Floor Working Patents (Class 299/1.5)
  • Patent number: 12110642
    Abstract: A mobile milling machine can be equipped with a liquid spray system to introduce a liquid spray into a rotor enclosure to reduce the temperature of a plurality of cutting tools disposed on a rotatable cutting rotor. The liquid spray system can be associated with one or more surface wetness sensors to estimate the wetness of the work surface after the milling operation. The wetness of the work surface can be used to adjust the spray quantity of the liquid spray introduced by the liquid spray system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Sturos, Rolf af Klinteberg, Robert E. Carr
  • Patent number: 11866893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, comprising a machine frame supported by a chassis having wheels or crawler tracks. The basic principle of the invention involves determining a variable ? which is characteristic of the milling profile on the basis of a functional relationship between the variable which is characteristic of the milling profile and the advance speed v and/or milling drum rotational speed n. The variable ? which is characteristic of the milling profile is a correction variable for adjusting the height of the milling drum with respect to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Rene′ Müller, Sebastian Hofrath, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 11859717
    Abstract: An earth working machine (10), encompassing a drive motor (42) and a working apparatus (22) drivable by the drive motor (42) so as to move rotationally, the drive motor (42) being connected to the working apparatus (22), for transfer of a torque, with interposition of a shiftable transmission (50; 150) comprising at least two gearing stages having different torque transfer ratios, is characterized in that by means of a first gearing stage of the shiftable transmission (50), an input shaft (48), coupled on the input side to the drive motor (42), of the shiftable transmission (50) is connectable in torque-transferring fashion directly to an output shaft (52), coupled on the output side to the working apparatus (22), of the shiftable transmission (50) so as to rotate together at the same rotation speed; and by means of a second gearing stage of the shiftable transmission (50), the input shaft (48) is connectable in torque-transferring fashion, with interposition of a transmission assemblage (64), to the output s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Tobias Stinner, Cyrus Barimani, Hardy Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 11795632
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for monitoring a milling machine having a milling rotor and a rotor chamber surrounding the milling rotor includes propelling the milling machine in a direction of travel, positioning a door of the rotor chamber at a first position with an actuator, and receiving a signal indicative of a condition of the actuator for positioning the door of the rotor chamber. The method further includes determining that the door has encountered material based on the signal and opening the door of the chamber in response to determining that the door has encountered material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob M. Saari, Nicholas Argenziano
  • Patent number: 11773544
    Abstract: A system is provided for determining a volume of material milled, or a surface area milled, by a construction machine having a milling drum. The volume of material milled is determined as a function of a cross-sectional area of material to be milled in front of the milling drum and a distance traveled by the construction machine while actively milling. The cross-sectional area is determined in part by direct machine observation of one or more profile characteristics of a ground surface in front of the milling drum. The surface area milled is determined as a function of the width of the area to be milled in front of the milling drum and a distance traveled by the construction machine while actively milling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Sven Paulsen, Stefan Wagner, Klaus Vollmann, Lothar Schwalbach, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 11746482
    Abstract: A system may include a first transportation device of a milling machine, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes a first sensor coupled to the first transportation device to sense an orientation of the first transportation device relative to the frame of the milling machine. The controller controls the milling machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Mark A. Tarvin, Conwell K. Rife, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11725350
    Abstract: A method for controlling the height adjustment of a height-adjustable running gear of a self-propelled ground milling machine, and to a ground milling machine, in particular a road miller, comprising a machine frame, front and rear traction devices, wherein at least one rear traction device is connected to the machine frame by means of a height-adjustable lifting device, a milling drum mounted on the machine frame, a frame tilt sensor arranged on the machine frame and intended for detecting the tilt of the machine frame in the working direction, at least one ground-contact-element tilt sensor, arranged on a ground contact element, which is adjustable relative to the machine frame, and intended for detecting the tilt of the ground contact element in the working direction, and also a control unit, which controls the at least one rear height-adjustable lifting device depending on tilt data determined by means of the frame tilt sensor and the ground-contact-element tilt sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventor: Jonathan Stahl
  • Patent number: 11692320
    Abstract: A milling machine is provided comprising a frame including a plurality of height-adjustable legs; a rotor; a rotor chamber including a movable front wall, a movable rear wall, and a pair of movable side walls; and a controller. The controller is configured to enable a rotor chamber binding control during on a lowering of the rotor towards a ground surface; automatically raising at least one of the front wall or the rear wall during the lowering of the rotor; and disable the rotor chamber binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Austin R. Bies
  • Patent number: 11613856
    Abstract: A milling machine, system, and method for implementing a return to cut operation and/or an exit cut operation controls legs of the milling machine, a rotor of the milling machine, and front and rear doors of a mixing chamber of the milling machine according to settings for each of the return to cut operation and the exit cut operation. Such control can be based on signals from one or more sensors of the milling machine configured to sense various position-related characteristics of the milling machine, and can be performed responsive to a control input at an operator control interface of the milling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Jacob M. Saari
  • Patent number: 11459712
    Abstract: A method for milling off traffic areas with a milling drum of a milling machine comprises: obtaining and storing target profile data of a desired target profile of a surface of the traffic area in target condition, wherein target values for a locally desired milling depth are assigned to position data in a stationary coordinate system independent of the milling machine; determining the current position of the milling drum in the coordinate system and detecting a current milling depth; during the milling operation, controlling the milling depth as a function of the target value assigned to the current position of the milling drum and the currently detected milling depth; updating the target profile data in the current position of the milling drum on the worked traffic area by the currently actually milled milling depth; and storing the updated target profile data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Matthias Fritz
  • Patent number: 11377815
    Abstract: A construction machine capable of reducing a resistance that a bucket receives from the ground and improving smoothness of a construction surface includes a working device including a working device body and a bucket, first and second bucket actuators that rotationally move the bucket, and a control device. The control device controls the second bucket actuator to make the second bucket actuator periodically oscillate the bucket in a direction of a yaw motion during excavation work or ground leveling work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11236611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine having a replaceable milling drum, different types of milling drums being capable of being associated with the milling machine; and having a control unit for controlling the milling machine, machine parameters of the milling machine being settable by way of the control unit. Provision is made that the milling machine has associated with it at least one means that is designed to detect at least one characteristic feature of the milling drum; that the at least one means is connected to the control unit; and that the control unit is designed to specify for at least one machine parameter, indirectly or directly from the characteristic feature, a value to be set, and/or a setting range. The invention further relates to a corresponding milling drum and to a corresponding method. The milling machine, milling drum, and method allow the selection of machine parameters for operation of the milling machine to be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Thomas Lehnert, Philip Verhaelen
  • Patent number: 11111640
    Abstract: The self-propelled construction machine according to the invention, in particular a road milling machine, stabiliser, recycler or surface miner, has a machine frame 1, a work roller arranged on the machine frame, and a left-hand edge protector 5A arranged on the left-hand side of the work roller in the working direction and a right-hand edge protector 5B arranged on the right-hand side of the work roller in the working direction. In order to raise and/or lower the left-hand and/or right-hand edge protector 5A, 5B, a hydraulic system is provided which comprises a hydraulic source 20 for providing hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventors: Burkhard Frank, Markus Schäfer
  • Patent number: 11105052
    Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine (1), in particular road milling machine or surface miner, for working a ground pavement, comprising a milling drum (10), which is mounted in a machine frame, wherein a milling cut develops during milling of the ground pavement with the milling drum (10), wherein the milling drum (10) comprises a first and a second end side, at least a first measuring device, which is arranged next to the first end side of the milling drum (10) and measures the distance of the machine frame relative to the ground pavement next to the first end side of the milling drum (10), at least a second measuring device, which is arranged next to the second end side of the milling drum (10) and measures the distance of the machine frame relative to the ground pavement next to the second end side of the milling drum (10), and a control device (40) for controlling the milling depth, wherein, in a first milling operation, the control device (40) determines the milling depth by means of measurements pe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Hanjo Held, René Müller
  • Patent number: 11008715
    Abstract: Equipment for machining solid surfaces such as for example, surfaces made of asphalt or concrete or similar solid materials, in particular for making sound strips, said equipment comprising rotating machining or digging means carried by a main frame, and rotating means which engage said main supporting frame, wherein the rotation of said rotating means in a predefined direction of rotation results in said main supporting frame being rotated alternately in two opposite directions of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SIMEX ENGINEERING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mirco Risi
  • Patent number: 10975535
    Abstract: A machine for road work, the machine can comprise: a frame; a rotor coupled to the frame and configured for rotational movement relative thereto; a milling system actuator configured to raise and lower the rotor to selectively disengage and engage with a surface of a working area; a first position sensor configured to sense a first position of a left side of the rotor relative to the surface; a second position sensor configured to sense a second position of a right side of the rotor relative to the surface; and a controller configured to, in response to signals received from the first position sensor and the second position senor, determine at least a cross-sectional area of the rotor that is engaging the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Ryan A. Enot
  • Patent number: 10947677
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, with a height-adjustable machine frame, with a controller for the travelling and milling operation, with a working drum, with a slewable transport conveyor device arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine, where the last or single transport conveyor of the transport conveyor device as seen in the direction of transport is slewable sideways, relative to the machine frame, about an essentially vertical axis under a slewing angle, and about an axis orthogonal to the axis under an elevation angle, and where the transport conveyor discharges the milled material at a specified conveying speed onto a point of impingement on a loading surface of a transport vehicle, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller comprises a detection and control system which continuously locates the alterable position of the loading surface of the transport vehicle and of the transport conveyor relative to the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dirk Franzmann, Armin Montermann, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10876260
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion and a suspension and a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground. The implement may also include a plurality of ground sensors configured for capturing distance measurements to determine the position of the frame relative to the surface and a control and monitor system configured for establishing a nominal scratch position of the tool relative to the surface based on the distance measurements. A method of controlling a rotor tool depth of a milling machine and a method of operating a milling machine are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Muir, Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Matthew-David S. Frantz, Brian J. Schlenker, Derek P. Nieuwsma
  • Patent number: 10844557
    Abstract: An implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a frame, a ground-engaging portion for supporting the frame on a surface of ground, and a suspension system coupling the ground-engaging portion to the frame and for adjusting the frame relative to the ground-engaging portion. The implement may also include a tool supported by and adjustable relative to the frame and configured for working the ground. The implement may also include a control and monitor system configured for establishing a nominal position of the tool relative to the surface and for establishing an actual position of the tool relative to the surface based on an offset adjustment. A method of determining a rotor tool depth of a milling machine and a method of operating a milling machine may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Doy, Lee M. Hogan, Jason W. Muir, Hyppolite Kuissi, Matthew-David S. Frantz
  • Patent number: 10781563
    Abstract: A hydrodemolition rig for an inclined surface comprises a frame, a carriage, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies are spaced from one another about the frame, with at least two of the wheel assemblies comprising a wheel and a hydraulic assembly for selectively adjusting the spacing between the wheel and the frame. The carriage is configured to reciprocate within the frame and to carry one or more nozzles for delivering water for hydrodemolition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Mac & Mac Hydrodemolition Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. MacNeil, Jesse MacNeil, Brett MacNeil, Gordon MacNeil, Vernon Bose
  • Patent number: 10683621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, comprising a machine frame, traveling devices connected to the machine frame, a drive engine, a ground milling device with a milling drum box open towards the ground and a milling drum mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis inside the milling drum box, wherein the ground milling device is adjustable by means of an adjusting device between a raised transport position and a milling position engaging the ground, a conveyor device with at least one primary conveyor belt, with which milled material produced inside the milling drum box can be transported away from the ground milling device, the primary conveyor belt including a receiving side and a discharge side, a belt holder arranged in front of the ground milling device in the working direction of the ground milling machine, in which the receiving side of the primary conveyor belt is mounted, and an operator platform, from which an operator controls the groun
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventor: Jonathan Stahl
