Patents Assigned to Caterpillar
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210270261
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing machine includes a pump failure detection system. The hydraulic fracturing machine includes a hydraulic fracturing pump with a power end and a fluid end. The power end includes a plurality of roller bearings, and the fluid end includes a flow of fluid. A particle sensor coupled to the power end is configured to transmit particle information regarding a quantity of particles in the fluid. A temperature sensor, also coupled to the power end, is configured to transmit temperature information regarding a temperature of the fluid. A vibration sensor coupled to the power end is configured to transmit vibration information regarding a vibration of each of the plurality of roller bearings. An electronic control module analyzes the particle information, the temperature information and the vibration information, and calculates a failure warning level based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Nathan S. Pauli, Zhaoxu Dong, Yong Sun, Xuefei Hu
  • Publication number: 20210273466
    Abstract: A portable charger assembly operable to charge a battery system includes a housing defining a hollow space. The portable charger assembly also includes a charging module disposed within the hollow space of the housing. The charging module is adapted to provide power supply to the battery system. The portable charger assembly further includes a base adapted to be coupled with the housing. The base includes a base member including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. Each of the second and third portions is inclined relative to the first portion. The base also includes a first base plate fixedly coupled to the second portion of the base member. The base further includes a second base plate fixedly coupled to the third portion of the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Robinson, Dustin Craig Selvey, Christian D. Ritchie
  • 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: 20210270218
    Abstract: A fluid supply system for a machine such as an internal combustion engine includes a shutoff valve having an electrical actuator that includes a solenoid subassembly, and a stabilizer for the electrical valve actuator. The stabilizer includes a fitting structured to couple the shutoff valve to adjacent hardware in the fluid supply system, and a strongarm extending between the fitting and the solenoid assembly and clamped to the solenoid subassembly. A vibration-damping reinforced grommet may be clamped between the solenoid subassembly and the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Allen Lawrence, Brandyn Anthony Stack, Joseph John Stabnik, Keith Thomas Igoe, Eric Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210270015
    Abstract: Each of left and right direction switching valves includes: a pump port connected to a pump; a first compensation port connected to an upstream side of a corresponding pressure compensation valve; a second compensation port connected to a downstream side of the corresponding pressure compensation valve; a pair of supply/discharge ports connected to a corresponding travel motor; and a communication port. The communication ports of the left and right direction switching valves are connected by a communication line. When a spool shifts from a neutral position by the travel operation device, the pump port communicates with the first compensation port and the second compensation port communicates with one of the supply/discharge ports and the communication port. Each direction switching valve is configured wherein a degree of communication between the second compensation port and communication port increases in a shifting amount of the spool from the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicants: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, CATERPILLAR SARL
    Inventors: Seiji AOKI, Yoshiyuki TODE, Masahiro OHIRA, Hideki NAKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20210269108
    Abstract: A track chain assembly includes at least one track link having a shelf extending laterally from the a side surface and including a support surface spaced away from the top surface a predetermined distance measured perpendicularly to the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Hakes, William P. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20210270374
    Abstract: A sealing comprises a seal portion and a plate portion fixed to the seal portion. The seal portion can have an undulating configuration of at least one peak and at least one valley, and the plate portion can circumferentially surround the seal portion. The seal portion can be made of a first material and the plate portion can be made of a second material more rigid than the first material. The seal portion can have a radially inward facing contact surface that defines a central opening of the sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anish MATHUR, Ryan P. MORGE, Gabriel Sbravatti FERREIRA, David W. HOLTHAUS, Mark J. KIESEL, Christopher A. MONROE
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210268416
    Abstract: A filter medium includes a plurality of layers each including an undulating strip of solidified material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Javier A. Rodriguez, Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Philip Carl Spengler
  • Publication number: 20210270308
