Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Kovalick
Benjamin J. Kovalick 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).
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Publication number: 20230349118Abstract: In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a machine may include a lifting mechanism, coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the machine, configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly to a bench height associated with the moldboard. The lift assembly may include a hinge rotatably mounted on a bar of the lifting mechanism, wherein the bar defines a first axis, and wherein the hinge is rotatably coupled to the moldboard about a second axis. The lift assembly may include a first rotational mechanism, coupled to the lifting mechanism and the hinge, configured to rotate the hinge and the moldboard about the first axis. The lift assembly may include a second rotational mechanism, coupled to the hinge and the moldboard, configured to rotate the moldboard about the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Nathaniel Keith HARSHMAN, Bruce Raymond VAHLING, David COX
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Publication number: 20230265879Abstract: In some implementations, coupling system for rotatably coupling a moldboard of a snow wing assembly includes a hinge for rotatably coupling the moldboard to a linkage assembly to enable the moldboard to rotate in a first rotational direction, the hinge including a plate having a first face and a second face. The plate includes a first passageway extending between the first face and the second face to facilitate lubricant being supplied to a first interface between the plate and the moldboard. The coupling system may include a pin extending through the moldboard and the plate to rotatably couple the moldboard with the hinge. The pin enables the moldboard to rotate in a second rotational direction about a rotational axis defined by a body of the pin, and the body includes a second passageway extending from a bottom portion of the pin to an outer surface of the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2022Publication date: August 24, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce Raymond VAHLING
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Publication number: 20230257951Abstract: In some implementations a lift assembly for a snow wing assembly may include a first lifting mechanism, coupled to the motor grader, configured to lift the snow wing assembly a first portion of a bench height associated with a moldboard via a first hydraulic cylinder. The lift assembly may include a second lifting mechanism, coupled to the first lifting mechanism and the moldboard, configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly a second portion of the bench height via a second hydraulic cylinder. The lift assembly may include one or more valves included in a hydraulic circuit of the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder, configured to divert a flow of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit away from a first stage hydraulic cylinder and to a second stage hydraulic cylinder, based on a pressure value associated with the first stage hydraulic cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce Raymond VAHLING, Ernest Everett STOOPS
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Publication number: 20230257950Abstract: In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a motor grader may include a first lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the motor grader. The first lifting mechanism may be configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly a first portion of a bench height associated with the moldboard. The lift assembly may include a second lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to the first lifting mechanism and the moldboard. The second lifting mechanism may be configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly a second portion of the bench height associated with the moldboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bruce Raymond VAHLING, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Nathaniel Keith HARSHMAN
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Patent number: 11598068Abstract: A drawbar assembly for a motor grader is provided. The drawbar assembly defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member is adapted to be movably coupled to main frame of the motor grader. The first frame member includes a first base member extending along longitudinal axis and a first mating portion bent away relative to first base member to extend transversely relative to longitudinal axis. The second frame member includes a second base member extending along longitudinal axis and a second mating portion bent away relative to second base member to extend transversely relative to longitudinal axis. The second mating portion is configured to mate with first mating portion to form a connection joint therebetween, facilitating the first frame member and second frame member to be conjoined to together support a circle assembly of the motor grader thereunder.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Davida Ray Reang, David Lee Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick
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Patent number: 11512445Abstract: A drawbar-circle-moldboard assembly for a work machine includes a drawbar, a circle assembly, and a moldboard. The drawbar is configured to be pivotably connected to a frame of the work machine. The circle assembly is rotatably connected to the drawbar and includes a circle member formed from a hollow box section. The moldboard is connected to the circle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Benjamin J. Kovalick
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Patent number: 11505912Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects, a circle drawbar for a motor grader has a drawbar frame having two elongated members, and a circle frame that has a surface defined by an inner and outer diameter. The circle frame has a circle gear located radially inward of the inner diameter, allowing the circle frame to be rotatable relative to the drawbar frame around an axis of the circle gear. A platform having a top, bottom, and an edge depends from the drawbar frame and covers the circle gear. A debris remover is connected to the platform and removes debris from the surface of the circle frame as the circle frame rotates.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Lankesh Kumar Mathur Shanmukappa, Nathaniel K. Harshman, Bruce R. Vahling
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Patent number: 11447927Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a blade assembly, a circle supporting the blade assembly and including a plurality of teeth, a drawbar assembly connecting the circle to the machine body, and a cover plate coupled to a bottom portion of the drawbar assembly. The drawbar assembly includes a plurality of blocks, and the cover plate is configured to be coupled to the drawbar assembly via the plurality of blocks.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. Harshman, Davida R. Reang, Benjamin J. Kovalick
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Publication number: 20220145582Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system. The circle drive system includes a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The circle drive motor includes an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the circle axis, and the gear box includes an axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, David L. COX, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Bruce R. VAHLING
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Patent number: 11268258Abstract: A motor grader includes a frame and an extendable scarifier system supported on the frame. The scarifier system includes first and second drawbar arms coupled to the frame. A carriage is coupled to the first and second drawbar arms. The carriage includes a carriage body having first and second lateral ends. A first extension element is attached to the first lateral end of the carriage body and a second extension element is attached to the second lateral end of the carriage body. The first and second extension elements each supporting at least one tooth.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Rena J. Kanegae, David L. Cox, Nathan G. Tissier, Nathaniel K. Harshman
