Patents by Inventor Stephen Platt Rutherford
Stephen Platt Rutherford 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: 10273124Abstract: A rotation control system may be provided for a material handling machine. The rotation control system may include a boom and a work tool attached to the boom. A swing motor may be capable of swinging the boom and the work tool. A work tool motor may be capable of rotating the work tool relative to the boom. An input device may generate a first signal indicative of a desired swinging of the boom and a second signal indicative of a desired rotation of the work tool. A controller may be in communication with the input device, the swing motor, and the work tool motor. The controller may be capable of actuating the work tool motor based only on the second signal during a first mode of operation and may be capable of actuating the work tool motor based on swinging of the boom during a second mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Stephen Platt Rutherford
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Patent number: 10273654Abstract: A control system for a machine includes a boom position sensor to generate signals indicative of a boom position, a stick position sensor to generate signals indicative of a stick position, and an operator input sensor to enable an operator to input a slewing power demand and generate signals indicative of the slewing power demand. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the boom position sensor, the stick position sensor, and the operator input sensor. The controller creates a dynamic stress model of the machine based on at least one of the boom position and the stick position. The controller receives the signals indicative of the slewing power demand. The controller determines an applied slewing power threshold based on the dynamic stress model. The controller compares the slewing power demand with the applied slewing power threshold and adjusts the applied slewing power based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Stephen Platt Rutherford
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Patent number: 10260214Abstract: A slewing assist system for a machine having an upper body structure supported on an undercarriage structure includes a central rotation member. The central rotation member is rotatably coupled to undercarriage structure. A slip member is concentrically coupled to central rotation member and allows a relative rotational motion. At least one pin is coupled to slip member and engages slip member in expanded position such that central rotation member and slip member rotate together. A lever arm is fixedly coupled to slip member. A first end and a second end of an actuating element are coupled to lever arm and upper structure, respectively. The slewing assist system provides additional slewing assist to upper body structure by engaging slip member and central rotation member through pin. The slewing assist system assists in a first and a second rotational direction by extending and retracting second end of actuating element, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Stephen Platt Rutherford
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Publication number: 20180347146Abstract: A control system for a machine includes a boom position sensor to generate signals indicative of a boom position, a stick position sensor to generate signals indicative of a stick position, and an operator input sensor to enable an operator to input a slewing power demand and generate signals indicative of the slewing power demand. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the boom position sensor, the stick position sensor, and the operator input sensor. The controller creates a dynamic stress model of the machine based on at least one of the boom position and the stick position. The controller receives the signals indicative of the slewing power demand. The controller determines an applied slewing power threshold based on the dynamic stress model. The controller compares the slewing power demand with the applied slewing power threshold and adjusts the applied slewing power based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Stephen Platt Rutherford
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Publication number: 20180320337Abstract: A slewing assist system for a machine having an upper body structure supported on an undercarriage structure includes a central rotation member. The central rotation member is rotatably coupled to undercarriage structure. A slip member is concentrically coupled to central rotation member and allows a relative rotational motion. At least one pin is coupled to slip member and engages slip member in expanded position such that central rotation member and slip member rotate together. A lever arm is fixedly coupled to slip member. A first end and a second end of an actuating element are coupled to lever arm and upper structure, respectively. The slewing assist system provides additional slewing assist to upper body structure by engaging slip member and central rotation member through pin. The slewing assist system assists in a first and a second rotational direction by extending and retracting second end of actuating element, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2017Publication date: November 8, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Stephen Platt Rutherford
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Publication number: 20180170722Abstract: A rotation control system may be provided for a material handling machine. The rotation control system may include a boom and a work tool attached to the boom. A swing motor may be capable of swinging the boom and the work tool. A work tool motor may be capable of rotating the work tool relative to the boom. An input device may generate a first signal indicative of a desired swinging of the boom and a second signal indicative of a desired rotation of the work tool. A controller may be in communication with the input device, the swing motor, and the work tool motor. The controller may be capable of actuating the work tool motor based only on the second signal during a first mode of operation and may be capable of actuating the work tool motor based on swinging of the boom during a second mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventor: Stephen Platt RUTHERFORD
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Publication number: 20160355220Abstract: A power pack assembly is provided. The power pack assembly includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is slidably coupled to the second portion. The power pack assembly includes a power source provided on the first portion. The power pack assembly includes a first carrier coupled to the first portion. The power pack assembly also includes a second carrier coupled to the second portion. The first carrier and the second carrier are adapted to support an implement therebetween. The power pack assembly further includes a lock mechanism provided between the first carrier and the second carrier, and the implement. The lock mechanism is adapted to removably affix the implement to the first carrier and the second carrier respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Stephen Platt Rutherford