Patents by Inventor John M. Plouzek

John M. Plouzek 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: 11869331
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives first image data related to at least one ground engaging tool (GET) of a work machine from one or more sensors at a first time instance in a dig-dump cycle of the work machine. The wear detection system processes the first image data to determine a first wear measurement and first wear level for the at least one GET. The wear detection system determines whether the first wear level is indicative of a GET replacement condition. The wear detection system generates an alert when the first wear level is indicative of the GET replacement condition. The wear detection system receives second image data related to the at least one GET a second time instance different from the first time instance when the first wear level is not indicative of the GET replacement condition and determines a second wear measurement and second wear level for the at least one GET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A Mianzo, Tod A Oblak, Shawn Nainan Mathew, John M Plouzek, Raymond Alan Wise, Daniel Paul Adler
  • Patent number: 11821177
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives a left image and a right image of a bucket of a work machine having at least one ground engaging tool (GET). The example system identifies a first region of interest from the left image corresponding to the GET and a second region of interest from the right image corresponding to the GET. The example system also generates a left-edge digital image corresponding to the first region of interest and a right-edge digital image corresponding to the second region of interest. Further, the example system determines a sparse stereo disparity between the left-edge digital image and the right-edge digital image, and also determines a wear level or loss for the at least one GET based on the sparse stereo disparity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A Mianzo, Tod A Oblak, John M Plouzek, Shawn Nainan Mathew, Raymond Alan Wise
  • Publication number: 20230370572
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for operating a machine. The method includes (1) receiving image data of a component of the machine by a camera module of the machine, the camera module having multiple camera components; (2) detecting an incident associated with the camera module; (3) in response to the incident, instructing the camera module to collect image data from a subset of the multiple camera components; and (4) generating a status image of the component based on the collected image data from the subset of the multiple camera components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Shawn N. Mathew, Arthur Milkowski, John M. Plouzek, Norman Keith Lay, Subhani M. Shaik
  • Patent number: 11669956
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives first imaging data from one or more sensors associated with a work machine. The first imaging data comprises data related to at least one ground engaging tool (GET) of the work machine. The example system identifies a region of interest including data of the at least one GET within the first imaging data. Based on the identified region of interest, the example system controls a LiDAR sensor to capture second imaging data capturing the at least one GET that is of higher resolution than the first imaging data. The example system generates a three-dimensional point cloud of the at least one GET based on the second imaging data and determines a wear level or loss for the at least one GET based on the three-dimensional point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A Mianzo, Tod A Oblak, John M Plouzek, Raymond Alan Wise, Shawn Nainan Mathew
  • Publication number: 20230053154
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives a plurality of images from a plurality of sensors associated with a work machine. Individual sensors of the plurality of sensors have respective fields-of-view different from other sensors of the plurality of sensors. The wear detection system identifies a first region of interest and second region of interest associated with the at least one GET. The wear detection system determines a first set of image points and a second set of images points for the at least one GET based on geometric parameters associated with the GET. The wear detection system determines a wear level or loss for the at least one GET based on the GET measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Mianzo, Tod A. Oblak, John M. Plouzek, Raymond Alan Wise, Shawn Nainan Mathew, Daniel Paul Adler
  • Publication number: 20230051843
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives first image data related to at least one ground engaging tool (GET) of a work machine from one or more sensors at a first time instance in a dig-dump cycle of the work machine. The wear detection system processes the first image data to determine a first wear measurement and first wear level for the at least one GET. The wear detection system determines whether the first wear level is indicative of a GET replacement condition. The wear detection system generates an alert when the first wear level is indicative of the GET replacement condition. The wear detection system receives second image data related to the at least one GET a second time instance different from the first time instance when the first wear level is not indicative of the GET replacement condition and determines a second wear measurement and second wear level for the at least one GET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Mianzo, Tod A. Oblak, Shawn Nainan Mathew, John M. Plouzek, Raymond Alan Wise, Daniel Paul Adler
  • Publication number: 20220383469
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives first imaging data from one or more sensors associated with a work machine. The first imaging data comprises data related to at least one ground engaging tool (GET) of the work machine. The example system identifies a region of interest including data of the at least one GET within the first imaging data. Based on the identified region of interest, the example system controls a LiDAR sensor to capture second imaging data capturing the at least one GET that is of higher resolution than the first imaging data. The example system generates a three-dimensional point cloud of the at least one GET based on the second imaging data and determines a wear level or loss for the at least one GET based on the three-dimensional point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Mianzo, Tod A. Oblak, John M. Plouzek, Raymond Alan Wise, Shawn Nainan Mathew
  • Publication number: 20220251807
    Abstract: An example wear detection system receives a left image and a right image of a bucket of a work machine having at least one ground engaging tool (GET). The example system identifies a first region of interest from the left image corresponding to the GET and a second region of interest from the right image corresponding to the GET. The example system also generates a left-edge digital image corresponding to the first region of interest and a right-edge digital image corresponding to the second region of interest. Further, the example system determines a sparse stereo disparity between the left-edge digital image and the right-edge digital image, and also determines a wear level or loss for the at least one GET based on the sparse stereo disparity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Mianzo, Tod A. Oblak, John M. Plouzek, Shawn Nainan Mathew, Raymond Alan Wise
  • Patent number: 10249060
    Abstract: A tool erosion detecting system for a machine having a ground engaging tool is disclosed. The tool erosion detecting system may include a camera configured to generate a first image of the ground engaging tool on a display device, an input device configured to receive a user input, and a controller in communication with the camera and the input device. The controller may be configured to generate an augmented reality view of the ground engaging tool. The augmented reality view may include the first image of the ground engaging tool generated by the camera and a second image of a ground engaging tool superimposed on the first image and being associated with a selected wear level, wherein the selected wear level is based on the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Edward Wagner, Patrick Simon Campomanes, Brian Charles Brown, Drew Steven Solorio, John M. Plouzek, David Jason Mcintyre, Paul Davis Jackson, Jr., Phillip John Kunz, Thomas Marshall Congdon, Shadi Naji Kfouf
  • Publication number: 20180274203
    Abstract: A bucket comprises a first attachment region, a second attachment region, and a third attachment region configured to connect to flexible members, each attachment region including a plurality of attachment points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Plouzek
  • Publication number: 20180274202
    Abstract: A method for moving material efficiently using a machine with a bucket comprises determining at least one of the following variables: location of the material to be moved relative to the machine, type of material to be moved, orientation of the surface of the material to be moved, and the desired direction for moving the bucket to move the material, and changing the orientation of the bucket relative to the machine based on any one of these variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Plouzek
  • Publication number: 20180165884
    Abstract: A tool erosion detecting system for a machine having a ground engaging tool is disclosed. The tool erosion detecting system may include a camera configured to generate a first image of the ground engaging tool on a display device, an input device configured to receive a user input, and a controller in communication with the camera and the input device. The controller may be configured to generate an augmented reality view of the ground engaging tool. The augmented reality view may include the first image of the ground engaging tool generated by the camera and a second image of a ground engaging tool superimposed on the first image and being associated with a selected wear level, wherein the selected wear level is based on the user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Edward WAGNER, Patrick Simon CAMPOMANES, Brian Charles BROWN, Drew Steven SOLORIO, John M. PLOUZEK, David Jason MCINTYRE, Paul Davis JACKSON, JR., Phillip John KUNZ, Thomas Marshall CONGDON, Shadi Naji KFOUF
  • Patent number: 9926024
