Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm O. Gordon Pence
  • Patent number: 5890871
    Abstract: A quick coupler for detachably coupling a bucket or other work tool to the stick of an excavator or backhoe is disclosed. The quick coupler has a latching mechanism with is powered by a single acting cylinder to unlatch the coupler and which is powered by both a spring device and a gas charged accumulator to latch the coupler to the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Woerman
  • Patent number: 5844160
    Abstract: A forwardly-rotatable, driven-drum, land mine clearing tool has a plurality of robust, easily-repairable tool spokes extending radially from the outer surface of the drum. The land mine clearing tool is connected to the front end of a tracked vehicle and is operatively raised and lowered from the tracked vehicle. The drum and tool spokes engage the earth of a land mine field in a milling action, which grinds and destroys some land mines while triggering detonation of other land mines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Cieszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 5815959
    Abstract: In earthmoving buckets, and more especially in deep buckets, the heel portion is subjected to excessive wear due to its extended shape rubbing or impinging upon excavation material while engaged in digging operations. The present invention teaches a bucket shape which reduces the wear of the heel portion while retaining bucket capacity by using a multiple radius design to define the shape in profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Delaine D. Bahner, Gary R. Woerman
  • Patent number: 5806216
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting a base edge of a ground engaging implement of a work machine from wear. The apparatus includes a base edge cover and retaining apparatus of a construction adapted for time saving removal and installation. A mounting base is carried on the upper face of the base edge and has opposite sides and a outwardly opening cavity. The cavity has a concave frontal face thereon and a retainer opening through the one side in registry with the concave frontal face. A hook portion is provided on the base edge cover, which is adapted to be received within the cavity of the mounting base and positionable at a operative position where the convex face on the hook portion is disposed in a spaced opposing relation to the concave face in the cavity to define an arcuate groove therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Renski
  • Patent number: 5799383
    Abstract: An apparatus for crimping connectors on the ends of hoses includes a clamping machine having first and second moveable portions, a first measuring device associated with the clamping machine for delivering a signal representative of the linear distance between the moveable portions, and a controller operatively connected to the first measuring device and the clamping machine, for receiving the signal and stopping the relative movement of the first and second moving portions when the signal reaches a predetermined setting. The controller adjusts the relative movement of the moveable portions in response to input recorded on crimped connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Arden E. Baldwin, William G. Clelland, III, John Styfhoorn
  • Patent number: 5778572
    Abstract: An elongated steel cutting edge has an insert receiving slot formed therein extending from one end to the other. A plurality of carbide inserts of a generally rectangular solid configuration have a front face, a rear face and four sides. A plurality of upstanding protuberances are formed on and extend beyond the rear face of the inserts. The inserts are located within the slot in closely spaced side by side relationship and with the protuberances located against one of the sides of said slot. The front and rear faces of the cutting edge are brought together along the slot to cause a mechanical interlock between the protuberances of the insert and the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lukavich, Thomas D. Holtz, Charles L. McDaniel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5763956
    Abstract: An end face seal for sealing between first and second articulately coupled members of a track joint is disclosed. The seal is provided with a flexible dirt shield of elastomeric material. The dirt shield extends radially outwardly from the seal ring and has a distal end that is adapted to sealingly engage the first member at a location externally of the load ring to prevent the ingress of abrasive materials between the seal ring and the load ring and eliminate the abrasive erosion of the load ring, thereby maintaining the axial seal bearing force of the load ring against the seal ring throughout the useful life of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Metz, Billy R. Bedford, Steve L. Arianoutsos
  • Patent number: 5759012
    Abstract: The invention disclosed and taught herein teaches method and apparatus for restricting the ingress of hot combustion gases into the turbine disc plenum of a gas turbine engine as the hot gases flow from a turbine nozzle assembly and into the turbine blades. A jet of engine cooling air is injected into the wake region immediately behind and down stream of the nozzle assembly's stator vanes thereby reducing the static pressure recovery otherwise occurring within the wake region. Thus, a lessor amount of buffering air is required within the turbine disc plenum to prevent the ingress of hot gases thereby resulting in an increased efficiency of the engine's cooling air delivery system and over all engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Glezer, Michael D. Fox
  • Patent number: 5752802
    Abstract: An improved airfoil tip sealing apparatus is disclosed wherein brush seals are attached to airfoil tips with the distal ends of the brush seal fibers sealingly contacting opposing wall surfaces. Embodiments for variable vanes, stators and both cooled and uncooled turbine blade applications are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: Russell B. Jones
  • Patent number: 5749423
    Abstract: A heavy duty belt laying work machine includes a frame, a driver wheel mounted in supporting relation to the frame on each lateral side thereof, an idler wheel assembly disposed on each lateral side of the frame. The idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel and a carry-roller, each of which is rotatably connected to an idler support arm that is pivotally mounted in supporting relation to the frame. A mid-roller is disposed on each lateral side of the frame between the driver wheel and the idler wheel assembly and rotatably connected to a mid-roller support arm mounted in supporting relation to the frame. An endless, inextensible belt is entrained about each respective idler wheel and driver wheel on each lateral side of the frame and contacts the mid-roller and the carry-roller. Apparatus are provided for controllably tensioning and urging each belt into frictional driven engagement with a corresponding one of the driver wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Burckhartzmeyer, Elmer R. Crabb, Terry F. Lehnhoff, Alva L. Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5694803
