Patents Assigned to Caterpillar
  • Patent number: 8167384
    Abstract: A track roller frame cleaning mechanism is provided. The track roller frame cleaning mechanism includes a linkage configured to pivotally attach to a rotating track member and means for cleaning a surface of the track roller frame coupled to the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaoming Tan
  • Patent number: 8168917
    Abstract: A system for encoding information on a movable object including a laser optically coupled to a moveable object, wherein the moveable object includes a circumferential surface and a longitudinal axis. The laser is configured to project concentrated electromagnetic radiation onto the moveable object. The concentrated electromagnetic radiation heats a portion of the surface of the moveable object affected by the radiation so as to anneal the portion of the surface affected by the radiation, thereby modifying the reflective characteristics of the annealed portion. The system also includes a mounting apparatus configured to adaptively position the moveable object relative to the laser. The system further includes a controller in communication with the laser and the mounting apparatus and configured to control one or more of the mounting apparatus and the laser to project a desired encoding pattern onto the moveable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Philip John Blakeley
  • Patent number: 8170733
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a first powertrain, a second powertrain, and a third powertrain. The first powertrain includes a first power source. The second powertrain includes a second power source. The third powertrain includes a third power source. The vehicle control system also includes an operator control interface. The operator control interface includes a first portion configured to receive a first operator input and a second portion configured to receive a second operator input. The first operator input and the second operator input are indicative of a desired speed and a desired direction. The vehicle control system additionally includes a controller configured to deliver a power control signal to at least one of the first powertrain, the second powertrain, and the third powertrain. The power control signal is a function of the first operator input and the second operator input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Blum, Douglas J. Carlton, Jordan T. Thomas, Geoffrey D. Ginzel
  • Patent number: 8170787
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system for a machine is disclosed. The collision avoidance system has a first obstacle detection system. The first obstacle detection system is configured to detect a first obstacle and generate a corresponding first signal. Additionally, the collision avoidance system has an operator interface. The operator interface has a display configured to communicate visual information to an operator. In addition, the collision avoidance system has an interface module configured to detect a status of the machine and generate a corresponding second signal. The collision avoidance system also has a controller. The controller is in communication with the first obstacle detection system, the operator interface, and the interface module. The controller is configured to control the display to indicate a dangerous obstacle detection to the operator, based on the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Martin Coats, David Robert Pavlik, Ramkumar Subramanian, David Edwards
  • Publication number: 20120096833
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment module comprising a plurality of mounts for connecting the module to a surface. The mounts are arranged in a radial pattern around a central location of the module. The mounts also have a direction of travel aligned with a radial direction of expansion that passes through the central location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dongming Tan, Mirza P. Baig, Rick E. Jeffs, Tetsu O. Velasquez, Umakanth Sakaray, Ramanlal M. Gandhi, Brandon J. Stephens, Steven R. Storm
  • Patent number: 8161731
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment control system includes a controller configured to determine a value representative of a NO2 concentration associated with an exhaust gas upstream of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, and determine a value representative of a NO concentration associated with the exhaust gas upstream of the SCR catalyst. The controller can also be configured to transmit a signal to at least partially control an injection of a hydrocarbon into the exhaust gas, wherein the hydrocarbon injection can occur upstream of an oxidation catalyst to at least partially decrease the NO2 concentration of the exhaust gas downstream of the oxidation catalyst, and wherein the oxidation catalyst can be located upstream of the SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Joshua Driscoll, Wade J. Robel, Praveen S. Chavannavar
  • Patent number: 8165765
    Abstract: A method and system for configuring a hydromechanical transmission having a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor driven by the hydraulic pump and a pressure-driven actuator employs a particular torque-pressure curve configuration to maximize torque resolution with respect to actuator pressure changes while ensuring that the curve is substantially monotonic in each dimension and at any available motor speed within a predetermined motor speed limit and any available actuator pressure within predetermined actuator pressure limits. The resultant four-dimensional association between actuator pressure, motor speed, primary power source speed and motor torque allows selection of an actuator pressure to provide a desired torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. DeMarco, Michael G. Cronin
  • Patent number: 8163211
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a panel capable of obtaining sufficient strength, weight reduction and sound absorbing performance. A space is formed by an inner thin plate fixed to the inner surface of an outer thin plate, and a foam material is filled in the space. The foam material is preferably a highly foamable rubber sound absorbing material. In the inner thin plate, a perimetrical side part and perimetrical edge part for forming the space, and a concave part for enhancing the strength of the panel are drawn to the side of the outer thin plate. The bottom faces of the perimetrical edge part and concave part of the inner thin plate are bonded to the outer thin plate using a thermosetting adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Ryoji Uto
  • Patent number: 8161747
    Abstract: An exhaust system for a use with a combustion engine is provided. The exhaust system may have a first exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the engine, a second exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the engine in parallel with the first exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas recirculation circuit in fluid communication with only the first exhaust manifold. The exhaust system may also have a first turbocharger having dual volutes configured to simultaneously receive exhaust from the first exhaust manifold and the second exhaust manifold, and a second turbocharger configured to receive exhaust from the first turbocharger and compress air directed into the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Andrew Pierpont, John Parker Timmons, William L. Easley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8162564
    Abstract: A method of operating a surface compactor is provided. The method may include supporting a base of the surface compactor on a surface. The method may also include generating a fluctuating vertical force on the base with a vibratory mechanism, which may include moving one or more weights of the vibratory mechanism with a drive system of the vibratory mechanism. Additionally, the method may include sensing a parameter of the operation of the vibratory mechanism that fluctuates in reaction to moving the one or more weights to generate the fluctuating vertical force. The method may also include automatically adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism to adjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least in part on the sensed parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Roger Potts, Mario Joseph Souraty, Nicholas A. Oetken