  • Patent number: 10655286
    Abstract: A milling machine includes a primary drum drive assembly that is adapted to rotate a milling drum, and a ground-engaging drive assembly that is adapted to drive the milling machine along a roadway. A lifting column includes a linear actuator which can be operated to raise and lower the frame of the machine with respect to the roadway. A sensor that is mounted to the lifting column is adapted to determine if the lifting column is not supporting at least a predetermined portion of the weight of the milling machine. A controller is operatively attached to the primary drum drive assembly and to the sensor. The controller is adapted to receive from the sensor a signal indicating that the lifting column is not supporting the predetermined portion of the weight of the milling machine, and upon receipt of such signal, to stop the rotation of the milling drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Roadtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Avans, James H. Bevill, David Swearingen
  • Patent number: 10649079
    Abstract: A ground-penetrating radar system and method of operation are described. Particularly, embodiments describe configurations and operations of industrial truck safety systems that inform users of potentially hazardous conditions underground. Embodiments may detect a likely hazardous condition and perform additional examination in response to manual user and/or automatic computer input. Further embodiments may inhibit particular subsystems until the hazardous condition has been resolved and/or determined to be false.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. LaPrade
  • Patent number: 10633806
    Abstract: A rotor position indicator system may include a side plate and a first rotor width indicator plate. The side plate may be positioned on a side of an earth moving milling machine, and the first rotor width indicator plate may be inset on an external face of the side plate. The first rotor width indicator plate may include a plurality of markings, with each marking corresponding to a rotor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin W. Sondreal, Roger A. Hedlund, Jason W. Muir, Ryan Hutar, Nicholas B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10626563
    Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes a machine frame and an operating drum arranged in a drum housing which is open downwards and is closed on both sides by an edge protector which is adjustable in height. A control assembly determines a reference value for the height of the ground surface relative to the machine frame on which the edge protector rests in a floating position, the height of the edge protector relative to the machine frame and the lowering speed of the edge protector. Furthermore, the control assembly is configured such that the height of the edge protector relative to the machine frame is determined at the point in time at which the lowering speed of the edge protector is less than a specified limit value. Preferred embodiments of the machine furthermore detect the edge protector sinking into the ground, and/or prevent the edge protector from digging into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Vogt, Hanjo Held, Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10590613
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, comprising a machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a working drum, comprising a transport conveyor, where the transport conveyor is slewable, relative to the machine frame, about a first axis extending essentially horizontally under an elevation angle, and sideways about a second axis extending orthogonally to the first axis under a slewing angle, where the transport conveyor discharges the milled material onto a loading surface of a transport vehicle at a specified conveying speed, and where the controller continuously controls positioning of the milled material automatically via, as a minimum, the slewing angle of the transport conveyor, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller specifies and monitors limit values for a maximum permissible slewing angle range for slewing the transport conveyor variable in accordance with the current operating situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Sebastian Winkels, Harald Kroell, Tobias Krista
  • Patent number: 10569446
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wall saw system during creation of a separation cut in a workpiece between a first and second end point, is disclosed. The separation cut is carried out in a plurality of main cuts. In addition to the main-cut sequence, an overcut sequence having at least two overcuts is defined for each end point defined as a free end point. For each overcut sequence, a starting position and an end position are defined, the overcuts being carried out therebetween. The wall saw is positioned in the starting position and is pivoted into a first overcut angle; subsequently, the saw head is moved by way of the inclined saw arm until the end position has been reached. The wall saw is displaced back into the starting position and pivoted into a second overcut angle. This sequence is repeated until all of the overcuts have been carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilfried Kaneider, Dragan Stevic, Christian Bereuter
  • Patent number: 10465346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a milling drum box of a ground milling machine, in particular of a road milling machine, a recycler or a stabilizer, arranged on a machine frame relative to the ground, comprising the steps of: detecting the presence or absence of a ground contact, in particular in a region located in the front or a region located in the rear in the working direction (a), of at least one side plate of the milling drum box of the ground milling machine, and controlling a lifting and/or a lowering of the machine frame depending on the detected presence or absence of a ground contact. The present invention also relates to a ground milling machine for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Andre Hoffmann, Jens-Martin Zehbe, Marco Reuter, Andreas Nacke
