Patents by Inventor Wade Leo Gehlhoff
Wade Leo Gehlhoff 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).
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Patent number: 9995020Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in electrohydraulic actuation systems for construction equipment. In one embodiment, a supervisory controller adapted to interface with a main controller of the construction vehicle is provided. A plurality of control nodes that interface with the supervisory controller are also disclosed, each of which includes pressure and position sensors. The nodes also include a first actuator control node for controlling operation of a first hydraulic actuator, a second actuator control node for controlling operation of a second hydraulic actuator, and a pump control node. The control system has an architecture in which faults are detected and isolated at the supervisory controller level and, where possible, within each of the control nodes at a sensor level, a component level, and a subsystem level.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: QingHui Yuan, Michael Berne Rannow, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Chris William Schottler, Vishal Mahulkar
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Patent number: 9879404Abstract: A hydraulic system is adapted to recover potential and kinetic energy of a work attachment of a work machine. A valve arrangement may configure the hydraulic system in various modes. The hydraulic system may provide suspension and/or actuation for the work attachment. The energy of the work attachment may move a rod of a first cylinder. The rod may pressurize fluid within the first cylinder. The pressurized fluid may flow from the first cylinder through a valve and into an accumulator. The first cylinder may amplify pressure of the fluid. The pressurized fluid in the accumulator may actuate the first cylinder. The movement of the rod of the first cylinder may cause simultaneous actuation of a second cylinder. A controller may monitor pressures and positions of components of the hydraulic system and control the valve arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kyle William Schroeder, Wade Leo Gehlhoff
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Patent number: 9469971Abstract: A hydraulic system is adapted to recover potential and kinetic energy of a work attachment of a work machine. A valve arrangement may configure the hydraulic system in various modes. The hydraulic system may provide suspension and/or actuation for the work attachment. The energy of the work attachment may move a rod of a first cylinder. The rod may pressurize fluid within the first cylinder. The pressurized fluid may flow from the first cylinder through a valve and into an accumulator. The first cylinder may amplify pressure of the fluid. The pressurized fluid in the accumulator may actuate the first cylinder. The movement of the rod of the first cylinder may cause simultaneous actuation of a second cylinder. A controller may monitor pressures and positions of components of the hydraulic system and control the valve arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kyle William Schroeder, Wade Leo Gehlhoff
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Patent number: 9382923Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for lifting and lowering a load is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may include a hydraulic pump, a fluid reservoir, a load-sense valve, and a hydraulic actuator having a first chamber and a second chamber. The hydraulic circuit may also include a first control valve assembly having first and second lowering positions, the valve being disposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic actuator. A second control valve assembly may also be provided that is disposed between the first control valve assembly and the first chamber of the hydraulic actuator. In one embodiment, the second control valve assembly has a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the load can be selectively lowered by the hydraulic circuit without use of the hydraulic pump when the first control valve assembly is in the first lowering position and the second control valve assembly is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Inventors: Jerry Faye Carlin, Robin Francis Ireton, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Leif Pedersen
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Publication number: 20160186414Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in electrohydraulic actuation systems for construction equipment. In one embodiment, a supervisory controller adapted to interface with a main controller of the construction vehicle is provided. A plurality of control nodes that interface with the supervisory controller are also disclosed, each of which includes pressure and position sensors. The nodes also include a first actuator control node for controlling operation of a first hydraulic actuator, a second actuator control node for controlling operation of a second hydraulic actuator, and a pump control node. The control system has an architecture in which faults are detected and isolated at the supervisory controller level and, where possible, within each of the control nodes at a sensor level, a component level, and a subsystem level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: QingHui Yuan, Michael Berne Rannow, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Christopher William Schottler, Vishal Mahulkar
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Patent number: 9222242Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in electrohydraulic actuation systems for construction equipment. In one embodiment, a supervisory controller adapted to interface with a main controller of the construction vehicle is provided. A plurality of control nodes that interface with the supervisory controller are also disclosed, each of which includes pressure and position sensors. The nodes also include a first actuator control node for controlling operation of a first hydraulic actuator, a second actuator control node for controlling operation of a second hydraulic actuator, and a pump control node. The control system has an architecture in which faults are detected and isolated at the supervisory controller level and, where possible, within each of the control nodes at a sensor level, a component level, and a subsystem level.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: QingHui Yuan, Michael Berne Rannow, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Christopher William Schottler, Vishal Mahulkar
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Patent number: 9163387Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in electrohydraulic actuation systems for construction equipment. In one embodiment, a supervisory controller adapted to interface with a main controller of the construction vehicle is provided. A plurality of control nodes that interface with the supervisory controller are also disclosed, each of which includes pressure and position sensors. The nodes also include a first actuator control node for controlling operation of a first hydraulic actuator, a second actuator control node for controlling operation of a second hydraulic actuator, and a pump control node. The control system has an architecture in which faults are detected and isolated at the supervisory controller level and, where possible, within each of the control nodes at a sensor level, a component level, and a subsystem level.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: QingHui Yuan, Michael Berne Rannow, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Christy William Schottler, Vishal Mahulkar
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Publication number: 20150191898Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in electrohydraulic actuation systems for construction equipment. In one embodiment, a supervisory controller adapted to interface with a main controller of the construction vehicle is provided. A plurality of control nodes that interface with the supervisory controller are also disclosed, each of which includes pressure and position sensors. The nodes also include a first actuator control node for controlling operation of a first hydraulic actuator, a second actuator control node for controlling operation of a second hydraulic actuator, and a pump control node. The control system has an architecture in which faults are detected and isolated at the supervisory controller level and, where possible, within each of the control nodes at a sensor level, a component level, and a subsystem level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: QingHui Yuan, Michael Berne Rannow, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Christopher William Schottler, Vishal Mahulkar
