Patents by Inventor Eric S. Engelmann

Eric S. Engelmann 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: 10640932
    Abstract: A spray system for a cold planer machine includes a spray bank disposed inside a housing and arranged to spray fluid directed at a drum and a spray controller. The spray controller is configured to receive an indication of either one of a milling operation and a plunge cut operation is occurring and actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on the received indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
  • Publication number: 20200122540
    Abstract: A machine for road work can comprise a frame, a plurality of ground engaging units, a plurality of vertically moveable legs, each leg connecting one of the plurality of ground engaging units to the frame, a pair of spatial sensors, such as global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensors, and a controller configured to, in response to a three-dimensional signal received from each of the spatial sensors, activate at least some of the plurality of vertically moveable legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicants: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Conwell K. Rife, Jr., Eric S. Engelmann, Mark A. Tarvin
  • Publication number: 20200123716
    Abstract: A system may include a first transportation device, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes first and second slope sensors. The first slope sensor is coupled to the first transportation device and the second slope sensor is coupled to the construction machine. The controller controls the construction machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicants: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Mark A. Tarvin, Conwell K. Rife, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200122538
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a lifting system of a propulsion system for a construction machine having multiple independent propulsors can comprise a plurality of hydraulic cylinders each comprising a piston and a rod for coupling to a propulsor, a plurality of fluid lines coupling each of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders in series, wherein movement of one piston hydraulically causes movement of a subsequent piston in an opposite direction, and a plurality of flow control devices positioned within the plurality of fluid lines such that a flow control device is positioned between adjacent hydraulic cylinders, each flow control device comprising an intermediate body configured to smooth flow of hydraulic fluid between adjacent hydraulic cylinders without directly coupling one cylinder to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200122542
    Abstract: A machine for processing a road construction material includes two or more extendable support units, where each of the two or more extendable support units have a first segment coupled to the frame and a second segment configured to contact a surface to support the frame. The machine also includes an orientation sensor that is configured to measure an orientation of the frame. The machine further includes a distance sensor that configured to measure a distance from the frame to the surface. The machine additionally includes a controller configured to determine, based on the orientation and the distance, a position of at least one extendable support unit of the two or more extendable support units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, JR.
  • Patent number: 10611577
    Abstract: A cold planer including a conveyor system coupled to a frame. The conveyor system includes a conveyor with a conveyor belt that rotates about a conveyor roller. A belt tensioning system is coupled to the conveyor roller and includes an actuator for moving the conveyor roller to place tension on the conveyor belt. One or more processors are configured to receive information related to the conveyor belt and adjust the actuator on the conveyor belt based on the information related to the conveyor belt to provide a constant operating tension on the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Colton J. Hirman, Nicholas J. Argenziano
  • Patent number: 10563362
    Abstract: A method includes receiving information indicative of a cold planer travel path, the cold planer travel path extending substantially centrally through a cut area formed by a cold planer on a work surface. The method also includes determining a paving machine travel path within the cut area based at least in part on the information, and determining a screed portion setting based at least in part on the paving machine travel path. The method further includes controlling a paving machine to traverse the paving machine travel path, and controlling a screed portion of the paving machine to deposit paving material within the cut area, based at least in part on the screed portion setting, as the paving machine traverses at least a portion of the paving machine travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, Eric S. Engelmann, John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 10526755
    Abstract: A control system (40) is disclosed for a mobile machine (10) configured to transfer material into a receptacle (18). The control system may include a first sensor (44) configured to generate a first signal indicative of one of a speed of the mobile machine and a distance between the mobile machine and the receptacle, a display system (56) having at least one display device (58) configured to show information relating to one or more of the mobile machine and the receptacle to an operator of the receptacle, and a controller electronically connected to the first sensor and the display system. The controller may be configured to determine a relative speed of the receptacle with respect to the mobile machine based at least in part on the first signal and generate on the at least one display device a first visual indicator (68) indicative of the relative speed of the receptacle with respect to the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Eric S. Engelmann
  • Publication number: 20200002902
    Abstract: A spray system for a cold planer machine is disclosed. The spray system includes a spray bank disposed inside a housing and arranged to spray fluid directed at a drum and a spray controller. The spray controller is configured to receive an indication indicative of either one of a milling operation and a plunge cut operation is occurring and actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on the received indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
  • Publication number: 20190368135
    Abstract: A method includes receiving information indicative of a cold planer travel path, the cold planer travel path extending substantially centrally through a cut area formed by a cold planer on a work surface. The method also includes determining a paving machine travel path within the cut area based at least in part on the information, and determining a screed portion setting based at least in part on the paving machine travel path. The method further includes controlling a paving machine to traverse the paving machine travel path, and controlling a screed portion of the paving machine to deposit paving material within the cut area, based at least in part on the screed portion setting, as the paving machine traverses at least a portion of the paving machine travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, Eric S. Engelmann, John L. Marsolek
  • Publication number: 20190367286
    Abstract: A cold planer including a conveyor system coupled to a frame. The conveyor system includes a conveyor with a conveyor belt that rotates about a conveyor roller. A belt tensioning system is coupled to the conveyor roller and includes an actuator for moving the conveyor roller to place tension on the conveyor belt. One or more processors are configured to receive information related to the conveyor belt and adjust the actuator on the conveyor belt based on the information related to the conveyor belt to provide a constant operating tension on the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Colton J. Hirman, Nicholas J. Argenziano
  • Publication number: 20190332987
