Abstract: In present day construction equipment, it is common practice to provide braking capability for each driven axle. The conduits that deliver the pressurized actuating fluid to the brake assemblies are normally mounted in close proximity to existing framework to protect them from contact with debris and other structure common to the environment in which a construction vehicle operates. In some of the more severe environments, this type of mounting does not afford the conduits adequate protection, and they have been known to suffer damage. The area most prone to damage in this situation is the area around the axle assembly where the conduits split to communicate the pressurized fluid to each brake assembly associated with each end of the axle. In the present invention, a fluid conduit assembly is provided that is mounted entirely within the internal cavity defined by the axle housing.

Abstract: Conventional cooling arrangements for the piston assemblies mounted within an engine block include the use of coolant that is circulated through the engine block. Generally, a plurality of cavities or water jackets are positioned in areas of high heat production within the engine block and the coolant is circulated between them and a radiator dissipate the heat created through engine operation. This method of cooling however requires the engine block to be stationary with respect to the pistons that reciprocated within to facilitate the circulation of the coolant within the block. The present invention provides a cooling arrangement for a first piston member that reciprocates within an engine block and in turn mounts at least one second piston member therewithin. The first piston member includes a sealed cavity that is positioned about a bore in which the second piston member is mounted for reciprocation.

Abstract: In modern day construction equipment it is common to provide braking capabilities for each driven axle. In order to communicate pressurized fluid to the remotely mounted axle assembly, fluid conduits are normally mounted in close proximity to existing frame members to protect them from contact with debris or other structures that may be encountered in the environment in which a vehicle must operate. In some instances, the environment is so harsh that this type of mounting is not adequate to protect the conduits from damage. The present invention utilizes a fluid conduit assembly that is mounted within an internal cavity of an axle assembly to provide protection from such damage. The conduit assembly includes lengths of tubular conduit sections that extend from a fluid inlet to a pair of brake assemblies that are mounted on the respective ends of the axle housing.

Abstract: The air circulatory system (32) utilizes a first and second air passageways (46) for communicating ambient air into the cab and an inlet (73) to introduce air that is circulating within the cab into the system through passageways (48,50,70,34) that create very little restriction for the air flowing therethrough. A pair of ducts (76) is utilized to discharge to air back into the cab (10) that also creates very little restriction for the air flow. This results in a very small drop in air pressure between the air being introduced into the blower assembly (40) and the air exiting the blower assembly (40). Subsequently, the requirements of the blower assembly (40) and the noise created by its operation kept at a minimum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rollover protection structure that utilizes unitary corner members that are cast pieces that require no additional bracing. In addition, each corner member includes a leg portion that integrally defines an area of reduced cross-section. This reduction in cross-section creates an area of predictable deformation in the structure which will prevent the structure from collapsing on an operator stationed within the cab.

Abstract: Cab assemblies utilized on modern day construction vehicles normally include a myriad of sheet metal components that are welded or bolted together to provide the structural support and the mountings for the various components that comprise a cab. The number of components and the time required to fabricate and weld, or otherwise assemble them, is often quite extensive. The more piece-parts that are required in the configuration of a cab, the more time is required to complete the assembly process. This translates directly into the cost of a cab assembly. The present invention provides a cab assembly that utilizes a non-metallic floor member as an integral part of its structure. The floor member not only incorporates the hardware required for mounting various components housed within the cab assembly, it also provides support for the cab's windshield assembly. The windshield assembly is mounted between the floor member and a structural member positioned in the vicinity of the cab's roof.

Abstract: During the installation of underground utilities it is common to utilize an earthmoving machine, such as a hydraulic excavator, to dig a trench and aid in the placement of the individual pipe segments that comprise a conduit or pipeline. Normal placement of the pipe segments require communication between the excavator operator and a laborer that is positioned adjacent the pipe in the trench. As the pipe segments are lowered into position, the laborer insures a proper connection, support, and sealing of each joint in the pipeline. The requirement of another individual in the trench is both inefficient and represents a significant increase in the cost of laying the pipeline. The present invention utilizes a pipe handling apparatus that may be inserted within a segment of pipe with an end face thereof bearing against a flange defined by a pipe supporting cylinder. This connection allows the operator to apply a force to the pipe segment in the direction of engagement with the pipeline to insure connection.

Abstract: In the installation of underground utilities it is common to utilize an earthmoving machine, such as hydraulic excavator, to dig a trench and aid in the placement of the individual pipe segments that comprise a conduit or pipeline. Normal placement of the pipe segments requires communication between the excavator operator and laborer that is positioned adjacent the pipeline in the trench. As the pipe segments are lowered into position, the laborer insures a proper connection of each joint and the overall support beneath the pipeline. The requirement of another individual in the trench is both inefficient and represents a significant increase in the cost of laying the pipeline. The present invention utilizes a grapple assembly to grasp the individual pipe segments to maneuver them into and within the trench. The grip on the pipe segment is sufficient to permit its insertion into the unfinished pipeline.

Abstract: Construction vehicles of the type having a pair of lift arms extending from the frame to support a work implement, have generally been restricted to operating one specific tool. The attempt to combine the operation of several different work implements has been met with severe functional restrictions since some work implements have specific requirements not found in the operation of others. In order to provide a lift arm linkage arrangement that incorporates the functional requirements necessary to operate a plurality of work implements while maintaining a simple, yet efficient construction, an electronic controller has been included in the design. The electronic controller includes a plurality of sensors that are operatively associated with the lift and tilt linkage of the lift arm arrangement. The sensors enable the electronic controller to constantly monitor the current position of the lift arms and the work implement and compare them with a programmed sequence of movements.

