Patents Represented by Attorney Richard K. Chang
  • Patent number: 8276476
    Abstract: A joystick including a base portion, a grip portion extending from and pivotally attached to the base portion, and an offset control portion connected to the grip portion and offset from the grip portion such that the offset control portion moves with the grip portion relative to the base portion. A gap is provided between the offset control portion and the grip portion. The offset control portion includes an input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Amory R. Diccion
  • Patent number: 8037807
    Abstract: A machine configured to prevent unintentional motion in a linkage pivotally connected to a frame may include a first hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage and a second hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage. The machine may include a sensor and an electronic control module in communication with the sensor. The electronic control module may be configured to close a valve of the first hydraulic cylinder and/or cancel an actuation command to one of the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator in response to the electronic control module determining unintentional motion of the linkage has occurred based on the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Merritt P. Callaghan, Justin P. Pahl, Brian W. Tracy, Joel C. Weber, Wayne E. Harshberger, Rajeev V. Kumar, Steven C. Budde
  • Patent number: 7878764
    Abstract: An adjustable fan includes a hub having a receiving surface and a fan blade having a base abutting the receiving surface of the hub. A plurality of keyways may be positioned in at least one of the receiving surface and the base. A key may extend between the base and the receiving surface and into at least one of the plurality of keyways in order to retain the fan blade in a desired orientation relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Youssef M. Dakhoul
  • Patent number: 7866700
    Abstract: A frame for a machine may include a load transfer member attached to a load support member and to a first plate member and a second plate member. Additionally, the first and second plate members may each include an aperture shaped to receive a trunnion. The load transfer member may be disposed proximate to the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Danny L. Weibling, Adam C. Grove
  • Patent number: 7789685
    Abstract: An electrical shorting system includes an electrical switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a switching terminal. The electrical shorting system also includes a housing, a first contact in electrical communication with the first terminal of the electrical switch and supported by the housing, and a second contact in electrical communication with the second terminal of the electrical switch and supported by the housing. The electrical switch may be in a closed state in which the first contact is shorted with the second contact through the electrical switch, and when a voltage is applied to the switching terminal, the electrical switch is placed in an open state that impedes current flow through the electrical switch between the first contact and the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hickam
  • Patent number: D581418
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Amory R. Diccion