Patents by Inventor Brian D. Kuras
Brian D. Kuras 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: 8000863Abstract: A variator torque control system adjusts a variator output so that the actual output torque of the variator closely matches an expected output torque. In an example, pressure values of an existing torque control map are supplemented in real time with calculated pressure supplement values based on the current operation of the variator. The pressure supplement value for each mapped pressure value may be derived based on a prior application of the same or another map value.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Frank A DeMarco, Brian D Kuras
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Patent number: 7920949Abstract: A variator torque control system and method utilize a hydraulic actuator to control the variator output via a torque control map, wherein the values of the torque control map are evaluated and modified during use of the map to improve map accuracy. In an example, errors in the map are evaluated to determine whether a system fault has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D Kuras, Frank A DeMarco, Adam J Vaccari, Tyler Bowan
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Patent number: 7854681Abstract: A system for controlling a machine with a continuously variable transmission includes a first control device configured to produce a first signal based on a first operator input and a second control device configured to produce a second signal based on a second operator input. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the first and second signals from the first and second control devices and generate a raw torque value based on the first and second signals. The control system is also configured to determine an output torque value based on the raw torque value and transmit the output torque value to the transmission to control the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Thomas M. Sopko, Brian D. Kuras, Michael J. Barngrover
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Patent number: 7822532Abstract: A method of adjusting the operation of an engine-driven machine to avoid engine under-speeding entails converting a received speed or torque command into a power command. When an engine under-speed condition is sensed, the system performs underspeed correction in the power domain before converting the underspeed processed power command back into the units of the original domain. The converted underspeed processed power command is issued to the transmission or other component to alleviate the engine under-speeding condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Brian D. Hoff, Frank A. DeMarco, Thomas M. Sopko, Michael Barngrover, Brian D. Kuras
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Patent number: 7797081Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variator operate to detect variator torques and/or internal pressures and generates a preliminary corrective command. The preliminary corrective command is transformed via a dynamic transform to account for system characteristics during transient operating conditions such as machine acceleration, such that the acceleration of the system during transient periods is not torque-limited by static torque-control map values. In an embodiment, the acceleration may be positive or negative, and in a further embodiment, braking is automatically applied in the case of negative requested power or desired machine retarding.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Frank A DeMarco, Hongliu Du, Brian D Kuras, Thomas M Sopko
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Publication number: 20100095665Abstract: A system and method for variator control employs positively directed electronic make-up and flushing relief valves for more precise torque control of a hydraulic variator, especially during torque reversal, as well as improved cold weather operation. This can improve machine response during periods of severe torque change. The ability to more tightly control variator torque allows more precise torque management algorithms for power control and engine matching purposes. Moreover, the ability to positively control venting of the hydraulic circuit for purposes of fluid cooling allows for more consistent machine response regardless of ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Michael G. Cronin, Frank Anthony DeMarco, Tyler Bowman
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Patent number: 7660657Abstract: A system and method for largely controlling transmission gear ratio oscillation is disclosed. When shifts are executed substantially at synchronous points rendering hysteretic anti-hunting schemes impractical, the disclosed techniques in any combination thereof may allow for oscillation control via an overridable lock-out timer. For oscillation control during incline navigation and other similar loading scenarios, the transmission may be selectively locked if certain operational criteria are met.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Frank A DeMarco, Brian D Kuras, Alberto Martinez, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090298635Abstract: A hydraulic motor system for improved frequency response includes a hydraulic variator having a pump and a motor, wherein the pump includes a variable angle swash plate, and the system further includes an electric actuator for controlling an angle or torque of the swash plate, thereby controlling the motor output characteristics. The electric actuator for controlling the variable angle swash plate may comprise a linear electric motor, ball screw drive or a rotary electric motor. In an example, the rotary electric motor tilts the swash plate by applying a torque to the swash plate at a point away from its tilt axis. In a further example, the rotary electric motor tilts the swash plate via a worm drive or ball screw drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Michael G. Cronin, Frank A. DeMarco, Mustafa Guven, Michael J. Barngrover
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Publication number: 20090199814Abstract: A method of adjusting the operation of an engine-driven machine to avoid engine under-speeding entails converting a received speed or torque command into a power command. When an engine under-speed condition is sensed, the system performs underspeed correction in the power domain before converting the underspeed processed power command back into the units of the original domain. The converted underspeed processed power command is issued to the transmission or other component to alleviate the engine under-speeding condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Frank A. DeMarco, Thomas M. Sopko, Michael Barngrover, Brian D. Kuras
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Patent number: 7552712Abstract: A system and method for optimizing machine performance using speed shaping in a machine having an engine and a drivetrain implementing engine underspeed module receives a throttle command requesting an increase in engine speed and transmits the throttle command to the engine. If the requested increase exceeds a predetermined function, the predetermined function is forwarded to the engine underspeed module as a speed standard. The engine underspeed module determines whether the actual engine speed attained by the engine is less than the speed standard by more than a predetermined gap value and, if so, reduces the power required by the drivetrain to avoid lugging of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Barngrover, Thomas M. Sopko, Brian D. Kuras, Brian D. Hoff
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Publication number: 20090156360Abstract: A system and method for optimizing machine performance using speed shaping in a machine having an engine and a drivetrain implementing engine underspeed module receives a throttle command requesting an increase in engine speed and transmits the throttle command to the engine. If the requested increase exceeds a predetermined function, the predetermined function is forwarded to the engine underspeed module as a speed standard. The engine underspeed module determines whether the actual engine speed attained by the engine is less than the speed standard by more than a predetermined gap value and, if so, reduces the power required by the drivetrain to avoid lugging of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Michael Barngrover, Thomas M. Sopko, Brian D. Kuras, Brian D. Hoff
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Patent number: 7493205Abstract: A method is provided for controlling braking in a vehicle having a motor and a brake. The method includes sensing an actual operating parameter of the motor and receiving a desired operating parameter of the motor. The motor is controlled based on the actual operating parameter and the desired operating parameter of the motor. The brake is controlled based on the actual operating parameter and the desired operating parameter of the motor and an output from the motor control.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Hongliu Du, Saurabh Pandey, Thomas M. Sopko, Eric D. Stemler, Michael J. Barngrover, Brian D. Kuras
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Publication number: 20090005914Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variator operate to detect variator torques and/or internal pressures and generates a preliminary corrective command. The preliminary corrective command is transformed via a dynamic transform to account for system characteristics during transient operating conditions such as machine acceleration, such that the acceleration of the system during transient periods is not torque-limited by static torque-control map values. In an embodiment, the acceleration may be positive or negative, and in a further embodiment, braking is automatically applied in the case of negative requested power or desired machine retarding.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: FRANK A. DEMARCO, Hongliu Du, Brian D. Kuras, Thomas M. Sopko
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Publication number: 20090005941Abstract: A system and method for largely controlling transmission gear ratio oscillation is disclosed. When shifts are executed substantially at synchronous points rendering hysteretic anti-hunting schemes impractical, the disclosed techniques in any combination thereof may allow for oscillation control via an overridable lock-out timer. For oscillation control during incline navigation and other similar loading scenarios, the transmission may be selectively locked if certain operational criteria are met.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Frank A. DeMarco, Brian D. Kuras, Alberto Martinez, JR.
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Publication number: 20080300103Abstract: A variator torque control system adjusts a variator output so that the actual output torque of the variator closely matches an expected output torque. In an example, pressure values of an existing torque control map are supplemented in real time with calculated pressure supplement values based on the current operation of the variator. The pressure supplement value for each mapped pressure value may be derived based on a prior application of the same or another map value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Frank A. DeMarco, Brian D. Kuras
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Publication number: 20080294318Abstract: A variator torque control system and method utilize a hydraulic actuator to control the variator output via a torque control map, wherein the values of the torque control map are evaluated and modified during use of the map to improve map accuracy. In an example, errors in the map are evaluated to determine whether a system fault has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: BRIAN D. KURAS, FRANK A. DeMARCO, ADAM J. VACCARI, TYLER BOWMAN
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Publication number: 20080269011Abstract: A system for controlling a machine with a continuously variable transmission includes a first control device configured to produce a first signal based on a first operator input and a second control device configured to produce a second signal based on a second operator input. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the first and second signals from the first and second control devices and generate a raw torque value based on the first and second signals. The control system is also configured to determine an output torque value based on the raw torque value and transmit the output torque value to the transmission to control the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Thomas M. Sopko, Brian D. Kuras, Michael J. Barngrover
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Patent number: 7378808Abstract: An electric drive system has a power source and a generator operatively connected to the power source. The generator is configured to produce a power output. The electric drive system also has at least one capacitor configured to store a supply of power. The electric drive system further has a common bus configured to direct the power output to the capacitor. The electric drive system also has at least one motor configured to receive power from the common bus. The electric drive system additionally has a controller in communication with the at least one motor and the generator. The controller is configured to receive at least one input associated with the motor, to determine a requested motor power as a function of the at least one input, and to operate the generator to produce the requested motor power.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Thomas M. Sopko
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Publication number: 20080039262Abstract: A drivetrain for use in a mobile vehicle is disclosed. The drivetrain may have a combustion engine with a mechanical output, a ground engaging traction device, and a primary transmission unit. The primary transmission unit may be connected to transmit power from the mechanical output to the ground engaging traction device. The drive train may also have a hydraulic power assist unit operatively connected to the mechanical power output to selectively drive the combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Michael G. Cronin, Brian D. Kuras
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Publication number: 20070284170Abstract: A method of dissipating power in a propelled machine having a hydromechanical transmission includes converting undesired power to retarding power, and driving an engine with at least a portion of the retarding power prior to substantially dissipating power with any other power-dissipating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Thomas M. Sopko, Frank A. DeMarco, Michael G. Cronin