Patents by Inventor Richard J. Lech

Richard J. Lech 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: 9347200
    Abstract: A fluid control system including a variable displacement pump having a load system control and configured to operate in an open center mode. A pump control is operable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement. The pump control receives pressurized fluid from a first load sensor pressure in fluid communication with the pump and an actuator return pressure in fluid communication with an actuator configured to operate using pressurized fluid from the system, the pump control providing a selective pump control pressure to the pump load system control. When the system is operating in a standby mode, the pump operates in a first minimized displacement condition. When the system is in a stall mode, the pump operates in a second minimized displacement condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. Hennemann, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20130318957
    Abstract: A fluid control system including a variable displacement pump having a load system control and configured to operate in an open center mode. A pump control is operable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement. The pump control receives pressurized fluid from a first load sensor pressure in fluid communication with the pump and an actuator return pressure in fluid communication with an actuator configured to operate using pressurized fluid from the system, the pump control providing a selective pump control pressure to the pump load system control. When the system is operating in a standby mode, the pump operates in a first minimized displacement condition. When the system is in a stall mode, the pump operates in a second minimized displacement condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew J. HENNEMANN, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 8353157
    Abstract: An open center hydraulic system that includes a variable displacement pump having an inlet, an outlet and a sensing port, the pump configured to provide reduced fluid flow in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential between the outlet and the sensing port. A first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit each serve as signal lines with the pump sensing port. During operation of the second fluid circuit, reduced fluid flow from the pump outlet is achieved as a result of the sum of induced fluid pressure reductions of respective controlled pressure reduction devices approaching the predetermined pump fluid pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lech, Garrett Anderson, Matthew J. Hennemann, C. David Anderson
  • Patent number: 8142132
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control circuit for automatically bringing a hydraulically operated work arm into a particular position without having to manually reverse the direction of the hydraulic operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lech, Vlad P. Patrangenaru
  • Patent number: 7891459
    Abstract: A multiple-speed steering system for an off-road vehicle having a loading mechanism and a hydraulic steering system associated with guiding the vehicle. The multiple-speed steering system includes a hydraulic steering cylinder and a first component fluidly coupled to the steering cylinder to provide a primary metered flow of hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder. A second component is selectively fluidly coupled to the steering cylinder to provide a supplemental metered flow in addition to the primary metered flow of hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder. Addition of the supplemental metered flow is selectable by an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lech, Roger D. Mickelson
  • Publication number: 20110030363
    Abstract: An open center hydraulic system that includes a variable displacement pump having an inlet, an outlet and a sensing port, the pump configured to provide reduced fluid flow in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential between the outlet and the sensing port. A first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit each serve as signal lines with the pump sensing port. During operation of the second fluid circuit, reduced fluid flow from the pump outlet is achieved as a result of the sum of induced fluid pressure reductions of respective controlled pressure reduction devices approaching the predetermined pump fluid pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Richard J. LECH, Garrett Anderson, Matthew J. Hennemann, C. David Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100172730
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control circuit for automatically bringing a hydraulically operated work arm into a particular position without having to manually reverse the direction of the hydraulic operating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. LECH, Vlad P. PATRANGENARU
  • Patent number: 7674084
    Abstract: A system is used with a boom pivoted on a frame about a horizontal pivot axis between raised and lowered positions by a first fluid ram joining the frame and the boom. A releasable locking mechanism locks the boom relative to the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the boom about its horizontal pivot axis. A second fluid ram is disposed between the frame and the boom, the second fluid ram compressed between the frame and the boom when the boom is adjacent the raised position, but prior to the boom achieving a latched position substantially coinciding with the raised position. A fluid circuit of the second fluid ram has two selectable pressure levels. The first level substantially prevents the boom from achieving the latched position, the second level permits the boom to achieve the latched position while providing fluid cushioning to dissipate impact forces between the boom and frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20080267755
    Abstract: A system is used with a boom pivoted on a frame about a horizontal pivot axis between raised and lowered positions by a first fluid ram joining the frame and the boom. A releasable locking mechanism locks the boom relative to the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the boom about its horizontal pivot axis. A second fluid ram is disposed between the frame and the boom, the second fluid ram compressed between the frame and the boom when the boom is adjacent the raised position, but prior to the boom achieving a latched position substantially coinciding with the raised position. A fluid circuit of the second fluid ram has two selectable pressure levels. The first level substantially prevents the boom from achieving the latched position, the second level permits the boom to achieve the latched position while providing fluid cushioning to dissipate impact forces between the boom and frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20080006468
    Abstract: A multiple-speed steering system for an off-road vehicle having a loading mechanism and a hydraulic steering system associated with guiding the vehicle. The multiple-speed steering system includes a hydraulic steering cylinder and a first component fluidly coupled to the steering cylinder to provide a primary metered flow of hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder. A second component is selectively fluidly coupled to the steering cylinder to provide a supplemental metered flow in addition to the primary metered flow of hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder. Addition of the supplemental metered flow is selectable by an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Richard J. Lech, Roger D. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 7251934
    Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic system for a work vehicle is provided that includes a first fixed displacement hydraulic pump whose outlet is connected to a priority valve. The priority valve, in turn, directs the pump's flow to a first group of closed center backhoe valves on a primary circuit and a second group of open center loader valves on a secondary circuit. A second hydraulic pump is provided with independent load sensing capability to supplement fluid flow provided by the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lech, Matthew J. Hennemann
  • Patent number: 7032332
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6941687
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6886278
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030230010
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030226292
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6647721
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech, Eric Sharkness, David W. Swaim, Guy T. Stoever, Ian MacLeod
  • Patent number: 6640409
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a swing damping circuit to a work vehicle such as a backhoe includes disconnecting a boom swing valve from a boom swing cylinder, and coupling the swing damping circuit to the boom swing valve. Alternatively, it may include replacing a boom swing valve with a combined boom swing valve and swing damping circuit that form a unitary valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Publication number: 20030084663
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech, Eric Sharkness, David W. Swaim, Guy T. Stoever, Ian MacLeod
  • Publication number: 20030056353
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a swing damping circuit to a work vehicle such as a backhoe includes disconnecting a boom swing valve from a boom swing cylinder, and coupling the swing damping circuit to the boom swing valve. Alternatively, it may include replacing a boom swing valve with a combined boom swing valve and swing damping circuit that form a unitary valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: CASE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech