Patents Represented by Attorney Jeff A Greene
  • Patent number: 6899651
    Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly includes a hub having an endless chain connected thereto. A plurality of driver members are mounted between the hub and the endless chain to provide sound suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Thomas E. Oertley
  • Patent number: 6869244
    Abstract: An improved articulated pin joint for a track chain used on track laying work machines is provided. The articulated pin joint includes a plug positioned in a central cavity of a track pin. The plug includes an axial passage in which a needle can be inserted to inject grease into the central cavity. The invention facilitates replenishing grease in the field without removing the track chain from the track laying work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Daniel D. Angot, Steve L. Arianoutsos, J. Christopher Barnes, David G. Kupper
  • Patent number: 6837649
    Abstract: A compactor tooth has a replaceable wear tip mounted to a mounting block carried on the cylindrical exterior surface of a landfill-compactor wheel of a compactor machine. The mounting block has an external surface formed to engage a complementary internal cavity of the wear tip and includes a pair of circumferentially spaced sides oriented not more than 5 degrees from perpendicular to the cylindrical exterior surface of the wheel. The replaceable tip has a body with an exterior ground-engaging surface, a mounting end and a mounting-base receiving cavity opening through the mounting end. The cavity is configured to receive the mounting block thereinto and has a pair of circumferentially spaced side surfaces configured to be in close abutting relationship to a respective one of the circumferentially spaced sides of said mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Riaz A. Shaikh
  • Patent number: 6837650
    Abstract: A split drum is provided for a compacting work machine and includes a first and a second drum section. A differential arrangement is operatively positioned between the first and second drum sections. Rotational power is supplied to the first and second drum sections through the differential arrangement which is connected with a propel motor. The first and second drum sections are rotated simultaneously by grounding either the first or second drum section with the propel motor. Releasing the grounding allows the first drum section to counter rotate relative to the second drum section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventors: Kevin J. Magee, Clint W. Paulson, Dean R. Potts, Federico B. Rio
  • Patent number: 6802687
    Abstract: A method for controlling the raise/extend function of a work machine is provided. The method comprises sensing the lateral orientation of the work machine, comparing the sensed orientation to a desired orientation and controlling the raise/extend operation in response to the actual verses the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Simon C. Litchfield, C. James Johnson
  • Patent number: 6783196
    Abstract: A master link for a track chain assembly is provided. The master link includes a body portion having first and second spaced apart apertures extending therethough. A gap extends radially outward from one of the first and second apertures. At least one fastener operatively engages an aperture that extends through the gap. As the fastener is secured the width of the gap is reduced thereby reducing the diameter of one of the first and second apertures providing a clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Roy L. Maguire, Thomas E. Oertley, Kevin M. Egle
  • Patent number: 6769838
    Abstract: A vibratory mechanism includes first and second eccentric weights connected to a gearbox. The gearbox includes an inner shaft, an outer shaft and first and second planetary gear sets. The first and second planetary gear sets are connected to a motor that drives the first and second eccentric weights during operation via the inner shaft and outer shaft respectively. A phase control device is operatively connected to the second planetary gear set to index the second eccentric weight relative to the first eccentric weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventor: Dean R. Potts
  • Patent number: 6750780
    Abstract: The invention realises a remote controlling device of an operative machine which comprises a transmitter arranged on the ground at the disposal of an operator and a receiver arranged inboard, supplied with an accomplishment circuit connected with the drives of such machine. The transmitter comprises a first section which transmits luminous infrared waves and a second section which transmits electromagnetic waves which cooperate with the receiver comprising a first section receiving the luminous infrared waves and a second section receiving the electromagnetic waves. In the receiver electronic means are present, suitable for realising a permission signal which activates the accomplishment circuit only if the first receiving section receives the luminous infrared waves emitted by the first transmitting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Bitelli SPA
    Inventor: Romolo Bitelli
  • Patent number: 6739680
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly is provided. The cartridge assembly includes a bushing rotatably positioned about a track pin. Bearing members are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bushing. Collars are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bearing members. Seal arrangements are positioned between the collars and the bearing members and between the bearing members and the track bushing sealably excluding contaminants and the retention of a lubricating fluid from a passage in the bushing and a bore within the track pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Michael D. Hasselbusch, Roy L. Maguire, Darby R. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6739678
    Abstract: An idler assembly includes a hub has a plurality of segments connected thereto. A groove is positioned in either an outer circumferential surface of the hub or the inner surface of the plurality of segments. The groove has first and second tapered sides that terminate at a bottom surface. An isolation member is mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Gregory B. Moebs, Abram T. Valencic, Thomas E. Oertley
  • Patent number: 6729270
