Patents Assigned to Caterpillar
  • Publication number: 20140041884
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for assisting an operator of a motor grader to steer the motor grader in a crab steer mode. The method includes receiving an operator selection of an automatic crab steer mode, determining that a condition of the motor grader is such as to permit automatic crab steer, and receiving an operator steering command. The received operator steering command is converted to an articulation command to place the machine into a crab steer mode. The articulation command is executed and is also converted into a final steering command consistent with the articulation command, and the final steering command is then executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Yongliang Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140034379
    Abstract: A cable raceway having a first section adapted to be coupled with a first movable component. The cable raceway also includes a second section adapted to be coupled with a second movable component. The second section is configured to enclose a portion of the first section. The cable raceway further includes a seal member placed between the first section and the second section. The seal member is configured to isolate the first section and the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Stengl, Chad P. Snoeberger
  • Publication number: 20140033693
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system having at least an implement pump, a fan-steering-braking (FSB) pump, a valve assembly, a fan drive system and one or more accumulators. The method may determine an operational state of a power source associated with the hydraulic system, actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the FSB pump charges the accumulators and operates at least the fan drive system if the power source is operating at less than maximum power, and actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the accumulators operate at least the fan drive system and such that the FSB pump supplements the implement pump as needed if the power source is operating at maximum power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Edward Nelson, Jeremy Todd Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140037375
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a conveyor and a walking floor. The conveyor is configured to convey paving material from a hopper of a paving machine. The walking floor is immediately adjacent to the conveyor. The walking floor is configured to convey at least a portion of the paving material to the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Toby A. Frelich, Luke E. Graham
  • Publication number: 20140033692
    Abstract: A method for charging an accumulator is disclosed. The method includes pumping pressurized fluid from an output port of a hydraulic pump to the accumulator to charge the accumulator, and flowing makeup fluid from a hydraulic actuator system to an input port of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140034023
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a first check valve member that seats on an injector body, and a second check valve member that seats on the first check valve member covers a first nozzle outlet set when in a closed position. When the first check valve member moves to an open position, gaseous fuel is injected through both a first nozzle outlet set and a second nozzle outlet set. When the second check valve member moves to an open position, liquid fuel moves through a through passage defined by the first check valve member to facilitate injection of the second nozzle outlet set. The first and second check valve members may be controlled by first and second control valves, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Dana R. Coldren
  • Publication number: 20140034420
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a lubrication feeder and a controller. The controller is in communication with the lubrication feeder. The controller is configured to activate the lubrication feeder according to a position of an implement and a temperature associated with the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Toby A. Frelich, Ricky L. Mings
  • Publication number: 20140034018
    Abstract: A fuel pump and method for draining such and for providing a lubrication fluid sump level for startup of the fuel pump are disclosed. The fuel pump may comprise a housing, a first plunger apparatus, and a camshaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The camshaft has a first end and a second end and may define a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The camshaft may include a first interface operatively connected to the first plunger apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Jones, Stephen Robert Lewis, Eric Lee Rogers, Venkata R. Tatikonda
  • Publication number: 20140034019
    Abstract: A dual fuel injector utilizes first and second control valves to open and close first and second nozzle outlet sets to inject a first fuel and a second fuel, respectively. The first and second control valves have concentric lines of action. The two fuels may differ in at least one of chemical identity, matter phase and pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Mayank Mittal, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Publication number: 20140034020
    Abstract: A dual fuel common rail engine supplies pressurized natural gas and liquid diesel fuel at different pressures through a co-axial quill assembly for direct injection from a single fuel injector into an engine cylinder. Each coaxial quill assembly includes a matched pair of inner and outer quills that are chosen to have dimensions that allow both quills to sealingly engage each fuel injector at a common conical seat responsive to a clamping force applied along an axis. Matched pairs of inner and outer quills are retained together during pre-installation handling with a retainer that is left between the inner and outer quills after installation in an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Baldwin, Dennis H. Gibson, Dana R. Coldren, Mark F. Sommars
  • Publication number: 20140037234
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for an oscillation joint on a machine having a tandem wheel drive. The bearing assembly rotatably supports an oscillating hub rotatably connected to a shaft. The bearing assembly includes a frustoconical inboard bearing having a first bearing surface and a frustoconical outboard bearing having a second bearing surface disposed thereon positioned such that the first and second bearing surfaces form a generally v-shaped bearing interface between the shaft and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Dale Van Dyke
  • Publication number: 20140038768
