Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A MILLING MACHINE BASED ON VIBRATION
    Publication number: 20230175212
    Abstract: Systems and methods can sense, using a vibration sensor disposed relative to a rotor of a milling machine, vibration associated with a cutting operation of the rotor of the milling machine; and determine during the cutting operation whether the sensed vibration associated with the cutting operation of the rotor indicates now that the rotor is cutting a second material different from a first material being previously cut by the rotor during the cutting operation. The second material can be harder than the first material. Cutting operations of the milling machine can be controlled based on identification of the rotor cutting the second material. The cutting operations can include speed of the milling machine, cutting level and/or depth of the rotor, and/or rotational speed of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Edwin CARR, Paul J. KOENEN, Gianfranco PERRI, Nathan Louis MASHEK
  • System and method for correcting paving mat defects
    Patent number: 11669958
    Abstract: A method includes receiving sensor data indicative of a paved surface, and identifying a defect associated with the paved surface based at least in part on the sensor data. The method also includes determining that the defect is of a defect type based on determining that a value associated with the defect is within a value range associated with the defect type. The method further includes generating a command associated with the defect that, when executed by a machine, at least partially remedies the defect. The method also includes providing the command to an electronic device via a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Mansell
  • Asphalt mat thermal profile verification method and system
    Patent number: 11668606
    Abstract: A method and system of verifying asphalt mat temperature values and location data generated by a paving machine includes identifying a location and temperature value of a threshold thermal characteristic of thermal data generated by the paving machine, and displaying the paver-generated location and temperature value of the threshold thermal characteristic on a display of the paving machine. The method further includes determining a location and temperature value of the threshold thermal characteristic by one or more external systems, and comparing the externally-determined location and temperature value to the paver-generated location and temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Keyes, Jacob J. McAlpine, Nicholas A. Oetken, John L. Marsolek
  • Milling machine
    Patent number: 11660604
    Abstract: A milling machine includes a scraper door and a control system adapted to control a movement of the scraper door. The control system includes at least one actuator coupled with the scraper door. An extension of the at least one actuator allows lowering of the scraper door and a retraction of the at least one actuator allows raising of the scraper door. The control system also includes a first valve. The control system further includes a second valve. The control module is configured to receive an input signal for raising the scraper door. The control module is also configured to transmit a first signal for operating the first valve in the second position and a second signal for controlling an amount of opening of the second valve for the retraction of the at least one actuator in order to raise the scraper door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas James Argenziano
  • Systems and methods for replacing wear parts
    Patent number: 11661846
    Abstract: A system includes a carrier assembly, a replacement tool movably supported by the carrier assembly, and a sensor configured to capture sensor data associated with a wear part removably connected to a rotatable drum. The system also includes a controller configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor, and identify the wear part using the sensor data. In such a system, the carrier assembly is configured to move the replacement tool such that an axis of the replacement tool is substantially collinear with an axis of the wear part. Additionally, the replacement tool is configured to remove the wear part from the drum while the axis of the replacement tool is substantially collinear with the axis of the wear part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, Eric Steven Engelmann
  • CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEFINING AND GENERATING COMPACTOR WORK AREA
    Publication number: 20230160152
    Abstract: A control system for a compactor is disclosed. The control system can include any one or combination of one or more position sensors, a steering system, a control interface and a controller. The controller can be in communication with at least the control interface and the one or more position sensors. The controller can be configured to receive data recording a position of the compactor when physically operating the compactor along at least a portion of the desired boundary of a compaction area, determine from the data a virtual boundary of the compaction area corresponding to the position of the compactor when physically operating the compactor along the desired boundary of the compaction area, and generate at least a first work plan for operating the compactor to compact in the compaction area up to the virtual boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, John L. Marsolek, David Edwin Gerding
  • SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR MACHINE-TO-MACHINE CHARGING AT A WORKSITE
    Publication number: 20230155423
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method may operatively couple machines, each powered, at least in part by an energy accumulator, together to charge one machine using power of another machine. On condition that a first remaining amount of power in a first machine is less a first total amount of power needed to complete a first task and charging of the first machine takes priority over completion of a second task to be completed by a second machine, the second machine can travel to the first machine and charge a first energy accumulator in the first machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Derek K. HUHN, Robert K. IVERSON, Anwar T. ALNATSHEH, Kenneth G. JONES, John L Marsolek
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AUGMENTED REALITY ON A WORKSITE
    Publication number: 20230141588
    Abstract: An augmented-reality device operating at a worksite obtains context data and worksite data relating to a user and a machine associated with the user. Based on a job role and a machine type identified for the user from the context data, a visual overlay for a mixed-reality display is selected from a plurality of visual overlays. The selected visual overlay is displayed for a scene in a window of the augmented-reality device in coordination with real-world images and status data, which is derived from the worksite data and also based on the job role and the machine type. While operating the machine, the user can view the selected visual overlay and status data, which may change for a new job role or machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D Nagel
  • TRACKING THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND A MACHINE TO DEFINE ACTUAL CUT PROFILE
    Publication number: 20230138075
    Abstract: When removing portions of a work surface at a worksite with a machine (e.g., such as a cold planer), is useful to know the actual cut depths on each edge of the cold planer and/or the volume of material that has been removed from a work surface. However, determining actual cut depths and/or volume removed is difficult, costly, and can be inaccurate, resulting in increased costs and inefficiencies at the worksite. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes systems and methods for enabling automatic control of cut depth of a machine via a machine-controlled feedback loop and improved determinations of actual volume of material removed by the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Conwell K. Rife, Eric Steven Engelmann
