Patents by Inventor Ronald C. Beal

Ronald C. Beal 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).

  • Patent number: 6360846
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for leak testing and adding lubricating oil to enclosed reservoirs of undercarriage components of crawler-type equipment. Barometric pressure is measured by a transducer mounted on a handle from which an elongated wand extends, the wand having a nozzle on the end opposite the handle. The wand is inserted into the reservoir and communication is successively established and terminated between the handle and a source of pressurized nitrogen, a vacuum generator and a source of lubricating oil. After raising the pressure in the reservoir by connecting it to the nitrogen source, pressure is again measured at the end of a wait period to determine if the drop is greater or less than a predetermined amount indicating seal integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Ronald C. Beal, Darryl J. Brincks, Robert C. Brown, William G. Clelland, III, Kevin K. Fanter, Gary F. Stewart, John Styfhoorn
  • Patent number: 5741351
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a filter includes a support frame and a turn table for supporting the filter, wherein the turntable rotates in relation to the support frame during a filter cleaning operation. The apparatus also includes an air flow director for directing a flow of air against the filter, wherein the air flow director is fixed in relation to the support frame during the filter cleaning operation. A method of cleaning a filter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Beal, Duane K. Edwards, John Styfhoorn
  • Patent number: 5426352
    Abstract: An automatic honing apparatus for honing the internal surface of a cylindrical member has a wheel member for tightening the honing stones against the internal surface. A brake assembly is associated with the wheel member, and when activated contacts the wheel member and when de-activated releases the wheel member. A sensing device detects the load on a first motor and activates or de-activates the brake assembly in response to preset motor load values. As the load on the first motor increases and decreases, the sensing device cycles the brake on and off to tighten the honing stones. A second motor drives a carriage assembly forward and backward to run the honing stones in and out of the cylindrical member to hone the entire internal surface of the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John Styfhoorn, Ronald C. Beal