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Patent number: 11230820Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system. The circle drive system includes a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The circle drive motor includes an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the circle axis, and the gear box includes an axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. Harshman, David L. Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Bruce R. Vahling
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Publication number: 20210372080Abstract: A drawbar assembly for a motor grader is provided. The drawbar assembly defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member is adapted to be movably coupled to main frame of the motor grader. The first frame member includes a first base member extending along longitudinal axis and a first mating portion bent away relative to first base member to extend transversely relative to longitudinal axis. The second frame member includes a second base member extending along longitudinal axis and a second mating portion bent away relative to second base member to extend transversely relative to longitudinal axis. The second mating portion is configured to mate with first mating portion to form a connection joint therebetween, facilitating the first frame member and second frame member to be conjoined to together support a circle assembly of the motor grader thereunder.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Davida Ray Reang, Davied Lee Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick
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Publication number: 20210246629Abstract: A retention assembly to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine. The retention assembly includes a yoke adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and the yoke includes a base wall, a first sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the first sidewall being configured to face the blade, and a second sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the second sidewall configured to face away from the blade and spaced apart from the first sidewall to define a cavity therebetween, along with the base wall. A retainer extends from at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the base, and a bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and adapted to support the blade for sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. The retainer engages the bearing arrangement and retains the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar IncInventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
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Publication number: 20210230830Abstract: A motor grader is disclosed that includes a frame and an extendable scarifier system supported on the frame. The scarifier system includes first and second drawbar arms coupled to the frame. A carriage is coupled to the first and second drawbar arms. The carriage includes a carriage body having first and second lateral ends. A first extension element is attached to the first lateral end of the carriage body and a second extension element is attached to the second lateral end of the carriage body. The first and second extension elements each supporting at least one tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Rena J. Kanegae, David L. Cox, Nathan G. Tissier, Nathaniel K. Harshman
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Patent number: 11041286Abstract: A retention assembly, to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine, includes a yoke, a bearing arrangement, and one or more pins. The yoke is adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity defined therebetween. The first sidewall defines a first thickness and one or more first bores. The second sidewall defines a second thickness and one or more second bores. The second bores are correspondingly co-axial to the first bores. The bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and is adapted to support the blade for a sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. Further, the pins extend correspondingly through at least one of the first bores or the second bores, and into the cavity to engage and retain the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
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Publication number: 20210102355Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure a circle drawbar for a motor grader has a drawbar frame having two elongated members, and a circle frame that has a surface defined by an inner and outer diameter. The circle frame has a circle gear located radially inward of the inner diameter, allowing the circle frame to rotatable relative to the drawbar frame around an axis of the circle gear. A platform having a top, bottom, and an edge depends from the drawbar frame and covers the circle gear. A debris remover is connected to the platform and removes debris from surface of the circle frame as the circle frame rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kovalick, Lankesh Kumar Mathur Shanmukappa, Nathaniel K. Harshman, Bruce R. Vahling
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Publication number: 20210062461Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a blade assembly, a circle supporting the blade assembly and including a plurality of teeth, a drawbar assembly connecting the circle to the machine body, and a cover plate coupled to a bottom portion of the drawbar assembly. The drawbar assembly includes a plurality of blocks, and the cover plate is configured to be coupled to the drawbar assembly via the plurality of blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, Davida R. REANG, Benjamin J. KOVALICK
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Publication number: 20210062908Abstract: Disclosed is a seal assembly for a grading machine. The grading machine may include a machine body, a blade assembly, and a circle assembly supporting the blade assembly. The circle assembly may include a circle having a plurality of gear teeth. The grading machine may also include a drawbar assembly connecting the circle assembly to the machine body. The seal assembly may include a non-metallic seal component extending circumferentially around an inner circumference of the circle assembly for sealing the plurality of gear teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel K. HARSHMAN, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Nikhil SHARMA
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Publication number: 20200385954Abstract: A drawbar-circle-moldboard assembly for a work machine includes a drawbar, a circle assembly, and a moldboard. The drawbar is configured to be pivotably connected to a frame of the work machine. The circle assembly is rotatably connected to the drawbar and includes a circle member formed from a hollow box section. The moldboard is connected to the circle assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: December 10, 2020Applicant: Caterpiiiar inc.Inventor: Benjamin J. Kovalick
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Patent number: 10851509Abstract: A wear pad assembly for an implement of a machine is disclosed. The implement includes a forward face configured to engage and cast material sideways during a forward movement of the machine over a work surface, and a rearward face opposite the forward face. The wear pad assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a wear pad, and a biasing member. The first bracket is configured to be fixedly coupled to the rearward face of the implement. The second bracket is pivotably coupled to the first bracket. The wear pad is coupled to the second bracket and is configured to contact the work surface. Further, the biasing member is engaged with the second bracket and is configured to bias the wear pad in abutment with the work surface during use of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Benjamin J Kovalick