Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Inc
-
Publication number: 20260117723Abstract: In one instance, disclosed herein is an engine system including: an engine; a common rail fluidly connected to the engine; a fuel pump connected to the common rail by an inlet line, the fuel pump configured to pump fuel through the inlet line to the common rail, the fuel pump including a metering valve; a fuel tank fluidly connected to the fuel pump; and an engine control module configured to provide a signal having a duty cycle to control operation of the metering valve to pump fuel from the fuel tank to the common rail, where the duty cycle of the signal is based on a first factor, and the first factor is based on a voltage of the signal and a desired average current to be supplied to the metering valve as a result of the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2024Publication date: April 30, 2026Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Ryan M. HINRICHSEN, Payton JOHNSON, Daniel R. PUCKETT, Dustin K. FEE
-
Patent number: 12545325Abstract: In an embodiment, a forked wearable shim for use in a suspension system, comprising: a shim body including a first planar surface and a second planar surface; a shank portion, the shank portion having an alignment opening extending through the body from the first planar surface through the second planar surface and a fastening opening extending through the body from the first planar surface through the second planar surface located between an end of the shank portion and the alignment opening; a forked-shaped second end having a first prong extending away from the shank portion and a second prong opposite the first prong and extending away from the shank portion; and a first breakaway slot and a second breakaway slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2024Date of Patent: February 10, 2026Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Andrew Joseph Braun, Ryan P. Morge, David W. Holthaus
-
Publication number: 20250258240Abstract: A detection system for a battery pack may include one or more monitoring devices configured to detect respective response signals, responsive to an EIS input signal applied to terminals of the battery pack, for a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to the terminals. The detection system may include a controller configured to transmit, to an EIS device, data indicating the respective response signals and identifying which of the plurality of battery cells generated the respective response signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2024Publication date: August 14, 2025Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Wellington Y. KWOK, Jinhui SUN, Jeffrey ABNEY
-
Publication number: 20220064898Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a frame and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a linkage member and a work implement. The work implement includes a wall structure defining a first edge, a second edge, and a material engaging portion. The work implement also includes a first support plate disposed proximate to the first edge. The first support plate defines a first opening proximate to the material engaging portion. The work implement further includes a second support plate disposed. The second support plate defines a second opening proximate to the material engaging portion. The work implement includes a conduit coupled to the first support plate and the second support plate and defining a cavity. Each of the first and second openings are aligned with the cavity. Further, the work implement also includes a weight member removably received within the cavity defined by the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventor: Robert Alan Jackson
-
Publication number: 20220032832Abstract: A dump body comprising a front wall, a canopy extending from the front wall in a first direction, and a bottom wall extending from the front wall in a second direction different from the first direction. The front wall, the canopy, and the bottom wall can form an interface configured to receive at least one pair of side walls. The bottom wall can have a convex shape in a transverse direction of the dump body and/or a longitudinal direction of the dump body. The bottom wall can be inclined according to one or more distinct angles from a front edge of the bottom wall to a rear edge of the bottom wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2020Publication date: February 3, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventor: Samuel J. ARUL
-
Publication number: 20210246629Abstract: A retention assembly to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine. The retention assembly includes a yoke adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and the yoke includes a base wall, a first sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the first sidewall being configured to face the blade, and a second sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the second sidewall configured to face away from the blade and spaced apart from the first sidewall to define a cavity therebetween, along with the base wall. A retainer extends from at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the base, and a bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and adapted to support the blade for sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. The retainer engages the bearing arrangement and retains the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
-
