Patents Represented by Attorney John J Cheek
  • Patent number: 7144448
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a gas stream is described comprising a filter through which gas may be caused to flow, at least one first electrode for producing an atmospheric glow discharge located near to but spaced apart from the filter, and at least one second counter electrode, the electrodes being connected to an AC voltage supply generating an AC voltage in a frequency within the range of 1 kHz to 200 kHz. A method of removal of particulates from a gas stream comprising causing the gas to flow through such an apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Colin P. Garner, John E. Harry
  • Patent number: 7140693
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame (2) supported by a plurality of wheels or tracks (5), at least some of which are associated with respective lifting columns (32) adapted to raise and lower the frame (2) relative to the respective wheels or track (5). A work tool is supported by the frame (2), and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the work tool and at least one of or tracks (5). An articulation apparatus (10) uses a first actuator (20) and a pivoting support arm (11) to move one of the wheels or tracks (5) between a projecting position and a retracted position relative to the frame (2). The articulation apparatus (10) includes a second actuator (21) adaped to rotate the wheel or track (5) about a vertical axis (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Bitelli SpA
    Inventors: Gregory Henry Dubay, Michele Orefice, Dario Sansone
  • Patent number: 7084519
    Abstract: Electric power generation (EPG) arrangements, such as generator sets for example, can be constructed with many different configurations depending on customer needs. Variations in the configuration include the placement of a circuit panel relative to a generator and the length of the generator. Multiple different electrical power transmission cabling arrangements are traditionally required to accommodate multiple circuit panel/generator configurations. An electrical power generation arrangement including a cabling guide that is positionable, as by rotation for example, in one of a plurality of rotary positions relative to the generator. The cabling guide is positioned in a selected rotary position based on the position of the circuit panel relative to the generator or the length of the generator or both. A cabling conduit can be connected between the guide and the circuit panel. Power transmission cabling extends from the generator through the cabling guide and through conduit to the circuit panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited
    Inventors: Samuel J. Kirkpatrick, Michael R. McClelland, Bryan J. McKibbin, Raymond M. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7045911
    Abstract: Electric power generation (EPG) arrangements, such as generator sets for example, can be constructed with many different configurations depending on customer needs. Variations in the configuration include the placement of a circuit panel relative to a generator and the length of the generator. Multiple different electrical power transmission cabling arrangements are traditionally required to accommodate multiple circuit panel/generator configurations. This disclosure relates to an electrical power generation arrangement that include a cabling guide that is positionable, as by rotation for example, in one of a plurality of rotary positions relative to the generator. The cabling guide is positioned in a selected rotary position based on the position of the circuit panel relative to the generator or the length of the generator or both. A cabling conduit can be connected between the guide and the circuit panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: F.G. Wilson
    Inventors: Samuel J. Kirkpatrick, Michael R. McClelland, Bryan J. McKibbin, Raymond M. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 6889674
    Abstract: In prior art engine breather systems, shut off valves that prevent oil from entering the engine induction system have been mounted externally on the engine and require associated external pipework. Both the shut off valve and pipework are prone to damage and leaking. The closed circuit breather apparatus of the present invention includes a cylinder head cover and a shut off valve provided beneath the cylinder head cover. The shut off valve includes an aperture in communication with a blow-by gas inlet passage and a valve float restrained to move between a first position in which the aperture is open and a second position in which the aperture is closed. Preferably the shut off valve is integral with the cylinder head cover. The shut off valve is thus packaged inside the engine valve chamber, making it easy to fit and eliminating leak paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Richard Pateman, Maciej Bedkowski
  • Patent number: 6886522
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a cylinder block for an internal combustion engine and a cylinder block manufactured in accordance with the method are described in which a cylinder core (1) including one or more cylinder (6) is manufactured by casting, for example from steel or light alloy; the remainder of the cylinder block structure is manufactured as a wrought framework (2), for example in high strength low allow steel or light alloy; and the wrought framework (2) is joined to the core (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Howard J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6883399
