Patents Examined by Thomas E. Lazo
  • Patent number: 11731574
    Abstract: Passenger restraint systems are provided. The restraint systems can include: a passenger seat supported by a frame; a restraint bar pivotably attached to the frame; and at least one piston operably engaged between the restraint bar and the frame. Restraint system pistons are provided. The pistons can include: a central chamber housing a piston head and rod; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the central chamber; and at least one electromechanical valve operable between an open and a closed position. Methods for restraining a passenger within a seat are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Concepts in Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Mike Syrcle, Eric Wellington
  • Patent number: 11725674
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes: a solenoid valve that includes a valve spool configured to slide within a housing, and moves the valve spool to a position corresponding to an operation command input to the solenoid valve; and a control device that outputs the operation command to the solenoid valve. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control device outputs a continuously or intermittently changing operation command to the solenoid valve to reciprocate the valve spool from a full open position or a full closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyasu Muraoka, Nobuyuki Kinoshita, Akihiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 11719262
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator control system that includes an actuator. A pump pumps a hydraulic fluid to move the actuator. A first control valve fluidly couples to the pump. The first control valve provides a first hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator. A maximum first hydraulic fluid flow through the first control valve is less than a maximum required hydraulic fluid flow of the actuator. A second control valve fluidly couples to the pump. The second control valve provides a second hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator. A maximum second hydraulic fluid flow through the second control valve is less than the maximum required hydraulic fluid flow of the actuator. A controller controls the first control valve and the second control valve to provide the hydraulic fluid to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Zimmerman, Navneet Gulati
  • Patent number: 11719265
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a traction system supporting the frame, an implement system supported by the frame, and a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic oil tank, a control circuit, an oil cooler, and a cooler bypass valve assembly. The cooler bypass valve assembly is connected to the control circuit by a control circuit return line, and includes an unloading valve configured to allow hydraulic oil to flow from the control circuit return line to the hydraulic oil tank if a pressure of hydraulic oil in the control circuit return line exceeds a first threshold, a backpressure valve configured to allow hydraulic oil to flow from the return line to the oil cooler through an oil cooler inlet line if a pressure of hydraulic in the oil control circuit return line exceeds a second threshold, and an orifice configured to limit the flow of hydraulic oil through the backpressure valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gustaf Andrew Johnson, Pengfei Ma, Jordan Garrity
  • Patent number: 11713778
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blended or hybrid power system with increased operating efficiency. The blended power system combines the advantages of electrical power with the advantages of hydraulic power when delivering power to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic power provides higher power density and the electrical power provides high efficiency and control accuracy in the blended power system. In a blended power system, a control system may be configured to select different modes of operation based on the loads encountered in the combined hydraulic and electrohydrostatic system. The blended power system also allows for smooth and uninterrupted transitions between the different modes of operation within the blended power system. Thus, jerkiness in the blended power system may be minimized or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions II Technology A/S
    Inventors: Meng Wang, Mohd Azrin Mohd Zulkefli
  • Patent number: 11713806
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a hydraulic pump for providing a system pressure within a hydraulic circuit, a pressure accumulator for temporarily supplying pressure to the hydraulic circuit, and a valve assembly for charging the pressure accumulator after a predetermined pressure threshold value of the system pressure has been reached or exceeded. The valve assembly is hydraulically connected between the pump and the pressure accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Meid, Manuel Billich
  • Patent number: 11707903
    Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled return of the stems in cylinders of the types that can be applied to a press for stamping sheet metal, comprising: at least one fluid-operated cylinder), at least one hydraulic accumulator which is fluidically connected to the at least one cylinder by means of a hydraulic circuit which comprises: a duct for the discharge of the working fluid from the at least one cylinder and a duct/branch for the intake of the working fluid in the hydraulic accumulator, a duct for loading the working fluid in the at least one cylinder and at duct/branch for the output of the working fluid from the hydraulic accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: SPECIAL SPRINGS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Dante Cappeller, Massimo Fiorese, Francesco Bordin
  • Patent number: 11698086
    Abstract: A system has a hydraulic circuit configured to control a position of an attachment of the system and a control system configured to perform operations that include receiving an input indicative of a center of gravity of the attachment and controlling a flow rate of fluid directed through the hydraulic circuit based on the center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Dana Lee Froemming, Jonathan Richard Nistler, Michael Sylvester Bares
  • Patent number: 11692334
    Abstract: An excavator includes a traveling body, an upper turning body rotatably provided on the traveling body, an attachment which has a boom, an arm, and a bucket and is attached to the upper turning body, and a controller configured to perform a control of a cylinder of at least one shaft of the attachment so as to suppress a vibration of the traveling body or the upper turning body, which is caused by an aerial operation of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Okada, Masaru Onodera
  • Patent number: 11691856
    Abstract: A cylinder propping system includes a sleeve and a locking member. The sleeve includes an outer wall that defines an inner cavity and a ledge. The inner cavity is sized to receive at least a portion of a cylinder assembly therein. A first end of the outer wall is configured to hingedly couple to one end of the cylinder assembly. The ledge is spaced apart from the first end. The locking member is sized to engage with the ledge, between the ledge and a cylinder housing of the cylinder assembly, to prevent movement of the cylinder housing in at least one direction along a central axis of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Ryan
  • Patent number: 11680551
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a pressure compensation spool configured to be subjected to a first fluid force of fluid received at a first port acting in a proximal direction; a pressure compensation spring disposed in a pressure compensation chamber and applying a biasing force on the pressure compensation spool in a distal direction; a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flows through the valve; and a flow area configured to throttle fluid flow from the first port to the pressure compensation chamber, wherein fluid in the pressure compensation chamber applies a second fluid force on the pressure compensation spool in the distal direction, such that the pressure compensation spool moves to a particular axial position based on force equilibrium between the first fluid force, the second fluid force, and the biasing force to throttle fluid flow from the pressure compensation chamber to a second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11680587
    Abstract: A brake cylinder includes a brake cylinder housing having a master chamber, a slave chamber, and a wall disposed there between. The wall defines at least one opening configured to provide fluid communication between the master chamber and the slave chamber. The brake cylinder also includes a master piston configured to pressurize fluid in the master chamber when a brake pedal is pressed. The brake cylinder further includes a slave piston and a pressure sensor disposed in fluid communication with the slave chamber. The pressure sensor is configured to measure pressure in the slave chamber and send a signal to a processor indicating of movement of the brake pedal. When pressurizing fluid in the master chamber, the master piston is configured to drive fluid from the master chamber to the slave chamber via the at least one opening to increase pressure in the slave chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: ASETEK DANMARK A/S
    Inventors: André Sloth Eriksen, Kim Henriksen
  • Patent number: 11680385
    Abstract: A ride control valve includes a valve housing (30) having a main spool (32) longitudinally displaceably arranged in the valve housing, a balance spool (34), and fluid passage points for a pressure supply (P), a tank return line (T), an accumulator (14) and a boom cylinder unit (10). The balance spool (34) continuously balances the pressure between the fluid ports of the accumulator (14) and the boom cylinder unit (10). The main spool (32) is controlled by the operator and initially interconnects these fluid ports of the accumulator (14) and the boom cylinder unit (10), starting from a closed fluid connection, via a restricted fluid connection, to a fully opened fluid connection, or disconnects them from each other in reverse sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: HYDAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Frank Brownson, Scott Thomas Rhamey, Aaron Shetler
  • Patent number: 11680381
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling an implement on a work machine may include a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, a central valve in fluid communication with the pump and configured for controlling the implement, a load sense pressure relief system, and a controller. The controller may be configured for controlling the central valve and the load sense pressure relief system and selecting between operating the hydraulic system at a first pressure and a second pressure based on a factor relating to implement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Riley A. Albers, David R. Evans, William N. O'Neill, Jason P. Wigg, Jeffrey K. Berry, James T. Ferrier
  • Patent number: 11674534
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis and a vehicle body. A variable displacement pump is positioned within the vehicle body and is configured to pump hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid reservoir into a high pressure line of a hydraulic circuit. A lifting system on the vehicle includes at least one actuator in fluid communication with the variable displacement pump, which delivers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir to the actuator through the high pressure line to adjust a position of the actuator. A valve is positioned downstream of the variable displacement pump. In a first valve position, the valve restricts flow outward from the high pressure line. In a second valve position, the valve directs fluid from the high pressure line into a lower pressure line to reduce a hydraulic pressure within the high pressure line and adjust an output parameter of the variable displacement pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Derek Wente, Logan Gary, Jerrod Kappers
  • Patent number: 11668074
    Abstract: To reduce an increase in the electric power consumption of an electric motor according to the state of an electric power source at the start of driving of an actuator, and make it possible to use devices in an appropriate state in an electrically driven hydraulic construction machine including a driving system that drives a hydraulic pump by using the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ogawa, Takeshi Ishii, Seiichi Kihara, Kiwamu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11668389
    Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for a vehicle transmission includes a hydraulic system path leading to a hydraulic system circuit with a system pressure, a hydraulic lubrication path leading to a hydraulic lubrication circuit with a lubrication pressure, and a branching point connected to an output side of the system and lubrication paths. A variable displacement pump or a pump combination includes at least two fixed displacement pumps hydraulically connected to an input side of the branching point, and a variable displacement pump or at least one fixed displacement pump are hydraulically connected to the output side of the branching point and integrated into the hydraulic system path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Meid, Manuel Billich, Thomas Busold
  • Patent number: 11649610
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a construction machine includes: control valves interposed between a main pump and hydraulic actuators; and first solenoid proportional valves connected to pilot ports of the control valves. The hydraulic system further includes: an unloading valve including a pilot port; and a second solenoid proportional valve connected to the pilot port of the unloading valve by a secondary pressure line and connected to an auxiliary pump by a primary pressure line. A switching valve including a pilot port connected to the secondary pressure line by a pilot line is interposed between the auxiliary pump and the first solenoid proportional valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiro Kondo, Naoki Hata, Nobuyuki Kinoshita, Kazuya Iwabe
  • Patent number: 11649609
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine includes an implement pump, a valve, and an implement valve subsystem. The implement pump includes a load sensing control, and the valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the implement pump. The implement valve subsystem includes one or more implement control subsystems to control movement of an implement. The valve is an electrohydraulic proportional relief valve and includes a solenoid configured to adjust the pressure of hydraulic fluid delivered to the implement pump proportionally to a current delivered through the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Sullivan, Jr., Ryan R. Stoffel, Beau D. Kuipers, Andrew N. Schifferer, Royce E. Leaders, Fuaad Sayeed
  • Patent number: 11644050
    Abstract: An example valve assembly includes a first workport fluidly coupled to a first actuator; a second workport fluidly coupled to the first actuator; a third workport fluidly coupled to a second actuator, wherein the third workport is fluidly coupled to the first workport via a first fluid passage; a fourth workport fluidly coupled to the second actuator, wherein the fourth workport is fluidly coupled to the second workport via a second fluid passage; and a spool axially movable in a bore within the valve assembly, wherein when the spool is shifted axially in a first axial direction, pressurized fluid is provided to the first workport and to the third workport via the first fluid passage, and when the spool is shifted axially in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, pressurized fluid is provided to the second workport and to the fourth workport via the second fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Slattery