Patents by Inventor Kevin A. Bacon

Kevin A. Bacon 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: 9003786
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for pressure limiting a hydraulic system to a desired pressure value by a particular circuit by controlling and closing the compensator when the desired pressure setting is achieved. Closing the compensator will reduced the pressure head and flow in the circuit resulting in improved efficiency. One illustrated embodiment of the disclosure provides a relief valve in the pilot signal for a compensator. The method relates to limiting the pressure on an open side of the compensator, such that the pressure on the other side closes the compensator thereby limiting the pressure and also flow in the hydraulic circuit. In other words, the pressure on the open side is limited by the relief valve. Thus, the pressure on the other side increases thereby regulating the flow and pressure through the compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Jason L. Brinkman, Timothy L. Hand, Randall A. Harlow
  • Publication number: 20140026546
    Abstract: A regeneration valve for a hydraulic circuit may include a valve element for controlling flow between first, second, and third ports. The valve element may be formed with a flow slot that generates a slot flow force when hydraulic fluid flows therethrough. The flow slot may be configured so that a predetermined fluid low rate may generate a slot flow force sufficient to actuate the valve element from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the valve element may divert a portion of flow from the second port to the first port is diverted to the third port. The flow slot may be configured so that the fluid exits the slot at an exit angle that varies as the valve element moves between first and second positions, thereby to provide a more uniform flow force across the range of travel of the valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Gang Victor Wen, Wesley Thomas Payne
  • Publication number: 20120285158
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for pressure limiting a hydraulic system to a desired pressure value by a particular circuit by controlling and closing the compensator when the desired pressure setting is achieved. Closing the compensator will reduced the pressure head and flow in the circuit resulting in improved efficiency. One illustrated embodiment of the disclosure provides a relief valve in the pilot signal for a compensator. The method relates to limiting the pressure on an open side of the compensator, such that the pressure on the other side closes the compensator thereby limiting the pressure and also flow in the hydraulic circuit. In other words, the pressure on the open side is limited by the relief valve. Thus, the pressure on the other side increases thereby regulating the flow and pressure through the compensator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Randall A. Harlow, Timothy L. Hand, Jason L. Brinkman, Kevin A. Bacon
  • Patent number: 7797934
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a source driven by an engine to pressurize fluid, and a tool actuator movable by pressurized fluid. The hydraulic control system may further have a first valve element movable to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to the tool actuator, and an interface device movable by an operator to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to move the first valve element. The hydraulic control system may also have a second valve element movable to limit an amount of pressurized fluid available to move the first valve element, and a controller in communication with the second valve element. The controller may be configured to move the second valve element to reduce pressurized fluid directed to the first valve element in an amount related to a load on the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Andrew J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080264499
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a source driven by an engine to pressurize fluid, and a tool actuator movable by pressurized fluid. The hydraulic control system may further have a first valve element movable to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to the tool actuator, and an interface device movable by an operator to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to move the first valve element. The hydraulic control system may also have a second valve element movable to limit an amount of pressurized fluid available to move the first valve element, and a controller in communication with the second valve element. The controller may be configured to move the second valve element to reduce pressurized fluid directed to the first valve element in an amount related to a load on the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Andrew J. Smith