Patents by Inventor Lee R. Denbraber

Lee R. Denbraber 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: 6131061
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing underdigging of a work machine, which may occur if the implement digs under or too close to the work machine, is disclosed. An underdigging boundary or a space of allowable implement movement is established relative to the work machine. The position of the implement is sensed, and the movement of the implement is controllably prevented from underdigging the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. DenBraber, John D. Duffy, Mark R. Hawkins, Steven J. Zmuda
  • Patent number: 6032093
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably preventing an implement from damaging a work machine or itself, which may occur if the implement strikes the work machine, by restricting the movement of the implement. A boundary is established a predetermined distance from the work machine. By controllably restricting the movement of the implement when it approaches the boundary, the implement is prevented from making contact with the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Denbraber, Mark R. Hawkins, Ronald J. Penick, Steve J. Zmuda
  • Patent number: 5564274
    Abstract: A cold fluid protection circuit is provided for controlling the rate of fluid flow in a hydraulic system in response to the temperature of the oil in a reservoir. The subject invention includes a temperature sensor operative to sense the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and deliver an electrical signal representative thereof to a controller. The controller processes the sensed temperature with respect to the rate of flow in the hydraulic system that is returning to the reservoir from an actuator through a fluid conditioning mechanism and proportionally reduces the rate of flow therethrough by controllably reducing the displacement of a directional valve mechanism in response to the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Denbraber, Mark R. Hawkins, David R. Meinhold, Steven J. Zmuda