Dipper-type (e.g., Backhoe Bucket) Patents (Class 37/443)
  • Patent number: 11851841
    Abstract: A construction machine comprises a lower traveling body, an upper turning body, and a turning frame that constitutes the bottom portion of the upper turning body. The turning frame comprises a bottom plate, a first vertical plate and a second vertical plate, and a coupling member that divides the space between the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate. The coupling member includes a top plate and a front and rear pair of a front side plate and a rear side plate that extend downward from both ends of the top plate in the front to rear direction, and forms a box shape structure with the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate. The box shape structure has a first opening formed in the first vertical plate, a second opening formed in the second vertical plate, and a front engine support part formed in the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yonekura, Keiichi Nishihara
  • Patent number: 11808015
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a heading of an excavator are provided. An initial heading of the excavator platform is obtained and a current azimuthal orientation of the excavator platform is associated with the initial heading. Coordinates of a measurement center of the GNSS device are obtained. Coordinates of a center of rotation of the excavator platform are determined using the initial heading of the excavator platform, the coordinates of the measurement center, and a known spatial relationship between the measurement center of the GNSS device and the center of rotation of the excavator platform. Rotation of the excavator platform is tracked from the initial heading to a first heading using rotation measurements from a swing sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Ennis, Christopher Corwin
  • Patent number: 11746502
    Abstract: An excavator includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators, and a setting unit that performs a setting related to operation speeds of the plurality of hydraulic actuators during a combined operation of the hydraulic actuators, so that when the operation speed of one of the actuators increases, the operation speed of another one of the actuators decreases. The setting unit is capable of performing the setting for a plurality of kinds of combined operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11713557
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes: a boom cylinder to move a boom; a working tool cylinder to move a working tool attached to the boom; a boom control valve to control the boom cylinder; a working tool control valve to control the working tool cylinder; a horizontal control valve having: an activating position to allow a horizontalizing operation of the working tool; and a stopping position to stop the horizontalizing operation; and a controller device having: a first information obtaining portion to obtain permission and non-permission to the horizontalizing operation; a second information obtaining portion to obtain at least one of upward operation and upward movement of the boom; and a horizontal controller to set the horizontal control valve to the stopping position when the first information obtaining portion obtains the non-permission and the second information obtaining portion obtains one of the upward operation and the upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Fukuda, Yusuke Tomatsu
  • Patent number: 11047105
    Abstract: A control unit is provided for a work machine. The work machine includes an implement and an arrangement for determining the position and orientation of the implement. The control unit is adapted to, for at least two different orientations of the implement, perform the steps of: determining that the implement contacts a reference surface, determining the position of a reference point for the implement when the implement and the reference surface are in contact with each other, and determining the position of a point on the periphery of the implement relative to said reference point by using said reference point position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CPAC Systems AB
    Inventor: Pål Loodberg
  • Patent number: 10738441
    Abstract: The result of working with an earth moving machine comprising a bucket may be determined using known dimensions of the bucket combined with determinations of the depth of cutting and the horizontal travel or accumulated length of horizontal travel. The depth of cutting is determined by using the bucket as a receptacle as well as a depth sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY A/S
    Inventor: Anders Lindskov
  • Patent number: 10683638
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle, includes a controller. The controller includes a processor a memory device communicatively coupled to the processor, such that the memory device stores instructions that cause the processor to receive a first control signal indicative of performing relocation operations. Furthermore, the instructions cause the processor to instruct an actuator assembly to drive a chassis of the work vehicle in an upward direction relative to wheels of the work vehicle in response to receiving the first control signal, such that a front stabilizer and a rear stabilizer are disengaged from a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Anthony John Lamela, Chad Milo Blakewell
  • Patent number: 9845587
