Patents by Inventor Benjamin Michael Cheek

Benjamin Michael Cheek 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: 12312768
    Abstract: Removable cab toe boxes are described herein to provide increased comfort to an operator while still allowing a cab to be rotated upwards to provide access to equipment below the cab. The removable toe boxes are removably affixed to the cab and, when installed, may provide at least a partial seal to prevent or reduce the amount of dirt or dust entering the cab. When the toe boxes are removed, equipment may move through the space created from the removal of the toe boxes to allow the cab to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Cheek, Rafael dela Rosa, Sage Frederick Smith
  • Patent number: 12017514
    Abstract: A work machine, such as a skid steer loader or a compact track loader, includes an air intake assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. A conduit integrated into a structure supporting a roof over an operator cab accepts air and water from the atmosphere through an air inlet proximate the roof. A debris outlet downstream in the conduit allows gravity to return the water to the environment. Between the air inlet and the debris outlet, an orifice in the conduit connects to an air duct through which the air may be diverted by suction from the HVAC unit. An air filter at the end of the air duct removes remaining particulates from the air prior to conditioning by the HVAC unit. Sizing the cross-sectional areas of the air path to exceed a cross-sectional area of an inlet to the air filter and providing a substantially straight air path avoids resistance to air flow, resulting in efficient intake of cleaner air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Minter, Benjamin Michael Cheek
  • Publication number: 20230103167
    Abstract: A work machine, such as a skid steer loader or a compact track loader, includes an air intake assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. A conduit integrated into a structure supporting a roof over an operator cab accepts air and water from the atmosphere through an air inlet proximate the roof. A debris outlet downstream in the conduit allows gravity to return the water to the environment. Between the air inlet and the debris outlet, an orifice in the conduit connects to an air duct through which the air may be diverted by suction from the HVAC unit. An air filter at the end of the air duct removes remaining particulates from the air prior to conditioning by the HVAC unit. Sizing the cross-sectional areas of the air path to exceed a cross-sectional area of an inlet to the air filter and providing a substantially straight air path avoids resistance to air flow, resulting in efficient intake of cleaner air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Minter, Benjamin Michael Cheek
  • Publication number: 20230089881
    Abstract: Removable cab toe boxes are described herein to provide increased comfort to an operator while still allowing a cab to be rotated upwards to provide access to equipment below the cab. The removable toe boxes are removably affixed to the cab and, when installed, may provide at least a partial seal to prevent or reduce the amount of dirt or dust entering the cab. When the toe boxes are removed, equipment may move through the space created from the removal of the toe boxes to allow the cab to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Cheek, Rafael dela Rosa, Sage Frederick Smith