    Abstract: A master link joint for a drive chain is disclosed. The disclosed master link joint includes two master links. Each master link includes a first half link and a second half link that engage each other along mating abutment surfaces. The two master links are disposed on opposite sides of the chain. The first half links are coupled by a pin that traverses the chain and the second half links are coupled by a bushing that traverses the chain. The mating abutment surfaces include a first ramp that meets a second offset ramp at a junction or root. An angle ? defined by the second ramps of the mating abutment surfaces and a line parallel to the rail or bottom pad of the half links ranges from about 45 to about 53°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan S. Clarke, John M. Plouzek, Laurence J. Cobb, Matthew W. Trone
  • Patent number: 8905640
    Abstract: A thrust ring for an undercarriage in a track-type machine includes an annular body having an outer circular edge and an inner circular edge defining a common center axis. A first set of oil grooves and a first set of thrust faces are positioned in an alternating arrangement on each of a first axial side and a second axial side of the annular body. Each of the oil grooves includes a cross sectional contour shaped to balance an oil flow property of the thrust ring with a strength property of the thrust ring, and defining a non-uniform curve which includes a plurality of curve segments each having a different radial attribute. The thrust ring defines a Plouzek value equal to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Snyder, John M. Plouzek
  • Publication number: 20140325881
    Abstract: A wear assembly for an excavating bucket having a sidewall is provided. The wear assembly includes a first boss, a second boss and a wear member. The first boss extends from an inner lateral surface of the sidewall. Further, the first boss has a rectangular shape along a direction normal to the inner lateral surface. The second boss extends from an outer lateral surface of the sidewall. Further, the second boss has a rectangular shape along a direction normal to the outer lateral surface. The wear member includes a working portion, a first leg and a second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg extends from the working portion. Further, each of the first leg and the second leg define a recess configured to slidingly receive one of the first boss and the second boss therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: John M. Plouzek
  • Publication number: 20140091615
    Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a track-type machine includes a circular body. The circular body includes a central hub portion, an annular flange portion integral with the central hub portion, and a circumferential rim portion to define an annular cavity along with the central hub portion and the annular flange portion. A sound dampening coating provided on the circular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel I. Knobloch, John M. Plouzek, Jay H. Cline, Aaron K. Amstutz, David W. McKeever, Peter M. Zuehls
  • Publication number: 20130082846
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for collecting information related to a machine component of a mobile machine that is configured to perform work on a worksite. The sensor system may be installed on or within the machine component, and the machine component may be installed with the sensor system on the mobile machine. The information may be collected with the sensor system while the machine is performing work on the worksite, the information relating to a characteristic experienced by the machine component. The information may be transmitted with the sensor system. The sensor system may collect information related to a tracked undercarriage of the mobile machine, or the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Allen McKinley, Mark Steven Diekevers, John M. Plouzek, Mathew William Trone, Robert L. Meyer, Gregory W. Tomlins, Andrew Caruana
  • Publication number: 20120002910
    Abstract: A thrust ring for an undercarriage in a track-type machine includes an annular body having an outer circular edge and an inner circular edge defining a common center axis. A first set of oil grooves and a first set of thrust faces are positioned in an alternating arrangement on each of a first axial side and a second axial side of the annular body. Each of the oil grooves includes a cross sectional contour shaped to balance an oil flow property of the thrust ring with a strength property of the thrust ring, and defining a non-uniform curve which includes a plurality of curve segments each having a different radial attribute. The thrust ring defines a Plouzek value equal to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Snyder, John M. Plouzek
  • Publication number: 20110316331
    Abstract: A master link joint for a drive chain is disclosed. The disclosed master link joint includes two master links. Each master link includes a first half link and a second half link that engage each other along mating abutment surfaces. The two master links are disposed on opposite sides of the chain. The first half links are coupled by a pin that traverses the chain and the second half links are coupled by a bushing that traverses the chain. The mating abutment surfaces include a first ramp that meets a second offset ramp at a junction or root. An angle ? defined by the second ramps of the mating abutment surfaces and a line parallel to the rail or bottom pad of the half links ranges from about 45 to about 53°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Donovan S. Clarke, John M. Plouzek, Laurence J. Cobb, Matthew W. Trone
  • Patent number: D665826
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan S. Clarke, John M. Plouzek, Laurence J. Cobb, Matthew W. Trone