Patents by Inventor David C. Atkinson

David C. Atkinson 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: 11512454
    Abstract: A system for controlling an engagement operation between first and second movable machines includes a separation sensor, a relative speed sensor and a controller. The separation sensor determines a separation distance between the first and second machines. The relative speed sensor determines a relative difference in speed between the first and second machines. The controller determines the separation distance between the first and second machines, decelerates the first movable machine when the separation distance is within a deceleration zone, determines a relative difference in speed between the first and second machines, and generates an engagement speed command to operate the first movable machine at a first ground speed equal to a second ground speed of the second movable machine plus a relative engagement speed when the separation distance is within a buffer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Jeremy Peterson, Naveen Kumar S. Aproop, Jeremy R. Couch
  • Publication number: 20220192562
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system for an artificial intelligence intention and behavior feedback module to receive and organize intentions, goals, tasks, behaviors, and personality types for a large group of individuals and to provide feedback to an individual regarding the tasks, behaviors, and personality type of the individual, to predict behaviors, to predict outcomes of predicted behaviors, to suggest alternative behaviors, to suggest alternative tasks, and to suggest mentorship relationships among the large group of individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: THE COLLECTIVE INTENTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: James S. HAYES, David C. ATKINSON
  • Publication number: 20200011034
    Abstract: A system for controlling an engagement operation between first and second movable machines includes a separation sensor, a relative speed sensor and a controller. The separation sensor determines a separation distance between the first and second machines. The relative speed sensor determines a relative difference in speed between the first and second machines. The controller determines the separation distance between the first and second machines, decelerates the first movable machine when the separation distance is within a deceleration zone, determines a relative difference in speed between the first and second machines, and generates an engagement speed command to operate the first movable machine at a first ground speed equal to a second ground speed of the second movable machine plus a relative engagement speed when the separation distance is within a buffer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Jeremy Peterson, Naveen Kumar S. Aproop, Jeremy R. Couch
  • Patent number: 9976284
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a control system for a machine. The control system includes an input unit for obtaining terrain information pertaining to a worksite. The control system further includes a plurality of illumination devices mounted on the machine. The control system further includes a controller in communication with the input unit and the plurality of illumination devices. The controller is configured to receive the terrain information from the input unit. The controller further determines grade pertaining to a work area of the worksite based on the terrain information. The controller is further configured to operate the plurality of illumination devices, based on the grade, to selectively illuminate the work area of the work site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Hartman, David C. Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20160326724
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a control system for a machine. The control system includes an input unit for obtaining terrain information pertaining to a worksite. The control system further includes a plurality of illumination devices mounted on the machine. The control system further includes a controller in communication with the input unit and the plurality of illumination devices. The controller is configured to receive the terrain information from the input unit. The controller further determines grade pertaining to a work area of the worksite based on the terrain information. The controller is further configured to operate the plurality of illumination devices, based on the grade, to selectively illuminate the work area of the work site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Hartman, David C. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9487931
    Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed as having a locating device configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of an excavation machine, a sensor configured to generate a load signal indicative of a work tool status, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a location of a haul truck, to determine when the work tool is filled with at least a threshold amount of material from a pile at the worksite, and to determine the position of the excavation machine. The controller may further be configured, based on operating limitations of the excavation machine, to determine a pivot point between the location of the haul truck and the position of the excavation machine; to plan a travel path for the excavation machine to the haul truck through the pivot point; and to direct an operator of the excavation machine to follow the travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Kenneth L. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20160076225
    Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed as having a locating device configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of an excavation machine, a sensor configured to generate a load signal indicative of a work tool status, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a location of a haul truck, to determine when the work tool is filled with at least a threshold amount of material from a pile at the worksite, and to determine the position of the excavation machine. The controller may further be configured, based on operating limitations of the excavation machine, to determine a pivot point between the location of the haul truck and the position of the excavation machine; to plan a travel path for the excavation machine to the haul truck through the pivot point; and to direct an operator of the excavation machine to follow the travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: David C. ATKINSON, Kenneth L. STRATTON
