Patents by Inventor James A. Smittkamp

James A. Smittkamp 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).

  • Payload monitor
    Patent number: 4635739
    Abstract: An apparatus determines the payload carried in a work vehicle by periodically measuring the pressure of a fluid contained within front and rear suspension struts. The struts are connected in supporting relation between a load carrying portion and a ground engaging portion of the vehicle such that a pressure differential between a loaded and unloaded vehicle can be shown to be indicative of the magnitude of the payload. Moreover, the pressures are a function of the geometry of a suspension means which interconnects the load carrying portion and the ground engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Foley, Gregory H. Gipp, William G. Schwader, Craig L. Sells, James A. Smittkamp, Alan L. Stahl, John F. Szentes