Kenneth Lewis Stratton

US Patent:

20160040388, Feb 11, 2016

Filed:

Aug 6, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/453271

Inventors:

- Peoria IL, US
Michael A. Taylor - Swissvale PA, US
Kenneth L. Stratton - Dunlap IL, US

Assignee:

CATERPILLAR INC. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

E02F 3/84
E02F 9/20

Abstract:

A computer-implemented method for determining a cleanup pass profile for a machine implement is provided. The method may include identifying a pass target extending from a first end to a second end along a work surface, determining a plurality of primitives of a cleanup pass profile extending between the first end and the second end where each primitive may be defined based at least partially on volume constraints, determining a cost value associated with moving the machine implement along the cleanup pass profile based on an optimization cost function, and adjusting the volume constraints associated with one or more of the primitives to minimize the cost value.

US Patent:

20140180444, Jun 26, 2014

Filed:

Dec 20, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/722445

Inventors:

- Peoria IL, US
Michael Taylor - Swissvale PA, US
Timothy Felty - East Peoria IL, US
Mo Wei - Dunlap IL, US
Kenneth L. Stratton - Dunlap IL, US
Jean-Jacques Clar - Edelstein IL, US

Assignee:

CATERPILLAR INC. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G05B 11/01

US Classification:

700 56

Abstract:

A system for modifying a path of operation of a machine includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores the path of operation, receives a plurality of position signals as the work implement moves material along the path of operation, and determines the position of the work surface. The controller further determines an amount of material moved based at least in part upon the position of the work surface and modifies parameters used to determine a subsequent path of operation if the amount of material moved exceeds a predetermined amount.

US Patent:

20140180547, Jun 26, 2014

Filed:

Dec 20, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/722322

Inventors:

- Peoria IL, US
Michael Taylor - Swissvale PA, US
Timothy Felty - East Peoria IL, US
Mo Wei - Dunlap IL, US
Kenneth L. Stratton - Dunlap IL, US
Troy K. Becicka - Sahuarita AZ, US

Assignee:

CATERPILLAR INC. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G05D 1/02

US Classification:

701 50

Abstract:

A system for determining material characteristics of a material of a work surface includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores a first estimate of the material characteristics and utilizes a planning system to determine an expected profile. The expected profile is based at least in part upon the first estimate of the material characteristics. The controller determines an actual profile of the work surface, compares the expected profile to the actual profile, and determines a second estimate of the material characteristics based at least in part upon the difference between the expected profile and the actual profile.