Patents by Inventor Kevin L. Steiner
Kevin L. Steiner 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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Patent number: 11957032Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display system. The display system includes a backlight configured to emit substantially collimated polarized light from an emission surface thereof. The emitted polarized light is polarized along a polarization direction. The display system further includes a display panel configured to receive an illumination light and form an image. The display system further includes a grating system substantially coextensive in length and width with the display panel and the emission surface. The grating system includes a plurality of substantially parallel elongated features extending along an in-plane first direction and arranged along an orthogonal in-plane second direction. The grating system is configured to receive and transmit an incident polarized light as a first transmitted light having different first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the grating system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 11919584Abstract: A track roller includes a body having a revolved configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. A first axial extremity and a second axial extremity are disposed along the axis of rotation. The body of revolution further includes a first rim portion disposed proximate to the first axial extremity, and a second rim portion disposed proximate to the second axial extremity. An outboard track contact surface is disposed axially proximate to the first rim portion, and an inboard slot is disposed axially proximate to the second rim portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
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Publication number: 20230105350Abstract: In at least one aspect, a track shoe assembly includes a shoe plate having a shoe plate body including at least one shoe plate attachment surface defining a groove extending along a width of the shoe plate body, and a grouser having a grouser body having at least one grouser attachment surface, a cross-sectional shape of the at least one grouser attachment surface being the same as a cross-sectional shape of the groove defined by the at least one shoe plate attachment surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2021Publication date: April 6, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric J. JOHANNSEN, Kevin L. STEINER, Jason L. SEBRIGHT, Donovan S. CLARKE
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Patent number: 11613316Abstract: A track idler includes a body of revolution defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. A first axial extremity and a second axial extremity are disposed along the axis of rotation. The body of revolution further includes an outboard track contact surface that is disposed axially proximate to the first axial extremity, and an inboard slot is disposed axially proximate to the second axial extremity.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
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Publication number: 20230053156Abstract: In one aspect, a track shoe assembly may include a shoe plate having a shoe plate body including a shoe plate attachment surface, and at least two slots extending through at least the shoe plate attachment surface. The track shoe assembly may also include a grouser having a grouser body having a grouser attachment surface, and at least two tabs, integrally formed with the grouser body, the at least two tabs extending from the grouser attachment surface, and perpendicular to the grouser attachment surface, the at least two tabs of the grouser being configured to be positioned within the at least two slots of the shoe plate. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a track shoe assembly may include forming a shoe plate as described above, forming a grouser as described above, and attaching the grouser to the shoe plate to thereby form a track shoe assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. STEINER, Eric J. JOHANNSEN
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Publication number: 20220194495Abstract: An idler assembly includes a cylindrical hub defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. A stepped circumferential surface of the cylindrical hub has a first radially inner face, and a radially outer cylindrical face. Mounting holes extend radially into the radially outer cylindrical face. A first idler segment is attached to the cylindrical hub, and includes an at least partially flat body having a first planar chain link contacting surface. The cylindrical hub has a first set of metallurgical properties that is different than the second set of metallurgical properties of the first idler segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Donovan Stuart Clarke, Robert Donald Bierman, Eric B. Weisbruch, Jason L. Sebright, Martin Tagore Joseph Xavier, Daniel I. Knobloch, Philip Steffen Ricketts
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Publication number: 20210229762Abstract: A track roller includes a body having a revolved configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. A first axial extremity and a second axial extremity are disposed along the axis of rotation. The body of revolution further includes a first rim portion disposed proximate to the first axial extremity, and a second rim portion disposed proximate to the second axial extremity. An outboard track contact surface is disposed axially proximate to the first rim portion, and an inboard slot is disposed axially proximate to the second rim portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
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Publication number: 20210229764Abstract: A track idler includes a body of revolution defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. A first axial extremity and a second axial extremity are disposed along the axis of rotation. The body of revolution further includes an outboard track contact surface that is disposed axially proximate to the first axial extremity, and an inboard slot is disposed axially proximate to the second axial extremity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
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Patent number: 10889344Abstract: A track link assembly includes a plurality of link subassemblies including a first link subassembly and a second link subassembly. Each link subassembly includes a pair of links coupled together. Each link includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second aperture of each link is C-shaped. The track link assembly also includes a pin element pivotably coupling each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly. The pin element includes a centrally positioned central portion and end portions on opposite sides of the central portion. The central portion of the pin element is configured to pass through the first aperture of a first link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly, and the end portions are configured to pass through the second apertures of a second link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Galat, Temitope O. Akinlua, Kevin L. Steiner
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Publication number: 20200086934Abstract: An undercarriage configured to support a track chain and to be attached to a machine with an endless track drive includes a first carrier plate attached to the undercarriage, the first carrier plate including a material having a hardness of at least 45 Rockwell Scale C or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Kevin L. Steiner
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Publication number: 20190367110Abstract: A track link assembly includes a plurality of link subassemblies including a first link subassembly and a second link subassembly. Each link subassembly includes a pair of links coupled together. Each link includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second aperture of each link is C-shaped. The track link assembly also includes a pin element pivotably coupling each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly. The pin element includes a centrally positioned central portion and end portions on opposite sides of the central portion. The central portion of the pin element is configured to pass through the first aperture of a first link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly, and the end portions are configured to pass through the second apertures of a second link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: December 5, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Galat, Temitope O. Akinlua, Kevin L. Steiner
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Patent number: 10457343Abstract: A track chain assembly includes a track pin, a first link, and a second link. The first link defines a first pair of pin passages in spaced relationship to each other by a first link pitch. The first link is mounted to the track pin such that the track pin extends through one of the first pair of pin passages. The second link defines a second pair of pin passages in spaced relationship to each other by a second link pitch. The second link is mounted to the track pin such that the track pin extends through one of the second pair of pin passages and such that the first link and the second link are rotatable with respect to each other about a longitudinal axis defined by the track pin. The second link pitch is greater than the first link pitch in a range up to twice the first link pitch.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Donovan S. Clarke, Kevin D. Eccles
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Publication number: 20180099709Abstract: A track chain assembly includes a track pin, a first link, and a second link. The first link defines a first pair of pin passages in spaced relationship to each other by a first link pitch. The first link is mounted to the track pin such that the track pin extends through one of the first pair of pin passages. The second link defines a second pair of pin passages in spaced relationship to each other by a second link pitch. The second link is mounted to the track pin such that the track pin extends through one of the second pair of pin passages and such that the first link and the second link are rotatable with respect to each other about a longitudinal axis defined by the track pin. The second link pitch is greater than the first link pitch in a range up to twice the first link pitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Donovan S. Clarke, Kevin D. Eccles
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Patent number: 9592866Abstract: A track assembly may have a chain assembly including a plurality of track links, a traction assembly including track shoes secured to the plurality of track links, a drive sprocket, an idler assembly including an idler and a mount, and a roller assembly including a plurality of rollers and a roller frame. A wear monitoring system may have a wear sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current position of a first component of the track assembly, and a controller in communication with the at least one wear sensor, the controller being configured to determine an amount of wear experienced by the track assembly based on the signal. The first component may be configured such that wear of at least a second component causes the first component to move to the current position from a previous position.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Kevin L. Steiner, Eric James Johannsen
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Patent number: 9387893Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The idler wheel assembly may have an idler body defining a cavity between a hub portion and a rim portion. The idler wheel assembly may also have a sound suppression device. The sound suppression device may have a first side plate attached to the idler body and enclosing at least a portion of the cavity to form a closed space, and a second side plate attached to the idler body. The sound suppression device may further have a dampening member disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and dampening material positioned inside the closed space and in contact with a surface of an inner portion of the rim portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Daniel I. Knobloch, Robert A. Eissler
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Publication number: 20160129954Abstract: A track assembly having a wear monitoring system is disclosed. The track assembly may have a chain assembly including a plurality of track links, a traction assembly including track shoes secured to the plurality of track links, a drive sprocket, an idler assembly including an idler and a mount, and a roller assembly including a plurality of rollers and a roller frame. The wear monitoring system may have a wear sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current position of a first component of the track assembly, and a controller in communication with the at least one wear sensor, the controller being configured to determine an amount of wear experienced by the track assembly based on the signal. The first component may be configured such that wear of at least a second component causes the first component to move to the current position from a previous position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Applicant: Caterpilar Inc.Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Kevin L. Steiner, Eric James Johannsen
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Publication number: 20160096564Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The idler wheel assembly may have an idler body defining a cavity between a hub portion and a rim portion. The idler wheel assembly may also have a sound suppression device. The sound suppression device may have a first side plate attached to the idler body and enclosing at least a portion of the cavity to form a closed space, and a second side plate attached to the idler body. The sound suppression device may further have a dampening member disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and dampening material positioned inside the closed space and in contact with a surface of an inner portion of the rim portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: April 7, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Daniel I. Knobloch, Robert A. Eissler
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Publication number: 20140306516Abstract: A track shoe is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The track shoe may have a base plate with an inner surface and an outer surface, and a grouser bar extending from the outer surface away from the base plate. The track shoe may also have a vibration damping coating applied to opposing ends of the base plate at the inner surface. The vibration damping coating may have a thickness about equal to a thickness of the base plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel I. KNOBLOCH, Kevin L. STEINER, Martin T.J. XAVIER
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Patent number: 8678522Abstract: A track shoe for a track-type vehicle. The track shoe includes a base plate and a grouser projecting away from the base plate. A capping surface structure of substantially horseshoe shaped cross-section is disposed across a distal portion of the grouser. The capping surface structure covers portions of a distal edge surface and adjacent lateral surfaces. The capping surface structure is formed from an material characterized by enhanced wear resistance relative to portions of the grouser underlying the capping surface structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Fischer, Mark S. Diekevers, Curt D. Afdahi, Kevin L. Steiner, Christopher A. Barnes
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Patent number: 8424980Abstract: A track shoe for a track-type vehicle. The track shoe includes a base plate and a grouser projecting away from the base plate. A capping surface structure of substantially horseshoe shaped cross-section is disposed across a distal portion of the grouser. The capping surface structure covers portions of a distal edge surface and adjacent lateral surfaces. The capping surface structure is formed from an material characterized by enhanced wear resistance relative to portions of the grouser underlying the capping surface structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Fischer, Mark S. Diekevers, Curt D. Afdahl, Kevin L. Steiner, Christopher A. Barnes