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a main frame, an operating arm connected to the main frame, drive means configured to drive displacing means of the mobile apparatus, such as one or more wheels or tracks, drive means configured to drive the operating arm and a control system, connected to operating instruments for a driver, for controlling the drive means. The drive means for the displacing means includes an electric motor such that the drive of the displacing means is substantially electrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hudson Bay Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Leendert Wilhelmus Cornelis Huissoon
  • Patent number: 9347203
    Abstract: An electric drive unit for a construction machine is capable of increasing the operating time of the construction machine. The electric drive unit has an electricity storage device, a hydraulic pump of the fixed displacement type which is driven by a motor/generator, a plurality of directional control valves which respectively control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a bidirectional converter which performs variable control on the revolution speed of the motor/generator, and an LS control device which controls the bidirectional converter so that LS differential pressure Pls equals a target value Pgr. The bidirectional converter performs regeneration control for converting the inertial force of the rotor of the motor/generator into electric power thereby charging the electricity storage device when the revolution speed of the motor/generator is decreased in response to an excess of the LS differential pressure Pls over the target value Pgr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Tsuruga, Kiwamu Takahashi, Tatsuo Takishita, Hajime Kurikuma
  • Patent number: 9328481
    Abstract: A method of operating a material handling machine, the machine including an engine, ground engaging means, and a control means selectively operable by an operator to move the ground engaging means, the method including the steps of: a) starting with the ground engaging means in a first position and the engine running at a first engine speed, b) actuating the control means to move the ground engaging means towards a second position, actuation of the control means causing the engine speed to increase, c) unactuating the control means so as to simultaneously stop movement of the ground engaging means and allow the engine speed to reduce towards the first engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Michael McKee, Matt Cook
  • Patent number: 9316537
    Abstract: A system and method of sorting mineral streams, for example laterite mineral ores, into appropriately classified valuable and waste streams for maximum recovery of value from the mineral stream, e.g., a stream of minerals includes receiving response data indicating reflected, absorbed or backscattered energy from a mineral sample exposed to a sensor, where the mineral sample is irradiated with electromagnetic energy. The system determines spectral characteristics of the mineral sample by performing spectral analysis on the response data of the mineral sample and identifies a composition of the mineral sample by comparing the spectral characteristics of the mineral sample to previously developed spectral characteristics of samples of known composition. The system then generates a sort decision for the mineral sample based on the comparison, where the sort decision is used in diverting the mineral sample to a desired destination e.g. pyrometallurgical treatment stages, or to a waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MineSense Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Sherliker Bamber, Nicholas Barcza, Andrew Csinger
  • Patent number: 9290913
    Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Minesense Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Sherliker Bamber, Darcy James Houlahan
  • Patent number: 9255378
    Abstract: An arm of a hydraulic excavator is formed as a box-shaped structural body surrounded by left and right side plates, an upper plate joined to each of the upper end sides of each side plate, a lower plate joined to each of the lower end sides of each side plate, and a thick rear plate joined to each of the rear end sides of each side plate and the upper plate. The side plates are formed by joining a rear thick side plate and a front thin side plate. The upper plate is formed by joining two members, that is, a rear thick upper plate and a front thin upper plate, and the lower plate is formed by joining two members, that is, a rear thick lower plate and a front thin lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Sugaya, Takeshi Takahashi, Takayuki Shimodaira
  • Patent number: 9120387
    Abstract: Power supply systems and methods for controlling such systems are provided. One power supply system includes a generator set configured to provide an electrical output to an electrical bus, over which power is supplied to heavy equipment. The power supply system further includes a computerized controller configured to be coupled to an energy storage element, wherein the computerized controller is configured to couple the energy storage element to the electrical bus in advance of a predicted increase in demand upon the electrical bus to maintain a substantially constant voltage on the electrical bus during the predicted increase in demand and prevent a drop in voltage on the electrical bus that would otherwise result from the predicted increase in demand. The predicted increase in demand is anticipated by the computerized controller as forthcoming based upon extrapolation, at least in part, from data related to a past operation of the heavy equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gordon Onsager, Joseph Helfrich, Dave L. Perugini, Wayne George Chmiel, Peter James Miller
  • Patent number: 9027265
    Abstract: An excavator includes a mobile chassis with a first bucket drum and a second bucket drum coupled thereto. The first bucket drum and second bucket drum are coupled to the chassis for positioning thereof on the surface at opposing ends of the chassis. Each first scoop on the first bucket drum is a mirror image of one second scoop on the second bucket drum when (i) the first bucket drum and second bucket drum are on the surface adjacent opposing ends of the chassis, and (ii) the first bucket drum is rotated in one direction and the second bucket drum is simultaneously rotated in an opposing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert P. Mueller, Andrew J. Nick, Jason M. Schuler, Jonathan D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8997382
    Abstract: A dipper assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door, a closure mechanism, a trip assembly, and a camshaft support assembly. The dipper door is pivotally mounted to the dipper for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the dipper door covers the dipper bottom. The closure mechanism is configured to retain the dipper door in the closed position. The trip assembly is configured to release the dipper door for movement to the open position, and includes a trip arm coupled to a camshaft and also coupled to a trip rope. The camshaft support assembly is configured to receive the camshaft, and includes a bearing block receiving a rotatable bearing member, and a sealing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Carl D. Gilmore, Jeffrey Klingel, Kenneth J. Meyer, Zoran Marjanovic, Richard Hoppens, Jamie K. Sherwood, Richard Alberts, Russell J. Willmann
  • Patent number: 8991080
    Abstract: A dipper assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door, and a closure mechanism. The dipper door is coupled to the dipper, and has a closed position in which the dipper door covers the dipper bottom. The closure mechanism has a first position and a second position. In the first position the closure mechanism is configured to permit movement of the dipper door away from the dipper bottom. In the second position, the closure mechanism is configured to retain the dipper door in the closed position. The closure mechanism includes a link having a first leg and a second leg, one or more side link plates coupled to the link and to the dipper back, and a closure mechanism pin assembly configured to adjust the position of the link relative to the dipper door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Carl D. Gilmore, Jeffrey Klingel, Douglas E. Maki, Kenneth J. Meyer, Russell J. Willmann
  • Publication number: 20150081176
    Abstract: A method of operating a digging machine, including damping the response of a boom hydraulic cylinder operationally connected to a boom arm and actuating a bucket hydraulic cylinder operationally connected to a bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Philip Paull
  • Patent number: 8958905
    Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: MineSense Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Bamber, Darcy J. Houlahan
  • Patent number: 8955631
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator basically includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit, a counterweight, a machine compartment, a first handrail, a second handrail and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The upper revolving unit is revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit. The counterweight is disposed on the upper revolving unit. The machine compartment is disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit. The first and second handrails are disposed on the machine compartment. The antenna supporting parts are configured to support a pair of antennas. The antenna supporting parts are respectively connected to the first and second handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Minetaka Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8924152
    Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring system and operational parameters on one or more pieces of machinery or equipment. The system can monitor the pieces of machinery or equipment in real time, i.e., the time delay between the taking of a measurement on a piece of equipment and its subsequent display in the system is within accepted standards, e.g., from about 1 second to about 1 minute depending on the type of measurement or data set being monitored. The system can also permit the tracking of the pieces of machinery or equipment and can enable the transfer, i.e., the sending and/or receiving, of information between the system and the pieces of machinery or equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: AgJunction LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Dale Hunt, Jeffrey Allen Dearborn
  • Publication number: 20140338235
    Abstract: An excavator includes a dipper assembly configured to receive a dipper load, the dipper assembly having an actuated position for emptying the dipper load, a sensor assembly configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of the excavator, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive signals from the sensor assembly, determine a height of the dipper assembly relative to a surface, and inhibit movement of the dipper assembly to the actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventor: James Ryan
  • Patent number: 8827627
    Abstract: Apparatus for the moving and spreading of loose materials, such as dirt. A frame attaches to the three point hitch on a tractor. A bucket is rotatably attached to the frame, and a blade is attached to the frame and positioned within the bucket so as to substantially span the height and width of the bucket interior. In a first position, the bottom wall of the bucket is positioned substantially horizontally. The tractor moves so as to insert the open mouth of the bucket into a quantity of loose material, then raises the bucket and moves to a desired location. The bucket is lowered so that drag members on the bucket contact the ground; forward movement of the tractor causes the bucket to rotate, creating an opening between the bucket and the blade and causing the loose material to flow out of the bucket onto the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Ronnie Joseph Landry, Chase Michael Landry
