Patents by Inventor Brad Robert Van De Veer
Brad Robert 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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Patent number: 12139889Abstract: A method for assisting an operator in operating a machine. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a selection of a task of a plurality of tasks, each task associated with a corresponding movement pattern of the machine; sensing, by a sensor unit, at least one condition of at least one component of the machine associated with the selected task; and determining, by the controller, whether the condition is within a predetermined set of parameters associated with the selected task. In response to determining that the condition is not within the predetermined set of parameters, the method further includes generating, by the controller, an audible or a haptic signal associated with at least one of the condition or the at least one component.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Adam Weber, David Charles Copley, Norval P Thomson, Michael Lynn Johnson, Eric W Cler, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Patent number: 12085950Abstract: A device may determine, based on image data of an environment that includes a ground surface, depth information indicating distances from a vehicle to different areas of the ground surface. The device may generate, based on the depth information, an overlay to indicate a range of distances from the vehicle. The range of distances may be associated with an area. The device may provide, for display, a video feed including the image data with the overlay on the ground surface. The overlay may provide the perception of depth, with respect to the area, during an operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael William Bridenbaugh, Craig Allan Lehocky, Jeffrey J. Baker, Jeffrey Kent Berry, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Patent number: 12018454Abstract: A work machine, an implement control console, a plurality of unique implement control pods, and a method of installing an implement control pod onto a work machine are disclosed. The work machine comprises a power unit, a locomotive device, an implement arm, a work tool, and an implement control console for controlling one or more functions of the work machine's components. The implement control console comprises a universal mounting bracket and an implement control pod, where the plurality of unique implement control pods may be installed, one at a time, to the universal mounting bracket. Advantageously, the plurality of unique implement control pods share a number of components, while the design of each implement control pod allows for concurrent one-handed operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Case, Mihai Lazaroiu, Rafael R. Dela Rosa, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Keegan Roach
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Patent number: 11949845Abstract: During operation of a machine, an understanding of terrain features is critical. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments augment a video stream, captured by a camera mounted on the machine, with terrain information. In particular, an overlay is generated on at least one image frame. The overlay, which may comprise one or more semi-transparent bands, may cyclically recede from a foreground to a background of the image frame(s), cyclically advance from a background to a foreground of the image frame(s), or cyclically move horizontally across the image frame(s). The overlay may be colorized to illustrate the height of the terrain underneath the overlay.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Craig Allan Lehocky, Michael William Bridenbaugh, Brad Robert Van de Veer, Jeffrey K. Berry, Jeffrey J. Baker
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Publication number: 20240073393Abstract: During operation of a machine, an understanding of terrain features is critical. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments augment a video stream, captured by a camera mounted on the machine, with terrain information. In particular, an overlay is generated on at least one image frame. The overlay, which may comprise one or more semi-transparent bands, may cyclically recede from a foreground to a background of the image frame(s), cyclically advance from a background to a foreground of the image frame(s), or cyclically move horizontally across the image frame(s). The overlay may be colorized to illustrate the height of the terrain underneath the overlay.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Craig Allan LEHOCKY, Michael William BRIDENBAUGH, Brad Robert VAN DE VEER, Jeffrey K. BERRY, Jeffrey J. BAKER
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Publication number: 20240060276Abstract: A controller may monitor a plurality of operations performed using one or more implements of the work machine. The controller may determine that the work machine is performing a particular operation based on monitoring the plurality of operations. The controller may obtain, based on information regarding the particular operation, camera view information, from a data structure, indicating that the particular operation is associated with a particular camera of a plurality of cameras of the work machine. Each camera, of the plurality of cameras, may capture a respective view of a plurality of views of the work machine. The controller may determine, based on the camera view information, that a bandwidth associated with a video stream, of a particular view of the work machine captured by the particular camera, is to be increased. The controller may increase the bandwidth associated with the video stream provided by the particular camera based on determining that the bandwidth is to be increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2022Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael William BRIDENBAUGH, Matthew Daniel FIKE, Micheal D. VALERIO, Brad Robert VAN DE VEER
