Patents by Inventor David L. Cox
David L. Cox 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).
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Publication number: 20230332376Abstract: A carriage for a scarifier system of a machine includes a body portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a first height. The body portion includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, such that the first height of the body portion is defined between the first surface and the second surface. The body portion further includes a first side surface connecting the first surface and the leading edge. The body portion includes a second side surface connecting the second surface and the leading edge. At least one of the first side surface and the second side surface includes a beveled profile. The carriage also includes a plurality of shank attachment portions fixedly coupled to the body portion. Each shank attachment portion extends from the second surface of the body portion. Each shank attachment portion defines a second height.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kovalick, David L. Cox, Chao Chang, Grant V. Kocher
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Publication number: 20230017936Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for operating a grading machine. The method includes (i) receiving information indicating a current position of a moldboard of the grading machine; (ii) determining if the moldboard is moving toward an avoidance zone, and the avoidance zone is defined by a distance from a scarifier of the grading machine; and (iii) in response to a determination that the moldboard is moving toward the avoidance zone, adjusting at least one operating parameter of the moldboard or the scarifier of the grading machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2021Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
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Publication number: 20230002985Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for operating a grading machine. The method includes (i) receiving information regarding material on a surface, and the grading machine is configured to travel on the surface and move the material on the surface; (ii) determining a set of parameters for operating the grading machine, and the set of parameters include an articulation angle of the grading machine and a moldboard angle of a moldboard of the grading machine; and (iii) positioning a snow wing and the moldboard of the grading machine based on the set of parameters such that the snow wing has a predetermined spatial relationship with the moldboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
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Publication number: 20220412043Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically adjusting a moldboard of a motor grader can include receiving one or more identifiers corresponding to a configuration of the motor grader, and determining, based on the received identifier(s), a first orientation of the moldboard. If the first orientation is not within an operating threshold, the method can further include selecting, based on the one or more identifiers, at least one of a plurality of actuators of the motor grader; and actuating the selected actuator(s) to move the moldboard from the first orientation to a second orientation within the operating threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2021Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
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Publication number: 20220145582Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system. The circle drive system includes a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The circle drive motor includes an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the circle axis, and the gear box includes an axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, David L. COX, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce R. VAHLING
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Patent number: 11268258Abstract: A motor grader includes a frame and an extendable scarifier system supported on the frame. The scarifier system includes first and second drawbar arms coupled to the frame. A carriage is coupled to the first and second drawbar arms. The carriage includes a carriage body having first and second lateral ends. A first extension element is attached to the first lateral end of the carriage body and a second extension element is attached to the second lateral end of the carriage body. The first and second extension elements each supporting at least one tooth.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Rena J. Kanegae, David L. Cox, Nathan G. Tissier, Nathaniel K. Harshman
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Patent number: 11230820Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system. The circle drive system includes a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The circle drive motor includes an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the circle axis, and the gear box includes an axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. Harshman, David L. Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Bruce R. Vahling
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Publication number: 20210246629Abstract: A retention assembly to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine. The retention assembly includes a yoke adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and the yoke includes a base wall, a first sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the first sidewall being configured to face the blade, and a second sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the second sidewall configured to face away from the blade and spaced apart from the first sidewall to define a cavity therebetween, along with the base wall. A retainer extends from at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the base, and a bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and adapted to support the blade for sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. The retainer engages the bearing arrangement and retains the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
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Publication number: 20210230830Abstract: A motor grader is disclosed that includes a frame and an extendable scarifier system supported on the frame. The scarifier system includes first and second drawbar arms coupled to the frame. A carriage is coupled to the first and second drawbar arms. The carriage includes a carriage body having first and second lateral ends. A first extension element is attached to the first lateral end of the carriage body and a second extension element is attached to the second lateral end of the carriage body. The first and second extension elements each supporting at least one tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Rena J. Kanegae, David L. Cox, Nathan G. Tissier, Nathaniel K. Harshman
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Patent number: 11041286Abstract: A retention assembly, to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine, includes a yoke, a bearing arrangement, and one or more pins. The yoke is adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity defined therebetween. The first sidewall defines a first thickness and one or more first bores. The second sidewall defines a second thickness and one or more second bores. The second bores are correspondingly co-axial to the first bores. The bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and is adapted to support the blade for a sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. Further, the pins extend correspondingly through at least one of the first bores or the second bores, and into the cavity to engage and retain the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
