Patents Represented by Attorney Charles E. Lanchantin, Jr.

Find this attorney in the Justia Lawyer Directory

  • Gear pump having fluid deaeration capability
    Patent number: 4355964
    Abstract: A gear pump (10) is disclosed having a housing (12) defining first and second gear cavities (38,40) and inlet and outlet ports (42,44). A pair of intermeshing gears (20,22) having a plurality of teeth (32) and teeth roots (36) are positioned in the cavities. A pair of bleed slots (50) are provided for directly communicating with the gear tooth roots and permitting entrained air and fluid thereat to be delivered away from the inlet and outlet ports. Advantageously, the bleed slots are located generally adjacent the breakaway points (46) of the respective cavities, and a pair of charging slots (62) are provided for communicating pressure from the outlet port with the gear teeth and encouraging movement of entrained air radially inwardly toward the bleed slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Scott A. Rodibaugh, Delwin E. Cobb
  • Method of making a low temperature bainite steel alloy gear
    Patent number: 4343661
    Abstract: A method of making a low temperature bainite steel alloy gear includes forming a toothed gear having preferably preselected weight percentages of carbon, manganese, silicon, molybdenum, boron and the balance substantially iron, heating the gear to assure a substantially complete austenite morphology, quenching the gear toward a preselected temperature and avoiding transformation, and then holding the gear at the preselected temperature less than about two hours and transforming the austenite directly to substantially complete lower temperature bainite. Energy is saved by the short holding time and the usual further processing of the gear is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Stuart L. Rice
  • Method of electrostatically coating an article with paint
    Patent number: 4341815
    Abstract: A method of electrostatically coating an article (35) with paint includes projecting the paint from a gun nozzle (33) in a plurality of atomized particles, establishing an electric field (32) between an electrode (29) and the nozzle (33) sufficient for imparting an electric charge of one polarity to the particles at the nozzle (33), and establishing a zone of ions (80) in the pathway of the particles for neutralizing and reversing the polarity of a portion of the charged particles eminating from the nozzle (33). The plurality of diversely charged particles are attracted to the electrically charged article (35) along different individual paths in order to more uniformly paint irregular surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bagby, Gary L. Demeny, Robert G. Smead
  • Method of connecting a tube to a flange
    Patent number: 4339866
    Abstract: A method of connecting a tube (12) to a flange (120) is disclosed including placing the tube between first and second portions (14,16) of a holding apparatus (10), closing the portions and gripping the tube securely between the portions by operation of a first powered actuator (24), positioning a force-transmitting apparatus (20) including a punch (22) into axial alignment with the tube and flange, and forcing the punch axially into the tube and expanding the tube radially outwardly into interlocking engagement with the flange by operation of a second powered actuator (26) of the force-transmitting apparatus. The portions (14,16) are preferably pivotally closed to securely grip the tube, and the force-transmitting apparatus (20) is preferably an intergrated part of a computer controlled industrial robot (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Edward R. Horton, John L. Hughes
  • Method of cryogenically hardening an insert in an article
    Patent number: 4336077
    Abstract: A method of cryogenically hardening and expanding an insert in an article is disclosed. Particularly, gray iron piston ring insert (14) having an austenitic matrix is treated in a piston body (12) by impinging a cryogenic medium thereon. This changes the matrix microstructure of the insert to at least about 25 Vol. % martensite and desirably increases the hardness level thereof to at least about 95 on the Rockwell "B" scale in the desired regions thereof. The volume of the insert is also expanded to be more securely received in the piston body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: J. Michael Leach, Walter L. Harvey
  • Nucleonic gauge for determining lubricant level in a joint and method
    Patent number: 4321469
    Abstract: A nucleonic gauge (10) is disclosed for effectively assessing the amount of lubricating fluid in a hinge joint (12) having an elongate reservoir (23) without disassembly of the joint. The gauge includes a disc-type radiation source (54) at one end of the joint for emitting radiation cooperatively with respect to the lubricant reservoir and providing a substantially collimated beam pattern (60), and a detector element (64) in the path of the pattern at the other end of the joint for measuring the radiation activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: William P. Evans, Jan C. Kline
  • Gas cushion apparatus
    Patent number: 4314711
    Abstract: A gas cushion apparatus (10) includes first, second and third members (14,16,21) and with the first and second members (14,16) being connected together, and constructed such that the second member (16) is capable of being excited by vibration of the first member (14). A cushion device (20) controllably distributes a gas between the second member (16) and one of the first and third members at a preselected region (80) and reduces the transmission of vibratory forces from the second member (16) into one of the first and third member (14,21). The apparatus is particularly applicable to supporting a fender on a wheeled vehicle and minimizing noise transmission to an operator's compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Gail F. Westendorf
  • Liquid-filled radial seal
    Patent number: 4300775
    Abstract: A liquid-filled radial seal (12) includes an annular seal portion (36) and an annular body portion (34) connected thereto and defining an internal chamber (44) with an incompressible liquid (56) therein. The seal portion (36) has a sealing surface (64) and a cross sectional configuration tapering divergingly away from the sealing surface (64) to a cylindrical reference boundary (38) located between the portions (34,36). The chamber is spaced radially away from the reference boundary (38) and the free radial distance between the chamber (44) and the sealing surface (64) is preferably a preselected proportion of the overall radial height of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Reginald K. Ringel
  • Closed apparatus for coating the interior of a tank
    Patent number: 4289091
    Abstract: A closed apparatus (10) and method for coating the interior of a tank (12) includes a plurality of interconnected conduits (36, 40, 60, 178), valves (34, 58) and a pump (62) for supplying a coating solution to the tank and draining the tank while containing deleterious fumes. Another plurality of conduits (66, 42), valve (64), and a pump (68) can work therewith to supply a hot curing solution to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Hubert H. Warner
  • Keeper assembly
    Patent number: 4288172
    Abstract: A keeper assembly (10) includes an arcuate keeper member (46) having a pair of planar side surfaces (56,58) and a preselected U-shaped configuration in cross section adapted to be seated in a correspondingly profiled annular groove (64) in a first member (16) having a central axis (18). A second member (32) having a force transmitting surface (76) transverse to the axis (18) loads the keeper member (46) and the force is transferred into the first member (16). The keeper assembly (10) can be used in an endless chain joint (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Paul L. Wright
  • Brake assembly for a vehicle
    Patent number: 4278151
    Abstract: A brake assembly for independently braking a pair of rotatably mounted spaced members (78,86) includes a main body (110) having a plate (112) and a C-shaped body portion (116) having first and second pluralities of bores (118,120) and first and second pluralities of pistons (122,124) in the bores. First and second C-shaped movable members (130,136) are connected to the opposite sides of the body portion (116) and are engagable against a respective one of the spaced members (78,86) in response to axial movement of the respective pistons (122,124). Advantageously, the main body (110) and the movable members (130,136) can be radially removed from a vehicle casing portion (16) independently of the spaced members (78,86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Orville E. Kessinger, Jr.
