Patents by Inventor James M. Grupka

James M. Grupka 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: 6233511
    Abstract: A loader of the type controlled with an electronic digital controller is disclosed herein. The loader may include conventional mechanical components. However, the hydraulic valve is electronically controlled to provide improved motion control. In particular, the operator controls the loader with a two-axis joystick. When the joystick is moved left or right, the bucket is rolled at a speed proportional to the rate of change of the joystick position and independent of the loader arms. When the joystick is moved forward or backwards, the loader arms of the bucket are raised or lowered. When the joystick is only moved forward or backward with substantially no component of motion left or right, the controller rolls the bucket to maintain a substantially constant angle between the bucket and the loader's frame. This constant attitude control decreases the operator workload and increases control accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Berger, Peter J. Dix, Danley C. Chan, James M. Grupka