Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Inc
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Publication number: 20230360558Abstract: A heavy-duty interactive (HDi) system may include a heavy-duty vehicle; a work tool installed on the heavy-duty vehicle; a memory that stores a plurality of patterns representing operation events for the heavy-duty vehicle; a first sensor affixed to the heavy-duty vehicle that collects first sensor data as the heavy-duty vehicle is operated; a second sensor affixed to the work tool that collects second sensor data as the work tool is operated; and a controller operatively coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the memory. The controller may be configured to identify a heavy-duty vehicle operation event by comparing at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data with the plurality of patterns in the memory, and associate the work tool with the heavy-duty vehicle based on a comparison of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian B. Steketee, David W. Baarman, Mark Strayer, Thad Senti
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Publication number: 20230358186Abstract: Operating an engine system includes combusting a gaseous hydrogen fuel (H2) and a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel (HC) at a first substitution ratio in a cylinder in an engine, determining at least one of an H2 fueling command or an HC fueling command based on an H2 availability input and an H2 cost, and outputting the H2 fueling command and the HC fueling command to an H2 injector and an HC admission valve, respectively. Operating the engine system further includes combusting H2 and HC at a varied substitution ratio based on the H2 fueling command and the HC fueling command. At least one of the H2 fueling command or the HC fueling command may be based on a monitored CO2 exhaust level which may be used to populate a stored history of CO2 output.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2022Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric Lee Schroeder, Michael Todd Graziano, JR., Jaswinder Singh, David Todd Montgomery
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Publication number: 20230358019Abstract: A control system for a machine includes a chassis, an implement attached to the chassis, at least one sensor coupled to the chassis or the implement, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to receive one or more signals from the at least one sensor, determine a stabilization factor based on the one or more signals from the at least one sensor, and signal one or more actuators to control a movement and/or a position of the implement based at least in part on the stabilization factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2022Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David B. MASON, Christopher M. GERTH, Bradley P. KRONE, Richard Ryan EVENSON, Kade S. LUSK
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Patent number: 11808225Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may determine, in connection with a constant speed operation of an engine operable by spark ignition of a gaseous fuel, that a transient event associated with the engine is to occur, the transient event to cause a shift from a first gear to a second gear of a transmission coupled to the engine, where the shift from the first gear to the second gear is to increase a primary load associated with the engine. The controller may cause, prior to the shift from the first gear to the second gear, increasing of an auxiliary load associated with the engine. The controller may cause, during the shift from the first gear to the second gear, decreasing of the auxiliary load.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yuesheng He, Todd Ryan Kabrich
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Patent number: 11808017Abstract: An adapter cover includes a front face portion that defines a thru-hole configured to allow a nose portion of an adapter to pass horizontally through the thru-hole past the interior surface and then past the exterior surface, and a top single leg extends horizontally from the front face portion. The thru-hole defines a perimeter with a right side edge, a left side edge, a top edge, an upper right corner and an upper left corner, and further defines a bottom open end.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Sinn, Douglas C. Serrurier, Rammagy Yoeu
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Patent number: 11808139Abstract: A method may include monitoring, by a controller, operation of a pump of at least one hydraulic fracturing rig during ramp-up of the pump. Each of the at least one hydraulic fracturing rig may further include an engine and a transmission. The method may further include detecting, by the controller, an issue in the operation of the pump based on the monitoring of the operation and performing an action based on the detecting of the issue.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Todd R. Kabrich, Casey A. Otten, Yuesheng He
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Patent number: 11807320Abstract: A pin retention device comprises a fastener defining a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis, a head at the first end and a threaded portion at the second end, a tubular spacer defining a thru-hole configured to receive the fastener, and a nut defining a threaded hold configured to mate with the threaded portion of the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Jose Gerardo De La Torre
