Patents by Inventor Ethan M. Tevis

Ethan M. Tevis 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: 20250003180
    Abstract: A mobile construction equipment for operation on a surface having at least one longitudinal slope grade includes: a blade that is movable with respect to the mobile construction equipment, the blade having a first blade side and a second blade side opposite the first blade side, the blade imparting at least one cross slope grade on the surface; and a controller for receiving the at least one longitudinal slope grade, a first blade side position of the first blade side, and at least one target cross slope grade, and, based on the at least one longitudinal slope grade and the first blade side position, adjusting a second blade side position of the second blade side so as to impart the at least one target cross slope grade on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Publication number: 20250003198
    Abstract: A mobile construction equipment includes: a blade that is movable with respect to the mobile construction equipment, the blade imparting at least one cross slope on a surface on which the mobile construction equipment is operating; and a controller for receiving at least a first target cross slope, a second target cross slope, and at least one input, and, based on the at least one input, transitioning the blade from a first blade position to impart the first target cross slope on the surface to a second blade position to impart the second target cross slope on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Publication number: 20240391526
    Abstract: A system for determining a total machine turning angle of a construction equipment having a front frame articulatable with respect to a rear frame, the front frame including a steering apparatus and the rear frame including a traction device, the construction equipment having a wheelbase, the system including: a first inertial motion unit disposed on the front frame or the rear frame, the first inertial motion unit providing a front frame yaw rate if disposed on the front frame or a rear frame yaw rate if disposed on the rear frame; a machine speed sensor providing a machine speed of the construction equipment; and a controller for receiving as inputs the wheelbase, machine speed, and either the front frame yaw rate or the rear frame yaw rate, and outputting the total machine turning angle based on the wheelbase, the machine speed, and either the front or rear frame yaw rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan M. Tevis, Michael C. Gentle, Timothy A. Evans
  • Patent number: 12152368
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically adjusting a moldboard of a motor grader can include receiving one or more identifiers corresponding to a configuration of the motor grader, and determining, based on the received identifier(s), a first orientation of the moldboard. If the first orientation is not within an operating threshold, the method can further include selecting, based on the one or more identifiers, at least one of a plurality of actuators of the motor grader; and actuating the selected actuator(s) to move the moldboard from the first orientation to a second orientation within the operating threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Patent number: 12152367
    Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade, and a control system. The control system is configured to automatically set at least one machine parameter of the grading blade based on a determined location of the grading machine and automatically set a mode of operation of the grading machine based on a determined location of the grading machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Patent number: 12097760
    Abstract: A technique is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of a machine operator. In some implementations, an operator presence system monitors a machine to determine whether an operator is present in an operating machine. The operator presence system collects input data from sensors or devices on the machine and determines whether the operator is in the operator seat. During operation, if an operator is determined to not be in the operator seat, the operator presence system can generate and send notifications (e.g., visual or audible warnings) to alert the operator to sit in the operator seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ethan M. Tevis
  • Publication number: 20230304257
    Abstract: A method for detecting wear in an implement system of a grading machine includes receiving acceleration information from a sensor connected to the implement system while the grading machine performs a task and estimating an incremental amount of wear in the implement system of the grading machine based on the acceleration information. The method also includes determining a cumulative amount of wear in the implement system of the grading machine and outputting a notification based on the cumulative amount of wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan M. TEVIS, Michael C. Gentle, Brandon L. Hagman
  • Publication number: 20230068612
    Abstract: A method of operating a machine with at least one hydraulically actuated friction clutch. The method includes selecting, via a mode selector, a starting point defining an initial setting. An endpoint defining a peak setting is selected via the mode selector. A control curve is employed based on at least the selecting of the starting point and the selecting of the endpoint. An inching pedal of the machine is positioned to between 0 percent depressed and 100 percent depressed. At least one control command is generated as a function of the employing of the control curve and the positioning of the inching pedal. At least one control valve of at least one hydraulically actuated friction clutch is operated according to the at least one control command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan M. Tevis, Jaspen T. Patenaude, Joseph R. Manley
  • 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: 11591978
