Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.
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Patent number: 10837375Abstract: A hydraulic system includes an engine; at least one hydraulic pump operatively coupled to the engine for transfer of mechanical power therebetween; and a controller operatively coupled to the engine and the at least one hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to determine a lug speed error as a difference between a target lug speed value and a speed of the engine, set at least one closed-loop gain to a non-zero value when the speed of the engine is less than the target lug speed value, and generate a pump control signal by scaling the lug speed error by the at least one closed-loop gain.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Patrick Opdendosch, Joseph R. Storey
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Patent number: 10774504Abstract: A control system for a work machine includes an input device actuatable to generate a control signal, a display screen, and or more processing circuits. The one or more processing circuits are configured to render, on the display screen based on an operator of the machine, an indicator of a first mapping between the control signal and a first function of the machine. The one or more processing circuits are further configured to receive, from the operator using the display screen, a second mapping between the control signal and a second function of the machine. The one or more processing circuits are additionally configured to control the second function using the control signal in response to actuation of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Joseph R. Storey
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Publication number: 20190390441Abstract: A control system for a work machine includes an input device actuatable to generate a control signal, a display screen, and or more processing circuits. The one or more processing circuits are configured to render, on the display screen based on an operator of the machine, an indicator of a first mapping between the control signal and a first function of the machine. The one or more processing circuits are further configured to receive, from the operator using the display screen, a second mapping between the control signal and a second function of the machine. The one or more processing circuits are additionally configured to control the second function using the control signal in response to actuation of the input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Joseph R. Storey
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Publication number: 20180347480Abstract: A hydraulic system includes an engine; at least one hydraulic pump operatively coupled to the engine for transfer of mechanical power therebetween; and a controller operatively coupled to the engine and the at least one hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to determine a lug speed error as a difference between a target lug speed value and a speed of the engine, set at least one closed-loop gain to a non-zero value when the speed of the engine is less than the target lug speed value, and generate a pump control signal by scaling the lug speed error by the at least one closed-loop gain.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Patrick Opdendosch, Joseph R. Storey
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Patent number: 10066555Abstract: A hydraulic system includes an engine; at least one hydraulic pump operatively coupled to the engine for transfer of mechanical power therebetween; and a controller operatively coupled to the engine and the at least one hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to determine a lug speed error as a difference between a target lug speed value and a speed of the engine, set at least one closed-loop gain to zero when the speed of the engine is greater than or equal to the target lug speed value, set the at least one closed-loop gain to a non-zero value when the speed of the engine is less than the target lug speed value, generate a pump control signal by scaling the lug speed error by the at least one closed-loop gain.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Patrick Opdenbosch, Joseph R. Storey
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Patent number: 9604668Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a control system for a machine having first and second traction devices and a cabin. The control system has a first actuator driving the first traction device and a first interface device to generate a first input indicating a desired movement of the first actuator. The control system also has a second actuator driving the second traction device and a second interface device to generate a second input indicating a desired movement of the second actuator. The control system has a controller that causes the first actuator to operate according to the first input and the second actuator to operate according to the second input when the cabin faces a first direction. The controller also causes the first actuator to operate according to the second input and the second actuator to operate according to the first input when the cabin faces a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Joseph R. Storey
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Publication number: 20160290369Abstract: A hydraulic system includes an engine; at least one hydraulic pump operatively coupled to the engine for transfer of mechanical power therebetween; and a controller operatively coupled to the engine and the at least one hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to determine a lug speed error as a difference between a target lug speed value and a speed of the engine, set at least one closed-loop gain to zero when the speed of the engine is greater than or equal to the target lug speed value, set the at least one closed-loop gain to a non-zero value when the speed of the engine is less than the target lug speed value, generate a pump control signal by scaling the lug speed error by the at least one closed-loop gain.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Patrick Opdenbosch, Joseph R. Storey
