Patents by Inventor Mark T. Allott

Mark T. Allott 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: 10272372
    Abstract: A filter element is provided that has a generally cylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis and a radial direction. The filter element comprises a center tube that defines a central reservoir and that includes annular filter media surrounding the center tube and the central reservoir, an open end joined to the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element, and a closed end joined to the center tube opposite the open end disposed along the longitudinal axis, the closed end including an end cap comprising a body that defines an attachment pocket and an air pocket that surrounds the attachment pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant Alan Morris
  • Patent number: 10201772
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris, Mark A. McElroy
  • Patent number: 9826115
    Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional article includes sequentially forming a plurality of first two-dimensional layers and a second two-dimensional layer. The second two-dimensional layer includes a second outer edge and a second inner area within the boundary defined by the second outer edge. The second inner area includes uniform physical characteristic and a watermark area within the second inner area having a physical characteristic different from that of the second inner area. An article includes a body with an inner area having a physical characteristic. A watermark is within the inner area and has a physical characteristic different from the physical characteristic of the inner area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Misfeldt, Mark T. Allott, Stephen J. Pierz
  • Publication number: 20170209821
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: MARK T. ALLOTT, BRYANT A. MORRIS, MARK A. McELROY
  • Publication number: 20170189840
    Abstract: A self-venting drain is provided that comprises a stem member that includes an attachment end and a shaft and that defines a longitudinal axis and a radial direction and a barrel member that defines at least one vent passage and at least one liquid flow passage wherein the vent passage and liquid flow passage are spaced away from the longitudinal axis along the radial direction on the same side of the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant Alan Morris
  • Publication number: 20170173507
    Abstract: A filter element is provided that has a generally cylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis and a radial direction. The filter element comprises a center tube that defines a central reservoir and that includes annular filter media surrounding the center tube and the central reservoir, an open end joined to the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element, and a closed end joined to the center tube opposite the open end disposed along the longitudinal axis, the closed end including an end cap comprising a body that defines an attachment pocket and an air pocket that surrounds the attachment pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant Alan Morris
  • Patent number: 9511314
    Abstract: A filter element disclosed herein includes a center tube defining a central reservoir and including an interior sidewall. The filter element further includes an end plate and a pocket defining a port extending from the end plate into the central reservoir. The pocket includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of projections extending from the outer wall of the pocket toward the interior sidewall of the center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc., Donaldson Company, Inc., Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, David Ofori-Amoah, Christopher J. Salvador, Randall W. Heibenthal, Dennis M. Deedrich, David B. Harder, John R. Hacker, Richard J. Eisenmenger
  • Patent number: 9504939
    Abstract: A filter element includes a substantially cylindrical center tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central longitudinal axis. The filter element also includes filter media extending circumferentially around and longitudinally along the center tube, and a plate connected to the center tube proximate the first end. The plate includes an orifice and a cap. The orifice includes a pilot feature configured to locate the filter element at a single circumferential position relative to the longitudinal axis, the cap extending from a top surface of the plate toward the second end and having an inner wall configured to mate with a drain plug. In such embodiments, the orifice and the cap are disposed radially inward of an inner circumference of the center tube, and at least one of the orifice and the cap extends circumferentially around an additional longitudinal axis spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. Kamp, Mark T. Allott, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20160255237
    Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional article includes sequentially forming a plurality of first two-dimensional layers and a second two-dimensional layer. The second two-dimensional layer includes a second outer edge and a second inner area within the boundary defined by the second outer edge. The second inner area includes uniform physical characteristic and a watermark area within the second inner area having a physical characteristic different from that of the second inner area. An article includes a body with an inner area having a physical characteristic. A watermark is within the inner area and has a physical characteristic different from the physical characteristic of the inner area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Misfeldt, Mark T. Allott, Stephen J. Pierz
  • Patent number: 9374497
    Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional article includes sequentially forming a plurality of first two-dimensional layers and a second two-dimensional layer. The second two-dimensional layer includes a second outer edge and a second inner area within the boundary defined by the second outer edge. The second inner area includes uniform physical characteristic and a watermark area within the second inner area having a physical characteristic different from that of the second inner area. An article includes a body with an inner area having a physical characteristic. A watermark is within the inner area and has a physical characteristic different from the physical characteristic of the inner area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Misfeldt, Mark T. Allott, Stephen J. Pierz
  • Patent number: 9361779
    Abstract: A positionable water in fuel indicator unit including an indicator housing having a back panel, and a housing cover connected to the back panel. The water in fuel indicator unit can also include a signal receiving device configured to receive a water in fuel signal from a water in fuel sensor located in the fuel filter, a first indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when a water level in the fuel filter is less than a predetermined threshold, a second indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when the water level in the fuel filter is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and a controller enclosed by the housing cover. The controller can be configured to activate the first indicator based on the water in fuel signal, and activate the second indicator based on the water in fuel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Styfhoorn, Nathaniel Kamp, Robert W. Schulz, Eric R. Strube, Mark T. Allott
  • Publication number: 20160131096
    Abstract: A filter includes housing and a filter device disposed within the housing to define a circumferential cavity therebetween. The filter further includes a cap coupled to an inlet port and the cap includes a first thread portion. The filter further includes a first seal member attached to a first end of the filter device to restrict entry of fluid from the circumferential cavity into a hollow center tube disposed within the filter device. The filter further includes an engagement member provided on the first seal member and the engagement portion includes a second thread portion. The first thread portion of cap is adapted to engage with the second thread portion of the engagement member for removing filter device from the housing. Further, a second seal member is attached to a second end of the filter device to restrict flow of the fluid from the circumferential cavity into a drain port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris
  • Publication number: 20160112601
    Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional article includes sequentially forming a plurality of first two-dimensional layers and a second two-dimensional layer. The second two-dimensional layer includes a second outer edge and a second inner area within the boundary defined by the second outer edge. The second inner area includes uniform physical characteristic and a watermark area within the second inner area having a physical characteristic different from that of the second inner area. An article includes a body with an inner area having a physical characteristic. A watermark is within the inner area and has a physical characteristic different from the physical characteristic of the inner area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Misfeldt, Mark T. Allott, Stephen J. Pierz
  • Publication number: 20160107110
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing and a filter device disposed within the housing to define a circumferential cavity therebetween. The filter assembly further includes a bypass valve having a housing wall, multiple inlets and an outlet formed on the housing wall, and a valve member. A first end of the valve member is coupled to a valve seat and a second end of the valve member engages with the outlet of the bypass valve. The valve member is displaced from a first position to a second position when pressure of fluid in the circumferential cavity is greater than a biasing force of a spring, and wherein the valve member engages with the outlet port of the bypass valve against the biasing force of the spring in the first position and the valve member allows the fluid to flow into the hollow center tube in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20160059172
    Abstract: A filter element for an air cleaner assembly may include a first side member and a second side member opposite the first side member. The first and second side members may extend in a substantially longitudinal direction and substantially within respective first and second planes with an intermediate space therebetween. The filter element may further include filter media separating and extending between the first side member and the second side member in the intermediate space. The first and second side members and the filter media may have a perimeter cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the filter element may further include a locating flange extending substantially around the perimeter cross-section and transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein the locating flange does not lie within a single plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: MARK T. ALLOTT, Timothy S. Finn, Vincent P. Caliendo, Bobby J. Kinsey, JR., Vicky S. Wright, Philip C. Spengler
  • Publication number: 20160055738
    Abstract: A positionable water in fuel indicator unit including an indicator housing having a back panel, and a housing cover connected to the back panel. The water in fuel indicator unit can also include a signal receiving device configured to receive a water in fuel signal from a water in fuel sensor located in the fuel filter, a first indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when a water level in the fuel filter is less than a predetermined threshold, a second indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when the water level in the fuel filter is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and a controller enclosed by the housing cover. The controller can be configured to activate the first indicator based on the water in fuel signal, and activate the second indicator based on the water in fuel signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Timothy J. Styfhoorn, Nathaniel Kamp, Robert W. Schulz, Eric R. Strube, Mark T. Allott
  • Patent number: 9233332
    Abstract: An air filter assembly for use with a plenum having an internal passage with a non-linear configuration comprising is provided. The air filter assembly includes a support assembly including a neck portion that is insertable into the internal passage in the plenum and a mounting face. The air filter assembly includes an air filter with a filter frame supporting a filter media. The filter frame has an annular mounting flange extending around a perimeter of an inlet side of the filter which is configured to be releasably connectable to the mounting face of the support assembly. An outlet side of the filter includes a plurality of planar sections that extend at non-90° angles relative to each other and that are configured to be complementary to the internal passage of the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent P. Caliendo, Mark T. Allott, Bryant Morris
  • Publication number: 20150343358
    Abstract: An air filter assembly for use with a plenum having an internal passage with a non-linear configuration comprising is provided. The air filter assembly includes a support assembly including a neck portion that is insertable into the internal passage in the plenum and a mounting face. The air filter assembly includes an air filter with a filter frame supporting a filter media. The filter frame has an annular mounting flange extending around a perimeter of an inlet side of the filter which is configured to be releasably connectable to the mounting face of the support assembly. An outlet side of the filter includes a plurality of planar sections that extend at non-90° angles relative to each other and that are configured to be complementary to the internal passage of the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent P. Caliendo, Mark T. Allott, Bryant Morris
  • Patent number: 9151424
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20150115184
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Brian J. Sutton