Patents by Inventor Michael W. Ries

Michael W. Ries 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: 8965638
    Abstract: A controller for use in a vibratory work machine may include a vibratory frequency selection system having a user interface with a discrete amplitude selection input device and a discrete frequency selection input device. The controller may receive a frequency selection signal from the frequency input device and generate a frequency control signal having a characteristic corresponding to the frequency setting of the input device. The controller may also receive an amplitude selection signal from the amplitude input device and output at least the frequency control signal to cause a vibrator mechanism of the machine to generate vibrations having a frequency and amplitude corresponding to the settings of the input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Ryan P. Lenton, Ryan J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8858117
    Abstract: A weight sensing system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The weight sensing system includes a pressure sensor in communication with a pneumatic cylinder. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. Further, a controller is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. The controller is also configured to determine a compaction weight of the pneumatic compactor based on the received signal, a weight distribution on the pneumatic compactor, and a fixed volume of the pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton, Timothy J. Lindholm
  • Patent number: 8714869
    Abstract: A pneumatic compactor includes a frame and a compacting member rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to rotate in contact with a substrate of paving material. The compacting member is a tire. The compactor further includes a heating element located within the compacting member, a sensor thermally coupled to the heating element, and an electronic control module. The electronic control module is in communication with the heating element and the sensor and is configured to energize the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Matthew S. Frantz, Jon M. Scharf, Paul D. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140079484
    Abstract: A weight sensing system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The weight sensing system includes a pressure sensor in communication with a pneumatic cylinder. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. Further, a controller is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. The controller is also configured to determine a compaction weight of the pneumatic compactor based on the received signal, a weight distribution on the pneumatic compactor, and a fixed volume of the pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton, Timothy J. Lindholm
  • Publication number: 20140075930
    Abstract: A hydraulic power control system includes an engine driving a variable displacement pump. The variable displacement pump is fluidly connected to a first passageway and a second passageway, and has a selectively variable displacement that is adjustable in response to a pump displacement command signal. A hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the first and second passageways operates by a flow of hydraulic fluid originating from the pump. A controller receives an engine speed signal and adjusts pump displacement based on the engine speed signal to reduce the rotation speed of the pump when an overrun condition is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sudarshan Maiyur, Paul Dvorak, Michael W. Ries
  • Patent number: 8636443
    Abstract: A compactor includes a rotatable compacting element, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a liquid onto an outer surface of the compacting element to prevent sticking of paving material. The compactor further includes an electronic control mechanism configured to activate the dispensing mechanism, and further configured to deactivate the dispensing mechanism responsive to data indicating an extent of coverage of the outer surface with the liquid is sufficient. Related systems and methodology are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paying Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton
  • Publication number: 20130223933
    Abstract: A compactor includes a rotatable compacting element, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a liquid onto an outer surface of the compacting element to prevent sticking of paving material. The compactor further includes an electronic control mechanism configured to activate the dispensing mechanism, and further configured to deactivate the dispensing mechanism responsive to data indicating an extent of coverage of the outer surface with the liquid is sufficient. Related systems and methodology are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton
  • Publication number: 20130223928
    Abstract: A compactor includes a frame and a compacting element coupled to the frame. An edge wheel assembly is also coupled to the frame and is adjustable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration at which an edge wheel contacts a substrate outboard of the compacting element. The compactor further includes a spray system for the edge wheel, and a control device in control communication with the spray system and configured to command activation of the spray system responsive to detecting lowering of the edge wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton
  • Patent number: 8500363
    Abstract: A compactor includes a frame and a compacting element coupled to the frame. An edge wheel assembly is also coupled to the frame and is adjustable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration at which an edge wheel contacts a substrate outboard of the compacting element. The compactor further includes a spray system for the edge wheel, and a control device in control communication with the spray system and configured to command activation of the spray system responsive to detecting lowering of the edge wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton
  • Publication number: 20130006483
    Abstract: A controller for use in a vibratory work machine may include a vibratory frequency selection system having a user interface with a discrete amplitude selection input device and a discrete frequency selection input device. The controller may receive a frequency selection signal from the frequency input device and generate a frequency control signal having a characteristic corresponding to the frequency setting of the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Ryan P. Lenton, Ryan J. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100111605
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a vibratory mechanism in a vehicle comprising a sensor configured to produce an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of the vehicle; a computing device operable to receive the operational value signal and determine actuation values based at least in part on the operational value signal and to produce a corresponding control signal for selectively actuating the vibratory mechanism; and an input device configured to modify the actuation values during operation of the vehicle. A method for controlling a vibratory mechanism in a vehicle comprising the steps of producing an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of the vehicle; determining actuation values from the operational value signal; modifying actuation values during operation of the vehicle; and signaling the vibratory mechanism to actuate in response to actuation values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Sturos, Michael W. Ries, Jonathan A. Anderson, Ryan P. Lenton, John L. Marsolek