Patents by Inventor Todd IMPOLA
Todd IMPOLA 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: 11768289Abstract: A work machine, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system, and method of reducing false object detections are disclosed. The work machine may include a frame, a power unit, a locomotive device, and the LiDAR system. The LiDAR system may include at least one laser, at least one sensor, a bracket, and a control unit configured to execute an object detection program. The LiDAR system is configured to exclude from its object detection program a plurality of beams emitted toward the work machine through a design of the bracket and/or software methods of the control unit. The method may include storing a database of exclude coordinates and using the database to filter out undesirable data samples from the object detection program.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Siddarth Desikan, Nathaniel Doy, Lawrence A. Mianzo, Mark E. Hartman, Shanmukha Bhumireddy, Sri Sekharan
-
Patent number: 11697379Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a plurality of sensors mounting locations on the machine frame for mounting one or more lidar sensors and cameras; and a plurality of brackets, wherein, one of each of the plurality of brackets is positioned at each of the sensor mounting locations for mounting the lidar sensors and the cameras, wherein the bracket at each of the sensor mounting locations has a similar design as the other of the plurality of brackets.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
-
Patent number: 11567173Abstract: A system for increasing lidar sensor coverage for use by a vehicle is described herein. The system includes a two lidar sensors oriented to emit light beams toward a surface proximate the vehicle. The system also includes at least one mirror associated with each lidar sensor configured to reflect light beams emitted away from the surface. The at least one mirror reflects the light beams toward the surface, thereby increasing lidar sensor coverage associated with the respective lidar sensor. The lidar sensors receive lidar returns, either directly from the surface or reflected off the mirror and may generate sensor data associated with an area proximate the vehicle. A vehicle computing system controls the vehicle based in part on the sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
-
Patent number: 11550058Abstract: An autonomous articulated soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a first lidar sensor on a front of the machine; a second lidar sensor on a first side of the machine; and a third lidar sensor on a second side of the machine; wherein the first, second and the third lidar sensors are positioned such that 360 degree lidar coverage is provided around the articulated compactor machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine
-
Patent number: 11543522Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic sensor. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that includes a front bumper and is configured to pivot with respect to the first portion for steering the work machine. The sensor assembly is positioned on the first portion or the second portion of the frame and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a first area around the work machine. The ultrasonic sensor is positioned on the front bumper of the second portion and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a second area around the work machine, the second area outside the first area when the second portion is in an articulated position with respect to the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
-
Publication number: 20220373680Abstract: A work machine, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system, and method of reducing false object detections are disclosed. The work machine may include a frame, a power unit, a locomotive device, and the LiDAR system. The LiDAR system may include at least one laser, at least one sensor, a bracket, and a control unit configured to execute an object detection program. The LiDAR system is configured to exclude from its object detection program a plurality of beams emitted toward the work machine through a design of the bracket and/or software methods of the control unit. The method may include storing a database of exclude coordinates and using the database to filter out undesirable data samples from the object detection program.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products lnc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Siddarth Desikan, Nathaniel Doy, Lawrence A. Mianzo, Mark E. Hartman, Shanmukha Bhumireddy, Sri Sekharan
-
Patent number: 11421390Abstract: An adjustable mass eccentric for a multi-amplitude vibratory mechanism can comprise a body and an internal cavity defined by the body such that the body surrounds the internal cavity. The internal cavity can include a first section, a second section, and a third section between the first section and the second section. The third section can define a volume and/or an area less than respective volumes and/or areas of the first section and the second section of the internal cavity. Filler material may be provided in the internal cavity and can migrate to and from the first, second, and third sections based on rotational movement of the body and internal cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Oetken, Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Shannon G. Dudley
-
Publication number: 20220242232Abstract: According to one example, a system for control of a movement of a working vehicle within a work area is disclosed. The system can optionally include a steering system configured to direct the movement of the working vehicle, an object detection system, as speed sensor, and a controller. The object detection system can have one or more sensors configured to detect an object within the work area. The speed sensor can be configured to measure a speed of the working vehicle over a surface within the work area. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the steering system, the object detection system and the speed sensor. The controller can be configured to control the speed of the working vehicle based upon a steering angle of the working vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2021Publication date: August 4, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Oetken, Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek
-
Publication number: 20220127797Abstract: An adjustable mass eccentric for a multi-amplitude vibratory mechanism can comprise a body and an internal cavity defined by the body such that the body surrounds the internal cavity. The internal cavity can include a first section, a second section, and a third section between the first section and the second section. The third section can define a volume and/or an area less than respective volumes and/or areas of the first section and the second section of the internal cavity. Filler material may be provided in the internal cavity and can migrate to and from the first, second, and third sections based on rotational movement of the body and internal cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2020Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. OETKEN, Todd A. IMPOLA, Timothy M. O'DONNELL, Shannon G. DUDLEY
-
