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).

  • Publication number: 20230332376
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kovalick, David L. Cox, Chao Chang, Grant V. Kocher
  • Publication number: 20230017936
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20230002985
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20220412043
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis, David L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20220145582
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, David L. COX, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce R. VAHLING
  • Patent number: 11268258
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Rena J. Kanegae, David L. Cox, Nathan G. Tissier, Nathaniel K. Harshman
  • Patent number: 11230820
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel K. Harshman, David L. Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Bruce R. Vahling
  • Publication number: 20210246629
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
  • Publication number: 20210230830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Rena J. Kanegae, David L. Cox, Nathan G. Tissier, Nathaniel K. Harshman
  • Patent number: 11041286
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
  • Publication number: 20210087781
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, David L. Cox
  • Patent number: 10889960
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, David L. Cox
  • Patent number: 10844573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James David Costner, III, David L. Cox
  • Patent number: 10774503
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, David L. Cox, Bruce R. Vahling
  • Publication number: 20200263388
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, David L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20200263387
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, David L. COX, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce R. VAHLING
  • Publication number: 20200024822
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James David Costner, III, David L. Cox
  • Patent number: 10458081
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Michael Hayes, Benjamin J. Kovalick, David L. Cox, Nathaniel K. Harshman
  • Publication number: 20190323203
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, David L. Cox, Bruce R. Vahling
  • Publication number: 20190177949
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L. Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne