Caterpillar Inc.

Evatran Group, Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Plugless Power, Inc.

James Brian Normann

Thomas Gattan Stout, Ii

Christopher Ryan Yahnker

Steven Raedy

Paul Anthony Dvorak

Michael Scott Sekulich

Gabriel G Khairallah

Michael A Pepe

Alessandro Magliulo

A first inductive element including a plurality of first subcoils, each first subcoil characterized at least in part by a geometry that comprises a winding direction and a physical size is provided. The plurality of first subcoils are in electrical communication with each other, and the geometry of each first subcoil is selected to reduce a variation in an inductive coupling between the first inductive element and a second inductive element when a gap between the first inductive element and the second inductive element varies. A method of inductive alignment using the above system is also provided.

Inductive coupling gap compensation

A method for controlling stray electromagnetic fields for a vehicle with an inductive charging system and a method for providing feedback to a vehicle operator for an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a vehicle mounted secondary coil. The methods provide sensors to detect the relative positions of the primary coil and secondary coil by determining voltages induced in the alignment coils by a magnetic field generated by the primary coil. The methods include providing feedback to the vehicle operator to guide the alignment of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil and directing the vehicle operator to position the secondary coil within an alignment zone so as to control stray electromagnetic fields.

Method and apparatus for controlling stray electromagnetic fields and providing operator feedback when aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system

A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.

Method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system

A method is provided of operating a work machine having at least one work tool. The method includes sensing at least one operational characteristic of the work machine indicative of an application of the work tool. The operation of the work machine is altered in response to a new application of the work tool.

Machine operating system and method

An implement and method of assembly, wherein the implement comprises a housing having a first-side portion and a second-side portion, at least one element having a weight, the element being attached to the second-side portion of the housing and the weight of the element creating a moment arm, a shaft positioned between the first-side portion and second-side portion of the housing and operably coupled to at least one of the element, and a counterweight attached to the first-side portion of the housing, the counterweight offsetting the moment arm created by the weight of the element.

Landscape tiller

In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.

Growing community of inventors

Holly Springs, NC, United States of America

James Brian Normann