Patents by Inventor Gerard O. McCann
Gerard O. McCann 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).
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Patent number: 9752299Abstract: A speed measurement system for use with a machine having a component rotationally mounted inside a housing may have a first sensing element configured to be mounted to the housing adjacent the component, and a second sensing element configured to be mounted to the housing. The first sensing element may be configured to generate a first signal indicative of a rotational velocity of the component. The second sensing element may be configured to generate a second signal indicative of a rotational rate of the housing. The speed measurement system may also have a controller in communication with the first and second sensing elements. The controller may be configured to determine a rotational speed of the component relative to an offboard reference based on the first and second signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason D. Bell, Gerard O. McCann
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Publication number: 20160319510Abstract: A speed measurement system is disclosed for use with a machine having a component rotationally mounted inside a housing. The speed measurement system may have a first sensing element configured to be mounted to the housing adjacent the component, and a second sensing element configured to be mounted to the housing. The first sensing element may be configured to generate a first signal indicative of a rotational velocity of the component. The second sensing element may be configured to generate a second signal indicative of a rotational rate of the housing. The speed measurement system may also have a controller in communication with the first and second sensing elements. The controller may be configured to determine a rotational speed of the component relative to an offboard reference based on the first and second signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2015Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Jason D. BELL, Gerard O. McCANN
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Patent number: 9221340Abstract: A control system for a machine having a transmission system is provided. The control system includes a wheel speed sensor and a controller. The wheel speed sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a wheel speed. The controller is in communication with the wheel speed sensor. The controller is configured to modulate a parameter of a power source based, at least in part, on a comparison of the wheel speed and a localized speed of the machine near the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian A. Byers, David R. Wisley, Fazal A. Goraya, Gerard O. McCann, Justin L. Steinlage, Kevin Grover, Nathan S. Pauli, Yun Liu
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Patent number: 9061664Abstract: An antilock brake system for a vehicle having a front axle with right and left front brakes and at least one rear axle with right and left rear brakes is disclosed. The front axle includes a front differential with a front clutch and the rear axle includes a rear differential with a rear clutch. A controller is employed to control the brake torque applied through one or more brake valve assemblies and the controller may further shift brake torque from one wheel of an axle to the other wheel on the axle through a differential clutch valve assembly in the clutch of an open differential which forms part of the axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Gerard O. McCann
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Patent number: 8919891Abstract: An antilock brake system for a vehicle may include a controller that is linked to a brake pedal sensor. The brake pedal sensor may be linked to a brake pedal. The brake pedal may be coupled to a normally closed brake pedal valve. The brake pedal valve may include an inlet in communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and an outlet in communication with a normally opened isolation valve. The isolation valve may be in communication with one or more main control valve systems and may be linked to a controller which maintains the isolation valve in a closed position during normal operating conditions. The isolation valve then shifts to an open position in the event current supply by the controller is interrupted as a result of an electrical failure or malfunction of the controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.Inventors: Gerard O. McCann, John J. Kaufman, Joseph E. Tabor
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Publication number: 20140167497Abstract: An antilock brake system for a vehicle having a front axle with right and left front brakes and at least one rear axle with right and left rear brakes is disclosed. The front axle includes a front differential with a front clutch and the rear axle includes a rear differential with a rear clutch. A controller is employed to control the brake torque applied through one or more brake valve assemblies and the controller may further shift brake torque from one wheel of an axle to the other wheel on the axle through a differential clutch valve assembly in the clutch of an open differential which forms part of the axle assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventor: Gerard O. McCann
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Publication number: 20140117750Abstract: An antilock brake system for a vehicle may include a controller that is linked to a brake pedal sensor. The brake pedal sensor may be linked to a brake pedal. The brake pedal may be coupled to a normally closed brake pedal valve. The brake pedal valve may include an inlet in communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and an outlet in communication with a normally opened isolation valve. The isolation valve may be in communication with one or more main control valve systems and may be linked to a controller which maintains the isolation valve in a closed position during normal operating conditions. The isolation valve then shifts to an open position in the event current supply by the controller is interrupted as a result of an electrical failure or malfunction of the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Gerard O. McCann, John J. Kaufman, Joseph E. Tabor
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Publication number: 20140005898Abstract: A control system for a machine having a transmission system is provided. The control system includes a wheel speed sensor and a controller. The wheel speed sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a wheel speed. The controller is in communication with the wheel speed sensor. The controller is configured to modulate a parameter of a power source based, at least in part, on a comparison of the wheel speed and a localized speed of the machine near the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian A. Byers, David R. Wisley, Fazal A. Goraya, Gerard O. McCann, Justin L. Steinlage, Kevin Grover, Nathan S. Pauli, Yun Liu
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Publication number: 20140005899Abstract: A control system for a machine having an implement and a transmission system is provided. The control system includes a wheel speed sensor and a controller. The wheel speed sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a wheel speed. The controller is in communication with the wheel speed sensor. The controller is configured to modulate a parameter of a power source based, at least in part, on a position of the implement of the machine, in response to an occurrence of a wheel slip condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian A. Byers, David R. Wisley, Fazal A. Goraya, Gerard O. McCann, Justin L. Steinlage, Kevin Grover, Nathan S. Pauli, Yun Liu
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Patent number: 7823441Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake system, which has a brake reservoir, and utilizes a tire management system that is in communication with the brake reservoir and a vehicle operator. As a result of this configuration, the tire management system communicates brake reservoir pressure signals to the vehicle operator, so that the operator is made aware of any low pressure conditions, in the trailer, before trying to move the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: James A. Beverly, Stephen P. Claussen, Gerard O. McCann
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Patent number: 7472002Abstract: A method of estimating at least a portion of the weight of a vehicle and its load by use of an on-board accelerometer is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLCInventor: Gerard O. McCann
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Publication number: 20080278299Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake system, which has a brake reservoir, and utilizes a tire management system that is in communication with the brake reservoir and a vehicle operator. As a result of this configuration, the tire management system communicates brake reservoir pressure signals to the vehicle operator, so that the operator is made aware of any low pressure conditions, in the trailer, before trying to move the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: James A. Beverly, Stephen P. Claussen, Gerard O. McCann
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Patent number: 7415869Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake system, which has a brake reservoir, and utilizes a tire management system that is in communication with the brake reservoir and a vehicle operator. As a result of this configuration, the tire management system communicates brake reservoir pressure signals to the vehicle operator, so that the operator is made aware of any low pressure conditions, in the trailer, before trying to move the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: James A. Beverly, Stephen P. Claussen, Gerard O. McCann
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Patent number: 7331240Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel sensor apparatus and a method that determine if a vehicle wheel sensor is active or passive, while efficiently providing the necessary connectivity, power, and communication between the sensor and a controller, without requiring a change in controller hardware. For an active sensor, the apparatus provides power and receives speed signals, high frequency vibration or acceleration signals, or other analog signals. For a passive sensor, the apparatus receives speed signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: James A. Beverly, Kent E. Davison, Gerard O. McCann, Thomas F. Simma, Jr.
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Patent number: 7306020Abstract: A tire inflation system and wheel speed sensor system having a hollow shaft rotatable with a drive mechanism. The shaft extends into the hollow end of an axle. A angular velocity system rotates with the shaft within the hollow end of the axle. A sensor, mounted within the axle, senses the rotation of the angular velocity system. The hollow shaft is a conduit for air from an air source to at least one tire.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: James A. Beverly, Gerard O. McCann, Daryl J. Stacer, William F. Bleeke, John M. Kaste
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Patent number: 6675640Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a hollow axle, a wheel hub which surrounds the axle, bearings provided therebetween, at least one nut having a predetermined inner diameter mounted on an end of the axle, and a hub cap mounted to the wheel hub. An exciting element is mounted within the hub cap by a mounting wheel. A sensor member is mounted in the end of the axle and radially spaced from the exciting element. The sensor member has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the nut such that the wheel hub, the bearings, the nut, the hub cap, the exciting element and the mounting wheel can be removed without having to remove the sensor member from the axle.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Wabash Technology CorporationInventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Gerard O. McCann, James B. Brown, Jr.
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Patent number: 6407605Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit which is configured to apply variable hysteresis to an input signal, where the level of hysteresis applied to the input signal is dependent upon the frequency of the input signal. Use of this circuit in a vehicle's anti-lock braking system allows for more efficient and effective braking.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Wabash Technology CorporationInventor: Gerard O. McCann
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Patent number: 6343844Abstract: A novel diagnostic system for a trailer is provided by the present invention. The trailer includes a micro controller which is part of an anti-lock brake system of the trailer. A warning light is provided on the trailer and is in electrical connection with the micro controller. A switch is provided proximate to the warning lamp. The switch can be activated by a technician to provide a short across the warning lamp. A stored program within the micro controller recognizes the short and performs a diagnostic function in response thereto by flashing the warning lamp in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Wabash Technology CorporationInventors: Gerard O. McCann, James B. Brown, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020005780Abstract: An anti-lock brake system (ABS) or an electro-pneumatic brake system (EBS) for a vehicle, such as a trailer, is used to perform a function of the vehicle when it is in reverse such as sounding an audible back-up alarm and/or lighting a back-up lamp. A sensor member is mounted on an axle of the vehicle is used to determine the speed of rotation of the wheel and to determine the direction of rotation of the wheel by sensing an exciting ring which rotates with the wheel. A controller processes information from the sensor member regarding the wheel speed and the direction of wheel rotation. A circuit causes the function on the vehicle to be performed when it is activated by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, Rodney J. Ehrlich, Gerard O. McCann, James B. Brown
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Publication number: 20010052258Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a hollow axle, a wheel hub which surrounds the axle, bearings provided therebetween, at least one nut having a predetermined inner diameter mounted on an end of the axle, and a hub cap mounted to the wheel hub. An exciting element is mounted within the hub cap by a mounting wheel. A sensor member is mounted in the end of the axle and radially spaced from the exciting element. The sensor member has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the nut such that the wheel hub, the bearings, the nut, the hub cap, the exciting element and the mounting wheel can be removed without having to remove the sensor member from the axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Gerard O. McCann, James B. Brown