Patents Assigned to Caterpillar
  • Publication number: 20170097881
    Abstract: A method for operating a machine using a mobile device is provided. The method includes connecting wirelessly, by a mobile device processor, a mobile device to an electronic controller unit of a machine; receiving, at the mobile device processor, machine data for machine parameters associated with the machine from the electronic controller unit, the machine data being in a machine data structure; applying, at the mobile device processor, a constraint to the machine data in response to a query received at the mobile device processor; generating, at the mobile device processor, result data in a mobile device data structure based upon the constraint applied to the machine data; and modifying, by the mobile device processor, an operation of the machine based upon the result data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Hodel, Aaron R. Shatters, Eric W. Cler, Vishnu Suganth Prabhakaran
  • Publication number: 20160040396
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method for determining a bucket and a machine combination operating along with multiple haul trucks of multiple sizes available in a mining site to achieve a target production efficiency. The method includes of providing a material information including at least one of a material category, a material bucket fill factor, and a material density. The method also includes providing a machine information including at least one of a static tipping load. The method includes providing a haul truck information including an average material load carried by the haul truck based on the material category, and available options of the haul trucks and haul truck sizes. Thereafter, the method includes determining the bucket and the machine combination based on analysis of the material information, the loader information, and the haul truck information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Seth A. Klungseth, John N. Shanahan
  • Patent number: 9200904
    Abstract: A system and method of analyzing traffic in a vicinity of a first machine is disclosed. The method may include determining, by one or more computer processors, a projected position of the first machine based on a yaw rate and velocity of the first machine. The method may further include determining, by the one or more computer processors, a predicted zone in the vicinity of the first machine based on the projected position of the first machine. The method may further include determining whether a second machine is present in the predicted zone. In response to determining that the second machine is present in the predicted zone, the method may further include determining whether an unsafe condition exists between the first machine and the second machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth Borland, Paul Russell Friend, Mathew Chacko
  • Patent number: 8985590
    Abstract: A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin cartridge assembly of an undercarriage of a track-type machine. The seal assembly can include a pin defining a longitudinal axis and first and second members both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining a seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly, including a seal ring and a load ring, is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first and second members. A radial segment of a first member engagement surface of the load ring is radially offset, measured along a radial axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, from a radial segment of a seal ring engagement surface of the load ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Guanghui Liang, Mark Diekevers, Mark Kiesel, Eric Johannsen, Jason Sebright
  • Patent number: 8936009
    Abstract: A pressure regulator is disclosed having a body, a valve seat dividing a cavity of the body into first and second portions, and an end stop movable against a bias to selectively engage the valve seat and isolate the first and second portions. The pressure regulator may also have a first inlet port in the first portion, a first outlet port in the second portion and in fluid communication with the first portion via the valve seat, and a second inlet port in the second portion. The fuel system may also have a valve element in the second portion and movable against a spring bias based on a pressure difference between an open position and a restricted position against the end stop. The fuel system may additionally have an actuator biased to urge the valve element toward the second position and selectively actuated to move away from the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Daniel R. Puckett, Joshua W. Steffen, Frank J. Lombardi, Steven T. Grant
  • Patent number: 7787997
    Abstract: A self-contained, modular electric power generation system includes a portable housing having a modular shell disposed substantially on a foundation, wherein the portable housing is configured to facilitate the transportation of the modular electric power generation system. The system also includes a power generator disposed substantially within the portable housing. The power generator is configured to collect fuel associated with a fuel source and convert at least a portion of the collected fuel to electrical energy. The system also includes a sensing device configured to be coupled to the fuel source. The sensing device is configured to monitor a fuel level associated with the fuel source and provide data indicative of the fuel level to a management console associated with the power generation system. The system also includes a controller coupled to the power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Randall Ray Richards, James Edward Chapman, Noel Joy Rytter, William Merwin Debord
  • Patent number: 7070674
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator. The method includes a pre-cure step in which the adhesive is heated to a temperature below the melting point of the adhesive. A stack is formed having a piezoelectric layer and at least one supporting layer with the pre-cured adhesive therebetween. The stack is then cured to form a bonded laminate. The temperature at which the pre-cure occurs allows for the pre-stress in the piezoelectric layer to be modified without changing the material of the supporting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Kurtis C. Kelley, Jerry P. Maushard, L. Glenn Waterfield
  • Patent number: 6843221
    Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection device. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is less than a first predetermined threshold. A first fuel shot and a second fuel shot is delivered when rack is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is above a third predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
  • Publication number: 20040113338
    Abstract: A resilient mount including a first mounting member and a second mounting member is provided. The mount may include a first plurality of stiffening elements located between the first and second mounting members. At least a first stiffening element may be non-parallel to a second stiffening element. The mount may also include a resilient material located between and coupled to adjacent stiffening elements of the first plurality of stiffening elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Caterpillar
    Inventor: Ross Paul Wietharn
  • Patent number: 6450154
    Abstract: An engine particularly suitable for homogeneous charge compression ignition operation. A piezoelectric oscillator is provided in a combustion chamber of the engine and initiates ultrasonic pressure waves to promote the breakup of fuel droplets. The piezoelectric oscillator can be mounted on a crown of a piston, or on a cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventor: Cathy Y. Choi
  • Patent number: 6360846
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for leak testing and adding lubricating oil to enclosed reservoirs of undercarriage components of crawler-type equipment. Barometric pressure is measured by a transducer mounted on a handle from which an elongated wand extends, the wand having a nozzle on the end opposite the handle. The wand is inserted into the reservoir and communication is successively established and terminated between the handle and a source of pressurized nitrogen, a vacuum generator and a source of lubricating oil. After raising the pressure in the reservoir by connecting it to the nitrogen source, pressure is again measured at the end of a wait period to determine if the drop is greater or less than a predetermined amount indicating seal integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Ronald C. Beal, Darryl J. Brincks, Robert C. Brown, William G. Clelland, III, Kevin K. Fanter, Gary F. Stewart, John Styfhoorn
  • Patent number: 5502378
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a sensor detects particles within a fluid. The sensor includes a housing that defines a cavity. A magnet is disposed adjacent the cavity bottom to attract particles into the cavity. A first coil is wound about the outer surface of the cavity. The induction of the first coil is responsive to the particle accumulation within the cavity. A second coil is wound about the magnet. The induction of the second coil is responsive to the temperature of the fluid and independent to the particle accumulation within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Lonnie D. Atteberry, Timothy A. Boston, John W. Crayton, Jeffrey J. Riebschlager, Noel J. Rytter
  • Patent number: 5438274
    Abstract: An apparatus (102) is adapted to detect the linear extension (position), velocity and acceleration of a hydraulic cylinder (108). The hydraulic cylinder (108) defines a variable length coaxial resonant cavity (112). Under the control of a controller (228), an RF transmitting section (114) and an RF receiving section (116) are used to determine the resonant frequency of the cavity. The resonant frequency of the cavity (112) is determined by comparing a received signal with a threshold and detecting slope intercept conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Ali A. Bitar, Denny E. Morgan, Charles W. Bowman