Caterpillar Inc. patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Patent applications for Caterpillar Inc. on November 30th, 2023

BATTERY CONSUMPTION SIMULATION OF A MACHINE BASED ON FUEL BURN DATA OF THE MACHINE (17804029)

Main Inventor

Scott Allen MARKS

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a controller that determines the battery consumption configuration of a machine based on machine information and fuel burn data. It then simulates the battery consumption and charge level to determine if it meets a threshold. If the charge level is below the threshold, the controller reduces the engine power.

• Controller determines battery consumption configuration of a machine based on machine information and fuel burn data.
• Simulates battery consumption and charge level based on the determined configuration.
• Determines if the simulated charge level meets a threshold.
• If the charge level is below the threshold, the controller reduces the engine power.

Abstract

A controller may determine a battery consumption configuration of the machine based on information regarding the machine, and obtain fuel burn data indicating an amount of fuel burned by the machine. The controller may determine a simulated battery consumption of the machine based on the battery consumption configuration and the fuel burn data. The controller may determine a simulated battery charge level based on the simulated battery consumption. The controller may determine whether the simulated battery charge level satisfies a charge level threshold. The controller may derate an engine of the machine based on determining that the simulated battery charge level does not satisfy the charge level threshold.

Mat Coasting Enablement for Asphalt Compactor (17751901)

Main Inventor

Nathaniel S. Doy

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a compactor for use on a surface, such as a road or construction site. 

• The compactor includes a frame and at least one compacting drum that is connected to the frame.
• It also has a drive system that can accelerate and decelerate the compactor.
• The compactor is controlled by a controller, which can adjust the acceleration and deceleration rates based on at least one variable.

This innovation in compactors allows for more precise control over the compactor's speed and movement, potentially improving efficiency and effectiveness in compacting surfaces.

Abstract

A compactor for operation on a surface includes: a frame; at least one compacting drum coupled to the frame; a drive system for accelerating and decelerating the compactor at an acceleration rate and a deceleration rate, respectively; and a controller for: controlling the drive system, and based on at least one variable, altering at least one of the acceleration rate and the deceleration rate.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING POOR IMPLEMENT PENETRATION (17804472)

Main Inventor

Joseph L. FAIVRE

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a method for identifying ineffective blade penetration by a blade-based machine at a work site. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:

• The method involves using a blade-based machine to attempt cutting an area of ground at the work site.
• The effectiveness of the cut is determined by comparing the achieved cut volume to a threshold cut volume.
• The threshold cut volume is determined based on input from one or more position sensors on the blade-based machine.
• If the cut is determined to be ineffective, one or more remedial actions are initiated based on this determination.

Bullet points explaining the patent/innovation:

• The patent application introduces a method to assess the effectiveness of blade penetration by a machine at a work site.
• It utilizes position sensors on the machine to determine the achieved cut volume.
• By comparing the achieved cut volume to a predetermined threshold, the method can identify ineffective cutting.
• This identification allows for the initiation of remedial actions to address the ineffectiveness.
• The innovation aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of blade-based machines in cutting operations at work sites.

Abstract

A method of identifying blade penetration that is ineffectual by a blade-based machine at a work site, including: attempting to cut an area of ground by the blade-based machine at the work site; determining that the cut is ineffectual based on a determination of a threshold cut volume achieved by the blade-based machine, the threshold cut volume being based on input from one or more position sensors on the blade-based machine; and initiating one or more remedial actions based on the determination of ineffectual cutting by the blade-based machine.

AUTOMATIC STEERING OF VEHICLE (17804462)

Main Inventor

Sagar CHOWDHURY

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a method for automatically turning an autonomous mining truck (AMT) in an operating area. 

• The method involves retrieving boundary data associated with the operating area and using this data, along with the dimensions of the AMT, to determine a first path for the turn maneuver.
• The first path consists of a number of legs that the AMT needs to follow to complete the turn maneuver.
• The method also includes completing the first leg of the turn maneuver.
• If the AMT is unable to execute the first path, the method determines a second path and the number of legs necessary to complete the turn maneuver.
• Finally, the AMT executes the second path to successfully complete the turn maneuver.

