Patents by Inventor David E. Ault

David E. Ault 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: 9701312
    Abstract: An idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for a machine is disclosed. The machine can include an engine operably connected to a drivetrain including ground engaging propulsion members. The drivetrain can be configured to transmit mechanical energy between the engine and the ground engaging propulsion members. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for the machine can include a starter operatively associated with the engine and configured to effectuate ignition of the engine. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for the machine can further include an idle reduction engine shutdown and restart controller electronically and controllably connected to the engine and configured to shut down the engine in an engine shutdown mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Jensen, David E. Ault, Drew A. Fehr, Emily A. Morris, Jeremy T. Peterson, Kory K. Leesman, Richard D. Johnston, Layne E. Hook, Jeffrey A. Jones, II, Justin L. Steinlage
  • Patent number: 9255380
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20150159613
    Abstract: An idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for a machine is disclosed. The machine can include an engine operably connected to a drivetrain including ground engaging propulsion members. The drivetrain can be configured to transmit mechanical energy between the engine and the ground engaging propulsion members. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for the machine can include a starter operatively associated with the engine and configured to effectuate ignition of the engine. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for the machine can further include an idle reduction engine shutdown and restart controller electronically and controllably connected to the engine and configured to shut down the engine in an engine shutdown mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Jensen, David E. Ault, Drew A. Fehr, Emily A. Morris, Jeremy T. Peterson, Kory K. Leesman, Richard D. Johnston, Layne E. Hook, Jeffrey A. Jones, II, Justin L. Steinlage
  • Patent number: 8948984
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
  • Publication number: 20140210184
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20140175773
    Abstract: A flow rectifier assembly including a manifold with a variable orifice disposed therein. Further, the flow rectifier assembly includes one or more valves disposed in the manifold and fluidly connected to the variable orifice to provide a uni-directional flow over the variable orifice. Each of the one or more valves includes a poppet. A fly-cut recess defined in the manifold includes a seat for resting the poppet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Ault, Moses I. Akpan, Michael A. Church, Landin T. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8683720
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20130317695
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar INc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
  • Patent number: 8543298
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine includes a base, an operator input device, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The operator input device is operable to move in a direction in relation to the base. The first biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction. The second biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a second position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
  • Publication number: 20130160440
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a fluid source, a metering valve, an actuator, and a power reclamation assembly. The metering valve includes a standby position, and an actuation position different than the standby position. The metering valve fluidly connects the actuator to the fluid source when in the actuation position. The metering valve fluidly connects the power reclamation assembly to the fluid source when the metering valve is in the standby position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Ault
  • Publication number: 20120324767
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20120310490
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine includes a base, an operator input device, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The operator input device is operable to move in a direction in relation to the base. The first biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction. The second biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a second position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault