Patents by Inventor Richard J. Fournier

Richard J. Fournier 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).

  • Method and apparatus for monitoring material removal using mobile machinery
    Patent number: 5850341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the removal of material from a land site such as a mine by a mobile machine. A digitized three-dimensional model of the site is stored in a digital data storage and retrieval facility. The site model includes a model of the material to be removed subdivided into regions of differentiating characteristics, for example ore grade or type. The machine is provided with means for generating digital signals representing in real time the instantaneous position in three-dimensional space of at least a portion of the machine as it traverses the site. Loading signals are generated corresponding to the removal of material from the site by the machine, and an instantaneous loading position for the mobile machine relative to the site is recorded in response to the loading signal. The invention preferably includes a payload measurement system which measures each discrete load of material removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Fournier, Doug S. Gordon, Adam J. Gudat, Gregory R. Harrod, Daniel E. Henderson, Karl W. Kleimenhagen, William C. Sahm, Charles L. Schaidle, Ken R. Setterlund, Ron J. Siroky