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Patent number: 11898332Abstract: A controller may monitor a plurality of operations performed using one or more implements of the work machine. The controller may determine that the work machine is performing a particular operation based on monitoring the plurality of operations. The controller may obtain, based on information regarding the particular operation, camera view information, from a data structure, indicating that the particular operation is associated with a particular camera of a plurality of cameras of the work machine. Each camera, of the plurality of cameras, may capture a respective view of a plurality of views of the work machine. The controller may determine, based on the camera view information, that a bandwidth associated with a video stream, of a particular view of the work machine captured by the particular camera, is to be increased. The controller may increase the bandwidth associated with the video stream provided by the particular camera based on determining that the bandwidth is to be increased.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael William Bridenbaugh, Matthew Daniel Fike, Micheal D. Valerio, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20240028042Abstract: A device may determine, based on image data of an environment that includes a ground surface, depth information indicating distances from a vehicle to different areas of the ground surface. The device may generate, based on the depth information, an overlay to indicate a range of distances from the vehicle. The range of distances may be associated with an area. The device may provide, for display, a video feed including the image data with the overlay on the ground surface. The overlay may provide the perception of depth, with respect to the area, during an operation of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael William BRIDENBAUGH, Craig Allan LEHOCKY, Jeffrey J. BAKER, Jeffrey Kent BERRY, Brad Robert VAN DE VEER
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Patent number: 11860641Abstract: A device may determine, based on image data of an environment that includes a ground surface, depth information indicating distances from a vehicle to different areas of the ground surface. The device may generate, based on the depth information, an overlay to indicate a range of distances from the vehicle. The range of distances may be associated with an area. The device may provide, for display, a video feed including the image data with the overlay on the ground surface. The overlay may provide the perception of depth, with respect to the area, during an operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael William Bridenbaugh, Craig Allan Lehocky, Jeffrey J. Baker, Jeffrey Kent Berry, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20230061370Abstract: A method for assisting an operator in operating a machine. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a selection of a task of a plurality of tasks, each task associated with a corresponding movement pattern of the machine; sensing, by a sensor unit, at least one condition of at least one component of the machine associated with the selected task; and determining, by the controller, whether the condition is within a predetermined set of parameters associated with the selected task. In response to determining that the condition is not within the predetermined set of parameters, the method further includes generating, by the controller, an audible or a haptic signal associated with at least one of the condition or the at least one component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Adam Weber, David Charles Copley, Norval P Thomson, Michael Lynn Johnson, Eric W Cler, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20220236741Abstract: A device may determine, based on image data of an environment that includes a ground surface, depth information indicating distances from a vehicle to different areas of the ground surface. The device may generate, based on the depth information, an overlay to indicate a range of distances from the vehicle. The range of distances may be associated with an area. The device may provide, for display, a video feed including the image data with the overlay on the ground surface. The overlay may provide the perception of depth, with respect to the area, during an operation of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael William BRIDENBAUGH, Craig Allan LEHOCKY, Jeffrey J. BAKER, Jeffrey Kent BERRY, Brad Robert VAN DE VEER
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Publication number: 20220228345Abstract: A work machine, an implement control console, a plurality of unique implement control pods, and a method of installing an implement control pod onto a work machine are disclosed. The work machine comprises a power unit, a locomotive device, an implement arm, a work tool, and an implement control console for controlling one or more functions of the work machine's components. The implement control console comprises a universal mounting bracket and an implement control pod, where the plurality of unique implement control pods may be installed, one at a time, to the universal mounting bracket. Advantageously, the plurality of unique implement control pods share a number of components, while the design of each implement control pod allows for concurrent one-handed operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Case, Mihai Lazaroiu, Rafael R. Dela Rosa, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Keegan Roach
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Publication number: 20210325899Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to determine a discharge rate associated with discharging material from a hauling machine. In some examples, the system receives sensor data associated with a crushing machine configured to receive the material. Based on the sensor data, the system determines the discharge rate, to optimize the efficiency of the crushing machine. In some examples, the system determines the discharge rate based on input by an operator via a user interface. In some examples, the system determines an angular rate at which to raise a bed of the hauling machine to cause the material to be discharged at the discharge rate. Based on a determination to discharge material, the system causes the bed to be raised at the angular rate to discharge material. In some examples, the system may update the discharge rate based on additional sensor data and/or an additional operator input.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2020Publication date: October 21, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Franklin Grambihler, James Wilber Landes, Harry Paul Newton, Joseph E. Tabor, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Stefan Wulf
