Patents by Inventor Conrad Gene Grembowicz

Conrad Gene Grembowicz 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: 20120101863
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using information related to the service history of a power-train component. The method may include using a machine-management system with at least one information processor to acquire information related to loads experienced by the power-train component during a first period, the first period occurring before a disassembly procedure involving disassembly of the power-train component from a power train. The method may also include employing the machine-management system and the acquired information related to loads experienced by the power-train component during the first period to perform one or more tasks in connection with use of the power-train component after the disassembly procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Byron Edwin Truax, Rick Thomas Lasko, Jason Edward Carter, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Thomas Neil Brooks, JR., Christopher John Beckman, Christopher Michael Sprock, Lonny Eric Johnson
  • Patent number: 8073653
    Abstract: A life indicator for a component of a machine is disclosed. The life indicator includes at least one sensor operably associated with the machine and configured to sense a property associated with the machine. The sensor is configured to output the sensed property as a data signal. The life indicator also includes a memory element having a first data structure that determines a damage factor for the component of the machine based at least in part on the data signal received from the at least one sensor. A processor executes the first data structure to determine the damage factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Suzuki, David Randal Hinton, Julie A. Gannon, Conrad Gene Grembowicz
  • Patent number: 7970523
    Abstract: A torque estimator is disclosed for estimating torque on a machine. A computer system may include a torque estimator module located on the machine. The torque estimator module may be configured to receive a plurality of engine parameters, receive a drivetrain component parameter, determine an estimated torque value at the drivetrain component based on the plurality of engine parameters and the drivetrain component parameter. The computer system also may include an analysis module located on the machine. The analysis module may be configured to receive the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter, and update a histogram data structure based on the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter. The analysis module may also be configured to evaluate the histogram data structure in order to determine if excessive torque is being applied to a drivetrain component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Wallis, Paul Alan Ring, Giles Kent Sorrells, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Jason Edward Carter
  • Publication number: 20090216410
    Abstract: A management system is provided having a data storage device configured to receive and store data from a loading machine and at least one of a plurality of transport machines. The data stored in the machines is indicative of at least one of a position and status of the loading machine and at least one of the plurality of transport machines. The management system also has a destination generator configured to estimate a location of an event and select and direct one of the plurality of transport machines to the estimated location. The estimated location is based on data received from the loading machine and data stored in the data storage device. The received and stored data are indicative of at least one of a current position and status of the loading machine and at least one of a previous position and status of the loading machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: William Edward Allen, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Roger Dale Koch, Bryan James Everett
  • Publication number: 20040122618
    Abstract: A life indicator for a component of a machine is disclosed. The life indicator includes at least one sensor operably associated with the machine and configured to sense a property associated with the machine. The sensor is configured to output the sensed property as a data signal. The life indicator also includes a memory element having a first data structure that determines a damage factor for the component of the machine based at least in part on the data signal received from the at least one sensor. A processor executes the first data structure to determine the damage factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Jin Suzuki, David Randal Hinton, Julie A. Gannon, Conrad Gene Grembowicz