Patents by Inventor David L. Dickrell

David L. Dickrell 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: 20150198239
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain including a transmission and a hybrid system is provided. The control system includes a memory unit, and a controller. The memory unit is configured to store at least one shift map therein. The controller is coupled to the memory unit, the transmission, and the hybrid system. The controller is configured to receive an operating state of the transmission and the hybrid system. The controller is further configured to determine if the received operating state meets a gearshift criteria with the at least one shift map, and trigger one or more gearshifts in the transmission based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Wilbur, JR., David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 8145398
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a machine includes a step of identifying an upcoming gear ratio change from a current gear ratio to a proposed gear ratio. An estimated power output value, based on the proposed gear ratio and a current engine speed, is determined. The estimated power output value is adjusted based on a derated operating condition. If the estimated power output value is greater than or equal to a current power output value, a gear evaluation identifier is set to a first value. If the estimated power output value is less than the current power output value, the gear evaluation identifier is set to a second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Landes, Justin L. Steinlage, David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 6935204
    Abstract: A shift control method for an automated manual transmission is provided. The method includes the step of modulating the force applied to a shift collar, via a shift rod and/or shift fork for example, during the engagement of the shift collar and a selected gear. The method modulates the initial engagement force applied to the shift collar when the rotational speed differential between the collar and gear is being adjusted, before increasing the force again following modulation. This modulation of the force decelerates the shift collar during the rotational speed adjustment and does not accelerate the shift collar to complete the engagement until after the modulation. In this way, a less abrupt engagement of the gear may be achieved. The control method may improve the driving characteristics of the vehicle employing the transmission and may also improve the power transmission efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Stuart J. Walker, David B. Mason, Jr., David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 5893294
    Abstract: A method for controlling automatically controlling the shifting of a transmission when operating the higher speeds so that a downshift is performed before a directional shift is made. A controller receives a directional signal, a mode signal, a transmission output speed signal. The signals and a shift sequence table is used to shift the transmission when the machine has reached an "on speed" point. The controller will perform a shift after a predetermined time without the machine reaching the "on speed" point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Javad Hosseini, David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 5857159
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle and associated engine. The system includes a plurality of transducers delivering signals corresponding to such operational characteristics to a programmable logic device. These signals are converted to appropriate information signals which are stored in an associated storage device and can be selectively displayed on a suitable display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Dickrell, Gregory S. Gauger, Robert W. Keene, Ronald J. Mearek, Richard D. Rathe, Brian T. Rolli, Thomas R. Sandborg, Greg A. Schumacher, Scott G. Sinn, Michael R. Verheyen
  • Patent number: 5846161
    Abstract: A control system and method is provided for changing the shiftpoints of a transmission for part throttle shifting. A input section delivers a actual gear signal, a engine speed signal and a torque converter output speed signal A controller receives the input signals and varies the transmission shiftpoints relative to the received signals. The controller also delivers signals to the transmission to upshift, downshift or that no shift is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Javad Hosseini, Randall M. Mitchell, Douglas A. Carlson, David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 5642284
    Abstract: The system is provided for controllably monitoring data associated with operational characteristics of an engine. The system determines a maintenance activity requirement based on such characteristics. The system includes a plurality of transducers associated with the engine and connected to a programmable logic device. Signals from the transducers are continuously monitored and stored in an associated storage device. In response to predetermined sets of operational characteristics, an indication of when maintenance is due on the engine is produced by the logic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad V. Parupalli, David L. Dickrell, Gregory S. Gauger, Robert W. Keene, Ronald J. Mearek, Richard D. Rathe, Brian T. Rolli, Thomas R. Sandborg, Greg A. Schumacher, Scott G. Sinn, Michael R. Verheyen
  • Patent number: 5600558
    Abstract: A system for controllably sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle is described. A plurality of transducers are connected to a programmable logic device along with data entry, data storage, and data display devices. Information received from the transducers is processed by the logic device to determine whether a certain operational characteristic has occurred during the time that certain other characteristics are present. In addition, the amount of time that the particular characteristic occurs is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Mearek, David L. Dickrell, Gregory S. Gauger, Robert W. Keene, Richard D. Rathe, Brian T. Rolli, Greg A. Schumacher, Scott G. Sinn, Michael R. Verheyen
  • Patent number: 5359969
    Abstract: An electronic engine control is disclosed having an electronic cooling fan control. The cooling fan is turned on or off according to a predetermined strategy and inputs from several engine parameter sensors. By disengaging the cooling fan when it is not needed for engine cooling, the fan control reduces the power that is unnecessarily drawn from the engine to drive the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Dickrell, Kyle W. Scholl, Scott G. Sinn