Patents by Inventor Nathaniel S. Doy
Nathaniel S. Doy 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).
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Patent number: 12252849Abstract: Various control systems and methods for a working machine such as a compactor are disclosed. The control system can include any one or combination of components including a controller in communication with at least a steering system and a position sensor. The controller can be configured to: receive position data from the position sensor including during operator implemented steering of the compactor, save the position data to a memory, determine from the position data saved in the memory a possible intent by an operator to create a compaction area, generate a prompt on an operator interface to confirm an actual intent of the operator, and generate a compaction plan for autonomously steering the compactor to compact in the compaction area. The compaction plan can be based at least partially upon the operator implemented steering of the compactor. The controller can implement the compaction plan via autonomous steering.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2022Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Joshua David Keyes, David Edwin Gerding, John L. Marsolek, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Publication number: 20250043517Abstract: A system and method for compacting asphalt or similar materials operates a compactor according to a rolling pattern that involves a plurality of passes in a straight-line direction that terminate in a corresponding plurality of turnouts that deviate from the straight-line direction. The compactor can include one or more sensors and an electronic controller configured to determine the location of a previous turnout. The compactor is propelled spatially past the previous turnout before steering into a subsequent turnout so that the plurality of turnout are spatially staggered and varied.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2023Publication date: February 6, 2025Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Cary M. Bryant, Nathaniel S. Doy, Paul R. Friend
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Patent number: 12210348Abstract: A method for controlling a construction machine can include dividing a work area into a plurality of work lanes; selecting a first set of consecutive work lanes of the plurality of work lanes that can be worked without an obstruction; and completing one or more passes on the selected first set of consecutive work lanes before moving on to another set of the plurality of work lanes.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2021Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, John L. Marsolek, David Edwin Gerding, Rolf af Klinteberg, Robert J. McGee
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Patent number: 12142087Abstract: A system and method include receiving sensor data from a of at least a portion of a work surface of a worksite including a first one or more material properties, a first timestamp, a first location, and the like, determining a multi-layer map based at least in part from this data and including new layer commands, meeting or exceeding data thresholds, new machine operations, machine learning models, and receiving additional sensor data containing a second same, similar, and/or different information, generating a new layer and/or overwriting the existing layer data, and providing a processed map to one or more machines, memory, additional devices, and the like. The method also includes saving prior layers and/or data of overwritten layers. The method further includes causing at least a part of the multi-layer material property map to be displayed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Joseph L. Faivre, Jeremy Wayne Lee, John L. Marsolek, Matthew Thomas Hanson, Brian D. Nagel, Robert K. Iverson
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Patent number: 12129607Abstract: A control system for a compactor is disclosed. The control system can include any one or combination of one or more position sensors, a steering system, a control interface and a controller. The controller can be in communication with at least the control interface and the one or more position sensors. The controller can be configured to receive data recording a position of the compactor when physically operating the compactor along at least a portion of the desired boundary of a compaction area, determine from the data a virtual boundary of the compaction area corresponding to the position of the compactor when physically operating the compactor along the desired boundary of the compaction area, and generate at least a first work plan for operating the compactor to compact in the compaction area up to the virtual boundary.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, John L. Marsolek, David Edwin Gerding
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Publication number: 20240353837Abstract: A system and method for responding to objects encountered by autonomous machines at a worksite. Sensors at the worksite gather sensor data that may be used by one or more processors to identify an object or obstacle at the worksite and an associated location. The sensors may be disposed on an autonomous machine operating at the worksite. The system and method include determining, based on the sensor data, an object classification for the object and/or obstacle and determining, based on the object classification and the sensor data, a remediation procedure to remove the object from the path and enable the autonomous machine to complete the work plan. The system and method further include determining a second machine included in the remediation procedure from a set of machines located at the worksite and causing the second machine to perform the remediation procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: October 24, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S Doy, John L. Marsolek, Robert J. McGee, Sangameshwar Sonth
