Patents by Inventor James S. Rice

James S. Rice 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: 20160223071
    Abstract: A transmission system of a machine is provided. The transmission system includes a housing member having an outer surface and an inner surface. The transmission system includes a clutch assembly disposed within the housing member. The transmission system also includes a clutch cooling system associated with the housing member to selectively supply a fluid to the clutch assembly. The clutch cooling system includes a reservoir for storing the fluid and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir. The clutch cooling system further includes a fluid supply unit configured to supply the fluid from the reservoir to the clutch assembly. The clutch cooling system supplies the fluid at a plurality of locations around a circumference of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Meyer, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 9234568
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a housing; an input member and an output member; four planetary gear trains including a first planetary gear train, a second planetary gear train, a third planetary gear train and a fourth planetary gear train, wherein each of the planetary gear trains includes a ring gear, a planetary carrier and a sun gear; and six control elements. Each of the six control elements is operatively connected to at least one of the planetary gear trains and selectively engageable to produce a set of different speeds between the input member and the output member. The set of different speeds includes eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Meyer, James S. Rice
  • Publication number: 20150267780
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a housing; an input member and an output member; four planetary gear trains including a first planetary gear train, a second planetary gear train, a third planetary gear train and a fourth planetary gear train, wherein each of the planetary gear trains includes a ring gear, a planetary carrier and a sun gear; and six control elements. Each of the six control elements is operatively connected to at least one of the planetary gear trains and selectively engageable to produce a set of different speeds between the input member and the output member. The set of different speeds includes eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Meyer, James S. Rice
  • Publication number: 20150267781
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a housing; an input member and an output member; four planetary gear trains including a first planetary gear train, a second planetary gear train, a third planetary gear train and a fourth planetary gear train, wherein each of the planetary gear trains includes a ring gear, a planetary carrier and a sun gear; and six control elements. Each of the six control elements is operatively connected to at least one of the planetary gear trains and selectively engageable to produce a set of different speeds between the input member and the output member. The set of different speeds includes ten forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Meyer, James S. Rice
  • Publication number: 20140291107
    Abstract: A clutch plate for a clutch assembly is provided. The clutch plate includes a body defining an outer circumference. A plurality of extensions projects radially from the outer circumference of the body. A first separating member is formed by bending a portion of at least one of the plurality of extensions along a first direction. The first separating member is configured to resiliently separate the clutch plate from an adjoining clutch plate of the clutch assembly along the first direction in a disengaged condition of the clutch assembly. A second separating member is formed by bending a portion of at least another of the plurality of extensions along a second direction. The second separating member is configured to resiliently separate the clutch plate from another adjoining clutch plate of the clutch assembly along the second direction in the disengaged condition of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 8083630
    Abstract: The transmission includes a housing, input and output shafts, and four planetary gear trains each having at least three members including a ring gear, at least one carrier, and a sun gear. The input and output shafts are is continuously interconnected with gear(s) and/or carrier(s). Links continuously interconnect the carrier(s) and/or gears between gear trains. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Rice, Kevin G. Meyer, Michael W. Krause, Larry W. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20100160107
    Abstract: The transmission includes a housing, input and output shafts, and four planetary gear trains each having at least three members including a ring gear, at least one carrier, and a sun gear. The input and output shafts are is continuously interconnected with gear(s) and/or carrier(s). Links continuously interconnect the carrier(s) and/or gears between gear trains. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Rice, Kevin G. Meyer, Michael W. Krause, Larry W. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6516793
    Abstract: There is provided a low carbon monoxide gas log assembly having a main gas burner and a neat gas burner. The main gas burner includes a plurality of exit ports. A batting containing rock wool is located above the exit ports and is not in contact with the exit ports. The batting is tilted at an angle greater than 0° but less than 90° with respect to the main gas burner. Heat from combustion at the exit ports causes portions of the batting to glow so that glowing embers are simulated while maintaining low carbon monoxide levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabrications, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Rice
  • Publication number: 20020062827
    Abstract: There is provided a low carbon monoxide gas log assembly having a main gas burner and a neat gas burner. The main gas burner includes a plurality of exit ports. A batting containing rock wool is located above the exit ports and is not in contact with the exit ports. The batting is tilted at an angle greater than 0° but less than 90° with respect to the main gas burner. Heat from combustion at the exit ports causes portions of the batting to glow so that glowing embers are simulated while maintaining low carbon monoxide levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 5660162
