Patents by Inventor Mitchell J. McGowan

Mitchell J. McGowan 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: 6577909
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically shutting down an engine on a machine in during an operators absence in order to prevent potential damage to the machine. A determination is made regarding if the machine is running, and an if an operator is not present. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of predetermined shutdown values, which correspond with at least one of a plurality of critical parameters, are stored in the controller. The machine will shutdown if the critical parameters are determined to be beyond the shutdown values. Additionally, a cool down feature, if enabled, will cause the machine to cool down prior to the machine being shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell J. McGowan, Dean J. Schlickbernd
  • Patent number: 6360538
    Abstract: A method for controllably moving a machinery platform 20 of a work machine 10 having an electro-hydraulic system 100 is disclosed. The work machine 10 includes at least one swing motor 120 configured to move the machinery platform 20. The changing speed of the swing motor 120 is determined. A solenoid actuated valve 165 is controlled in response to the determination. The solenoid actuated valve 165 is configured to responsively produce a relief valve pilot signal 170. The two-way relief valve 130 is controllably shifted in response to the inputted relief valve pilot signal 170. At least one of a high pressure by-pass valve 135 and a low pressure by-pass valve 140 is selected in response to the two-way relief valve 130 shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell J. McGowan, Clifford E. Miller, Dean J. Schlickbernd, John A. Yeoman
  • Patent number: 6195989
    Abstract: A power control system for a machine having an engine, a hydraulic system, a boom function, and a swing function is disclosed which comprises a sensor for determining the temperature of the engine, a sensor for determining the temperature of the hydraulic system, a cooling system associated with the engine, a cooling system associated with the hydraulic system, a controller connected to the sensors and the cooling systems, the controller for receiving the temperatures of the engine and the hydraulic system and for determining whether the temperatures are within acceptable ranges, the controller for detecting when a boom function and a swing function have been requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell R. Hall, Mitchell J. McGowan
  • Patent number: 5613581
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control device for a drive train of a machine including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter, and an impeller clutch is disclosed. A manually operated impeller clutch pedal produces an impeller clutch pedal signal in response to the position of the impeller clutch pedal. An impeller clutch electrohydraulic valve produces fluid flow to the impeller clutch to controllably engage and disengage the impeller clutch. An impeller clutch pressure curve that is responsive to the impeller clutch pedal position is stored in memory. A rotary position switch selects a desired rimpull setting indicative of a desired reduction in rimpull and produces a desired rimpull signal. An electronic controller receives the desired rimpull signal and reconfigures the impeller clutch pressure curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew O. Fonkalsrud, Steven V. Christensen, Mitchell J. McGowan, Thomas L. Grill