Patents by Inventor Christopher P. Braet

Christopher P. Braet 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: 9676280
    Abstract: A system for managing braking torque in a machine uses a first braking system, a second braking system that is independent of the first braking system and a controller that monitors activity in both braking systems. The controller selectively reduces torque in the first braking system as torque in the second braking system increases to limit undesired effects of possible over-braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ruth, Christopher P. Braet, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Jonathan M. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20160362006
    Abstract: A system for managing braking torque in a machine uses a first braking system, a second braking system that is independent of the first braking system and a controller that monitors activity in both braking systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Eric Ruth, Christopher P. Braet, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Jonathan M. Baumann
  • Patent number: 9410598
    Abstract: A final drive assembly for a machine includes an input shaft drivably coupled to a prime mover. The input shaft is coupled to and drives a first stage gear assembly. The first stage gear assembly further drives a second stage gear assembly. The first and second stage gear assemblies drive a ring gear which is coupled to a wheel of the machine. The first and second stage gear assemblies are disposed between a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. A spring member preloads the first bearing assembly to limit an axial movement of the first and second stage gear assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Kabrick, Christopher P. Braet, Trent Thum, Brandon Mann, Vanyo N. Kirov, Timothy S. Stoakes, Brian C. Boguski, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz
  • Patent number: 9181682
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a movable element in accordance with a speed command. The movable element, which may be an excavator swing platform, is moved via an actuator that is driven in accordance with a torque command. The speed of the movable element is sensed, and a torque command is generated via PID control based on the speed command and the sensed speed. The PID control uses a set of gains including a P-gain, an I-gain, and a D-gain. At least one of these gains is set based on a counter, and the counter is set, cleared, incremented, or decremented based on one or more of the speed command, the torque command and the sensed speed. In this way, the movable element responds aggressively to operator input, but stability is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Brian D. Kuras, Adam M. Nackers, Christopher P. Braet
  • Publication number: 20150252875
    Abstract: A final drive assembly for a machine includes an input shaft drivably coupled to a prime mover. The input shaft is coupled to and drives a first stage gear assembly. The first stage gear assembly further drives a second stage gear assembly. The first and second stage gear assemblies drive a ring gear which is coupled to a wheel of the machine. The first and second stage gear assemblies are disposed between a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. A spring member preloads the first bearing assembly to limit an axial movement of the first and second stage gear assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Kabrick, Christopher P. Braet, Trent Thum, Brandon Mann, Vanyo N. Kirov, Timothy S. Stoakes, Brian C. Boguski, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz
  • Publication number: 20140316664
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a movable element in accordance with a speed command. The movable element, which may be an excavator swing platform, is moved via an actuator that is driven in accordance with a torque command. The speed of the movable element is sensed, and a torque command is generated via PID control based on the speed command and the sensed speed. The PID control uses a set of gains including a P-gain, an I-gain, and a D-gain. At least one of these gains is set based on a counter, and the counter is set, cleared, incremented, or decremented based on one or more of the speed command, the torque command and the sensed speed. In this way, the movable element responds aggressively to operator input, but stability is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Brian D. Kuras, Adam M. Nackers, Christopher P. Braet
  • Patent number: 8366578
    Abstract: A gear train assembly includes a first reduction planetary gear set having a rotating carrier and a second reduction planetary gear set having a non-rotating carrier. A plurality of vanes are attached to the carrier to direct oil from an oil bath towards the non-rotating carrier as the rotating carrier rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Zeirke, Keith A. Kabrick, Christopher P. Braet, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Rick T. Lasko
  • Publication number: 20120283919
    Abstract: A swing drive system for an upper structure of a machine includes an electric motor that receives electrical power and a torque command signal. A sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of a swing speed. An electronic controller provides the torque command signal to the electric motor in response to the command signal by receiving the command and sensor signals, providing the torque command signal to maintain a swing motion of the upper structure during a normal operating state, and providing the torque command signal based on the sensor signal to brake the swing motion at a substantially constant rate when the command signal is indicative of a zero desired swing speed during a braking operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Christopher P. Braet
  • Patent number: 8128524
    Abstract: A gear train assembly includes a planetary gear set partially submerged in an oil bath and having a plurality of planetary gears mounted on a rotatable carrier. A plurality of sheaths having a hydrodynamic profile are mounted on the carrier to reduce the churning and turbulence created by the planetary gears as they enter the oil bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Christopher P. Braet, Keith A. Kabrick, John D. Zeirke
  • Publication number: 20100113205
    Abstract: A gear train assembly includes a planetary gear set partially submerged in an oil bath and having a plurality of planetary gears mounted on a rotatable carrier. A plurality of sheaths having a hydrodynamic profile are mounted on the carrier to reduce the churning and turbulence created by the planetary gears as they enter the oil bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Christopher P. Braet, Keith A. Kabrick, John D. Zeirke
  • Publication number: 20100113204
    Abstract: A gear train assembly includes a first reduction planetary gear set having a rotating carrier and a second reduction planetary gear set having a non-rotating carrier. A plurality of vanes are attached to the carrier to direct oil from an oil bath towards the non-rotating carrier as the rotating carrier rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: John D. Zeirke, Keith A. Kabrick, Christopher P. Braet, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Rick T. Lasko