Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Inc
  • Patent number: 11840979
    Abstract: Operating a gaseous hydrogen fuel engine includes controlling an injection timing of a gaseous hydrogen fuel injected into a flow of pressurized intake air so as to produce a leading cooling flow of pressurized intake air into a cylinder in an engine, a trailing purging flow through an intake conduit, and a middle flow of both pressurized intake air and gaseous hydrogen fuel into the cylinder. Undesired combustion such as preignition and/or backfire can be limited. Related apparatus and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jaswinder Singh, Michael Bardell, Yongxian Gu, Eric L. Schroeder, Patrick J. Seiler
  • Patent number: 11840983
    Abstract: A piston may have an annular body including a crown portion defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a plane containing the longitudinal axis and the radial direction, and a contoured combustion bowl. In the plane containing the longitudinal axis and the radial direction, the crown portion includes a radially outer squish surface, and a swirl pocket having a reentrant surface that extends axially downwardly and radially outwardly from the squish surface defining a tangent that forms a reentrant angle with the squish surface that ranges from 53.0 degrees to 57.0 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron S. Ness, Andrew J. Loetz, John R. Brubaker, Christopher L. Batta
  • Publication number: 20230391225
    Abstract: An electric machine and sitewide control system and method that use a trolley power system at a worksite is disclosed. The trolley power system allows electric machines at the worksite to draw power from the trolley power system to concurrently operate to perform tasks and recharge their batteries. This allows the batteries on electric machines to be smaller than they would otherwise be, since a fully charged battery is not needed when operational power can be drawn from the trolley power system. The trolley power system is segmented, such that if one segment is faulted, the other segments can operate to provide power to electric machines at the worksite. Additionally, a sitewide controller initiates operational changes, such as a change in speed, for the electric machines at the worksite to compensate for one or more faulted segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron Thomas Lane, Igor Strashny
  • Publication number: 20230390862
    Abstract: A handheld laser trimming and welding device can include a handheld laser trimming and welding wand and a nozzle. The nozzle can extend from the handheld laser trimming and welding wand to a distal portion, and the nozzle can have an aperture on the distal portion. The distal portion of the nozzle can be configured to optically communicate a laser to the distal portion of the nozzle and fluidically communicate a pressurized gas to the distal portion of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thierry Andre Marchione
  • Publication number: 20230396054
    Abstract: An apparatus can include an inverter to provide an output N-phase alternating-current to an external component. When N equals two, a phase of the N phases can include an upper gate and a lower gate. The apparatus can also include a current detector configured to detect a phase current magnitude of the output alternating current. The apparatus can also include a controller coupled to the current detector and to the inverter. The controller can generate a gate command for controlling a gate of the inverter. The controller can also determine a value for a current threshold less than a shutoff current threshold for the external component. The controller can provide a protection command to turn off the upper gate of a corresponding phase of the inverter responsive to detecting that the phase current magnitude is greater than the current threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse R. Gerdes, Jackson Wai, Seok-hee Han
  • Publication number: 20230392348
    Abstract: A machine including a first kinematic joint, wherein the first kinematic joint is lubricated based on a first schedule and a second kinematic joint, wherein the second kinematic joint is lubricated based on a second schedule. The first schedule is different than the second schedule. A lubricant pump is configured to pump a lubricant and a distribution valve is in communication with the lubricant pump. The distribution valve has a first fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the first kinematic joint and a second fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the second kinematic joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dragos Marinescu, Brian C. Howson, Matthew J. Fritzke, Matthew T. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20230392346
    Abstract: An apparatus can include sensor circuitry to detect a machine movement of a work machine along a surface. The apparatus can also include processing circuitry to receive machine movement information or force-related information and to determine probability that unwanted movement will occur. The processing circuitry can also provide a mitigation control signal to mitigate unwanted movement responsive to determining that the probability that unwanted movement will occur is above a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mo Wei, Benjamin J. Hodel
  • Patent number: 11833852
    Abstract: A wheel rim assembly and components, systems, and methods thereof can have a rim base with at least one slot at an outer end portion thereof, a bead seat band radially outward of the outer end portion of the rim base, and at least one lock provided in the at least one slot. The bead seat band may be in direct contact with the outer end portion of the rim base. The lock can have a first portion that is provided in the slot of the rim base and a second portion that is outside of the slot. The second portion may be adjacent to the bead seat band. The wheel rim assembly may be free of or without a lock ring at the outer end portion of the rim base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Prasanth K. Garapati, Jacques Elloye
  • Patent number: 11835130
    Abstract: An electric drive system for a machine includes a transmission, and an electric drive motor coupled to a transmission input. The electric drive system also includes a plurality of sensing subsystems, each monitoring a speed of rotation and a direction of rotation of one of the electric drive motor or the transmission input. An electric drive control system in the electric drive system includes an electronic controller structured to receive health data of the sensing subsystems, and determine a drive system control command, according to a sensor data sourcing pattern that is dependent upon the health data. Related methodology and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Beyer, Brian E. Lister, Ryan R. Leman
  • Publication number: 20230384093
    Abstract: A system for positioning a tool or a component on a workpiece may include a laser configured to project a laser point on the workpiece. The laser may include a field of view and the laser may project the laser point upon objects within the field of view of the laser. The system for positioning a tool on a workpiece may also include a fixture configured to position the tool on the workpiece. The fixture may include a laser indicator configured to be aligned with the laser point projected on the workpiece. The fixture may also include a first tool receptacle configure to receive the tool and locate the tool on a portion of the workpiece outside the field of view of the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alan Brewer, Josh E. Huang, Michael H. Noble, Keith Maynard Egland
  • Publication number: 20230383503