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Patent number: 12065788Abstract: A system and method for marking a boundary while defining an autonomous worksite includes receiving first information indicative of a first maneuvering distance from a side of a machine and activating an indicator. The indicator, representative of the first maneuvering distance, is positioned at the side of the machine to be visible to an operator of the machine. The machine is positioned on a worksite surface along a path to be traversed when executing a work plan. After a control system receives a verification from the operator that the machine may operate outside the worksite area and within an outer boundary defined by the first maneuvering distance, a worksite perimeter is defined to include the path, and a geofence for the machine is determined to substantially overlay the outer boundary.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Nathaniel S Doy
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Publication number: 20240263405Abstract: A compactor can include an interface configured to receive position information of a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge of a work area of the compactor. The compactor can also include processing circuitry coupled to the interface to receive position information of a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge of a work area of the compactor. The processing circuitry can generate a path plan for the work machine based on location and classification of the first side edge and the second side edge. The processing circuitry can operate the compactor based on the path plan.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2023Publication date: August 8, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Publication number: 20240263406Abstract: A method for operating a compactor on a compressible surface includes: moving the compactor on the compressible surface; receiving an operating speed of the compactor; determining whether an obstacle is present in a path of the compactor; and changing the operating speed to a creep speed if the obstacle is in the path of the compactor. The creep speed is sufficient to prevent the compactor from forming dips in the compressible surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2023Publication date: August 8, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Patent number: 12050462Abstract: Non-line of sight (NLOS) remote control for machines is accomplished by a remote-control station with cellular connectivity to run multiple machines remotely. However, NLOS is expensive and may not work in areas with low cell tower coverage. Accordingly, the present disclosure pertains to providing on-machine remote control to operators of machines at a worksite. The on-machine remote control allows one machine to actively control another machine through connectivity between those two machines. For example, a tractor operator may use on-machine remote control to take control of a compactor, such that the compactor may be run using the tractor controls.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine, Nathaniel S Doy
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Patent number: 11997561Abstract: A method includes receiving information indicative of a perimeter of a first portion of a work surface, generating, based on the information, a first geofence substantially overlaying the perimeter, and causing a display to display the first geofence. The method also includes receiving a first input indicating an accuracy of the first geofence. The method further includes determining that at least part of the first geofence is less than a threshold distance from a second geofence associated with the work surface. The method also includes generating, based on determining that the at least part of the first geofence is less than the threshold distance from the second geofence, a third geofence associated with the work surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, John L Marsolek, Sangameshwar Sonth, Robert J. McGee
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Publication number: 20240059173Abstract: A method includes establishing a data connection between a first controller, and a second controller of a mobile machine. The method also includes causing, by the first controller, a charging unit to direct electrical current to an energy storage device of the mobile machine. The method further includes receiving, by the first controller a plurality of electronic files stored in a memory of the mobile machine, and storing the files in a memory of the charging unit. The method also includes providing to the second controller, by the first controller, an indication that each file of the plurality of electronic files has been stored in the memory of the charging unit. In such methods, second controller is configured to delete each file of the plurality of electronic files from the memory of the mobile machine based on the indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Matthew Thomas Hanson, John L. Marsolek, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Patent number: 11891763Abstract: A machine for roadwork can include a frame, a power source, and a milling rotor operatively connected to the power source and the frame. The machine can also include means for detecting obstacles around an exterior of the machine; and means for activating an obstacle-detection response. The obstacle-detection response can adjust at least one milling parameter, change at least one sensor that the machine uses to control at least one mil ling parameter, or override at least one system on the machine to prevent the machine from automatically adjusting any milling parameters.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Heath Daryl Wilson
