Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Hanks

Benjamin J. Hanks 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).

  • Machine having selective ride control
    Patent number: 8307641
    Abstract: A machine is provided with a first work arm, at least one first cylinder having a first lift chamber configured for receiving pressurized fluid so as to lift the first work arm, and a first accumulator associated with the first lift chamber of the first cylinder. The machine further includes a second work arm, at least one second cylinder having a second lift chamber configured for receiving pressurized fluid so as to lift the second work arm, and a second accumulator associated with the second lift chamber of the second cylinder. A control arrangement is provided for selectively fluidly connecting one or both of the first and second accumulators with the associated first and second lift chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Hanks, Andrew J. Smith
  • Machine having selective ride control
    Publication number: 20090158726
    Abstract: A machine is provided with a first work arm, at least one first cylinder having a first lift chamber configured for receiving pressurized fluid so as to lift the first work arm, and a first accumulator associated with the first lift chamber of the first cylinder. The machine further includes a second work arm, at least one second cylinder having a second lift chamber configured for receiving pressurized fluid so as to lift the second work arm, and a second accumulator associated with the second lift chamber of the second cylinder. A control arrangement is provided for selectively fluidly connecting one or both of the first and second accumulators with the associated first and second lift chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Hanks, Andrew J. Smith