Patents by Inventor Lance Cowper

Lance Cowper 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: 11498428
    Abstract: A braking system is disclosed. The braking system may include a controller configured to determine a speed threshold that is based on a deceleration of an output speed of a powertrain of a machine caused in part by engagement of one or more brakes of the machine during a directional shift in a movement of the machine, the speed threshold being the output speed of the powertrain at which the one or more brakes are to be commanded to disengage. The controller may be configured to command disengagement of the one or more brakes based on a determination that the output speed of the powertrain satisfies the speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kuras, Ankit Sharma, Lance Cowper
  • Patent number: 11458953
    Abstract: An electronic control unit to control an engine control module of an engine is disclosed. The electronic control unit may receive a machine input associated with the engine. The electronic control unit may select, based on the machine input, a lug mapping from a plurality of lug mappings for controlling a load of the engine. The electronic control unit may control, using the lug mapping, power output of the engine and power to a propulsion module of the machine to satisfy a drawbar power/torque threshold and steering power torque threshold associated with the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kuras, Tony Arida, Matthew Garnett, Thomas G. Pusch, Lance Cowper
  • Patent number: 11398763
    Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may include a mounting case, a tube internal to the mounting case that is configured to carry oil, and an electric motor. The electric motor may include a motor housing, a mounting flange extending radially from the motor housing, and an oil passageway in the mounting flange. The mounting flange may be mounted to the mounting case to provide a fluid connection between the oil passageway and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Schwoerer, Lance Cowper, Justin Krager, Joshua Hicke, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 11293167
    Abstract: A work machine is disclosed. The work machine may include a frame, an implement system coupled to the frame, one or more sensing devices, and a control unit in communication with the implement system and the one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may be configured to transmit sensing device data relating to an operation of the implement system. The control unit may receive the sensing device data, compare the sensing device data with a stall threshold, and initiate a stall timer based on determining that the sensing device data satisfies the stall threshold. The stall timer may be configured to measure a stall duration. The control unit may compare the stall duration with a duration threshold, identify a stall event based on determining that the stall duration satisfies the duration threshold, and cause an action to be performed based on the stall event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Cowper, Ronald Paul Dettman, Cody Joshua Ryerson
  • Patent number: 11066074
    Abstract: An electronic control unit to control an engine control module of an engine is disclosed. The electronic control unit may receive, from a load monitoring device, power command information associated with a load of an engine. The electronic control unit may determine, based on the power command information, a total power command of the engine. The electronic control unit may determine, based on the total power command, a target engine speed for the engine. The electronic control unit may cause an engine control module to control the engine to operate in association with the target engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kuras, Ankit Sharma, Lance Cowper
  • Publication number: 20210184543
    Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may include a mounting case, a tube internal to the mounting case that is configured to carry oil, and an electric motor. The electric motor may include a motor housing, a mounting flange extending radially from the motor housing, and an oil passageway in the mounting flange. The mounting flange may be mounted to the mounting case to provide a fluid connection between the oil passageway and the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon SCHWOERER, Lance COWPER, Justin KRAGER, Joshua HICKE, Mark SMITH
  • Publication number: 20210179071
    Abstract: An electronic control unit to control an engine control module of an engine is disclosed. The electronic control unit may receive a machine input associated with the engine. The electronic control unit may select, based on the machine input, a lug mapping from a plurality of lug mappings for controlling a load of the engine. The electronic control unit may control, using the lug mapping, power output of the engine and power to a propulsion module of the machine to satisfy a drawbar power/torque threshold and steering power torque threshold associated with the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kuras, Tony Arida, Matthew Garnett, Thomas G. Pusch, Lance Cowper
  • Publication number: 20210179170