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Patent number: 9439363Abstract: A bracket system for a grapple assembly of a machine is provided. The grapple assembly includes a grapple base having an elongate portion and a mounting portion extending from the elongate portion. The bracket system includes a lining member configured to contact at least a part of the elongate portion and to a first face of the mounting portion. The bracket system further includes a first plate disposed adjacent to a second face of the mounting portion and coupled to the lining member via a plurality of first fastening members. The bracket system further includes a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is coupled with a grapple saw via a plurality of second fastening members. The first plate and the second plate define a space therebetween to facilitate coupling of the first and second plates with the mounting portion and the grapple saw, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Saravanakumar Selvaraj, William J. Ruff, Harikumar Chellaswamy
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Publication number: 20160186787Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a work implement is provided. The hydraulic control system includes first hydraulic circuit and second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit includes a selector valve and a pair of hydraulic cylinder assembly. Each hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a head end, a rod end, a cylinder, and a rod. The selector valve is configured to operate in neutral position and at least one operating position to selectively connect either the head end or the rod end to a fluid source, and the other of the head end or the rod end to fluid tank. The second hydraulic circuit includes a counterbalance valve and a shuttle valve. The counterbalance valve selectively connects the head end to the fluid tank. The shuttle valve is configured to maintain predefined pressure at relief side pressure port of the counterbalance valve to maintain a threshold pressure at the head end.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Patrick Opdenbosch
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Patent number: 9303761Abstract: A method for controlling a speed of a machine is disclosed. The machine may have a controller in communication with an operator interface and a hydraulic system configured to control tracks of the machine. The method may include the controller setting a current value for a speed limit on the machine according to a first predetermined value; the controller providing a display on the operator interface indicating the current value of the speed limit, the current value being the first predetermined value; the controller receiving input from the operator interface to change the speed limit to a second value; the controller setting the current value for the speed limit on the machine according to the second value; and the controller changing the display to indicate the current value of the speed limit being the second value.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Joseph Robert Storey
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Publication number: 20150337954Abstract: A method for controlling a speed of a machine is disclosed. The machine may have a controller in communication with an operator interface and a hydraulic system configured to control tracks of the machine. The method may include the controller setting a current value for a speed limit on the machine according to a first predetermined value; the controller providing a display on the operator interface indicating the current value of the speed limit, the current value being the first predetermined value; the controller receiving input from the operator interface to change the speed limit to a second value; the controller setting the current value for the speed limit on the machine according to the second value; and the controller changing the display to indicate the current value of the speed limit being the second value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Joseph Robert Storey
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Publication number: 20150289456Abstract: A knuckleboom loader for processing trees includes a delimber, an actuator, and a hydraulic arrangement. The delimber includes a knife. The actuator is coupled to the knife and is operable to move the knife. The hydraulic arrangement includes a fluid, a tank, a pump, and a valving arrangement. The tank is configured to store the fluid. The pump is in fluid communication with the tank and is configured to supply fluid from the tank to the actuator. The valving arrangement is located between the pump and the actuator. The valving arrangement is operable to regulate a flow of fluid from the pump to the actuator, and from the actuator to the tank for opening and closing the knife relative to a trunk of a tree.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: John Cudoc
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Publication number: 20140338789Abstract: A delimber for performing a delimbing operation is disclosed herein. The delimber includes a cutter head assembly pivotally mounted on a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly is rotatably mounted on a base assembly. The cutter head assembly includes a base portion with a first side and a second side. A box structure is arranged on the first side, whereas a saw assembly is structured and arranged on the second side. The box structure and the saw assembly define a throat region between the two sides. The throat region defines an infeed side and an exit side. At least one curved knife is pivotally supported within the throat region. Further, an elongated post is positioned adjacent the infeed side of the throat region. The infeed post has a first end attached to the box structure, and a second end attached to the base portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: James L. Kramer, Brian P. Anderson
