Caterpillar Inc.

Brigham Young University

David C Copley

Scott D Sommerfeldt

Benjamin Mahonri Faber

James John Callas

Kevin L Martin

Brad Robert Van De Veer

Norval P Thomson

Anthony C Rodman

Yung T Bui

Daniel E Zimmermann

Steven Edward Johnson

Eric Wade Cler

Umakanth Sakaray

Jim K Carroll

Michael Sean McDaniel

Michael Lynn Johnson

Dustin Irvin Landwehr

Michael A Weber

Emile E Damotte

Timothy Josiah Lee

Rakesh Chandran Ramachandran

Samantha Sergott

Mark Howlett

Kristian M Stoeckel

Curtis Lynn Garner

Jonathan Daren Blotter

A system comprises error microphones disposed in a predetermined pattern to capture audio signals including speech and one or more reference sensors to capture a reference noise signal from a noise source. A portion of the reference noise signal is removed from the captured audio signals to generate partially processed audio signals, which are paired to form signal pairs. For each signal pair, a modified cross-correlation vector, with effects of low frequency contents removed, is generated, then converted to a rotated angular domain cross-correlation vector based in part on a physical angle associated with locations of an associated pair of error microphones. The rotated angular domain cross-correlation vectors are summed, and a weighting vector is applied to the sum to identify direction information of a desired audio signal associated with the speech. The directional information is utilized to beamform the partially processed audio signals and output the desired audio signal.

Detection of audio communication signals present in a high noise environment

A method for assisting an operator in operating a machine. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a selection of a task of a plurality of tasks, each task associated with a corresponding movement pattern of the machine; sensing, by a sensor unit, at least one condition of at least one component of the machine associated with the selected task; and determining, by the controller, whether the condition is within a predetermined set of parameters associated with the selected task. In response to determining that the condition is not within the predetermined set of parameters, the method further includes generating, by the controller, an audible or a haptic signal associated with at least one of the condition or the at least one component.

Method for assisting or training operators to operate machines

A reduction device includes a housing defining an input chamber configured to receive exhaust from a power source, an output chamber, an exhaust channel configured to direct the exhaust from the input chamber to the output chamber, and a longitudinal axis. The reduction device also includes a treatment unit disposed in the exhaust channel and along the longitudinal axis. The treatment unit is configured to at least partly remove pollutant species from the exhaust. The reduction device also includes an attenuation component disposed in the housing and radially outward of the treatment unit. The attenuation component is fluidly connected to the exhaust channel, and is configured to attenuate a range of frequencies corresponding to operation of the power source. Additionally, the exhaust channel prohibits exhaust entering the input chamber from exiting the housing without passing through the treatment unit.

Noise attenuation components

A distributed cooling system is disclosed. The system may include a first radiator to circulate a liquid coolant through the first radiator to cool the liquid coolant, a first fan, electrically connected to the first radiator, to facilitate cooling the liquid coolant, and a first temperature sensor to obtain first temperature data concerning the liquid coolant. The system may include a second radiator to circulate an oil through the second radiator to cool the oil, a second fan, electrically connected to the second radiator, to facilitate cooling the oil, and a second temperature sensor to obtain second temperature data concerning the oil. The system may include a heat exchanger to cool the liquid coolant and the oil and a controller, electrically connected to the first fan, the first temperature sensor, the second fan, and the second temperature sensor, to control the first fan and the second fan.

Distributed cooling system for a work machine

A method for measuring performance of a noise cancellation system that is operable to cancel noise is provided. The method includes generating a first model of a target noise. The first model represents the target noise in a form that is received at a location remote from a noise source of the target noise and within a defined environment. The method also includes generating a second model of a cancellation noise. The cancellation noise is configured to at least partially cancel the target noise when combined with the target noise. The second model represents the cancellation noise in a form that is received at the location. The method also includes determining, using the first model and the second model, a cancellation error value indicative of only a portion of the target noise that remains when the target noise and the cancellation noise are combined. The method also includes transmitting the determined cancellation error value to a module operable to monitor a performance level of the noise cancellation system.

Methods and systems for measuring performance of a noise cancellation system

A method for detecting failure in a noise cancellation system is provided. The noise cancellation system is operable to at least partially cancel an unwanted noise produced by a noise source. The method includes receiving a cancellation noise signal from the noise cancellation system. The cancellation noise signal represents a cancellation noise that, when combined with a target noise, is operable to at least partially cancel the target noise. The method also includes receiving an error signal approximately representing a portion of the target noise that remains after the cancellation noise and the target noise are combined. The method also includes determining whether the signal level changed or remains unchanged for each of the received cancellation noise signal and the error signal. The method also includes assigning a failure state of the noise cancellation system based on the determination and initiating a remedial measure that corresponds with the assigned failure state.

Methods and systems for controlling noise cancellation

A method for controlling a noise cancellation system having an adaptive control portion is provided. The noise cancellation system is operable to generate a cancellation noise configured to at least partially cancel an unwanted noise in a defined environment. The adaptive control portion is operable to adjust the operation of the noise cancellation system based on a level of unwanted noise that remains when the cancellation noise and the unwanted noise are combined. The method includes receiving an error signal representing a portion of a noise not cancelled by a cancellation noise, where the cancellation noise is generated from the noise cancellation system. The method also includes determining whether the level of the error signal exceeds a first threshold value for a first predetermined period of time. The method also includes calculating a crest factor using the error signal. The method also includes determining whether the crest factor exceeds a second threshold value. The method also includes deactivating the adaptive control system and continuing to operate the noise cancellation system if the error value exceeds the first threshold value for the predetermined period of time and the crest factor exceeds the second threshold value.

Methods and systems for determining the effectiveness of active noise cancellation

A machine is provided having an engine system wherein at least one engine system component with an acoustic reflective surface is surrounded by a jacket configured to absorb sound from at least one sound producing device of the engine system. The jacket includes a sound absorbing material such as fibrous thermal insulation and an acoustic permeable covering between the acoustic reflective surface and the engine compartment of the machine. The acoustic permeable covering of the jacket may comprise a micro-perforated skin, whereby acoustic energy from the at least one sound producing device of the engine system can enter a volume defined by the jacket wherein it is absorbed by the sound absorbing material. A method of operating an engine system includes dissipating engine sound within a jacket surrounding an engine system component, the jacket including an acoustic permeable covering and a sound absorbing material positioned within the covering. An exhaust aftertreatment element may by thermally insulated with the jacket.

Sound suppression device for internal combustion engine system

A method and apparatus for providing an audible alarm signal. The method and apparatus includes creating a rectangular pulse signal having a desired period and a desired first amplitude, adding a shaped modulation component to the rectangular pulse signal from the desired first amplitude to a desired second amplitude to create a modulating waveform, creating a carrier signal, and combining the carrier signal and the modulating waveform to create the audible alarm signal.

Shaped modulation audible alarm

A noise suppression louver for an enclosure, in particular, an apparatus for suppressing sound at the openings which allow air to enter or exit an internal combustion engine enclosure. The louver comprises a matrix of intersecting horizontal and vertical passive sound absorptive slats.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

David C Copley