Patents by Inventor Joseph L. Faivre
Joseph L. Faivre 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: 20230383496Abstract: A method of identifying blade penetration that is ineffectual by a blade-based machine at a work site, including: attempting to cut an area of ground by the blade-based machine at the work site; determining that the cut is ineffectual based on a determination of a threshold cut volume achieved by the blade-based machine, the threshold cut volume being based on input from one or more position sensors on the blade-based machine; and initiating one or more remedial actions based on the determination of ineffectual cutting by the blade-based machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2022Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. FAIVRE, Bradley P. KRONE, Sangameshwar SONTH
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Publication number: 20230343144Abstract: A system and method include receiving sensor data from a of at least a portion of a work surface of a worksite including a first one or more material properties, a first timestamp, a first location, and the like, determining a multi-layer map based at least in part from this data and including new layer commands, meeting or exceeding data thresholds, new machine operations, machine learning models, and receiving additional sensor data containing a second same, similar, and/or different information, generating a new layer and/or overwriting the existing layer data, and providing a processed map to one or more machines, memory, additional devices, and the like. The method also includes saving prior layers and/or data of overwritten layers. The method further includes causing at least a part of the multi-layer material property map to be displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Joseph L. Faivre, Jeremy Wayne Lee, John L. Marsolek, Matthew Thomas Hanson, Brian D. Nagel, Robert K. Iverson
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Patent number: 11595618Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
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Patent number: 11530920Abstract: A method of controlling movement of a machine may include receiving, from a plurality of IMU modules mounted on a corresponding plurality of components of the machine, a plurality of signals indicative of orientation measurements and motion measurements for the components of the machine on which the plurality of IMU modules are mounted. The IMU modules include a corresponding number of state estimators, and form a mesh network communicatively coupled to a communication bus. The method may also include fusing the signals, determining estimates of output orientation data and output motion data for the components of the machine based on the fused signals, determining a real time value for at least one of position, velocity, or acceleration of the components of the machine based on a kinematic evaluation, and applying the determined real time value in an implementation of a controlled operational movement of the components of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L Faivre
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Patent number: 11505244Abstract: A system and method for steering a machine. The system may comprise a controller configured to receive a steering command and determine a target angular turn rate for the body and a target turn direction for the body. The controller may be further configured to determine a steering mode based on a transmission output torque, the steering mode including Traction-steering, Assisted-steering or Implement-steering. When the steering mode is Assisted-steering, the controller is configured to steer the machine in the target turn direction and at the target angular turn rate by (a) moving an implement from a first position to a second position and (b) diverting or removing power from a first ground engaging traction member.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Joseph L. Faivre
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Publication number: 20210314528Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
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Patent number: 11124942Abstract: A system for controlling a ground engaging work implement includes a machine position sensor, a work surface position sensor, a work implement position sensor, and a controller. The controller determines the position of the machine, determines the topography of the work surface, determines a location of a pre-task trigger location adjacent the task start location, and determine a position of the lowest surface of the ground engaging work implement. The controller generates traverse signals to propel the machine from the task end location towards the task start location, generate work implement height signals to maintain the lowest surface of the ground engaging work implement at or above the traversing threshold height as the machine travels from the task end location towards the task start location, and generate work implement lowering signals to lower the work implement to the pre-task threshold height after the machine passes the pre-task trigger location.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Tianjiao Zuo, Paul D. Lenzen, Steven R. Krause
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Publication number: 20210237797Abstract: A system and method for steering a machine. The system may comprise a controller configured to receive a steering command and determine a target angular turn rate for the body and a target turn direction for the body. The controller may be further configured to determine a steering mode based on a transmission output torque, the steering mode including Traction-steering, Assisted-steering or Implement-steering. When the steering mode is Assisted-steering, the controller is configured to steer the machine in the target turn direction and at the target angular turn rate by (a) moving an implement from a first position to a second position and (b) diverting or removing power from a first ground engaging traction member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Joseph L. Faivre
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Publication number: 20210215483Abstract: A method of controlling movement of a machine may include receiving, from a plurality of IMU modules mounted on a corresponding plurality of components of the machine, a plurality of signals indicative of orientation measurements and motion measurements for the components of the machine on which the plurality of IMU modules are mounted. The IMU modules include a corresponding number of state estimators, and form a mesh network communicatively coupled to a communication bus. The method may also include fusing the signals, determining estimates of output orientation data and output motion data for the components of the machine based on the fused signals, determining a real time value for at least one of position, velocity, or acceleration of the components of the machine based on a kinematic evaluation, and applying the determined real time value in an implementation of a controlled operational movement of the components of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2020Publication date: July 15, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L Faivre
