Patents by Inventor Benjamin I. Jones

Benjamin I. Jones 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: 11884342
    Abstract: A component for a track-type machine comprises a body, a through-bore extending through the body forming an inner wall, and a bushing located in the through-bore. The bushing comprises a bearing surface, an outer surface engaging the inner wall, a flange extending from the outer surface and extending into the inner wall, and retention features located in the outer surface proximate the flange. The retention features comprise voids in the bushing filled-in by material of the body. Methods of manufacturing a component for a track-type system comprises casting-in-place a bushing with a flange and retention features into the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Jones, Benoit Abello, David J. Hakes
  • Patent number: 11554823
    Abstract: A cartridge pin assembly in a track chain assembly includes a sleeve bearing having a flared end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Jones, Jianjun Wang
  • Patent number: 11530007
    Abstract: A replacement kit includes a first coupler that includes a first inner axial end, a first outer axial end, and a first coupler attachment portion including a first forked oblong structure that defines a first minor axis with a first minor axis length, and a first major axis with a first major axis length that is greater than the first minor axis length, and including a first prong, a second prong disposed axially away from the first prong, and defining a first predetermined axial distance, and a first cam surface disposed between the first prong and the second prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary T. Donlan, Benjamin I. Jones, Mircea Dumitru
  • Patent number: 11230333
    Abstract: An idler wheel for a tracked machine can comprise a cylindrical hub defining a central axis, an annular tread disposed concentrically about the cylindrical hub, a pair of side plates connecting the cylindrical hub and the annular tread, and a webbing connecting the cylindrical hub and the annular tread between the pair of side plates. A method for manufacturing an idler wheel comprises assembling a cylindrical hub, an annular tread, first and second side plates and at least one web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Prest, Benjamin I. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210070384
    Abstract: A cartridge pin assembly in a track chain assembly includes a sleeve bearing having a flared end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Jones, Jianjun Wang
  • Publication number: 20210046982
    Abstract: A replacement kit includes a first coupler that includes a first inner axial end, a first outer axial end, and a first coupler attachment portion including a first forked oblong structure that defines a first minor axis with a first minor axis length, and a first major axis with a first major axis length that is greater than the first minor axis length, and including a first prong, a second prong disposed axially away from the first prong, and defining a first predetermined axial distance, and a first cam surface disposed between the first prong and the second prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary T. Donlan, Benjamin I. Jones, Mircea Dumitru
  • Publication number: 20200172181
    Abstract: An idler wheel for a tracked machine can comprise a cylindrical hub defining a central axis, an annular tread disposed concentrically about the cylindrical hub, a pair of side plates connecting the cylindrical hub and the annular tread, and a webbing connecting the cylindrical hub and the annular tread between the pair of side plates. A method for manufacturing an idler wheel comprises assembling a cylindrical hub, an annular tread, first and second side plates and at least one web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Prest, Benjamin I. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200124096
    Abstract: A component for a track-type machine comprises a body, a through-bore extending through the body forming an inner wall, and a bushing located in the through-bore. The bushing comprises a bearing surface, an outer surface engaging the inner wall, a flange extending from the outer surface and extending into the inner wall, and retention features located in the outer surface proximate the flange. The retention features comprise voids in the bushing filled-in by material of the body. Methods of manufacturing a component for a track-type system comprises casting-in-place a bushing with a flange and retention features into the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Jones, Benoit Abello, David J. Hakes