Patents Represented by Attorney Andrew J. Ririe
  • Patent number: 7814689
    Abstract: A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Andrew Lee Vering, Karl E. Lindenmuth, Richard Kent Oswald
  • Patent number: 7752902
    Abstract: A torque converter may be inspected and verified using non-destructive testing methods so that the torque converter may be reused in a remanufacturing operation. The methods will permit a torque converter to be verified without needing to cut open the torque converter's housing to perform a close visual inspection. Rather, the methods make non-destructive inspection and verification possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Krieger, Keith D. Grondines, Eric J. Hopkins, Keith B. Kreider, James R. Corn
  • Patent number: 7753641
    Abstract: A latch is capable of automatically latching and unlatching an implement, such as a thumb used on the stick of a hydraulic excavator. The thumb may be moved to a stored, inactive position by the operator and automatically latched, or locked, in that position by the latch. To automatically engage the latch, and latch the thumb in its stored position, the operator moves the thumb to its stored position under the force of the thumb actuator. To automatically disengage the latch, and unlatch the thumb, the operator moves the thumb out of its stored position. The force of the thumb on the latch will overcome the latch's unlatching force. But unintentional drifting of the thumb will not cause a force great enough on the latch to overcome the unlatching force and disengage the latch. Also, the latch can be easily manually disengaged by a technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Gregory A. Seljestad
  • Patent number: 7234910
    Abstract: A bucket has a pair of longitudinally parallel and spaced apart pins for attaching to a pin grabber quick coupler. The pins may require removal from the bucket for repair or replacement if the pins are damaged. One or more windows are formed in the side of the bucket for facilitating access to and the removal of the pins from the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Pandu R. Boyapally, Douglas R. Bye, Jeffry J. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 7047612
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for repairing a casting, and more specifically to a method of repairing a casting by pouring melted filler material into a damaged portion of the original casting. Damaged cast metal components, such as a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine are repaired by preheating the component to a first preheat temperature. The damaged area of the casting is then heated to a higher temperature using a torch and melted filler material is poured into the casting. The torch is used to maintain the temperature of the melted material for thirty seconds to two minutes. The temperature of the filler material is then cooled using compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Bridges, Leonid Chuzhoy, Christopher A Kinney, Jose F. Leon Torres, Stephen E Post, Robert E. Sharp
  • Patent number: D522535
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Hammar, Brian B. Umbach
  • Patent number: D524826
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Pandu R. Boyapally, Douglas R. Bye, Jeffry J. Kurtz
  • Patent number: D537846
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan J. Block
  • Patent number: D551684
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Samuel L. McClallen, Douglas R. Bye, Jeremy D. Folkerts, Pandu R. Boyapally
  • Patent number: D554157
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Renski