    Abstract: A management system for a cold planer is disclosed. The management system may include one or more sensors located onboard the cold planer and configured to generate data regarding at least one of cold planer operating parameters and milled material transferred from the cold planer to a plurality of haul vehicles. The management system may also include a locating device configured to generate a signal indicative of a cold planer location, a communication device configured to transfer information from the cold planer to a plant, and a controller in electronic communication with the one or more, the locating device, and the communication device. The controller may be configured to determine a rate of material transfer from the cold planer to the plurality of haul vehicles based on the data, and transmit the rate of material transfer and the cold planer location to the plant via the communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John Lee Marsolek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 10428471
    Abstract: An example cold planer system includes a machine frame, a milling drum, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a swivel sensor and a control module. The milling drum is rotatably coupled to the machine frame. The first conveyor is configured to convey a milled material away from the milling drum. The second conveyor is configured to convey the milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location and the second conveyor is pivotably connected to the machine frame. The swivel sensor is configured to generate swivel data corresponding to a swivel position of the second conveyor. The control module is in electrical communication with the swivel sensor, and the control module is configured to receive the swivel data and to control motion of the second conveyor based on the swivel data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton Hirman, Eric S. Engelmann, Nicholas J. Argenziano, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10380529
    Abstract: A management system for a cold planer is disclosed. The management system may include one or more sensors located onboard the cold planer and configured to generate data regarding at least one of cold planer operating parameters and milled material transferred from the cold planer to a plurality of haul vehicles. The management system may also include a locating device configured to generate a signal indicative of a cold planer location, a communication device configured to transfer information from the cold planer to a plant, and a controller in electronic communication with the one or more, the locating device, and the communication device. The controller may be configured to determine a rate of material transfer from the cold planer to the plurality of haul vehicles based on the data, and transmit the rate of material transfer and the cold planer location to the plant via the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John Lee Marsolek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 10370802
    Abstract: A cold planer machine may include a frame, a ground engaging member, a retracting vertical actuator system to raise and lower the frame, and a housing. The housing includes a vertical wall movable relative to the frame and a position detector to determine a relative vertical distance between the vertical wall and the frame. A drum in the housing is connected to the frame and rotates about a drum axis to plane the road surface. A spray bank disposed inside the housing is arranged to spray a fluid at the drum. A controller is configured to actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on determining that the relative vertical distance is above a first threshold height value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
  • Patent number: 10309066
    Abstract: A control system, apparatus, and method for controlling operations of a milling machine are described. Data corresponding to a ventilation mode and a conveyor delay amount set by an operator of the milling machine is stored in memory. Control of transition of operation of the milling machine from a milling mode to a standby mode is according to a first predetermined sequence of operations responsive to a first input at a control panel of the milling machine. Further, control of transition of operation of the milling machine from the standby mode to the milling mode is according to a second predetermined sequence of operations, which is in reverse order relative to the first predetermined sequence of operations, in response to the first input at the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tim J. Lindholm, Eric S. Engelmann, Nathan L. Mashek, Paul J. Koenen, Lee M. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10246940
    Abstract: An access ladder assembly for a machine includes a fixed section, a movable section, a biasing member, a locking member, and a release assembly. The fixed section includes a pair of guide members and a fixed step. The movable section is mounted on and is movable along the fixed section between extended and retracted positions. The movable section includes a pair of sidewalls, and at least one horizontal step and is biased towards the retracted position by the biasing member. The locking member locks the movable member at the extended position. The release assembly operates to release the locking member. A manually engagable actuator of the release assembly may be disposed adjacent the fixed step. The movable section may include rails that slide within a hollow portions of the guide members as the movable section moves between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Haro, Nathan L. Mashek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Publication number: 20180298569
    Abstract: A control system (40) is disclosed for a mobile machine (10) configured to transfer material into a receptacle (18). The control system may include a first sensor (44) configured to generate a first signal indicative of one of a speed of the mobile machine and a distance between the mobile machine and the receptacle, a display system (56) having at least one display device (58) configured to show information relating to one or more of the mobile machine and the receptacle to an operator of the receptacle, and a controller electronically connected to the first sensor and the display system. The controller may be configured to determine a relative speed of the receptacle with respect to the mobile machine based at least in part on the first signal and generate on the at least one display device a first visual indicator (68) indicative of the relative speed of the receptacle with respect to the mobile machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Catepillar Paving Products inc.
    Inventor: Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 10036201
    Abstract: An access ladder assembly for a machine includes a fixed section, a movable section, a biasing member, a locking member, and a release assembly. The fixed section includes a pair of guide members and a fixed step. The movable section is mounted on and is movable along the fixed section between extended and retracted positions. The movable section includes a pair of sidewalls, and at least one horizontal step and is biased towards the retracted position by the biasing member. The locking member locks the movable member at the extended position. The release assembly operates to release the locking member. A manually engagable actuator of the release assembly may be disposed adjacent the fixed step. The movable section may include rails that slide within a hollow portions of the guide members as the movable section moves between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Haro, Nathan L. Mashek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 10024708
    Abstract: A yield measurement system for a cold planer having a conveyor is disclosed. The yield measurement system may include a hydraulic motor configured to propel the conveyor, a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a force acting on the conveyor by material being moved by the conveyor, and a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a pressure differential across the hydraulic motor. The yield measurement system may also include a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to determine when the conveyor is not transferring material based on the second signal, and automatically recalibrate the yield measurement system based on the first signal when the conveyor is not transferring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John Lee Marsolek, Nicholas Argenziano, Eric S. Engelmann, James Alvin Aardema