Patents by Inventor Todd Bartholomew Smith

Todd Bartholomew Smith 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: 20150228199
    Abstract: A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bartholomew Smith, Darin Patrick Brodie, David Hopp, David Asher, Robert Lewis, Casey Boyer, Roberto Lanzara, David Schweppe, Vern Alway
  • Patent number: 9026312
    Abstract: A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bartholomew Smith, Darin Patrick Brodie, David Hopp, David Asher, Robert Lewis, Casey Boyer, Roberto Lanzara, David Schweppe, Vern Alway
  • Publication number: 20140315164
    Abstract: System and method for improving operator performance are provided. According to one embodiment, the method includes monitoring operation of a machine operated by an operator, analyzing performance of the operator based on the operation of the machine, rating the performance of the operator according to a plurality of skill levels, and adjusting capabilities of the machine according to the rating. Based on at least one of the analysis or the rating, the operator is provided with individualized guidance, which is configured to assist the operator to improve the performance of the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Steven David JONES, Todd Bartholomew SMITH, Brad Robert VAN DE VEER
  • Patent number: 8746395
    Abstract: An operator interface for advanced transmission control of a vehicle is disclosed. The operator interface may include a hand operated joystick mounted on a vehicle and a roller mounted on the joystick, the roller having at least two detents for providing at least four distinct states of speed control, the at least four distinct states including one or more increasing states and one or more decreasing states. In another embodiment, the roller of the operator interface may include at least one detent for providing at least three distinct states of speed control, the at least three distinct states including at least one increasing state, at least one decreasing state, and at least one other speed state provided in one of either an increasing state or a decreasing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Ryan Frazier, David Allen Ober, Bryan Everett Copeland, Todd Bartholomew Smith, Shane C. McBride
  • Publication number: 20140060216
    Abstract: A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Bartholomew Smith, Darin Patrick Brodie, David Hopp, David Asher, Robert Lewis, Casey Boyer, Roberto Lanzara, David Schweppe, Vern Alway
  • Publication number: 20130306395
    Abstract: An operator interface for advanced transmission control of a vehicle is disclosed. The operator interface may include a hand operated joystick mounted on a vehicle and a roller mounted on the joystick, the roller having at least two detents for providing at least four distinct states of speed control, the at least four distinct states including one or more increasing states and one or more decreasing states. In another embodiment, the roller of the operator interface may include at least one detent for providing at least three distinct states of speed control, the at least three distinct states including at least one increasing state, at least one decreasing state, and at least one other speed state provided in one of either an increasing state or a decreasing state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Brent Ryan Frazier, David Allen Ober, Bryan Everett Copeland, Todd Bartholomew Smith, Shane C. McBride