Patents by Inventor Seth C. Studnicka

Seth C. Studnicka 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: 11650173
    Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with an outer surface and deposits upon the outer surface is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth C. Studnicka, Alex T. Edwin
  • Patent number: 11119005
    Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with upon its outer surface deposits is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference model to detect the location and geometry of the deposits. The location and geometry of the deposits are recorded and used to grade the pistons. The piston is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth C. Studnicka, Christopher S. Meeks, Nien L. Lee, Michael S. Radovanovic
  • Publication number: 20210131913
    Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with upon its outer surface deposits is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference model to detect the location and geometry of the deposits. The location and geometry of the deposits are recorded and used to grade the pistons. The piston is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth C. Studnicka, Christopher S. Meeks, Nien L. Lee, Michael S. Radovanovic
  • Publication number: 20210131987
    Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with an outer surface and deposits upon the outer surface is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth C. Studnicka, Alex T. Edwin
  • Publication number: 20170098926
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a wire-routing assembly for routing an injector harness along an inner portion of a valve cover base in an engine. The wire-routing assembly includes a guard, which in turn includes an attachment portion and a routing portion. The attachment portion includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section. The first end and the second end of the attachment portion are attached to the inner portion of the valve cover base. The routing portion extends from the intermediate section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. The routing portion defines a clearance space between the routing portion and the inner portion of the valve cover base. At least a portion of the injector harness is routed through the clearance space, such that the routing portion avoids contact between a valve spring and the injector harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Carl M. Wisniewski, Jayant K. Roplekar, Seth C. Studnicka, Craig Bolyard, Brandon Neuhoff