Patents by Inventor Michael Anthony Spielman

Michael Anthony Spielman 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).

  • Publication number: 20230350412
    Abstract: In a mobile equipment with an articulated front portion having a worktool, a fisheye camera with a wide field of view, containing the front portion, is often mounted in a fixed direction on a rear portion of the mobile equipment. Thus, when the front portion moves (e.g., rotates) relative to the rear portion, a view around the front portion may be compromised due to inherent cropping in fisheye-distortion correction. Digital panning of panoramic video is disclosed that rotates a projection surface, in accordance with movement of the front portion, and generates a projected video on the projection surface, utilizing information that may have otherwise been cropped, to expand the visible area around the worktool. The digital panning in the projected video may mimic an operator turning their head to look down the longitudinal axis of the front portion while using the worktool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. SHATTERS, Eric W. CLER, Michael Anthony SPIELMAN, Jeffrey K. BERRY
  • Patent number: 11722393
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for managing on-site communications of a machine with a latency-dependent application installed. The method includes, for example, (i) receiving geographical information associated with a work site; (ii) receiving historical communications information associated with the work site; (iii) analyzing the historical communications information and the geographical information; (iv) generating an instruction for implementing the latency-dependent application of the machine based on a latency requirement of the latency-dependent application; and (v) implementing the latency-dependent application of the machine based on the instruction. The historical communications information includes a communications event, a duration of the communications event, and a frequency of the communications event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Evan Hague, Aaron R. Shatters, Michael Anthony Spielman
  • Publication number: 20220191118
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for managing on-site communications of a machine with a latency-dependent application installed. The method includes, for example, (i) receiving geographical information associated with a work site; (ii) receiving historical communications information associated with the work site; (iii) analyzing the historical communications information and the geographical information; (iv) generating an instruction for implementing the latency-dependent application of the machine based on a latency requirement of the latency-dependent application; and (v) implementing the latency-dependent application of the machine based on the instruction. The historical communications information includes a communications event, a duration of the communications event, and a frequency of the communications event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Evan Hague, Aaron R. Shatters, Michael Anthony Spielman
  • Patent number: 10145725
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a weighing system associated with a worksite is provided. The method includes, receiving, from the weighing system, readings indicative of a payload on a first set of machines and a second set of machines of the worksite. The second set of machines are configured to receive a payload from the corresponding first set of machines. The method also includes formulating a predefined number of equations from the readings and determining error coefficients of the weighing system by optimizing the predefined number of equations. The method further includes calibrating the weighing system based on the determined error coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Robert Shatters, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160238436
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a weighing system associated with a worksite is provided. The method includes, receiving, from the weighing system, readings indicative of a payload on a first set of machines and a second set of machines of the worksite. The second set of machines are configured to receive a payload from the corresponding first set of machines. The method also includes formulating a predefined number of equations from the readings and determining error coefficients of the weighing system by optimizing the predefined number of equations. The method further includes calibrating the weighing system based on the determined error coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Robert Shatters, Michael Anthony Spielman, JR.
  • Patent number: 9133837
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic system having a variable displacement pump operatively coupled to an engine. The method includes detecting a speed of the engine, and determining a desired power value of the pump. The method also includes identifying an allowable power value that may be expended by the pump at the detected speed. The method also includes selecting a pump power value. The selected pump power value is the lower of the allowable power value and the desired power value. The method further includes adjusting the pump to deliver the selected pump power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark David Anderson, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9096211
    Abstract: A powertrain control system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The powertrain control system may have an engine, and a continuously variable transmission operatively coupled to the engine. The powertrain control system may also have an operator input device configured to generate a signal indicative of a desired speed of the engine, a feature selector usable by an operator to select activation of a powertrain control feature, and a controller in communication with the engine, the continuously variable transmission, the operator input device, and the feature selector. The controller may be configured to make a determination that the operator has selected activation of the powertrain control feature via the feature selector, lock a speed of the engine based on the determination and the signal, and lock a torque output of the continuously variable transmission based on the determination and the locked speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: SriVidya Lavanya Kamisetty, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8571774
    Abstract: One disclosed embodiment relates to a propulsion system for a machine. The propulsion system may include a prime mover operatively connected through a continuously variable transmission to a propulsion device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls that control an operating parameter of the continuously variable transmission, which may include adjusting the operating parameter based on operator input. Controlling the operating parameter may also include determining an adjustment limit for the operating parameter based on one or more operating conditions and applying the adjustment limit to the operating parameter to modify at least one of acceleration and jerk of the machine based on the one or more operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, Jr., Yaang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20130244832
    Abstract: A powertrain control system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The powertrain control system may have an engine, and a continuously variable transmission operatively coupled to the engine. The powertrain control system may also have an operator input device configured to generate a signal indicative of a desired speed of the engine, a feature selector usable by an operator to select activation of a powertrain control feature, and a controller in communication with the engine, the continuously variable transmission, the operator input device, and the feature selector. The controller may be configured to make a determination that the operator has selected activation of the powertrain control feature via the feature selector, lock a speed of the engine based on the determination and the signal, and lock a torque output of the continuously variable transmission based on the determination and the locked speed of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: SriVidya Lavanya KAMISETTY, Michael Anthony Spielman, JR.
