Patents by Inventor Matthew E. Layne

Matthew E. Layne 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: 12540571
    Abstract: In some implementations, a controller of a machine may identify an expansion ratio associated with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of the machine. The controller may determine, based on the expansion ratio, wear-reduction information that indicates a force-reduction threshold position of the VGT. The controller may select, based on the wear-reduction information and performance information indicating a desired position of the VGT, an optimized position of the VGT. The controller may cause the VGT to be adjusted to the optimized position. In this way, the controller causes the VGT to operate within a force-related wear-reduction operating range (e.g., that causes the VGT to avoid excessive force being exerted on one or more components of the VGT 214), which improves a durability of the VGT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Tanis, Matthew E. Layne, Matthew T. Wolk, James Mutti, Kevin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20250198326
    Abstract: In some implementations, a controller of a machine may identify an expansion ratio associated with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of the machine. The controller may determine, based on the expansion ratio, wear-reduction information that indicates a force-reduction threshold position of the VGT. The controller may select, based on the wear-reduction information and performance information indicating a desired position of the VGT, an optimized position of the VGT. The controller may cause the VGT to be adjusted to the optimized position. In this way, the controller causes the VGT to operate within a force-related wear-reduction operating range (e.g., that causes the VGT to avoid excessive force being exerted on one or more components of the VGT 214), which improves a durability of the VGT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Derek TANIS, Matthew E. LAYNE, Matthew T. WOLK, James MUTTI, Kevin WEISS
  • Patent number: 11946410
    Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may cause first adjustment of at least one component of a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of the machine. The controller may cause, based on causing the first adjustment of the at least one component of the VGT, second adjustment of the at least one component of the VGT. The controller may determine, based on causing the second adjustment of the at least one component of the VGT, an amount of time for a speed of the VGT to decrease to less than or equal to speed threshold. The controller may determine, based on the amount of time, VGT assessment information. The controller may determine, based on the VGT assessment information, one or more actions to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Layne, Alok K. Puri