Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Haverstock, Garrett & Roberts
  • Patent number: 6230870
    Abstract: A coin detection device for determining a size of a coin traveling along a coin track comprises a first inductive sensor positioned along the coin track, a second inductive sensor positioned above the first inductive sensor, a processing circuit connected to the first and second inductive sensors, each of the sensors for providing an output signal to the processing circuit and the processing circuit determining the size of the coin based upon a ratio of the output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Coin Acceptors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Levasseur, Mark H. Leibu
  • Patent number: 6224065
    Abstract: A face seal for forming a sealed condition between two spaced, opposed surfaces. The face seal includes an inner seal retainer member and an outer seal retainer member each defining an area having an axis therethrough. The inner and outer seal retainer members each having a first axial end portion, an opposite second axial end portion, and an axial extent as measured between the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion. The outer seal retainer member is disposed radially outwardly of the inner seal retainer member, defining a space therebetween. An elastomeric seal member having an axial extent longer than the axial extent of the first and second inner and outer seal retainer members is disposed in a predetermined portion of the space between the inner seal retainer member and the outer seal retainer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6223828
    Abstract: An improved landscape rake including a rotatably operable rake mechanism for performing a raking function, a bucket for receiving material raked by the rake mechanism, and a fluid actuator connected to the rake mechanism operable for moving the rake mechanism relative to the bucket, the fluid actuator having a first port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for receiving the pressurized fluid therefrom for moving the rake mechanism to a position proximal to the bucket and a second port adapted for connection via a fluid path to a fluid receiver for discharging fluid thereto, the improvement including a fluid control system for the fluid actuator including a second fluid path connecting the first port of the fluid actuator with the first named fluid path and a valve disposed in the second fluid path operable for allowing fluid flow therethrough from the first port to the first named fluid path while preventing fluid flow from the first named fluid path to the first port to allow the rake mec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Clint W. Paulson, William C. Swick
  • Patent number: 6216806
    Abstract: A supplemental steering system is provided for a machine having first and second brakes actuable for slowing rotation of first and second drive outputs or wheels, a brake actuator, and a main or primary steering system. The brake actuator is connected with a first port and a second port of a supplemental steering control valve having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first port communicates with the first chamber and the second port communicates with the second chamber. The supplemental steering control valve further includes a piston located in the bore connected to a steering input and having a neutral position generally equidistant between the first and second chambers. First and second brake ports respectively communicate the first and second chambers with the first brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Toms
  • Patent number: 6215955
    Abstract: The heating/dryer apparatus includes a casing having a top and a bottom, a heating element inside a tubular member incorporated in the casing and frictionally engaged therewith, a fan incorporated in a housing in the casing located above the heating element, feet attached to the bottom of the casing and an electrical extension adapted to activate the heating element and the fan. The heating/dryer apparatus may be mounted on the end of a flexible arm attached to a mounting device having a base with a suction cup mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Liquid Resins International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Sloan
  • Patent number: 6216074
    Abstract: A method for controlling the fill time of an oncoming transmission clutch of a vehicle within a predetermined range of speed conditions is disclosed, the method including the steps of: (a) sensing an engine speed within the predetermined range; (b) reading an incremental pulse time value corresponding to the speed sensed in step (a); and (c) determining an adjusted pulse time value using the incremental pulse value read in step (b) and a predetermined nominal pulse time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Hillman, Danial P. Simon
  • Patent number: 6208925
    Abstract: A simplified method and system for determining a loading condition on a powertrain of a machine resulting from a loading condition on an implement thereof. The method includes the steps of inputting a predetermined plurality of parameter signals representative of the loading condition on the implement into an implement loading model to determine a plurality of implement loading modeled values as a function of the inputted loading parameter signals and inputting the implement loading modeled values into a kinematic linkage model to determine a plurality of modeled linkage loading values as a function of the inputted implement loading modeled values and a plurality of known linkage parameter values and inputting the modeled linkage loading values into a machine powertrain loading model to determine a plurality of powertrain loading modeled values indicative of the loading condition on the powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd D. Creger, James T. Ferrier
  • Patent number: 6205781
    Abstract: A fluid control system including a valve arrangement operable for selectively, controllably supplying pressurized fluid to a work element of the system from at least two pressurized fluid sources depending on load conditions on the pressurized fluid sources. The valve arrangement is operable for directing pressurized fluid from the first pressurized fluid source to the work element when a first or low load condition is present on the first pressurized fluid source and directing pressurized fluid from the second pressurized fluid source to the work element when a second or high load condition greater than the first load condition is present on the first pressurized fluid source and a low load condition is present on the second pressurized fluid source, such that operability of the work element and other work elements supplied by the pressurized fluid sources is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. A'Hearn
  • Patent number: 6203463
    Abstract: A transmission and an associated method for operatively connecting components associated therewith include a hydrostatic transmission, a mechanical transmission having a planetary gearing mechanism, the mechanical transmission being driven by an engine and the hydrostatic transmission being driven by and interacting with the mechanical transmission to provide infinitely adjustable power flow through the transmission. The planetary gearing mechanism includes three planetary gear sets and five members to connect the transmission to an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, Eric D. Stemler
  • Patent number: 6195989
    Abstract: A power control system for a machine having an engine, a hydraulic system, a boom function, and a swing function is disclosed which comprises a sensor for determining the temperature of the engine, a sensor for determining the temperature of the hydraulic system, a cooling system associated with the engine, a cooling system associated with the hydraulic system, a controller connected to the sensors and the cooling systems, the controller for receiving the temperatures of the engine and the hydraulic system and for determining whether the temperatures are within acceptable ranges, the controller for detecting when a boom function and a swing function have been requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell R. Hall, Mitchell J. McGowan
