Patents by Inventor Bradley Krone

Bradley Krone 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).

  • Publication number: 20230358016
    Abstract: A controller includes one or more memories and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive an input image. The input image contains a first pictorial view that includes a work implement of a work machine. The one or more processors are also configured to generate an output image containing a second pictorial view and an indication element superimposed on the second pictorial view. The second pictorial view is at least in part derived from the first pictorial view and includes the work implement. The indication element includes at least one reference line. An alignment of one or more portions of the work implement with the at least one reference line indicates that the one or more portions of the work implement are positioned at a desired height from a ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Krone
  • Publication number: 20200392696
    Abstract: A method for operating an implement of a work machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting a progression of an input device between a first position and a second position based on a first parameter and a second parameter; determining a plurality of segments of the progression; estimating a value of the second parameter of at least one first segment and at least one second segment; issuing a baseline signal to generate command to initiate manipulation of the implement if the value of the second parameter of the first segment complies with corresponding second parameter threshold condition; issuing a secondary signal to continue manipulation of the implement if the value of the second parameter of the second segment complies with corresponding second parameter threshold condition; and terminating the command if the value of the second parameter of at least one second segment violates the corresponding second parameter threshold condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tianjiao Zuo, Joseph Faivre, Bradley Krone, Steven Robert Krause
  • Patent number: 10669697
    Abstract: A machine having a ground-engaging work tool is disclosed includes a traction device configured to move the machine on a ground surface, a control system configured to determine a slip experienced by the machine as the machine moves on the ground surface, and a display device. The display device may be configured to pictorially display (a) the determined slip, and (b) one or more target ranges of slip, wherein the machine efficiency when slip has a value within a target range may be higher compared to the efficiency when slip is outside the target range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Miller, Joseph Faivre, Bradley Krone, Tony Metzger, Steve Ott
  • Publication number: 20190301143
    Abstract: A machine having a ground-engaging work tool is disclosed includes a traction device configured to move the machine on a ground surface, a control system configured to determine a slip experienced by the machine as the machine moves on the ground surface, and a display device. The display device may be configured to pictorially display (a) the determined slip, and (b) one or more target ranges of slip, wherein the machine efficiency when slip has a value within a target range may be higher compared to the efficiency when slip is outside the target range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Miller, Joseph Faivre, Bradley Krone, Tony Metzger, Steve Ott
  • Patent number: 9896820
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
  • Publication number: 20170204588
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a ripping operation is disclosed. The method includes lowering a ripper of a machine to a depth under a work surface. The method determines when a drawbar pull of the machine is at a drawbar pull target for the machine. When the drawbar pull is greater than the drawbar pull target, reducing power source torque of the machine from a first power source torque to a second power source torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Bradley Krone, Steven R. Krause
  • Publication number: 20160305087
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
  • Patent number: 9404237
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
  • Publication number: 20150361640
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone