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).

  • Patent number: 11957032
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 11919584
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
  • Publication number: 20230105350
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. JOHANNSEN, Kevin L. STEINER, Jason L. SEBRIGHT, Donovan S. CLARKE
  • Patent number: 11613316
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
  • Publication number: 20230053156
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. STEINER, Eric J. JOHANNSEN
  • Publication number: 20220194495
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20210229762
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
  • Publication number: 20210229764
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
  • Patent number: 10889344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Galat, Temitope O. Akinlua, Kevin L. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20200086934
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20190367110
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Galat, Temitope O. Akinlua, Kevin L. Steiner
  • Patent number: 10457343
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Donovan S. Clarke, Kevin D. Eccles
  • Publication number: 20180099709
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Donovan S. Clarke, Kevin D. Eccles
  • Patent number: 9592866
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Kevin L. Steiner, Eric James Johannsen
  • Patent number: 9387893
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Daniel I. Knobloch, Robert A. Eissler
  • Publication number: 20160129954
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpilar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Kevin L. Steiner, Eric James Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20160096564
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Daniel I. Knobloch, Robert A. Eissler
  • Publication number: 20140306516
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel I. KNOBLOCH, Kevin L. STEINER, Martin T.J. XAVIER
  • Patent number: 8678522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Fischer, Mark S. Diekevers, Curt D. Afdahi, Kevin L. Steiner, Christopher A. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8424980
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Fischer, Mark S. Diekevers, Curt D. Afdahl, Kevin L. Steiner, Christopher A. Barnes