    Abstract: Variable inertia flywheels are used in power generation apparatus to quickly release stored kinetic energy to meet transient power load demands. Such flywheels typically vary inertia by using either interconnected multiple flywheels having different inertia or by mechanically moving a mass connected with the flywheel radially with respect to the axis of rotation. A variable inertia flywheel according to the present invention comprises a body and a number of fluid movement devices disposed at equal angular intervals about the rotational axis of the body. Each device comprises at least first and second chambers axially aligned in a substantially radial direction and adapted to contain an electrolytic fluid. The first and second chambers are interconnected by a channel that permits transfer of the fluid between the chambers. The movement of the fluid between the chambers is facilitated by an electromagnetic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Oliver W. J. Burstall
  • Patent number: 6840208
    Abstract: Engine accessory drives are used with internal combustion engines to drive one or more accessories and are conventionally driven off a front end drive assembly. However, driving the accessories off the front end drive assembly has implications in respect of both increased engine noise and extended engine length. An engine accessory drive in accordance with this invention reduces engine noise and engine length. An engine accessory drive for transmitting a force between a first end (2) and a second end (3) of an engine (1) comprises a primary drive (18) locatable at the first end (2) of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Howard J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6834634
    Abstract: A cylinder block assembly for an engine comprises a cylinder block having a sidewall provided with apron attachment points and an apron mountable on the sidewall. The apron is adapted to receive engine components and comprises a tray-like cover which is dimensioned to substantially conform with the side of the cylinder block, thereby avoiding the need to machine the cylinder block to receive engine components. A cylinder block may be customized by the provision of an apron having appropriate components attached to the cylinder block, so that a single cylinder block can be used for a number of different engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Howard J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6793028
    Abstract: The addition of emission control devices to engines of work machines has increased the cooling demands placed on the engine cooling system. This increased cooling demand can lead to the use of larger engine heat exchangers, thus requiring larger engine enclosures that may restrict the visibility of the machine operator. In accordance with one aspect of this invention, the engine enclosure of a work machine is devoid of an heat exchanger. An engine heat exchanger is mounted to a machine frame rearward of an operator cab and positioned so that an upper edge of the heat exchanger cooling core extends along a line that intersects the longitudinal axis of the machine frame at an angle other than 90°. This arrangement permits the use of a larger heat exchanger without substantially obstructing the view of the machine operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: William Pack
  • Patent number: 6745465
    Abstract: A method of assembling an apparatus such as a fuel injector (200) wherein parts or components are selected based on their capacity to compensate for variations in timing and delivery contributed by the tolerance variations of components assembled or measured for assembly prior to the selected components. The method involves an apparatus such as an injector of the type including a set of input parameters, a set of control parameters, and a set of observed performance parameters wherein the method includes the steps of performing tests (214, 216, 218, 220) on the injector (14) to measure the values of the input parameters and determining the values of the set of control parameters (222) using the set of input parameters to reduce performance parameter variability of the final assembly. The method also includes the steps of selecting (232, 234), for each control parameter, the component associated therewith and, assembling the selected components into the injector (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Ronald Dean Shinogle, Gregory G. Hafner
  • Patent number: 6672822
    Abstract: An ejecting device for a dump truck has a truck bed with a bed surface, a pair of side walls, and a pivotally moveable tailgate. The ejecting device has a pair of guide rails, one each mounted to a top edge of the side walls of the bed. A generally vertically oriented ejector plate is disposed between the side walls extending transversely there across and has a roller member assembly attached to each side edge. The roller assemblies are carried one in each of the guide rails. The ejector plate is moveable between a fully retracted position at a first end of the truck bed to a fully extended position at a second end of the truck bed adjacent the tailgate. An extendable cylinder is carried on the truck frame and attached to the ejector plate for moving the plate between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position to eject material from the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: John P Moyna
  • Patent number: 6672272
