Miscellaneous Patents (Class 37/466)
  • Patent number: 11885106
    Abstract: A working machine includes: a support bracket provided on a machine body and including a boom pivotal support portion and a cylinder pivotal support portion; a boom pivotally supported by the boom pivotal support portion; a boom cylinder pivotally supported at the cylinder pivotal support portion and the boom, and causing the boom to swing upward and downward; a hydraulic hose extended through the support bracket from the rear of the support bracket to the front of the support bracket and connected to the boom cylinder; a first clamp to retain the hydraulic hose on the support bracket; and a second clamp to retain the hydraulic hose on the boom cylinder. The support bracket includes a through hole through which the hydraulic hose is passed in a fore-and-aft direction. The first clamp is disposed rearward of the through hole and forward of the rear end of the boom shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuaki Shobu, Hiroshi Horii, Hitoshi Iwamura, Shoichi Kawano, Shohei Doi
  • Patent number: 11326504
    Abstract: A system including a cooling fan, an actuator with an actuator temperature sensor, and a controller is disclosed. The controller may be configured to receive temperature data from the actuator temperature sensor. The temperature data may include information relating to an actuator temperature of the actuator. The controller may be configured to compare the actuator temperature with a temperature threshold associated with the actuator, and control the cooling fan to adjust the actuator temperature based on determining that the actuator temperature satisfies the temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Wolk, Samuel Were, James Mutti, Brian P. Brennan
  • Patent number: 11288860
    Abstract: There is provided methods and apparatus for estimating a position of a movable object. A dynamic reference image is generated based on an environment and a reference image extracted from a map. A position of the movable object is estimated based on the dynamic reference image and an observation image of an area around the movable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Abe, Masahiko Toyoshi, Shun Lee, Keitaro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10041227
    Abstract: A strongarm device for use with a hydro excavation hose includes a support frame configured to carry hydro excavation equipment, a support post having first and second ends, the first end being secured to the support frame, and a boom having a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the support post and configured for the second end of the boom to rotate relative thereto. In addition, the strongarm device includes a bracket secured to and suspended from the second end of the boom, and a roller secured to the bracket and configured for the hydro excavation hose to roll back and forth over an upper surface of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Don M. Buckner
  • Patent number: 9885167
    Abstract: An interface for an implement that is to be operably coupled to a power machine includes an implement carrier mountable to a power machine for securing the implement for use with the power machine. The implement carrier includes an implement carrier frame, a locking feature for securing an implement, and a coupler block that is pivotally mounted to the implement carrier frame for engaging couplers on the implement. Implements and adapters configured to interface with the implement carrier are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Behr, Brandon Becker, Mark W. Binstock
  • Patent number: 9732497
    Abstract: A travelling frame of a travelling device positioned between a center frame and a travelling motor attachment portion includes an upper plate extended toward the center side of the vehicle to form an extended portion. A long hole into which travelling motor hydraulic piping is inserted is formed in the upper plate along the extended portion. The travelling motor hydraulic piping extends from a lead-out hole opened in an end plate of the center frame, through the long hole of the upper plate and a long hole opened in an end plate, and inserted into the travelling motor attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Carterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Miyata, Michihiro Izawa, Masamitsu Imagawa, Shuji Kidoguchi
  • Patent number: 9511984
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle is provided with a vehicle body, battery cells, which are the electric power source for the industrial vehicle and are located within the vehicle body, and a counterweight, which is located within the vehicle body. The counterweight has a weight portion and a weight body that extends from the weight portion. The battery cells are provided on both sides of the weight body and are thermally coupled to the weight body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Takashi Sakai, Takahisa Sugimoto, Shintaro Watanabe, Hidefumi Oishi, Hiromi Ueda, Naoto Morisaku, Kazuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 9441352
    Abstract: A ground engaging wear member is telescoped onto and releasably retained on a support member by a connector pin assembly extending through aligned openings in the wear and support members. A pin portion of the assembly is rotatable relative to the wear and support members between locking and unlocking positions in which opposite end tabs of the pin respectively block and unblock removal of the wear member from the support member. A drive bolt is threaded into an end or the pin and is connected to locking structure within the pin. Rotation of the bolt in one direction rotates the pin to and statically locks it in its locking position, while rotation of the bolt in the opposite direction rotates the pin to and statically locks it in its unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamad Y. Bilal
  • Patent number: 9067490
    Abstract: Provided is a work machine capable of protecting a battery from splashing fuel during fuel filling. The work machine includes a fuel tank having a fuel-filler portion, a battery arranged near the fuel-filler portion, and a cover member. The cover member has a cover portion which covers an upper surface of the battery and an extension portion which continuously extends from the cover portion toward the fuel-filler portion to cover a region from the battery to the fuel-filler portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Matsumoto, Isao Miyachi
  • Patent number: 9061582
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes an engine, a selective catalytic reduction apparatus, an outer cover, a first column member, a reducing agent tank, and a reducing agent pump. The selective catalytic reduction apparatus processes exhaust from the engine. The first column member supports the outer cover. The reducing agent tank retains a reducing agent. The reducing agent pump supplies the reducing agent from the reducing agent tank to the selective catalytic reduction apparatus. The reducing agent pump is attached to the first column member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Sawada
  • Patent number: 8972121
    Abstract: An electromotive drive device of an electric motor-driven mini-excavator, which is capable of lengthening its operating time, includes an electric power storage device, a motor-generator, a hydraulic pump, a plurality of directional control valves which respectively control the flow of pressurized fluid, and a plurality of operating devices which respectively operate the plurality of directional control valves. The electromotive drive device is provided with a bidirectional converter which decelerates the motor-generator to an idle revolution speed when X seconds have elapsed in a state in which the plurality of directional control valves are all not operated. The bidirectional converter performs regenerative control to convert an inertial force of a rotor of the motor-generator to power and charge the electric power storage device when it decelerates the motor-generator from a standard revolution speed to the idle revolution speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Kurikuma, Tatsuo Takishita, Yuta Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20150027007
    Abstract: An attachment is provided for us on an articulated boom of an excavator in order to excavate earth from beneath a buried pipeline or other utility. The attachment features at least one working arm pivotally mounted to a base plate for movement relative to the base plate about an axis passing therethrough. A working end of the arm is thereby movable between a retracted position overlying the base plate and a deployed position reaching laterally outward from an edge of the base plate. With the excavator facing in a longitudinal direction of the utility, and the attachment carried beside the utility at a short depth therebelow by the boom of the excavator, the arm can be deployed and retracted in order to sweep material out from under the pipeline and onto the base plate. The material is then lifted to the surface by raising of the excavator boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Kelvin R. Doherty
  • Patent number: 8926257
    Abstract: A work machine includes a pivotable arm having a first gripping device formed therein, the arm operatively connected to an attachment for securing an object between the first gripping device and the attachment. A second gripping device is removably securable to the arm near the first gripping device, the second gripping device configured to at least partially secure an object between the second gripping device and the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Bradley, Matthew J. Hennemann, Michael R. Heiar, Bradley O'Connor, David J. Sanning, Matthew Wagenbach
  • Patent number: 8909439
    Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit having a bucket, a designed landform data storage part storing designed landform data, a bucket position data generation part that generates bucket position data, a designed surface data generation part, and an excavation limit control part. The designed surface data generation part generates superior and subordinate designed surface data based on the designed landform and bucket position data. The superior designed surface data indicates a superior designed surface corresponding to a prescribed position on the bucket. The subordinate designed surface data indicates a plurality of subordinate designed surfaces linked to the superior designed surface. The designed surface data generation part generates shape data based on the superior and subordinate designed surface data. The shape data indicates shapes of the superior designed surface and the plurality of subordinate designed surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Matsuyama, Yoshiki Kami, Shin Kashiwabara, Masashi Ichihara
  • Publication number: 20140345168
    Abstract: Decades of research and development have been invested in various forms of railguns, coilguns and mass drivers. See http://settlement.arc.nasa.gov/75SummerStudy/Table_of Contents1.html Research at the Space Studies Institute in the 1980s refined the mass driver concept. See http://ssi.org/introduction-to-research/research-report/# mass-driver-iii The innovation of the Electromagnetic Regolith Excavator is to eliminate the use of a bucket or other container that is accelerated by the magnetic fields. Instead, magnetic particles in the regolith itself (nickel-iron grains and/or magnetite) are put into motion and they carry along with them a to-be-determined fraction (perhaps all) of the co-resident non-magnetic regolith particles. The Electromagnetic Regolith Excavator applies only attractive forces: no anchoring is required. This enables robotic and crewed spacecraft to safely collect surface material from asteroid targets that may be tumbling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen D. Covey
  • Patent number: 8850725
    Abstract: A trench edging member to be placed adjacent a trench or hole in the ground is designed to retain the soil removed from the trench, not destroy the landscape beneath the device, and enable an individual to readily replace the soil back into the trench or hole. A plurality of these devices can be placed adjacent each other so that a long trench can be dug filled with the required equipment or utilities, and the soil replaced back into the trench. The material employed for the device is formed into an undulating or wavy pattern when viewed in cross section. This enables a plurality of the devices to be nested or stacked atop one another for storage and/or transportation. The undulations also add rigidity to the device without adding weight to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: RHL Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Rigoberto Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20140130382
    Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Harrington
  • Publication number: 20140130383
    Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Harrington
  • Patent number: 8678120
    Abstract: Provided is a method for mounting a device on a frame in a construction machine. The method includes forming plate holes in a beam member at respective mount-member-provision positions on the beam member; mounting a plate supporter on a back surface of the beam member at each of the mount-member-provision positions so as to border the plate hole at a lower side thereof; installing the beam member on the frame; putting the mount plate into the plate hole from above so as to make the mount plate be supported by the plate supporter and fixing the plate supporter in the plate hole after adjusting the position of the mount plate horizontally and vertically within the plate hole; and mounting the mount members to the mount plates fixed in the plate holes respectively and mounting the device on the beam member via the mount members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Shimomura, Takayuki Okunishi, Shinji Katsuhara
  • Patent number: 8631595
    Abstract: A swivel adapter mount can be mounted on the end of a boom of excavating equipment, such as a crawler excavator or on a backhoe. Rotation of the swivel adapter mount will impart rotation to an implement, such as bucket, mounted on the boom. This rotation is not possible with a conventional wrist joint on the boom of an excavator or backhoe. With the bucket swiveled using this swivel adapter mount, a slope may be defined on the sides of a ditch, by only using the backhoe or excavator. The implement can be swiveled or tilted about transverse axes as will as being manipulated by a conventional wrist joint. Gear bearings having gear teeth of divergent thickness are employed on the swivel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Wayne McDonald
  • Patent number: 8631594
    Abstract: An improved variable width screed device that attaches to an industrial vehicle, such as an excavator, having a push blade and controlled arm mechanism. The position of the controlled arm mechanism determines the width of the screed. The screed width can be instantaneously adjusted along a spectrum of widths by modifying the radial position of the controlled arm mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Sheldon Adam Moyer
  • Patent number: 8621770
    Abstract: An apparatus for swiveling an implement, such as a bucket, relative to a device, such as an excavator boom, includes a rotary union and a bearing disc mounted in a housing. The bearing disc rotates relative to the housing so that the implement can be rotated relative to the device. A gear or geared bearing assembly is located between the bearing disc and top and bottom housing portions for bearing loads transverse to the axis about which the implement is rotated relative to the device. The rotary union has fluid passages extending from the top to the bottom of a central shaft, which is affixed to the bearing disc, and the shaft and disc can comprise a one piece combination rotary union and bearing disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Wayne McDonald
  • Patent number: 8605730
    Abstract: A method of communication between endpoint devices that includes converting data packets from a multiport protocol to a proprietary port protocol so that the data packets can traverse firewalls protecting the endpoint devices. A system that includes networks protected by firewall wherein the communication between the networks is in a proprietary protocol and the system further including a device for managing the communication between the protected networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: DirectPacket Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Signaoff, Tom W. Opsahl, Edward M. Riley, III, Justin S. Signaoff
  • Patent number: 8578638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a work machine, in particular to an excavator, having a boom, an extension element and a piece of working equipment, wherein the extension element is attached to a pivotal connection axle of the boom via a first gimbal mounting and bears the piece of working equipment, wherein the piece of working equipment is attached to a pivotal connection axle of the extension element via a second gimbal mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Härter, Roland Wachter, Bernd Wager, Thomas Zitterbart
  • Publication number: 20130185966
    Abstract: A pulsed supersonic jet excavator uses a short duration blast of air to excavate using a minimum amount of air and a minimum reaction force. This device uses a fast acting valve to create a jet of air that lasts about as long as it takes to develop. The result is a device that works much more efficiently than existing air jet excavators. This device can be mounted on a small robot and allow it to dig, whereas a normal backhoe type excavator would just lift the robot when attempting to dig in packed earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Merrill Harrington
  • Patent number: 8490270
    Abstract: A pin joint includes a pin having a longitudinal axis. A bushing for use with a lateral pin retention system may be positioned around the pin. The bushing includes an arc groove disposed radially about an outer surface of the bushing. A retaining plug for use with the lateral pin retention system includes an engagement head shaped to engage the arc groove and may be attachable to a linkage of a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Oertley, Michael T. James
  • Patent number: 8474161
    Abstract: Multitask vehicles for military use, rescue, transport, and explosive detection and removal. In one embodiment, the multitask, motorized vehicle, includes: a vehicle body having a rigid frame with a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels mounted thereon; and a rotary mounting platform disposed on top of the vehicle body and which has a mounting portion being configured to interchangeably mount and remove various secondary systems or components, thereby permitting the multitask, motorized vehicle to change functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8459894
    Abstract: A sealed pivot assembly with lock/unlocking functionality has an axis member having a plurality of threaded openings formed in both a first and a second end member. A pair of locking sleeves is positioned over each of the first end and second end of the axis member. An expansion sleeves is positioned over each of the pair of locking sleeves. Locking devices are inserted into the openings formed in each end of the axis member, the locking devices engaging the pair of expansion sleeves causing the expansion sleeves to expand to secure the axis member in the mounting lugs. A threaded dismounting tool may be positioned in one threaded hole to force the axis member axially causing the expansion sleeves to loosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Expander Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Svensson
  • Patent number: 8371049
    Abstract: A hydraulically-operated ripper tool mounted as an attachment on a hydraulic arm of a carrier or excavator is used for demolition of large metal walled structures such as storage tanks in a very short time. The ripper tool has a sharp point for punching entry holes into the tank walls, so that no torch cutting of entry holes needs to be used, particularly where there might be volatile residues left in the tank. The ripper tool has a concave, sharp inner edge and is operated by the hydraulic arm in reciprocation so as to provide a shearing force to cut quickly through metal walls in “can-opener” fashion. The ripper tool facilitates making long vertical cuts into the tank wall from top to bottom, so that a series of vertical cuts can be made to weaken a side of the tank and allow the top of the tank structure to be brought down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tajiri Lumber Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Y. Tajiri, Kenny Y. Tajiri
  • Patent number: 8333528
    Abstract: A pin joint includes a pin having a longitudinal axis. A bushing for use with a lateral pin retention system may be positioned around the pin. The bushing includes an arc groove disposed radially about an outer surface of the bushing. A retaining plug for use with the lateral pin retention system includes an engagement head shaped to engage the arc groove and may be attachable to a linkage of a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Oertley, Michael T. James
  • Patent number: 8250787
    Abstract: One embodiment of an improved method for removing a post from the ground, the method including inserting a spike tool into the ground around the perimeter of the base of the post, reducing the lifting force required by creating a layer of reduced friction mud surrounding the base of the post, supplying of pressurized fluid through the spike tool to the base of the post within the ground, and neutralizing the suction force created when the post is lifted from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8179888
    Abstract: A telecommunications system for communicating internet packet data in accordance with a first internet protocol (IPV6) via a packet radio network operable in accordance a second internet protocol (IPV4). The system comprises a user equipment operable to request a bearer for communicating internet protocol data according to the second internet protocol (IPV4) to and from a gateway support node of the packet radio network. The gateway support node is operable to establish a tunnelling protocol bearer for communicating the internet packet data to and from the user equipment across the packet radio network. The user equipment is operable in combination with the gateway support node to form an address which is compatible with the first internet protocol (IPv6). The address includes an interface identifier having a tunnel endpoint identifier of the tunnelling protocol bearer which ends at the gateway support node of the packet radio network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Orange SA
    Inventors: Xiaobao Chen, Nigel Stuart Bird
  • Patent number: 8177017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a traveling working machine, in particular an excavator, with an undercarriage on which the traveling gear is arranged, and an uppercarriage rotatably arranged on the undercarriage about a vertical axis of rotation. In accordance with the invention, the load-bearing steel construction of the uppercarriage is composed of at least one first and one second element, which are connected with each other via bolts and/or screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Asam, Robert Foehr, Roland Wachter, Bernd Wager
  • Publication number: 20120047778
    Abstract: A trench edging member to be placed adjacent a trench or hole in the ground is designed to retain the soil removed from the trench, not destroy the landscape beneath the device, and enable an individual to readily replace the soil back into the trench or hole. A plurality of these devices can be placed adjacent each other so that a long trench can be dug filled with the required equipment or utilities, and the soil replaced back into the trench. The material employed for the device is formed into an undulating or wavy pattern when viewed in cross section. This enables a plurality of the devices to be nested or stacked atop one another for storage and/or transportation. The undulations also add rigidity to the device without adding weight to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Rigoberto Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7992328
    Abstract: An apparatus coupled to an excavation bucket for creating a trench sidewall having indentations formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Monte G. Striegel
  • Publication number: 20100319222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction apparatus for foundation construction comprising a chassis, a mast for guidance of at least one ground working apparatus and a support mechanism for the mast, by means of which the mast is arranged in an adjustable manner on the chassis, whereby the support mechanism has at least one support arm, which is pivotably hinged about a pivot axis on the chassis. In accordance with the invention a rotary encoder is provided for detecting the pivot angle of the support arm relative to the chassis as a degree of an adjustment position of the mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: BAUER MASCHINEN GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Lanzl, Manuel Peter Ostermeier, Markus Mayr, Stefan Schnitzler
  • Publication number: 20100242313
    Abstract: An intermediate plate member (22) having a plate thickness equal to or less than that of a door body (19) is provided between the door body (19) and a reinforcing member (24) constituting a right side door (18). The door body (19) and the intermediate plate member (22) are jointed by spot welding, and the intermediate plate member (22) and the reinforcing member (24) are jointed by fillet welding, thereby jointing the reinforcing member (24) through the intermediate plate member (22) on the inner side surface (19A) of the door body (19). Through the use of the intermediate plate member (22), the generation of distortion in the door body (19) is reduced and the outer appearance of the right side door (18) is maintained in good condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Okada, Masao Nakamura, Makoto Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7802384
    Abstract: An excavation technique for a stratum capable of excavating a submerged stratum such as a layer containing an underground resource by using laser irradiation in liquid is provided. In this technique, a laser beam transmitted through laser transmission means 20 is irradiated in liquid 90 in form of a laser beam having a wavelength with high absorptance of the liquid 90 by laser-induced bubble generation means 35, generating a bubble flow 36, thus excavation of a submerged stratum may be carried out by using a laser-induced destruction effect. Moreover, a laser beam 41 having low absorptance of the liquid 90 is irradiated by laser irradiation means 39 and passed through the bubble flow 36, thereby applying a thermal effect to a stratum to destroy rock and excavate the stratum. The destruction effect and the thermal effect also may be cooperatively worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignees: Japan Drilling Co., Ltd., Tohoku University, National University Corporation the University of Electro-Communications
    Inventors: Toshio Kobayashi, Kazuyoshi Takayama, Ken-ichi Ueda, Kazuhisa Otomo, Shigehito Uetake
  • Patent number: 7780213
    Abstract: Heavy equipment having a tool box opening in forward direction of the equipment is provided, in which a tool box door mounted on an upper frame of an excavator can be simply opened and closed through pressing of a button, an auxiliary structure, such as a handrail that is used when an operator ascent toward an engine room, is not required, and the shape of the tool box door can be freely designed to sufficiently secure storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Sang Deuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20100146958
    Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system is disclosed. The method includes holding an implement configuration in an orientation. The method also includes sensing a pressure within a chamber of a hydraulic actuator associated with the implement configuration when the implement configuration is in the orientation and comparing a first signal indicative of the first sensed pressure with a first pressure value. The method further includes selecting a first functional relationship from among a plurality of stored functional relationships if the first signal is greater than the first pressure value and selecting a second functional relationship from among the plurality of stored functional relationships if the first signal is less than the first pressure value. The method includes controlling the hydraulic actuator based on the selected functional relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Randal Neil Peterson, Mike T. Verkuilen
  • Patent number: 7735248
    Abstract: There is provided a piping structure of a front work machine which prevents an increase in total with of the front work machine caused by hydraulic piping extended from the main machine side, and enables the piping following a structure of the front work machine turning vertically, by which a burden on the hydraulic piping accompanying the turning of the front work machine can be reduced to improve the durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Sakada, Nagahiro Ogata
  • Patent number: 7726048
    Abstract: A method of repositioning a machine during an excavating operation from a first machine position to a second machine position is provided. A target distance to the second machine position is selected. An operator input device configured to send a control input signal to a control module to initiate a repositioning phase is activated. During a repositioning phase, the machine is moved toward the second position while an operator maintains control of movement. A determination is made when the machine has traveled the target distance. The machine is stopped under automated machine control at the second machine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Stanek, Roger D. Koch, Jeffrey S. Alig, Robert J. Price
  • Patent number: 7717471
    Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Langenfeld, Matthew N. Westendorf, Neal W. Westendorf, James Curtis Stender, Mitch Gibler
  • Patent number: 7674085
    Abstract: An arrangement for a loader makes it possible to attach a tool to the loader. The arrangement comprises a locking arrangement for determining the position of the tool and locking it to the arrangement in this position, and a safety arrangement that ensures that the locking arrangement takes up its locking position only when a tool is correctly arranged at the attachment arrangement. The arrangement includes a part that functions independently of the locking arrangement and that can retain the locking arrangement in an open position that does not perform the locking function, and a releasing part that releases the locking arrangement from the retaining part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: ALO AB
    Inventor: Christer Byström
  • Patent number: 7644523
    Abstract: A compact mobile vacuum boring, mud recovery, excavation and surface cleaning method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and the vacuum container may be mounted on an incline slope to provide space beneath it to locate a water storage container. A vacuum conduit may be used to transport liquid or solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum conduit may be mounted adjacent to an articulated boom with one or more elbows and arms and the boom arm may have multiple utilities and tools attached. The vacuum tank may be mounted at a slope sufficient to assist emptying it's contents by gravity. An air filter housing may be adjacently mounted above the vacuum tank for efficiency and compactness. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Lynn Allan Buckner
  • Publication number: 20090313861
    Abstract: In a working vehicle in which a backhoe support frame for reinforcing is provided in a rear end portion of a vehicle body frame, and a transmission case is mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle body frame so as to be close to the backhoe support frame, each of support brackets provided in an outer side surface of a rear portion of each of main frames constructing the vehicle body frame so as to protrude outward is connected to a protruding end portion protruding to rightwardly and leftwardly relative to each of lower brace members in a reinforcing plate supporting a lower surface of the transmission case in a state in which a rear axle case protruding outward from the right and left side surfaces of the transmission case is sandwiched from upper and lower sides, in order to dissolve a risk that a load generated at a time of traveling in a backhoe installed state or at a time of an excavating work by the backhoe is propagated to the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kensaku Wakuta, Kazuhiko Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20090277168
    Abstract: A hybrid system for a machine is disclosed. The system has a pump configured to generate fluid flow within a hydraulic system and a first actuator actuated by fluid pressurized by the pump. The system also has a first motor configured to be selectively actuated by pressurized fluid directed from the first actuator by an external load and directed to the first motor by a first control valve. The system further has a first generator configured to be actuated by the first motor and a power source configured to actuate the pump. The system also has a powertrain including a first driveshaft and at least one traction device, the powertrain configured to transfer kinetic energy from the traction device to the first driveshaft during deceleration of the machine. The system further has a second generator configured to be selectively actuated by the kinetic energy transferred by the powertrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edward Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090238634
    Abstract: There is provided a piping structure of a front work machine which prevents an increase in total width of the front work machine caused by hydraulic piping extended from the main machine side, and enables the piping following a structure of the front work machine turning vertically, by which a burden on the hydraulic piping accompanying the turning of the front work machine can be reduced to improve the durability. In the piping structure of the front work machine mounted on the main machine through a bracket(s) 7 as a turnably-supporting part(s) arranged on one side of a bonnet provided in a front portion of the main machine or both right and left sides, each of lift arms 11 or a lift arm 11, which is a constructional member of the front work machine, is provided with a hole part 20 through which the hydraulic piping 30 passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Seiji Sakada, Nagahiro Ogata
  • Publication number: 20090223582
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing hydraulic pipes for construction equipment is provided, which can facilitate joint connection of return pipes having a large size to a hydraulic tank, in an environment where a working space of an upper frame is narrow such as in a small swing radius construction equipment, by a return pipe block for returning hydraulic fluid of a main control valve to the hydraulic tank without being interfered with a swing motor and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Joon Seog GO
  • Patent number: 7549451
    Abstract: A double-folded envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a snow shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily closed in place by snaps or Velcro—doubled over where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped to push or scrape snow from off the vehicle's surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Barbara Ann Sanchelli