Patents by Inventor Clifton Gerke

Clifton Gerke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Machine group and method for making machines
    Patent number: 7950729
    Abstract: A method for making machines includes selecting one of a plurality of types of suspension elements for coupling between a body component and a frame component of a machine. If the suspension elements are of a first type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the body component having a configuration corresponding therewith. If the suspension elements are of a second type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the frame component which have a configuration corresponding therewith. Adapter mechanisms having a first connecting interface corresponding to mounting elements on one of the body component and frame component, and a second connecting interface corresponding with the selected suspension elements, are used to couple the body component with the frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Clifton Gerke
  • Machine group and method for making machines
    Publication number: 20090140550
    Abstract: A method for making machines includes selecting one of a plurality of types of suspension elements for coupling between a body component and a frame component of a machine. If the suspension elements are of a first type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the body component having a configuration corresponding therewith. If the suspension elements are of a second type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the frame component which have a configuration corresponding therewith. Adapter mechanisms having a first connecting interface corresponding to mounting elements on one of the body component and frame component, and a second connecting interface corresponding with the selected suspension elements, are used to couple the body component with the frame component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Clifton Gerke