Patent number: 11208768Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; and a radar sensor mounted to a front portion of the machine frame and positioned forward of the roller drum, wherein the radar sensor is mounted to the machine frame by a sensor bracket configured to directly mount to the machine frame for both a blade and a non-blade soil compactor machine configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine
-
Publication number: 20210318440Abstract: An autonomous articulated soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a first lidar sensor on a front of the machine; a second lidar sensor on a first side of the machine; and a third lidar sensor on a second side of the machine; wherein the first, second and the third lidar sensors are positioned such that 360 degree lidar coverage is provided around the articulated compactor machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, John L. Marsolek, Jacob J. McAlpine
-
Publication number: 20210318430Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic sensor. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that includes a front bumper and is configured to pivot with respect to the first portion for steering the work machine. The sensor assembly is positioned on the first portion or the second portion of the frame and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a first area around the work machine. The ultrasonic sensor is positioned on the front bumper of the second portion and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a second area around the work machine, the second area outside the first area when the second portion is in an articulated position with respect to the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
-
Publication number: 20210318420Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a blade, a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic sensor. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion configured to pivot with respect to the first portion for steering the work machine. The blade is attached to the second portion of the frame. The sensor assembly is positioned on the work machine and configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a first area around the work machine. The ultrasonic sensor is attached to the second portion of the frame and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a second area around the work machine, the second area outside the first area when the second portion is in an articulated position with respect to the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
-
Publication number: 20210277610Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; and a radar sensor mounted to a front portion of the machine frame and positioned forward of the roller drum, wherein the radar sensor is mounted to the machine frame by a sensor bracket configured to directly mount to the machine frame for both a blade and a non-blade soil compactor machine configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine
-
Publication number: 20210276494Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include: a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; a plurality of sensors mounting locations on the machine frame for mounting one or more lidar sensors and cameras; and a plurality of brackets, wherein, one of each of the plurality of brackets is positioned at each of the sensor mounting locations for mounting the lidar sensors and the cameras, wherein the bracket at each of the sensor mounting locations has a similar design as the other of the plurality of brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
-
Publication number: 20210276645Abstract: A machine has a chassis and at least one propulsion device configured to support the chassis. The machine also has a machine control module configured to control operations of the machine. Further, the machine has a modular sensor bay configured to be attached to the chassis. The modular sensor bay includes a position sensor configured to determine a position of the machine. The modular sensor bay also includes an imaging device configured to generate an image of at least a portion of surroundings of the machine. The modular sensor bay includes a control module configured to control operations of position sensor and the imaging device. In addition, the modular sensor bay includes a harness configured to electrically connect the modular sensor bay with the machine control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL, Jacob McALPINE, Todd IMPOLA, John Lee MARSOLEK
-
Publication number: 20210278502Abstract: A system for increasing lidar sensor coverage for use by a vehicle is described herein. The system includes a two lidar sensors oriented to emit light beams toward a surface proximate the vehicle. The system also includes at least one mirror associated with each lidar sensor configured to reflect light beams emitted away from the surface. The at least one mirror reflects the light beams toward the surface, thereby increasing lidar sensor coverage associated with the respective lidar sensor. The lidar sensors receive lidar returns, either directly from the surface or reflected off the mirror and may generate sensor data associated with an area proximate the vehicle. A vehicle computing system controls the vehicle based in part on the sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
-
Patent number: 11072892Abstract: A vibratory system for a compactor machine, the vibratory system optionally including a key shaft, an input shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The key shaft can have a first internal helically splined portion and a second internal helically splined portion. The first internal helically splined portion can be oppositely splined with respect to the second internal helically splined portion and arranged axially of the second internal helically splined portion. The input shaft can be configured with an external helically splined portion configured to be complimentary to the first internal helically splined portion of the key shaft. The first output shaft can be configured couple to the input shaft for rotation therewith. The second output shaft can have an external helically splined portion configured to be complimentary to the second internal helically splined portion of the key shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Oetken, Todd A. Impola, Eric A. Hansen
-
Publication number: 20210123194Abstract: A vibratory system for a compactor machine, the vibratory system optionally including a key shaft, an input shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The key shaft can have a first internal helically splined portion and a second internal helically splined portion. The first internal helically splined portion can be oppositely splined with respect to the second internal helically splined portion and arranged axially of the second internal helically splined portion. The input shaft can be configured with an external helically splined portion configured to be complimentary to the first internal helically splined portion of the key shaft. The first output shaft can be configured couple to the input shaft for rotation therewith. The second output shaft can have an external helically splined portion configured to be complimentary to the second internal helically splined portion of the key shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2019Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Oetken, Todd A. Impola, Eric A. Hansen