  • Patent number: 8352138
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is provided having a driven element. The continuously variable transmission also has a first operator input device configured to transmit a first displacement signal corresponding to a displacement of the first operator input device. The continuously variable transmission further has a second operator input device configured to transmit a second displacement signal corresponding to a displacement of the second operator input device. In addition, the continuously variable transmission has a third operator input device configured to transmit a transmission operating mode request. Furthermore, the continuously variable transmission has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr., Alberto Martinez, Jr., Yaang Zhao, Ellen Jean Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8321105
    Abstract: One disclosed embodiment relates to a propulsion system for a machine. The propulsion system may include a prime mover operatively connected through a continuously variable transmission to a propulsion device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls that control an operating parameter of the continuously variable transmission, which may include adjusting the operating parameter based on operator input. Controlling the operating parameter may also include determining an adjustment limit for the operating parameter based on one or more operating conditions and applying the adjustment limit to the operating parameter to modify at least one of acceleration and jerk of the machine based on the one or more operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, Jr., Yaang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8216109
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is provided having a driven element. The continuously variable transmission also has at least one operator input device configured to transmit a transmission operating mode request and at least one other operator input device configured to transmit a driven element output request. In addition, the continuously variable transmission has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission. The continuously variable transmission further has a controller configured to regulate an output of the driven element in response to the operating mode request, the driven element output request, and the at least one sensed parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, Jr., Yaang Zhao
  • Patent number: 7933701
    Abstract: A method of operating a motion-control system is provided. The motion-control system may include an actuator and a moveable component driven by the actuator. The method may include providing input that indicates a target value of a parameter of the motion of at least one of the actuator and the moveable component with an operator-input device that is mechanically decoupled from the moveable component. The method may also include controlling the operation of the actuator at least in part with a control signal, including generating the control signal at least in part by determining a control gain based at least in part on a control error between the target value of the parameter and an actual value of the parameter. Generating the control signal may also include multiplying the control gain by the control error or a value derived from the control error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jay Davis, Michael Anthony Spielman, Kevin Joseph Carew
  • Publication number: 20090269213
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic system having a variable displacement pump operatively coupled to an engine. The method includes detecting a speed of the engine, and determining a desired power value of the pump. The method also includes identifying an allowable power value that may be expended by the pump at the detected speed. The method also includes selecting a pump power value. The selected pump power value is the lower of the allowable power value and the desired power value. The method further includes adjusting the pump to deliver the selected pump power value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark David Anderson, Michael Anthony Spielman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090143948
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is provided having a driven element. The continuously variable transmission also has a first operator input device configured to transmit a first displacement signal corresponding to a displacement of the first operator input device. The continuously variable transmission further has a second operator input device configured to transmit a second displacement signal corresponding to a displacement of the second operator input device. In addition, the continuously variable transmission has a third operator input device configured to transmit a transmission operating mode request. Furthermore, the continuously variable transmission has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, JR., Alberto Martinez, JR., Yaang Zhao, Ellen Jean Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20090112424
    Abstract: One disclosed embodiment relates to a propulsion system for a machine. The propulsion system may include a prime mover operatively connected through a continuously variable transmission to a propulsion device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls that control an operating parameter of the continuously variable transmission, which may include adjusting the operating parameter based on operator input. Controlling the operating parameter may also include determining an adjustment limit for the operating parameter based on one or more operating conditions and applying the adjustment limit to the operating parameter to modify at least one of acceleration and jerk of the machine based on the one or more operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, JR., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, JR., Yaang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090088295
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is provided having a driven element. The continuously variable transmission also has at least one operator input device configured to transmit a transmission operating mode request and at least one other operator input device configured to transmit a driven element output request. In addition, the continuously variable transmission has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission. The continuously variable transmission further has a controller configured to regulate an output of the driven element in response to the operating mode request, the driven element output request, and the at least one sensed parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, JR., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, JR., Yaang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20080161999
    Abstract: A method of operating a motion-control system is provided. The motion-control system may include an actuator and a moveable component driven by the actuator. The method may include providing input that indicates a target value of a parameter of the motion of at least one of the actuator and the moveable component with an operator-input device that is mechanically decoupled from the moveable component. The method may also include controlling the operation of the actuator at least in part with a control signal, including generating the control signal at least in part by determining a control gain based at least in part on a control error between the target value of the parameter and an actual value of the parameter. Generating the control signal may also include multiplying the control gain by the control error or a value derived from the control error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Jay Davis, Michael Anthony Spielman, Kevin Joseph Carew