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Patent number: 8862340Abstract: In a work machine having a frame with a lift boom and a stick boom supporting an implement pivotally connected to the opposite end of the stick boom by a pivot pin. A controller determines the position of the pivot pin, detects a motion command signal from an operator control, determines an ending position of the pivot pin based on the motion command signal, and causes the lift boom and stick boom to rotate to orientation angles that will place the pivot pin at the ending position. When operating on a slope, the frame orientation with respect to gravity is determined so that horizontal and vertical motion commands cause the pivot pin and implement to move horizontally and vertically with respect to gravity regardless of the frame orientation. The implement can be maintained at a target orientation as the pivot pin moves by evaluating an orientation angle of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products, Inc.Inventors: John Peter Andruch, III, Vinod Tukaram Yadav
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Patent number: 8770329Abstract: An engine cooling system includes a first heat exchanger receiving a first fluid and a second heat exchanger receiving a second fluid. The second heat exchanger is located adjacent the first heat exchanger, thereby creating a stacked heat exchanger. The engine cooling system also includes a third heat exchanger receiving a third fluid. The third heat exchanger is located apart from the stacked heat exchanger. A venturi is located between the stacked heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. An air mover is mounted to the venturi and located within the venturi. The air mover is configured to move air through the stacked heat exchanger and through the third heat exchanger. In a specific embodiment, the engine cooling system is incorporated into a vehicle, such as a skidder vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Jason Spitler
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Publication number: 20140178166Abstract: In a work machine having a frame with a lift boom and a stick boom supporting an implement pivotally connected to the opposite end of the stick boom by a pivot pin. A controller determines the position of the pivot pin, detects a motion command signal from an operator control, determines an ending position of the pivot pin based on the motion command signal, and causes the lift boom and stick boom to rotate to orientation angles that will place the pivot pin at the ending position. When operating on a slope, the frame orientation with respect to gravity is determined so that horizontal and vertical motion commands cause the pivot pin and implement to move horizontally and vertically with respect to gravity regardless of the frame orientation. The implement can be maintained at a target orientation as the pivot pin moves by evaluating an orientation angle of the implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR FOREST PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: John Peter Andruch, III, Vinod Tukaram Yadav
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Patent number: 8571753Abstract: A power management system for a forestry machine includes a controller, a cutting tool, a cutting tool positioning system, a propulsion system, and a steering system. The power management system also includes an engine control module for calculating engine load. Based upon the calculated engine load, the controller automatically adjusts at least one of cutting tool speed, cutting tool positioning system power, and steering system power and adjusts the cutting tool speed toward a speed range defined by a first predetermined percentage above a standard set speed and a second predetermined percentage below the standard set speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Jerome M. Robillard, Douglas W. Seeger, Greg D. Finnes
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Publication number: 20130022432Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine cooling system. The engine cooling system includes a first heat exchanger receiving a first fluid and a second heat exchanger receiving a second fluid. The second heat exchanger is located adjacent the first heat exchanger, thereby creating a stacked heat exchanger. The engine cooling system also includes a third heat exchanger receiving a third fluid. The third heat exchanger is located apart from the stacked heat exchanger. A venturi is located between the stacked heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. An air mover is mounted to the venturi and located within the venturi. The air mover is configured to move air through the stacked heat exchanger and through the third heat exchanger. In a specific embodiment, the engine cooling system is incorporated into a vehicle, such as a skidder vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Jason Spitler
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Publication number: 20120312421Abstract: A hydraulic biasing assembly is provided. The hydraulic bunching assembly may include a hydraulic circuit and a hydraulic biasing member configured to provide bias to a bunching finger of a tree felling head. The hydraulic biasing assembly may also include a valve configured to alternately allow hydraulic fluid to transfer from the hydraulic circuit to the hydraulic biasing member and to allow hydraulic fluid to transfer from the hydraulic biasing member to a collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Michael G. Trom
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Patent number: 8191928Abstract: A machine includes a frame having a payload portion, an operator cab, and a crane disposed on a base connected to the frame between the payload portion and the operator cab. The machine further includes a headboard assembly connected to the frame and disposed between the base and the payload portion. A stabilizing pin arrangement includes a floating connection arrangement connecting the headboard assembly to the frame. The floating connection arrangement includes at least two resilient elements, each of the two resilient elements being disposed on either side of a member connected to the headboard assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Jay T. Hulscher, Nick B. Johnson