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A MOBILE INDUSTRIAL MACHINE
    Publication number: 20230134006
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile industrial machine including an electric motor and a hydraulic motor for driving a common load may include receiving a desired drive request for the electric motor to drive the common load, driving the electric motor based on the desired drive request, sensing that the electric motor is unable to provide the full amount of the desired drive request, and driving the hydraulic motor to fulfill the full amount of the desired drive request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan A. ANDERSON
  • MOLDBOARD WITH A SCRAPING TOOL FOR A MILLING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20230138318
    Abstract: A scraper for use with a moldboard of a milling machine is manufactured from a rigid material including at least one of the following: a hardened steel having a hardness of at least 50 Rockwell Scale C, a carbide, and PCD diamonds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Koenen, Robert Edwin Carr
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE MILLING
    Publication number: 20230132726
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for monitoring a milling machine having a milling rotor and a rotor chamber surrounding the milling rotor includes propelling the milling machine in a direction of travel, positioning a door of the rotor chamber at a first position with an actuator, and receiving a signal indicative of a condition of the actuator for positioning the door of the rotor chamber. The method further includes determining that the door has encountered material based on the signal and opening the door of the chamber in response to determining that the door has encountered material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob M. SAARI, Nicholas ARGENZIANO
  • MILLING MACHINES, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20230135083
    Abstract: A milling machine includes a frame, a plurality of wheels or track members coupled to the frame, a moldboard movably coupled to the frame, a first rotor, and a second rotor. The first rotor is rotatably coupled to the frame. The second rotor is positioned to the rear of the first rotor and rotatably coupled to the moldboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. ENGELMANN, Dario SANSONE, Nathan L. MASHEK, Timothy J. STUROS, Jameson M. SMIEJA, Anthony Keng Yew LOW, Nicholas B. JOHNSON
  • PAVING MATERIAL SEGREGATION DETECTION AND MONITORING
    Publication number: 20230139560
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting paving material segregation in a paving material supply chain includes at least a paving material plant, a paving material haul truck, and a paver machine. The method and system further includes receiving segregation information from a plurality of cameras located in the paving material supply chain and identifying a location of segregation formation in the supply chain based on the received segregation information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Thiesse, Toby A. Frelich, Dana W. Miller, Rolf af Klinteberg, Ryan J. Nelson, Bradley D. Anderson
  • Birds eye view camera for an asphalt paver
    Patent number: 11640715
    Abstract: A display system for a paving machine can include a plurality of cameras configured to provide a 360° bird's-eye view of a paving machine and an area surrounding the paving machine; a display operatively coupled to the plurality of cameras showing the 360° bird's-eye view; and a controller coupled to the display, the controller further coupled to a sensor on the paving machine positioned to measure a height of a paving material at one or more locations on the paving machine, wherein when the material height falls below a pre-determined level, the controller sends a warning to the display such that the display shows the 360° bird's-eye view with the material height warning incorporated into the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A Hoisington
  • System and method for performing operations on a worksite surface
    Patent number: 11629472
    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: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Robert J. McGee, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Milling machine having a fluid flow based height measurement system
    Patent number: 11629735
    Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have a tank that stores hydraulic fluid. The milling machine may also have at least one actuator connecting the frame to the tracks. The actuator may adjust a height of the frame relative to a ground surface. A fluid conduit may connect the tank to the actuator. The milling machine may have a flow sensor in the fluid conduit. The flow sensor may determine a flow parameter associated with a flow of the hydraulic fluid into or out of the actuator. The milling machine may also have a controller that determines a height of the frame relative to the ground surface based on the flow parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, Jr., Mark Holub, Clayton Padgett, Matthew J. Sirovatka, Paul Friend
  • STEPPED DEFLECTOR FOR A SCREED ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20230115734
    Abstract: A deflector for a screed assembly includes a front surface, a bottom surface, and a stepped transition connecting the front surface to the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wayne Engel, Anthony Paul Steinhagen, John E. Jorgensen, Ryan T. Thiesse
  • THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION ON A PAVING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20230109685
    Abstract: An electrically powered paving machine includes a hopper; a screed assembly; a conveying system; one or more batteries configured to power the electrically powered paving machine; a plurality of thermoelectric generators electrically connected to the one or more batteries; a potential thermal energy conversion device electrically connected to the one or more batteries; and processing circuitry. Additionally, the electrically powered paving machine controls charging the one or more batteries using electrical energy generated by one or more of the plurality of thermoelectric generators and the potential thermal energy conversion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Conwell K. RIFE, JR.
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING A WORKSITE BASED ON BATTERY POWER
    Publication number: 20230113279
    Abstract: Systems and methods determine a current production rate of a piece of equipment processing first paving material at a worksite, receive first information indicative of an amount of power within a battery of the piece of equipment, receive second information indicative of a characteristic of the worksite, and determine predicted production rate of the piece of equipment to process second paving material at the worksite. The systems and methods further determine an amount of power required by the piece of equipment to process the second paving material at the worksite and determine that the amount of power within the battery of the piece of equipment is insufficient for the amount of power required by the piece of equipment to process the second paving material at the worksite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco Romero, John L. Marsolek, Brian R. Dershem, Jonathan A. Anderson