Abstract: Rubber shock absorber systems for use between the frame and equalizer bar of a construction vehicle usually fail to withstand high temperature environments. A metallic spring assembly is provided which is capable of high flexibility and durability. The spring assembly includes a first arcuate spring member and a second arcuate spring member adjacent to and inverted from the first spring member. First and second arcuate plate members are positioned against the first and second spring members respectively, and have a larger bend radius so that a clearance is created therebetween. A bolt with a plate nut threaded thereon is provided to connect the spring assembly and to provide a preload. During compressive loading, opposing end portions of the first and second spring portions are deformed to provide an energy absorbing system. The flexibility and durability of the spring assembly is controlled by the bend radius, thickness, and length of the plate members.

Abstract: Top link assemblies for a construction machine are typically used to adjust the pitch angle of a cutting edge of a blade. The present top link assembly has substantially co-planar first and second adjustment plates with each including a pair of slots therein. Joint upper and lower surfaces are defined between the first and second adjustment plates. Upper and lower spacer plates are disposed on the joint upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and each include a pair of openings coaxially aligned with the slots within the first and second adjustment plates. A threaded portion of a bolt extends through the upper spacer plate, first and second adjustment plates and lower spacer plate through the co-axially aligned openings and slots. A nut is tightened on the threaded portion at any one of a plurality of positions along the pair of slots and the desired pitch angle of the cutting edge may be adjusted by loosening the nuts and repositioning at any one of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: An improved means for dispensing a substantially even flow of semi-liquid material such as, concrete, into remote areas includes the use of an auger assembly mounted within a bucket of a construction machine. The auger assembly has a tubular housing with sealed end portions and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a receiving passage defined therein. An auger is mounted within the tubular housing and has a blade portion which is rotatable in either a first or second direction by power supplied through a bi-directional motor. The semi-liquid material is poured into the bucket and enters the auger only through the receiving passage. The direction of rotation is chosen by an operator so that the material is conveyed along a rotational axis toward either a first or second opening, respectively, adjacent a remote area. The semi-liquid material flows substantially evenly through either the first or second openings to fill the remote area uniformly.

Abstract: The present invention includes a means of equalizing pressure within a sealed pin joint assembly. The pin joint assembly includes slidably connecting a pin through a bearing assembly fitted within a bore in an equalizer bar. The pin is circumferentially surrounded by a pair of seals disposed on either side of the bearing assembly for sealing within the equalizer bar. The seals are positioned adjacent the bearing assembly to define a pair of cavities therebetween. A receiving passage extends from a counterbore at an outer surface of the equalizer bar and terminates at the bearing assembly and is fluidly connected with the pin joint assembly. A grease zerk is disclosed within the receiving passage as a means to direct fluid into the joint wherein accumulation within the cavities is expected. As the pressure fluctuates within the cavities during operation, the lubricating fluid is free to travel through a pair of discharge passages and an interconnected cross passage therebetween.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Past assemblies for structural portions of construction machines utilized advanced fixturing devices and welding to join the components. The fixturing devices are expensive and, if not used, distortional problems from the welding may reduce the quality of the asssemblies. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a method of bonding a lift arm assembly. A pair of crossmember plates are connected at opposite ends of a crossmember to define a first modular component. A pair of lift arm assemblies define second and third modular components, respectively. A first contact surface is prepared by establishing a specific surface texture in a predetermined contact area on an outer surface of each of the crossmember plates. A second contact surface is prepared by establishing a specific surface texture in a predetermined contact area on an outer surface of each of the lift arm assemblies.