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Publication number: 20140373520Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a pump (22) that draws fluid from a reservoir (24) and an actuator (26) having a first port and a second port. A metering valve arrangement (28) controls fluid flow through the actuator and includes a meter-in valve (30a, 30d) positioned between the pump and the first port and a meter-out valve (30b, 30c) positioned between the second port and the reservoir. A controller (34) controls operation of the metering valve arrangement. In a meter-in mode, the controller controls a fluid flow rate through the actuator by controlling an orifice size of the meter-in valve. In a meter-out mode, the controller controls a fluid flow rate through the actuator by controlling an orifice size of the meter-out valve. The controller determines the fluid flow rate through the actuator based on data derived from the meter-out valve in both the meter-in mode and the meter-out mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Wade Leo Gehlhoff
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Patent number: 8651225Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
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Publication number: 20130298541Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for lifting and lowering a load is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may include a hydraulic pump, a fluid reservoir, a load-sense valve, and a hydraulic actuator having a first chamber and a second chamber. The hydraulic circuit may also include a first control valve assembly having first and second lowering positions, the valve being disposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic actuator. A second control valve assembly may also be provided that is disposed between the first control valve assembly and the first chamber of the hydraulic actuator. In one embodiment, the second control valve assembly has a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the load can be selectively lowered by the hydraulic circuit without use of the hydraulic pump when the first control valve assembly is in the first lowering position and the second control valve assembly is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: JERRY FAYE CARLIN, Robin Francis Ireton, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Leif Pedersen
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Patent number: 8291934Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a service passage, a first bore in fluid communication with the service passage, a first passage, a second bore in communication with the service passage and a second passage. The first bore has an inlet portion, a first service portion in communication with the service passage, and a first load holding portion. The first passage is in communication with the first load holding portion and the service passage. The second bore has a return portion, a second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second load holding portion. The second passage is in selective communication with the second load holding portion of the second bore and the return passage. A valve is disposed in the second passage. The valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return passage.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Chris William Schottler
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Patent number: 8272471Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid actuator, a first steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator, and a second steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator and disposed in parallel to the first steering circuit. The second steering circuit includes a load-reaction feature and an isolation valve with the isolation valve being adapted to enable and disable the load-reaction feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Wade Leo Gehlhoff
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Publication number: 20120232756Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in electrohydraulic actuation systems for construction equipment. In one embodiment, a supervisory controller adapted to interface with a main controller of the construction vehicle is provided. A plurality of control nodes that interface with the supervisory controller are also disclosed, each of which includes pressure and position sensors. The nodes also include a first actuator control node for controlling operation of a first hydraulic actuator, a second actuator control node for controlling operation of a second hydraulic actuator, and a pump control node. The control system has an architecture in which faults are detected and isolated at the supervisory controller level and, where possible, within each of the control nodes at a sensor level, a component level, and a subsystem level.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: QingHui Yuan, Michael Berne Rannow, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Christy William Schottler, Vishal Mahulkar
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Publication number: 20120180470Abstract: A hydraulic system is adapted to recover potential and kinetic energy of a work attachment of a work machine. A valve arrangement may configure the hydraulic system in various modes. The hydraulic system may provide suspension and/or actuation for the work attachment. The energy of the work attachment may move a rod of a first cylinder. The rod may pressurize fluid within the first cylinder. The pressurized fluid may flow from the first cylinder through a valve and into an accumulator. The first cylinder may amplify pressure of the fluid. The pressurized fluid in the accumulator may actuate the first cylinder. The movement of the rod of the first cylinder may cause simultaneous actuation of a second cylinder. A controller may monitor pressures and positions of components of the hydraulic system and control the valve arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kyle William Schroeder, Wade Leo Gehlhoff
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Publication number: 20110284311Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
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Publication number: 20110197983Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid actuator, a first steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator, and a second steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator and disposed in parallel to the first steering circuit. The second steering circuit includes a load-reaction feature and an isolation valve with the isolation valve being adapted to enable and disable the load-reaction feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventor: Wade Leo Gehlhoff
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Patent number: 7984785Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
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Publication number: 20110174393Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a service passage, a first bore in fluid communication with the service passage, a first passage, a second bore in communication with the service passage and a second passage. The first bore has an inlet portion, a first service portion in communication with the service passage, and a first load holding portion. The first passage is in communication with the first load holding portion and the service passage. The second bore has a return portion, a second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second load holding portion. The second passage is in selective communication with the second load holding portion of the second bore and the return passage. A valve is disposed in the second passage. The valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Chris William Schottler
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Patent number: 7931112Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid actuator, a first steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator, and a second steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator and disposed in parallel to the first steering circuit. The second steering circuit includes a load-reaction feature and an isolation valve with the isolation valve being adapted to enable and disable the load-reaction feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Wade Leo Gehlhoff