Patents Represented by Attorney Kenneth A. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 4867119
    Abstract: Present day diesel engines having aluminum piston assemblies are limited to combustion chamber pressures of approximately 12,410 kPa (1,800 psi) whereas the desire is to increase such pressures up to the 15,170 kPa (2,200 psi) range. To reach such levels the instant piston assembly includes a steel piston member having an upper cylindrical portion defining a top surface, a depending tubular wall and an annular cooling recess having one or more machined surfaces of revolution about a central axis. The cooling recess is located beneath the top surface and juxtaposed to the top ring groove for removing heat away therefrom in use. The piston member is preferably forged and subsequently machined to precisely controllable dimensions. Moreover, the piston assembly is preferably of the articulated type and includes a forged aluminum piston skirt connected to the piston member through a common wrist pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Cooper, Kenton L. Erickson, James A. Green, David S. Nycz
  • Patent number: 4823486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic washer and a split resilient retaining ring for retaining pins of earthworking tips. Positive retention of earthworking tips on their adapters by their retaining pins during its work cycle is extremely important from an operational as well as a cost standpoint. The loss of the tips materially affect productions in addition to the time consuming expense of replacement or repair of the components. Not only must the tips be adequately retained, they must be capable of quick removal for replacement purposes. The washer having a frusto-conical side surface and an inside surface defining a bore and a groove opening into the bore is captured in a recess between a nose of the adapter and a sidewall of the tip. The ring having a cross-section with a predetermined radial thickness and is disposed in locking engagement in a groove on the pin and the groove of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Diekevers, Jerry D. Fidler
  • Patent number: 4768477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized ignition system for an engine. The service life of the igniter for the engine and high altitude operation of the engine are substantially reduced due to arc-over between the terminal of the igniter and the metallic shell of the igniter or the nearest ground. The service life of the igniter and associated components are affected by the hot, contaminated environment in which they operate. The present pressurized ignition system includes a chamber around at least a portion of the igniter and the chamber pressurized to a value of, for example, about two atmospheres for suppressing arc-over. The chamber is pressurized by an air compressor drivingly connected to the engine with the air cooled by an engine aftercooler. Pressurizing the chamber prevents contaminates from entering or collecting in the chamber and affecting operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Richardson
  • Patent number: 4688665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus for a clutch disc assembly drivingly associated with an engine. Protection from engine stall resulting for inertia loads downstream of the engage clutch disc assembly instantaneously exceeding available engine torque involves sophisticated brakes, intricate sequence controls, and complicated internal clutch control valving. The present apparatus includes a control valve for controllably directing fluid pressure to the clutch disc assembly from a source of fluid pressure. A valve member reciprocally disposed in the control valve is continually urged in a first axial direction. A speed sensor associated with an input member driven by the engine urges the valve member in a direction opposite the first axial direction in response to a decrease in the rotational speed of the input member to a preselected angular velocity slipping the clutch disc assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Harold E. Rowen