    Abstract: A compact five-speed transmission planetary gear train includes a first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets between an input and an output as well as first, second, and third brakes and first, second and third clutches. The first, second and third brakes and first, second and third clutches are selectively actuatable to provide five different forward speeds and a four different reverse speeds between the input and the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Koch, Justin Floro, Michael Gross, Kevin G. Meyer, Kevin J. Knox, James Rice, James Elmer Winzeler, Peter H. Hodges, Perry G. Cruce
  • Publication number: 20140034027
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a coolant loop, a pump, and an exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) cooler. The pump is disposed in the coolant loop. The EGR cooler is fluidly connected to the pump. Further, the system includes at least one flow control device to selectively isolate the EGR cooler from the coolant loop based on an operation mode of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony L. De Luca, Scott R. Schuricht
  • Publication number: 20140034135
    Abstract: A system can include one or more valve arrangements with a working chamber to receive a working fluid at a first pressure, and a control chamber to receive fluid at a second pressure. A dynamic seal can be disposed on a land of a valve element. The valve arrangement may include a sleeve against which the dynamic seal is slidably engaged. The valve element may include a check stem. A pressure compensating system may be in communication with bores formed in with the valve element. A pressure system to monitor dynamic seal wear may be in communication with the control chamber of the valve arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Beschorner, Eric C. Hughes, Mikhail A. Sorokine, James A. Aardema, Thomas J. Hajek, Aleksandra M. Egelja
  • Publication number: 20140034133
    Abstract: A system can include one or more valve arrangements with a working chamber to receive a working fluid at a first pressure, and a control chamber to receive fluid at a second pressure. A dynamic seal can be disposed on a land of a valve element. A supply passage can be in communication between the control chamber and a tank and can include a check valve. A relief valve can be disposed between the check valve and the control chamber. A pilot pump and another relief valve may be disposed upstream of the check valve. The relief valve downstream of the check valve can have a higher pressure limit than the downstream one. A pressure sensor may be disposed between the check valve and the control chamber and used to warn the operator of a high pressure in the control chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Beschorner, Aleksandar M. Egelja, Eric Hughes, Mikhail Sorokine
  • Publication number: 20140038767
    Abstract: A compact five-speed transmission planetary gear train includes a first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets between an input and an output as well as first, second, and third brakes and first, second and third clutches. The first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches are selectively actuatable to provide five different forward speeds and a four different reverse speeds between the input and the output. The compact transmission also includes a first brake, second brake, third brake, fourth brake, first clutch, and second clutch associated with the planetary gear train, the first brake, second brake, third brake, fourth brake, first clutch, and second clutch being configured such that setting each forward and reverse speed of the compact transmission is accomplished via actuation of two of the first brake, second brake, third brake, fourth brake, first clutch, and second clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Koch, Justin Floro, Michael Gross, Kevin G. Meyer, Kevin J. Knox, James Rice, James Elmer Winzeler, Peter H. Hodges, Perry G. Cruce
  • Publication number: 20140039772
    Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to the wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a work cycle step being performed by the machine. A control unit determines the work cycle step being performed as a function of the value of the parameter, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the work cycle step. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the work cycle step being performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edward Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140034007
    Abstract: An engine component incorporates an installation feature for minimizing probability of misassembly of the component to or within an engine structure. For example, a ventless thermostatic valve may be made distinguishable from a vented, but otherwise identical, thermostatic valve, via the provision of tabs extending upwardly from the top of the ventless thermostatic valve. The tabs may be received into a corresponding tab-receiving groove of an associated engine part. As such, the tabs of the ventless component may offer a tactically sensitive distinguishing feature to signal that something may be amiss during an engine installation. The corresponding tab-receiving groove may be a widened aperture within a radiator elbow sleeve into which an upper portion of the ventless thermostatic valve may be mated and secured between an elbow sleeve flange and a cylinder head. Finally, a method of using the installation feature to reduce opportunities for misassembly error is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Qiyu Liang, Arun Aakalu Ashok
  • Publication number: 20140035344
    Abstract: A machine for milling a surface of a roadway is provided. The machine includes a frame and an operator station arranged on the frame. A canopy assembly including a canopy and a support assembly is provided. The support assembly supports the canopy on a portion of the frame forward of the operator station such that canopy is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The canopy and the support assembly are configured such that in the raised position the canopy extends over at least a portion of the operator station and in the lowered position the canopy is arranged in a substantially flat orientation relative to and adjacent an upper surface of a portion of the frame forward of the operator station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Derek K. Huhn
  • Publication number: 20140038766
    Abstract: A compact five-speed transmission planetary gear train includes a first, second, third, fourth and fifth planetary gear sets between an input and an output as well as first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches. The first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches are selectively actuatable to provide five different forward speeds and a plurality of different reverse speeds between the input and the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Koch, Justin Floro, Michael Gross, Kevin G. Meyer, Kevin J. Knox, James Rice, James Elmer Winzeler, Peter H. Hodges, Perry G. Cruce