Patents Assigned to Caterpillar
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Patent number: 5878710Abstract: A fuel injection shutdown system for a fuel injected internal combustion engine having mechanical fuel injectors with a return spring and lifter bodies slidably disposed in lifter guides comprises a slot formed in the lifter guides to receive a hydraulic cartridge and a slot in the lifter bodies which registers with the slots in the lifter guides, but are longer, the hydraulic cartridge extends into the slots in the lifter bodies, as the lifter bodies are reciprocated by an injection cam and the hydraulic cartridge does not contact the slots in the lifter bodies and the hydraulic cartridges have a stop pin slidably disposed therein and have a hydraulic duct which when filled with pressurized hydraulic fluid causes the stop pin to extend from the hydraulic cartridge contact the top of the slot in the lifter body and hold the lifter body off the cam preventing the fuel injectors from injecting fuel into the engine in two engine revolutions and stopping the engine to prevent harm to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Albrecht M. Ritter, Robert L. Miller, T. Pin Shyu, Steven E. Wilder, Glenn B. Cox
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Patent number: 5880537Abstract: An uninterruptable power supply, operating normally under power supplied by a utility, has a main motor, a smaller induction motor, and a mechanical load such as a generator coaxially coupled together. A battery is connected to the smaller induction motor through an inverter. The induction motor is normally idled at a frequency lower than that of the utility, and therefore operates as an induction generator which is used to charge the battery through the inverter. Upon utility failure, the utility line is disconnected and the induction motor is powered by the battery through the inverter. The frequency of the inverter may be increased to maintain the rotational speed of the system at a nearly constant level.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Allen E. Windhorn
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Patent number: 5879466Abstract: An apparatus and method for periodically cleaning the fins of a radiator of an internal combustion engine using a nozzle system with at least one nozzle directed toward the fins, and a cleaning agent delivery system connected to the nozzle system. The apparatus determines the presence of airflow resistance through the fins, generates an airflow resistance signal, delivers the airflow resistance signal to a control system, and delivers a control signal to the cleaning agent delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Todd D. Creger, William O. Jankovsky
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Patent number: 5875631Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission has a pair of overcenter variable displacement pumps, each having a flow control element controlled by a double acting actuator to control direction and flow rate of the pump. Fluid pressure in first and second chambers of each actuator are equal at a neutral position of the transmission. A forward control valve controllably communicates the first chambers of both actuators to a tank through a first orifice to reduce the pressure in the first chambers to simultaneously move the flow control elements in a first direction for forward travel. A reverse control valve controllably communicates the second chambers of both actuators to the tank through a second orifice to reduce the pressure in the second chambers to simultaneously move the flow control elements in a second direction for reverse travel.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: David P. Smith
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Patent number: 5875682Abstract: Fore and aft movement of a lever pivots first and second shafts of a cross shaped member while left and right movement of the lever causes a yoke of the lever to pivot on third and fourth shafts of the cross shaped member. The pivotal movement of the first shaft causes a pair of end portions of a torsion spring to generate forces on a force sensor resulting in the output of electrical signals proportional to the fore and aft movement of the lever. Similarly, left and right pivotal movement of the yoke causes a pair of end portions of another torsion spring to generate forces on another force sensor resulting in the output of electrical signals proportional to the left and right movement of the lever. Selectively energizing a coil device fixed relative to a mounting base pulls a washer anchored to the second shaft into mechanical engagement with the coil device to hold the lever at a fore or aft operational position.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: David P. Smith
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Patent number: 5878366Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting a powerless condition of a reciprocating internal combustion engine is provided. The engine has a plurality of reciprocating components, at least one cylinder and a crankshaft. The method includes the steps of sensing angular velocity of the crankshaft and responsively producing an angular velocity signal and determining a rate of fuel supplied to the one cylinder and responsively producing a fuel rate signal. The method further includes the steps of determining an indicated torque for the one cylinder as a function of the angular velocity signal and the fuel rate signal and responsively producing an indicated torque signal. Further, the method includes the steps of determining a requested torque for the one cylinder as a function of the fuel rate signal and the angular velocity signal and responsively producing a requested torque signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David R. Schricker, Julie A. Gannon
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Patent number: 5877723Abstract: System and method for determining an operating point of a mobile machine. The invention receives GPS information from a GPS and INU information from an inertial navigational unit. A plurality of error states are modeled. The operating point of the mobile machine is determined as a function of the error states and the GPS and INU information.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Zhejun Fan
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Patent number: 5877678Abstract: An annunciator control circuit adaptable for responding to a plurality of types of fault indicative inputs is provided. The control circuit includes a signal conditioning circuit portion having an input line and an output line. The signal conditioning circuit also includes switch means adjustable for selectively configuring the signal conditioning circuit portion to receive each of the plurality of types of fault indicative inputs at the input line thereof and to provide a conditioned fault indicative output signal in response thereto at the output line. The control circuit further includes a first latching circuit portion connected to the output line of the signal conditioning circuit portion and having a first output line. A first switching transistor of the control circuit includes a base, collector, and emitter, the base connected to the first output line of the first latching circuit portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: T. Keith Donoho, Scott A. Kloeblen
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Patent number: 5876185Abstract: A variable displacement pump has a discharge passage and a displacement controller disposed to decrease pump displacement in response to an increasing pressure signal and to increase pump displacement in response to a decreasing pressure signal. A load sensing pump control for the pump includes a displacement control valve having an input port connected to the discharge passage and a signal port connected to the displacement controller. A valve spool controls communication between the input and signal ports and is biased in a direction to block the inlet port from the signal port by a spring. The spool has a differential area for exerting a force against the spool in opposition to the spring force proportional to the pump discharge pressure entering the valve through the input port. A variable force can be selectively exerted against the spool in opposition to the spring force to change the displacement of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James E. Schimpf, Tony L. Marcott
