Patents by Inventor D. Michael Godwin

D. Michael Godwin 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).

  • Method of verifying coupling of an implement to a work machine
    Patent number: 6860706
    Abstract: A method of verifying proper coupling of an implement assembly to a lift arm assembly by an operator who is located in a cab of a work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes the implement assembly and the lift arm assembly. The implement assembly includes a hinge plate. The hinge plate has a first coupling aperture extending therethrough. The lift arm assembly has a lift arm and a cylinder. The cylinder is secured to the lift arm. The method includes the step of actuating the cylinder so as to move a pin from a first pin position to a second pin position. The pin is spaced apart from the first coupling aperture when the pin is located in the first pin position. The pin extends through the first coupling aperture when the pin is located in the second pin position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: D. Michael Godwin, Ronald Mark Ginn, Allen F. Boyer
  • METHOD OF VERIFYING COUPLING OF AN IMPLEMENT TO A WORK MACHINE
    Publication number: 20010053323
    Abstract: A method of verifying proper coupling of an implement assembly to a lift arm assembly by an operator who is located in a cab of a work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes the implement assembly and the lift arm assembly. The implement assembly includes a hinge plate. The hinge plate has a first coupling aperture extending therethrough. The lift arm assembly has a lift arm and a cylinder. The cylinder is secured to the lift arm. The method includes the step of actuating the cylinder so as to move a pin from a first pin position to a second pin position. The pin is spaced apart from the first coupling aperture when the pin is located in the first pin position. The pin extends through the first coupling aperture when the pin is located in the second pin position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: D. MICHAEL GODWIN, RONALD MARK GINN, ALLEN F. BOYER