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes an internal combustion engine operatively connected to a plurality of propulsion devices for travel over a work surface. The mobile machine can include an electronic controller that receives condition data signals indicative of the operating state or condition of the mobile machine from a plurality of condition input sensors. The electronic controller compares the condition data signals with condition threshold to determine whether to operate the internal combustion engine in accordance with rated engine speed range or an adjusted engine speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Fulcher, Ethan M. Tevis, Matthew D. Dobsch
  • Publication number: 20230035095
    Abstract: A technique is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of a machine operator. In some implementations, an operator presence system monitors a machine to determine whether an operator is present in an operating machine. The operator presence system collects input data from sensors or devices on the machine and determines whether the operator is in the operator seat. During operation, if an operator is determined to not be in the operator seat, the operator presence system can generate and send notifications (e.g., visual or audible warnings) to alert the operator to sit in the operator seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventor: Ethan M. Tevis
  • Publication number: 20230017936
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for operating a grading machine. The method includes (i) receiving information indicating a current position of a moldboard of the grading machine; (ii) determining if the moldboard is moving toward an avoidance zone, and the avoidance zone is defined by a distance from a scarifier of the grading machine; and (iii) in response to a determination that the moldboard is moving toward the avoidance zone, adjusting at least one operating parameter of the moldboard or the scarifier of the grading machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20230002985
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for operating a grading machine. The method includes (i) receiving information regarding material on a surface, and the grading machine is configured to travel on the surface and move the material on the surface; (ii) determining a set of parameters for operating the grading machine, and the set of parameters include an articulation angle of the grading machine and a moldboard angle of a moldboard of the grading machine; and (iii) positioning a snow wing and the moldboard of the grading machine based on the set of parameters such that the snow wing has a predetermined spatial relationship with the moldboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20220412043
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically adjusting a moldboard of a motor grader can include receiving one or more identifiers corresponding to a configuration of the motor grader, and determining, based on the received identifier(s), a first orientation of the moldboard. If the first orientation is not within an operating threshold, the method can further include selecting, based on the one or more identifiers, at least one of a plurality of actuators of the motor grader; and actuating the selected actuator(s) to move the moldboard from the first orientation to a second orientation within the operating threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Patent number: 11505913
    Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade, a drawbar connecting the grading blade to the machine body, a blade sideshift cylinder and a blade sideshift cylinder rod, a user interface, and a control system. The control system may be configured to receive an input from the user interface and extend or retract the blade sideshift cylinder to adjust a sideshift of the grading blade to one of a plurality of predetermined sideshift positions based on the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Patent number: 11486113
    Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade, and at least one grading blade sensor configured to sense a position and orientation of the grading blade. The grading machine also includes a drawbar connecting the grading blade to the machine body, at least one drawbar sensor configured to sense a position and orientation of the drawbar, a user interface, and a control system. The control system may be configured to receive an input from the user interface and perform an automatic turnaround operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Patent number: 11466427
    Abstract: A grading machine include a machine body, a grading blade, at least one grading blade sensor configured to sense a position and orientation of the grading blade, a drawbar connecting the grading blade to the machine body, a drawbar centershift cylinder, a user interface, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive an input from the user interface and position and orient the grading blade and the drawbar to one of a plurality of predetermined maintenance positions based on the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Patent number: 11459726
    Abstract: A grading machine may include a machine body, a grading blade, a drawbar connecting the grading blade to the machine body, a drawbar centershift cylinder, a user interface, and a control system. The control system may be configured to receive an input from the user interface and extend or retract the drawbar centershift cylinder to adjust a centershift of the drawbar to one of a plurality of predetermined centershift positions based on the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Patent number: 11459725
    Abstract: A grading machine may include a machine body, a grading blade, at least one grading blade sensor configured to sense a position and orientation of the grading blade, a drawbar connecting the grading blade to the machine body, at least one drawbar sensor configured to sense a position and orientation of the drawbar, a user interface, and a control system. The control system may be configured to receive an input from the user interface and position and orient the grading blade and the drawbar to one of a plurality of predetermined ditching positions based on the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Publication number: 20220186463
    Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade, and a control system configured to automatically set at least one machine parameter of the grading blade based on a determined location of the grading machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. GENTLE, Ethan M. TEVIS