Publication number: 20160311159Abstract: A method for forming an object using additive manufacturing process includes obtaining a Three Dimensional (3-D) digital model of the object to be formed; segmenting a work area into a plurality of distinct zones based on the 3-D digital model of the object to be formed; assigning a plurality of print heads to the plurality of zones such that at least one print head is configured to print in at least one of the plurality of zones; printing each of the plurality of zones by the assigned plurality of print heads; and assigning at least one print head from the plurality of print heads to print an intermediate zone lying between a pair of adjacently located zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: October 27, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Joseph M. Spanier, John A. Sherman, Christopher M. Sketch, Ajay Dnyandeo Yadav
-
Publication number: 20160055738Abstract: A positionable water in fuel indicator unit including an indicator housing having a back panel, and a housing cover connected to the back panel. The water in fuel indicator unit can also include a signal receiving device configured to receive a water in fuel signal from a water in fuel sensor located in the fuel filter, a first indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when a water level in the fuel filter is less than a predetermined threshold, a second indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when the water level in the fuel filter is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and a controller enclosed by the housing cover. The controller can be configured to activate the first indicator based on the water in fuel signal, and activate the second indicator based on the water in fuel signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2014Publication date: February 25, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Timothy J. Styfhoorn, Nathaniel Kamp, Robert W. Schulz, Eric R. Strube, Mark T. Allott
-
Publication number: 20150318806Abstract: A method of controlling an electric motor may include determining a desired torque at the electric motor. A current at a first phase of the electric motor may be calculated at a controller. The calculated current may be a current that results in supplying the desired torque at the electric motor. The controller may compare the calculated current to a predetermined threshold current, and when the calculated current is greater than the predetermined threshold current, the controller may reduce the calculated current to the predetermined threshold current and adjust a current in a second phase adjacent to the first phase of the electric motor to continue to supply the desired torque at the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: CATERPILLAR INCInventors: Jackson Wai, Carlos Nino Baron, Jesse Gerdes, Ernesto Inoa, Ahmed Khalil
-
Patent number: 9050999Abstract: A steering system and method for providing a force feedback to an operator input device are disclosed. The method may determine an actual position of the operator input device. The method may determine a desired steering mechanism position of a steering mechanism based on the actual position of the operator input device. The method may determine an actual steering mechanism position of the steering mechanism. The method may compare the actual steering mechanism position to the desired steering mechanism position and to a previous desired steering mechanism position. The method may generate a command that selectively activates force feedback to the operator input device based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Beau Daniel Kuipers, Edward William Mate, David Arthur Mork
-
Publication number: 20150033601Abstract: A ground engaging tool system comprising a ground engaging tip. The ground engaging tip includes an interior surface with a coupler pocket having an opening. The interior surface has a base wall and a first and second side wall. The tip defines a first and second coupler face walls having a planar portion and a curved portion. The planar portion is adjacent the base wall, and the curved portion adjacent the opening. The ground engaging tool system includes a coupler movably connected to the ground engaging tip between a nominal position and a maximum rotated pitch position. The coupler includes a mounting nose with a first and second exterior face surface and is within the coupler pocket. Between the nominal position and the maximum rotated pitch position, the curved portion coupler face walls are in non-contacting, spaced relationship with the coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventor: Phillip J. Kunz
-
Publication number: 20140191843Abstract: A machine security system for authenticating a machine key is disclosed. The machine security system comprises a microcontroller for detecting insertion of a machine key in a key slot of the machine. The machine key comprises of an embedded transponder. Based on detection of the machine key in the key slot, the microcontroller transmits an interrogation signal for charging the transponder. The microcontroller then receives a response signal from the transponder. The transponder sends the response signal when substantially charged by the interrogation signal. The response signal is encoded with an authentication code for authenticating the machine key. The microcontroller decodes the authentication code from the received response signal and authenticates the machine key based on the decoded authentication code.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Mark T. DeCou, Paul D. Smith, Anton D. Volkov
-