Abstract

A method of automatically turning an autonomous mining truck (AMT), including front wheels and rear wheels, around in an operating area, including retrieving boundary data associated with the operating area, determining a first path to follow to execute a turn maneuver within the operating area based at least on the boundary data and dimensions of the AMT, wherein the first path includes a number of legs necessary to follow the first path through the turn maneuver, completing a first leg of the turn maneuver, determining a second path to follow and number of legs necessary to execute the turn maneuver based on an inability to execute the first path, and executing the second path to complete the turn maneuver.

MACHINE WITH A BOOM LINK AND POSITION SENSOR (17824410)

Main Inventor

Vincent Adam ARMSTRONG

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a machine with a body, boom link, swing casting, and boom that can rotate horizontally.

• The machine includes a mounting bracket fixed to the swing casting and a position sensor fixed to the boom link.
• A first link is connected to the position sensor and can rotate about a rotary element.
• A second link is connected to the mounting bracket and the second end of the first link.
• The first and second links can rotate horizontally with the boom and swing casting and transfer this rotation to the rotary element.

Abstract

A machine may include a body, a boom link, a swing casting, and a boom. The boom and the swing casting may be configured to rotate horizontally about an axis through the boom link. The machine may further include a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the swing casting, a position sensor fixedly connected to the boom link, a first link fixedly connected at a first end to the position sensor and configured to rotate about an axis through a rotary element, and a second link fixedly connected at a first end to the mounting bracket and at a second end to a second end of the first link. The first link and the second link may be configured to rotate horizontally with horizontal rotation of the boom and the swing casting and to transfer the horizontal rotation of the boom and the swing casting to the rotary element.

HOLDER FOR A WORK TOOL (17804439)

Main Inventor

Douglas Charles SERRURIER

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a shroud retention system for a patent application.

• The system includes a retainer plate holder with a top surface and a parallel bottom surface.
• The retainer plate engaging surface is inclined relative to the top surface.
• The retainer plate holder also has a rear surface and a through-hole that intersects the retainer plate engaging surface and the rear surface.
• Additionally, the retainer plate engaging surface has one or more protrusions.

Abstract

A shroud retention system may include a retainer plate holder having a top surface, a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, a retainer plate engaging surface extending between the bottom surface and the top surface, wherein the retainer plate engaging surface may be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the top surface, a rear surface opposite the retainer plate engaging surface, a through-hole intersecting the retainer plate engaging surface and the rear surface and one or more protrusions extending from the retainer plate engaging surface.

ANTI-TIPPING FEATURES FOR A RETAINING MECHANISM (18229258)

Main Inventor

Jason Grant Jura

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a retainer that has a drive portion and a lug receiving portion.

- The drive portion has a specific outer diameter, while the lug receiving portion has a skirt that defines a lug receiving slot. - The skirt has a larger outer diameter than the drive portion. - The lug receiving portion also includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a catch surface connecting the two sidewalls. - The drive portion has a hook tab that extends from it and is spaced away from the skirt by a minimum distance.

Abstract

A retainer includes a drive portion defining a drive portion outer diameter, and a lug receiving portion with a skirt defining a lug receiving slot that extends partially through the lug receiving portion, forming a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a catch surface connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. The skirt also defines a skirt outer diameter that is greater than the drive portion outer diameter. Also, the drive portion has a hook tab that extends from the drive portion and that is spaced away from the skirt a minimum distance.

RETENTION SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING TOOL BITS TO A BLADE ASSEMBLY (18348700)

Main Inventor

David Bruno PARZYNSKI, JR.

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an orientation plate that has a rectangular body with various surfaces and a thickness that is the smallest dimension of the body. The plate also has multiple apertures that go through the thickness of the body, with each aperture having at least one orientation flat.

• The orientation plate is rectangular in shape and has different surfaces such as top, bottom, front, back, first end, and second end surfaces.
• The thickness of the plate is the smallest dimension of the body.
• The plate has several apertures that go through its thickness.
• Each aperture has at least one orientation flat, which helps with positioning or alignment.
• The orientation plate can be used in various applications where precise orientation or alignment is required.

Abstract

An orientation plate comprises a rectangular body defining a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, a first end surface, a second end surface, and a thickness that is the minimum dimension of the body, and a plurality of apertures extending through the thickness of the body, each aperture defining a perimeter having at least one orientation flat.

LASER PROJECTION HARDWARE POSITIONAL DEVICE (17824051)

Main Inventor

Michael Alan Brewer

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a system for positioning a tool or component on a workpiece using a laser.

