Caterpillar Inc.

Timothy A Vik

Jeffry Neil Sundermeyer

Ryan Allgaier

Burton Roland Clarke

Stephen J Morey

Daniel Kimsey Dunn, Iii

Jeffrey Dale Baskett

Hiroko Kyuba

Byron Edwin Truax

Nitin R Patel

Don Sit

Quentin D Burt

Aaron Robert Shatters

Donovan Stuart Clarke

Sameer S Marathe

Brian C Howson

Jeffrey Paul Nash

Arick Matthew Bakken

William H Zimmerman

James A Forck

Todd Edwin Moser

Mark J Roeder

Richard D Johnston

Cameron D Jensen

Jonathan W Rothwell

Daniel J Lingenfelser

Andrea R Vernagus

Michael A Mahn

Charles E Beals

A mechanical machine can include one or more kinematic linkages having kinematic joints that movably couple first and second rigid links and can include an automatic lubrication system to lubricate the kinematic joints. In an aspect, the automatic lubrication system is configured to monitor operational aspects of the machine such as machine operational data and geometric position and to dynamically determine timing and/or quantity of lubricant to direct and introduce to the kinematic joints.

Automatic lubrication system for kinematic linkage

A cylinder protection device for a cylinder of a machine includes a cylindrical body. The cylinder protection device includes a first portion having a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are disposed between a first end and a second end of the first portion. The first and second surfaces are inclined relative to each other. Further, the first and second surfaces intersect at a first upper edge of the first portion. The cylinder protection device also includes a second portion disposed on the cylindrical body and connected to the second end of the first portion. The second portion includes a third surface and a fourth surface inclined relative to each other. Further, the third and fourth surfaces intersect at a second upper edge of the second portion. The second upper edge is inclined relative to the first upper edge of the first portion.

Cylinder protection device

A method for enhancing payload control is disclosed. The method includes removing material during a plurality of work cycles with at least one loading machine and associating the loading machine relative to at least one haulage machine. The method also includes determining the relative locations of the loading machine and the haulage machine and, during the plurality of work cycles, loading removed material into the haulage machine with the loading machine. The method also includes determining payload and payload distribution within the haulage machine at least before a last work cycle of the plurality of work cycles and communicating to the loading machine, via a machine-to-machine communication system, the amount and position within the haulage machine of additional payload desired in at least the last work cycle of the plurality of work cycles for desired payload and payload distribution.

Machine to-machine communication system for payload control

A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating machine is disclosed. The method includes determining at least one cycle characteristic for an operating cycle of the excavating machine. The method also includes measuring payload accumulated by the machine during a loading phase of an operating cycle of the excavating machine. The method further includes controlling payload accumulated by the machine based on at least one of the at least one determined cycle characteristics.

Wheel tractor scraper production optimization

A performance management system for use a plurality of machines operating at a common worksite is disclosed. The performance management system may have at least one data acquisition module configured to monitor performance of the plurality of machines, and a controller in communication with the at least one data acquisition module. The controller may be configured to collect machine performance data from the at least one data acquisition module, and detect a performance irregularity based on the collected machine performance data. The controller may be further configured to analyze the collected machine performance data, and determine which of a machine condition, an operator condition, and a site condition is the predominant cause of the performance irregularity based on the comparison.

Performance management system for multi-machine worksite

A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation is disclosed. The method includes establishing a machine-to-machine communication system for a fleet of machines, including at least two machines. The method also includes removing material during the excavating operation with at least a first machine of the fleet of machines. The method additionally includes operating a second machine of the fleet of machines in a mode involving contact between at least the first machine and the second machine. The method further includes employing the machine-to-machine communication system to effect controlled contact between at least the first machine and the second machine.

Excavating system utilizing machine-to-machine communication

A method of determining a machine for operating at an actual site includes establishing a three-dimensional geographical model representing the actual site, determining at least one operation characteristic relating to the operation of each of a set of machines in relation to the model, and predicting at least one performance characteristic for each machine based on the at least one operation characteristic and at least one respective characteristic of the different machines. The method further includes comparing the predicted performance characteristics for the different machines, and determining a target machine based on the comparison.