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Publication number: 20210087781Abstract: A wear element for a mounting system for a blade of a motor grader is provided. The wear element extends along a longitudinal axis. The wear element includes a first portion having a first cross-sectional area transverse to the longitudinal axis. The wear element further includes a second portion opposite of the first portion, the second portion having a second cross-sectional area having a V-shape that extends away from the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, David L. Cox
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Patent number: 10889960Abstract: A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader includes a mounting bracket having a mounting channel. The mounting assembly includes an adjustment block disposed in the mounting channel. The adjustment block includes a mounting groove and at least one slot disposed spaced apart with respect to the mounting groove. The mounting assembly also includes at least one retention plate disposed on the mounting bracket. The at least one retention plate is adapted to engage with the at least one slot provided on the adjustment block. The at least one retention plate is adapted to limit movement of the adjustment block along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment block. The mounting assembly further includes a wear element disposed in the mounting groove provided in the adjustment block. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, David L. Cox
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Patent number: 10844573Abstract: A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader includes a mounting bracket having a groove, at least one first bore, and a second bore. The mounting assembly includes a wear element disposed in the groove. The wear element includes at least one recess. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon. The mounting assembly also includes a retention pin disposed in the at least one first bore. The retention pin includes an aperture provided therein. The retention pin is adapted to engage the at least one recess provided on the wear element to limit longitudinal movement of the wear element within the groove. The mounting assembly further includes a lynch pin disposed in each of the second bore and the aperture to limit axial movement of the retention pin within the at least one first bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James David Costner, III, David L. Cox
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Patent number: 10774503Abstract: A motor grader including a frame and a scarifier system coupled to the frame. The scarifier system includes a first pin member and second pin member both coupled to the frame and interconnected to one another. The scarifier system also includes a first and second arcuate drawbar arms in spaced relation and coupled to the first pin member and a carriage. An actuator is coupled to the first arcuate drawbar arm and the second pin member to rotate the carriage about a pivot axis of the first pin member.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, David L. Cox, Bruce R. Vahling
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Publication number: 20200263388Abstract: A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader is provided. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket having a mounting channel. The mounting assembly includes an adjustment block disposed in the mounting channel. The adjustment block includes a mounting groove and at least one slot disposed spaced apart with respect to the mounting groove. The mounting assembly also includes at least one retention plate disposed on the mounting bracket. The at least one retention plate is adapted to engage with the at least one slot provided on the adjustment block. The at least one retention plate is adapted to limit movement of the adjustment block along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment block. The mounting assembly further includes a wear element disposed in the mounting groove provided in the adjustment block. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: August 20, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, David L. Cox
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Publication number: 20200263387Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system. The circle drive system includes a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The circle drive motor includes an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the circle axis, and the gear box includes an axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2019Publication date: August 20, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, David L. COX, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce R. VAHLING
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Publication number: 20200024822Abstract: A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader is provided. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket having a groove, at least one first bore, and a second bore. The mounting assembly includes a wear element disposed in the groove. The wear element includes at least one recess. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon. The mounting assembly also includes a retention pin disposed in the at least one first bore. The retention pin includes an aperture provided therein. The retention pin is adapted to engage the at least one recess provided on the wear element to limit longitudinal movement of the wear element within the groove. The mounting assembly further includes a lynch pin disposed in each of the second bore and the aperture to limit axial movement of the retention pin within the at least one first bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James David Costner, III, David L. Cox
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Patent number: 10458081Abstract: A work attachment for a motor grader includes a moldboard and a trip edge assembly coupled to the moldboard. The moldboard defines a plurality of first apertures. The trip edge assembly includes a trip edge structure. The trip edge assembly also includes a pivoting mechanism for pivoting a portion of the trip edge assembly in a first direction with respect to the moldboard when the trip edge assembly encounters an object in a drive path of the motor grader. The trip edge assembly further includes a mounting structure defining a plurality of second apertures. The plurality of second apertures are aligned with the plurality of first apertures to receive mechanical fasteners for removably coupling the trip edge assembly with the moldboard.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sean Michael Hayes, Benjamin J. Kovalick, David L. Cox, Nathaniel K. Harshman
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Publication number: 20190323203Abstract: A motor grader including a frame and a scarifier system coupled to the frame. The scarifier system includes a first pin member and second pin member both coupled to the frame and interconnected to one another. The scarifier system also includes a first and second arcuate drawbar arms in spaced relation and coupled to the first pin member and a carriage. An actuator is coupled to the first arcuate drawbar arm and the second pin member to rotate the carriage about a pivot axis of the first pin member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, David L. Cox, Bruce R. Vahling
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Publication number: 20190177949Abstract: A retention assembly, to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine, includes a yoke, a bearing arrangement, and one or more pins. The yoke is adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity defined therebetween. The first sidewall defines a first thickness and one or more first bores. The second sidewall defines a second thickness and one or more second bores. The second bores are correspondingly co-axial to the first bores. The bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and is adapted to support the blade for a sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. Further, the pins extend correspondingly through at least one of the first bores or the second bores, and into the cavity to engage and retain the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L. Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne