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
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
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.
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
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