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: 8627306Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Trent R. Meiss, Steven W. O'Neal, David Charles Janik
-
Patent number: 8004982Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'Neal, Alan L. Ferguson, Brian L. Jenkins, Trent R. Meiss
-
Patent number: 7761921Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Julie A. Gannon, Steven W. O'Neal, April D. Scott, Vernon R. Smith, Kenneth L. Stratton
-
Publication number: 20100037215Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Trent R. Meiss, Steven W. O'Neal, David Charles Janik
-
Publication number: 20090143878Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: 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: 7506097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Daniel C. Wood
-
Publication number: 20080109122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2005Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Paul W. Bierdeman
-
Publication number: 20080089328Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'Neal, Alan L. Ferguson, Brian L. Jenkins, Trent R. Meiss
-
Patent number: 7201266Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Steven W. O'Hara
-
Patent number: 7059462Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Steven W. O'Hara
-
Patent number: 7021445Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a pump. The pump supplies pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is selectively supplied to a piston to provide a clutch engagement force.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Timothy M. Burns, Steven W. O'Hara
-
Patent number: 6997299Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Steven W. O'Hara
-
Patent number: 6654673Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'Neal
-
Publication number: 20030114966Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Daniel C. Wood, Steven W. O'neal
-
Publication number: 20030110482Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Daniel C. Wood
-
Publication number: 20030061435Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Steven W. O'Neal, Daniel C. Wood