- The system includes a laser that projects a laser point onto the workpiece, with a field of view that covers objects within its range. - A fixture is included in the system to position the tool on the workpiece. - The fixture has a laser indicator that aligns with the laser point projected on the workpiece. - The fixture also has a tool receptacle that receives the tool and locates it on a part of the workpiece that is outside the field of view of the laser.

Abstract

A system for positioning a tool or a component on a workpiece may include a laser configured to project a laser point on the workpiece. The laser may include a field of view and the laser may project the laser point upon objects within the field of view of the laser. The system for positioning a tool on a workpiece may also include a fixture configured to position the tool on the workpiece. The fixture may include a laser indicator configured to be aligned with the laser point projected on the workpiece. The fixture may also include a first tool receptacle configure to receive the tool and locate the tool on a portion of the workpiece outside the field of view of the laser.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THICKNESS AND/OR DIAMETER USING COMPUTER VISION (17827418)

Main Inventor

David Michael LONGANBACH

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a method for determining the dimension of a component using a mobile device and a caliper with markers.

• The method involves capturing images or videos of the caliper using the image sensors of a mobile device.
• The caliper has markers on its first measuring arm, second measuring arm, and pivot point.
• The images/videos are processed to determine the locations of these markers.
• The locations of the markers are then used to calculate the distance between the tips of the first and second measuring arms.
• This method provides a convenient and accurate way to measure dimensions using a mobile device and a caliper.

Abstract

Systems and methods for determining a dimension of a component are disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more images, one or more videos, or a combination thereof of a caliper having a plurality of markers. The one or more images, the one or more videos, or a combination thereof are captured by one or more image sensors of a mobile device. The plurality of markers includes a respective marker on each of a first measuring arm, a second measuring arm, and a pivot point of the caliper. A processing, via one or more processors, of the one or more images, the one or more videos, or a combination thereof of the caliper with the plurality of markers to determine locations of the plurality of markers. A processing, via the one or more processors, of the locations of the plurality of markers to determine a distance between a first tip of the first measuring arm and a second tip of the second measuring arm.

CONTROLLING PEMFC STACK FLOODING (17804117)

Main Inventor

David GINTER

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a system for detecting the humidity level at the cathode of a fuel cell stack and determining the probability of flooding based on this humidity level. The system includes a stack of PEMFCs (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells), each with an exhaust, voltage detector, humidity detector, and controller.

• The system measures the voltage at the anode of the PEMFCs and determines the humidity level at the exhaust.
• Based on the voltage and humidity level, the controller takes actions to prevent flooding of the fuel cell stack.
• These actions may include reducing the load on the PEMFC, increasing the air flow at the cathode, decreasing the inlet humidity, or increasing the temperature of the PEMFCs.

Abstract

A system for detecting humidity level at a cathode of a fuel cell stack including one or more PEMFCs and determining a flooding probability of the stack based on the humidity level, includes a stack including a plurality of PEMFCs, each PEMFC including an exhaust; voltage detector; humidity detector; and controller. The controller may be configured to: receive a voltage as measured at an anode of one or more of the PEMFCs with the voltage detector; determine a humidity level at the exhaust of the one or more of the PEMFCs; and implement one or more actions based on the voltage and the humidity level, the actions including: reduce a load on the PEMFC; increase an air flow at a cathode of the one or more PEMFCs; decrease an inlet humidity at an inlet to the one or more PEMFCs; or increase a temperature of the one or more PEMFCs.

CONTROLLER SIGNALING OF FLEXIBLE EVENT INDICATOR ANNUNCIATION (17664995)

Main Inventor

Josenia Yuen-Sai GERDES

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a system where a controller receives event information for various events in the system.

• The event information includes flexible event indicator annunciation information for each event.
• The controller configures the event information for the events.
• The controller then sends an event information message to a display device.
• The event information message includes the flexible event indicator annunciation information for a specific event.
• The display device will show the annunciation information when that event is active.

Abstract

In some implementations, a controller may receive event information associated with one or more events associated with the system, wherein the event information indicates flexible event indicator annunciation information for respective events of the one or more events. The controller may configure the event information for the one or more events. The controller may transmit, to a display device, an event information message, associated with an event of the one or more events, that includes flexible event indicator annunciation information, associated with the event, to be displayed by the display device when the event is active.