    Abstract: A fin folding machine is disclosed for sequentially folding relatively thin sheet metal material into narrowly grooved corrugations. The fin folding machine includes a pair of opposed clamping tools disposed on opposite sides of the sheet material. The clamping tools are movable in a direction transverse to and into engagement with the sheet material to clamp the sheet material therebetween. A pair of opposed forming tools are disposed on opposite sides of the sheet material and are sequentially movable in a direction transverse to and into engagement with the sheet material to fold the sheet material in one direction by the engagement of one of the forming tools and then in the opposite direction by the engagement of the other of the forming tools. Gas charged accumulators are used to apply a force to continuously urge a respective one of the clamping and forming tools into engagement with the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas R. Ervin, Clifford G. Knepper, Thomas J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5644945
    Abstract: A crimping die is provided for use in a crimping machine for radially crimping the collar of a hose coupling onto the end of a hose. The crimping die includes a die assembly having a plurality of die segments and at least one unitary retention and separator band. The die segments are adapted for arrangement into a circular array about a central axis, with each of the die segments having a radially inner surface forming a section of a common collar bore about the central axis for receipt of the collar of the hose coupling. Each die segment includes a top surface having an arcuate groove formed therein. The groove has a predetermined cross-sectional configuration with an open upper end that is provided with a lesser width than the width of at least a portion of the groove below the upper end. The unitary retention and separator band is constructed of an elastomeric material and has a like plurality of die segment retaining portions and a plurality of spacer portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Arden E. Baldwin, Peter Kalman
  • Patent number: 5634285
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting a base edge of a ground engaging implement of a work machine from wear. The apparatus includes a base edge cover and retaining apparatus of a construction adapted for time saving removal and installation. A mounting base is carried on the upper face of the base edge and has an opening therein. An upper flange element of the base edge cover has a bar projecting inwardly therefrom toward the upper face of the base edge. The bar is positionable within the opening of the mounting base and is captured in such opening by a detachable lock. The construction results in a reduction of waste of materials that must be discarded after the base edge cover is worn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Renski
  • Patent number: 5596823
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a double acting hydraulic cylinder for suitably supporting a snow wing on an articulated motor grader in a fixed roading position. The hydraulic system is provided with a pressure relief circuit that permits the motor grader to be articulated without manual adjustment of the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Clasen, Don H. Kleiner
  • Patent number: 5564508
    Abstract: Replaceable wear runners are disclosed for protecting a structure, such as a bucket, from abrasive materials. Such wear runners include a mounting base that is welded to the structure and a replaceable wear cover. Apparatus for releasably retaining the cover to the mounting base permits quick and easy mounting and removal of the wear cover without the use of special tools. The retaining apparatus includes an arcuate retainer that is slidably received into an arcuate slot accessible through the top of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Renski
  • Patent number: 5561925
    Abstract: A tooth assembly includes a tip and an adapter, with the tip being replaceably secured to the adapter by a retaining mechanism. It is advantageous to have a tooth assembly that, due to mating load transfer surfaces between the tip and adapter, allows the effective transfer of forces from the tip directly into the adapter without creating undesired resultant forces on the retaining mechanism. In the subject arrangement, the retaining mechanism utilizes a double flex pin that eliminates the need for supplemental devices or components to retain such retaining pin. In particular, the pin is provided with a pair of protrusions defining a detent valley therebetween on one surface thereof that receives a detent protrusion provided on the nose of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay
  • Patent number: 5502905
    Abstract: Teeth are normally mounted on the leading edge of a earthworking implement such as a bucket to aid in the penetration of the material being worked. Furthermore, hard material has been applied to selected surfaces of teeth to increase their wear life. However, in many applications the hard material is located on the surface thereof and is subject to impacts which cause the hard material to prematurely chip away. In the subject arrangement, a symmetrical tooth is provided and has a raised lug on the top and bottom thereof each with a groove defined therein and filled with an abrasion resistant material. Since the sides of the tooth on either side of the raised lugs are thinner, they will wear at a quicker rate than the raised lugs having the abrasion resistant material disposed in the respective grooves therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Cornelius, Dave P. Cressy, Joseph W. Puckett
  • Patent number: 5482365
    Abstract: A long life rubber grousered track shoe for track-type machines is disclosed. The track shoe has a steel shoe portion and a rubber grouser portion that is molded in situ to the steel shoe portion between a pair of steel grouser bars to protect the rubber grouser from undue shear loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Peterson, Larry K. Rhodes, Thomas C. Robertson, David L. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5465512
    Abstract: Implement assemblies have previously used mechanically attached adapters that are secured to the base edge by bolts and/or other wedging type mechanisms. In these known implement assemblies, the wedge member has a tendency, during use, to become loose and fall out which allows the adapter to fall off of the base edge. In the subject arrangement, a clamp member is disposed in a longitudinally extending opening of an upper strap of an adapter and a wedge member is forcibly driven into the assembly such that the wedge member is disposed between the clamp member and the adapter to effectively secure the upper strap in intimate engagement with a mounting portion of an implement. At the same time, a resilient pad member is disposed between the adapter and the wedge member which effectively biases the adapter into intimate contact with the mounting portion of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Nathan G. Rozenboom, Frederick J. Shane
  • Patent number: 5460678
    Abstract: A radial lip seal for sealing about a pin of a hinge joint is disclosed. Such seal includes an outer mounting ring, a rubber flex ring mounted inside the mounting ring, a tension ring mounted inside the flex ring, and an inner elastomeric seal ring mounted inside the tension ring. The seal ring has an inside diameter that is a sufficient amount smaller than the pin to cause the tension ring to be stretched by a predetermined amount when the seal is mounted about the pin. The tension ring is capable of exerting a radial force of at least 20 N/cm of circumference on the seal ring upon being stretched the predetermined amount. The unique construction of such a seal is effective in sealing out highly abrasive materials found in very severe operating applications, such as on earthmoving vehicles, and provides a seal having an extremely long service life in such applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Harold L. Reinsma, Alan M. Dickey