Patents Assigned to Caterpillar Tractor Co.
  • Patent number: 4534394
    Abstract: A wheel assembly (10) having self-contained tire mounting and demounting capabilities includes a closed torus tire (18) mountable on a wheel rim (11). The tire (18) is forced onto the wheel rim (11) by a plurality of retainers (25) which are driven into a plurality of mating slots (13) in the wheel rim by bolts (31). Similarly, the tire is forced off of the rim by screwing the bolts through threaded apertures in the retainers and against the wheel rim. Thus, the tire can be demounted from the wheel rim and that tire or another tire can be mounted on the wheel rim without removing the wheel rim from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Charles E. Grawey
  • Patent number: 4534707
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the speed of internal combustion engine of a hydrostatic system. A fuel control means acts to control the quantity of fuel delivered to the engine responsive to the immediate hydraulic flow demanded by operation of the hydrostatic system. The speed of the engine is set to one of a plurality of discrete levels in response to the required flow being within one of a corresponding plurality of preselected ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Randall M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4531787
    Abstract: This invention concerns a debris deflector (30) primarily useful for vehicles (24) having wheels (14,16) supporting an endless track (12). With no deflector (30) debris accumulates in the endless track (12) impeding vehicle performance. An inverted "V"-shaped elastomeric deflector (30) is connected to the vehicle (24) so as to be situated between front and rear wheels (14,16). The upper ridge (34) of the inverted "V" is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (24). As debris falls from an upper portion of the endless track (12) it strikes the deflector (30) and is deflected out of the endless track (12). The deflector (30) has front and rear edge portions adjacent, respectively, tread surfaces (18) of the front and rear wheels (14,16) for scraping debris from tread surfaces (18) of said wheels (14,16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Cullen P. Hart, Wayne A. Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 4531428
    Abstract: A planetary transmission (10) is disclosed for a vehicle or the like which has input and output members (100,16), and first and second planetary gear sets (26,28). The second planetary gear set (28) has a second sun gear (154) connected to the input member (100), a second ring gear (156) connected to a first sun gear (138) of the first planetary gear set (26), and a second planet carrier (160) connected to the output member (16). A coupling device (162) is used for connecting the first and second planet carriers (144,160) for joint rotation which is at least in part disposed radially outwardly of the second planetary gear set (28). Brake assemblies (38,46) are provided for selectively holding the second and first ring gears (156,142) stationary and providing forward and reverse modes of operation respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Willis E. Windish
  • Patent number: 4531492
    Abstract: Fuel injection devices are used for injecting fuel into the combustion chambers of compression ignition engines. It is desirable to isolate the mechanical drive for fuel injection timing from the flow path of high pressure fuel to minimize the seepage of fuel into the fluid lubricating the mechanical drive while using only one speed responsive device for both the timing and governing functions. The subject fuel injection apparatus includes a planetary gear arrangement having a ring gear to change the timing phase relationship between a distributor rotor and a delivery passage which communicates the pump section with the rotor. A metering collar is adapted to meter the quantity of fuel delivered by the rotor to the outlet ports. Both the ring gear and the metering collar are mechanically connected to an element of a single flyweight assembly. The metering collar is widely spaced from the planetary gear arrangement to minimize the leakage of fuel into the lubricating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 4531494
    Abstract: Previously disclosed distributor fuel injection pumps for internal combustion engines offer the advantages of reduced size, weight, and cost of a fuel injection system. However, these pumps have not been able to provide relatively high fuel injection pressures which could improve fuel combustion for better fuel economy and lower noxious emissions. In contrast, the subject distributor fuel injection pump generates relatively high fuel injection pressures in a relatively compact arrangement. A semi-spherical nutator member freely rotatably mounted on an oblique journal of a drive shaft imparts high speed harmonic motion to at least one reciprocating pump plunger for pressurizing the fuel. A relatively large semi-spherical bearing interface between the nutator member and a pump housing accommodates very high pumping reaction loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: John M. Bailey, Dennis H. Gibson, David E. Hackett, Alan R. Stockner, Donald J. Waldman
  • Patent number: 4531746