  • Patent number: 8858151
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8843282
    Abstract: A machine such as a wheel loader includes a frame and ground engaging propulsion elements coupled with the frame. A hydraulically actuated implement system of the machine includes a linkage and an implement and is adjustable from a starting configuration to a second configuration according to a substrate collision avoiding pattern. In the second configuration, the implement hovers above a substrate beneath the machine. Related methodology and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20130108403
    Abstract: A machine such as a wheel loader includes a frame and ground engaging propulsion elements coupled with the frame. A hydraulically actuated implement system of the machine includes a linkage and an implement and is adjustable from a starting configuration to a second configuration according to a substrate collision avoiding pattern. In the second configuration, the implement hovers above a substrate beneath the machine. Related methodology and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: David C. Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20130045071
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: David C. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 7946117
    Abstract: A method of determining and regulating a mass flow rate exhaust gases recirculated into an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise directing the exhaust gases through a venturi and sensing a differential exhaust pressure across the venturi. The method may further include sensing an absolute exhaust pressure at the venturi, and sensing a temperature of the exhaust gases. The method may further include determining the mass flow rate of the exhaust based on the sensed differential fluid pressure, absolute fluid pressure, and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Christopher F. Gallmeyer, Ashutosh Katari, Brian V. Tranel
  • Publication number: 20080141757
    Abstract: A method of determining and regulating a mass flow rate exhaust gases recirculated into an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise directing the exhaust gases through a venturi and sensing a differential exhaust pressure across the venturi. The method may further include sensing an absolute exhaust pressure at the venturi, and sensing a temperature of the exhaust gases. The method may further include determining the mass flow rate of the exhaust based on the sensed differential fluid pressure, absolute fluid pressure, and temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Christopher F. Gallmeyer, Ashutosh Katari, Brian V. Tranel
  • Patent number: 7069919
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the ratio of ambient air to recirculated gases in an internal combustion engine, wherein an gas injector includes a intake air conduit defining a ambient air flow path, an actuator connected to the intake air conduit, a recirculated gas conduit operatively coupled and disposed within the intake air conduit defining a recirculated gas flow path and a valve apparatus operatively coupled to the intake air conduit and recirculated gas conduit. The valve apparatus includes; a shaft, a throttle valve coupled to the shaft and in fluid communication with the ambient air flow and a recirculated gas valve coupled to the shaft in fluid communication with the recirculated gas flow. The shaft rotates one of the throttle valve and the recirculated gas valve independent of the rotation of the other one of throttle valve and said recirculated gas valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Yung Bui, Michael Evancik, Paul A. Gamble
  • Patent number: 4863928
    Abstract: A method of treating a human or animal patient suffering from an arthritic disease or associated inflammatory disease comprises daily administration to such patient of from about 1 to about 100 mg of the narcotic antagonists nalmefene or naltrexone. The nalmefene or naltrexone may be administered in equally divided doses from one to four times daily, preferably by the oral route. Parental administration may be utilized where suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Baker Cummins Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Jack Fishman, Fred P. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4857533
    Abstract: A method of treating a human or animal patient suffering from an autoimmune disease comprises daily administration to such patient of from about 1 to about 100 mg of the narcotic antagonists nalmefene or naltrexone. The nalmefene or naltrexone may be administered in equally divided doses from one to four times daily, preferably by the oral route. Parenteral administration may be utilized where suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Baker Cummins Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred P. Sherman, David C. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 4468469
    Abstract: An improved immunoassay method, reagent means, and test kit for determining an iodothyronine, e.g., thyroxine (T-4), in a biological fluid, usually serum or plasma, wherein fenclofenac and related phenylacetic acids, or salts thereof, are employed as novel blocking agents for the binding of iodothyronines to thyroxine binding protein (TBP). The present invention is particularly advantageous as applied to homogeneous competitive binding iodothyronine immunoassays wherein a spectrophotometric response is generated in the assay reaction mixture at a wavelength greater than about 300 nm, the blocking agents of the present invention having been found to have no substantial absorbance at wavelengths above 300 nm. Such homogeneous immunoassays include those which employ labels such as fluorescers, enzyme substrates, enzyme prosthetic groups, enzymes, and enzyme inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Miles Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Atkinson, Robert J. Carrico, David L. Morris