    Abstract: A nut for joining fluid conduits in a joint assembly includes a nut body having an inner body surface forming a through-bore, for supporting a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. Internal threads upon the inner body surface advance in a helical path around a nut center axis between a thread origin, and a thread terminus that is located between first and second axial end faces of the nut body. At least one of the thread terminus and the thread origin is located within an increased thickness region formed by a varied radial thickness of the nut. The nut has a reduced risk of cracking in service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E Riedel, JR., Peter Allan Manos
  • Publication number: 20210270204
    Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder liner and a piston movable within the cylinder liner, a crevice formed between a top land of the piston and the cylinder liner, and an oil entry clearance formed between a top ring of the piston and the cylinder liner. The engine also includes an abnormal combustion inhibitor having an oil recapture surface exposed to the crevice and oriented to limit migration of oil from the crevice toward a combustion chamber in the engine. The abnormal combustion inhibitor includes a groove structure having as a substrate at least one of the cylinder liner or the piston. Related methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kenth I. Svensson, Jaswinder Singh
  • Patent number: 11105306
    Abstract: A pump includes a pump body having an admission valve movable therein to alternately block and unblock a valve seat to connect a low pressure space to a pumping chamber. A control valve is positioned fluidly between a control chamber and the low pressure space, and moves between a closed position where the control chamber receives high pressure for hydraulically actuating the admission valve, and an open position where the control chamber is connected to the low pressure space to enable closing of the admission valve. The pilot actuation of the admission valve produces a greater travel distance and efficiency than what might be available with certain other actuating mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 11105073
    Abstract: An adapter cover includes a shell body including an exterior surface, an interior surface, and defining a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a vertical plane, a front face portion defining a thru-hole, a top leg extending horizontally from the front face portion and defining an adapter key receiving recess on the interior surface and a top leg side portion defining a concave arcuate portion extending rearward from the front face portion, a convex arcuate portion extending horizontally from the concave arcuate portion, terminating in a vertical rear surface, and a bottom leg extending horizontally from the front face portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. Sinn, Douglas C. Serrurier, Rammagy Yoeu
  • Patent number: 11105375
    Abstract: A retention system for a bearing member includes a sleeve member and a retention member. The retention system includes an inner shoulder adapted to limit movement of the bearing member in at least one of a first axial direction and a second axial direction relative to the bore. The retention system includes an outer shoulder adapted to limit movement of at least one of the sleeve member and the retention member in at least one of the first axial direction and the second axial direction relative to the bore. The retention system includes a plurality of fasteners adapted to limit movement of each of the sleeve member and the retention member in at least one of the first axial direction and the second axial direction relative to the bore. Each of the sleeve member and the retention member is adapted to limit contact of the bearing member with the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Thomas Unger, Suresh Sappa, Scott Shaffer, Steven J. Fujan, Jacob P. Fawer
  • Patent number: 11105359
    Abstract: A shear pin supported cleaner finger assembly includes a frame member, a support member attached to the frame member, the support member defining a pivot point and a reactive point. A cleaner finger is pivotally attached to the support member at the pivot point, and a shear pin is positioned at the reactive point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Dean Weaver, Dakota J. Krokosz, Solomon James Sawlaw, Justin Thomas Clausen
  • Patent number: 11104392
    Abstract: A sprocket and an idler sharing a common wheel member are manufactured by a method that includes providing a common wheel member, providing an idler flange annular attachment, and providing a tooth annular attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Isaac Jones, David J. Hakes
  • 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: 11105304
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body, and a stack within the injector body, and having a nozzle supply passage therein. The stack includes a solenoid assembly having a solenoid housing piece with a fuel bore formed therein that includes a segment of the nozzle supply passage. The solenoid housing piece includes a solenoid housing material in a base state, and a solenoid housing material in a residual compressive stressed state, with the fuel bore being formed by the solenoid housing material in the residual compressive stressed state. Residual stresses may be imparted by ballizing, nitriding, carburizing, autofrettage, or still another technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hoisan Kim, Victor Iskander Yacoub, Sridhar Thangaswamy, Cory Brown, Robert Joseph Smith