  • Patent number: 6186044
    Abstract: A fluid control system provides a float capability for a double-acting actuator. The system includes pilot operated check valves disposed between the double-acting actuator and first and second ports of a pilot operated directional control valve. The directional control valve and the check valves are cooperatively operable under first and second pilot signal conditions to extend and retract the double-acting actuator. The system includes a valve arrangement connected to the check valves and the directional control valve for producing the first and second pilot signal conditions thereon, including also directing the first pilot signal condition to the second pilot signal condition when the first pilot signal condition reaches a predetermined signal strength, to initiate a float capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Patent number: 6184462
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for retaining a printed circuit board includes a hollow shell structure having an aperture and an inner slot for receiving the printed circuit board and a mounting bracket including a frame portion for receiving the shell structure. A rim extends around the perimeter of the aperture and flexible flanges extend from at least a portion of the rim. The flexible flanges include a neck portion and a lower tab that provide means to retain the shell structure in the mounting bracket. The inner slot is sized to fit snugly around the perimeter of the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is inserted in the shell structure. The shell structure is constructed of a dielectric material that substantially insulates the printed circuit board from electro-static discharge and/or other types of electrical damage or interference, as well as shock and vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Bellur, Val G. Boucher, Paul J. Piasse, Stephen W. Rector
  • Patent number: 6176684
    Abstract: A variable displacement hydraulic piston unit with electrically operated variable displacement control and timing control is disclosed, the displacement control utilizing an electric motor such as a stepper motor and cam arrangement operable for changing the tilt angle of a swash plate of the unit, and the timing control including an electric motor, such as a stepper motor operable for rotating the swash plate relative to the pistons of the unit for effecting timing changes, the unit being operable as a pump, motor, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6175484
    Abstract: A circuit configuration wherein a plurality of solenoid driver circuits are all coupled together such that the high voltage supply associated with one driver circuit is connected in parallel with the high voltage supply of another driver circuit. Each driver circuit includes a high voltage select switch, a select switch, and a modulation switch, all of which switches are coupled to and controlled by an electronic controller such that back EMF created by the solenoid coil in each respective driver circuit can be recaptured by charging the high voltage supply associated with that driver circuit. This recaptured energy can then be utilized to not only provide current flow to the solenoid coil associated with that particular driver circuit, but such energy can likewise be utilized to recharge any plurality of the other high voltage supplies associated with the other driver circuits, even while the solenoid coils of such driver circuits are being powered by their respective high voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Caruthers, Errol W. Davis, Chien C. Lee, William J. Love
  • Patent number: 6167682
    Abstract: Drums or vessels with bungs or orifices having generally cylindrical walls with edges capable of being sealed-against are sealed with closures that deform into contact with those edges and provide seals that are tamper-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Moon
  • Patent number: 6165349
    Abstract: The nature of the process consists in that the low-grade organic substances are subject, at a temperature of 150.degree. C. to 700.degree. C. and at a pressure of 0.1 MPa to 2.5 MPa, to the action of a moving bed of solid particles of a substance which perform whirling motion, whereby the solid particles of a substance constituting the moving bed are set to whirling motion by intensive agitation.The device consists of a reaction chamber (1) with a rotation mechanism (2) which rotation mechanism (2), located rotably in the faces of the reaction chamber (1), consists of a shaft (3) to which vanes (5) are symetrically attached by means of driving discs (4). The vanes (5) may be arranged in 3 to 10 rows, and they may be provided with openings (5.1) or cut-outs (5.2) of various geometrical shapes, and they may be divided into individual segments (5.3). Also the driving discs (4) may be provided with openings (4.1) of various geometrical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Ivan Madar
  • Patent number: 6164117
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an inclination sensor construction that is capable of determining the pitch and roll of a machine or machine implement. Moreover, the present invention may be employed to detect the pitch and roll of a blade of a motor grader or bulldozer. The invention is directed to a method of detecting the native inaccuracy of an inclination sensor and providing compensation values to correct for errors in the sensor output, and to an inclination sensor construction that makes use of such compensation values to produce highly accurate inclination sensor construction outputs, and contemplates the inclusion in the inclination sensor construction of a microprocessor that has stored therein compensation values that are utilized during operation of the inclination sensor construction to correct the native outputs of individual transducers to take into account recognized inaccuracies of such native outputs relative to actual inclination values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Passwater, Stephen K. Phelps, Robert R. Sychra
  • Patent number: 6164880
    Abstract: A method for producing a fillet on a gear as a function of a plurality of design criteria points in disclosed. The present method includes the steps of fitting a polynomial curve to the design criteria points, and producing the fillet on the gear, the fillet having a curved shape corresponding to the fitted polynomial curve. As a further step for control of the fillet, the actual shape of the fillet produced can be inspected and compared to the fitted curve, using a coordinate measuring machine or other suitable device. According to a further aspect of the invention, the fillet is produced using a tool having a curved surface corresponding to the polynomial curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin T. Pulley, Michael W. Kipling, Gregory A. Matson, Danny L. Thurman, Bennett W. Avery
  • Patent number: 6161467
    Abstract: A fluid control system including a control valve providing a simple, easy to use regeneration capability in association with a pump, a tank, and a double acting actuator having a first actuating chamber and a second actuating chamber. The control valve has a first actuating chamber port connected to the first actuating chamber, a second actuating chamber port connected to the second actuating chamber, a tank port connected to the tank, a first pump port and a second pump port. The control valve includes a connecting passage connecting the first pump port and the second pump port to the pump, and is operable in a first position to allow fluid flow from the pump through the first pump port and the first actuating chamber port to the first actuating chamber and fluid flow from the second actuating chamber through the second actuating chamber port and the tank port to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. A'Hearn, Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Tony L. Marcott, Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Patent number: D439804
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Frank Pulitano