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Patent number: 11885081Abstract: A milling machine includes a rotor drive transmission having a plurality of gears disposed between a prime mover and a cutting rotor. The rotor drive transmission is associated with a rotor transmission hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic gearshift actuator to engage the plurality of gears in one or more gear ratios and a gearshift directional control valve to direct hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic gearshift actuator. In occurrence of a fault condition, the rotor transmission hydraulic circuit includes a gearshift trapping valve to maintain hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic gear actuator and the engaged gear ratio of the rotor drive transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Derek P. Nieuwsma, Nathaniel S. Doy, Brian J. Schlenker, Ryan A. Enot
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Publication number: 20240013117Abstract: A worksite controller can manage machines, including a first machine configured to perform a first task and a second machine configured to perform a second task that follows the first task. The worksite controller can predict a time that the first machine will complete the first task at a work area. The worksite controller can also predict a time the second machine would arrive at the work area to perform the second task. Based on a comparison of the time the second machine would arrive at the work area and the predicted first task completion time, the worksite controller can instruct the second machine to enter or exit a low-power state. For example, if the second machine would arrive at the work area earlier than the predicted first task completion time, the worksite controller can instruct the second machine to avoid idling while waiting by entering the low-power state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2022Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S Doy, Gautham Subramanian
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Publication number: 20230383480Abstract: A compactor for operation on a surface includes: a frame; at least one compacting drum coupled to the frame; a drive system for accelerating and decelerating the compactor at an acceleration rate and a deceleration rate, respectively; and a controller for: controlling the drive system, and based on at least one variable, altering at least one of the acceleration rate and the deceleration rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2022Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Nicholas A. Oetken
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Patent number: 11821153Abstract: A propelled milling machine includes a cutting rotor that receives power from an internal combustion engine via a rotor drivetrain. To adjust the speed of the cutting rotor, the rotor drivetrain includes a rotor drivetrain transmission operatively associated with a rotor drivetrain lubrication circuit. To regulate temperature of the lubricant, a heat exchanger circuit is associated with the rotor drivetrain lubrication circuit and includes a rotor drivetrain lubricant heat exchanger and a rotor drivetrain lubricant pump assembly. The quantity of lubricant directed to the heat exchanger is regulated based on one or more sensed operating parameters associated with the lubricant.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Derek P. Nieuwsma, Brian J. Schlenker, Matthew-David S. Frantz
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Publication number: 20230357999Abstract: An apparatus of a work machine can include a sensor to provide information regarding a surface worked by a work machine. The apparatus can also include processing circuitry coupled to the sensor. The processing circuitry can generate a cut depth curve that represents cut depth subsequent to performing work on the surface, based on measurements provided by the set of sensors. The processing circuitry can perform an integration operation based on the cut depth curve to generate a measure of area worked by the work machine. The processing circuitry can determine at least one physical operational parameter of the work machine based on the measure of area worked by the work machine. Other systems and methods are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2022Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Conwell K. Rife, JR., Nathaniel S. Doy
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Publication number: 20230349111Abstract: A machine for roadwork can include a frame, a power source, and a milling rotor that can be operatively connected to the power source and the frame. The machine for roadwork can also include at least one camera and an image processor. The at least one camera can be configured to capture one or more images of the milling rotor. The image processor can be in communication with the at least one camera. The image processor may be configured to analyze the one or more images of the milling rotor captured by the at least one camera. The image processor may also be configured to determine a scratch height of the milling rotor based on one or more images. The scratch height can define a height of the milling rotor on condition that the milling rotor is in contact with a surface of the roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Koenen, Nathaniel S. Doy
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Publication number: 20230349119Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products can wirelessly receive moisture data outputted from one or more wireless moisture sensors at least partially embedded in a material to be compacted by a compaction machine; determine, based on the moisture data from the one or more wireless moisture sensors, whether water needs to be added to the material at each of the one or more wireless moisture sensors; and output signaling to direct a water truck to provide water to the portion or portions of the material determined to need water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. OETKEN, Mark D. BEHN, Nathaniel S. DOY, Robert K. IVERSON, John Lee MARSOLEK, Brian D. NAGEL, Kishore Sundara SRINIVASAN