  • Patent number: 8770908
    Abstract: A support structure for a tilt cylinder of a machine that controls movement of an articulating implement may include a mounting plate, vertical support plates extending outwardly from a top surface of the mounting plate, and a central and side gussets connected to the top surface of the mounting plate and to the outer sides of the vertical support plates. The gussets assist in transitioning lateral or horizontal forces on the vertical support plates to the mounting plate and the end frame of the machine to reduce fatigue cracking at the points of connection of the vertical support plates to the mounting plate. The support structure may further include first and second lower support plates having top edges spaced from each other and connected to the bottom surface of the mounting plate, and bottom edges connected to each other so that the lower support plates and the mounting plate form a triangle in cross-section to further assist in transitioning the forces to the end frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tan, Michael Sekulich, Allen Boyer, Robert Hunter, Sameer Rishipathak
  • Publication number: 20140157635
    Abstract: A pin and bearing assembly including a pair of pins, each pin having a frustoconical portion, a pair of sleeve bearings configured to rotate relative to the pair of pins, a pair of rings configured to couple the pair of sleeve bearings to a hub, and a thru rod having a nut on a first end wherein when the nut is tightened a compressive force is applied to the pair of pins and pair of sleeve bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. La Reau
  • Patent number: 8641357
    Abstract: A track hoe bucket attachment for purposes of loading and unloading pipe comprising two tines connected at one end by a pipe. The pipe has an opening that is capable of receiving the teeth of the track hoe bucket. The two tines are further connected by a support bar which has eyelets at its two ends. The eyelets of the support bar receive a chain that is connected to the track hoe to further secure the attachment to the track hoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Charles David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8567551
    Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in a manual-control mode and an auto-control mode, and is adapted to activate the auto-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) to an activate-auto position relative to a neutral position (42) of the operator input device (28), and both deactivate the auto-control mode and activate the manual-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) from the neutral position through a non-responsive deadband (72) about the neutral position (42) to an activate-manual position. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Boris Trifunovic
  • Publication number: 20120246981
    Abstract: A hydraulic shovel includes an engine; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; an excavating attachment which is driven by high oil discharged from the hydraulic pump; a motor generator that assists a power supply of the engine; and an assist control unit that controls the motor generator to assist the engine in a latter part of the excavating operation by the excavating attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideto MAGAKI, Ryuji SHIRATANI, Jitsutaka TAKEO
  • Publication number: 20120066941
    Abstract: An elongated digging attachment for an excavator, including a recessed main body portion, a connection assembly connected to the main body portion, and a ground engaging portion connected to the main body portion and oppositely disposed from the connection assembly. The recessed main body portion defines a concave curvature, the recessed main body portion and the ground engaging portion define a scoop, and the scoop has an aspect ratio of at least about 1:3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Philip Paull
  • Patent number: 8112913
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-configurable bucket for screening material comprising a blade having a bottom edge, a top edge and a connector therebetween for securing to a distal end of the arm of a earth moving equipment. The bucket has a bottom screen having front and rear edges being rotatable about the top edge of the blade section. The bottom screen is positionable so as to extend angled away from the bottom edge of the blade. The bucket further comprises a front screen rotatable relative to the bottom screen having a main screen portion and an angled end screen portion. The front screen is positionable to a closed position proximate the front edge of the bottom screen such that the front edge of the bottom screen extends past the angled bottom portion of the front screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Chester Lea Sirr
  • Patent number: 8024873
    Abstract: A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Patent number: 7975410
    Abstract: A control system for use with an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a boom member, a linear actuator connected to pivot the boom member in a first direction, a rotary actuator connected to swing the boom member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and an operator input device configured to generate a command signal indicative of a desired movement of the boom member. The control system may also have a tilt sensor configured to detect an inclination of the excavation machine, and a controller in communication with the rotary actuator, the operator input device, and the tilt sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a swing end stop for the boom member, to control the rotary actuator to move the boom member based on the command signal, and to modify the command signal to inhibit movement of the boom member past the swing end stop based on the detected inclination of the excavation machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Leo Faivre, Roger Dale Koch, Brahmaramba Tallapragada
  • Publication number: 20110154696
    Abstract: A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Patent number: 7966754
    Abstract: An adapter for permitting non-standard work tools to be attached to a work machine for which they were not originally sized to fit. The adapter comprises a sleeve which fits into bores on the work machine. Pins for attaching the work tool to the machine in turn are inserted through the work tool and into the sleeves. The sleeves protect the joint through seals positioned both on an outer surface of a flange of the sleeve, and on an inner surface of the bore of the sleeve. The sleeves also include holes for permitting lubricant to pass from the sleeve's outer circumferential surface to its inner circumferential surface. The sleeves may be permitted to rotate relative to the work machine via bearings in the bores of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Starykowicz, John F. Halterman
  • Patent number: 7900383
    Abstract: A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid connection member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Publication number: 20110005108
    Abstract: A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid connection member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Patent number: 7797861
    Abstract: A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid connection member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Patent number: 7752780
    Abstract: An earth-working vehicle, such as a backhoe loader, has an implement, such as a backhoe, mounted in a manner that the implement can be shifted transversely with respect to the vehicle. A hydraulic motor and roller cable or rack are secured to the vehicle main frame and implement supporting plate to position the implement transversely of the vehicle without the jerky movements of prior backhoe loaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Johnson, Matthew J. Hennemann, Suhas Katdare
  • Patent number: 7739813
    Abstract: There is provided a telescoping boom system for an excavating apparatus which includes a linkage member having a pivot segment and lever segment pivoted about a rotating fixed boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the fixed boom to the pivot segment. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the lever segment to a retractable outer boom. The first hydraulic cylinder extends to rotate the pivot segment away from a proximate end of the fixed boom, thus forcing the lever segment to rotate towards the proximate end of the fixed boom. The second hydraulic cylinder retracts and combines with the extension force of the first hydraulic cylinder across the linkage member to provide a retraction force to the outer boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Beaton
  • Patent number: 7730648
    Abstract: A construction vehicle of an all-round traverse type is configured such that when working by using one working machine of an excavating machine and a loading machine mounted on front and rear sides of a cabin, the working machine in use can perform operation without influence from the other working machine in an unused state, as the excavating machine and the loading machine are configured to be folded and retracted under an unused state into an orientation of substantially fitting along respective surfaces of the front side and the rear side of the cabin. A cabin 3 is mounted on a turn frame 2 that makes an all-round traverse and is mounted on a vehicle body 1, and a mounting bracket 40 is provided on one end of the front end and the rear end of the turn frame 2. An excavator 4 is mounted in front of the cabin 3 by mounting and connecting the excavator 4 to the mounting bracket 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fukaya
  • Publication number: 20100115801
    Abstract: A one-pass bucket includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls diverging forwardly from the rear wall to an open front end of the bucket, wherein the curved end walls extend convexly from the bottom wall to the top of the end wall at a forward edge thereof, and extending substantially diagonally upwardly from the bottom at a rearward edge so that the forward edge of the curved end wall curves upwardly towards the plane of the top wall so as to intersect the plane of the top wall non-tangentially and the rearward edge extends diagonally to intersect the plane of the top wall whereby a round bottom ditch is formed by rotating one of the curved end walls down and dragging that curved end wall through the soil longitudinally of the proposed ditch in a single pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Rene Doucette, Paul Doucette, Greg Doucette, Guy Doucette
  • Publication number: 20100115802
    Abstract: An earth-working vehicle, such as a backhoe loader, has an implement, such as a backhoe, mounted in a manner that the implement can be shifted transversely with respect to the vehicle. A hydraulic motor and roller cable or rack are secured to the vehicle main frame and implement supporting plate to position the implement transversely of the vehicle without the jerky movements of prior backhoe loaders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. JOHNSON, Matthew J. HENNEMANN, Suhas KATDARE
  • Patent number: 7698838