  • Patent number: 10465347
    Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine for working ground pavements comprising at least one machine frame, at least one height-adjustable milling drum for working the ground pavement in a working operation, driven by at least one drive unit, at least one control device for monitoring and controlling the milling depth of the milling drum and the speed of the construction machine, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: that a monitoring device detects an interruption of the working operation, and when detecting the interruption of the working operation emits a signal to interrupt the drive of the milling drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Andreas Vogt, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10416056
    Abstract: A wear prognosis method and a maintenance method for an earth working machine are disclosed, along with an apparatus for performing the method. Provision is made that the current wear state of one or more earth working tools is sensed. The residual wear capacity until the wear limit is reached is then ascertained from the current wear state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Paulsen, Stefan Wagner, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10400400
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, with a height-adjustable machine frame, with a controller for the travelling and milling operation, with a working drum, with a slewable transport conveyor device arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine, where the last or single transport conveyor of the transport conveyor device as seen in the direction of transport is slewable sideways, relative to the machine frame, about an essentially vertical axis under a slewing angle, and about an axis orthogonal to the axis under an elevation angle, and where the transport conveyor discharges the milled material at a specified conveying speed onto a point of impingement on a loading surface of a transport vehicle, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller comprises a detection and control system which continuously locates the alterable position of the loading surface of the transport vehicle and of the transport conveyor relative to the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dirk Franzmann, Armin Montermann, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10386866
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling operation of a milling drum on a cold planer includes an input device, a display device, a memory device configured to store a database of recommended plunge velocities at which a rotating milling drum having particular operational characteristics should be lowered into a pavement surface to break up and remove pavement material for various depths of cut to be achieved by the milling drum, and a processor in communication with the input device, the display device, and the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: James Arthur DeLong, Jacob Ryan Ellwein
  • Patent number: 10309066
    Abstract: A control system, apparatus, and method for controlling operations of a milling machine are described. Data corresponding to a ventilation mode and a conveyor delay amount set by an operator of the milling machine is stored in memory. Control of transition of operation of the milling machine from a milling mode to a standby mode is according to a first predetermined sequence of operations responsive to a first input at a control panel of the milling machine. Further, control of transition of operation of the milling machine from the standby mode to the milling mode is according to a second predetermined sequence of operations, which is in reverse order relative to the first predetermined sequence of operations, in response to the first input at the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tim J. Lindholm, Eric S. Engelmann, Nathan L. Mashek, Paul J. Koenen, Lee M. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10287104
    Abstract: A control system for a conveyor system of a machine includes a motor to drive the conveyor system, and a pump operably coupled to the motor. A solenoid actuator actuates the pump. The control system includes operator interfaces to enable an operator to provide inputs indicative of a desired engine speed, and a desired conveyor speed. The control system includes a controller which determines a pump speed based on the desired engine speed, and determines a maximum possible motor speed based on the pump speed and a maximum possible gear ratio between the pump and the motor. The controller determines a desired motor speed based on the desired conveyor speed. The controller determines a solenoid actuation current based on the desired motor speed and the maximum possible motor speed, and supplies the solenoid actuation current to the solenoid actuator to control a speed of the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Hogan, Timothy Michael O'Donnell, Daniel Podany
  • Patent number: 10266997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine (100) comprising a bottom side (11) on which at least two milling heads (1a-1f) are individually movable and controllable in at least one translational movement (15a-15f) in one transverse rail (13a-13f) each, the rails running parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Jurgen Tarmann
  • Patent number: 10227869
    Abstract: A mining machine including a chassis, an actuator, a cutter drum supported by the chassis, the cutter drum driven by the actuator, a cutter bit coupled to the cutter drum, and a controller. The controller includes a processor and memory and is configured to measure a characteristic of the actuator, determine the cutter bit is worn based on the measured characteristic of the actuator, and output a signal when the cutter bit is determined to be worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Edward L. Doheny, II, Ben Snyman, David Stryffeler, Anthony Reid, Hekkie van Dyk
  • Patent number: 10196784
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, comprising a machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a working drum, comprising a transport conveyor, where the transport conveyor is slewable, relative to the machine frame, about a first axis extending essentially horizontally under an elevation angle, and sideways about a second axis extending orthogonally to the first axis under a slewing angle, where the transport conveyor discharges the milled material onto a loading surface of a transport vehicle at a specified conveying speed, and where the controller continuously controls positioning of the milled material automatically via, as a minimum, the slewing angle of the transport conveyor, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller specifies and monitors limit values for a maximum permissible slewing angle range for slewing the transport conveyor variable in accordance with the current operating situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Sebastian Winkels, Harald Kroell, Tobias Krista
  • Patent number: 10161136
    Abstract: An autonomous guided roofing material removal machine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventors: Mark James Underhill, Tyler Christian Underhill
  • Patent number: 10144148
    Abstract: A method of detecting kickback during operation of a saw includes identifying with a controller in a saw a measured rotational speed of a rotating blade in the saw with reference to signals from a rotational rate sensor, identifying with the controller an estimated rotational speed of the rotating blade in the saw with reference to the measured rotational speed, at least one previously measured rotational speed, and a measurement of a previous change in rotational speed of the rotating blade, identifying with the controller an estimated torque force for a drive shaft of a motor in the saw that rotates the blade with reference to the measured rotational speed, and activating with the controller a blade arrest mechanism in response to a difference between the measured rotational speed and the estimated rotational speed exceeding a first threshold and the estimated torque force exceeding a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gaurav Pradip Laghate, Bharadwaja Maharshi Ramaswamy, Sandeep Bairampalli
  • Patent number: 10106937
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a cold planer is disclosed. The rotor assembly may include a rotor chamber that is configured to house a milling drum, and the milling drum may be configured to rotate within the rotor chamber. The rotor assembly may further include a plate movably coupled to the rotor chamber and an upper pulley wheel rotatably mounted to the plate. Furthermore, a lower pulley wheel may be rotatably mounted to the rotor chamber and the lower pulley wheel may be operably coupled to the milling drum such that the lower pulley wheel and the milling drum synchronously rotate. The rotor assembly may further include an actuating mechanism operably coupled to the plate, and the actuating mechanism may be configured to move the plate and the upper pulley wheel between an operation position and a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Hedstrom
  • Patent number: 9995009
    Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes a machine frame and an operating drum arranged in a drum housing which is open downwards and is closed on both sides by an edge protector which is adjustable in height. A control assembly determines a reference value for the height of the ground surface relative to the machine frame on which the edge protector rests in a floating position, the height of the edge protector relative to the machine frame and the lowering speed of the edge protector. Furthermore, the control assembly is configured such that the height of the edge protector relative to the machine frame is determined at the point in time at which the lowering speed of the edge protector is less than a specified limit value. Preferred embodiments of the machine furthermore detect the edge protector sinking into the ground, and/or prevent the edge protector from digging into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Vogt, Hanjo Held, Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 9975538
    Abstract: A controller-implemented method of controlling a machine having a rotor coupled to an engine through a variable transmission is provided. The controller-implemented method may include receiving a desired rotor speed, determining an engine load of the engine, adjusting an engine speed of the engine based on the engine load and one or more predefined efficiency points, and adjusting a gear ratio of the variable transmission based on the engine speed and the desired rotor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Aardema
  • Patent number: 9970164
    Abstract: A construction machine apparatus includes a plurality of ground engaging supports, a machine frame supported from the ground engaging supports and a milling drum supported from the machine frame. A milling drum location detection system is configured to determine a drum location in an external reference system. A location indicator system includes a memory configured to store information identifying a location of one or more areas to be avoided in the external reference system, and a controller configured to compare the drum location to the location of the one or more areas to be avoided, and to provide an output corresponding to a proximity of the milling drum to the location of the one or more areas to be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Fritz, Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani, Martin Lenz
