Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Springer

Thomas R. Springer 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).

  • Publication number: 20150066290
    Abstract: A light indicator system for a machine is disclosed. The light indicator system includes a single light assembly positioned on an exterior facing surface of an operator cab of the machine. The light assembly is positioned such that it is viewable from outside the machine. The light indicator system also includes a payload monitoring module configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of payload on the machine. The light indicator system further includes a transmission module configured to generate a signal indicative of a mode of operation of the machine. The light indicator system includes a controller communicably coupled to the light assembly, the payload monitoring module, and the transmission module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: THOMAS S. RUFFNER, Shaun A. Smyth, Kurt L. Winckler, Anthony S. Cooksey, James Tarelli, Thomas R. Springer
  • Patent number: 6175083
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism is provided to seal a lead from a closed cavity of an apparatus. The sealing mechanism includes a mounting portion sealingly connected to the apparatus, a cap member having a recess defined therein with an elastomeric grommet compressively disposed in the recess. The elastomeric grommet has a passageway defined therethrough for the lead from the closed cavity to past through. The compressive forces induced into the elastomeric grommet applies a compressive force on the lead to provide a seal. The cap member is sealingly connected to the mounting portion. Consequently, the closed cavity in the apparatus is effectively sealed from the atmosphere and contaminants cannot enter the closed cavity and create premature failure of the component therein, such as, for example, an electrical coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence K. Palmer, Kenneth M. Roat, Thomas R. Springer
  • Patent number: 6098903
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body defining a terminal passage extending between a solenoid cavity and an outer surface. A solenoid assembly is press fit attached to the injector body and received in the solenoid cavity. The solenoid assembly includes a bobbin sandwiched between an upper magnetic flux carrier and a lower magnetic flux carrier. At least one of the flux carriers is plastically deformed when the solenoid assembly is attached to the injector body. A terminal assembly has an external terminal, an electrical conductor and a sealing member surrounding a portion of the electrical conductor. A portion of the electrical conductor and the sealing member are received in the terminal passage. A clamp is in contact with the outer surface of the injector body and the terminal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Touvelle, Thomas R. Springer, Jeffrey R. Ries, James J. Streicher, David V. Teel, Van A. Flamion