Patents by Inventor Steven W. O'Neal

Steven W. O'Neal 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: 8627306
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a computer-readable medium configured with executable instructions for reconfiguring an information management system of a machine. The executable instructions may include providing a configuration file and an executable file for a machine. The executable instructions may also include updating the configuration file in accordance with a modification of the machine, without recompiling the executable file. The executable instructions may further include processing the data received from sensors associated with the machine, based on the executable file and the updated configuration file, in order to generate information management system data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Trent R. Meiss, Steven W. O'Neal, David Charles Janik
  • Patent number: 8004982
    Abstract: A method and system for determining one or more desired communication services for an application. The method and system includes determining at least one application operating parameter, at least one communication operating parameter, at least one cost factor, and at least one value factor. The method and system further includes assigning a priority level to each application operating parameter, communication operating parameter, cost factor, and value factor. Additionally, the method and system includes comparing the priority levels to each other, and determining a desired communication service based on the compared priority levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'Neal, Alan L. Ferguson, Brian L. Jenkins, Trent R. Meiss
  • Patent number: 7761921
    Abstract: The present disclosure is associated with a user requesting access to the software option associated with a machine, a remote facility receiving the request, authorizing access to the software option, and sending an enabling signal to enable the software. The enabling signal (e.g., a software key) may then be used to access and use the software option. An intermediary may be used to authenticate the enabling signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Julie A. Gannon, Steven W. O'Neal, April D. Scott, Vernon R. Smith, Kenneth L. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20100037215
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a computer-readable medium configured with executable instructions for reconfiguring an information management system of a machine. The executable instructions may include providing a configuration file and an executable file for a machine. The executable instructions may also include updating the configuration file in accordance with a modification of the machine, without recompiling the executable file. The executable instructions may further include processing the data received from sensors associated with the machine, based on the executable file and the updated configuration file, in order to generate information management system data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Trent R. Meiss, Steven W. O'Neal, David Charles Janik
  • Publication number: 20090143878
    Abstract: A control system for a machine has an input device operable to receive an input indicative of an operator profile and to generate a signal related to the operator profile. The control system also has a controller in communication with the machine and the input device. The controller is configured to receive the signal and to change at least one operating parameter of the machine in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Staub, Aaron M. Donnelli, Anthony D. McNealy, Alan L. Ferguson, Gary L. Spadin, Steven W. O'Neal, Robert A. Horkavi
  • Patent number: 7506097
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing data stored on electronic control modules on a remotely-located machine. The control modules installed on the machine store information regarding the data which should be stored on the other installed control modules. A processor may poll the control modules to determine if a control module is missing or blank and, if so, determine which data is missing from the machine based upon the information stored on the other control modules. The processor may communicate with an off board system to identify the appropriate software for the blank control module. The software is downloaded and flashed into the blank control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Daniel C. Wood
  • Publication number: 20080109122
    Abstract: A control system to dynamically control the operation of a work machine using information obtained from a remote entity includes a controller configured to determine a position of the work machine. The controller may also be configured to query a remote entity for information related to the position of the work machine. In addition, the controller may be configured to obtain the information in response to the query. The controller may also be configured to control at least one operation of the work machine based on the information received from the remote entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Paul W. Bierdeman
  • Publication number: 20080089328
    Abstract: A method and system (100) for determining one or more desired communication services for an application (200). The method and system (100) includes determining at least one application operating parameter (302), at least one communication operating parameter (304), at least one cost factor (306), and at least one value factor (308). The method and system (100) further includes assigning a priority level (310,312,314,316) to each application operating parameter (302), communication operating parameter (304), cost factor (306), and value factor (308). Additionally, the method and system (100) includes comparing the priority levels (310,312,314,316) to each other, and determining a desired communication service based on the compared priority levels (310,312,314,316).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'Neal, Alan L. Ferguson, Brian L. Jenkins, Trent R. Meiss
  • Patent number: 6654673
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring various conditions of a machine which may be remotely located. The parameters available in the machine's monitoring system are synchronized in machine and remote systems. A diagnostic system comprised of a prognostics engine or an interface reviews data stored in the remote system and determines the parameters to be monitored and the allowable tolerances, which are relayed to the machine system. The monitoring system monitors the condition of the machine based upon the diagnostic system's directions, and the machine system reports when the parameters vary from the defined tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20030114966
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring various conditions of a machine which may be remotely located. The parameters available in the machine's monitoring system are synchronized in machine and remote systems. A diagnostic system comprised of a prognostics engine or an interface reviews data stored in the remote system and determines the parameters to be monitored and the allowable tolerances, which are relayed to the machine system. The monitoring system monitors the condition of the machine based upon the diagnostic system's directions, and the machine system reports when the parameters vary from the defined tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'neal
  • Publication number: 20030110482
    Abstract: A system and method for updating software stored in control modules on a remotely-located machine. The current machine configuration is stored in a machine and a remote system, and the configuration in the remote system is monitored to determine if an update, such as an enhancement, “bug” fix, or new version, is available. If so, the owner of the machine is remotely notified and offered the update. If the owner accepts, the update is relayed to the machine system and flashed into the appropriate control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Daniel C. Wood
  • Publication number: 20030061435
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing data stored on electronic control modules on a remotely-located machine. The control modules installed on the machine store information regarding the data which should be stored on the other installed control modules. A processor may poll the control modules to determine if a control module is missing or blank and, if so, determine which data is missing from the machine based upon the information stored on the other control modules. The processor may communicate with an off board system to identify the appropriate software for the blank control module. The software is downloaded and flashed into the blank control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Daniel C. Wood