Patents by Inventor Timothy Michael O'Donnell
Timothy Michael O'Donnell 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).
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Patent number: 11613856Abstract: A milling machine, system, and method for implementing a return to cut operation and/or an exit cut operation controls legs of the milling machine, a rotor of the milling machine, and front and rear doors of a mixing chamber of the milling machine according to settings for each of the return to cut operation and the exit cut operation. Such control can be based on signals from one or more sensors of the milling machine configured to sense various position-related characteristics of the milling machine, and can be performed responsive to a control input at an operator control interface of the milling machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jacob M. Saari
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Publication number: 20210317621Abstract: A milling machine, system, and method for implementing a return to cut operation and/or an exit cut operation controls legs of the milling machine, a rotor of the milling machine, and front and rear doors of a mixing chamber of the milling machine according to settings for each of the return to cut operation and the exit cut operation. Such control can be based on signals from one or more sensors of the milling machine configured to sense various position-related characteristics of the milling machine, and can be performed responsive to a control input at an operator control interface of the milling machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel DOY, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jacob M. Saari
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Publication number: 20210276645Abstract: A machine has a chassis and at least one propulsion device configured to support the chassis. The machine also has a machine control module configured to control operations of the machine. Further, the machine has a modular sensor bay configured to be attached to the chassis. The modular sensor bay includes a position sensor configured to determine a position of the machine. The modular sensor bay also includes an imaging device configured to generate an image of at least a portion of surroundings of the machine. The modular sensor bay includes a control module configured to control operations of position sensor and the imaging device. In addition, the modular sensor bay includes a harness configured to electrically connect the modular sensor bay with the machine control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL, Jacob McALPINE, Todd IMPOLA, John Lee MARSOLEK
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Patent number: 10844558Abstract: A method for operating a milling machine is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input identifying a leg of a plurality of legs of the milling machine. Further, the method includes determining a height of the leg based on the receiving of the input identifying the leg. The height of the leg being determined based on position data of the leg. The position data being obtained by a first sensor. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller and based on the determining the height of the leg, that a height of other legs of the plurality of legs is to be adjusted. Thereafter, the method includes adjusting the height of the other legs of the plurality of legs to the height of the leg. The height of the other legs being adjusted based on the determined height of the leg.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jason William Muir, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Hyppolite Kuissi
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Patent number: 10640932Abstract: A spray system for a cold planer machine includes a spray bank disposed inside a housing and arranged to spray fluid directed at a drum and a spray controller. The spray controller is configured to receive an indication of either one of a milling operation and a plunge cut operation is occurring and actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on the received indication.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
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Publication number: 20200002902Abstract: A spray system for a cold planer machine is disclosed. The spray system includes a spray bank disposed inside a housing and arranged to spray fluid directed at a drum and a spray controller. The spray controller is configured to receive an indication indicative of either one of a milling operation and a plunge cut operation is occurring and actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on the received indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
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Patent number: 10370802Abstract: A cold planer machine may include a frame, a ground engaging member, a retracting vertical actuator system to raise and lower the frame, and a housing. The housing includes a vertical wall movable relative to the frame and a position detector to determine a relative vertical distance between the vertical wall and the frame. A drum in the housing is connected to the frame and rotates about a drum axis to plane the road surface. A spray bank disposed inside the housing is arranged to spray a fluid at the drum. A controller is configured to actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on determining that the relative vertical distance is above a first threshold height value.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
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Publication number: 20190233007Abstract: A method for operating a machine's steering system having an input device, and components to manipulate the machine's traction devices based on the input device's actuation, includes detecting a condition of at least one component of the components in response to an actuation of the input device; determining a steering angle of the traction devices corresponding to the condition of the component according to a map table; receiving an input to set the steering angle to an actual steering angle; estimating a difference between the actual steering angle and the steering angle determined according to the map table; modifying the map table by shifting each steering angle of the plurality of steering angles with respect to each condition of the plurality of conditions based on the difference to generate an adjusted map table; and outputting the actual steering angle based on the adjusted map table to correspond to the condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee Michael Hogan, Jason William Muir, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Hyppolite Kuissi
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Publication number: 20190203431Abstract: A method for operating a milling machine is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input identifying a leg of a plurality of legs of the milling machine. Further, the method includes determining a height of the leg based on the receiving of the input identifying the leg. The height of the leg being determined based on position data of the leg. The position data being obtained by a first sensor. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller and based on the determining the height of the leg, that a height of other legs of the plurality of legs is to be adjusted. Thereafter, the method includes adjusting the height of the other legs of the plurality of legs to the height of the leg. The height of the other legs being adjusted based on the determined height of the leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jason William Muir, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Hyppolite Kuissi
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Patent number: 10287104Abstract: A control system for a conveyor system of a machine includes a motor to drive the conveyor system, and a pump operably coupled to the motor. A solenoid actuator actuates the pump. The control system includes operator interfaces to enable an operator to provide inputs indicative of a desired engine speed, and a desired conveyor speed. The control system includes a controller which determines a pump speed based on the desired engine speed, and determines a maximum possible motor speed based on the pump speed and a maximum possible gear ratio between the pump and the motor. The controller determines a desired motor speed based on the desired conveyor speed. The controller determines a solenoid actuation current based on the desired motor speed and the maximum possible motor speed, and supplies the solenoid actuation current to the solenoid actuator to control a speed of the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Daniel Podany