    Abstract: A fluid seal device (10) has a plurality of non-contacting fluid seals located at the operative interface (16) between a stationary member (18) and a rotatable member (20) for preventing the leakage of a fluid from a fluid chamber (14). The first of the non-contacting seals (24) is a labyrinth seal (32) located adjacent the fluid chamber (14). The second non-contacting seal (40) is a spiral groove (42) located adjacent and in serial relation to the labyrinth seal (32). A third non-contacting seal (60) is a fluid slinger (62) which is located between the fluid chamber (14) and the labyrinth seal (32) for directing fluid (12) away from the path of operative interface (16). The fluid seal device (10) eliminates friction and increases the life expectancy thereof when used at the operative interface (16) between a stationary member (18) and a rotatable member (20) such as a crankshaft and block of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: John K. Amdall, Benny Ballheimer
  • Patent number: 4530141
    Abstract: To service an engine, it is frequently determined that a cylinder liner and piston must be replaced. Removal is difficult and time consuming if the piston is first removed through the liner and the liner is then grasped from below and pulled from the block. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of the liner and expanding the tool into a frictional fit against the liner. A force is applied on the tool to forcibly move the liner. The piston and associated rings and rod are held in place in the liner by a partial vacuum for removal with the liner as a complete unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Louis F. Vachon
  • Patent number: 4530331
    Abstract: Planetary gear mechanisms are useful in distributor fuel injection pumps to couple a distributor rotor with a drive shaft in order to rotate the distributor rotor at a preselected output angular speed which is proportional to and less than a preselected input angular speed of the drive shaft.Previously disclosed planetary gear coupling arrangements are typically rather bulky and merely provide an angular speed reduction function. In contrast, the subject thrust and planetary gear coupling provides a relatively more compact arrangement for angular speed reduction and also includes a stationary dual-thrust plate which controls axial end play of both the drive shaft and the distributor rotor. The coupling further includes a relatively inexpensive and easy to assemble planet gear and carrier assembly which during operation rotatively drives the distributor rotor at the same output angular speed and which can also bear against the dual-thrust plate to act as a running thrust member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 4530546
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus (32) releasably joins the ends of an endless track (12) of a track-type vehicle (10). The coupling apparatus (32) has first and second coupling assemblies (31,33) with each assembly having a pair of coupling members (34,36,40,42) which are pivotally joined by a pin (38,44). Each coupling assembly (31,33) is offset laterally from the links (14) of the endless track (12), and threaded fasteners (46) secure the coupling assemblies (31,33) to shoes (20) of the endless track (12). Conventional endless track assemblies include a plurality of links, bushings, pins, and shoes, and the track is releasably joined by a master link or joint, which is also used to separate the endless track. Master links are structurally weaker than regular links, and use of such master links can result in unexpected and accelerated wear of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Meisel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4529350
    Abstract: A pivotable arch structure (18) having an integral log bunk (30) is pivotable at one end (P) thereof relative to a main frame (15). The log bunk (30) includes several longitudinally arranged bunk webs (36) which are bolstered by laterally arranged support beams (38) connected thereto. A bumper (40) is arranged adjacent the end of the bunk webs (36) near the pivot axis (22). The longitudinal disposition of the bunk webs (36) promotes longitudinal log travel thereon while the bumper (40) guides logs initially engaged therewith in a direction to promote their subsequent engagement with the bunk webs (36). The longitudinally arranged bunk webs (36) also provide high operator visibility for various pivotal positions of the arch structure (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Steve D. Jones
  • Patent number: 4528965
    Abstract: A rotor balancing arrangement is provided for use in a distribution valve to ensure hydrostatic balancing of a rotor located in the distribution valve. Some balancing arrangements provide areas equally spaced around the peripheral surface, each being exposed to the same pressure, however, they are limited to valves which rotate only through a limited arc of rotation. Other valves which rotate provide balancing grooves around portions of the peripheral surface but do not provide any control for the pressure that migrates axially in both directions along the peripheral surface of the rotor. In the subject arrangement, pressure fields of a predetermined size are located on a peripheral surface of a rotor circumscribing first and second outlet ports which open to opposite sides of the rotor. The size of the pressure fields is determined by the relationship of the diametrical clearance between the rotor and a bore with respect to the operating pressure of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Ronald D. Shinogle, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 4529932
