Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Lorentz
Timothy A. Lorentz 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: 9836066Abstract: In hydraulic systems having rotating-stationary component interfaces, a bore pressure regulating mechanism is provided to interact with the hydraulic fluid in a control volume to maintain a hydraulic fluid pressure in a longitudinal shaft bore at or approximately equal to a supply pressure when a gear shaft rotates within the control volume. In one aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism minimizes vortex flow of the hydraulic fluid induced by the rotation of the gear shaft. In another aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism provides a direct feed of pressurized hydraulic fluid proximate an opening of the longitudinal shaft bore through an end surface of the gear shaft, and thereby minimizes the opportunity for the hydraulic fluid to be forced into vortex flow by the gear shaft in the area of the longitudinal shaft bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian James Williams, Mark Allen Batdorff, Timothy Lorentz, Jay Robert Steffen
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Publication number: 20170146076Abstract: A hydraulic circuit includes a clutch actuator operatively with a clutch that may be disposed in a transmission. A hydraulic fluid source supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid for the clutch actuator. An on-off valve is disposed in fluid communication between the clutch actuator and the hydraulic fluid source; the on-off valve configured to fill the clutch actuator with hydraulic fluid. An accumulator is disposed in parallel with the on-off valve and in fluid communication with the clutch actuator. The accumulator is adapted to receive hydraulic fluid redirected from the clutch actuator and to provide a counter-pressure for modulating the clutch actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: May 25, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Timothy A. Lorentz
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Publication number: 20160041066Abstract: A method of monitoring a temperature of a clutch assembly of a machine is disclosed. The method includes determining a set of energy input parameters pertaining to the clutch assembly by one or more sensors. The method further includes determining a power output based on the lubricating oil temperature and the speed of the engine. The method includes determining a power input based on the pressure applied on the actuator and the clutch relative speed. The method further includes determining temperature at a surface of the reaction plate of the clutch assembly based on mathematical relationship between the power input and the power output. The method includes comparing the temperature at the surface of the reaction plate of the clutch assembly with a predefined temperature range. The method further includes creating an event, when the temperature at the surface of the reaction plate is greater than the predefined temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jaspen T. Patenaude, Timothy A. Lorentz, Ethan M. Tevis, Bradley J. Will
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Publication number: 20160018825Abstract: In hydraulic systems having rotating-stationary component interfaces, a bore pressure regulating mechanism is provided to interact with the hydraulic fluid in a control volume to maintain a hydraulic fluid pressure in a longitudinal shaft bore at or approximately equal to a supply pressure when a gear shaft rotates within the control volume. In one aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism minimizes vortex flow of the hydraulic fluid induced by the rotation of the gear shaft. In another aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism provides a direct feed of pressurized hydraulic fluid proximate an opening of the longitudinal shaft bore through an end surface of the gear shaft, and thereby minimizes the opportunity for the hydraulic fluid to be forced into vortex flow by the gear shaft in the area of the longitudinal shaft bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian James Williams, Mark Allen Batdorff, Timothy Lorentz, Jay Robert Steffen
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Patent number: 9102312Abstract: A system for shifting a transmission includes an off-going clutch, an on-coming clutch, and an assisting clutch. A controller is configured to increase an amount of torque carried by each of the on-coming clutch and the assisting clutch. The controller is further configured to reduce an amount of torque carried by the off-going clutch and, after the off-going clutch is disengaged, to reduce the amount of torque carried by the assisting clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Lorentz, Hoon Lee, Brent G. Drews
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Publication number: 20140364274Abstract: A system for shifting a transmission includes an off-going clutch, an on-coming clutch, and an assisting clutch. A controller is configured to increase an amount of torque carried by each of the on-coming clutch and the assisting clutch. The controller is further configured to reduce an amount of torque carried by the off-going clutch and, after the off-going clutch is disengaged, to reduce the amount of torque carried by the assisting clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Timothy A. Lorentz, Hoon Lee, Brent G. Drews
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Patent number: 8788160Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages at least three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Timothy Lorentz, Mathew Guldan, Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8491434Abstract: A transmission assembly for a machine is disclosed. The transmission assembly may have a clutch pack, a first pressure chamber, and a second pressure chamber. The transmission assembly may also have a first piston configured to push against the clutch pack when pressurized fluid is directed into the first pressure chamber, and a second piston configured to push against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the first pressure chamber and inhibited from pushing against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the second pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin G. Meyer, David J. Schuh, Timothy A. Lorentz
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Patent number: 8452499Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Timothy Lorentz, Mathew Guldan, Hoon Lee
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Publication number: 20130054099Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages at least three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: TIMOTHY LORENTZ, MATHEW GULDAN, HOON LEE
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Publication number: 20130054098Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Timothy LORENTZ, Mathew GULDAN, Hoon LEE
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Publication number: 20120149519Abstract: A transmission assembly for a machine is disclosed. The transmission assembly may have a clutch pack, a first pressure chamber, and a second pressure chamber. The transmission assembly may also have a first piston configured to push against the clutch pack when pressurized fluid is directed into the first pressure chamber, and a second piston configured to push against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the first pressure chamber and inhibited from pushing against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the second pressure chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Kevin G. MEYER, David J. Schuh, Timothy A. Lorentz
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Patent number: 6842689Abstract: A method and system may be provided to perform a process for controlling power provided by an engine in a machine. In an embodiment of the present invention, a process for controlling power provided by an engine operating in a machine is provided. The process may include determining a first power value reflecting a predetermined first power to be provided by the engine to a component operating in the machine and determining, during machine operations, at least one of a parasitic load power value and an intermittent power load value. A second power value may then be determined that reflects a second power provided by the engine based on the parasitic power value, the intermittent power value, and the net power value. The second power value is adjusted such that the engine substantially provides the predetermined net power to the component.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: David J. Andres, Craig W. Riediger, Donald E. Wilson, John P. Timmons, Timothy A. Lorentz
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Publication number: 20030216219Abstract: A method and system may be provided to perform a process for controlling power provided by an engine in a machine. In an embodiment of the present invention, a process for controlling power provided by an engine operating in a machine is provided. The process may include determining a first power value reflecting a predetermined first power to be provided by the engine to a component operating in the machine. Further, the process may include determining, during machine operations, at least one of a parasitic power value reflecting power received by a parasitic load module from the engine and an intermittent power value reflecting power received by an intermittent load module from the engine. A second power value may then be determined that reflects a second power provided by the engine based on the parasitic power value, the intermittent power value, and the net power value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David J. Andres, Craig W. Riediger, Donald E. Wilson, John P. Timmons, Timothy A. Lorentz
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Patent number: 6616575Abstract: A drive line assembly for a work machine is disclosed. The drive line assembly includes an engine driving an engine output shaft and an engine speed sensor which generates engine speed signals indicative of a speed of the engine output shaft. The drive line assembly further includes a fuel injector operable to regulate fuel flow to the engine and a transmission driven by the engine output shaft and having a number of gear ratios. The drive line assembly yet further includes a controller operable to store a predetermined maximum efficiency curve of engine speed versus torque output and determine the engine speed from the engine speed signals. The controller is further operable to limit the fuel flow the fuel injector supplies to the engine to cause the engine to operate along the predetermined maximum efficiency curve for the engine speed. The controller is yet further operable to control shift points between the number of gear ratios based on the predetermined maximum efficiency curve.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Timothy A. Lorentz
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Patent number: 6564915Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a PTO clutch of a transmission subject to a varying inertial load. The method includes providing a signal to a pressure control valve selectively engaged with the PTO clutch configured to engage a drive source of the transmission with an implement. The signal to the pressure control valve is modulated based on a single predetermined profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Timothy A. Lorentz, Kevin A. Vernagus
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Publication number: 20030029691Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a PTO clutch of a transmission subject to a varying inertial load. The method includes providing a signal to a pressure control valve selectively engaged with the PTO clutch configured to engage a drive source of the transmission with an implement. The signal to the pressure control valve is modulated based on a single predetermined profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Timothy A. Lorentz, Kevin A. Vernagus
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Patent number: 6254511Abstract: A drive line assembly for a work machine is disclosed. The drive line assembly includes an engine driving an engine output shaft and an engine speed sensor which generates engine speed signals indicative of a speed of the engine output shaft. The drive line assembly further includes a fuel injector operable to regulate fuel flow to the engine and a transmission driven by the engine output shaft and having a first on-coming clutch. The drive line assembly yet further includes a controller operable to determine the engine speed from the engine speed signals and determine the fuel flow through the fuel injector. The controller is further operable to determine an engine load based on the fuel flow and a predetermined maximum fuel flow for the engine at the engine speed and control engagement of the first on-coming clutch based on the engine load. A method for controlling a drive line assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James D. Esterby, Timothy A. Lorentz, Jeffrey T. Ryan, Kevin A. Vernagus