Patents by Inventor Tom N. Brooks

Tom N. Brooks 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: 8490760
    Abstract: The disclosure relates, in one aspect, to a friction brake cooling system for a machine. The cooling system includes at least one pump connected to at least one reservoir containing cooling fluid. A controller is configured to divert a cooling fluid flow through a valve to a first friction brake system and to a second friction brake system based on the use of the systems. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of cooling a first friction brake system and a second friction brake system including diverting a flow of brake cooling fluid to the systems based on the use of the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudson, Cameron T. Lane, Joseph E. Tabor, Keith Kabrick, Michael D. Staub, Tom N. Brooks, William J. Tate
  • Patent number: 8281908
    Abstract: The disclosure relates, in one aspect, to a friction brake cooling system for a machine. The cooling system includes at least one pump connected to at least one reservoir containing cooling fluid. A controller is configured to divert a cooling fluid flow through a valve to a first friction brake system and to a second friction brake system based on the use of the systems. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of cooling a first friction brake system and a second friction brake system including diverting a flow of brake cooling fluid to the systems based on the use of the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudson, Cameron T. Lane, Joseph E. Tabor, Keith Kabrick, Michael D. Staub, Tom N. Brooks, William J. Tate
  • Publication number: 20120247887
    Abstract: The disclosure relates, in one aspect, to a friction brake cooling system for a machine. The cooling system includes at least one pump connected to at least one reservoir containing cooling fluid. A controller is configured to divert a cooling fluid flow through a valve to a first friction brake system and to a second friction brake system based on the use of the systems. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of cooling a first friction brake system and a second friction brake system including diverting a flow of brake cooling fluid to the systems based on the use of the systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudson, Cameron T. Lane, Joseph E. Tabor, Keith Kabrick, Michael D. Staub, Tom N. Brooks, William J. Tate
  • Publication number: 20100057270
    Abstract: The disclosure relates, in one aspect, to a friction brake cooling system for a machine. The cooling system includes at least one pump connected to at least one reservoir containing cooling fluid. A controller is configured to divert a cooling fluid flow through a valve to a first friction brake system and to a second friction brake system based on the use of the systems. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of cooling a first friction brake system and a second friction brake system including diverting a flow of brake cooling fluid to the systems based on the use of the systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudson, Cameron T. Lane, Joseph E. Tabor, Keith Kabrick, Michael D. Staub, Tom N. Brooks, William J. Tate
  • Publication number: 20100025167
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a method of braking a machine having an electric drive configuration. The electric drive configuration includes at least one electric retarding system connected to a first set of wheels. Additionally, a first friction brake system connects to the first set of wheels to provide a braking output torque. A second friction brake system connects to a second set of wheels and provides a second braking output torque. The system calculates and applies a braking ratio between the electric and friction braking systems based upon both user controls and conditions encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Staub, William J. Tate, Cameron T. Lane, Jill Trumper, Tom N. Brooks
  • Patent number: 6030314
    Abstract: A method for retarding a work machine having a fluid-cooled brake system includes the step of advancing said work machine at a first ground speed during a first period of time. The method also includes the step of sensing a fluid temperature of brake coolant circulating through said brake system during the first period of time. The method further includes the step of advancing said work machine at a second ground speed during a second period of time based on said fluid temperature. During retarding of the work machine, the radiator fan is operated at a predetermined, maximum fan speed irrespective of engine speed of the work machine's engine. Moreover, during retarding of the work machine according to the method of the present invention, the circulation pumps of the work machine's brake cooling system are operated at a predetermined, maximum pump speed irrespective of engine speed of the work machine's engine. An apparatus for retarding a work machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tom N. Brooks, Dave N. Martin, Roby A. Parks