Patents by Inventor Lonny Johnson

Lonny Johnson 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).

  • Magnetic Brake for Machine Steering Feedback
    Publication number: 20130248276
    Abstract: Resistance feedback is provided to a machine operator via a joystick configured to steer the machine. An electrically actuated magnetic feedback brake unit is associated with the joystick for selectively resisting movement of the joystick. Haptic feedback is provided by determining a machine speed at which the machine is travelling, mapping the determined machine speed to a corresponding joystick resistance value, and mapping the corresponding joystick resistance value to an actuation current. The electrically actuated magnetic feedback brake unit is then actuated at a current substantially exceeding the actuation current until a predetermined level of actuation is reached. Once the predetermined level of actuation is reached, the electrically actuated magnetic feedback brake unit is driven at the actuation current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Mathew Chacko, Douglas Husted, David Ober, Todd Smith, Lonny Johnson, Sabri Cetinkunt, Shawn Cullen, Wendell Stahl