    Abstract: A speed sensing apparatus (10) counts a predetermined number of gear teeth (18) on a gear (16) driven by a motor (8). The duration of time required to count the predetermined number of gear teeth (18) is compared to a timing signal of preselected duration. The comparison is used to make a determination as to whether the velocity of the gear is above or below a preselected velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Mikhael S. Doueihi, Kenneth W. Gay
  • Patent number: 4527738
    Abstract: A modular unit fluid pump-injector for pumping and injecting fuel into an engine combustion chamber is disclosed and includes a first retainer (68) for sealably and removably retaining the pump cylinder (32) against the housing (18) and a second retainer (148) for sealably and removably retaining an encapsulated injector assembly (28) against the first retainer (68).Unlike conventional unit fluid pump-injectors which have a single elongated sleeve-type nut enclosing and clamping a stacked plurality of both pump and injector components, the modular design is less prone to excessive fuel leakage and the plunger binding during assembly. The modular design also facilities easy assembly or removal of the encapsulated injector assembly (28) to or from the first retainer (68) without altering the position or arrangement of the pump elements (32,34) relative to the first retainer (68).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: James L. Martin
  • Patent number: 4523397
    Abstract: An earthmoving bucket for use with various types of wheel and track-type earthworking and construction machines is constructed to provide great strength and rigidity while at the same time not being unduly bulky or heavy. The bucket is further characterized by simplified manufacturability and cost advantages. Previous earthmoving buckets, which required considerable strength and durability, were quite heavy and bulky, with respect to bucket size, and required complicated, costly, and time-consuming assembly procedures. The earthmoving bucket of the present invention utilizes a pair of unitary cast lift hinge brackets which incorporates the pin bores for the lift linkage, the rack-back stops, and the bucket dump stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Victor A. Lucas
  • Patent number: 4523892
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling both pump displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump and the quantity of fuel delivered to an internal combustion engine for the purpose of delivering a requested hydraulic flow at a highly efficient operating point. The apparatus includes an underspeed control means for reducing pump displacement in response to the operating speed of the engine lugging below a desired operating speed. Additionally, a fuel control means operates to reduce the quantity of fuel delivered to the engine in response to the operating speed of the engine rising above the desired operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Randall M. Mitchell, John T. Armstrong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4523431
    Abstract: A load responsive fluid power and control system in which the speed of the prime mover, driving a fixed displacement pump, is varied to maintain a constant pressure differential between pump discharge pressure and maximum system load pressure, above a certain predetermined system flow level and in which this constant pressure differential is maintained by pump flow bypass control, at system flows below this predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Tadeusz Budzich
  • Patent number: 4522079
    Abstract: A power input and output system for continuously variable transmission units of the type in which a nutatable traction body is supported both for rotation on the body axis and for nutational movement in which the body axis travels in a biconical path about a primary transmission axis. Power input and output members of the transmission unit are each linked to the nutatable body by gearing to be in direct torque transmitting relationship only with the nutatable body and so that the nutational component of movement is the result solely of traction surfaces on the body being in rolling frictional engagement against complementing and fixed traction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Yves J. Kemper
  • Patent number: RE31956
    Abstract: A cable controlled apparatus comprises a housing having a control member movably mounted therein and adapted to actuate a directional control valve or the like. The cable is threadably mounted in a bracket, mounted on the housing, to selectively move and adjust the position of the valve control member upon rotation of the bracket. A clamping member is mounted on the housing and has an annular groove defined thereon for retaining a flanged base of the bracket therein whereby axial movement of the bracket is prevented upon rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: James R. Deck
  • Patent number: RE31972
    Abstract: A stricture is formed between riser and cast article in a conventional metal mold casting process to facilitate clean removal of the riser after casting by interposing thin-walled frangible constriction means between riser cavity and casting cavity prior to pouring molten metal; the flow of metal into casting cavity is also regulated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: John R. Nieman, Roger A. Worman