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hoe equipped excavator includes a base, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the base, a stick pivotally coupled at one end to the other end of the boom, a tool pivotally coupled to the other end of the stick, a boom link plate pivotally coupled to the boom, a lift cylinder coupled between the base and the boom link plate and an adjustment cylinder coupled between the boom link plate and the boom. The lift cylinder is operable to pivot the boom through a first circumferential range, and the adjustment cylinder is operable to pivot the boom beyond the first circumferential range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Strayhorn
  • Patent number: 7581341
    Abstract: A design for a wheel loader. The wheel loader has two units connected back to back via a pivot. Each unit has a base unit that is easily disassembled into parts no more than 8 feet wide for transport by using steel plates connected by sleeves, shafts and nuts. A dipper arm arrangement connects the base to a high capacity bucket arrangement of 300 cubic yards. Hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the bucket arrangement and tip the bucket arrangement for dumping. The hydraulic cylinders are operated by hydraulic pumps which are operated by diesel engines. A rotatable cab sits on top of the base to provide a view for an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: James B. Reeves, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090158625
    Abstract: A control system for a tool coupling of the type that attaches a tool to an excavator dipper stick and provides for rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis, and further provides for tilting of the tool, includes a rotation sensor and a tilt sensor. The rotation sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis. The tilt sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of tilt of the tool with respect to gravity. A control is responsive to the rotation sensor and to the tilt sensor for determining the orientation of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR TRIMBLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Pope, Anand Arumugam
  • Patent number: 7549242
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an articulated joint between the back boom and the main boom of a multiple boom for an excavator so that it: permits a sufficiently wide angle of movement between both parts of the boom, permits maximum boom reach, and is in a position to accept high forces, all while also providing a cost-saving design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Baumaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schmeling, Bernhard Willaredt, Holger Oertel, Birgit Ditz
  • Publication number: 20090133297
    Abstract: An excavator mounted with tanks having side doors is provided, in which bend-formed side doors, which are mounted on outer sides of a hydraulic fluid tank and a fuel tank that are welded structures mounted on an upper frame of the excavator, have the same curved surfaces as an external shape of the equipment, so that no precise tank manufacturing work is required and welded portions of the tanks are prevented from being exposed to an outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: TAEK WOO LEE
  • Publication number: 20090077839
    Abstract: A pilot pressure control valve V17 is provided that is switchable between an operation position 56 where pilot pressure is supplied to a first channel switching valve V12 and a non-operation position 57 where pilot pressure is not supplied to the first channel switching valve V12; this pilot pressure control valve V17 is switched to the non-operation position 57 during a state of non-travel and is switched to the operation position 56 with a pilot pressure established in a travel detection circuit 54, and in the operation position 56, supplies a pilot source pressure to the first channel switching valve V12 from a fourth pump P4 on the upstream side of a pressurized oil introduction orifice 53.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Horii
  • Publication number: 20090049718
    Abstract: A swing type working vehicle, wherein a space at the foot portion of an operator can be increased when pedal operation is not required. A step (12) is installed on the front part of a swing table frame (5), and pedals (67) and (68) for operating hydraulic actuators are disposed on the step (12). The base parts of the pedals (67) and (68) are supported so that these pedals can be swung forward and backward. When the pedals (67) and (68) are swung backward, they are brought into contact with the operating members of the hydraulic actuators to disable the operation, and when the pedals are swung forward, they are held in the state of being brought into contact with the step (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Katashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7487023
    Abstract: In a hybrid construction machine, its display device displays, toward an operator, an artificial engine sound serving as load information according to a magnitude of a workload, instead of an engine sound. Furthermore, the display device issues an alarm sound to surrounding workers when performing an operation by only stored electrical power of an electrical energy storage device without using an engine. In this hybrid construction machine, in addition to the issuing of alarm from the display device during the operation without using the engine, the display device issues an advance notice sound for engine restart when at least one value out of the workload and a charge amount of the electrical energy storage device has become an advance notice set value close to a set value of engine restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Komiyama, Masayuki Kagoshima