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Patent number: 5875701Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. Boom and bucket angle sensors sense the position of the work implement and responsively produces an boom angle signal and a bucket angle signal respectively. A microprocessor based controller receives the boom angle, bucket angle, and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Cobo, Hans P. Dietz, Cynthia M. Gardner, Robert E. Stone
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Patent number: 5876184Abstract: An electrohydraulic pressure regulating valve comprises a variable orifice disposed between a supply port and a control port and has a fixed size vent orifice disposed downstream of the variable orifice and in parallel with the control port to reduce the flow forces acting on the spool so that the valve is less sensitive to solenoid and spool quality and has improved pressure control capability.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Tony L. Marcott
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Patent number: 5877428Abstract: An apparatus for measuring elastomeric properties of a specimen during a test procedure includes a first compression member. The apparatus also includes a second compression member. Moreover, the apparatus includes a load cell having a body and a movable probe. The body is fixed in relation to the first compression member. The apparatus also includes a load transferring member positioned in contact with the probe. The specimen is interposed between the load transferring member and the second compression member. The apparatus also includes a bolt which contacts both the first compression member and the second compression member so as to maintain a constant distance therebetween during the test procedure. A method for measuring elastomeric properties of a specimen during a test procedure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Chris J. Scolton
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Patent number: 5878363Abstract: A control system is typically used for controlling the implements of a machine. The control system includes a operator control section and a electronic control section having a module for sensing a pair of control signals from the operator control section. When a lift signal and a dump signal is sensed the module will modify the electronic control section in response to the sensed signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Douglas W. Koehler
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Patent number: 5873640Abstract: An undercarriage of a belted or track-type machine includes a drive wheel rotatably mounted to the machine and a roller frame assembly pivotally mounted to the machine. The roller frame assembly includes at least one idler wheel and a number of guide rollers. Stationary shafts are mounted to the roller frame assembly and rotationally support the idler wheel and guide rollers. Mounting caps clamp the stationary shafts to the roller frame assembly. One or more fasteners fasten an end portion adjacent to the shaft engaging portion of the mounting cap in abutting contact with the roller frame assembly. A single fastener fastens the other end portion of the mounting cap to the roller frame assembly; however, the other end portion is spaced apart from the roller frame assembly. The abutting contact between the mounting cap and roller frame assembly minimizes flexure of the fasteners and movement of the shaft under moment loading.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Oertley
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Patent number: 5873916Abstract: A fuel emulsion blending system and method for operating the same is provided. The disclosed embodiments of the fuel emulsion blending system includes a plurality of fluid circuits, including a hydrocarbon circuit, a fuel emulsion additive circuit, a water circuit and an optional alcohol/methanol circuit. Each of the inlet circuits are adapted for receiving the identified ingredient from a suitable source which optionally may be included as part of the blending system. The disclosed blending system further includes a first blending station adapted to mix the hydrocarbon fuel and fuel emulsion additives and a second blending station adapted to mix the hydrocarbon fuel and additive mixture received from the first blending station together with the water received from the source of water. The disclosed blending system further includes an emulsification station downstream of the blending stations which is adapted to emulsify the mixture of hydrocarbon fuel, additives and water to yield a stable fuel emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Cemenska, Gerald N. Coleman, Carlos H. Cortes, Ed Jakush, Ted. W. Scheuermann
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Patent number: 5873612Abstract: A window latching arrangement for the first and second window portions of an operator's compartment of a work machine includes an access door housing the first window portion, first and second latching assemblies, each associated with the respective first and second window portions, and a plurality of lock and release mechanisms associated with the first and second window portions. The first window portion is pivotably connected to the access door for opening movement independent of the access door. The first and second window portions can open and pivot one toward the other and the first and second latching assemblies will engage and hold the window portions together until one of the latching assemblies is released.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1995Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Alan R. Connor
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Patent number: 5873440Abstract: A bearing and brake support assembly includes a drive shaft and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly has an inner race and an outer race. The inner race is secured around the drive shaft. The bearing and brake support assembly further includes a one-piece housing having a central passage extending therethrough. The outer race of the bearing assembly is secured to the one-piece housing at a location within the central passage. The bearing and brake support assembly further includes a yoke secured to the drive shaft. The bearing and brake support assembly moreover includes a brake drum secured to the yoke. The bearing and brake support assembly also includes a brake shoe assembly secured to the one-piece housing. The brake shoe assembly cooperates with the brake drum so as to selectively prevent rotation of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William H. Godfrey, Roger E. Ory, Mark E. Weiss
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Patent number: 5873427Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the load of an engine associated with a hydrostatic drive system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a variable displacement pump rotatably driven by the engine. The apparatus modifies a pump displacement command signal in response to the actual and desired engine speed acceleration. The modified pump displacement command signal is used to control the displacement of a variable pump in order to regulate the load on the engine to achieve optimum efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Conrad G. Grembowicz, Larry E. Kendrick
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Patent number: 5873424Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a track assembly of a tractor includes a first protection member positioned adjacent to the track assembly, the first protection member being movable between a first position and a second position. The apparatus also includes a biasing assembly for biasing the first protection member into the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Alan D. Gustafson, Robert D. Toms
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Patent number: 5873248Abstract: A system for controlling boost pressure at various different altitudes of operation of a turbo charged internal combustion engine includes a wastegate valve, an actuator and a controller. Signals delivered from an engine speed sensor, a boost pressure transducer and a barometric pressure sensor are processed in the controller. A control signal delivered from the controller to the actuator controls the position of the wastegate valve, bypass of exhaust gasses and the speed of the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip J. Houtz