Patents by Inventor Kent A. Casey

Kent A. Casey 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: 8300844
    Abstract: A sensor is provided in a machine having a continuously variable transmission, for example, and the amount of force exerted by the machine against a load is sensed. Based on the sensed power, an appropriate audio signal is generated which simulates the sounds an operator would expect to hear when such force is applied with a machine having a conventional geared transmission. The sounds can include engine noises, as well as sounds associated with the flow of oil or other hydraulic fluids. In addition, the sounds can be generated from digitally pre-recorded audible data, or can be output based on calculated audible data. User controls are also provided to adjust the volume and frequency or pitch of the generated sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, Norval P. Thomson, Vernon R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110295453
    Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Betz, Kent A. Casey, Stephen C. Garnett, Chih C. Liang, Andrew J. Tonsor, Michael E. Vanderham, Edward L. Zwilling
  • Patent number: 7950481
    Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Betz, Kent A. Casey, Stephen C. Garnett, Chih C. Liang, Andrew J. Tonsor, Michael E. Vanderham, Edward L. Zwilling
  • Patent number: 7731614
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an electrically operated input device and a first planetary assembly in driving engagement with the input device. The first planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary assembly is in driving engagement with the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The first planetary assembly co-acts with the second planetary assembly to provide substantially the same torque to the first and second output assemblies and the first and second planetary assemblies include axes of rotation substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, James E. Winzeler
  • Patent number: 7472010
    Abstract: A transmission control system is provided for a work machine that has a transmission and a traction device with a brake mechanism. The transmission control system has a speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a travel speed of the work machine. The transmission control system also has a controller in communication with the speed sensor and the brake mechanism. The controller is configured to determine when a transmission gear change is desired. The controller is further configured to adjust operation of the brake mechanism in response to the signal from the speed sensor when the transmission gear change is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Kent A. Casey
  • Patent number: 7452306
    Abstract: A drive system for a work machine is disclosed. The drive system has at least one driven traction device and a transmission operatively connected to the at least one driven traction device. The transmission is configured to drive the at least one driven traction device. The drive system further has a controller configured to determine a ground tractive capacity associated with the at least one driven traction device and to limit an amount of torque transmitted from the transmission to the at least one driven traction device when the amount of torque to be transmitted will exceed the ground tractive capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Casey
  • Patent number: 7441623
    Abstract: A multi-motor drive system for a work machine has a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the work machine. The drive system also has a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device. The drive system may also include a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the work machine. Further, the drive system also includes a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device. Additionally, the drive system has an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system. A first drive motor may operatively connect to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, Rodger L. Moring
  • Publication number: 20080243344
    Abstract: A vibration management system (20) for a machine (10) may receive a signal indicative of an amount of vibration experienced via one or more sensors or an amount of vibration to be expected based on data from a surveying system (26) which may be combination with data from a positioning system (28) and a speed monitoring system (27). The vibration management system (20) may add this data to a vibration history of a machine member 11 to predict the accumulative vibration the machine member 11 may be exposed to. This characteristic is compared to a desired characteristic and an adjusting action may be taken in response to a deviation as to have a second predicted characteristic approach the desired characteristic. A site management system (500) may use the deviation to allocate resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, Frank J. Raab, Norval P. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20070144175
    Abstract: A system for controlling intake pressure of a combustion engine operably coupled to a power generation system includes at least one turbocharger operably coupled to the intake system of the combustion engine. The at least one turbocharger is configured to increase the intake pressure in the intake system of the combustion engine. A turbocharger controller is configured to compare actual and desired intake pressures and control operation of the at least one turbocharger based on the comparison such that the turbocharger supplies a desired intake pressure to the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Sopko, Michael Vanderham, Kent Casey, Brian Kuras
  • Publication number: 20070147626
    Abstract: A sensor is provided in a machine having a continuously variable transmission, for example, and the amount of force exerted by the machine against a load is sensed. Based on the sensed power, an appropriate audio signal is generated which simulates the sounds an operator would expect to hear when such force is applied with a machine having a conventional geared transmission. The sounds can include engine noises, as well as sounds associated with the flow of oil or other hydraulic fluids. In addition, the sounds can be generated from digitally pre-recorded audible data, or can be output based on calculated audible data. User controls are also provided to adjust the volume and frequency or pitch of the generated sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, Norval P. Thomson, Vernon R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20070080236
    Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Betz, Kent Casey, Stephen Garnett, Chih Liang, Andrew Tonsor, Michael Vanderham, Edward Zwilling
  • Patent number: 7193342
    Abstract: Electrical devices such as motors and generators create heat as they operate. This can lead to lower performance and life. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling for such devices. This is particularly true in heavy duty applications such as earthmoving or other industries. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide cooling that involves the circulation of two fluids in defined pathways. Heat within a case or other enclosure for an electrical device is transferred to one fluid. Heat from the one fluid is subsequently transferred to the other fluid. In one example, this heat transfer may occur across fins for increased effectiveness. It is also preferred that the flow of fluid be closed loop so that contaminants are not introduced into the electrical device. By providing the heat transfer out of the electrical device as described, cooling is enhanced that can lead to longer lived and better performing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kent A. Casey, Gerald P. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20060218923
    Abstract: A system for controlling intake pressure of a combustion engine operably coupled to a power generation system includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a pressure in an intake system of the combustion engine and a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a load on the power generation system. The system further includes a turbocharger operably coupled to the intake system. The system also includes an electric machine operably coupled to the turbocharger. The electric machine is configured to supply torque to the turbocharger. The system further includes a turbocharger controller operably coupled to the electric machine. The turbocharger controller is configured to control operation of the electric machine such that the turbocharger supplies a desired intake pressure to the combustion engine based at least partially on the signal indicative of a pressure in the intake system and the signal indicative of a load on the power generation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Sopko, Michael Vanderham, Kent Casey, Brian Kuras
  • Publication number: 20060207809
    Abstract: An electric drive system for a work machine is disclosed. The electric drive system has a first traction device configured to propel the work machine and a first motor drivingly connected to the first traction device. The electric drive system also has a second traction device configured to propel the work machine and a second motor drivingly connected to the second traction device. The electric drive system additionally has a controller in communication with the second motor. The controller is configured to receive an input indicative of a temperature of the first motor and to change a torque output of the second motor in response to the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventor: Kent Casey
  • Publication number: 20060211535
    Abstract: A drive system for a work machine is disclosed. The drive system has at least one driven traction device and a transmission operatively connected to the at least one driven traction device. The transmission is configured to drive the at least one driven traction device. The drive system further has a controller configured to determine a ground tractive capacity associated with the at least one driven traction device and to limit an amount of torque transmitted from the transmission to the at least one driven traction device when the amount of torque to be transmitted will exceed the ground tractive capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventor: Kent Casey
  • Publication number: 20060191168
    Abstract: A multi-motor drive system for a work machine has a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the work machine. The drive system also has a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device. The drive system may also include a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the work machine. Further, the drive system also includes a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device. Additionally, the drive system has an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system. A first drive motor may operatively connect to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Kent Casey, Rodger Moring
  • Publication number: 20060136110
    Abstract: A vibration management system for a work machine may include at least one machine component configured to respond to input commands from an operator of the machine. One or more vibration sensors may be configured to output a signal indicative of a vibration level experienced by the operator. A controller may be configured to monitor the output signal from the one or more vibration sensors and determine an average vibration level experienced by the operator. The controller may also be configured to monitor the input commands from the operator and calculate a predicted response of the at least one machine component to at least one of the input commands. The controller may also be configured to determine a predicted vibration effect on the operator based on the predicted response and adjust an actual response of the at least one machine component to the at least one operator input command based on the predicted vibration effect and the average vibration level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Kent Casey, Norval Thomson, Vernon Smith
  • Publication number: 20060112781
    Abstract: torque transmitting power system includes first and second motors operably coupled to an output shaft via respective first and second transmissions. At least one of the two transmissions has at least two ranges. A power supply subsystem includes an engine with an output operably coupled to an input of an energy conversion device, which is operably coupled to an input of the first motor and an input of the second motor. The system allows for speed shifts that can be accomplished in a way that maintains rimpull during the shift event for smoother accelerations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Kuras, Michael Vanderham, Kent Casey
  • Publication number: 20060069484
    Abstract: A transmission control system is provided for a work machine that has a transmission and a traction device with a brake mechanism. The transmission control system has a speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a travel speed of the work machine. The transmission control system also has a controller in communication with the speed sensor and the brake mechanism. The controller is configured to determine when a transmission gear change is desired. The controller is further configured to adjust operation of the brake mechanism in response to the signal from the speed sensor when the transmission gear change is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Noval Thomson, Kent Casey
  • Publication number: 20060047393
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a work machine having a plurality of removably attachable work tools. The control system has at least one operator input device that is configured to control a movement speed of the work machine. The control system also has a tool recognition device configured to generate a signal corresponding to each of the removably attachable work tools and a controller in communication with the at least one input device and the tool recognition device. The controller is configured to change a ratio of a work machine movement speed to actuation position of the input device in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventor: Kent Casey