Patents by Inventor Michael W. BRIDENBAUGH

Michael W. BRIDENBAUGH 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: 11766919
    Abstract: A system for controlling the climate of a cab of an autonomously operable machine when operated unmanned, and related machine. The system includes at least one temperature sensor to generate a signal indicative of the temperature within the cab and a controller configured to receive the signal as well as determine if the machine is being operated unmanned. If the machine is being operated unmanned, the controller is further configured to generate machine control commands to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjust a blower as needed to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Erick A. Njos
  • Patent number: 11595618
    Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
  • Patent number: 11486115
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for shared access of a machine for operator training, the machine including a traction device and an implement, includes receiving an authorization from an access device to share access to the machine, and entering a shared control state based on at least the authorization received from the access device. The method also includes receiving commands from a remote operation device during the shared control state and operating at least one of the traction device or the implement of the machine based on at least the commands from the remote operation device while an operator is present in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph Faivre, Steven D. Ott, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Tony R. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20220234419
    Abstract: A controller-implemented system and method for automated control of a climate control system of a machine when being operated unmanned. The method includes utilizing at least one temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the machine cab, and, if the machine is being operated unmanned, generating signals to turn on the blower to a minimum setting, comparing the sensed temperature to at least one of minimum and maximum temperature thresholds, and generating signals to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjusting the blower to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Erick A. Njos
  • Publication number: 20210314528
    Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
  • Publication number: 20210254306
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for shared access of a machine for operator training, the machine including a traction device and an implement, includes receiving an authorization from an access device to share access to the machine, and entering a shared control state based on at least the authorization received from the access device. The method also includes receiving commands from a remote operation device during the shared control state and operating at least one of the traction device or the implement of the machine based on at least the commands from the remote operation device while an operator is present in the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. KRONE, Joseph FAIVRE, Steven D. OTT, Michael W. BRIDENBAUGH, Tony R. METZGER