  • Publication number: 20120092486
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling a plurality of machines. The system includes a camera disposed on a second machine and configured to record at least one image of a first machine. A controller is configured to be in communication with the first machine and the second machine. The controller is configured to track information associated with the recorded image of the first machine. The controller is also configured to determine a direction of movement of the second machine based on an analysis of the tracked information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. McDaniel, Jeffrey E. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20120090384
    Abstract: A carbon deposit simulation bench for evaluating effects of an engine system liquid on an engine surface that experiences an engine pressure and an engine temperature includes a test chamber having a high surface area test specimen positioned therein. The carbon deposit simulation bench also includes an air supply system including an air supply conduit fluidly connecting an air supply source with the test chamber, and a liquid circulation loop configured to circulate the engine system liquid through the test chamber. A temperature control subsystem simulates the engine temperature within the test chamber, and a pressure control subsystem simulates the engine pressure within the test chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Orhan Altin
  • Patent number: 8157897
    Abstract: A system for removing matter from a filtering device is disclosed. The system may have an impact wave generating device. The system may further have a vacuum source to draw matter away from the filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Francis Meister, David Wayne Painter, Jamie Erin Frisch
  • Patent number: 8157997
    Abstract: A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and positioned inside the canister a filter element having filter media. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter element in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. Because the drain is engaged to and forms a seal with the filter element in the closed position, the drain cannot be closed unless a filter element is present inside the canister. This prevents accidental or intentional use of the filter system without a filter element in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, David Ofori-Amoah
  • Patent number: 8157155
    Abstract: A system for automated assembly and welding is disclosed. The system includes a pallet for receiving incoming workpieces; a workpiece holder having a plurality of electromagnets; a handling robot configured to transport incoming workpieces from the pallet to the workpiece holder; and a controller in communication with the workpiece holder and the handling robot. The controller is configured to determine an orientation of a workpiece positioned on the workpiece holder, and to selectively adjust an activation state of one or more electromagnets of the workpiece holder based upon the orientation of the workpiece. A method of assembling and welding workpieces is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Martinez Diez, Keith Alan Herman, Huijun Wang, Howard W. Ludewig, Mathew Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 8156960
    Abstract: A valve for controlling pressure in a system is provided. The valve includes a housing, a servo spool and a piston positioned within the housing with the piston and the servo spool being movable relative to each other. The piston defines a first orifice configured to communicate with a supply of pressurized fluid and a second orifice configured to communicate with a portion of the system exterior to the valve. A first chamber is arranged such that force due to fluid pressure in the first chamber is configured to move the piston in a first direction. The first chamber includes a third orifice configured to communicate with a controlled pressure in the system. A second chamber is at least partially defined by the housing and the piston and includes a fourth orifice configured to communicate with a low pressure fluid source. A biasing element is arranged in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Cory L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8156926
    Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed. The filtration system includes a valve lid defining a chamber. The chamber is configured to extend substantially in a second direction. The filtration system also includes a filter element associated with a lower portion of the chamber. The filtration system further includes a passageway in flow communication with the lower portion of the chamber. The passageway is configured to provide flow communication for a mixture of oil vapor and crankcase fumes flowing into the chamber substantially in a first direction and substantially upward direction. The first direction is generally orthogonal to the second direction. The chamber is configured such that the flow of the mixture into the chamber results in at least a portion of the oil vapor collecting in the filter element, and at least a portion of the crankcase fumes flowing through the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Richard Weber, Justin Werner McMenamy
  • Patent number: 8160766
    Abstract: A method of detecting a low tire pressure condition on a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining at least one of an actual pitch of the machine and an actual roll of the machine, at a known location and determining at least one of an expected pitch of the machine at the known location and an expected roll of the machine at the known location. The method may further include comparing at least one of the actual pitch to the expected pitch of the machine and the actual roll to the expected roll of the machine. The method may also include outputting a signal indicative of the low tire pressure condition of at least one tire, if at least one of the actual pitch and the actual roll deviate from the expected pitch and the expected roll of the machine, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Donnelli
  • Patent number: 8160783
    Abstract: A digging control system for use with a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The digging control system may have a sensing system configured to generate a signal indicative of a loading of the work implement. The digging control system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the loading of the work implement based on the signal. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate tilting of the work implement in response to a determination that the loading of the work implement exceeds a threshold loading. The work implement may not be substantially lifted during this tilting of the work implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor a tilt angle of the work implement. Additionally, the controller may be configured to cease tilting of the work implement when the tilt angle of the work implement substantially equals a threshold tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Gordon Shull
  • Publication number: 20120085835
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body with a tip component that defines at least one nozzle outlet. A needle valve member is positioned in the injector body and includes a frustoconical segment positioned in a frustoconical bore to separate a needle control chamber from a nozzle chamber. The needle valve member includes an opening hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in the nozzle chamber, and a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in the needle control chamber. The frustoconical bore and the frustoconical segment have a narrowing taper in the direction of an injector tip. The frustoconical features tend to slow the initial opening of the nozzle outlets, and hasten their closure relative to a counterpart injector with cylindrical needle guide features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey De Payva