Patents by Inventor Marion B. Grant
Marion B. Grant 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).
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Patent number: 10603717Abstract: A system for manufacturing a Three Dimensional (3D) printed component is provided. The system includes a substrate adapted for at least partially 3D printing the component thereon. The substrate includes a first geometrical feature. The system also includes a plurality of processing stations interconnected to one another. Each of the plurality of processing stations is adapted to receive the substrate. Each of the plurality of processing stations includes a second geometrical feature adapted to interlock with the first geometrical feature.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nathan John Parsons, Thierry Andre Marchione, Huijun Wang
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Publication number: 20180056389Abstract: A system for manufacturing a Three Dimensional (3D) printed component is provided. The system includes a substrate adapted for at least partially 3D printing the component thereon. The substrate includes a first geometrical feature. The system also includes a plurality of processing stations interconnected to one another. Each of the plurality of processing stations is adapted to receive the substrate. Each of the plurality of processing stations includes a second geometrical feature adapted to interlock with the first geometrical feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nathan John Parsons, Thierry Andre Marchione, Huijun Wang
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Patent number: 9867568Abstract: A method of determining wear of an artificial knee assembly (AKA) includes acquiring a first set of computed tomography (CT) data about the AKA in vivo. A first volumetric file is generated based on the first set of CT data. A first point cloud data set is generated based on the first volumetric AKA file. A first dimensional analysis of the AKA is performed using the first point cloud data set. A second volumetric file is generated based on a second set of acquired CT data before implantation or from a model. A second point cloud data set is generated based on the second volumetric AKA file. A second dimensional analysis is performed using the second point cloud data set. The first dimensional analysis is compared to the second dimensional analysis and a determination is made if they are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nien L. Lee
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Publication number: 20170367647Abstract: A method of determining wear of an artificial knee assembly (AKA) includes acquiring a first set of computed tomography (CT) data about the AKA in vivo. A first volumetric file is generated based on the first set of CT data. A first point cloud data set is generated based on the first volumetric AKA file. A first dimensional analysis of the AKA is performed using the first point cloud data set. A second volumetric file is generated based on a second set of acquired CT data before implantation or from a model. A second point cloud data set is generated based on the second volumetric AKA file. A second dimensional analysis is performed using the second point cloud data set. The first dimensional analysis is compared to the second dimensional analysis and a determination is made if they are different from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nien L. Lee
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Patent number: 9809188Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cabin cover system positioned over the operator cabin of a machine. The cabin cover system comprises a first support member extending vertically from a frame member. The first support member has a first portion attached to the frame member and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion. The cabin cover system further includes a canopy pivotally coupled to the second portion of the first support member. The cabin cover system also includes at least one hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to each of the canopy and the frame member. The at least one hydraulic actuator is configured to pivotally move the canopy towards the truck body.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Marion B. Grant
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Patent number: 9649732Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of orifices through a wall of a vessel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealing members configured to releasably seal respective orifices of the plurality of orifices. The system also includes a base defining a central axis therethrough. The base includes a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis. Each of the plurality of segments includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to engage at least one sealing member of the plurality of sealing members. Further, each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to deform toward the central axis on application of a force upon the outer surface thereof to bias the at least one sealing member into sealing engagement with a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160311481Abstract: A track adjustment system for adjusting a track of an undercarriage system of a machine is provided. The undercarriage system includes a drive sprocket and an idler. The track adjustment system includes a sensor module provided proximate to a portion of the track. The sensor module generates a signal indicative of a sag in the portion of the track. An adjuster assembly is coupled to the idler, and adjusts a position of the idler with respect to the drive sprocket. A controller is coupled to the sensor module and the adjuster assembly. The controller receives the signal indicative of the sag in the portion of the track. The controller compares the sag with a pre-defined range. The controller alters a tension, through the adjuster assembly, in the portion of the track, if the sag in the portion of the track lies outside the pre-defined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Timothy A. Thorson
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Patent number: 9333597Abstract: A method for repairing a nitrided surface having a damaged area is disclosed. The method includes introducing the nitrided surface into a bath containing electroless material for a predetermined period of time. The method also includes coating the damaged area with a layer of the electroless material. Further the method subjects the layer to an autofrettage process. The electroless material is heat treated at a predetermined temperature for a predefined time.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Huijun Wang, Marion B. Grant
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Publication number: 20150360330Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of orifices through a wall of a vessel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealing members configured to releasably seal respective orifices of the plurality of orifices. The system also includes a base defining a central axis therethrough. The base includes a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis. Each of the plurality of segments includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to engage at least one sealing member of the plurality of sealing members. Further, each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to deform toward the central axis on application of a force upon the outer surface thereof to bias the at least one sealing member into sealing engagement with a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, JR.
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Patent number: 9133802Abstract: A device for sealing one or more orifices on a vessel for pressurizing fluid is provided. The device includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more substantially semi-spherical protrusions corresponding to the orifices. The protrusions are configured to contact with edges of the orifices and seal the orifices.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150251277Abstract: A method of laser drilling a component is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sacrificial material with the component. The method also includes aligning a laser drilling tool with the sacrificial material and the component. The method further includes incidenting a laser beam on the sacrificial material. The method includes containing a trumpet effect caused by the laser beam within a thickness of the sacrificial material. Further, the method includes forming a reverse tapered orifice within the component. The method also includes removing the sacrificial material from the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thierry A. Marchione, Marion B. Grant, JR.
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Publication number: 20150158131Abstract: A method for repairing a nitrided surface having a damaged area is disclosed. The method includes introducing the nitrided surface into a bath containing electroless material for a predetermined period of time. The method also includes coating the damaged area with a layer of the electroless material. Further the method subjects the layer to an autofrettage process. The electroless material is heat treated at a predetermined temperature for a predefined time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Huijun WANG, Marion B. GRANT
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Patent number: 8986817Abstract: A plunger for fuel injection assembly is provided. The plunger includes a nitrided surface. The nitrided surface includes a damaged area. An electroless material is coated on the damaged area.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Huijun Wang, Marion B. Grant
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Publication number: 20140331729Abstract: A device for sealing one or more orifices on a vessel for pressurizing fluid is provided. The device includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more substantially semi-spherical protrusions corresponding to the orifices. The protrusions are configured to contact with edges of the orifices and seal the orifices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Marion B. Grant, John S. Miller, JR.
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Publication number: 20140272323Abstract: A plunger for fuel injection assembly is provided. The plunger includes a nitrided surface. The nitrided surface includes a damaged area. An electroless material is coated on the damaged area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Huijun Wang, Marion B. Grant
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Patent number: 8674259Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing a reverse-tapered orifice is disclosed. The manufacturing system may have a mount configured to hold a workpiece, and a laser source configured to generate a laser beam. The manufacturing system may also have a delivery media operatively connected to the laser source. The delivery media may be configured to deliver the laser beam into a hollow portion of the workpiece to create the orifice through a wall of the workpiece having a laser beam entrance opening larger than a laser beam exit opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhaoli Hu, Marion B. Grant, Jr.
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Patent number: 8496191Abstract: A seal arrangement for a needle valve in a fuel injector (100) includes a nozzle housing (122) forming an outer cavity (216) and defining a needle valve seat (218). A plurality of nozzle openings (204) are formed in the nozzle housing (122) and arranged symmetrically around its centerline at a first radial distance (R1). An outer needle valve (104) is reciprocally mounted in the outer cavity (216) and has a seat portion (224) arranged to abut the needle valve seat (218) when the outer needle valve (104) is seated or closed. A first ledge (502) formed on the seat portion (224) of the outer needle valve (104) sealably contacts the needle valve seat (218) along a first line contact seal (220) and a second ledge (508) formed on the seat portion (224) of the outer needle valve (104) sealably contacts the needle valve seat (218) along a second line contact seal (222).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Vladimir Theodorof, Dana R. Coldren
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Patent number: 8381402Abstract: A production robust autofrettage process for strengthening fuel injector nozzle tips includes applying a vacuum to the interior volume of the nozzle tip. Plugs are suctioned over each of the nozzle outlets. Nozzle outlets are blocked by pressing the plugs between the nozzle tip and a fixture component. The nozzle tip is then autofrettaged at least in part by pressurizing the interior volume with an autofrettage liquid. The plugs are then removed from the nozzle outlets leaving the nozzle tip strengthened with compressive residual stress, especially in the sac region of the interior volume of the nozzle tip.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Petr Michlik
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Patent number: 8322004Abstract: A metallic fuel system component includes an internal surface and an external surface. The metallic fuel system component is made by inducing compressive residual stress in only a portion of the internal surface of the metallic fuel system component by transmitting a laser shock wave through the metallic fuel system component from the external surface to the internal surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Caterpilar Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. Lewis, Alan R. Stockner, Dennis H. Gibson, Marion B. Grant, Jr., Avinash R. Manubolu
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Patent number: 8237081Abstract: A manufacturing system is disclosed. The manufacturing system may have a laser source configured to generate a laser beam, and a delivery media operatively connected to the laser source. The manufacturing system may also have a gradient index lens located at a tip end of the delivery media to refract and focus the laser beam exiting the delivery media.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhaoli Hu, Marion B. Grant, Jr.