Patents by Inventor Andres MUNOZ-NAJAR

Andres MUNOZ-NAJAR has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11332200
    Abstract: A support arrangement for a haul truck comprises a space frame and a dump body operatively positioned on the space frame according to defined contact points. The space frame can include at least one rear support, at least one outer elongate support member, and at least one support rocker configured to pivot laterally about an axis. The dump body can include on a bottom thereof a rear pivot support and at least one flat contact surface, and on a front face thereof at least one vertical support structure. Each rear support of the space frame is configured to be pivotally coupled to the rear pivot support of the dump body. Each vertical support structure of the dump body is configured to be removably seated in a corresponding support rocker. Each flat contact surface is configured to be positioned adjacent to an outer lateral surface of an outer elongate support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David W Holthaus, Andres Munoz-Najar
  • Patent number: 11208021
    Abstract: A support structure arrangement for a front wall of a dump body comprises a first vertical support structure and a second vertical support structure. The first and second vertical support structures can be elongate structural members spaced in a width direction from each other. Bottom portions of the first and second vertical support structures can form down-facing contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Bromenshenkel, Andres Munoz-Najar
  • Publication number: 20210122279
    Abstract: A support structure arrangement for a front wall of a dump body comprises a first vertical support structure and a second vertical support structure. The first and second vertical support structures can be elongate structural members spaced in a width direction from each other. Bottom portions of the first and second vertical support structures can form down-facing contact surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J Bromenshenkel, Andres Munoz-Najar
  • Publication number: 20210122430
    Abstract: A support arrangement for a haul truck comprises a space frame and a dump body operatively positioned on the space frame according to defined contact points. The space frame can include at least one rear support, at least one outer elongate support member, and at least one support rocker configured to pivot laterally about an axis. The dump body can include on a bottom thereof a rear pivot support and at least one flat contact surface, and on a front face thereof at least one vertical support structure. Each rear support of the space frame is configured to be pivotally coupled to the rear pivot support of the dump body. Each vertical support structure of the dump body is configured to be removably seated in a corresponding support rocker. Each flat contact surface is configured to be positioned adjacent to an outer lateral surface of an outer elongate support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Holthaus, Andres Munoz-Najar
  • Patent number: 9701341
    Abstract: A space frame for a machine is disclosed. The space frame may have a first end configured to be connected to front wheels of the machine. The space frame may also have a second end configured to be connected to rear wheels of the machine. Further, the space frame may have primary structural members arranged substantially lengthwise between the first end and the second end. In addition, the space frame may have secondary structural members connected between the primary structural members to form substantially triangulated structures allowing the space frame to support a payload to empty vehicle weight ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Patrick Ormiston, David William Holthaus, Andres Munoz-Najar, Venkata Rama Varma Dantuluri
  • Publication number: 20160039463
    Abstract: A space frame for a machine is disclosed. The space frame may have a first end configured to be connected to front wheels of the machine. The space frame may also have a second end configured to be connected to rear wheels of the machine. Further, the space frame may have primary structural members arranged substantially lengthwise between the first end and the second end. In addition, the space frame may have secondary structural members connected between the primary structural members to form substantially triangulated structures allowing the space frame to support a payload to empty vehicle weight ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to 2:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Patrick ORMISTON, David William HOLTHAUS, Andres MUNOZ-NAJAR, Venkata Rama Varma DANTULURI
  • Patent number: D969594
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Bromenshenkel, Andres Munoz-Najar