Patents by Inventor Paul Alan Ring

Paul Alan Ring 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: 8195231
    Abstract: A data collection and distribution system associated with a machine comprises an electronic control module located on a machine. The electronic control module is configured to collect operation data associated with the machine. The system also comprises a personal area network (PAN) control module communicatively coupled to the electronic control module. The PAN control module is configured to detect a PAN-compatible cellular communication device proximate the PAN control module. The PAN control module is also configured to transmit the operation data to the PAN-compatible cellular communication device using a PAN connection between the PAN control module and the PAN-compatible cellular device, wherein the PAN-compatible cellular communication device is configured to transmit the operation data to a condition monitoring system via a cellular network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Alan Ring
  • Patent number: 7970523
    Abstract: A torque estimator is disclosed for estimating torque on a machine. A computer system may include a torque estimator module located on the machine. The torque estimator module may be configured to receive a plurality of engine parameters, receive a drivetrain component parameter, determine an estimated torque value at the drivetrain component based on the plurality of engine parameters and the drivetrain component parameter. The computer system also may include an analysis module located on the machine. The analysis module may be configured to receive the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter, and update a histogram data structure based on the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter. The analysis module may also be configured to evaluate the histogram data structure in order to determine if excessive torque is being applied to a drivetrain component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Wallis, Paul Alan Ring, Giles Kent Sorrells, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Jason Edward Carter
  • Publication number: 20090111520
    Abstract: A data collection and distribution system associated with a machine comprises an electronic control module located on a machine. The electronic control module is configured to collect operation data associated with the machine. The system also comprises a personal area network (PAN) control module communicatively coupled to the electronic control module. The PAN control module is configured to detect a PAN-compatible cellular communication device proximate the PAN control module. The PAN control module is also configured to transmit the operation data to the PAN-compatible cellular communication device using a PAN connection between the PAN control module and the PAN-compatible cellular device, wherein the PAN-compatible cellular communication device is configured to transmit the operation data to a condition monitoring system via a cellular network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Alan Ring
  • Patent number: 7493482
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically configuring an information management system of a work machine. A configuration method for an information management system includes requesting configuration data associated with one or more control modules. The method also includes receiving the configuration data associated with the one or more control modules in response to the request. The method further includes updating an information management system based on the received configuration data, wherein the update defines one or more operating parameters associated with the information management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Alan Ring, Michael James Wallis, Stuart Clayton Johnson