Patents Assigned to Caterpiller Inc.
  • Patent number: 10857599
    Abstract: A tool for a boring machine includes an elongated elongated body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end being shaped to receive a cutting tip, and a cavity inside the body. The tool includes a lattice provided within the cavity and a powder provided in the cavity with the lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry A. Marchione, Kevin L. Martin, Rohit A. Bhapkar
  • Patent number: 9856840
    Abstract: Fuel is injected by energizing a solenoid of a fuel injector for an on-time that terminates at a first end-of-current timing. An end-of-current trim is determined at least in part by estimating a duration between an induced current event in a circuit of the solenoid and a valve/armature interaction event. An induced current event occurs when an armature abruptly stops, and a valve/armature interaction event occurs when the armature couples with or de-couples from the valve member. Fuel is injected in a subsequent injection event by adjusting the end-of-current timing by the end-of-current trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Puckett, Bryan Moore, Michael E. Sattler, Prasanna M. Ballal, Bradley S. Bashore, Kranti K. Nellutla
  • Patent number: 9853392
    Abstract: A connector guard may include a first member having a planar base element. A planar end element may extend substantially perpendicularly from a first end of the planar base element. An end tab coextensive with the planar base element may protrude from a second end of the planar base element. Two planar side elements may extend substantially perpendicularly from the planar base element of the first member. The connector guard may include a second member having a planar base element. A planar end element may extend substantially perpendicularly from a first end of the planar base element of the second member. An end tab coextensive with the planar base element of the second member may protrude from a second end of the planar base element of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Rottman, Justin Matthew Krager, Michael Lee McWilliams
  • Patent number: 9550256
    Abstract: Processing used pistons includes receiving defective and non-defective pistons removed from service, sorting the used pistons into standard and expanded processing categories, and repairing a defect in pistons in the expanded processing category via welding. An inventory of interchangeable replacement pistons is populated with remanufactured pistons from both the standard and expanded processing categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Clark
  • Patent number: 9541183
    Abstract: An output transfer group is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The output transfer group may have a housing, an input yoke extending from the housing and configured to receive an input torque, a first output yoke extending from the housing and configured to provide a first output torque, and a second output yoke extending from the housing and configured to provide a second output torque. The output transfer group may also have a gear train disposed within the housing and connecting the input yoke to the first and second output yokes. The gear train may create a torque reduction between the input yoke and the first and second output yokes, and includes a lockable differential located downstream of the torque reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Thaler, Scott Patrick Meyer
  • Publication number: 20160348712
    Abstract: A retainer for fastening a pin in a pinned connection is disclosed. The retainer includes an annular first plate having a plurality of first mating features extending inwards from the annular first plate. The retainer also includes an annular compressible section adjacent the annular first plate. The annular compressible section may be coaxially aligned to the annular first plate. The retainer may also include an annular second plate adjacent the compressible section opposite the annular first plate. The annular second plate may be coaxially aligned to the annular first plate and the annular compressible section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLER INC.
    Inventor: Michael Robert Stolz
  • Patent number: 8950378
    Abstract: A machine includes a power source, an engine retarder associated with the power source, and a traction device receiving power from the power source and configured to propel the machine. The machine also includes a brake mechanism associated with the traction device, and a controller in communication with the engine retarder and the brake mechanism. The controller is configured to activate the engine retarder, substantially simultaneously with the brake mechanism, based on a brake pressure associated with the brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Jay Holt, Thomas Lynn Grill, Steven Kohl Anderson
  • Patent number: 8919891
    Abstract: An antilock brake system for a vehicle may include a controller that is linked to a brake pedal sensor. The brake pedal sensor may be linked to a brake pedal. The brake pedal may be coupled to a normally closed brake pedal valve. The brake pedal valve may include an inlet in communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and an outlet in communication with a normally opened isolation valve. The isolation valve may be in communication with one or more main control valve systems and may be linked to a controller which maintains the isolation valve in a closed position during normal operating conditions. The isolation valve then shifts to an open position in the event current supply by the controller is interrupted as a result of an electrical failure or malfunction of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard O. McCann, John J. Kaufman, Joseph E. Tabor
  • Patent number: 8870461
    Abstract: A bushing for a bearing assembly is provided. The bushing includes a tubular sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. An inner circumferential channel is provided on the inner surface of the bushing. An outer channel is provided diagonally on the outer surface of the bushing and is configured to be in fluid communication with a lubricant supply path. Further, the bushing includes a port connecting the inner channel and the outer channel of the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140283954
    Abstract: A forged, microalloyed, and nitrided steel part is disclosed to have a composition including 0.20-0.40 wt. % C, 0.50-1.60 wt. % Mn, 0.40-1.50 wt. % Cr, 0.07-0.30 wt. % Al, 0.03-0.20 wt. % V, 0.10-0.40 wt. % Si, and a balance of Fe and incidental impurities. The part may be produced by heating the steel part to austenization temperature of approximately 1100 degrees C. to 1260 degrees C., hot forging the steel part, controlled air cooling the steel part after hot forging at a rate falling approximately in the range from 1 degree C. per second to 5 degrees C. per second as the steel part cools from approximately 900 degrees C. to approximately 500 degrees C. to produce a predominantly bainitic microstructure of greater than approximately 50% bainite. The steel part may then be machined to a desired configuration, and nitrided by heating in an atmosphere containing ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. BURRIS, Arash TAHAMTAN, Ryan Adam DUSHEKE
  • Publication number: 20130126257
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a gear ratio rate of change in a machine having a continuously variable transmission. The method includes moving an operator input device to a changed position, receiving electronic data indicative of the changed position, and determining a non-limited desired gear ratio based at least in part on the changed position. A maximum gear ratio rate of change corresponding to the changed position is selected from an electronically stored gear ratio rate map. A current desired gear ratio is determined based at least in part on the non-limited desired gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio rate of change. The method also includes changing a commanded gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission to the current desired gear ratio using electronic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Todd Anderson, Bradley John Will