    Abstract: There is provided an improved artificial log assembly having a primary burner and a neat gas burner and having a first log which is preferably split into two members. The primary burner is located in front of the first log to heat the first log to its glow temperature. The major portion of the neat gas burner is located behind the first log producing a flicker flame. A portion of the neat gas burner extends to the front of the first log. A pilot is adjacent to the extended portion of the neat gas burner and the primary burner for simultaneously igniting both burners. Preferably the extended portion of the neat gas burner is received in a gap formed by the split between the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Eavenson, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 5591024
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of gas for artificial logs. The apparatus includes a main gas burner and a pilot as well as a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the main burner and to the pilot. The pilot includes a oxygen depletion sensor. A thermal responsive electrical generator is adjacent to the pilot and is connected to the valve. The output voltage of the generator, while under load, is at least 140 millivolts so as to operate the gas valve, which is capable of full automatic operation without the use of an additional electrical source. In addition, the thermal responsive electrical generator is positioned with respect to the pilot so that gas from the pilot will not continue to burn about the generator when the oxygen depletion sensor senses a predetermined low level of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Eavenson, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 5397233
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of gas for artificial logs. The apparatus includes a main gas burner and a pilot as well as a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the main burner and to the pilot. The pilot includes a oxygen depletion sensor. A thermal responsive electrical generator is adjacent to the pilot and is connected to the valve. The output voltage of the generator is at least 250 millivolts so as to operate the gas valve, which is capable of full automatic operation without the use of an additional electrical source. In addition, the thermal responsive electrical generator is positioned with respect to the pilot so that gas from the pilot will not continue to burn about the generator when the oxygen depletion sensor senses a predetermined low level of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Eavenson, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 4641850
    Abstract: Thin wide metal bands encircle the propulsion wheels of a wheelchair to enable the chair to be operated on a beach or on other soft terrain. The somewhat flexible bands have separated ends which are drawn together and secured by an elastic connector web attached to one end portion of the band and carrying a connector strip having gripping fingers which engage in apertures provided in the other end portion of the band after the elastic connector web is stretched across a gap between the separated ends of the band. The band carries half-circle centering elements on its interior surface which engage over the tire of the wheelchair propulsion wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventors: James S. Rice, William L. Klohn
  • Patent number: 4607611
    Abstract: There is provided an improved heating device which utilizes a standard forced air solid fuel burning stove enclosd in a metal box and surrounded by a layer of thermal insulation. A metal shield surrounds at least the upper portion of the stove with air spaces provided between the stove and the shield as well as between the shield and the insulation on the walls of the box. The outer surfaces of the walls of the heating device are adapted to come into direct contact with combustible building materials, thus solving the clearance problem associated with most solid fuel burning stoves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Appalachian Stove and Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Rice, Barry Eavenson, Garry Eavenson, Thomas A. Bryson
  • Patent number: 4368469
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in scientific measurement analysis and control. Travelling interference fringes are generated by radiating at least two different periodic waves at two different frequencies, one from each of two different radiators. The waves are received, mixed and filtered to detect at least one beat signal from these waves which represents the travelling interference fringe. The phase of that beat signal is detected relative to a reference signal of the same frequency as the beat signal. The radiated waves may be received at a second antenna and the phase of the beat of the waves at the first antenna is compared to the phase of the beat as observed at the second antenna. A third wave may be radiated from the first antenna to provide a reference signal which is the beat generated by the third wave and the other wave from the same radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Assignee: Novar Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Ott, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 4042869
    Abstract: A system for compensating for the backlash of a drive mechanism of an actuator that can be controlled manually or switched to automatic, with the starting position indeterminate. The actuator includes a position transducer for the actuator. Impulses are supplied to the drive mechanism to energize the drive mechanism in discrete steps in a first direction. In response to a change in the actuator position being sensed by the position transducer, the supply of impulses to the drive mechanism is terminated. Because of backlash in gearing included in the drive mechanism, each of the impulses to the drive mechanism does not necessarily result in a change in the actuator position. In response to movement of the actuator being sensed the drive mechanism is energized in a direction opposite to the first direction through a distance equal to the sum of the backlash and the amount of movement of the actuator detected by the position transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1971
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: Industrial Nucleonics Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Eickelberg, James S. Rice
  • Patent number: D294811
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventors: James S. Rice, William L. Klohn