    Abstract: A motor drive assembly for a dual path electric powertrain of a machine is disclosed. The motor drive assembly may include a final drive assembly to engage a ground engaging element of the machine. The motor drive assembly may include an electric motor to provide torque to the final drive assembly. The motor drive assembly may include a planetary gear assembly mechanically coupled to a rotor shaft of the electric motor and an axle of the final drive assembly. The motor drive assembly may include a brake assembly to engage a component of the planetary gear assembly to retard the rotor shaft and the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lance COWPER, Joseph D. TIGUE, Daniel D. BELL, Michael D. BETZ, Stephen C. GARNETT
  • Patent number: 11038442
    Abstract: A device that includes a memory and a processor is disclosed. The processor may be configured to receive a control signal for operating a plurality of traction motors of a work machine. The control signal may include information relating to an actual speed of the work machine, a target speed of the work machine, and a generator speed of a generator operatively coupled to the traction motors. The processor may be configured to determine respective torque commands associated with the traction motors based on the actual speed and the target speed, and determine a generator power limit based on the generator speed. The processor may be configured to determine a threshold based on the respective torque commands and the generator power limit, adjust the respective torque commands based on the threshold, and cause the traction motors to be operated based on the adjusted respective torque commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kuras, Ankit Sharma, Lance Cowper
  • Publication number: 20210135605
    Abstract: A device that includes a memory and a processor is disclosed. The processor may be configured to receive a control signal for operating a plurality of traction motors of a work machine. The control signal may include information relating to an actual speed of the work machine, a target speed of the work machine, and a generator speed of a generator operatively coupled to the traction motors. The processor may be configured to determine respective torque commands associated with the traction motors based on the actual speed and the target speed, and determine a generator power limit based on the generator speed. The processor may be configured to determine a threshold based on the respective torque commands and the generator power limit, adjust the respective torque commands based on the threshold, and cause the traction motors to be operated based on the adjusted respective torque commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian KURAS, Ankit SHARMA, Lance COWPER
  • Publication number: 20210122247
    Abstract: A braking system is disclosed. The braking system may include a controller configured to determine a speed threshold that is based on a deceleration of an output speed of a powertrain of a machine caused in part by engagement of one or more brakes of the machine during a directional shift in a movement of the machine, the speed threshold being the output speed of the powertrain at which the one or more brakes are to be commanded to disengage. The controller may be configured to command disengagement of the one or more brakes based on a determination that the output speed of the powertrain satisfies the speed threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian KURAS, Ankit SHARMA, Lance COWPER
  • Publication number: 20210071389
    Abstract: A work machine is disclosed. The work machine may include a frame, an implement system coupled to the frame, one or more sensing devices, and a control unit in communication with the implement system and the one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may be configured to transmit sensing device data relating to an operation of the implement system. The control unit may receive the sensing device data, compare the sensing device data with a stall threshold, and initiate a stall timer based on determining that the sensing device data satisfies the stall threshold. The stall timer may be configured to measure a stall duration. The control unit may compare the stall duration with a duration threshold, identify a stall event based on determining that the stall duration satisfies the duration threshold, and cause an action to be performed based on the stall event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lance COWPER, Ronald Paul DETTMAN, Cody Joshua RYERSON
  • Publication number: 20210039643
    Abstract: An electronic control unit to control an engine control module of an engine is disclosed. The electronic control unit may receive, from a load monitoring device, power command information associated with a load of an engine. The electronic control unit may determine, based on the power command information, a total power command of the engine. The electronic control unit may determine, based on the total power command, a target engine speed for the engine. The electronic control unit may cause an engine control module to control the engine to operate in association with the target engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian KURAS, Ankit SHARMA, Lance COWPER
  • Publication number: 20200207318