  • Patent number: 8146349
    Abstract: An exhaust system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have an exhaust passage, a particulate filter located within the exhaust passage, and a heating device located to selectively heat matter collected within the particulate filter. The exhaust system may also have a controller configured to determine an amount of matter collected within the particulate filter exceeding a threshold amount, and to activate the heating device in a first operating mode to regenerate the particulate filter based on the amount of collected matter. The controller may be further configured to detect a temperature constraining condition of the combustion engine, to determine an amount of oxygen within the flow of exhaust during the temperature constraining condition, and to activate the heating device in a second operating mode to constrain a regeneration temperature of the particulate filter based on the amount of oxygen within the flow of exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Bloms, Tyler V. Richards
  • Patent number: 7296562
    Abstract: A control system for estimating the performance of a compressor is disclosed. The control system has a compressor fluidly connected to an inlet manifold of a power source. The control system also has a power source speed sensor to provide an indication of a rotational speed of the power source, an inlet pressure sensor to provide an indication of a pressure of a fluid within the inlet manifold, an inlet temperature sensor to provide an indication of a temperature of the fluid within the inlet manifold, an atmospheric pressure sensor to provide an indication of an atmospheric pressure, and a control module in communication with each of the sensors. The control module is configured to monitor an engine valve opening duration and an exhaust gas recirculation valve position, and estimate a compressor inlet pressure based on the provided indications, the monitored duration, and the monitored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Withrow, Kevin L. Dea, Christopher R. Gehrke, Michael R. Donoho, II
  • Publication number: 20040211547
    Abstract: A method of casting including forming a shell mold around a pattern fabricated from an expendable material and then removing the expendable material from the shell mold. The shell mold is located within a housing such that an inlet port of the shell mold communicates with an opening in the housing. A supporting material is provided and substantially fills an open volume between an external surface of the shell mold and an interior surface of the housing. A molten material is then pressure cast through the inlet port and into the shell mold. The invention includes a mold assembly and a casting system useful in practicing the disclosed method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Gegel, David Weiss
  • Patent number: 6705294
    Abstract: A method and system for adjusting the application of map limits to compensate for injector variability in an electronically controlled fuel injection system is disclosed. Fuel quantity limiting maps are stored in memory within the electronic control module of an electronically controlled fuel injector system. The application of the fuel quantity limiting maps is adjusted for individual injector performance characteristics. If a fuel injector dispenses too much fuel at a particular on time, the quantity limited in the map limit is decreased. Similarly, if a fuel injector dispenses too little fuel at a particular on time, the quantity limited in the map limit is increased. As one result, limiting maps do not unduly limit fuel quantity for an injector dispensing too little fuel at that on time due to injector variability. As another result, limiting maps properly limit fuel quantity for an injector dispensing too much fuel at that on time due to injector variability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc
    Inventor: Ronald Shinogle
  • Publication number: 20030116920
    Abstract: A wiper seal for a hydraulic component is provided. The wiper seal includes a support member with a first leg that has an inner surface, a first end, and a second end and that extends substantially parallel to a reference axis. The support member farther includes a second leg that has an outer surface extending substantially perpendicular to the reference axis from the first end of the first leg. The wiper seal also includes a body portion that defines an opening therethrough and includes an outer peripheral surface configured to receive the inner surface of the first leg of the support member. A first radial face extends substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the second leg and a second radial face extends generally perpendicular to the reference axis from the second end of the first leg of the support member. The second radial face includes a cutout defining a first cavity. An inner surface defines a first sealing lip adjacent the first radial face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony David Friend, Steven Louis Arianoutsos, Bart James Ferrero
  • Patent number: 6485110
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the amount of lubricant within a housing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft driving the housing about an axis, a number of interior components positioned within the housing, and an opening defined in the housing and centered on the axis. The distance between the a lower edge of the opening and the lowest portion of the housing is proportional to the amount of lubricant displaced by the components. The level of the lubricant within the housing determined relative to the lower edge. A work machine and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc
    Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Frank Moeller
  • Patent number: 6236950
    Abstract: A stencil generator for automatically constructing a stencil representative of signals having similar characteristics includes a boundary extractor and a component generator. The boundary extractor is operable to (i) receive a frequency spectrum of a signal, and (ii) obtain from the received frequency spectrum a plurality of characteristic frequency boundaries for the signal. The component generator is coupled to the boundary extractor and is operable to (i) receive the frequency spectrum, (ii) receive the plurality of characteristic frequency boundaries from the boundary extractor, and (iii) define a plurality of stencil components based upon the plurality of characteristic frequency boundaries and the frequency spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grichnik
  • Patent number: 5444627
    Abstract: An engine control is provided for compensating the fuel delivery to an internal combustion engine as a function of the energy content of the fuel. The engine control includes a fuel temperature sensor connected to an electronic controller. A memory device including a standard fuel delivery map stored therein is connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller calculates a compensated fuel delivery map as a function of the standard fuel delivery map and the fuel temperature, and the controller issues a fuel delivery command based on the compensated fuel delivery map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Sandborg, Prasad V. Parupalli, Scott G. Sinn
  • Patent number: D706312
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpiller, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Renski, Sudha Kottakapu