Patents by Inventor Lee M. HOGAN

Lee M. HOGAN 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).

  • Publication number: 20210190101
    Abstract: A calibration system is disclosed. The calibration system may include a sensor configured to measure a fluid level in a fluid tank of a machine, an actuator that, when actuated, affects a level of the machine, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: command actuation of the actuator at a current; receive, from the sensor and after commanding actuation of the actuator, information identifying the fluid level in the fluid tank; determine, based on the information identifying the fluid level in the fluid tank, whether there is a change to the fluid level in the fluid tank; and set an initiation current for the actuator at the current based on determining whether there is the change to the fluid level in the fluid tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Lee M. HOGAN
  • Patent number: 11041276
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion and a suspension, a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground, a housing arranged around portions of the tool and secured to the frame, and a monitor system configured for identifying an exposed condition of the tool. A method of managing an exposed condition of a ground-engaging tool and a method of operating an implement with a ground-engaging tool are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Jacob M. Saari
  • Patent number: 10975535
    Abstract: A machine for road work, the machine can comprise: a frame; a rotor coupled to the frame and configured for rotational movement relative thereto; a milling system actuator configured to raise and lower the rotor to selectively disengage and engage with a surface of a working area; a first position sensor configured to sense a first position of a left side of the rotor relative to the surface; a second position sensor configured to sense a second position of a right side of the rotor relative to the surface; and a controller configured to, in response to signals received from the first position sensor and the second position senor, determine at least a cross-sectional area of the rotor that is engaging the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Ryan A. Enot
  • Patent number: 10960938
    Abstract: A mobile machine having a machine frame with a lateral outer wall, an operator station having an outer side edge, an actuating system configured to move the operator station between a retracted position and a fully extended position that is laterally outward of the retracted position, wherein in the fully extended position, the outer side edge is a first distance outward of the lateral outer wall, a moveable component moveable between a first position and a second position, a sensor configured to send a signal indicative of the moveable component being in the first position, and a controller configured to limit the distance the operator station may move laterally outward of the retracted position to a second distance in response to receiving the signal from the sensor, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Nicholas B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10876260
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion and a suspension and a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground. The implement may also include a plurality of ground sensors configured for capturing distance measurements to determine the position of the frame relative to the surface and a control and monitor system configured for establishing a nominal scratch position of the tool relative to the surface based on the distance measurements. A method of controlling a rotor tool depth of a milling machine and a method of operating a milling machine are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Muir, Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Brian J. Schlenker, Derek P. Nieuwsma
  • Patent number: 10845889
    Abstract: A method for enabling use of a plurality of common keypads on a working machine is disclosed. The method can comprise: providing a controller, a plurality of displays and the plurality of common keypads for use with the plurality of displays on the working machine, the plurality of common keypads having a same hardware configuration and a same firmware configuration as one another; communicating between the controller, the plurality of common keypads and the plurality of displays using a common data link; and associating over the common data link, a one of the plurality of displays with at least one of the plurality of common keypads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Nathaniel S. Doy
  • Patent number: 10844557
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame, a ground-engaging portion for supporting the frame on a surface of ground, and a suspension system coupling the ground-engaging portion to the frame and for adjusting the frame relative to the ground-engaging portion. The implement may also include a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground. The implement may also include a control and monitor system configured for establishing a nominal position of the tool relative to the surface and for establishing an actual position of the tool relative to the surface based on an offset adjustment. A method of determining a rotor tool depth of a milling machine and a method of operating a milling machine may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Matthew-David S. Frantz
  • Patent number: 10844558
    Abstract: A method for operating a milling machine is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input identifying a leg of a plurality of legs of the milling machine. Further, the method includes determining a height of the leg based on the receiving of the input identifying the leg. The height of the leg being determined based on position data of the leg. The position data being obtained by a first sensor. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller and based on the determining the height of the leg, that a height of other legs of the plurality of legs is to be adjusted. Thereafter, the method includes adjusting the height of the other legs of the plurality of legs to the height of the leg. The height of the other legs being adjusted based on the determined height of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jason William Muir, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Hyppolite Kuissi
  • Publication number: 20200347560
    Abstract: A machine for road work, the machine can comprise: a frame; a rotor coupled to the frame and configured for rotational movement relative thereto; a milling system actuator configured to raise and lower the rotor to selectively disengage and engage with a surface of a working area; a first position sensor configured to sense a first position of a left side of the rotor relative to the surface; a second position sensor configured to sense a second position of a right side of the rotor relative to the surface; and a controller configured to, in response to signals received from the first position sensor and the second position senor, determine at least a cross-sectional area of the rotor that is engaging the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Ryan A. Enot
  • Publication number: 20200308782
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion and a suspension, a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground, a housing arranged around portions of the tool and secured to the frame, and a monitor system configured for identifying an exposed condition of the tool. A method of managing an exposed condition of a ground-engaging tool and a method of operating an implement with a ground-engaging tool are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Jacob M. Saari
