Patents by Inventor Brad L. Holsapple

Brad L. Holsapple 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).

  • Patent number: 10364548
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20180044888
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Patent number: 9822509
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20170314232
    Abstract: A method of controlling machines for performing operations at a worksite is disclosed. The method includes receiving pre-construction terrain data, design terrain data, and resource data and then defining a plurality of constraints based on the data. Operations of the machines are simulated based on the data. The method includes estimating process variables associated with the operations and defining and scheduling tasks to be performed by the machines. The method includes collecting real time data from the worksite and updating the estimated process variables and the scheduled tasks of the machines based on the collected real time data. Instructions are then provided to the machines for executing the tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Liqun Chi, Sanat A. Talmaki, Paul T. Corcoran, Scott A. Leman, Brad L. Holsapple, Mark W. Whiting, Allen J. DeClerk
  • Publication number: 20160281309
    Abstract: System and methods for determining and controlling appropriate fluid delivery are disclosed. One method includes determining a first electrical conductivity value associated with soil at a first location of a worksite, determining a first global position associated with the first location, comparing the first electrical conductivity value to a first predetermined threshold associated with the first global position, and if the first electrical conductivity value is less than the first predetermined threshold, triggering a sprayer to spray the soil at the first location with fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Wang, Brad L. Holsapple, Qi Chen
  • Patent number: 9423332
    Abstract: A system for validating compaction of work material at a work site including a compaction machine. A sensor and a location sensor are associated with the compaction machine. A controller is configured to receive compaction data from the sensor and position data from the location sensor and to determine a structural parameter of the work material based on the compaction data and physical properties of the compaction machine. The controller associates the structural parameter of the work material with the position data. The controller saves structural parameters and associated position data for different locations in the work site and for different layers of work material in the work site and compares the saved structural parameters and associated position data with predetermined structural design criteria for corresponding locations and layers in the work site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Liqun Chi, Brad L. Holsapple
  • Publication number: 20160103051
    Abstract: A system for validating compaction of work material at a work site is provided including a compaction machine. A sensor and a location sensor are associated with the compaction machine. A controller is configured to receive compaction data from the sensor and position data from the location sensor and to determine a structural parameter of the work material based on the compaction data and physical properties of the compaction machine. The controller associates the structural parameter of the work material with the position data. The controller saves structural parameters and associated position data for different locations in the work site and for different layers of work material in the work site and compares the saved structural parameters and associated position data with predetermined structural design criteria for corresponding locations and layers in the work site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Liqun Chi, Brad L. Holsapple
  • Publication number: 20150375576
    Abstract: A method includes measuring a ground condition on which a machine is operated. The method further includes: measuring, by at least one sensor in a machine, at least one of acceleration values and deflection values of a tire rotatably connected to the machine where at least one sensor is in communication with a control device in the machine; determining, by the control device, a ground condition on which the tire is rolling based on the measured at least one of acceleration values and deflection values; determining, by the control device, a desired shape of the tire based on the determined ground condition; and adjusting an inflation pressure of the tire, by a pressure controller in the machine, to obtain the desired shape of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Brad L. Holsapple
  • Patent number: 6024183
    Abstract: A track belt tensioning management system is provided for actively adjusting the tension on a track belt in response to the difference in linear output speed between a drive wheel and the track belt. This is accomplished by sensing the speeds of the drive wheel and the track belt and delivering the sensed signals to a controller which processes the signals and determines the difference in their respective linear output speeds. If the difference varies from a predetermined value, the controller directs appropriate signals to a hydraulic valve arrangement which controllably directs pressurized fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator arrangement to adjust the tension between the drive wheel and the track belt. The subject arrangement maintains sufficient frictional force between the drive wheel and the belt to control the slip therebetween as required while at the same time limiting the forces in order to reduce premature failures and/or wear on the track belt and other associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hans P. Dietz, William C. Evans, Brad L. Holsapple, Michael L. Knussman, David R. Meinhold, Stephen T. Tady
  • Patent number: 5338102
    Abstract: A method of mining includes striking the surface of friable to brittle, essentially homogeneous mineral materials with a plurality of concave-faced cutting tools rotating about a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel with the surface of the mineral material. Segments of the mineral material are cleaved by the cutting tools as the tools strike the surface and then pass along a predetermined path completely through the mineral material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Lent, Brad L. Holsapple