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Patent number: 11810289Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for estimating machine rotation state. The rotation state can include the rotation speed and/or angle as the machine rotates. In some implementations, an estimating machine rotation state system can receive image data, timestamped consecutively, from camera devices of a machine. The estimating machine rotation state system can generate optical flow vectors for the pixels of the image data and determine the hue and intensity of the pixels based on the optical flow vectors. Using the hues, intensities, and timestamps of the image data, the estimating machine rotation state system can generate an intensity plot over time. The estimating rotation states system can then determine a rotation speed of the machine based on the intensity plot. The estimating rotation states system can also determine a rotation angle of the machine by integrating the intensity plot over time.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Petrany, Jacob C. Maley
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Patent number: 11811344Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a traction system supporting the frame, a power source mounted on the frame, a switched reluctance motor, an inverter configured to control power to the motor from a power source, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicating a desired torque and determine if the desired torque is between an upper threshold and a lower threshold. If the desired torque is between the upper threshold and the lower threshold, pulse width modulation is used to produce a PWM adjusted torque command, and the motor is commanded based on the PWM adjusted torque command. The PWM adjusted torque command is configured to cycle between the upper threshold and the lower threshold to produce the desired torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jesse R. Gerdes, Thomas M. Sopko, Carlos E. Nino Baron, Jackson Wai, Ahmed Khalil, Sajan Abdul, Amara Ashfaq, James Michael Thorne
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Patent number: 11808187Abstract: A reduction device includes a housing defining an input chamber configured to receive exhaust from a power source, an output chamber, an exhaust channel configured to direct the exhaust from the input chamber to the output chamber, and a longitudinal axis. The reduction device also includes a treatment unit disposed in the exhaust channel and along the longitudinal axis. The treatment unit is configured to at least partly remove pollutant species from the exhaust. The reduction device also includes an attenuation component disposed in the housing and radially outward of the treatment unit. The attenuation component is fluidly connected to the exhaust channel, and is configured to attenuate a range of frequencies corresponding to operation of the power source. Additionally, the exhaust channel prohibits exhaust entering the input chamber from exiting the housing without passing through the treatment unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Dustin Irvin Landwehr, Jim K Carroll, David Charles Copley, Rakesh Chandran Ramachandran, Timothy Josiah Lee, Yung T. Bui, Anthony C. Rodman
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Patent number: 11808180Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes a lifter sleeve having a control fluid slot formed therein and extending from an outer sleeve surface to an inner sleeve surface. A valve lifter is movable in a sleeve bore in the lifter sleeve and limited from rotation about a longitudinal axis. The valve lifter includes a hydraulically actuated activation-deactivation switch, and a control fluid port in continuous fluid communication with the control fluid slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2023Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeremy C. Adams, Eric D. Wiebrecht
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Patent number: 11807318Abstract: A track pad may include a base member and a roller path member extending from the base member. The roller path member may include a roller path surface for engaging with a roller of a machine. The roller path member may include a leading side and a trailing side in a direction of travel of the machine. The roller path member may include a hardened region that extends from the roller path surface and a body region adjacent the hardened region. The hardened region may have a greater hardness than the body region. The hardened region may have a uniform depth from the leading side to the trailing side of the roller path member.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Jones, Scott H. Magner
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Publication number: 20230349128Abstract: A ladder motor pump system comprises a hydraulic fluid tank that holds hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump that draws and pressurizes the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid tank, a one-way electric motor that drives the hydraulic pump, a hydraulic ladder actuator that actuates a ladder in first and second patterns, a hydraulic fluid circuit that routes the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic ladder actuator to the hydraulic fluid tank, and a regulator that routes the pressurized hydraulic fluid from an outlet of the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic fluid tank when a pressure of the pressurized hydraulic fluid exceeds a preselected threshold pressure, mixing the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the unpressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid tank and reducing temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The electric motor and the pump include bosses providing increased ground connections to the electrical ground, thereby reducing electrical resistance and heat generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Raymond Bassili Gerges, Michael Thomas Jackson