Abstract: Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with quick coupling devices that allow them to change work implements in a relatively rapid fashion when compared to changing conventionally mounted implements. In most cases, the performance of the work implement is sacrificed to accommodate the ability to change implements quickly. In other cases the level performance is satisfactorily maintained, but the actuation of the coupling mechanism must be done manually or has no ability to accommodate loosening between the coupler and the work implement that can result from normal operation. The coupling device of the present invention allows an operator to change implements from his position within his operating station, yet maintain a structure that will not sacrifice the performance of his work implements through alteration of the linkage arrangement or through the additional weight.

Abstract: Fluid reservoirs are often provided with a means by which the severity of fluid contamination may be monitored. One method of checking the condition of the fluid, requires the disassembly or removal of one or more components from the associated reservoir in order to read the monitoring device. Another method is utilized in conjunction with the filtration system of the fluid and an indication is observed when the level of contamination reaches a predetermined point. The present invention provides an apparatus whereby the condition of a fluid may be continually observed without requiring the disassembly or removal of any components attached to the fluid reservoir, regardless of the condition of the fluid.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a pair of batteries is provided that utilizes a centrally located fastener. The clamping force is spread over the entire upper surface of the batteries by a plurality of normally arcuate engagement surfaces that are defined by a non-metallic member. As the clamping force is increased during assembly, the engagement surfaces tend to flatten out, thus transferring the load over a larger area. The mounting apparatus also includes a cover member to protect the battery terminals and cable connections from damage due to incidental contact with tools and the like. The cover member is mounted separately from the battery mounting so as to be quickly removable for service without disturbing the mounting of the batteries.

Abstract: Certain earthworking vehicles are often provided with the ability to change work implements to enable them to perform a variety of operations. In many instances, the coupling mechanism between the work implement and the frame structure of the vehicle that supports them is designed such that the implements may be mounted and removed quickly. During the mounting of the implement upon the support frame, there is no means by which an operator can be sure that the proper attachment has been achieved. A visual inspection of the mounting apparatus or some sort of testing maneuvering of the support frame is required to be sure the work implement is securely attached.The mounting apparatus of the present invention provides a means by which a proper coupling between the work implement and the support frame is positively indicated. This indication can only be attained when the respective components are aligned in a manner that will allow a proper attachment.

Abstract: In a drive mechanism where there are relatively rotating components, it is common practice to use roller bearings to accommodate relative rotation between various components. In order to properly maintain the position of the bearing assembly with respect to the components, some form of locking mechanism is commonly employed. Normally, the locking mechanism requires additional components, such as a locking washer, to be used in conjunction with those used to mount the bearing assembly. This results in an increase in the size and complexity of the drive mechanism. In addition, when a locking washer is utilized, sufficient space must be available to properly "set" the locking washer with respect to the bearing assembly after it has been properly adjusted. Many times use of such locking components requires the machining of adjacent components which serves to anchor the locking mechanism. The additional machining requires the components to be of a larger size to obtain proper fatigue lift.

Abstract: In the braking systems of many vehicles, a parking brake is utilized that is spring applied and fluid pressure released. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, a mechanical device or other specialized tools must be used to bring about the disengagement of the parking brake so that the vehicle may be towed. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an auxiliary actuating mechanism for a spring applied, fluid pressure released parking brake that includes an auxiliary accumulator that will maintain a preselected amount of pressure upon the loss of the primary source of pressure. An auxiliary actuating valve is positioned between the accumulator and the parking brake to selectively communicate fluid therebetween. The auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided with two remotely located actuators that may be utilized to selectively position the valve to permit the communication of the pressurized fluid within the accumulator with the parking brake assembly to achieve the disengagement thereof.

Abstract: In the operation of construction vehicles, it is often desirable to quickly change from one work implement to another for various types of work. In order to accomplish this, adapting brackets or extensive support structure is added to the support arm and operating linkage of the vehicle to mount a specifically design work implement. Such designs have been known to alter the function of the operating linkages to a point where the performance of the work implement is sacrificed both in operational force capabilities and capacity. The coupling apparatus of the subject allows a plurality of work implements to be quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a vehicle. The coupling apparatus does so in a manner that maintains the operating geometry of conventional linkages and thereby maintains the appropriate operational forces needed for manipulation of the work implement with very little reduction in capacity from that of a convention work implement.

Abstract: In the mounting of a grapple arrangement to the boom of a vehicle, it is desirable to provide motion dampeners between the hinged joints of the components. Various types of motion dampening devices have been employed which are mounted in a location that subject the device to structural damage or contamination. The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by providing the mounting apparatus between a grapple arrangement and the rotator of a boom that includes a mounting link. The connection between the mounting link and each of the rotator and grapple arrangement comprises a pair of pin assemblies and that allows relative rotation therebetween about two generally horizontal axes. Along each axis, a motion dampening device or snubber is mounted in association with one of the pin assemblies to apply a preselected amount of force against the pin assembly to resist the relative motion. Each snubber assembly is nested within the structure that is provided by the various portions of the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: Vehicles that are frequently operated in "off road" conditions are normally equipped with a means by which some form of oscillation is provided to accommodate the uneven terrain over which it traverses. In some instances, the stability of the vehicle is inadequate while in other instances the stability is acceptable; however, the service life of the particular design is in question. The axle suspension 10 of the present invention is mounted to the vehicle frame 12 in a manner whereby the various types of forces encountered during the operation of the vehicle are directed to specific areas of the mounting. Being so directed, the mounting members 38 and 52, utilized in these specific areas of mounting, may be selected to best accommodate the type of loading that will be applied in that area.