  • Publication number: 20200308781
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame, a ground-engaging portion for supporting the frame on a surface of ground, and a suspension system coupling the ground-engaging portion to the frame and for adjusting the frame relative to the ground-engaging portion. The implement may also include a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground. The implement may also include a control and monitor system configured for establishing a nominal position of the tool relative to the surface and for establishing an actual position of the tool relative to the surface based on an offset adjustment. A method of determining a rotor tool depth of a milling machine and a method of operating a milling machine may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Matthew-David S. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20200308783
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion and a suspension and a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground. The implement may also include a plurality of ground sensors configured for capturing distance measurements to determine the position of the frame relative to the surface and a control and monitor system configured for establishing a nominal scratch position of the tool relative to the surface based on the distance measurements. A method of controlling a rotor tool depth of a milling machine and a method of operating a milling machine are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Muir, Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Brian J. Schlenker, Derek P. Nieuwsma
  • Publication number: 20200248763
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a rotary mixer is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Schlenker, Jason W. Muir, Ryan A. Enot, Jacob M. Saari, Derek Nieuwsma, Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20200241653
    Abstract: A method for enabling use of a plurality of common keypads on a working machine is disclosed. The method can comprise: providing a controller, a plurality of displays and the plurality of common keypads for use with the plurality of displays on the working machine, the plurality of common keypads having a same hardware configuration and a same firmware configuration as one another; communicating between the controller, the plurality of common keypads and the plurality of displays using a common data link; and associating over the common data link, a one of the plurality of displays with at least one of the plurality of common keypads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Nathaniel S. Doy
  • Publication number: 20200198709
    Abstract: A mobile machine having a machine frame with a lateral outer wall, an operator station having an outer side edge, an actuating system configured to move the operator station between a retracted position and a fully extended position that is laterally outward of the retracted position, wherein in the fully extended position, the outer side edge is a first distance outward of the lateral outer wall, a moveable component moveable between a first position and a second position, a sensor configured to send a signal indicative of the moveable component being in the first position, and a controller configured to limit the distance the operator station may move laterally outward of the retracted position to a second distance in response to receiving the signal from the sensor, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Nicholas B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10640932
    Abstract: A spray system for a cold planer machine includes a spray bank disposed inside a housing and arranged to spray fluid directed at a drum and a spray controller. The spray controller is configured to receive an indication of either one of a milling operation and a plunge cut operation is occurring and actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on the received indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
  • Publication number: 20200002902
    Abstract: A spray system for a cold planer machine is disclosed. The spray system includes a spray bank disposed inside a housing and arranged to spray fluid directed at a drum and a spray controller. The spray controller is configured to receive an indication indicative of either one of a milling operation and a plunge cut operation is occurring and actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on the received indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
  • Patent number: 10370802
    Abstract: A cold planer machine may include a frame, a ground engaging member, a retracting vertical actuator system to raise and lower the frame, and a housing. The housing includes a vertical wall movable relative to the frame and a position detector to determine a relative vertical distance between the vertical wall and the frame. A drum in the housing is connected to the frame and rotates about a drum axis to plane the road surface. A spray bank disposed inside the housing is arranged to spray a fluid at the drum. A controller is configured to actuate fluid spray via the spray bank based at least in part on determining that the relative vertical distance is above a first threshold height value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Eric S. Engelmann, Timothy J. Lindholm, Paul J. Koenen, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Ryan Adam Enot
  • Publication number: 20190203431
    Abstract: A method for operating a milling machine is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input identifying a leg of a plurality of legs of the milling machine. Further, the method includes determining a height of the leg based on the receiving of the input identifying the leg. The height of the leg being determined based on position data of the leg. The position data being obtained by a first sensor. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller and based on the determining the height of the leg, that a height of other legs of the plurality of legs is to be adjusted. Thereafter, the method includes adjusting the height of the other legs of the plurality of legs to the height of the leg. The height of the other legs being adjusted based on the determined height of the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jason William Muir, Kristen Ann Gerstner, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Hyppolite Kuissi
  • Patent number: 10309066
    Abstract: A control system, apparatus, and method for controlling operations of a milling machine are described. Data corresponding to a ventilation mode and a conveyor delay amount set by an operator of the milling machine is stored in memory. Control of transition of operation of the milling machine from a milling mode to a standby mode is according to a first predetermined sequence of operations responsive to a first input at a control panel of the milling machine. Further, control of transition of operation of the milling machine from the standby mode to the milling mode is according to a second predetermined sequence of operations, which is in reverse order relative to the first predetermined sequence of operations, in response to the first input at the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tim J. Lindholm, Eric S. Engelmann, Nathan L. Mashek, Paul J. Koenen, Lee M. Hogan