Patents Represented by Attorney Finnegan, Henerson, Farabo, Garrett & Dunner LLP
  • Patent number: 6975930
    Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a mechanism is provided. A first rate limit is assigned to a first input device that is operable to generate a first signal to control the operation of the mechanism. A second rate limit is assigned to a second input device that is operable to generate a second signal to control the operation of the mechanism. At least one of the first and second input devices are manipulated to effect a desired change in the operation of the mechanism. A maximum allowable rate of change in the operation of the mechanism is identified based on the first and second signals and the first and second rate limits. A rate of change in the operation of the mechanism to achieve the desired change in the operation of the mechanism is determined based on a comparison of the maximum allowable rate of change in the operation of the mechanism with a last used rate of change in the operation of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Drake, Timothy M. Gutzwiller, Michael F. Coffman, Timothy A Feucht