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).
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Patent number: 9676280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric Ruth, Christopher P. Braet, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Jonathan M. Baumann
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Publication number: 20160362006Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2015Publication date: December 15, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Eric Ruth, Christopher P. Braet, Alexander C. Crosman, III, Jonathan M. Baumann
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Patent number: 9410598Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9181682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Brian D. Kuras, Adam M. Nackers, Christopher P. Braet
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Publication number: 20150252875Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20140316664Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Brian D. Kuras, Adam M. Nackers, Christopher P. Braet
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Patent number: 8366578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: John D. Zeirke, Keith A. Kabrick, Christopher P. Braet, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Rick T. Lasko
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Publication number: 20120283919Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Christopher P. Braet
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Patent number: 8128524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Christopher P. Braet, Keith A. Kabrick, John D. Zeirke
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Publication number: 20100113205Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Christopher P. Braet, Keith A. Kabrick, John D. Zeirke
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Publication number: 20100113204Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: John D. Zeirke, Keith A. Kabrick, Christopher P. Braet, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Rick T. Lasko