Patents by Inventor Todd Rowland Farmer

Todd Rowland Farmer 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: 20170089035
    Abstract: A tool system is disclosed for a machine. The tool system may have a first adapter configured to removably connect with a first side of the machine, and a second adapter configured to removably connect with a second side of the machine opposite the first side. The tool system may also have a frame member with a first end pivotally attached to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally attached to the second adapter. The tool system may further have a tool pivotally connected to the frame member between the first and second adapters, and at least one hydraulic actuator disposed between the frame member and each of the first and second adapters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. PARKER, Doug Earl PETTERSON, Jay Holloman RENFROW, Todd Rowland FARMER
  • Publication number: 20170089036
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed as having a body, and left and right traction devices supporting opposing sides of the body. The machine may also have a power source mounted to the body at a front end relative to a normal travel direction. The power source may be configured to drive the left and right traction devices. The machine may further have left and right lift arms. Each of the left and right lift arms may have a base end pivotally connected at a back end of the body to a location gravitationally above the left and right traction devices, respectively. The machine may additionally have a tool coupler mounted to distal ends of the left and right lift arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. PARKER, Doug Earl PETTERSON, Jay Holloman RENFROW, Todd Rowland FARMER
  • Publication number: 20170022686
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for a machine having a work tool and a traction device. The control system may have an actuator configured to adjust a depth of the work tool relative to a ground surface, a tool sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a performance parameter of the work tool, a speed sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of an actual speed of the traction device, and a controller in communication with the actuator, the tool sensor, and the speed sensor. The controller may be configured to determine that the work tool is engaged with the ground surface and, when the work tool is determined to be engaged with the ground surface, to make a comparison of the actual speed of the traction device with a rotational speed threshold. The controller may then be configured to selectively cause the actuator to adjust the depth of the work tool based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Todd Rowland FARMER, Joshua David CALLAWAY
  • Publication number: 20140166362
    Abstract: An implement pose control system and method is provided for a machine. The system and method include determining an actual implement pose having a first actual angle component relative to the first implement rotational axis and a second actual angle component relative to the second implement rotational axis. A desired implement pose may be determined that has first and second desired angle components relative to the first and second implement rotational axes. First and second axis errors may be determined, and the first and second actuators may be automatically operated in response to the error signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Todd Rowland Farmer, Christopher Erik Bright
  • Publication number: 20140172246
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically controlling operation of an implement provided on a machine. A swing angle of an arm on which the implement is provided may be controlled by determining actual and desired swing angles, generating a swing angle error, and automatically operating actuators on the machine to align the implement along the desired swing angle. An effective radius of the implement assembly may similarly be controlled by determining actual and desired effective radii, generating a radius error, and automatically operating actuators on the machine to move the implement to the desired effective radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Todd Rowland Farmer, Christopher Erik Bright