  • Keeper assembly
    Patent number: 4277199
    Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00187 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 23, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 23, 1979 PCT Field Mar. 23, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/02059 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 2, 1980A keeper assembly transmits force from a second member (32) for a forced transmitting surface force (68) to first member (16) having an annular groove (42). A plurality of keeper segments (40) are located in the groove (42) and transfer force from the forced transmitting surface (68) into the first member (16). Each keeper segment has an axially outwardly opening side seat (56) and retaining means (44) are releasably connected to the side seats (56) for holding the keeper segments (40) positively in the groove (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay
  • Fume extracting device for a welding apparatus
    Patent number: 4276464
    Abstract: A fume extracting device (10) for an arc welding apparatus (12) effectively removes fumes from the leading and trailing portions of the arc welding zone (82) while maintaining transverse compactness. The fume extracting device (10) includes first and second body portions (30) individually having an internal fume collecting chamber (50), a plurality of fume inlet passages (54), and a fume exhaust passage (48) and is so constructed that the body portions (30) are maintained in a preselected spaced apart relationship to each other and to the central axis (14) of the welding apparatus (12). Advantageously, first and second gas shielding devices (64) can be individually connected to the one of the body portions (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Melvin L. Forney
  • Power train with an auxiliary creeper drive system
    Patent number: 4271723
    Abstract: A power train with an auxiliary creeper drive system is disclosed which includes an engine, a primary transmission having an output shaft selectively driven by the engine, an auxiliary transmission selectively driven by the engine and operatively associated with the output shaft for driving the output shaft at a creeping rate of speed, and a clutch control arrangement for automatically disconnecting the engine from driving engagement with the output shaft when the auxiliary transmission is drivingly coupled thereto. Such auxiliary creeper drive system is particularly adaptable to the transmission of a fork lift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Walter M. Shaffer
  • Temperature controlled unit injector
    Patent number: 4267977
    Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00382 Sec. 371 Date June 4, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date June 4, 1979 PCT Filed June 4, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/02654 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 11, 1980Fuel injectors operate in a high temperature environment associated with fuel combustion. Temperature control of the nozzle end of fuel injectors is advantageous. An improvement is provided in controlling the temperature of a fuel injector (12) adjacent the nozzle end (36) by conducting fluid toward and away from the nozzle end (36) by way of passages (52,54) formed in a retainer sleeve (48) associated with the fuel injector (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Alan R. Stockner, Michael K. Stratton
  • Tilt steering wheel and support column apparatus
    Patent number: 4265139
    Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00319 SEC. 371 Date May 14, 1979 SEC. 103(e) Date May 14, 1979 PCT Filed May 14, 1979An apparatus (10) includes an upwardly inclined stationary support column (12) and an upwardly inclined steering wheel column (14) pivotally mounted thereon. An interlock mechanism (86) is provided at the distal end (52) of the support column (12) for locking the columns (12, 14) together at one angular position including that of substantially parallel alignment of the columns (12, 14). A vehicle control member (60) can be mounted at the distal end (52) of the support column (12) subjacent the steering wheel (16), and the support column (12) can include a pair of posts (30, 32) defining a U-shaped slot (50) for receiving the steering wheel column (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Larry R. Logemann
  • Coordinate locating device
    Patent number: 4261107
    Abstract: A coordinate locating device (8) includes an apparatus (10) having first, second, and third members (21,22,23) such that the first member (21) is movable on a base (14), the second member (22) is movable on the first member (21) and the third member (23) has a positionable element (30) and is movable on the second member (22). The device (8) also includes a laser transducer system (16) for establishing the locations of a starting point (52) and a first plane (54) through the starting point (52) which is associated with the first members (21), a second plane (58) having a second reference point (59) which is associated with the second member (22), and a third plane (62) having a third reference point (63) which is associated with the third member (23), and establishing the precise three dimensional location of the positionable element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Harold K. Coleman, Kenneth F. Rossman
  • Electrostatic spray apparatus
    Patent number: 4258655
    Abstract: A system and method for electrostatic coating of articles with paint particularly suited for coating irregular surfaces from a substantial distance. Water-borne conductive paint may be handled from an electrically grounded supply. Plural paint particle charging mechanisms are established by a DC potential applied to an electrode physically divorced from the paint stream. The articles being coated are electrically charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bagby, Gary L. Demeny, Robert G. Smead
  • Room heating device
    Patent number: 4258879
    Abstract: A room heating device (10) includes a hollow grate (30) for heating water contained therein and for heating air communicating therethrough in response to a fire. The hollow grate (30) has a plurality of interconnected ducts (40-45) and a conduit (50) passing through the ducts (40-45) defining a water and steam containing chamber (48) externally of the conduit (50) and a passage (54) internally of the conduit (50). A fan (92) forces air to be heated through the passage (54) and outwardly to a room. The grate (30) finds particular utility in a fireplace (12) for supporting a plurality of logs (97).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Inventor: Edmond P. Nischwitz
  • Tire and center support assembling apparatus
    Patent number: RE30918
    Abstract: A tire and center support assembling apparatus has a tire supporting frame, a powered actuator having a movable element, and a shoe assembly connected to the movable element and being of a construction sufficient for moving a plurality of shoes into engagement with a split rim to expand it into a preselected interference fit position within a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Terry G. Baer, Wayne A. Klopfenstein