Abstract: The material handling machine has a chassis comprising a rigid longitudinal frame whose width is less than 25% of the overall width of the machine, excluding the wheels. A boom or a loading bucket is pivotally mounted on the chassis. Digging equipment is mounted at the rear of the chassis. A drive arrangement comprises a mechanically driven transmission kinematically connected to an engine. Shafts kinematically connect a power output mid-way along the drive arrangement to final drive units on the front and rear axles. The drive arrangement is mounted at one side of the longitudinal frame between the axles, and an operator's cab is mounted at the other side or above the longitudinal frame. The cab is movable between a forward position and a raised rear position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of relieving pressure within a sealed pin joint assembly so that the seal is protected from excessive pressure. The pin joint assembly includes slidably connecting a pin through a bearing assembly fitted within a bore in an equalizer bar. The pin is circumferentially surrounded by a pair of seals disposed on either side of the bearing assembly for sealing within the equalizer bar. The seals are positioned adjacent the bearing assembly to define a pair of cavities therebetween. A receiving passage extends from a counterbore at an outer surface of the equalizer bar and terminates at the bearing assembly and is fluidly connected with the pin joint assembly. A grease zerk is disclosed within the receiving passage to direct fluid into the joint wherein accumulation within the cavities is expected.

Abstract: A track bushing for use with a track assembly of a track-type machine includes a generally cylindrical member having ends adapted for mounting in opposing end portions of a track link and a longitudinal bore extending between the ends. The inner surface of the bore defines first and second load bearing portions at each of the ends. Each of the first load bearing portions define a first conical surface tapering radially inward from each of the ends at a first angle, and each of the second load bearing portions define a second conical surface tapering radially inward from each of the first conical surfaces at a second angle. In the bushing's assembled state, the first angle is in the range of 0.09 degrees to 0.18 degrees and the second angle is in the range of -0.01 degrees to 0.01. In the bushing's free state, the first angle is in the range of 0.19 degrees to 0.27 degrees and the second angle is in the range of 0.06 degrees to 0.08 degrees.

Abstract: The machine has a chassis comprising a rigid longitudinal frame (1) whose width is less than 25% of the overall width of the machine, excluding the wheels. A boom is pivotally mounted on the chassis. A drive arrangement (7) comprises a mechanically driven transmission (37, 39, 41) kinematically connected to an engine (34). Shafts (43, 44) kinematically connect a power output (42) mid-way along the drive arrangement (7) to final drive units on the front and rear axles. The drive arrangement is mounted at one side of the longitudinal frame (1) between the axles. The rotary axis (51) of the engine shaft lies in a vertical plane which is inclined relative to the vertical longitudinal median plane (2) of the frame (1) so that its output end is nearer to the frame (1).

Abstract: A non-metallic roof for a work machine includes a rotationally molded plastic structure which encloses and seals the top portion of an operator's station of the work machine. The roof includes grab rails and light sockets which are integrally molded into the structure. A plurality of metallic bars and cooperating threaded fasteners connect the roof to the operator's station. A closed cell foam material seals the juncture between the roof and the top portion of the operator's station.

Abstract: The present invention includes a single joystick for the simultaneous control of three spool valves for use on a construction machine. A first portion of the joystick is moved in a first direction which causes a cam to selectively depress a first pair of plungers to control the first spool valve. Movement of the first portion in the second direction causes the cam to selectively depress a second pair of plungers thereby controlling the movement of the second spool valve. A handle of a second portion of the joystick rotates about an axis causing a plate to rotate in a corresponding manner. The corresponding rotation of the plate causes a link member to rotate about the axis causing a pair of lugs to selectively depress a third pair of plungers to control the third spool valve. The mechanism for depressing the third plungers works independently of the position of the first portion so that the control of the third spool valve is independent of the control of the first and second spool valves.

Abstract: A pilot hydraulic system controller including a pilot controller valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to actuate a primary hydraulic system valve, a pilot controller lockout valve, and a detent control circuit for selectively energizing a detent solenoid coil connected to said pilot controller valve, the detent control circuit include a switch means for selectively disabling the detent solenoid coil when the pilot controller lockout valve is actuated to hydraulically disable the pilot controller, so as to prevent the detent solenoid coil from acting upon the pilot controller valve when the pilot controller is hydraulically disabled.