  • Patent number: 9957675
    Abstract: A control system for a cold planer having a conveyor configured to transfer material into a first receptacle is disclosed. The control system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an amount of material being transferred into the first receptacle, a communication device configured to transfer information between the cold planer and the first receptacle, and a controller electronically connected to the first sensor and the communication device. The controller may be configured to receive an input from the first receptacle via the communication device and determine a fill level of the first receptacle based on the first signal and the input from the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John Lee Marsolek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 9863247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, a recycler, a stabilizer or a surface miner, comprising a milling drum with a milling drum width (a) extending along its rotational axis and with at least two chiseling devices, each of which comprises a chisel and a chisel holder, and a sensor device for determining wear on the at least two chiseling devices in a contactless manner, said sensor device comprising a sensor for measuring a wear parameter of the at least two chiseling devices, the sensor being movable at least over a part of the milling drum width (a) in order to set an identical measurement angle (?) and an identical position of the sensor relative to the at least two chiseling devices in order to measure the wear parameter of the at least two chiseling devices. The present invention further relates to a method for determining wear on the at least two chiseling devices of the ground milling machine in a contactless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Joern Von der Lippe, Matthias Schaaf
  • Patent number: 9689120
    Abstract: In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Gaertner, Dieter Simons
  • Patent number: 9670630
    Abstract: A road cutting machine has a machine frame and at least one left-hand running gear and at least one right-hand running gear. A device is provided for raising or lowering the running gears resting on the ground, in relation to the machine frame, and also a control unit is provided for activating the device for raising and lowering the running gears, so that the height of the running gears can be adjusted to the machine frame. The control unit comprises sensors for detecting changes in the height of the ground to be covered by the running gears in relation to the machine frame, whereby the control unit contains a control mode for initiating actions in the control system for adjusting the height of the running gears. The control unit is configured in such a way in the control mode that if a change is detected in the height of the ground, the respective running gear or the respective running gears are raised or lowered so as to compensate any lateral tilting due to a change in the height of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dirk Franzmann, René Müller, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 9644330
    Abstract: A self-propelled construction road milling machine, includes a machine frame and a milling drum housing, in which a milling drum is arranged. The machine includes a drive unit with which the height of the scraper blade of a scraper device can be adjusted in relation to the milling drum. A control unit for the drive unit adjusts the height of the scraper blade and a measurement device measures the distance between the lower edge of the scraper blade and the milled material. The control unit is designed in such a way that the scraper blade is height-adjustable depending on the height of the milled material remaining in the milled track. The control unit ensures that, on the one hand, the milled material can come out of the milling drum housing unimpeded behind the milling drum in the direction of work and, on the other hand, that the milling drum housing is shut above the material that is coming out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Andreas Vogt, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 9540779
    Abstract: A road milling machine includes a rear wheel or track mounted on a pivot arm such that the wheel or track is movable between a first outer end position projecting laterally relative to the machine frame, and a second inner end position which permits milling close to an edge. A travel drive of the rear wheel or track provides a driving force to move the wheel or track between the end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Tobias Stinner, Andreas Vogt, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: RE48268
    Abstract: A construction machine, in particular road milling machine, recycler or stabilizer, with a machine frame (4) that is carried by a chassis (2) with a working drum (6) and a drive train (8) comprising at the least a drive engine (10), a traction mechanism (12) for the mechanical drive of the working drum (6) with a drive element, an output element and a traction element (30), a device (14) for switching the torque between the drive engine (10) and working drum (6), and device (16) for driving at least one hydraulic pump; it is provided that elements of the drive train (8) are divided into at least two groups, the first group (3) shows at least the drive engine (10), the second group (5) shows at least the drive element (11) of the traction mechanism, and where the first and the second groups (3, 5) are connected to one another via an articulated coupling device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Busley, Dieter Simons