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling circuit for a work machine that provides increased cooling capacity of a radiator without increasing the physical size of the radiator. The cooling circuit includes a jacket water pump, a jacket water portion of an engine and a radiator fluidly coupled to the circuit. A first powertrain oil cooler is fluidly coupled to the cooling circuit between the jacket water pump and the jacket water portion. A second powertrain oil cooler is fluidly coupled to the cooling circuit between the jacket water portion and the radiator. Positioning of the powertrain oil coolers in this manner increases the temperature differential between ambient air and coolant entering the radiator, therefore increasing cooling capacity of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Michael D. Betz, Jared P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6725105
    Abstract: The present invention is a control system for conditioning movement of a work implement during a work cycle. In one embodiment, the control system comprises an electronic-hydraulic valve connected to the work implement and a computer system having a central processing unit and a memory device. The control system further comprises a mode control module stored on the memory device. The mode control module is generally adapted to detect whether the control handle of the work implement is signaling for operating in a smooth mode or an abrupt mode, and to output a control signal to the electronic-hydraulic valve to control operation of the work implement during the smooth mode or the abrupt mode. The mode control module comprises a smooth mode module and an abrupt mode module. The smooth mode module and the abrupt mode module are adapted to optimize movement of the work cycle during the smooth mode, and abrupt mode, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: John E. Francis, Mark D. Shane
  • Patent number: 6712551
    Abstract: A compactor tooth has a replaceable wear tip mounted to a mounting block carried on the cylindrical exterior surface of a landfill-compactor wheel of a compactor machine. The mounting block has an external surface formed to engage a complementary internal cavity of the wear tip and includes a pair of circumferentially spaced sides oriented not more than 5 degrees from perpendicular to the cylindrical exterior surface of the wheel. The replaceable tip has a body with an exterior ground-engaging surface, a mounting end and a mounting-base receiving cavity opening through the mounting end. The cavity is configured to receive the mounting block thereinto and has a pair of circumferentially spaced side surfaces configured to be in close abutting relationship to a respective one of the circumferentially spaced sides of said mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Riaz A. Shaikh
  • Patent number: 6652043
    Abstract: An idler for supporting the forward end of an endless track of a track-type tractor has an endless chain resiliently supported on an outer flange of the idler hub. An outer surface of the chain provides a substantially continuous bearing surface for supporting the endless track on the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Thomas E. Oertley
  • Patent number: 6637280
    Abstract: A vibratory mechanism is provided with first and second motors connected to first and second eccentric weights. One of the first and second motors is operable to change a phase difference between the first and second eccentric weights to change a vibration amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventor: Dean R. Potts
  • Patent number: 6634383
    Abstract: The present invention is a control arrangement that includes a detent assist assembly for assisting a detent arrangement in holding a control device in a predetermined position. Additionally, the detent assist assembly serves as an actuator for a control valve operative with the control device. Further, the detent assist assembly provides tactile feedback to an operator through the control device. The present invention is a simple and efficient device for providing a detent assist with tactile feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Aarestad
  • Patent number: 6631961
    Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, which supports and guides an endless track and provides sound suppression, and a method for providing sound suppression of an undercarriage of a machine. The idler wheel assembly includes a hub having a first side surface and a second side surface onto which a plurality of segments are connected. Each of the plurality of segments has a first flange positioned adjacent the first side surface of the hub, and a second flange positioned adjacent the second side surface. At least one isolation device may be mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Billy R. Bedford, Gregory B. Moebs, Abram T. Valencic
  • Patent number: 6629808
    Abstract: Mounting pin arrangements are useful for connecting a first and a second structure together. When the pin is inserted in a mounting structure the mounting pin arrangement needs to expand to seal the arrangement to prevent dust and dirt from entering the mounting arrangement. The subject mounting pin arrangement includes a sleeve assembly that has a plurality of sleeve segments and an elastomeric is positioned and connected to adjacent segments and includes an end cap on the end portion of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a tapered bore therethrough. A pair of inserts are positioned in the bore and include tapers that interact with the taper in the bore of the sleeve to expand the sleeve to seal the mounting arrangement. The arrangement of components provides an expandable pin arrangement that will prevent dust or dirt from entering the mounting arrangement to prolong the life of the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin L. Martin, Timothy J. Weirich, Jose Mauricio Tuschi
  • Patent number: 6619883
    Abstract: A compactor tooth has a replaceable wear tip mounted to a mounting block carried on the cylindrical exterior surface of a landfill-compactor wheel of a compactor machine. The mounting block has an external surface formed to engage a complementary internal cavity of the wear tip and includes a pair of circumferentially-spaced sides oriented not more than 5 degrees from perpendicular to the cylindrical exterior surface of the wheel. The replaceable tip has a body with an exterior ground-engaging surface, a mounting end and a mounting-base receiving cavity opening through the mounting end. The cavity is configured to receive the mounting block thereinto and has a pair of circumferentially-spaced side surfaces configured to be in close abutting relationship to a respective one of the circumferentially-spaced sides of the mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Riaz A. Shaikh
  • Patent number: D500329
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno G. Bauve, Gerard M. Froberger, Douglas V. Montgomery, Gregg C. Montgomery, Brian G. Moriarity, Steve B. Nelson