Publication number: 20140165540Abstract: An aftertreatment system is disclosed. The aftertreatment system can include a hydrolysis catalyst disposed within a first canister adjacent to a downstream end of the first canister and a nozzle positioned to inject reductant into the first canister upstream of the hydrolysis catalyst. A particulate collection device, which may be catalyzed to promote NOX reduction in the presence of the reductant, can be disposed within a second canister of the aftertreatment system adjacent to an upstream end thereof. An exhaust conduit can extend from the downstream end of the first canister to the upstream end of the second canister. An interior volume within the exhaust conduit can extend from an upstream end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the hydrolysis catalyst to a downstream end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the particulate collection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Amy E. Fischer, Matthew E. Leustek, Justin W. McMenamy, Brandon T. Shull, Ronald G. Silver
-
Publication number: 20130340861Abstract: A spring guide configured to axially align a spring within a bore provided by a body of a check valve is provided. The spring guide comprises a base portion, a guide portion, and a stud. The base portion is configured to abut a closed end of the bore. The guide portion extends from the base portion. The guide portion is configured to abut an internal wall of the bore. The stud protrudes from the guide portion. The stud is configured to contact an inner spiral surface of the spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Senthilkumar Rajagopalan, Prashanth Sastry, Stephen R. Lewis, Tejas Vijaykamar Mayavanshi
-
Publication number: 20110150616Abstract: An assembly for controlling the angle of an implement on an earth-moving machine. The assembly includes an upper control arm, a lower control configured to mechanically interface with an implement; a rocker arm configured to pivotably couple the lower control arm to the upper control arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: William C. Tracy, Michael R. Stallings
-
Patent number: 7917265Abstract: A control system for a mobile excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a ground engaging work tool, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense a parameter indicative of a current travel speed of the mobile excavation machine and generate a speed signal in response thereto. The controller may be in communication with the ground engaging work tool and the sensor, and configured to receive the signal. The controller may also be configured to determine an amount of material currently being moved by the work tool and calculate a current productivity value associated with removal of the material based on the speed signal and the determined amount of material currently being moved. The controller may be further configured to control the ground engaging work tool to vary the amount of material currently being moved in response to the current productivity value.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Satish L. Kale, Richard G. Ingram, Kevin J. Sergott
-
Patent number: 7911079Abstract: An electrical system architecture is disclosed. The architecture has a power source configured to generate a first power, and a first bus configured to receive the first power from the power source. The architecture also has a converter configured to receive the first power from the first bus and convert the first power to a second power, wherein a voltage of the second power is greater than a voltage of the first power, and a second bus configured to receive the second power from the converter. The architecture further has a power storage device configured to receive the second power from the second bus and deliver the second power to the second bus, a propulsion motor configured to receive the second power from the second bus, and an accessory motor configured to receive the second power from the second bus.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Brian Douglas Hoff, Sivaprasad Akasam
-
Patent number: 7905206Abstract: A control system for an engine having a cylinder is disclosed having an engine valve configured to affect a fluid flow of the cylinder, an actuator configured to move the engine valve, and an in-cylinder sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic of fuel entering the cylinder. The control system also has a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to determine the characteristic of the fuel based on the signal and selectively regulate the actuator to adjust a timing of the engine valve based on the characteristic of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Martin L. Willi, Scott B. Fiveland, David T. Montgomery, Weidong Gong
-
Patent number: 7905559Abstract: An isolated center tread rim idler is disclosed. The isolated center tread rim idler includes an idler body, and a circular rim including a radially outer portion configured to engage track bushings of a track assembly. The circular rim also includes a radially inner portion of less width than the radially outer portion. The radially inner portion is configured to cooperate with an outer circumferential surface of the idler body. The circular rim includes a curved transition portion between the radially outer portion and the radially inner portion. A resilient ring engages the curved transition portion. A side plate is fastened to a side of the idler body, and the side plate includes a portion engaging the resilient ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Daniel Angot, Xiangyang Jiang
-
Patent number: 7900748Abstract: A lubrication system for a hydraulic or pneumatic tool is described. The lubrication system includes a valve, a lubricant pumping mechanism and a lubricant storage chamber, the valve being adapted to move between a tool-deactivated position and a tool-activated position to cause the lubricant pumping mechanism to displace lubricant from the lubricant storage chamber. A method of distributing lubricant to a hydraulic or pneumatic tool is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Raza Bukhari, Lauritz Phillip Pillers