Caterpillar Inc.

Jin Suzuki

Thomas E Oertley

Conrad G Grembowicz

David Randal Hinton

Daniel L Mikrut

Dennis R Shookman

Julie A Gannon

A life indicator for a component of a machine is disclosed. The life indicator includes at least one sensor operably associated with the machine and configured to sense a property associated with the machine. The sensor is configured to output the sensed property as a data signal. The life indicator also includes a memory element having a first data structure that determines a damage factor for the component of the machine based at least in part on the data signal received from the at least one sensor. A processor executes the first data structure to determine the damage factor.

Component life indicator

A method and apparatus for determining a tension of a track on an earthworking machine, the track having a front catenary portion and a rear catenary portion. The method and apparatus includes determining a direction of motion of the earthworking machine, determining a value of tension of the front catenary portion in response to determining the direction of motion of the earthworking machine to be in a forward direction, and determining a value of tension of the rear catenary portion in response to determining the direction of motion of the earthworking machine to be in a reverse direction.

Method and apparatus for determining a slack-side tension of a track on an earthworking machine

Growing community of inventors

Manchester, CT, United States of America

Jin Suzuki