Method of determining a machine operation using virtual imaging

Methods and systems for constructing a load history database for a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include detecting a measurable parameter on the structure utilizing a sensor positioned on the structure and determining a value of external loads acting upon the structure based on the detected parameter. Further, the method may include evaluating the value of the external loads against a pre-established factor. Based on the evaluation, the value of the external loads are selectively stored in the load history database.

Systems and methods for maintaining load histories

A monitoring system is provided, which may include a structural component configured to undergo mechanical loading and a wireless node attached to the structural component. The node may include a strain sensing device configured to measure strain experienced by the structural component at the location of the node. The node may also include a processor configured to predict, based on the strain measurements, fatigue life of the structural component.

Monitoring system

A method for analyzing the use of a work machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a computer with a neural network on the work machine. Further, the method may include inputting data to the computer, at least a portion of the data associated with a load experienced by one of the components of the work machine. The neural network, when executed by the computer may then classify a current operation of the work machine into one of a plurality of types of operations.

Classifying a work machine operation

A strain sensing device is provided, which may include a hollow, cylindrical member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have an outer diameter corresponding approximately in size to an inner diameter of an inner surface of a cylindrical bore of a structural component configured to undergo mechanical loading. The hollow, cylindrical member may be configured to mate to the inner surface of the cylindrical bore of the structural component such that strain in the structural component is translated into strain in the hollow, cylindrical member. The strain sensing device may also include one or more strain sensing elements attached to the inner surface of the hollow, cylindrical member and configured to detect strain exhibited by the hollow, cylindrical member.

Strain sensing device

A method and method of estimating fatigue life of a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include determining strain on the structure using a plurality of gauges positioned on the structure. The method may also include detecting a parameter of the structure with a plurality of sensors positioned on the structure. Further, the method includes converting the detected parameter and the determined strain to proportional loads acting on the structure and transforming the proportional loads to coordinate system data associated with the structure. Based on the coordinate system data, the fatigue life of the structure may be estimated.

Systems and methods for determining fatigue life

Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0&#xb0; and 90&#xb0;. The geometry of at least one of the shoulder of the tab and the perimetric inner surface defining the slot can increase the fatigue resistance of the welded slot and tab joint.

Fatigue resistant slot and tab design

A ripper carriage assembly has a transverse cross beam fixedly mounted at a central portion of the cross beam to a ripper implement support structure. The distal ends of arms extending outwardly from the central portion of the transverse cross beam are adapted for pivotal connection to a pitch control mechanism. Stress relief notches are formed in the transverse cross beam at a position between the distal ends of the arms and the central rigidly mounted portion of the beam. Energy generated as a. result of the ripper tip twisting upon impact with rock or other solid objects in hardened ground is stored in the transverse cross beam, and subsequently returned to the ripper tip to bring the tip into a desired operational orientation.

Energy storage ripping device

Past pin joint assemblies attaching a lift arm to a construction machine have utilized grease lubricated pins. Deflection of the pins during operation caused damage to both the pin and surrounding structure. Additionally, the use of grease requires daily lubrication schedules. The present invention overcomes these and other problems by providing an oil sealed pin joint assembly which virtual eliminates daily lubrication needs. A pin is utilized with a variable profile including first and second end portions which diverge inwardly from a first predetermined diameter and terminate at a second predetermined diameter. The second diameter is in substantial axial alignment with a contact surface of a first and second collar with first and second bearing assemblies, respectively. The pin diverges outwardly from the second diameter and terminates at a third predetermined diameter. A plurality of radii blendingly interconnect the first, second and third diameters. During operation, the pin deflects and the relative location and size of the diameters and radii promotes a uniform distribution of forces across the pin and into the surrounding structure. Uniform distribution of pin forces cause less damage to the pin and surrounding structure.

Growing community of inventors

Sparland, IL, United States of America

Timothy A Vik