Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Demick

Christopher J. Demick 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: 10683712
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a cable of an implement system. The implement system includes a drilling device, a tensioning device and the cable, the cable coupled to the drilling device and the tensioning device in a taut configuration to define a first length. The method includes determining, by a controller, an increment in the first length of the cable. The method further includes comparing, by the controller, the increment in the first length with a threshold value; and generating, by the controller, a warning signal if magnitude of the increment is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Demick, Rex Glover
  • Patent number: 10392878
    Abstract: A control system for actuating a drill pipe rack is provided. The drill pipe rack moves between a first position and a second position. The control system includes a first actuator to actuate a top end of the drill pipe rack and a second actuator to actuate a bottom end of the drill pipe rack. The control system includes a pump to supply pressurized fluid to the first actuator and the second actuator. The control system further includes at least one volumetric flow divider in fluid communication with the pump. The volumetric flow divider is configured to supply equal volumetric quantity of the pressurized fluid to the first actuator and the second actuator, and subsequently move the drill pipe rack between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Charles Taylor Hudson, Christopher J Demick, Yuvaraj Shanmugam
  • Publication number: 20190218902
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a cable of an implement system. The implement system includes a drilling device, a tensioning device and the cable, the cable coupled to the drilling device and the tensioning device in a taut configuration to define a first length. The method includes determining, by a controller, an increment in the first length of the cable. The method further includes comparing, by the controller, the increment in the first length with a threshold value; and generating, by the controller, a warning signal if magnitude of the increment is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Demick, Rex Glover
  • Patent number: 10323458
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit may be used for controlling a plurality of hydraulic implements. The hydraulic circuit may include a first directional valve, a second directional valve, and a relief valve. A variable displacement pump may be fluidly coupled to the first directional valve, the second directional valve, and the relief valve. The hydraulic circuit may be communicably and operably coupled to a controller, and the controller may be programmed to selectably control the hydraulic circuit between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. Additionally, the controller may be programmed to actuate the first directional valve between an open position and a closed position and to actuate the second directional valve between a first open position, a second open position, a first closed position and a second closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Chiaramonte, Christopher J. Demick
  • Publication number: 20190010769
    Abstract: A control system for actuating a drill pipe rack is provided. The drill pipe rack moves between a first position and a second position. The control system includes a first actuator to actuate a top end of the drill pipe rack and a second actuator to actuate a bottom end of the drill pipe rack. The control system includes a pump to supply pressurized fluid to the first actuator and the second actuator. The control system further includes at least one volumetric flow divider in fluid communication with the pump. The volumetric flow divider is configured to supply equal volumetric quantity of the pressurized fluid to the first actuator and the second actuator, and subsequently move the drill pipe rack between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Charles Taylor Hudson, Christopher J. Demick, Yuvaraj Shanmugam
  • Publication number: 20180112467
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit may be used for controlling a plurality of hydraulic implements. The hydraulic circuit may include a first directional valve, a second directional valve, and a relief valve. A variable displacement pump may be fluidly coupled to the first directional valve, the second directional valve, and the relief valve. The hydraulic circuit may be communicably and operably coupled to a controller, and the controller may be programmed to selectably control the hydraulic circuit between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. Additionally, the controller may be programmed to actuate the first directional valve between an open position and a closed position and to actuate the second directional valve between a first open position, a second open position, a first closed position and a second closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Chiaramonte, Christopher J. Demick
  • Patent number: 9096230
    Abstract: A drive system for a machine is disclosed. The drive system may have an engine, a pump driven by the engine to pressurize fluid, a motor connected to the pump via an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and a traction device driven by the motor. The drive system may also have an operator input device movable from a neutral position through a range to a maximum displaced position to affect a speed of the engine, and a controller in communication with the input device and at least one of the pump and motor. The controller may be configured to gradually adjust a displacement of the at least one of the pump and motor to slow the traction device over a period of time after the operator input device is returned to the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Paul A. Dvorak, Mark L. Norton, Jon M. Scharf, Christopher J. Demick, Christopher M. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8833069
    Abstract: A closed hydrostatic circuit with variable charge and variable flushing systems is disclosed. A variable displacement charge pump is configured to supply charge fluid and pilot control fluid to the hydrostatic circuit. An electronically controlled pressure regulating valve is in communication with an output of the charge pump and is linked to a controller. When the hydrostatic control system detects a high hydraulic temperature condition, the electronically controlled pressure regulating valve, that is in communication with an output of the charge pump and that is linked to a controller, increases the charge pump flow. A bidirectional variable displacement hydrostatic motor is connected in parallel to two input/output lines. A flush valve is in communication with the hydrostatic motor and both input/output lines. The flush valve and hydrostatic motor are both in communication with the flush orifice and a flush relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Demick, Paul A. Dvorak, William Christopher Swick, Vincent Guyard, Christopher Mark Elliott, Christopher Pruess
  • Patent number: 8790209
    Abstract: A final drive for a vehicle is disclosed. The final drive includes a motor assembly, a planetary gear train and a drive sprocket. The motor assembly includes a hydraulic motor, an output shaft, a housing, a thrust bearing, a brake and first, second and third chambers. The housing includes a supply port, a first passageway, a second passageway and a drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Demick, Nathan S. Enderle, Paul A. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20140141917
    Abstract: A final drive for a vehicle is disclosed. The final drive includes a motor assembly, a planetary gear train and a drive sprocket. The motor assembly includes a hydraulic motor, an output shaft, a housing, a thrust bearing, a brake and first, second and third chambers. The housing includes a supply port, a first passageway, a second passageway and a drain port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Demick, Nathan S. Enderle, Paul A. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20130104532
    Abstract: A drive system for a machine is disclosed. The drive system may have an engine, a pump driven by the engine to pressurize fluid, a motor connected to the pump via an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and a traction device driven by the motor. The drive system may also have an operator input device movable from a neutral position through a range to a maximum displaced position to affect a speed of the engine, and a controller in communication with the input device and at least one of the pump and motor. The controller may be configured to gradually adjust a displacement of the at least one of the pump and motor to slow the traction device over a period of time after the operator input device is returned to the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Michael W. RIES, Paul A. Dvorak, Mark L. Norton, Jon M. Scharf, Christopher J. Demick, Christopher M. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20120317964
    Abstract: A closed hydrostatic circuit with variable charge and variable flushing systems is disclosed. A variable displacement charge pump is configured to supply charge fluid and pilot control fluid to the hydrostatic circuit. An electronically controlled pressure regulating valve is in communication with an output of the charge pump and is linked to a controller. When the hydrostatic control system detects a high hydraulic temperature condition, the electronically controlled pressure regulating valve, that is in communication with an output of the charge pump and that is linked to a controller, increases the charge pump flow. A bidirectional variable displacement hydrostatic motor is connected in parallel to two input/output lines. A flush valve is in communication with the hydrostatic motor and both input/output lines. The flush valve and hydrostatic motor are both in communication with the flush orifice and a flush relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Demick, Paul A. Dvorak, William Christopher Swick, Vincent Guyard, Christopher Mark Elliott, Christopher Pruess