Patents by Inventor Tony R. Metzger

Tony R. Metzger 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: 11486115
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for shared access of a machine for operator training, the machine including a traction device and an implement, includes receiving an authorization from an access device to share access to the machine, and entering a shared control state based on at least the authorization received from the access device. The method also includes receiving commands from a remote operation device during the shared control state and operating at least one of the traction device or the implement of the machine based on at least the commands from the remote operation device while an operator is present in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph Faivre, Steven D. Ott, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Tony R. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20210254306
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for shared access of a machine for operator training, the machine including a traction device and an implement, includes receiving an authorization from an access device to share access to the machine, and entering a shared control state based on at least the authorization received from the access device. The method also includes receiving commands from a remote operation device during the shared control state and operating at least one of the traction device or the implement of the machine based on at least the commands from the remote operation device while an operator is present in the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. KRONE, Joseph FAIVRE, Steven D. OTT, Michael W. BRIDENBAUGH, Tony R. METZGER
  • Patent number: 10995472
    Abstract: An earthmoving system includes a blade, a controller, and a blade control system configured to control the positioning of the blade. While grading, the earthmoving system is configured to simultaneously position the blade according to each of a fixed slope grading mode, a design driven control grading mode, and an fixed load grading mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignees: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC, Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Wiewel, Tony R. Metzger, Robert L. Powers, Richard R. Evenson
  • Publication number: 20190234045
    Abstract: An earthmoving system is disclosed. The earthmoving system includes a blade, a controller, and a blade control system configured to control the positioning of the blade. While grading, the earthmoving system is configured to simultaneously position the blade according to each of a fixed slope grading mode, a design driven control grading mode, and an fixed load grading mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce J. Wiewel, Tony R. Metzger, Robert L. Powers, Richard R. Evenson
  • Patent number: 10151078
    Abstract: A method of controlling a blade of an earthmoving system is disclosed. The method includes enabling independent blade control so that the blade is controllable independent of the terrain contour design while a cutting edge of the blade is beneath the terrain contour design, and receiving first sensor signals from one or more first sensors of the earthmoving system, where the sensor signals indicate that the cutting edge of the blade is within a threshold distance from the terrain contour design. In response to receiving the first sensor signals, the method automatically controls the cutting edge of the blade to the terrain contour design, where the movement of the blade is dependent on the terrain contour design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC, Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tony R. Metzger, Bruce J. Wiewel, Robert L. Powers, Richard R. Evenson
  • Publication number: 20180340315
    Abstract: A method of controlling a blade of an earthmoving system is disclosed. The method includes enabling independent blade control so that the blade is controllable independent of the terrain contour design while a cutting edge of the blade is beneath the terrain contour design, and receiving first sensor signals from one or more first sensors of the earthmoving system, where the sensor signals indicate that the cutting edge of the blade is within a threshold distance from the terrain contour design. In response to receiving the first sensor signals, the method automatically controls the cutting edge of the blade to the terrain contour design, where the movement of the blade is dependent on the terrain contour design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Tony R. Metzger, Bruce J. Wiewel, Robert L. Powers, Richard R. Evenson
  • Publication number: 20100163215
    Abstract: An electrically powered pump for a cooling system in a machine such as an electric drive track-type tractor includes a pump housing having a first volute and a second volute, each including a different cooling circuit segment. A drive assembly including an electric motor and a pump shaft is positioned within the pump housing, and a first impeller and a second impeller are mounted on the pump shaft at first and second axial locations on opposite sides of a rotor of the electric motor. The first impeller has a first impeller configuration, and defines a first tolerance sensitivity with the first volute, and a second impeller has a second, different impeller configuration and defines a second, lesser tolerance sensitivity with the second volute. The first impeller may include au open impeller positioned at a first clearance with the first volute, and the second impeller may include a closed impeller positioned at a second, greater clearance with the second volute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Li, Tony R. Metzger, Michael D. Betz, Quenton R. Dunn, Jeremy Carlson, John Culliton
  • Patent number: D927531
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tony R. Metzger, Steven D. Ott, Michael William Bridenbaugh, Randall T. Anderson, Qi Xing
  • Patent number: D944284
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tony R. Metzger, Steven D. Ott, Michael William Bridenbaugh, Randall T. Anderson, Qi Xing