J. DeClerk, Paul T. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 8099218
    Abstract: A method of operating a paving system includes establishing a plan for paving a work area which is based on a positional temperature model. The method further includes receiving temperature data for paving material and comparing the temperature data with data predicted by the positional temperature model. Operation of the paving system is adjusted where actual data differs from model predicted data. A paving system and control system are provided having an electronic control unit configured to compare electronic temperature data with a positional temperature model for paving material. The electronic control unit can control machines of the paving system based on comparing actual data with model predicted data, and can further update either or both of a plan for paving a work area and the positional temperature model itself based on differences between actual data and model predicted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine C. Glee, Dean R. Potts, Paul T. Corcoran, Terry L. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7908062
    Abstract: A soil moisture mapping based method for transferring soil for an earthworks construction project includes outputting signals based on soil moisture data and position data indicative of a location within a cut area or a fill area of the soil. The method further includes selecting a location within a cut area for obtaining fill soil or a location within a fill area for depositing fill soil based on the signals. A system for supplying soil for an earthworks construction project includes at least one machine having a sensor configured to sense soil moisture, and a receiver configured to receive position data corresponding with a location of the soil, and a signaling device configured to output signals based on the position data and soil moisture data. A transfer machine is included in the system and configured to selectively transfer fill soil between the cut area and the fill area based on the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul T. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 7731450
    Abstract: A method of operating a compactor machine includes moving the compacting machine within a work area and determining a compaction response disconformity exists between at least two regions of the work area. The method includes generating a compactor navigation signal responsive to the compaction response disconformity. A method of compacting a work area may include determining a work material compaction response associated with at least one region of the work area is aberrant, and maneuvering the compactor machine within the work area responsive to a signal associated with the aberrant compaction response. A system for compacting a work area includes a compactor machine and an electronic controller configured via a compactor maneuvering control algorithm to detect an aberrant work material compaction response in a region of the work area and responsively generate a compactor navigation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Paul T. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 7623951
    Abstract: A method of operating a compactor includes determining a value indicative of a compaction state of a region of work material after each of a plurality of compactor passes, and triggering a compaction fault condition if an incipient compaction response satisfies aberrant compaction criteria. A machine includes an electronic controller configured to trigger a compaction fault condition responsively to sensor input signals indicative that aberrant compaction criteria are satisfied by an incipient compaction response of a work material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Paul T. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20090142133
    Abstract: A method of operating a paving system includes establishing a plan for paving a work area which is based on a positional temperature model. The method further includes receiving temperature data for paving material and comparing the temperature data with data predicted by the positional temperature model. Operation of the paving system is adjusted where actual data differs from model predicted data. A paving system and control system are provided having an electronic control unit configured to compare electronic temperature data with a positional temperature model for paving material. The electronic control unit can control machines of the paving system based on comparing actual data with model predicted data, and can further update either or both of a plan for paving a work area and the positional temperature model itself based on differences between actual data and model predicted data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Katherine C. Glee, Dean R. Potts, Paul T. Corcoran, Terry L. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7428455
    Abstract: Accurately determining the compaction state of a base material during the compaction process is a recognized problem in the construction industry. The present invention recognizes that the compaction state of the base material can be determined by ascertaining the effective roller radius of the compactor. In other words, in the case of powered compactors, the effective roller radius will asymptotically approach the actual roller radius as the base material changes from a soft un-compacted condition to a hard compacted state. Monitoring compaction state via indicative of an effective roller radius can be used alone as a means of determining compaction state in real time, or can be leveraged and combined with other independent means of monitoring the compaction state to a symbiotic affect in more accurately determining compaction state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul T. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20080202777
    Abstract: A soil moisture mapping based method for transferring soil for an earthworks construction project includes outputting signals based on soil moisture data and position data indicative of a location within a cut area or a fill area of the soil. The method further includes selecting a location within a cut area for obtaining fill soil or a location within a fill area for depositing fill soil based on the signals. A system for supplying soil for an earthworks construction project includes at least one machine having a sensor configured to sense soil moisture, and a receiver configured to receive position data corresponding with a location of the soil, and a signaling device configured to output signals based on the position data and soil moisture data. A transfer machine is included in the system and configured to selectively transfer fill soil between the cut area and the fill area based on the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Paul T. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20080063473
    Abstract: A method of operating a compactor machine includes moving the compacting machine within a work area and determining a compaction response disconformity exists between at least two regions of the work area. The method includes generating a compactor navigation signal responsive to the compaction response disconformity. A method of compacting a work area may include determining a work material compaction response associated with at least one region of the work area is aberrant, and maneuvering the compactor machine within the work area responsive to a signal associated with the aberrant compaction response. A system for compacting a work area includes a compactor machine and an electronic controller configured via a compactor maneuvering control algorithm to detect an aberrant work material compaction response in a region of the work area and responsively generate a compactor navigation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Paul T. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20070239338
    Abstract: A worksite preparation method includes moving a compactor machine across at least one region of a worksite, and sensing values indicative of a compaction response of work material in a compacted region. The method also includes generating a machine traffic plan in real time responsive to the sensed values, outputting control signals corresponding to the machine traffic plan and taking a worksite fill action responsive to the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Dean Potts, Paul T. Corcoran, Everett G. Brandt, Thomas M. Congdon