Patents by Inventor Robert E. Stone

Robert E. Stone 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).

  • Publication number: 20240252316
    Abstract: Embodiments of delivery systems, devices and methods for delivering a prosthetic heart valve device to a heart chamber for expanded implementation are disclosed. More specifically, methods, systems and devices are disclosed for delivering a self-expanding prosthetic mitral valve device to the left atrium, with no engagement of the left ventricle, the native mitral valve leaflets or the annular tissue downstream of the upper annular surface during delivery, and in some embodiments with no engagement of the ventricle, mitral valve leaflets and/or annular tissue located downstream of the upper annular surface by the delivered, positioned and expanded prosthetic mitral valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Chambers, Gregory G. Brucker, Joseph P. Higgins, Saravana B. Kumar, Jason S. Diedering, Karl A. Kabarowski, Robert J. Thatcher, James E. Flaherty, Jeffrey R. Stone
  • Patent number: 9249555
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first actuator, a first valve arrangement, a second actuator, and a second valve arrangement. The hydraulic system may also have at least one operator interface device movable by an operator to generate a first signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a first manner, and a second signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a second manner; and a controller configured to generate a first flow rate command directed to the first valve arrangement based on the first signal, and generate a second flow rate command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate a third flow rate scaled from the first flow rate command and directed to the second valve arrangement based on only the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Reedy, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 8886415
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and a tilt angle sensor configured to generate a first signal. The hydraulic system may further have at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity, and a controller. The controller may be configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal and, when the first signal indicates that the actual tilt angle has entered a specified range of tilt angles during lifting, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal as the actual tilt angle remains within the specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Shatters, Steven C. Budde, John T. Reedy, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 8340875
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for lifting a work tool of a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, and a lift sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an actual lift velocity. The hydraulic system may also have a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity. The hydraulic system may further have a controller configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal, and command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid and maintain a desired tilt angle of the work tool during lifting based selectively on the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Shatters, Steven C. Budde, John T. Reedy, Robert E. Stone
  • Publication number: 20120323451
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for lifting a work tool of a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, and a lift sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an actual lift velocity. The hydraulic system may also have a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity. The hydraulic system may further have a controller configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal, and command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid and maintain a desired tilt angle of the work tool during lifting based selectively on the first and second signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Aaron R. SHATTERS, Steven C. BUDDE, John T. REEDY, Robert E. STONE
  • Publication number: 20120321425
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and a tilt angle sensor configured to generate a first signal. The hydraulic system may further have at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity, and a controller. The controller may be configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal and, when the first signal indicates that the actual tilt angle has entered a specified range of tilt angles during lifting, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal as the actual tilt angle remains within the specified range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Aaron R. SHATTERS, Steven C. BUDDE, John T. REEDY, Robert E. STONE
  • Publication number: 20120255293
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first actuator, a first valve arrangement, a second actuator, and a second valve arrangement. The hydraulic system may also have at least one operator interface device movable by an operator to generate a first signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a first manner, and a second signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a second manner; and a controller configured to generate a first flow rate command directed to the first valve arrangement based on the first signal, and generate a second flow rate command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate a third flow rate scaled from the first flow rate command and directed to the second valve arrangement based on only the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: John T. REEDY, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 8137278
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which makes a phased array look like a curved array for purposes of performing spatial compounding calculations. In one embodiment, the phased array is treated as though it were a curved array by creating both a virtual apex and a virtual radius of curvature. Based on this transformation, standard spatial-compounding resampling tables can be used just as they are with curved arrays. In one embodiment, after the data is compounded to form the target image, certain data is removed prior to the actual display. This removed data represents data generated by virtual rays the prior to the physical skin line of the phased array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Lundberg, Mitchell Kaplan, Robert E. Stone, Ramachandra Pailoor, Clinton T. Siedenburg, Zuhua Mao
  • Patent number: 8061466
    Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Carlton, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel P. Sergison, Robert E. Stone, Corwin E. Storer, Norval P. Thomson, Todd M. Weier
  • Publication number: 20100018727
    Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Caterprillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Carlton, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel P. Sergison, Robert E. Stone, Crowin E. Storer, Norval P. Thomson, Todd M. Weier
  • Publication number: 20090320540
    Abstract: A sealing device is provided that includes a bolt having a shaft, a tapered end and a circumferential groove; a lock body having an open end leading into a bore; an overmold substantially surrounding the lock body and including an aperture aligned with the open end of the lock body; a lock ring located in the bore of the lock body; and a washer having a hole aligned with the aperture in the overmold and the opening in the lock body and located between the overmold and the lock ring, the lock ring including a plurality of spokes extending inwardly from an outer ring portion. Some of the spokes can include an inner flange extending generally perpendicular to the spoke, and the inner flanges form a non-continuous inner ring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: E. J. BROOKS COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert E. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090320541
