Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Kuehn
Jeffrey L. Kuehn 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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Publication number: 20140165549Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first pump, a boom cylinder, and a first closed loop fluidly connecting the first pump to the boom cylinder. The hydraulic system may also have a second pump, a swing motor, and a second closed loop fluidly connecting the second pump to the swing motor. The hydraulic system may further have a third pump, an auxiliary actuator, and a third closed loop fluidly connecting the third pump to the auxiliary actuator. The hydraulic system may additionally have a combining valve configured to selectively connect the second closed loop to the first closed loop during a boom raising operation, and a control valve configured to selectively connect the third closed loop to the first closed loop during a boom lowering operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Magomed GABIBULAYEV, Jeffrey L. KUEHN, Michael L. KNUSSMAN, Jeremy T. PETERSON, Viral S. MEHTA, Benjamin T. NELSON
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Patent number: 8683720Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20130317695Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar INc.Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
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Patent number: 8543298Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine includes a base, an operator input device, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The operator input device is operable to move in a direction in relation to the base. The first biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction. The second biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a second position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
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Publication number: 20130152565Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a swing motor driven by pressurized fluid to swing a body of the machine relative to an undercarriage, and a first circuit fluidly connecting the pump to the swing motor. The hydraulic system may also have an energy recovery motor mechanically connected to the swing motor, at least one accumulator, and a second circuit fluidly connecting the at least one accumulator to the energy recovery motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Jeremy T. Peterson
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Publication number: 20130098014Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a unidirectional variable displacement first pump, a first actuator connected to the first pump via a closed-loop first circuit, and a first switching valve disposed between the first actuator and the first pump. The first switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the first actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a second actuator connected to the first pump in parallel with the first actuator via the first circuit, and a second switching valve disposed between the second actuator and the first pump. The second switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the second actuator. The hydraulic system may further have a modulation valve associated with the first circuit and configured to selectively modulate a pressure of the first circuit during actuation of the first or second switching valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Brad A. Edler, Jeremy T. Peterson, Michael T. Verkuilen
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Publication number: 20130098013Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a plurality of pumps with unidirectional functionality and being variable displacement, a common discharge passage connected to the plurality of pumps, and a common intake passage connected to the plurality of pumps. The hydraulic system may also have at least one actuator connected in closed-loop manner to the common discharge and common intake passages, and a switching valve associated with the at least one actuator and disposed between the at least one actuator and the common discharge and intake passages. The hydraulic system may additionally have at least one isolation valve configured to selectively isolate a portion of the common discharge passage and a portion of the common intake passage associated with one pump of the plurality of pumps from another pump of the plurality of pumps.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Brad A. EDLER, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Jeremy T. Peterson, Michael T. Verkuilen
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Publication number: 20130098463Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a unidirectional variable displacement first pump, a first hydraulic actuator connected to the first pump via a closed-loop first circuit, a unidirectional variable displacement second pump, and a second hydraulic actuator connected to the second pump via a closed-loop second circuit. The hydraulic system may also have a third pump selectively connectable in closed-loop manner to the first or second circuits, and a first valve disposed between the first hydraulic actuator and the first pump and configured to selectively direct fluid from the first circuit to the second and third pumps.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Jeffrey L. KUEHN, Brad A. EDLER, Jeremy T. PETERSON, Michael T. VERKUILEN
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Publication number: 20130098010Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having first, second, and third pumps. The hydraulic system may also have a first actuator connected to the first pump in closed-loop manner, a second actuator connected to the second pump in closed-loop manner, and a third actuator. The hydraulic system may further have a selector valve associated with the third pump, and a first switching valve associated with the third pump and the third actuator. The first switching valve may be movable between a first position at which the third pump is connected to the third actuator in a closed-loop manner to move the third actuator in a first direction, a second position at which the third pump is connected to the third actuator in a closed-loop manner to move the third actuator in a second direction, and a third position at which the third pump is connected to the selector valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Brad A. Edler, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Jeremy T. Peterson, Michael T. Verkuilen
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Publication number: 20130008246Abstract: A method for estimating a fluid charge of a hydraulic accumulator includes determining a first accumulator pressure at a first time with a pressure sensor, the first time during accumulator charging; determining a second accumulator pressure at a second time with the pressure sensor, the second time during accumulator charging; determining a first fan speed at the first time; determining a second fan speed at the second time; and estimating the fluid charge of the hydraulic accumulator as a function of the first accumulator pressure, the second accumulator pressure, the first fan speed, and the second fan speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20130000290Abstract: A swing energy recovery system for a machine is disclosed. The swing energy recovery system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a motor driven by a flow of pressurized fluid from the pump, and an energy recovery arrangement configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor. The swing energy recovery system may also have a pressure relief valve associated with the motor, and a controller in communication with the energy recovery arrangement and the pressure relief valve. The controller may be configured to selectively adjust a setting of the pressure relief valve based on an operating condition of the energy recovery arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Jiao ZHANG, Dayao Chen, Pengfei Ma, Tonglin Shang, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20130000291Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a pump, a motor, a tank, and an accumulator. The hydraulic circuit may also have a valve movable between a first position at which an output of the pump is fluidly connected to the tank and the accumulator is fluidly connected to the motor, and a second position at which the output of the pump is fluidly connected to the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Bryan E. NELSON, Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20120324767Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20120310490Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine includes a base, an operator input device, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The operator input device is operable to move in a direction in relation to the base. The first biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction. The second biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a second position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
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Publication number: 20120301325Abstract: A pump system is disclosed. The pump system may have a pump with a displacement that is variable, and an actuator movable to adjust the displacement of the pump. The pump system may also have an electro-hydraulic valve fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to control movement of the actuator, and a variable resistor mechanically connected to at least one of the actuator and the pump. The variable resistor may be adjustable by movement of the at least one of the actuator and the pump to vary a current passing through the electro-hydraulic valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Bryan E. NELSON, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20120134848Abstract: A hydraulic fan circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic fan circuit may have a primary pump, a high-pressure passage fluidly connected to the primary pump, and a low-pressure passage fluidly connected to the primary pump. The hydraulic fan circuit may also have at least one accumulator in selective fluid communication with at least one of the high- and low-pressure passages, a motor, and a fan connected to the motor. The hydraulic fan circuit may further have a fan isolation valve fluidly connected to the high- and low-pressure passages. The fan isolation valve may be movable between a flow-passing position at which the motor is fluidly connected to the primary pump via the high- and low-pressure passages, and a flow-blocking position at which the motor is substantially isolated from the primary pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20120124988Abstract: A hydraulic fan circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic fan circuit may have a primary pump, a motor, a fan connected to and driven by the motor, and a flywheel connected to and driven by one of the motor and the fan. The hydraulic fan circuit may also have a supply passage extending from the primary pump to the motor, a return passage extending from the motor to the primary pump, and a diverter valve configured to selectively connect the supply passage to a low-pressure sump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Bryan E. NELSON, Jeremy T. PETERSON, Jeffrey L. KUEHN
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Patent number: 7866149Abstract: A fluid system for use with a machine that employs an actuator, that provides for rapid shaking of an implement. The fluid system includes a source for providing fluid flow to the actuator and an operator input device for enabling an operator to control the movement of the implement by inputting a plurality of commands that specify movement of the implement. A controller is provided for monitoring the commands received from the operator input device and entering a mode for controlling the displacement of the source when the controller detects a pattern of commands that indicates an operator-request for rapid movement of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Jason L. Brinkman, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Patent number: 7726125Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a variable displacement pump. The variable displacement pump may have a fluidic displacement control configured to vary a flow of pressurized fluid based on a fluid signal and an electronic displacement control configured to vary the flow of pressurized fluid based on an electronic signal. The flow of pressurized fluid may be controlled by the one of the fluidic and electronic displacement controls that requests the smallest flow of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic circuit may also have a control valve connected between the pump and the fluidic displacement control, and the control valve may be configured to transmit the fluid signal to the fluidic displacement control.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason L. Brinkman, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20100043418Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having at least two hydraulic circuits. The disclosed system compares pressures between the hydraulic circuits and alters valve commands of the circuit associated with higher pressures in order to reduce overall system pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Verkuilen, Eko A. Prasetiawan, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Shoji Tozawa, Srinivas Kowta