Patents by Inventor John T. Reedy

John T. Reedy 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: 9249555
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first actuator, a first valve arrangement, a second actuator, and a second valve arrangement. The hydraulic system may also have at least one operator interface device movable by an operator to generate a first signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a first manner, and a second signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a second manner; and a controller configured to generate a first flow rate command directed to the first valve arrangement based on the first signal, and generate a second flow rate command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate a third flow rate scaled from the first flow rate command and directed to the second valve arrangement based on only the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Reedy, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 9216741
    Abstract: An engine control system is provided where the engine control system includes a torque converter, an engine connected to the torque converter, a transmission connected to the torque converter, a lock-up clutch housed in the torque converter wherein the lock-up clutch is configured to mechanically connect the engine and the transmission when the lock-up clutch is engaged, an engine speed sensor configured to obtain a prior engine speed which is measured prior to engagement of the lock-up clutch, a transmission speed sensor configured to obtain a prior transmission speed which is measured prior to the engagement of the lock-up clutch, and an engine control module configured to determine a desired engine speed at a speed lower than the prior engine speed and adjust a speed of the engine to the desired engine speed just prior to the movement of the lock-up clutch for the engagement or as the lock-up clutch moves toward the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Tinker, Guillaume Raffin, John T. Reedy, Don B. Benckendorf
  • Patent number: 8886415
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and a tilt angle sensor configured to generate a first signal. The hydraulic system may further have at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity, and a controller. The controller may be configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal and, when the first signal indicates that the actual tilt angle has entered a specified range of tilt angles during lifting, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal as the actual tilt angle remains within the specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Shatters, Steven C. Budde, John T. Reedy, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 8340875
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for lifting a work tool of a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, and a lift sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an actual lift velocity. The hydraulic system may also have a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity. The hydraulic system may further have a controller configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal, and command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid and maintain a desired tilt angle of the work tool during lifting based selectively on the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Shatters, Steven C. Budde, John T. Reedy, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 8260509
    Abstract: A machine includes a drive train with an electronically controlled transmission in communication with an electronic engine controller. The machine ground speed is limited by executing a vehicle speed limit algorithm in the electronic transmission controller. This algorithm generates an engine control message that is communicated to the electronic engine controller. The power output of the engine is reduced responsive to the engine control message. The machine responds by not exceeding a prescribed speed limit programmed into the electronic transmission controller. This vehicle speed limiting strategy is particularly applicable to machines without a vehicle speed limiting algorithm resident in the electronic engine controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Reedy, Mahendra Upadhyaya, James W. Landes, Arvil D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090111652
    Abstract: A machine includes a drive train with an electronically controlled transmission in communication with an electronic engine controller. The machine ground speed is limited by executing a vehicle speed limit algorithm in the electronic transmission controller. This algorithm generates an engine control message that is communicated to the electronic engine controller. The power output of the engine is reduced responsive to the engine control message. The machine responds by not exceeding a prescribed speed limit programmed into the electronic transmission controller. This vehicle speed limiting strategy is particularly applicable to machines without a vehicle speed limiting algorithm resident in the electronic engine controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: John T. Reedy, Mahendra Upadhyaya, James W. Landes, Arvil D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030121409
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling hydraulic flow through a valve. The method includes determining a pressure drop across the valve and estimating a flow rate through the valve based on the pressure drop and a displacement of the valve. A command signal to actuate the valve is computed based on a desired flow rate and the estimated flow rate through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen V. Lunzman, Larry E. Kendrick, John T. Reedy
  • Patent number: 6473189
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the distance to a reflective surface. A first light source transmits a first light onto the reflective surface, the first light source being located on a first side of an axis. The reflective surface reflects at least a portion of the light onto a first light-detecting device having a first region operable to receive the reflected first light from the reflective surface. The first light-detecting device transmits a first and second signals as a function of the location of the received first light within the first region. A second light source transmits a second light onto the reflective surface, the second light source being located on a second side of the axis. The reflective surface reflects at least a portion of the second light onto a second light-detecting device having a second region operable to receive the reflected second light from the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: John T. Reedy