Patents by Inventor Derek J. Light

Derek J. Light 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: 20210061199
    Abstract: A machine includes an engine, an electronic display device, and a controller configured to: receive one or more signals indicating an identification of a machine operator; retrieve a name of the operator associated with the identification of the operator in a first data set of machine operators; retrieve one or more saved machine parameters associated with the name of the operator in a second data set of machine parameters; and set one or more current machine parameters to the one or more saved machine parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Wynkoop, Steven A. Bettenhausen, Keven K. Lockwood, Derek J. Light, Robert E. Shockency, JR., Adam P. Roesner
  • Patent number: 10075576
    Abstract: A system and method to access a machine through a mobile device includes sending a machine key to a controller on-board the machine, and a mobile device key to the mobile device using a remote server. The mobile device sends a mobile device ID to the controller. The controller determines the mobile device key based on the mobile device ID and the machine key. The controller sends a random number to the mobile device. The mobile device processes the random number to derive a first processed random number, and sends the first processed random number to the controller. The controller processes the random number to derive a second processed random number. The controller enables a start button to send a request to start the machine, when the first processed random number matches the second processed random number. The controller starts the machine upon receiving the request to start the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Rule, Kirk Shively, Derek J. Light, Joshua Dean Reed, Bradley Bergerhouse, Arjun Veneshetty, Sudhakar Subramaniyan, Rohinikumar Adivi, Harold Duane Dabbs, Paul William Bierdeman
  • Patent number: 9079575
    Abstract: A machine having a powertrain including an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. The machine includes a control system receive an activation signal indicative of an automatic mode operation of the machine and command the torque converter to remain in a direct-drive mode while the transmission shifts from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. The control system also limits engine speed below a first engine speed limit when a gear ratio setting of the transmission is indicative of the second gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Y. Ho, Mark D. Anderson, Michael D. Mitchell, Cynthia A. Nastav, Ming Zhang, Derek J. Light
  • Publication number: 20140135172
    Abstract: A machine having a powertrain including an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. The machine includes a control system receive an activation signal indicative of an automatic mode operation of the machine and command the torque converter to remain in a direct-drive mode while the transmission shifts from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. The control system also limits engine speed below a first engine speed limit when a gear ratio setting of the transmission is indicative of the second gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Y. Ho, Mark D. Anderson, Michael D. Mitchell, Cynthia A. Nastav, Ming Zhang, Derek J. Light