Patents by Inventor Brian G. Funke

Brian G. Funke 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: 20140214187
    Abstract: A method and system for displaying machine mode information to a remote operator of a plurality of machines includes collecting video data from each of the machines, collecting machine sensor information from each of the machines, collecting machine alert information with respect to each of the machines, and collecting machine operating mode data with respect to each of the machines. A machine display is then provided at a remote control center including one or more screen regions corresponding to the video of one or more machines. The machine display further includes a machine mode and alert indicator including machine areas associated with each of the machines, wherein each machine area including a graphical mode indicator denoting an operating mode of the associated machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Seth J. Redenbo, Brian G. Funke
  • Patent number: 8773286
    Abstract: A system having a controller is provided. The controller receives a signal indicative of an actual position and an actual orientation of a machine on a worksite, from a position detection module. The controller determines a first view of the machine on the worksite. The first view shows the actual position of the machine and a target position of the machine. The controller determines a second view of the machine on the worksite. The second view has a first and a second indicator. The first indicator is indicative of the actual position and the actual orientation of the machine. The second indicator is indicative of the target position and a target orientation of the machine. The controller displays any one of the first view and the second view based, at least in part, on the actual position of the machine relative to the target position on a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Friend, Qi Chen, Brian G. Funke
  • Publication number: 20140132422
    Abstract: Methods and systems for traffic management are disclosed. Location information and a vehicle identifier for a vehicle are received. A current status of the vehicle is determined Further, it is determined whether the vehicle is located within a defined distance from a lane intersection. A traffic indicator is generated when the vehicle is located within the pre-defined distance from the lane intersection. The traffic indicator is one of a Right of Way (ROW), Stop, Yield or Null. The generated traffic signal is transmitted back to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brad K. Borland, Brian G. Funke, Mathew Chacko
  • Patent number: 7899597
    Abstract: A work machine uses an operator presence detection strategy to enable or disable the work machine. A plurality of sensors provide independent indications of operator presence. These sensors may include a seat sensor, an inching pedal sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor. The work machine is enabled if at least one sensor indicates the presence of an operator; however, the work machine is disabled if none of the sensors indicate an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Vitale, Brian G. Funke
  • Patent number: 6253136
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a work implement in order to enable an earth moving machine to move to a service area after a failure within an implement control system occurs. The method includes the steps of detecting the failure of the implement control system, enabling a limp home mode in response to the failure, and controlling the implement into a limp home position through operator interaction using a display and either an associated keypad or a touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Stratton, Brian G. Funke, Steven R. Genseal, Steven R. Kruase, Richard J. Skiba