Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Silvers

Timothy J. Silvers 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: 7937162
    Abstract: An operator interface for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface may have an operator interface device for receiving operator input corresponding to a requested machine function, wherein a machine function signal is generated in response to the received operator input. The operator interface may also have a help request device configured to receive an operator's request for information and generate a help signal. The operator interface may further have a controller in communication with the operator interface device and the help request device. The controller may be configured to provide information to the operator in response to receiving the help signal and the machine function signal. The information may relate to the requested machine function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Mark C. Redden, Timothy J. Silvers
  • Patent number: 7712571
    Abstract: A control console for a machine having a seat with a plane of symmetry is disclosed. The machine also has an armrest extending from the seat in a forward direction generally parallel with the plane of symmetry. The armrest has an upper surface intended to support an operator's forearm. The control console includes a base operatively connected to the armrest, and at least one operator interface device operatively connected to the base. The at least one operator interface device has a neutral axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the upper surface of the armrest. The at least one operator interface device is pivotal in a fore/aft direction to initiate only a single function of the machine, the fore/aft direction being rotated outward away from the seat a predetermined angle relative to the forward direction of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Marc D. Proud, Patrick Andrew Pryor, Timothy J. Silvers
  • Publication number: 20080188954
    Abstract: An operator interface for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface may have an operator interface device for receiving operator input corresponding to a requested machine function, wherein a machine function signal is generated in response to the received operator input. The operator interface may also have a help request device configured to receive an operator's request for information and generate a help signal. The operator interface may further have a controller in communication with the operator interface device and the help request device. The controller may be configured to provide information to the operator in response to receiving the help signal and the machine function signal. The information may relate to the requested machine function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Mark C. Redden, Timothy J. Silvers
  • Publication number: 20080023250
    Abstract: A steering control console for a mobile machine is disclosed. The control console has an armrest extending adjacent a seat in a forward direction generally parallel with a seat plane of symmetry. The control console also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the armrest. The operator interface device is tiltable about a pivot axis through a range of approximately 70-90 degrees. The pivot axis is substantially aligned with the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert E. Hefner, Robert L. Stamate, Norval P. Thomson, Timothy J. Silvers, Mark C. Redden
  • Publication number: 20070295551
    Abstract: A control console for a machine having a seat with a plane of symmetry is disclosed. The machine also has an armrest extending from the seat in a forward direction generally parallel with the plane of symmetry. The armrest has an upper surface intended to support an operator's forearm. The control console includes a base operatively connected to the armrest, and at least one operator interface device operatively connected to the base. The at least one operator interface device has a neutral axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the upper surface of the armrest. The at least one operator interface device is pivotal in a fore/aft direction to initiate only a single function of the machine, the fore/aft direction being rotated outward away from the seat a predetermined angle relative to the forward direction of the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Marc D. Proud, Patrick Andrew Pryor, Timothy J. Silvers