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Publication number: 20230349118Abstract: In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a machine may include a lifting mechanism, coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the machine, configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly to a bench height associated with the moldboard. The lift assembly may include a hinge rotatably mounted on a bar of the lifting mechanism, wherein the bar defines a first axis, and wherein the hinge is rotatably coupled to the moldboard about a second axis. The lift assembly may include a first rotational mechanism, coupled to the lifting mechanism and the hinge, configured to rotate the hinge and the moldboard about the first axis. The lift assembly may include a second rotational mechanism, coupled to the hinge and the moldboard, configured to rotate the moldboard about the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Nathaniel Keith HARSHMAN, Bruce Raymond VAHLING, David COX
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Publication number: 20230349339Abstract: Operating an internal combustion engine system includes feeding a stream of pressurized intake air to a plurality of cylinders in an engine for combustion with a methanol fuel. An engine parameter indicative of at least one of an exhaust NOx level or a change to the exhaust NOx level of the engine is monitored, and water injected into an intake conduit for the engine based on the monitored engine parameter to limit the exhaust NOx level of the engine. Related apparatus and control logic is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kenth I. Svensson, David Todd Montgomery
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Publication number: 20230350412Abstract: In a mobile equipment with an articulated front portion having a worktool, a fisheye camera with a wide field of view, containing the front portion, is often mounted in a fixed direction on a rear portion of the mobile equipment. Thus, when the front portion moves (e.g., rotates) relative to the rear portion, a view around the front portion may be compromised due to inherent cropping in fisheye-distortion correction. Digital panning of panoramic video is disclosed that rotates a projection surface, in accordance with movement of the front portion, and generates a projected video on the projection surface, utilizing information that may have otherwise been cropped, to expand the visible area around the worktool. The digital panning in the projected video may mimic an operator turning their head to look down the longitudinal axis of the front portion while using the worktool.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Aaron R. SHATTERS, Eric W. CLER, Michael Anthony SPIELMAN, Jeffrey K. BERRY
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Publication number: 20230347687Abstract: A shield assembly is provided for an axle assembly of a machine. The machine includes a ground engaging device including a hub. The hub defines a cavity and an inboard opening to the cavity. The axle assembly includes a spindle, a final drive rotatably coupled to the spindle, and a gap disposed between the spindle and the final drive. The shield assembly has a shield body coupled to the axle assembly and disposed within the cavity of the ground engaging device. The shield body is located above portions of the spindle and the final drive, and extends over the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerald William Gavin, James William Schaffer, Matthew M. DeSanto, Jeremy Dean Folkerts, Travis Edward Schwark
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Patent number: 11802468Abstract: A method may include receiving information related to operation or a configuration of a hydraulic fracturing system. The hydraulic fracturing system may include a plurality of electric power source outputs and a plurality of hydraulic fracturing rigs. The method may further include performing, based on the information, asymmetric power management of the plurality of electric power source outputs. The method may further include performing, based on the information, asymmetric load management of the plurality of hydraulic fracturing rigs.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Andy Publes, Casey A. Otten, Perry D. Converse, Yanchai Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Baoyang Deng, Christopher G. Y. Haddad, Jason T. Herlehy, Todd R. Kabrich, Nausheen Ahmad, Joseph C. Bufkin
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Patent number: 11801616Abstract: An inference system for monitoring a cementitious mixture for three-dimensional printing is provided. The inference system includes an ambient condition sensor, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor and an image capturing device. The inference system also includes a controller coupled to the ambient condition sensor, the temperature sensor, the moisture sensor, and the image capturing device. The controller receives sensed ambient conditions, a temperature signal, and a moisture content signal. The controller receives an image feed of a portion of a cementitious mixture. The controller also receives signals indicative of a motor speed and a motor torque associated with a mixing container. The controller builds a model and determines a material suitability of the cementitious mixture using the model based on the received ambient conditions, the temperature signal, the moisture content signal, the image feed, the motor speed, and the motor torque and determines one or more corrective actions.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel Martinez, Daniel Peter Sergison, Zhijun Cai, Jean-Jacques Clar, Eric Alan Reiners, Benjamin John Hodel, Benjamin L. Naasz
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Publication number: 20230340760Abstract: A retaining spring clip includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. A handle is disposed proximate to a first longitudinal end, an intermediate spring is disposed along the longitudinal direction, and a stepped groove is disposed proximate to a second longitudinal end. A triangular shaped void forms a backside of the intermediate spring, and a void filler is disposed in the triangular shaped void.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2022Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David Bruno Parzynski, JR., Thomas Marshall Congdon