Patents by Inventor Craig Berard

Craig Berard 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: 20230250609
    Abstract: A system for reducing loader arm movement during operation of a work vehicle includes a sensor configured to capture data indicative of an angle of a loader arm of the vehicle relative to the vehicle chassis. A controller of the disclosed system is configured to control the operation of a valve of the vehicle such that fluid from a pump of the vehicle is supplied to first and second chambers of a fluid-driven actuator of the vehicle to initiate a ride control mode. Moreover, the controller is configured to monitor the angle of the loader arm relative to the chassis based on the data captured by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Alessandro Benevelli, Craig Berard, Andrea Vacca, Riccardo Madau
  • Patent number: 9115736
    Abstract: A fluid heating system for a work vehicle includes a pressurized fluid circuit having a pump for providing pressurized fluid to the fluid circuit. A control module for controlling a first control device is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit, the first control device operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the first control device permits a load sense pressure to be applied through the first control device, thereby preventing pressurized fluid from the pump flowing to a pressure return tank for heating the pressurized fluid. The second position of the first control device prevents the load sense pressure from being applied through the first control device, thereby permitting pressurized fluid from the pump flowing to a pressure return tank and resulting in heating of pressurized fluid of the fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Dean, Craig Berard
  • Patent number: 7156190
    Abstract: An impact tool has a slidable hammer that is driven by hydraulic oil under pressure inside a chamber. The hydraulic oil is pressurized by a piston driven by compressed gas on the opposite side of the piston from the hydraulic oil. The gas in the gas chamber is compressed by the piston on an initial stroke, and has a large annular chamber holding the gas so that higher average gas pressure can be attained during the power stroke. As the piston is moved to compress the gas, the piston lifts a valve that opens a passage for the hydraulic oil moved by the piston to act on a hammer to impact a breaking tool. The piston is a two part piston that serves to lower the inertia during the final closing of the valve, and thereby reduces impact loads on the valve as it is closed. The valve also is controlled as to its stroke for efficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Jack B. Ottestad, Craig A. Berard
  • Publication number: 20050145400
    Abstract: An impact tool has a slidable hammer that is driven by hydraulic oil under pressure inside a chamber. The hydraulic oil is pressurized by a piston driven by compressed gas on the opposite side of the piston from the hydraulic oil. The gas in the gas chamber is compressed by the piston on an initial stroke, and has a large annular chamber holding the gas so that higher average gas pressure can be attained during the power stroke. As the piston is moved to compress the gas, the piston lifts a valve that opens a passage for the hydraulic oil moved by the piston to act on a hammer to impact a breaking tool. The piston is a two part piston that serves to lower the inertia during the final closing of the valve, and thereby reduces impact loads on the valve as it is closed. The valve also is controlled as to its stroke for efficient operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Jack Ottestad, Craig Berard
  • Patent number: 6539650
    Abstract: A swivel connection for quick attachment bracket equipped excavator booms. The swivel connection has a frame that mounts onto a quick attachment bracket on an excavator or backhoe boom, and the frame pivotally mounts a second attachment bracket about a swivel axis. The second attachment bracket is adapted to fit into a frame on an implement that also is connectable to the bracket on the boom. An implement attached to the second bracket this can be pivoted relative to the frame of the swivel connection. A linear hydraulic actuator is used for controlling the pivoting movement of the second bracket relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 6499934
    Abstract: A mounting plate that is attachable to an attachment plate of a skid steer loader supports a quick attachment bracket on a forward side thereof. The quick attachment bracket has one part forming a nose, and a saddle spaced from the nose. The quick attachment bracket will move into a receptacle portion of a mounting frame on a tool to be driven by the skid steer loader and will receive another portion of the frame in the saddle. The frame and the quick attachment bracket can be held together with a latch arrangement and then the tool manipulated with the skid steer loader lift arms and attachment plate tilt cylinder. The tool is powered from the skid steer loader in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Publication number: 20020066215
    Abstract: A swivel connection for quick attachment bracket equipped excavator booms. The swivel connection has a frame that mounts onto a quick attachment bracket on an excavator or backhoe boom, and the frame pivotally mounts a second attachment bracket about a swivel axis. The second attachment bracket is adapted to fit into a frame on an implement that also is connectable to the bracket on the boom. An implement attached to the second bracket this can be pivoted relative to the frame of the swivel connection. A linear hydraulic actuator is used for controlling the pivoting movement of the second bracket relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 6163989
    Abstract: A quick attach accessory tool mounting frame is adapted to be mounted onto a quick attachment bracket and held in place. The adapter frame has spaced side plates that slide over a bracket and with a linear movement can be held in place on the bracket. The frame has an adapter plate that can be used with brackets to mount on a wide variety of auxiliary tools used with a backhoe or excavator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Thomas M. Sagaser, Craig A. Berard, Henry J. Weber, Jason J. Asche
  • Patent number: 6154989
    Abstract: A bracket and frame assembly permits attaching and removing a bucket or other tool to and from an arm of an excavator, backhoe, or the like. The bracket and frame assembly comprises two portions, a bracket and a detachable frame. The bracket mounts onto the arm of the implement. The bracket carries a latch member. The bracket can be moved onto a frame on a bucket or other tool, and is latched in place without dismounting from the backhoe, excavator or the like. The latch member can be released, either manually or under power, and then by manipulating the arm, the tool and frame can be removed from the bracket and a new tool mounted. The engaging portions of the frame and bracket are such that as wear occurs, the parts will compensate and remain secured without play or slop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Thomas M. Sagaser, Craig A. Berard, Henry J. Weber, Jason J. Asche
  • Patent number: 6000154
    Abstract: A quick attach accessory tool mounting frame is adapted to be mounted onto a quick attachment bracket and held in place. The adapter frame has plates mounting a hub to pivotally mount a powered auxiliary tool. The hanger is formed with spaced plates having upper edges that will abut against portions of the adapter frame to permit only limited pivotal movement of a tool supported by the hanger about a horizontal axis such that the operator can control the position of the auger after the hanger has pivoted against provided stops that limit the pivotal movement of the tool about one axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Craig A. Berard, Wally L. Kaczmarski
  • Patent number: 5983535
    Abstract: A quick attach accessory tool mounting frame is adapted to be mounted onto a quick attachment bracket and held in place. The adapter frame has spaced side plates that slide over a bracket and with a linear movement can be held in place on the bracket. The frame is held in place on the bracket with bolts that draw the bracket and frame together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 5974706
    Abstract: A bracket and frame assembly permits attaching and removing a bucket or other tool to and from an arm of an excavator, backhoe, or the like. The bracket and frame assembly comprises two portions, a bracket and a detachable frame. The bracket mounts onto the arm of the implement. The bracket carries a latch member. The bracket can be moved onto a frame on a bucket or other tool, and is latched in place without dismounting from the backhoe, excavator or the like. The latch member can be released, either manually or under power, and then by manipulating the arm, the tool and frame can be removed from the bracket and a new tool mounted. The engaging portions of the frame and bracket are such that as wear occurs, the parts will compensate and remain secured without play or slop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Thomas M. Sagaser, Craig A. Berard, Henry J. Weber, Jason J. Asche
  • Patent number: D440862
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: D455762
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: D900596
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Frederick J. Renner, Tryg V. Bredeson, Craig A. Berard