    Abstract: A sealing device is provided that includes a bolt having a shaft, a tapered end and a circumferential groove; a lock body having an open end leading into a hollow portion; an overmold substantially surrounding the lock body and including an aperture aligned with the open end of the lock body; a lock clip located in the hollow portion of the lock body; and a washer having a hole aligned with the aperture in the overmold and the opening in the lock body and located between an end of the overmold and the lock clip, the lock clip including a plurality of spokes extending inwardly from an outer periphery portion. Some of the spokes can include an inner flange extending generally perpendicular to the spoke, and the inner flanges form a non-continuous inner ring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090071211
    Abstract: A cable seal lock assembly including a housing having a top end and a bottom end with at least two openings in each end. A generally cylindrical-shaped cable sleeve is located in the housing and has a bore therethrough, and ends of the bore are aligned with respective openings in the top and bottom ends of the housing. A clip sleeve is located at least partially within the housing and has a bore of non-uniform diameter extending therethrough, and one end of the clip sleeve extends through one of the openings in the top end of the housing, with the bore at the other end of the clip sleeve aligned with one of the openings at the bottom end of the housing. A locking clip is located in the clip sleeve, and a backing plate is located in the housing with holes that are aligned with the openings at one end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Stone, Patrick A. Kumfer, David A. Franks, Jeffrey E. Warner
  • Publication number: 20090069681
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which makes a phased array look like a curved array for purposes of performing spatial compounding calculations. In one embodiment, the phased array is treated as though it were a curved array by creating both a virtual apex and a virtual radius of curvature. Based on this transformation, standard spatial-compounding resampling tables can be used just as they are with curved arrays. In one embodiment, after the data is compounded to form the target image, certain data is removed prior to the actual display. This removed data represents data generated by virtual rays the prior to the physical skin line of the phased array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Lundberg, Mitchell Kaplan, Robert E. Stone, Ramachandra Pailoor, Clinton T. Siedenburg, Zuhua Mao
  • Patent number: 6127965
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of objects in a vehicle operator's blind spots. The apparatus comprises a side-facing Doppler radar system using continuous wave (CW) transmission with frequency modulation (FM) operation from a frequency modulation switching technique. The radar system determines the presence, range and closing rate of detected targets. The radar system detects targets even when operated in adverse weather conditions and will not generate false warnings due to rain clutter caused by wet roads and other wet surroundings. The radar system uses ranging techniques to reject false targets that are detected outside of a predetermined target detection zone. In accordance with the present invention, the radar system indicates that a target is detected if and only if any part of the target is within the detection zone and it: (1) remains in front of the antenna for at least TH1 seconds; (2) is at a range between Range.sub.min and Range.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton-VORAD Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James C. McDade, Robert E. Stone, Eric P. Bohley, Roger J. Schlichtig
  • Patent number: 6047228
    Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the control of a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. An implement position sensor senses the position of the work implement and responsively produces an implement position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the implement position and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Stone, Ricky D. Vance
  • Patent number: 5878604
    Abstract: A plurality of walls form a housing cavity in which a latch hasp is received. An opening in the housing receives therethrough the latch hasp, the latch enclosing the cavity. The bolt seal has a shank with a head at one end or with a U-shaped bight in a second embodiment. The head engages a housing wall and a locking body engages and locks to the shank at a shank end distal the head. The shank between the head and lock body is fully enclosed by the housing and latch to preclude access to the shank by tampering tools. In a second embodiment, the shank bight engages the received hasp of a latch. The shank distal the bight is locked to the housing by a locking body. The latch depends into and encloses the housing cavity open at the top. The shank between the bight and the locking body is fully enclosed in the cavity. Different housings are disclosed wherein the head may be enclosed or exposed for access by a shank breaking tool. A reusable bolt and locking body is disclosed for use with several embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Transguard Industries
    Inventors: Robert E. Stone, Terrence N. Brammall, David L. Stevenson, Craig Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5875701
    Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. Boom and bucket angle sensors sense the position of the work implement and responsively produces an boom angle signal and a bucket angle signal respectively. A microprocessor based controller receives the boom angle, bucket angle, and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Cobo, Hans P. Dietz, Cynthia M. Gardner, Robert E. Stone
  • Patent number: 5732989
    Abstract: A lock body through bore receives a steel bolt with an array of annular grooves. A locking mechanism secured in the bore has an annular array of locking jaws normally biased engaged with an inserted bolt groove. A jaw spreader has a conical surface for spreading the jaws radially outwardly to disengage the bolt. A locking member normally is radially outwardly of the jaws to preclude such spreading. A spring with a high spring constant, e.g., 300 pound load, axially biases the locking member in the jaw locking position. The spreader and locking member define a locking jaw conical path for radially outwardly releasing the jaws during bolt insertion and for locking the jaws in the opposite bolt withdrawal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Transgaurd Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Stevenson, Rodney Ridenour, Robert E. Stone, Craig Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5701793
    Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. An implement position sensor senses the position of the work implement and responsively produces an implement position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the implement position and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Catepillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Gardner, Robert E. Stone, John D. Duffy, William E. Allen, James E. Schimpf