Patents by Inventor Brian C. Howson

Brian C. Howson 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: 20260155516
    Abstract: A battery module assembly may have a stair-step floor plate having a first shelf and a second shelf spaced apart from the first shelf along a first direction. The battery module assembly may have a rear plate extending in the first direction. Further, the battery module assembly may have a pair of side plates extending between a front end and a rear end of the floor plate, and connected to one or more of the floor plate and the rear plate. The battery module assembly may have a first battery array positioned on the first shelf and a second battery array positioned on the second shelf. At least one battery module of the first battery array and the second battery array may be attached to at least one of the pair of side plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: June 4, 2026
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Joseph S. CHABURA, Brian C. HOWSON, Phil L. ERNAT, Wayne E. HARSHBERGER, II
  • Publication number: 20260078561
    Abstract: A quick tool coupler system includes a tool coupler associated with a work machine and a coupler interface associated with a work tool. The coupler interface includes first and second coupler hooks to hook to a frame beam of the tool coupler and first and second wedge pockets that can receive hydraulically actuated movable wedges on the tool coupler. To determine if the work tool is attached correctly to the tool coupler, first and second pressure data sets are obtained from the first and second hydraulic actuators respectively and compared to a control model data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2024
    Publication date: March 19, 2026
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Rodgers, Brian C. Howson, Joseph Cai
  • Publication number: 20260062889
    Abstract: A machine can include one or more kinematic linkages having pivot joints that are pivotally articulated by associated hydraulic cylinders. To determine the total joint forces applied to the pivot joints, pressure data is obtained from the hydraulic cylinders and converted to cylinder forces. The cylinder forces are analyzed to determine the total joint forces, and the total joint forces are used to calculate wear severity with respect to the pivot joints. The wear severity can be compared to a lubrication trigger value to determine whether to lubricate the pivot joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2024
    Publication date: March 5, 2026
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Majewski, Brian C. Howson, Shaun D. Currier, Lei Wang, Chase E. Smith, Dragos Marinescu
  • Patent number: 12276081
    Abstract: A machine including a first kinematic joint, wherein the first kinematic joint is lubricated based on a first schedule and a second kinematic joint, wherein the second kinematic joint is lubricated based on a second schedule. The first schedule is different than the second schedule. A lubricant pump is configured to pump a lubricant and a distribution valve is in communication with the lubricant pump. The distribution valve has a first fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the first kinematic joint and a second fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the second kinematic joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dragos Marinescu, Brian C. Howson, Matthew J. Fritzke, Matthew T. Hansen
  • Patent number: 12163623
    Abstract: A mechanical machine can include one or more kinematic linkages having kinematic joints that movably couple first and second rigid links and can include an automatic lubrication system to lubricate the kinematic joints. In an aspect, the automatic lubrication system is configured to monitor operational aspects of the machine such as machine operational data and geometric position and to dynamically determine timing and/or quantity of lubricant to direct and introduce to the kinematic joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Howson, Mark J. Roeder, Cameron D. Jensen, Timothy A. Vik, Aaron R. Shatters
  • Patent number: 11932305
    Abstract: A steering bracket for a construction machine includes a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body length defined along a longitudinal axis of the body. The body includes an elongate member adapted to be coupled directly with a frame of the construction machine. The elongate member has a first length defined along the longitudinal axis and a first height defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The body also includes a short member adapted to be coupled directly with the frame of the construction machine. The short member is spaced apart from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The short member has a second length defined along the longitudinal axis. The second length is less than the first length. The body further includes a plate member coupled between the elongate member and the short member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra Vavilala, Brian C. Howson, William James Hurst
  • Publication number: 20230392348
    Abstract: A machine including a first kinematic joint, wherein the first kinematic joint is lubricated based on a first schedule and a second kinematic joint, wherein the second kinematic joint is lubricated based on a second schedule. The first schedule is different than the second schedule. A lubricant pump is configured to pump a lubricant and a distribution valve is in communication with the lubricant pump. The distribution valve has a first fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the first kinematic joint and a second fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the second kinematic joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dragos Marinescu, Brian C. Howson, Matthew J. Fritzke, Matthew T. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20230278628
    Abstract: A steering bracket for a construction machine includes a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body length defined along a longitudinal axis of the body. The body includes an elongate member adapted to be coupled directly with a frame of the construction machine. The elongate member has a first length defined along the longitudinal axis and a first height defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The body also includes a short member adapted to be coupled directly with the frame of the construction machine. The short member is spaced apart from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The short member has a second length defined along the longitudinal axis. The second length is less than the first length. The body further includes a plate member coupled between the elongate member and the short member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra Vavilala, Brian C. Howson, William James Hurst
  • Publication number: 20230243466
    Abstract: A mechanical machine can include one or more kinematic linkages having kinematic joints that movably couple first and second rigid links and can include an automatic lubrication system to lubricate the kinematic joints. In an aspect, the automatic lubrication system is configured to monitor operational aspects of the machine such as machine operational data and geometric position and to dynamically determine timing and/or quantity of lubricant to direct and introduce to the kinematic joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Howson, Mark J. Roeder, Cameron D. Jensen, Timothy A. Vik, Aaron R. Shatters
  • Patent number: 11607910
    Abstract: An axle oscillation stop for a construction machine includes a body portion defining a first aperture. The axle oscillation stop also includes a first plate that defines a first through-aperture. The axle oscillation stop further includes a second plate that defines a second through-aperture. The axle oscillation stop includes a dowel pin adapted to removably couple the body portion with a frame of the construction machine. The dowel pin is at least partially receivable within the first aperture. The axle oscillation stop also includes a first fastening device adapted to removably couple the first plate with the frame. The first fastening device is at least partially receivable within the first through-aperture. The axle oscillation stop further includes a second fastening device adapted to removably couple the second plate with the frame. The second fastening device is at least partially receivable within the second through-aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra Vavilala, Brian C. Howson, William James Hurst
  • Publication number: 20160237644
    Abstract: A mounting assembly of a machine is disclosed. The mounting assembly including a bracket having a first portion adapted to mount an engine. The first portion having a first surface having an annular opening. A second portion is adapted for lifting operations. The second portion having a first end connected to the first portion, and a second end having an annular opening. The second portion is adapted to attach to a frame assembly of the machine. The bracket is manufactured as a single component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Benson, William J. Hurst, Matthew T. Hansen, Jiping Jiang, Michael A. Brewer, Rajendra P. Vavilala, Amory R. Diccion, Brian C. Howson, Jose M. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8596666
    Abstract: A ground engaging machine includes a first and a second frame unit, and an articulation hitch coupling together the first and second frame units. The articulation hitch includes a pin, a first and a second bearing positioned about the pin, and abutting a first and a second axial side of an annular protrusion of a hitch plate in one of the first and second frame units. A clamping mechanism of the articulation hitch clamps the first and second bearings between first and second clamping components, such that they are preloaded against the annular protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Hansen, Brian C. Howson, Christopher Carpenter, David R. Shields
  • Publication number: 20130313806
    Abstract: A ground engaging machine includes a first and a second frame unit, and an articulation hitch coupling together the first and second frame units. The articulation hitch includes a pin, a first and a second bearing positioned about the pin, and abutting a first and a second axial side of an annular protrusion of a hitch plate in one of the first and second frame units. A clamping mechanism of the articulation hitch clamps the first and second bearings between first and second clamping components, such that they are preloaded against the annular protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Hansen, Brian C. Howson, Christopher Carpenter, David R. Shields