Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
  • Publication number: 20210276596
    Abstract: An autonomous machine control system is disclosed. The autonomous machine control system may include a controller configured to: cause an initiation of an autonomous mode of a machine, the autonomous mode providing automatic control of a propulsion operation, a steering operation, and a work operation of the machine; determine that automatic control of the work operation is to be disabled in the autonomous mode of the machine; and cause automatic control of the work operation to be disabled in the autonomous mode of the machine, while automatic control of the propulsion operation and the steering operation is enabled in the autonomous mode of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy O'DONNELL, Nicholas A OETKEN, Kyle HENDRICKS, Robert Jason MCGEE
  • Publication number: 20210277610
    Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; and a radar sensor mounted to a front portion of the machine frame and positioned forward of the roller drum, wherein the radar sensor is mounted to the machine frame by a sensor bracket configured to directly mount to the machine frame for both a blade and a non-blade soil compactor machine configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Impola, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20210278841
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed. The machine may include at least one of a propulsion system or a steering system configured to operate under automatic control in an autonomous mode of the machine; and a controller configured to obtain one or more parameters associated with a task that is to be performed in the autonomous mode, determine an estimated completion time for the task based on the one or more parameters associated with the task, and perform one or more actions based on the estimated completion time for the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jason MCGEE, Sangameshwar SONTH, Timothy O'DONNELL, Kristen Ann GERSTNER
  • Publication number: 20210278502
    Abstract: A system for increasing lidar sensor coverage for use by a vehicle is described herein. The system includes a two lidar sensors oriented to emit light beams toward a surface proximate the vehicle. The system also includes at least one mirror associated with each lidar sensor configured to reflect light beams emitted away from the surface. The at least one mirror reflects the light beams toward the surface, thereby increasing lidar sensor coverage associated with the respective lidar sensor. The lidar sensors receive lidar returns, either directly from the surface or reflected off the mirror and may generate sensor data associated with an area proximate the vehicle. A vehicle computing system controls the vehicle based in part on the sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20210278838
    Abstract: An automatic control mode system for heavy machinery and a method for controlling heavy machinery for an automatic control mode is disclosed. The method may include: monitoring one or more conditions of one or more systems of the heavy machinery for the automatic control mode; determining whether at least one of the one or more conditions is met; and disabling the automatic control mode if at least one of the one or more conditions are met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'DONNELL, Kyle D. HENDRICKS, Robert J. McGEE, John L. MARSOLEK, Sangameshwar SONTH
  • Publication number: 20210276645
    Abstract: A machine has a chassis and at least one propulsion device configured to support the chassis. The machine also has a machine control module configured to control operations of the machine. Further, the machine has a modular sensor bay configured to be attached to the chassis. The modular sensor bay includes a position sensor configured to determine a position of the machine. The modular sensor bay also includes an imaging device configured to generate an image of at least a portion of surroundings of the machine. The modular sensor bay includes a control module configured to control operations of position sensor and the imaging device. In addition, the modular sensor bay includes a harness configured to electrically connect the modular sensor bay with the machine control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL, Jacob McALPINE, Todd IMPOLA, John Lee MARSOLEK
  • Publication number: 20210276494
    Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a plurality of sensors mounting locations on the machine frame for mounting one or more lidar sensors and cameras; and a plurality of brackets, wherein, one of each of the plurality of brackets is positioned at each of the sensor mounting locations for mounting the lidar sensors and the cameras, wherein the bracket at each of the sensor mounting locations has a similar design as the other of the plurality of brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20210278860
    Abstract: An automatic mode resume system for a mobile machine and a method for resuming a job performed on a job site by a mobile machine is disclosed. The method may include: storing an interrupted status of the job being performed by the mobile machine upon interruption of the job for the job site; displaying multiple job sites on a display of the machine, each job site including a stored interrupted location and resume location; receiving a selection of the job site from a user input; displaying the interruption location and resume location for the selected job site on the display; and conditioning a resuming of the job in an auto mode of the machine based on whether the machine is positioned adjacent the interruption location or resume location at the selected job site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. McGEE, Sangameshwar SONTH, Timothy M. O'Donnell, David E. GERDING
  • Patent number: 11111644
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first information indicative of a location of a perimeter of a worksite surface, and receiving second information indicative of compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface. The method also includes generating a compaction plan based at least partly on the first and second information. Such a compaction plan includes a travel path for a compaction machine. In such a method, the travel path is substantially within the perimeter of the worksite surface. The method also includes causing at least part of the travel path to be displayed via a control interface of the compaction machine. The method further includes receiving an input indicative of approval of the travel path, and controlling operation of the compaction machine on the worksite surface, in accordance with the compaction plan, based at least partly on receiving the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Robert J. McGee, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 11111638
    Abstract: A compaction drum can include an outer surface defining a width. The compaction drum also can include a plurality of pads disposed on the outer surface of the compaction drum and positioned in at least one row. Each of the plurality of pads can be disposed circumferentially spaced apart relative to one another on the outer surface. Each of the plurality of pads can define a first height. The compaction drum further can include a plurality of ribs disposed on the outer surface. Each of the plurality of ribs can be connected between adjacent pads of the plurality of pads. Each of the plurality of ribs can define a second height. The second height of each of the plurality of ribs can be approximately equal to the first height of each of the plurality of pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventor: John Lee Marsolek
  • Patent number: 11111639
    Abstract: A machine for road work for road work, the machine can comprise: a frame, a drive system including a power source carried by the frame, a milling system driven by the power source and a controller. The milling system can comprise: a rotor configured to rotate and remove an amount of material from a working area; a drive member coupling the rotor to be driven by the power source; a tensioner assembly configured to tension the drive member; and a sensor configured to measure the tension of the drive member. The controller can be configured to, in response to a signal received from the sensor, determine if the rotor has encountered an object capable of damaging the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Schlenker
  • Publication number: 20210269992
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame. The machine also includes a hopper assembly supported on the frame proximate to a front end of the machine. The machine further includes a conveyor system disposed proximate to the hopper assembly. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt assembly and a drive mechanism adapted to operate the conveyor belt assembly. The machine includes a bumper extending transversely across the front end of the machine. The bumper defines an opening that is adapted to communicate with a portion of the drive mechanism disposed proximate to the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Stoe, Aaron Matthew Case
  • Publication number: 20210269990
    Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly includes a hopper frame, at least one hopper, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is adapted to move the at least one hopper between a raised position and a lowered position. The actuator assembly includes an actuator. The actuator includes a cylinder and a rod member. The actuator assembly also includes a first retention assembly adapted to couple the fixed end of the cylinder with the hopper frame and encapsulate the fixed end of the cylinder within a first space defined by the first retention assembly. The actuator assembly further includes a second retention assembly adapted to couple the movable end of the rod member with the at least one hopper and encapsulate the movable end of the rod member within a second space defined by the second retention assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Stoe, Aaron Matthew Case
  • Patent number: 11105051
    Abstract: A system may include a first transportation device, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes first and second slope sensors. The first slope sensor is coupled to the first transportation device and the second slope sensor is coupled to the construction machine. The controller controls the construction machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Mark A. Tarvin, Conwell K. Rife, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11105048
    Abstract: An asphalt paver machine includes a main screed and an extender screed. The extender screed is coupled and configured to move laterally relative to the main screed. The extender screed includes a first screed carriage movably coupled to the main screed by a first cylinder and a second cylinder diagonally arranged relative to one another, and a second screed carriage movably coupled to the first screed carriage by a third cylinder and a fourth cylinder diagonally arranged relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tobin D. Rasmusson, Ryan J. Schuette, John E. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 11091887
    Abstract: A machine for milling pavement such as a road planer or a rotary mixer includes a cutting rotor for penetrating and fracturing a work surface. To adjust the vertical elevation of the cutting rotor, the machine includes a rotor elevation mechanism. The machine may also include a rotor elevation control system that is programmed to lower the cutting rotor to initially contact the work surface. When the cutting rotor initially contacts the work surface, the touch point may be used as a reference to calibrate the rotor elevation mechanism prior to further lowering the cutting rotor into the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Lee M. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20210247756
    Abstract: A method for determining part wear, such as using a wear model, includes receiving, from a sensor, sensor data representing a surface of a wear part. The method further includes determining an estimated time until the part should be replaced. The method further includes batching together multiple wear parts that need replacing to enable a user to replace multiple parts in one maintenance period. The method may also include providing information to the user during replacement of a worn part to indicate the part location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Dustin W. Sondreal, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Publication number: 20210248539
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first location information of a first vehicle, and associating the first vehicle with a first project. The method also includes receiving second location information from a second vehicle, and associating the second vehicle with a second project. The method further includes providing, to an electronic device, instructions to output a user interface that includes a map, and a first visual indicia displayed on the map at a first location corresponding to the first location information, where the first visual indicia indicates that the first vehicle is associated with the first project. The user interface further includes a second visual indicia displayed on the map at a second location corresponding to the second location information, where the second visual indicia indicates that the second vehicle is associated with the second project, and is different from the first visual indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 11085527
    Abstract: An electronic control module (ECM) may obtain sensor information concerning an engine and may determine, based on the sensor information, a speed of the engine. The ECM may cause a swashplate of a hydraulic pump to adjust based on the speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Calhoun
  • Publication number: 20210238827
    Abstract: A work machine control device determines an operation mode of a work machine. The operation mode indicates that a subset of a set of zones near the work machine are to be ignored for object detection alerts. The work machine control device receives, from one or more object detection sensors, an indication that an object is within a zone of the set of zones. The work machine control device may determine to not provide an alert for the object based on a determination that the zone is within the subset of the set of zones, or may provide the alert for the object based on a determination that the zone is not within the subset of the set of zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael William RIES, David E. MUNSON