Richard P Ingram

US Patent:

6718246, Apr 6, 2004

Filed:

Apr 24, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/131392

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Aurora IL
Richard G. Ingram - Saint Charles IL
Satish Kale - Lemont IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G06F 700

US Classification:

701 50, 701207, 34235717

Abstract:

A work machine is often used to spread material from an initial location across a wider area. It is desirable to raise and lower a work implement of the work machine such that the material can be quickly and easily spread to a uniform or otherwise desirable thickness. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of automatically controlling the position of the work implement. The automatic implement control system of the present invention lowers and raises the work implement based on at least one of a directional characteristic of the work machine and a position of an operator input device. The work implement is then automatically lowered or raised to the desired position to facilitate an efficient work cycle for spreading material.

US Patent:

58732446, Feb 23, 1999

Filed:

Nov 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/976152

Inventors:

Michael A. Cobo - Saint Charles IL
Richard G. Ingram - Saint Charles IL
Eric A. Reiners - Saint Charles IL
Matthew F. Vande Wiele - Peoria IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F16D 3102

US Classification:

60422

Abstract:

A positive flow control system is provided that uses open-centered control valves in a series connection to provide priority between different fluid circuits and to provide requested flow regardless of the load pressure while minimizing unused or wasted flow. This is accomplished by providing a restriction in the last open-centered control valve to controllably restrict the flow therethrough when the valve is in its neutral position and having the source of pressurized fluid at a minimum displacement position that substantially matches the rate of flow across the restriction. A controller controls the displacement of the source of pressurized fluid and the displacement of the respective open-centered control valves in proportional to the respective input commands. Initial movement of the last open-centered control valve closes off the restricted flow thereacross to the reservoir prior to the source of pressurized fluid being communicated to the associated actuator. The subject system provides priority control and an effective control of wasted fluid while providing the needed flow rate regardless of the load without needing a special control arrangement for priority or separate bypass valve to control wasted flow.

US Patent:

20080183356, Jul 31, 2008

Filed:

Jan 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/700191

Inventors:

Satish L. Kale - Lemont IL, US
Richard G. Ingram - St. Charles IL, US

International Classification:

E02F 9/20
E02F 3/84
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

701 50, 172 1, 172 7

Abstract:

A control system for a mobile excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a ground engaging work tool, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense a parameter indicative of a current travel speed of the mobile excavation machine and generate a speed signal in response thereto. The controller may be in communication with the ground engaging work tool and the sensor, and configured to receive the signal. The controller may also be configured to determine an amount of material currently being moved by the work tool and calculate a current productivity value associated with removal of the material based on the speed signal and the determined amount of material currently being moved. The controller may be further configured to control the ground engaging work tool to vary the amount of material currently being moved in response to the current productivity value.