Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Steve L Noe
  • Patent number: 6662778
    Abstract: A compression release brake system for an internal combustion engine is selectively operable in different modes that provide lower levels of noise emissions at lower levels of vehicle retarding. Lower noise levels are achieved by advancing or otherwise modulating the timing of brake events, thereby reducing cylinder pressure during release and thus reducing noise levels. A system is provided on board the vehicle to determine when the vehicle is operating in a noise restricted region and automatically switch to a braking mode that produces lower, acceptable levels of noise emissions. GPS or other sensors may be used to determine when the vehicle is operating in a restricted region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Scott A. Leman
  • Patent number: 5951612
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one of the pitch and slope of an implement on an earthmoving machine. The apparatus includes a mast connected to an upper corner of the implement, a first set of laser detectors connected to the mast, a second set of laser detectors connected to the mast, a third set of laser detectors connected to the mast, and a computer adapted to receive signals from the first, second, and third sets of laser detectors and responsively determine the angle of pitch and the angle of slope of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Sahm