    Abstract: A braking control device is disclosed. The braking control device may include one or more processors, communicatively coupled to one or more memories, to: determine a threshold for triggering a brake dragging event for a machine based on one or more parameters relating to activity of the machine; determine, based on a set of sensor measurements, that the threshold for triggering the brake dragging event is satisfied for a threshold quantity of time intervals; and perform a brake dragging response action based on determining that the threshold for triggering the brake dragging event is satisfied for the threshold quantity of time intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Paul DETTMAN, Lance COWPER, Nathaniel DOY
  • Patent number: 9002593
    Abstract: A system for re-orienting a machine during a ripping operation includes a position sensing system, a ripper, and a controller. The system stores a ripping path, determines the position of the machine, and compares the position of the machine to the ripping path. A drawbar pull of the machine is determined, compared to a maximum steering drawbar pull, and the ripper is raised if the machine is positioned greater than a predetermined distance from the ripping path and the drawbar pull exceeds the maximum steering drawbar pull. The machine is re-oriented and the ripper lowered relative to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Clar, Daniel Stanek, Lance Cowper, Troy K. Becicka, Brian G. Funke, Thandava K. Edara, Kyle Edwards
  • Patent number: 8972129
    Abstract: Machines, such as large tractors used in earthmoving, operate in a cycle of pushing forward and reversing to a starting point. The net performance of the machine is a function of the speed at which the reverse segment is performed. Generally, using the highest gear for reverse accomplishes the goal of the fastest return. However, some high slope grade conditions may result in higher speeds using lower gears. A combination of slope, track speed vs. drawbar pull, and track slip may be used to recommend a gear and track speed with the greatest ground speed for reverse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Lance Cowper
  • Patent number: 8965640
    Abstract: Real time determination of current vs. optimum performance in a track-type tractor is complex and requires information about both a state of the tractor and the operating environment, such as soil conditions. Presenting such data to an operator creates a problem of conveying sufficient information without undue complexity. A three part display for an operator shows a full range of performance, a subset range of performance associated with peak performance that is overlaid on the full range of performance, and a current performance indicator also overlaid on the full range of performance, such that peak performance is achieved when the current performance indicator is centered on the subset range of performance. The subset range of performance may move over the full range of performance to indicate operating conditions favoring a particular condition, e.g., low slip. An operator may then effect a change by adjusting, for example, speed or load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Nathaniel Doy, Lance Cowper
  • Patent number: 8914215
    Abstract: A method of measuring and displaying track-type tractor performance in real time calculates both a measure of work performance and a theoretical optimum work performance for a given input state, such as track speed. After estimating soil conditions, the theoretical optimum is estimated using an iterative technique. The optimum and current performance are normalized and displayed using a first bar representing a full range of work performance, a second bar depicting a range of optimum performance for current conditions is presented overlying the first bar, and an indicator line showing the current performance. This allows an operator to adjust speed or load accordingly. A coefficient of traction and a shear modulus adjustment, reflecting soil conditions, are calculated at the tractor during operation and used to offset a table of ideal condition operating points to produce the second bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Nathaniel Doy, Lance Cowper
  • Publication number: 20140336881
    Abstract: A system for re-orienting a machine during a ripping operation includes a position sensing system, a ripper, and a controller. The system stores a ripping path, determines the position of the machine, and compares the position of the machine to the ripping path. A drawbar pull of the machine is determined, compared to a maximum steering drawbar pull, and the ripper is raised if the machine is positioned greater than a predetermined distance from the ripping path and the drawbar pull exceeds the maximum steering drawbar pull. The machine is re-oriented and the ripper lowered relative to the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Clar, Daniel Stanek, Lance Cowper, Troy K. Becicka, Brian G. Funke, Thandava K. Edara, Kyle Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140156155
    Abstract: Machines, such as large tractors used in earthmoving, operate in a cycle of pushing forward and reversing to a starting point. The net performance of the machine is a function of the speed at which the reverse segment is performed. Generally, using the highest gear for reverse accomplishes the goal of the fastest return. However, some high slope grade conditions may result in higher speeds using lower gears. A combination of slope, track speed vs. drawbar pull, and track slip may be used to recommend a gear and track speed with the greatest ground speed for reverse operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Lance Cowper