Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Houchin

Thomas J. Houchin 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).

  • Programmable torque limit
    Patent number: 6536402
    Abstract: An engine control system, dredging system, and a method for controlling torque output of an engine. An engine control system controls torque output of an engine. At least one sensor is coupled with the engine. The sensor monitors and transmits operating data of the engine. An electronic device coupled to the sensor is operable to control the engine as a function of the transmitted operating data. The engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at a predetermined torque limit over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine. Alternatively, the engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at, and between predetermined upper and lower torque limits over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Houchin, Richard P. Laird, Kevin A. Lantz, David E. Redfield, Christopher J. Wichael
  • Programmable torque limit
    Publication number: 20020162533
    Abstract: An engine control system, dredging system, and a method for controlling torque output of an engine. An engine control system controls torque output of an engine. At least one sensor is coupled with the engine. The sensor monitors and transmits operating data of the engine. An electronic device coupled to the sensor is operable to control the engine as a function of the transmitted operating data. The engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at a predetermined torque limit over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine. Alternatively, the engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at, and between predetermined upper and lower torque limits over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Houchin, Richard P. Laird, Kevin A. Lantz, David E. Redfield, Christopher J. Wichael