Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Inc
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Publication number: 20190184540Abstract: A lubrication system including a drive fluid chamber and a lubricant chamber. A first movable member is movable from a first position to a second position within the drive fluid chamber in response to drive fluid pressure acting on the first movable member. A second movable member is movable between a first position and a second position within the lubricant chamber and is operatively coupled to the first movable member. A biasing member is positioned to bias the first movable member toward the first position. A relief valve is associated with the first movable member and, when the relief valve in an open state, the drive fluid pressure acting on the first movable member is reduced such that the biasing member moves the first movable member to the first position within the drive fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Cody Moore
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Active damping ride control system for attenuating oscillations in a hydraulic actuator of a machine
Patent number: 10323384Abstract: A ride control system includes four independent metering valves (IMVs) that are independently and selectively controlled by a controller for attenuating oscillations in a hydraulic actuator of a machine. The controller is configured to open at least one of the IMVs for supplying pressurized fluid from a tank to a head end chamber of the hydraulic actuator when a pressure of the head end chamber drops to a value less than an initially registered pressure. Additionally, when the displacement of the piston block is positive and the pressure in the head end chamber falls to a value less than the pressure of fluid in a rod end chamber of the hydraulic actuator, the controller may also open another one of the IMVs by which fluid from the rod end chamber could be supplied to the head end chamber for supplementing pump flow and attenuating oscillations in the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Vickram Murugesan, Hongliu Du, Lonnie James Devier, Frank Breier, Mandi Henderson, Matthew James Beschorner -
Patent number: 10323586Abstract: A dual fuel engine control system includes a pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit coupled with the pressure sensor and structured to receive cylinder pressure data indicative of cylinder over-pressurization, and to switch the system to a limited gas-to-liquid substitution mode based on the cylinder pressure data indicative of cylinder over-pressurization. The electronic control unit is further structured to return the system to a normal gas-to-liquid substitution mode, receive cylinder pressure data indicative of cylinder over-pressurization after returning the system to the normal gas-to-liquid substitution mode, and responsively output a gas substitution fault signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathan Atterberry, Matthew Jordan Engfehr, Hua Xu
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Patent number: 10322704Abstract: A stabilizer pad for use with stabilizer legs of a work machine is disclosed. The stabilizer pad may include a frame configured for attachment to the stabilizer leg of the work machine. The stabilizer pad may further include a first surface configured to contact a ground surface, the first surface including a resilient member, and the first surface extending a first distance from the frame in a first direction. Additionally, the stabilizer pad may include a second surface configured to contact a ground surface, the second surface including a plurality of rigid members, and the second surface extending a second distance from the frame in the first direction, the second distance being less than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian S. Nobles, Daniel Baucom
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Patent number: 10324433Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing and optimizing worksite operations based on video and or audio data are disclosed. One method includes receiving one or more models relating to a worksite, receiving first sensor data associated with the machine at the worksite, receiving second sensor data associated with an operation of the machine at the worksite, wherein the second sensor data is sourced from a sensor that is different from a sensor sourcing the first sensor data, determining, by the one or more processors, a machine state based at least on the first data and the second data, comparing the determined machine state to a modeled machine state represented by the received one or more models to classify site operations and/or detect an irregularity in site operations or an inefficiency in site operations, and generating a response based at least on the detected irregularity or inefficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Christopher Sprock, Ryan Baumann, Sanat Talmaki, Praveen Halepatali
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Patent number: 10322760Abstract: A clamping master track link comprises a body that defines a first bore and a second bore, a first aperture disposed between the first bore and the second bore, a second aperture disposed between the first aperture and the second bore, a first strut with a first gap disposed between the first aperture and the second aperture, a second strut with a second gap disposed between the first aperture and the first bore, and a bridge disposed between the second aperture and the second bore.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Matthew William Trone, Roger L. Recker, Eric James Johannsen
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Patent number: 10323458Abstract: A hydraulic circuit may be used for controlling a plurality of hydraulic implements. The hydraulic circuit may include a first directional valve, a second directional valve, and a relief valve. A variable displacement pump may be fluidly coupled to the first directional valve, the second directional valve, and the relief valve. The hydraulic circuit may be communicably and operably coupled to a controller, and the controller may be programmed to selectably control the hydraulic circuit between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. Additionally, the controller may be programmed to actuate the first directional valve between an open position and a closed position and to actuate the second directional valve between a first open position, a second open position, a first closed position and a second closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Chiaramonte, Christopher J. Demick
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Patent number: 10323662Abstract: A system, a method, and an apparatus to retain an in-cylinder linear position sensor in a cavity of a housing of a hydraulic cylinder assembly are described. The in-cylinder linear position sensor includes a sensor body that houses circuitry of the in-cylinder linear position sensor, and a sensor cap that extends from an upper surface of the sensor body. The sensor cap has a retention mechanism with a portion that extends radially outward relative to a central vertical axis of the sensor body so as to extend into and engage a wall of an access port of the housing to hold the in-cylinder linear position sensor in the cavity of the housing. The portion of the retention mechanism is configured to move inward from an outer position toward the central vertical axis of the sensor body.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradly G. Duffer, Philip A. Thompson
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Patent number: 10325037Abstract: A system for analyzing one or more operations associated with a component of a machine is disclosed. The system includes a data warehouse for storing data associated with the machine. The system includes a data extraction module, which extracts the data from the data warehouse and receives a customer input. The data extraction module generates an input parameter based on the data from the data warehouse and the customer input. The system includes a failure injection module for storing information of the one or more failures associated with the component of the machine. The system also includes a machine model, which is in communication with the data extraction module and the failure injection module. The machine model derives an output parameter associated with the one or more operations of the component of the machine, based on the input parameter and the information of the one or more failures.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Evan E. Jacobson, Qiang Chen, Michael D. Anderson, Nathan S. Pauli, Benjamin J. Hodel
