Patents by Inventor Aaron P. Hofner

Aaron P. Hofner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Braking system and method for machine
    Patent number: 9555784
    Abstract: A braking system for a machine includes a first valve assembly having a first electronically actuated proportional valve, and a second valve assembly having a second electronically actuated proportional valve. The braking system includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor disposed downstream of the first and second valve assemblies, respectively. The first and second pressure sensors are configured to determine a first pressure and a second pressure of a braking fluid from the first and second valve assembly. The braking system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of the first pressure and the second pressure of the braking fluid and compare the first pressure and the second pressure. The controller is configured to selectively actuate at least one of the first electronically actuated proportional valve and the second electronically actuated proportional valve to substantially equalize the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Van Dyke, Ethan M. Tevis, Dwanz M. Mwasi, Michael R. Kunde, Aaron P. Hofner, Steven E. Johnson, Chad L. Kassube, Matthew D. Meads
  • BRAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MACHINE
    Publication number: 20160167634
    Abstract: A braking system for a machine includes a first valve assembly having a first electronically actuated proportional valve, and a second valve assembly having a second electronically actuated proportional valve. The braking system includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor disposed downstream of the first and second valve assemblies, respectively. The first and second pressure sensors are configured to determine a first pressure and a second pressure of a braking fluid from the first and second valve assembly. The braking system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of the first pressure and the second pressure of the braking fluid and compare the first pressure and the second pressure. The controller is configured to selectively actuate at least one of the first electronically actuated proportional valve and the second electronically actuated proportional valve to substantially equalize the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Van Dyke, Ethan M. Tevis, Dwanz M. Mwasi, Michael R. Kunde, Aaron P. Hofner, Steven E. Johnson, Chad L. Kassube, Matthew D. Meads