    Abstract: Modern internal combustion engines require the provision of an electrical connection to electrically controlled devices disposed within a cylinder head cover. Prior mechanisms for providing such electrical connections have been complex and awkward to assembly while maintaining the desired sealing characteristics and, in many instances, have not provided a ready way to remove the cylinder head cover without breaking the electrical connection to the electrically controlled devices. To address these deficiencies, a readily usable and fluid-tight connection arrangement and path through the cylinder head cover can be provided by way of a first connector that is moveable by a suitable tool to engage the internal surface of the head cover adjacent an aperture in the head cover. A second connector can be mated with the first connector from the exterior and engages the exterior of the head cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
    Inventor: Jonathan McGloin
  • Patent number: 6660068
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a gas stream is described comprising a filter (1) through which gas may be caused to flow, at least one first electrode (15) for producing an atmospheric glow discharge located near to but spaced apart from the filter, and at least one second counter electrode (19), the electrodes being connected to an AC voltage supply generating an AC voltage in a frequency within the range of 1 kHz to 200 kHz. A method of removal of particulates from a gas stream comprising causing the gas to flow through such an apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Colin P. Garner, Joiin E. Harry
  • Patent number: 6631773
    Abstract: An articulated truck for carrying a load through a plurality of work cycles is disclosed. An embodiment includes a frame assembly, an articulation. joint, a plurality of axles, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, a body, an engine, a transmission and an apparatus for receiving the torque and transferring the torque to a plurality of drive shafts. The apparatus includes a plurality of gears, an inter-axle differential, and a plurality of drive shafts. The inter-axle differential is located such that the front axle may be suspended to allow oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Richard D. Walker
  • Patent number: 6561747
    Abstract: In the operation of work machines having an ejector blade pivotally coupled to a cylinder by cylinder-attached pivot pins, it has been a problem reducing the stress acting on the pivot pins caused by, for one example, improperly set yaw rollers. The present invention provides for an ejector arrangement for a work machine in which a coupler is pivotally coupled to the cylinder and pivotally coupled with the ejector blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Peter M. Kenny, Peter F. Prillinger, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 6549146
    Abstract: A timing apparatus comprises a gear, for example a camshaft gear, and a timing ring secured to one side of the gear. The timing ring has a number of equally spaced timing teeth which when used with a sensor provide information about the rotation of the gear. The gear has a generally cylindrical recess on one face of the gear, and the timing ring is secured within the recess. The timing teeth are arranged radially inwardly of the gear teeth, so that the timing teeth are protected from damage. The resulting timing apparatus is economic to manufacture and facilitates compact adaption to a rotating body of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Paul Bailey
  • Patent number: 6546347
    Abstract: A method for automatically setting valve clearances in internal combustion engines (also known as “tappet setting” or “valve lash setting”) comprises a series of steps in which a rocker arm is set to a zero position that is recorded as a reference datum and an adjustment screw is then operated to set the rocker arm to a first reference position. The adjustment screw is then rotated through a predetermined angle so that the rocker arm is moved to a second reference position. The difference between the first and second reference positions and the predetermined angle are used to determine a coefficient relating the angular movement of the adjustment screw to linear movement of the rocker arm. The coefficient is then used to calculate the angular rotation of the adjustment screw required to set a predetermined valve clearance relative to the zero position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Graham P. Batchelor, William M. Crozier
  • Patent number: 6485110
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the amount of lubricant within a housing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft driving the housing about an axis, a number of interior components positioned within the housing, and an opening defined in the housing and centered on the axis. The distance between the a lower edge of the opening and the lowest portion of the housing is proportional to the amount of lubricant displaced by the components. The level of the lubricant within the housing determined relative to the lower edge. A work machine and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc
    Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Frank Moeller
  • Patent number: 6418712
    Abstract: A breather gas outlet has an adaptor having a hollow member with a first end engaged at an aperture in a wall of an exhaust system of an engine to allow breather gas flow thereinto. A nozzle has a second hollow member serves as a breather gas conduit and is positioned inside the adaptor. The nozzle has a mounting portion sealingly engaged with an inside surface of the adaptor towards a second end thereof. And, a nozzle portion extends laterally towards but ends short of the first end thereof. The nozzle portion has an outer dimension less than the inner dimension of the adaptor so as to form a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Darley