Patents by Inventor Brad R. Van De Veer
Brad R. Van De Veer 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).
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Publication number: 20250207358Abstract: A mobile machine is operatively attached to a ripper for conducting a ripping operation of the terrain substrate by traveling over the terrain surface. The mobile machine may be associated with sensors to measure the travel resistance from the terrain opposing travel of the mobile machine in the travel directing during the ripping operation. If the travel resistance is excessive, the mobile machine can conduct a shank adjustment sequence by adjusting one or more of a tilt actuator and a lift actuator to move the ripper relative to the terrain and reduce the travel resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2023Publication date: June 26, 2025Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Christopher M. Gerth, Brad R. Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20250067024Abstract: A removable camera mounting system for a mobile industrial machine is disclosed. The removable camera mounting system includes a camera housing having a plurality of walls. A camera unit is mounted within the camera housing. A light unit is also mounted within the camera housing. An exterior of one of the plurality of walls of the camera housing includes one or more magnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: February 27, 2025Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Corey L. GORMAN, David E. COOPER, Brad R. VAN DE VEER, Justin L. STEINLAGE
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Publication number: 20250034836Abstract: A mobile construction equipment for operation on a surface includes: a work tool that is movable between at least one float position, in which the work tool floats with respect to the surface, and at least one non-float position, in which the work tool does not float with respect to the surface; a machine speed sensor for providing a machine speed of the mobile construction equipment; and a controller having a work tool float mode, in which the work tool is movable to the at least one float position, the controller, in a work tool float inhibit mode, in which the work tool is not movable to the at least one float position, receiving the machine speed, and, if the machine speed exceeds a float activation limit: disabling the work tool float mode so as to prevent the work tool from moving to the at least one float position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2023Publication date: January 30, 2025Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Travis N. Richards, Brad R. Van De Veer, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Michael S. Hill
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Publication number: 20240084553Abstract: A system for communicating an impact sustained by a work machine moving at a worksite to a remote operator workstation for controlling the work machine through the remote operator workstation. The system includes a controller configured to obtain data associated with an acceleration of the work machine along one or more degrees of motion during a movement of the work machine at the worksite and derive an acceleration value based on the data. The controller is further configured to issue a notification of the impact of the work machine to the remote operator workstation through an output device of the remote operator workstation if the acceleration value exceeds a threshold acceleration value during the movement of the work machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2022Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Micheal David Valerio, Keith Robert Kosowski, Richard Ryan Evenson, Brad R. Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20240018746Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to industrial machine remote operation systems, devices, and methods. In some embodiments, an industrial machine remote operation system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology includes a control interface including one or more elements associated with remote operation of an industrial machine. In at least some embodiments, the control interface can include one or more indicators associated with motion and/or an orientation of the machine. Additionally, or alternatively, the control interface can include one or more indicators associated with motion and/or orientation of a component of the machine, such as a machine work tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2022Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: Terril J. Johnson, Christian D. Ritchie, Brad R. Van De Veer, Rajasurendiran Muthu
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Patent number: 11766919Abstract: A system for controlling the climate of a cab of an autonomously operable machine when operated unmanned, and related machine. The system includes at least one temperature sensor to generate a signal indicative of the temperature within the cab and a controller configured to receive the signal as well as determine if the machine is being operated unmanned. If the machine is being operated unmanned, the controller is further configured to generate machine control commands to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjust a blower as needed to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Erick A. Njos
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Patent number: 11595618Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
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Patent number: 11573591Abstract: An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Case, Mihai Lazaroiu, Aaron R. Hayes, Brad R. Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20220234419Abstract: A controller-implemented system and method for automated control of a climate control system of a machine when being operated unmanned. The method includes utilizing at least one temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the machine cab, and, if the machine is being operated unmanned, generating signals to turn on the blower to a minimum setting, comparing the sensed temperature to at least one of minimum and maximum temperature thresholds, and generating signals to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjusting the blower to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Erick A. Njos
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Publication number: 20210318713Abstract: An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Michael D. CASE, Mihai LAZAROIU, Aaron R. HAYES, Brad R. VAN DE VEER
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Publication number: 20210314528Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
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Patent number: 10041229Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Bradley K. Bomer, Jeffrey S. Alig, Aaron R. Shatters, Eric Cler, Brad R. Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
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Patent number: 10036139Abstract: An input device is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool. The input device may have a handle with proximal and distal ends. The input device may also have a proportional control element located at the distal end, and configured to pivot in a first direction to generate a first signal and to pivot in a second direction to generate a second signal. The work tool may have a first axis of rotation that is generally horizontal relative to a ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to a travel direction, and a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical relative to the ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first signal may be indicative of a desire to pitch the work tool about the first axis, and the second signal may be indicative of a desire to yaw the work tool about the second axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathan Daniel French, Andrew John Kieser, Tony Ross Metzger, Bryan Everett Copeland, David Allen Ober, Brad R. Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20170121946Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Bradley K. Bomer, Jeffrey S. Alig, Aaron R. Shatters, Eric Cler, Brad R. Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
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Patent number: 9395743Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment can include at least one of a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever and an actuation switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jared S. Anderson, Anthony S. Cooksey, Ian A. Tiggemann, Brad R. Van De Veer, Daniel J. Whiting, Kurt L. Winckler
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Publication number: 20160145828Abstract: An input device is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool. The input device may have a handle with proximal and distal ends. The input device may also have a proportional control element located at the distal end, and configured to pivot in a first direction to generate a first signal and to pivot in a second direction to generate a second signal. The work tool may have a first axis of rotation that is generally horizontal relative to a ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to a travel direction, and a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical relative to the ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first signal may be indicative of a desire to pitch the work tool about the first axis, and the second signal may be indicative of a desire to yaw the work tool about the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Nathan Daniel FRENCH, Andrew John KIESER, Tony Ross METZGER, Bryan Everett COPELAND, David Allen OBER, Brad R. VAN DE VEER
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Publication number: 20150323955Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment can include at least one of a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever and an actuation switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jared S. Anderson, Anthony S. Cooksey, Ian A. Tiggemann, Brad R. Van De Veer, Daniel J. Whiting, Kurt L. Winckler
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Patent number: 9086130Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The lower segment further includes a first actuation switch disposed on a sidewall of the lower segment. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment includes a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever, and a second actuation switch that is provided on a sidewall of the upper segment.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jared Scott Anderson, Anthony Steven Cooksey, Ian Alistair Tiggemann, Brad R. Van De Veer, Daniel Joseph Whiting, Kurt Lynn Winckler
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Patent number: D735100Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jared S. Anderson, Anthony S. Cooksey, Ian A. Tiggemann, Brad R. Van De Veer, Kurt L. Winckler, Daniel J. Whiting, Jr., Gregory J. Parsons
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Patent number: D753118Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathan Daniel French, Andrew John Kieser, Tony Ross Metzger, Bryan Everett Copeland, David Allen Ober, Brad R. Van De Veer