Patents by Inventor Nathan Daniel French

Nathan Daniel French 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: 10036139
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool. The input device may have a handle with proximal and distal ends. The input device may also have a proportional control element located at the distal end, and configured to pivot in a first direction to generate a first signal and to pivot in a second direction to generate a second signal. The work tool may have a first axis of rotation that is generally horizontal relative to a ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to a travel direction, and a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical relative to the ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first signal may be indicative of a desire to pitch the work tool about the first axis, and the second signal may be indicative of a desire to yaw the work tool about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Daniel French, Andrew John Kieser, Tony Ross Metzger, Bryan Everett Copeland, David Allen Ober, Brad R. Van De Veer
  • Publication number: 20160145828
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool. The input device may have a handle with proximal and distal ends. The input device may also have a proportional control element located at the distal end, and configured to pivot in a first direction to generate a first signal and to pivot in a second direction to generate a second signal. The work tool may have a first axis of rotation that is generally horizontal relative to a ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to a travel direction, and a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical relative to the ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first signal may be indicative of a desire to pitch the work tool about the first axis, and the second signal may be indicative of a desire to yaw the work tool about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Daniel FRENCH, Andrew John KIESER, Tony Ross METZGER, Bryan Everett COPELAND, David Allen OBER, Brad R. VAN DE VEER
  • Patent number: 8820700
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial position of a machine control device relative to a machine cab floor includes a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced parallel struts, and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together. A laterally translatable carriage is supported on the cross beams for movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis. The carriage includes a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores, orthogonally oriented with respect to the cross beams, that extend generally parallel to the struts. Spring-loaded pins may extend through each of the carriage bores to support movement of a control device along a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan Wade Roach, Nathan Daniel French
  • Publication number: 20140020497
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial position of a machine control device relative to a machine cab floor includes a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced parallel struts, and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together. A laterally translatable carriage is supported on the cross beams for movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis. The carriage includes a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores, orthogonally oriented with respect to the cross beams, that extend generally parallel to the struts. Spring-loaded pins may extend through each of the carriage bores to support movement of a control device along a second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Keegan Wade Roach, Nathan Daniel French
  • Patent number: D753118
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Daniel French, Andrew John Kieser, Tony Ross Metzger, Bryan Everett Copeland, David Allen Ober, Brad R. Van De Veer