Richard P Laird

US Patent:

6536402, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

May 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/848405

Inventors:

Thomas J. Houchin - Peoria IL
Richard P. Laird - Lafayette IN
Kevin A. Lantz - Peoria IL
David E. Redfield - Marquette Heights IL
Christopher J. Wichael - Dunlap IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F02B 7700

US Classification:

123198D, 123198 DB, 701 84, 701104, 417212

Abstract:

An engine control system, dredging system, and a method for controlling torque output of an engine. An engine control system controls torque output of an engine. At least one sensor is coupled with the engine. The sensor monitors and transmits operating data of the engine. An electronic device coupled to the sensor is operable to control the engine as a function of the transmitted operating data. The engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at a predetermined torque limit over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine. Alternatively, the engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at, and between predetermined upper and lower torque limits over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine.

US Patent:

40671160, Jan 10, 1978

Filed:

Dec 26, 1973

Appl. No.:

5/428407

Inventors:

Alex M. Bryner - Menlo Park CA
Richard P. Laird - Peoria IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Tractor Co. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G01B 356
G01C 928

US Classification:

33343

Abstract:

A hand operable device for conveniently determining geometric pitch of propellers. The device includes a level indicating device and a support means therefor. The support means has pressure surfaces engaging protrusions disposed thereon in a plane oblique to the axis of the level indicating device. The configuration is such that the axis of the level indicating device will lie in a horizontal plane only when the propeller pressure surface engaging protrusions are disposed upon a pressure surface of the propeller at a given distance from the axis of rotation thereof. Upon measurement of the distance from the axis of rotation of the propeller to the level indicating device, one may readily calculate the geometric pitch of the propeller by multiplying such distance by a constant characteristic value of the device.

US Patent:

39304132, Jan 6, 1976

Filed:

Aug 27, 1973

Appl. No.:

5/391859

Inventors:

Richard P. Laird - Peoria IL
William M. Sills - Peoria IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Tractor Co. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G01N 110

US Classification:

73421B

Abstract:

A fitting is associated with a closed fluid system for allowing testing by means of a probe, meanwhile insuring the system is maintained in a closed condition. Such fitting has a resilient rubber member one side of which is exposed to the fluid in the system, and the other side of which is exposed to outside the system. The rubber member defines a passage from one side to the other which is held closed by the rubber member mounting means, which compress the rubber member to so close the passage. A testing probe may be pushed into and through this passage, to be exposed to the fluid in the system. The resilient member is in sealing contact with the probe when it is so introduced, and upon removal of the probe, the passage again closes, insuring that the system is continuously in a closed condition.

US Patent:

48954489, Jan 23, 1990

Filed:

Jan 13, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/143512

Inventors:

Richard P. Laird - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G01B 1124

US Classification:

356376

Abstract:

A method for determining the surface quality of an object includes the steps of providing an object having a surface and projecting a series of spaced parallel lines onto the surface of the object from a first axis. The pattern formed by the lines on the object surface is viewed and any non-uniformlty of the object's surface is ascertained by observing a variation of the line spacing on the object's surface.