    Abstract: A retainer includes a drive portion defining a drive portion outer diameter, and a lug receiving portion with a skirt defining a lug receiving slot that extends partially through the lug receiving portion, forming a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a catch surface connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. The skirt also defines a skirt outer diameter that is greater than the drive portion outer diameter. Also, the drive portion has a hook tab that extends from the drive portion and that is spaced away from the skirt a minimum distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Grant Jura, Eric T. Sinn, Douglas C. Serrurier, Corey Michael Wells
  • Publication number: 20230383501
    Abstract: A machine may include a body, a boom link, a swing casting, and a boom. The boom and the swing casting may be configured to rotate horizontally about an axis through the boom link. The machine may further include a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the swing casting, a position sensor fixedly connected to the boom link, a first link fixedly connected at a first end to the position sensor and configured to rotate about an axis through a rotary element, and a second link fixedly connected at a first end to the mounting bracket and at a second end to a second end of the first link. The first link and the second link may be configured to rotate horizontally with horizontal rotation of the boom and the swing casting and to transfer the horizontal rotation of the boom and the swing casting to the rotary element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Adam ARMSTRONG, Joshua D. CALLAWAY, Christopher Erik BRIGHT, Benjamin J. TERRY, Michael C. LAYKO
  • Publication number: 20230388149
    Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may receive event information associated with one or more events associated with the system, wherein the event information indicates flexible event indicator annunciation information for respective events of the one or more events. The controller may configure the event information for the one or more events. The controller may transmit, to a display device, an event information message, associated with an event of the one or more events, that includes flexible event indicator annunciation information, associated with the event, to be displayed by the display device when the event is active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Josenia Yuen-Sai GERDES, Anjaiah UNNAM, Matthew HEADLEY, Edward M. SCHROEDER
  • Publication number: 20230382265
    Abstract: A controller may determine a battery consumption configuration of the machine based on information regarding the machine, and obtain fuel burn data indicating an amount of fuel burned by the machine. The controller may determine a simulated battery consumption of the machine based on the battery consumption configuration and the fuel burn data. The controller may determine a simulated battery charge level based on the simulated battery consumption. The controller may determine whether the simulated battery charge level satisfies a charge level threshold. The controller may derate an engine of the machine based on determining that the simulated battery charge level does not satisfy the charge level threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Allen MARKS, Royce E. LEADERS, Frank STADELMANN
  • Publication number: 20230384751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a dimension of a component are disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more images, one or more videos, or a combination thereof of a caliper having a plurality of markers. The one or more images, the one or more videos, or a combination thereof are captured by one or more image sensors of a mobile device. The plurality of markers includes a respective marker on each of a first measuring arm, a second measuring arm, and a pivot point of the caliper. A processing, via one or more processors, of the one or more images, the one or more videos, or a combination thereof of the caliper with the plurality of markers to determine locations of the plurality of markers. A processing, via the one or more processors, of the locations of the plurality of markers to determine a distance between a first tip of the first measuring arm and a second tip of the second measuring arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David Michael LONGANBACH
  • Publication number: 20230387433
    Abstract: A system for detecting humidity level at a cathode of a fuel cell stack including one or more PEMFCs and determining a flooding probability of the stack based on the humidity level, includes a stack including a plurality of PEMFCs, each PEMFC including an exhaust; voltage detector; humidity detector; and controller. The controller may be configured to: receive a voltage as measured at an anode of one or more of the PEMFCs with the voltage detector; determine a humidity level at the exhaust of the one or more of the PEMFCs; and implement one or more actions based on the voltage and the humidity level, the actions including: reduce a load on the PEMFC; increase an air flow at a cathode of the one or more PEMFCs; decrease an inlet humidity at an inlet to the one or more PEMFCs; or increase a temperature of the one or more PEMFCs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David GINTER, David T. MONTGOMERY
  • Publication number: 20230383496
    Abstract: A method of identifying blade penetration that is ineffectual by a blade-based machine at a work site, including: attempting to cut an area of ground by the blade-based machine at the work site; determining that the cut is ineffectual based on a determination of a threshold cut volume achieved by the blade-based machine, the threshold cut volume being based on input from one or more position sensors on the blade-based machine; and initiating one or more remedial actions based on the determination of ineffectual cutting by the blade-based machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. FAIVRE, Bradley P. KRONE, Sangameshwar SONTH
  • Publication number: 20230383498
    Abstract: A method of automatically turning an autonomous mining truck (AMT), including front wheels and rear wheels, around in an operating area, including retrieving boundary data associated with the operating area, determining a first path to follow to execute a turn maneuver within the operating area based at least on the boundary data and dimensions of the AMT, wherein the first path includes a number of legs necessary to follow the first path through the turn maneuver, completing a first leg of the turn maneuver, determining a second path to follow and number of legs necessary to execute the turn maneuver based on an inability to execute the first path, and executing the second path to complete the turn maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sagar CHOWDHURY, Karl KIRSCH, Matthew D. JOHNSON, Philip C. WALLSTEDT, Manish SHARMA, Kevin A. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20230383502
    Abstract: A shroud retention system may include a retainer plate holder having a top surface, a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, a retainer plate engaging surface extending between the bottom surface and the top surface, wherein the retainer plate engaging surface may be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the top surface, a rear surface opposite the retainer plate engaging surface, a through-hole intersecting the retainer plate engaging surface and the rear surface and one or more protrusions extending from the retainer plate engaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Charles SERRURIER, Andrew W. YOUNG, Eric Thomas SINN
  • Publication number: 20230383480
    Abstract: A compactor for operation on a surface includes: a frame; at least one compacting drum coupled to the frame; a drive system for accelerating and decelerating the compactor at an acceleration rate and a deceleration rate, respectively; and a controller for: controlling the drive system, and based on at least one variable, altering at least one of the acceleration rate and the deceleration rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Nicholas A. Oetken