Patents by Inventor Kyle C. Hiner

Kyle C. Hiner 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: 9217341
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a tool powered by a drive fluid is provided. The lubrication system includes a reservoir configured to deliver a lubricant and a plunger disposed within the reservoir. The plunger is configured to selectively generate a pilot signal based on a level of the lubricant. The lubrication system further includes a valve having a housing. The housing includes a drive fluid inlet and a drive fluid outlet. The valve also includes a pilot spool configured to move from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to the pilot signal. The valve further includes a main spool selectively actuated by a pressure of the drive fluid to move from a first position to a second position in response to the movement of the pilot spool such that in the second position the drive fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the drive fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle C. Hiner, Lauritz P. Pillers, II
  • Publication number: 20150047928
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a tool powered by a drive fluid is provided. The lubrication system includes a reservoir configured to deliver a lubricant and a plunger disposed within the reservoir. The plunger is configured to selectively generate a pilot signal based on a level of the lubricant. The lubrication system further includes a valve having a housing. The housing includes a drive fluid inlet and a drive fluid outlet. The valve also includes a pilot spool configured to move from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to the pilot signal. The valve further includes a main spool selectively actuated by a pressure of the drive fluid to move from a first position to a second position in response to the movement of the pilot spool such that in the second position the drive fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the drive fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle C. Hiner, Lauritz P. Pillers, II