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Publication number: 20200347570Abstract: A system for controlling a ground engaging work implement includes a machine position sensor, a work surface position sensor, a work implement position sensor, and a controller. The controller determines the position of the machine, determines the topography of the work surface, determines a location of a pre-task trigger location adjacent the task start location, and determine a position of the lowest surface of the ground engaging work implement. The controller generates traverse signals to propel the machine from the task end location towards the task start location, generate work implement height signals to maintain the lowest surface of the ground engaging work implement at or above the traversing threshold height as the machine travels from the task end location towards the task start location, and generate work implement lowering signals to lower the work implement to the pre-task threshold height after the machine passes the pre-task trigger location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Tianjiao Zuo, Paul D. Lenzen, Steven R. Krause
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Patent number: 10066370Abstract: A controller uses a Kalman filter to develop an estimated position of an implement based on a previous implement position, an implement pitch, an implement pitch rate and an estimated implement linkage velocity. The controller moves the implement to a desired position based on the estimated position of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley P. Krone, Steven R. Krause
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Patent number: 9896820Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
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Publication number: 20170107700Abstract: A controller uses a Kalman filter to develop an estimated position of an implement based on a previous implement position, an implement pitch, an implement pitch rate and an estimated implement linkage velocity. The controller moves the implement to a desired position based on the estimated position of the implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley P. Krone, Steven R. Krause
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Publication number: 20160305087Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
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Patent number: 9404237Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
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Patent number: 9388551Abstract: A control system for a machine equipped with a ripping tool. The control system includes a first operator input for generating a ripping control signal that initiates an auto-ripping mode. A second operator input is provided for generating a speed select signal for changing the transmission output speed of the machine to a selected transmission output speed. The system further includes a controller with a memory. The controller is linked to the first and second operator inputs. The controller is programmed to receive a ripping control signal from the first operator input and to activate the auto-ripping mode or auto-ripping mode and deactivate the auto-shift mode. The controller is also programmed to receive a speed select signal from the second operator input and to deactivate the auto-ripping mode and adjust the power source to the selected transmission output speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Matthew A. Johnson, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Publication number: 20150361640Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
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Publication number: 20150240452Abstract: A control system for a machine equipped with a ripping tool. The control system includes a first operator input for generating a ripping control signal that initiates an auto-ripping mode. A second operator input is provided for generating a speed select signal for changing the transmission output speed of the machine to a selected transmission output speed. The system further includes a controller with a memory. The controller is linked to the first and second operator inputs. The controller is programmed to receive a ripping control signal from the first operator input and to activate the auto-ripping mode or auto-ripping mode and deactivate the auto-shift mode. The controller is also programmed to receive a speed select signal from the second operator input and to deactivate the auto-ripping mode and adjust the power source to the selected transmission output speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Matthew A. Johnson, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Publication number: 20150204901Abstract: A method for determining ground speed of a machine includes receiving an inertial navigation data at a first time and calculating a lateral acceleration of the machine at the first time using a first Kalman filter. A time delayed measurement of the ground speed information is received at a second time, wherein the time delayed measurement is delayed by predetermined time interval with respect to the measurement of the inertial navigation data. A ground speed of the machine is calculated at second time based on the time delayed measurement of the ground speed information and the inertial navigation data using a second Kalman filter, wherein the inertial navigation data is provided at the second time. Thereafter the ground speed is then determined based on a change in ground speed of the machine over the predetermined time interval and the calculated ground speed associated with the machine at the second time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley P. Krone
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Patent number: 8660738Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating performances of a piece of equipment and equipment operator. One disclosed method includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the equipment. The method then includes resolving a plurality of segments the equipment is sequentially performing from the sensed operating parameters to provide a sequence of resolved segments. The method then includes resolving what application the equipment is performing based upon the sequence of resolved segments to provide at least one resolved application. The method then includes applying at least one metric to the resolved application to provide at least one applied application metric. Then, the method includes evaluating the performance of the equipment and operator using the applied application metric. Various systems for installation on existing work equipments or new work equipments such as loaders and excavators are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Catepillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley K. Bomer, Chandrasekar Ramkumar, John J. Krone