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Patent number: 10323389Abstract: A control system for a work machine having an upper frame rotatably mounted to a lower frame includes a controller configured to limit a maximum speed of the machine when a rotation angle between the upper frame and the lower frame exceeds a first predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Lindsay Rees, Tobias Lippa, Thomas Spindler
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Patent number: 10322758Abstract: A track link comprises a body defining a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, a proximate end and a distal end, a first bore adjacent the distal end defining a first longitudinal axis and a second bore adjacent the proximate end defining a second longitudinal axis; wherein either the first bore or the second bore is a blind bore, forming a counterbore configured to house a seal assembly and the counterbore defines a wall that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the bore that is greater than zero degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason L. Sebright, Eric James Johannsen
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Patent number: 10325424Abstract: A machine time usage determination system includes a data processing pipeline configured to receive data from a plurality of sources, a machine time usage determination program, and a controller in communication with the data processing pipeline and configured to execute the machine time usage determination program. Thus, the controller is configured to review a set of data from the data processing pipeline, and assign a current activity of a set of predetermined machine activities to a piece of equipment based on the set of data. Each activity of the set of predetermined machine activities is categorized as a productive activity or an unproductive activity. The controller is also configured to determine a probability value associated with the assigned current activity.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Richard William Gogolin
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Patent number: 10323390Abstract: A tip adapter comprises a side throat surface with a variable blend defining a radius of curvature ranging from 200 mm to 270 mm, or a lower nose surface that includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion defining a lower obtuse angle therebetween, or a top throat surface with a top arcuate portion defining a radius of curvature ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mihai Mircea Balan, Douglas C. Serrurier, David Worth
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Patent number: 10325036Abstract: A method for determining a welding sequence including a plurality of welding operations is disclosed. The method includes steps of determining a population of welding sequences based on a set of user-generated constraints, and simulating welding for at least one welding sequence in the population of welding sequences to obtain a multi-objective dependent distortion model of the at least one welding sequence. The method further includes steps of comparing a merit value of the multi-objective dependent distortion model for the at least one welding sequence with one or more predetermined criteria, and outputting a set of welding sequences as potential welding sequences based on the comparison between the merit value and the multi-objective dependent distortion model.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Vijay K. Yalamanchili, Justin C. Mach, Joshua D. Webb, Julian Norato, Badrinarayan P. Athreya
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Patent number: 10323391Abstract: A shroud configured to be attached to a work implement comprises a ground engaging surface with a convex arcuate portion, a first concave arcuate portion on one side of the convex arcuate portion, and a second concave arcuate portion on the other side of the convex arcuate portion, or an upper outside loading surface extending from the ground engaging surface including a first concave arcuate loading portion, a first convex arcuate loading portion, and a second convex arcuate loading portion, or a slot the defines a front clearance face with a first rearward facing pad therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mihai Mircea Balan, Douglas C. Serrurier
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Patent number: 10323579Abstract: A valve actuation system is disclosed for an engine. The valve actuation system may have a variable valve actuator that is configured to engage a rocker arm and hold the valve at an open position regardless of motion of a cam lobe. The variable valve actuator may have a housing forming a chamber, a plunger disposed in the chamber, a control valve movable to control a flow of fluid into the chamber, and a relief valve configured to automatically open and release fluid from the housing when a pressure inside the chamber is below a predetermined pressure. The valve actuation system may further have a controller configured to cycle the control valve prior to start-up of the engine and to selectively move the control valve after start-up.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kendall Dean Yeager, Kevin James Schreader, Victor Iskander Yacoub
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Patent number: 10322723Abstract: A launch control method for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided, where the CVT comprises a hydro-mechanical variator, a summing transmission connected to an output side of the variator, and a clutch for selectively connecting the summing transmission to an output member. The method determines whether a launch has been requested, and adjusts a variable displacement pump of the variator to a predetermined fixed displacement. Engagement of the clutch is commenced, and the method then determines whether a predetermined degree of slip exists between input and output elements of the clutch. The clutch is held at its present state of engagement when the predetermined degree of slip has been established, and the variator is placed into a torque control mode. The method then determines when there is zero slip between the input and output elements of the clutch, and then instructs full engagement of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Brian E. Lister
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Publication number: 20190178149Abstract: A supercharger system for an engine having a turbocharger is provided. The supercharger system includes a supercharger driver and an air inlet. The supercharger system also includes a supercharger compressor mechanically coupled to the supercharger driver. The supercharger compressor includes a supercharger compressor inlet and a supercharger compressor outlet. The supercharger compressor inlet is in fluid communication with the air inlet. The supercharger compressor outlet is in fluid communication with a turbine inlet associated with the turbocharger.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Ryan T. Sunley
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Publication number: 20190177954Abstract: A cutting edge component for a work tool on an earth-moving machine may include a longitudinally-extending wear component and a support surface connectable to a moldboard of the earth-moving machine. The wear component may include at least one wear portion connected to the support surface, and the at least one wear portion may form at least one ground engaging edge. The at least one wear portion may include a mild steel body and a plurality of longitudinally-spaced white cast iron teeth vacuum brazed along a distal, ground engaging edge of the mild steel body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Thomas Marshall CONGDON, Nathan BJERKE
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Publication number: 20190176061Abstract: A center tube for use with a filter element includes a unitary body having a standpipe that defines a length along the longitudinal axis and a central flow passage and a plurality of radially extending flow fins attached to the standpipe, the flow fins spaced axially from one another along the standpipe to define radial flow channels, wherein each of the fins further defines a first aperture between the fin and the standpipe, the apertures together defining a first outer axial flow passage and the standpipe defines a rectangular shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Bryant Allan Morris, Samuel D. Oanes