Patents by Inventor Michael C. Gatz

Michael C. Gatz 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: 9546896
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell. One or more indicator components is inserted into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source into the cell, and the position of the one or more indicator components is detected on the basis of the emitted radiation. The deposit level within the cell is then calculated on the basis of the position of the one or more indicator components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gatz, David Painter, Steven F. Meister
  • Publication number: 20150177046
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell. One or more indicator components is inserted into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source into the cell, and the position of the one or more indicator components is detected on the basis of the emitted radiation. The deposit level within the cell is then calculated on the basis of the position of the one or more indicator components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gatz, David Painter, Steven F. Meister
  • Patent number: 8979986
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell. One or more indicator components is inserted into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source into the cell, and the position of the one or more indicator components is detected on the basis of the emitted radiation. The deposit level within the cell is then calculated on the basis of the position of the one or more indicator components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Painter, Steven F. Meister, Michael C. Gatz
  • Patent number: 7487499
    Abstract: A software flashing system includes a processor and a position locating system in communication with the processor and configured to provide information relating to a geographic location of at least one target entity. The processor is configured to interface with the position locating system to determine the geographic location of the at least one target entity and to supply the at least one target entity with a software update related to the geographic location of the at least one target entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Gatz
  • Patent number: 7453771
    Abstract: A noise control system is provided for controlling a noise level around a moveable target. The noise control system has a detecting system configured to detect a location and movement of the target, and a noise cancellation system. The noise cancellation system has a sensor for dynamically sensing noise at the location of the target. The noise cancellation system is configured to be responsive to detection of the location of the target by the detecting system and the sensed noise to provide a noise cancellation wave to a first space at and around the location of the target. The noise cancellation system is further configured to be responsive to detection of the movement of the target by the detecting system and the sensed noise, and to provide a noise cancellation wave to a second space to cover the moving target. The second space is larger than the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Gatz
  • Patent number: 7320349
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a tree harvesting machine including a tree harvesting tool are provided. The method may include identifying a tree to be harvested, generating one or more tree position signals indicative of a position of the tree, and controlling movement of the tree harvesting tool toward the tree as a function of the one or more tree position signals. The system may include a tree position sensor operable to generate one or more tree position signals indicative of a position of a tree. The system may further include a controller operable to receive the one or more tree position signals. The controller may be further operable to generate one or more tool control signals for controlling movement of the tree harvesting tool toward the tree as a function of the one or more tree position signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Gatz
  • Patent number: 6928353
    Abstract: A system and method for updating parameter data available to a machine control system. A work machine having an implement attached thereto includes a machine control system for controlling the machine and the implement and for providing additional functionality, such as mapping and payload systems, to the machine. The machine control system is configurable for operation of a variety of work implements. Data associated with the attached work implement is retrieved from a remote system and utilized to adjust the machine control system to accommodate the attached implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Finley, Michael C. Gatz, John T. Grober, David R. Kweram, Robert J. Price
  • Patent number: 6840445
    Abstract: A system and method for compiling a service history for a machine. A transmitter is attached to a serviceable part for a machine. When the part is installed, the transmitter relays an identification which is received by a receiver preferably attached to the machine. A processor stores the identification and associated machine data to build the service history. The service history data may be relayed to a remote storage system for storage and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Gatz
  • Publication number: 20040108378
    Abstract: A system and method for compiling a service history for a machine. A transmitter is attached to a serviceable part for a machine. When the part is installed, the transmitter relays an identification which is received by a receiver preferably attached to the machine. A processor stores the identification and associated machine data to build the service history. The service history data may be relayed to a remote storage system for storage and display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Michael C. Gatz
  • Publication number: 20040024510
    Abstract: A system and method for updating parameter data available to a machine control system. A work machine having an implement attached thereto includes a machine control system for controlling the machine and the implement and for providing additional functionality, such as mapping and payload systems, to the machine. The machine control system is configurable for operation of a variety of work implements. Data associated with the attached work implement is retrieved from a remote system and utilized to adjust the machine control system to accommodate the attached implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Finley, Michael C. Gatz, John T. Grober, David R. Kweram, Robert J. Price