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Patent number: 11041285Abstract: An excavator machine includes an undercarriage assembly including a drive assembly, and a carriage assembly rotatably coupled to the undercarriage assembly and including an operator cab positioned at a front of the carriage assembly. The excavator machine also includes a boom assembly. The boom assembly is coupled to the carriage assembly via two branches, and the branches are coupled to the carriage assembly on opposing sides of the operator cab.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Terril James Johnson, David Eugene Cooper, Anthony Dean McNealy, Matthew Bunge, Andrew Sumners, Rustin Glenn Metzger, Corey Lee Gorman, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Patent number: 10793166Abstract: A method of providing object detection warning to an operator of a machine is provided. The machine includes object detection modules, a display unit and a controller communicably coupled to the object detection modules and the display unit. The method detects at least one object being located within a predefined distance range from the machine and determines a distance and position of the detected at least one object relative to the machine. The method further displays a threat warning widget on the display unit. The widget includes a plurality of threat level indicators, each of the threat level indicators being representative of a warning level as a function of distance and position of the object relative to the machine. Furthermore, the method activates at least one threat level indicator based on the determined distance and position of the detected at least one object relative to the machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sarah Elizabeth Schonert, Renita Ryan Metcalf, Darrell Richards, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Micheal David Valerio, Shailesh Babu Ramineni, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Qi Xing
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Publication number: 20200290637Abstract: A method of providing object detection warning to an operator of a machine is provided. The machine includes object detection modules, a display unit and a controller communicably coupled to the object detection modules and the display unit. The method detects at least one object being located within a predefined distance range from the machine and determines a distance and position of the detected at least one object relative to the machine. The method further displays a threat warning widget on the display unit. The widget includes a plurality of threat level indicators, each of the threat level indicators being representative of a warning level as a function of distance and position of the object relative to the machine. Furthermore, the method activates at least one threat level indicator based on the determined distance and position of the detected at least one object relative to the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sarah Elizabeth Schonert, Renita Ryan Metcalf, Darrell Richards, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Micheal David Valerio, Shailesh Babu Ramineni, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Qi Xing
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Patent number: 10633022Abstract: A track-type machine includes first and second ground-engaging track assemblies, each having a drive motor, and a propulsion system including an operator station with first and second joysticks, and a travel control system including input devices resident on the first and second joysticks. The input devices are adjustable to vary at least one of a speed or a direction of the drive motors in the track assemblies. Adjustment of the drive motor speed can be in proportion to an adjustment of the corresponding input device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar SARLInventors: Terril James Johnson, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Corey Lee Gorman
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Publication number: 20200102716Abstract: An excavator machine includes an undercarriage assembly including a drive assembly, and a carriage assembly rotatably coupled to the undercarriage assembly and including an operator cab positioned at a front of the carriage assembly. The excavator machine also includes a boom assembly. The boom assembly is coupled to the carriage assembly via two branches, and the branches are coupled to the carriage assembly on opposing sides of the operator cab.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Terril James Johnson, David Eugene Cooper, Anthony Dean McNealy, Matthew Bunge, Andrew Sumners, Rustin Glenn Metzger, Corey Lee Gorman, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Patent number: 10508409Abstract: An excavator machine includes an undercarriage assembly including a drive assembly, and a carriage assembly rotatably coupled to the undercarriage assembly and including an operator cab positioned at a front of the carriage assembly. The excavator machine also includes a boom assembly. The boom assembly is coupled to the carriage assembly via two branches, and the branches are coupled to the carriage assembly on opposing sides of the operator cab.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Terril James Johnson, David Eugene Cooper, Anthony Dean McNealy, Matthew Bunge, Andrew Sumners, Rustin Glenn Metzger, Corey Lee Gorman, Brad Robert Van De Veer
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Publication number: 20190359257Abstract: A track-type machine includes first and second ground-engaging track assemblies, each having a drive motor, and a propulsion system including an operator station with first and second joysticks, and a travel control system including input devices resident on the first and second joysticks. The input devices are adjustable to vary at least one of a speed or a direction of the drive motors in the track assemblies. Adjustment of the drive motor speed can be in proportion to an adjustment of the corresponding input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar SARLInventors: Terril James Johnson, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Corey Lee Gorman