Caterpillar Inc.

Matthew Michael Tinker

Jeffrey Kent Berry

Aaron Robert Shatters

Timothy A Lorentz

Bradley John Will

Mathew D Guldan

Austin J Scott

Chintan Govindbhai Kothari

Michael Allen Taylor

Mo Wei

Thandava Krishna Edara

Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr

Michael D Anderson

Eric Wade Cler

Timothy Joe Felty

Christopher Lewis Wynkoop

John Thomas Reedy

Sairam Gopalan Velamakanni

Abhishek Awana

Randy T Anderson

Guillaume Raffin

Don B Benckendorf

Timothy Alan Lorentz

A method for retrofitting a plurality of position sensors on a machine includes installing the plurality of position sensors on the machine, wherein the position sensors include at least two inertial measurement units (IMUs). The method further includes calibrating orientation of the IMUs, obtaining measurements from the IMUs, determining relative differences between the measurements obtained from the IMUs, and processing the relative differences using a Kalman filter procedure to determine positional data of the machine.

Systems and methods for implement position measurement

A system for controlling an earth moving machine may comprise: a speed sensor configured to communicate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the machine; an operator bucket lift command input configured to communicate an operator-input bucket lift command; and a controller configured to: receive the speed signal and the operator-input bucket lift command; determine a torque of the machine; using the speed signal and the determined torque, determine a controller-generated bucket lift command; and provide a bucket lift command which is the larger of the operator-input bucket lift command and the controller-generated bucket lift command.

Automatic dig assistance system for a machine

A method for controlling an engagement of a lock-up clutch (LUC) of a torque converter of a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting a pedal tap of a pedal, wherein the pedal tap is detected when the pedal is depressed from a position corresponding to a pedal displacement less than a first threshold displacement to a position corresponding to a pedal displacement greater than a second threshold displacement, and then released to a position corresponding to a pedal displacement less than the first threshold displacement within a threshold time duration. The method further includes causing the LUC to move to the LUC unlocked position if the pedal tap is detected.

Retarding system and lock-up clutch engagement control

In order to reduce drivetrain component wear and tear, a machine monitors for an impending downshift and automatically slows the machine to a speed that keeps engine rpm below a target engine rpm before the downshift is completed. A controller in the machine determines the current speed of the machine and then slows the machine to a new speed associated with the target rpm in the new gear. The controller may simply apply the brakes to slow the machine to the new speed independently of the process of changing gears or may actively delay the gear change until the new speed is achieved.

High speed downshift management

A transmission system is disclosed for use with a machine. The transmission system may have a first clutch configured to transfer power in a first direction, a second clutch configured to transfer power in a second direction, a brake, and an interface device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a desire to shift power transfer directions. The transmission system may also have a controller configured to cause disengagement of the first clutch in response to the first signal, to cause the brake to apply a retarding torque to a traction device, and to determine an amount of the retarding torque being applied to the traction device. The controller may also be configured to selectively transfer the retarding torque to the second clutch when a capacity of the second clutch to provide retarding torque is about equal to the amount of the retarding torque being applied by the brake.

Transmission system implementing automated directional shift braking

A transmission system is disclosed for use with a machine. The transmission system may have a first clutch to transfer power in a first direction, a second clutch to transfer power in a second direction, a brake, a sensor to generate a first signal indicative of speed, and an input device to generate a second signal indicative of a desire to shift directions. The transmission system may also have a controller to cause disengagement of the first directional clutch in response to the second signal, and to cause the brake to apply retarding torque. The controller may also be configured to determine an error value based on the second signal and a target transmission system speed, to selectively increase retarding torque when the error value increases, and to selectively transfer retarding torque to the second directional clutch when a value of the second signal is less than a threshold value.

An engine control system is provided where the engine control system includes a torque converter, an engine connected to the torque converter, a transmission connected to the torque converter, a lock-up clutch housed in the torque converter wherein the lock-up clutch is configured to mechanically connect the engine and the transmission when the lock-up clutch is engaged, an engine speed sensor configured to obtain a prior engine speed which is measured prior to engagement of the lock-up clutch, a transmission speed sensor configured to obtain a prior transmission speed which is measured prior to the engagement of the lock-up clutch, and an engine control module configured to determine a desired engine speed at a speed lower than the prior engine speed and adjust a speed of the engine to the desired engine speed just prior to the movement of the lock-up clutch for the engagement or as the lock-up clutch moves toward the engagement.

Lock up clutch controls&#x2014;high idle set point

A system for determining a cut location at a work surface includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores a final design plane of the work surface and determines an actual profile of the work surface. A plurality of target profiles extending along a path are determined, each corresponding to a cut location. The target profiles are based at least in part upon the cut location, a loading profile, slot parameters, and the actual profile of the work surface. The controller is further configured to determine a lowest cost target profile and the lowest cost target profile defines an optimized cut location. A method is also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Matthew Michael Tinker