Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Beccue

Thomas E. Beccue 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: 10041229
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Bradley K. Bomer, Jeffrey S. Alig, Aaron R. Shatters, Eric Cler, Brad R. Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
  • Publication number: 20170121946
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Bradley K. Bomer, Jeffrey S. Alig, Aaron R. Shatters, Eric Cler, Brad R. Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
  • Patent number: 9529347
    Abstract: A system for assisting an operator to maneuver a machine on a worksite is provided. The system includes a rotation sensor associated with a transmission assembly of the machine. The rotation sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a rotation of a ground engaging member of the machine. The system includes a controller communicably coupled to the rotation sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the rotation of the ground engaging member of the machine. The controller is configured to determine if the machine is on a reverse traversal. The controller is configured to estimate a number of rotations of the ground engaging member based on the determination of the reverse traversal of the machine. The controller is configured to compare the estimated number of rotations with a predetermined threshold. The controller is further configured to alert the operator based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan W. Roach, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
  • Publication number: 20160060847
    Abstract: A system for assisting an operator to maneuver a machine on a worksite is provided. The system includes a rotation sensor associated with a transmission assembly of the machine. The rotation sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a rotation of a ground engaging member of the machine. The system includes a controller communicably coupled to the rotation sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the rotation of the ground engaging member of the machine. The controller is configured to determine if the machine is on a reverse traversal. The controller is configured to estimate a number of rotations of the ground engaging member based on the determination of the reverse traversal of the machine. The controller is configured to compare the estimated number of rotations with a predetermined threshold. The controller is further configured to alert the operator based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan W. Roach, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
  • Patent number: 9056582
    Abstract: A visual indication system for a machine is provided. The visual indication system includes an output module configured to be displayed at an external location relative to an internal portion of a cabin of the machine and configured to provide a visual indication viewable. The visual indication system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the output module. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a parking status and an implement status of the machine. Further, the controller is configured to determine a locked state associated with the parking status and the implement status. The controller is configured to transmit the visual indication of the determined locked state to the output module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan W. Roach, Nathan French, Brad R. Van De Veer, Andrew J. Kieser, Robert L. Powers, Thomas E. Beccue, Michael D. Valerio
  • Publication number: 20150035659
    Abstract: A visual indication system for a machine is provided. The visual indication system includes an output module configured to be displayed at an external location relative to an internal portion of a cabin of the machine and configured to provide a visual indication viewable. The visual indication system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the output module. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a parking status and an implement status of the machine. Further, the controller is configured to determine a locked state associated with the parking status and the implement status. The controller is configured to transmit the visual indication of the determined locked state to the output module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan W. Roach, Nathan French, Brad R. Van De Veer, Andrew J. Kieser, Robert L. Powers, Thomas E. Beccue, Micheal D. Valerio