Patents by Inventor Ernest E. Stoops

Ernest E. Stoops 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: 20230130171
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for operating a circle drive gear of a grading machine includes a pump configured to output pressurized fluid, a directional control valve fluidly coupled to the pump, a bidirectional hydraulic motor located downstream of the directional control valve and fluidly coupled to the directional control valve via hydraulic lines. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft that is configured to be rotationally driven by pressurized fluid output by the pump. Dual counterbalance valves may be disposed within the hydraulic circuit of the directional control valve and hydraulic motor such that any gearbox driven by the hydraulic motor is protected from external opposing forces. Accordingly, motion in the circle drive system is hydraulically locked at the beginning and release of a circle rotation command with the help of fluid pressure in the hydraulic lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Stoops, Nathaniel K. Harshman, Jonathan M. Bloot
  • Publication number: 20230064337
    Abstract: A technique is directed to methods and systems of an implement lock-out on lever-controlled machines. A lock-out system can monitor the position of an implement and lock-out the implement control(s) when the implement is within a threshold distance to parts of the machine. The lock-out system can generate an implement lock-out to slow, stop, or reduce the force of a hydraulic valve(s) controlling the implement. The lock-out system can use inputs such as electronic fence blade position system data, articulation angles, wheel lean angles, steering angles, ripper positions, mode selection or similar data to determine to generate the implement lock-out. The lock-out system can generate the implement lock-out by a flow supply shutoff to the implement while maintaining pressure to the steering valve. The lock-out system can send visual or audible notifications to alert the operator of the implement's proximity to the machine or of an implement lock-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Ethan M. Tevis, Michael C. Gentle, Travis N. Richards, Michael L. Repscher, Ernest E. Stoops
  • Patent number: 10920396
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a motor grader is disclosed. The hydraulic system may include a first hydraulic subsystem and a second hydraulic subsystem. A pump may be configured to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic subsystems. The hydraulic system may further include a control valve located upstream of the first and second hydraulic subsystems. The control valve may be configured to vary a standby pressure of pressurized fluid for use by the first and second hydraulic subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis N. Richards, Ernest E. Stoops, Michael L. Repscher, Stive Ramalho, Wesley T. Payne
  • Publication number: 20210032840
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a motor grader is disclosed. The hydraulic system may include a first hydraulic subsystem and a second hydraulic subsystem. A pump may be configured to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic subsystems. The hydraulic system may further include a control valve located upstream of the first and second hydraulic subsystems. The control valve may be configured to vary a standby pressure of pressurized fluid for use by the first and second hydraulic subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis N. RICHARDS, Ernest E. STOOPS, Michael L. REPSCHER, Stive RAMALHO, Wesley T. PAYNE
  • Publication number: 20170036656
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine, the machine having a service brake and a parking brake, includes a hydraulic fluid tank, a pump configured to withdraw hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid tank, and a first accumulator and a second accumulator fluidly connected to the pump. The first and second accumulators configured to supply the hydraulic fluid to the service brake and the parking brake. Further, a resolver valve fluidly coupled between the first and second accumulators and configured to selectively supply the hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second accumulators to the parking brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Stoops, Srikalyan C. Puranam, Adam Adeeb