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Publication number: 20190135550Abstract: A control system for a conveyor system of a machine includes a motor to drive the conveyor system, and a pump operably coupled to the motor. A solenoid actuator actuates the pump. The control system includes operator interfaces to enable an operator to provide inputs indicative of a desired engine speed, and a desired conveyor speed. The control system includes a controller which determines a pump speed based on the desired engine speed, and determines a maximum possible motor speed based on the pump speed and a maximum possible gear ratio between the pump and the motor. The controller determines a desired motor speed based on the desired conveyor speed. The controller determines a solenoid actuation current based on the desired motor speed and the maximum possible motor speed, and supplies the solenoid actuation current to the solenoid actuator to control a speed of the conveyor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Daniel Podany
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Patent number: 10266996Abstract: A method for operating a milling machine is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input identifying a leg of a plurality of legs of the milling machine. Further, the method includes determining a height of the leg based on the receiving of the input identifying the leg. The height of the leg being determined based on position data of the leg. The position data being obtained by a first sensor. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller and based on the determining the height of the leg, that a height of other legs of the plurality of legs is to be adjusted. Thereafter, the method includes adjusting the height of the other legs of the plurality of legs to the height of the leg. The height of the other legs being adjusted based on the determined height of the leg.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jason William Muir, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Hyppolite Kuissi
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Publication number: 20190101641Abstract: An electronic controller comprises a memory including computer executable instructions for detecting an underground object, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer executable instructions, the computer executable instructions when executed by the process cause the processor to: sense a signal indicating the presence of an underground object, and send a control signal to a machine control system or a work tool control system to alter the movement of the machine or the work tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2017Publication date: April 4, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, David Nels Peterson, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Eric Engelmann
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Patent number: 9376784Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first linkage arrangement, a first actuator, a first interface device, and a first control element. The control system may also have a second linkage arrangement, a second actuator, a second interface device, and a second control element. The control system may further have an input device selectively activated to generate a mode signal, and a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively generate commands directed to the first control element based on only the first actuator signals, and to selectively generate commands directed to the second control element based on only the second actuator signals. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate commands directed to both of the first and second control elements based on only the first actuator signals an in response to the mode signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Timothy Michael O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9141095Abstract: A flywheel assembly may include first and second flywheels having respective first and second flywheel parasitic load profiles. Operating speeds of the first and second flywheels may be selected based at least in part on the first and second flywheel parasitic loads. The operating speeds may be determined such that an aggregate of the first and second flywheel parasitic loads is minimized, thereby increasing the efficiency of the flywheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bryan Thomas Siegel, Evan Earl Jacobson, Timothy Michael O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9139188Abstract: A computing system may provide guidance to a vehicle with hybrid power systems on how to efficiently engage the hybrid systems and the primary power source on a given plan. As a result, additional efficiency may be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Evan Earl Jacobson, Bryan Thomas Siegel, Timothy Michael O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9050968Abstract: A hybrid engine assembly may include an engine having a crankshaft, a supplemental shaft mechanically coupled to the crankshaft, a flywheel energy storage assembly, and an auxiliary device. A flywheel clutch may selectively couple the flywheel assembly to the crankshaft. The assembly may be selectively operated in an engine restart mode by directly coupling the flywheel energy storage assembly to the crankshaft prior to starting the engine, and in an auxiliary power mode by directly coupling the flywheel energy storage assembly to the auxiliary device.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Evan Earl Jacobson, Bryan Thomas Siegel, Timothy Michael O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20140305012Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first work tool connected at an end of a linkage arrangement, and a first interface device configured to receive input indicative of a desired movement of the first work tool and to generate a corresponding signal. The control system may also have a plurality of actuators operatively connected to the first work tool via the linkage arrangement, a plurality of valves associated with the plurality of actuators, and a controller in communication. The controller may be configured to determine a combination of the plurality of actuators that should be activated together to generate linkage movements that compound to produce the desired movement of the first work tool based on the signal, and to selectively command movement of a combination of the plurality of valves corresponding to the combination of the plurality of actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL
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Publication number: 20140290102Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first linkage arrangement, a first actuator, a first interface device, and a first control element. The control system may also have a second linkage arrangement, a second actuator, a second interface device, and a second control element. The control system may further have an input device selectively activated to generate a mode signal, and a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively generate commands directed to the first control element based on only the first actuator signals, and to selectively generate commands directed to the second control element based on only the second actuator signals. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate commands directed to both of the first and second control elements based on only the first actuator signals an in response to the mode signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL
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Patent number: D941354Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Robert J. McGee, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, John Lee Marsolek