Patents by Inventor Bradly G. Duffer

Bradly G. Duffer 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: 10323662
    Abstract: A system, a method, and an apparatus to retain an in-cylinder linear position sensor in a cavity of a housing of a hydraulic cylinder assembly are described. The in-cylinder linear position sensor includes a sensor body that houses circuitry of the in-cylinder linear position sensor, and a sensor cap that extends from an upper surface of the sensor body. The sensor cap has a retention mechanism with a portion that extends radially outward relative to a central vertical axis of the sensor body so as to extend into and engage a wall of an access port of the housing to hold the in-cylinder linear position sensor in the cavity of the housing. The portion of the retention mechanism is configured to move inward from an outer position toward the central vertical axis of the sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradly G. Duffer, Philip A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20180087548
    Abstract: A system, a method, and an apparatus to retain an in-cylinder linear position sensor in a cavity of a housing of a hydraulic cylinder assembly are described. The in-cylinder linear position sensor includes a sensor body that houses circuitry of the in-cylinder linear position sensor, and a sensor cap that extends from an upper surface of the sensor body. The sensor cap has a retention mechanism with a portion that extends radially outward relative to a central vertical axis of the sensor body so as to extend into and engage a wall of an access port of the housing to hold the in-cylinder linear position sensor in the cavity of the housing. The portion of the retention mechanism is configured to move inward from an outer position toward the central vertical axis of the sensor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradly G. DUFFER, Philip A. THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20020074419
    Abstract: A dual temperature valve positioned in a bypass passageway can move to an open position when two temperature conditions are met. When opened, the dual temperature valve can allow warm fluid from a first line to mix with cold fluid from a second line to heat the same. The valve is preferably utilized in an engine fuel system and positioned in a bypass passageway extending between a fuel supply line and a fuel return line. In this application, the dual temperature valve can prevent possible fuel transfer problems, such as cold start gaseous circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Bradly G. Duffer, Daniel L. Loer, Jeffrey J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6398119
    Abstract: A dual temperature valve positioned in a bypass passageway can move to an open position when two temperature conditions are met. When opened, the dual temperature valve can allow warm fluid from a first line to mix with cold fluid from a second line to heat the same. The valve is preferably utilized in an engine fuel system and positioned in a bypass passageway extending between a fuel supply line and a fuel return line. In this application, the dual temperature valve can prevent possible fuel transfer problems, such as cold start gaseous circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradly G. Duffer, Daniel L. Loer, Jeffrey J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5687687
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor system for a vehicle oil pan includes a fluid level sensor assembled to the oil pan which has a first LED/phototransistor sensor electrically arranged and responsive to a low oil level in the oil pan for generating a low level voltage signal. The fluid level sensor also includes a second LED/phototransistor sensor which is electrically arranged and responsive to a high oil level in the oil pan for generating a high level voltage signal. The low level voltage signal and the high level voltage signal from the fluid level sensor are electrically connected to an electronic control module (ECM) which receives and processes the two signals and activates a warning lamp with a flashing illumination to identify a low oil level condition and a constantly on illumination to identify a high oil level condition. The operation of the ECM is controlled by a flow logic algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie J. Trueblood, Mary L. Till, Lynn S. Zopff, Bradly G. Duffer