Abstract: A joint assembly for a final drive arrangement includes a first sprocket member, a second planet carrier member, and a third supporting hub member. The three members are connected and held together by a large number of common large size connecting bolts and nuts. The planet carrier and supporting hub are also connected and held together by a small number of separate smaller size threaded fasteners. This provides that the sprocket member can be removed for servicing or replacement and the planet carrier will remain in place and connected to the supporting hub.

Abstract: Past connector assemblies have failed to provide adequate amounts of the air/cooling liquid mixture from the heat exchanger to the surge tank for proper air venting. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a connector assembly 48 which is easily installed within a tank portion 14 of the heat exchanger 12. The connector assembly 48 includes a tubular member 50 which has a cylindrical portion 54 and a bifurcated end portion 56. The bifurcated end portion 56 has a rectangular outer shape 66 which is designed so that it can be squeezed into a rectangular shaped opening 44 in the tank portion 14. A nut 92 which has an inner threaded portion 104 is threaded onto an outer threaded portion 64 of the cylindrical portion 54 until a pair of tabs 76,78 on the bifurcated end portion 56 are securely seated against an inner surface 16 of the tank portion 14. A washer 110 is seated against an annular beaded seat 36 to form a first seal.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a cable, and a release mechanism connected to one end of the cable, includes a substantially flat plate with first and second connecting portions bent at a right angle to the plate. The plate has a plurality of through holes and threaded devices which are used to connect the plate to a wall portion of a machine. An actuating lever is connected to the center portion of the plate and a cable assembly is connected to one of the connecting portions with a cable connected to the actuating lever. The actuating assembly is adapted to move the cable for releasing a latch mechanism from a position remote from the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism holds a door of a machine in an open position and the actuating assembly releases the latch mechanism from ground level without having to enter the machine.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system for a final drive arrangement includes a first oil supply chamber and a rotatable gear within the first chamber. A first housing, which defines the chamber, contains a passageway which connects the first oil chamber with a cavity adjacent a first bearing assembly. The cavity is in fluid communication with a second oil chamber and a second bearing assembly by way of a longitudinal bore. A steel ring member prevents lubricating fluid from flowing past the first bearing assembly and ensures a supply of fluid to the second bearing assembly.

Abstract: The material handling machine has a chassis comprising a rigid longitudinal frame whose width is less than 25% of the overall width of the machine, excluding the wheels. A boom or a loading bucket is pivotally mounted on the chassis. Digging equipment is mounted at the rear of the chassis. A drive arrangement comprises a mechanically driven transmission kinematically connected to an engine. Shafts kinematically connect a power output mid-way along the drive arrangement to final drive units on the front and rear axles. The drive arrangement is mounted at one side of the longitudinal frame between the axles, and an operator's cab is mounted at the other side or above the longitudinal frame. The cab is movable between a forward position and a raised rear position.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for guiding and manipulating a work implement, such as a bucket, includes a V-shaped guide link and a curved implement link. A plurality of pin joints connect the implement link to the bucket, the guide link, and to a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder, the guide link, and the implement link cooperate to rotate the bucket between open and closed positions, for digging and carrying materials. The linkage arrangement provides high forces for digging and bucket rotation and desirable lower rotational velocity for clamping object in the fully closed position.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a cable, and a release mechanism connected to one end of the cable, includes a substantially flat plate with first and second connecting portions bent at a right angle to the plate. The plate has a plurality of through holes and threaded devices which are used to connect the plate to a wall portion of a machine. An actuating lever is connected to the center portion of the plate and a cable assembly is connected to one of the connecting portions with a cable connected to the actuating lever. The actuating assembly is adapted to move the cable for releasing a latch mechanism from a position remote from the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism holds a door of a machine in an open position and the actuating assembly releases the latch mechanism from ground level without having to enter the machine.