Patents by Inventor Daniel L. Mikrut

Daniel L. Mikrut 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: 8336856
    Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiment can be characterized as a threadless quick connect coupling release tool having a main body portion fixedly attached to a handle portion, and a head portion having two engagement projection fingers, the head portion being removably attached to the main body portion. An inlet port is coupled to the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Viral S. Mehta, Daniel L. Mikrut, Kirat Shah
  • Publication number: 20100283244
    Abstract: A power generation and storage apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus includes a power generation assembly and an energy storage assembly operably coupled to the power generation assembly. The energy storage assembly includes a buoyant device and is configured to store energy by lowering the buoyant device to a lower depth of water, and to release energy by allowing the buoyant device to rise to a higher depth of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Howson, Kevin L. Martin, Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Publication number: 20100078931
    Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiment can be characterized as a threadless quick connect coupling release tool having a main body portion fixedly attached to a handle portion, and a head portion having two engagement projection fingers, the head portion being removably attached to the main body portion. An inlet port is coupled to the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Viral S. Mehta, Daniel L. Mikrut, Kirat Shah
  • Publication number: 20090145274
    Abstract: A demolition tool is provided. The demolition tool has a first jaw, a second jaw, a linkage assembly, and an actuator. The second jaw is pivotally coupled to the first jaw and the linkage assembly is coupled to the first and the second jaws. The actuator is coupled to the linkage assembly and the first jaw and has an extension stroke. The linkage assembly first closes and then opens the second jaw with respect to the first jaw over the extension stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Mikrut, Blake J. Markovits, Gary Markovits
  • Patent number: 7051639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the position of a rod member of a cylinder assembly are provided. The cylinder assembly may have a cylinder body with a cylinder chamber therein, a gland member disposed within the cylinder chamber, and a rod member movably arranged within the cylinder chamber and a rod opening of the gland member. The method may include moving the gland member within the cylinder chamber to substantially align a gland aperture of the gland member with a cylinder aperture of the cylinder body; substantially fixing the gland member relative the cylinder body; positioning a position sensor within at least one of the cylinder aperture and the gland aperture; moving the rod member within the rod opening of the gland member and the cylinder chamber of the cylinder body; and operating the position sensor to detect the position of the rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Krone, Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 7032472
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a counterbalance for a linkage assembly. The apparatus and method includes a frame, at least one linkage movably connected to the frame, the at least one linkage defining the linkage assembly, at least one actuator for moving the linkage assembly, and an energy storing device connected to the frame and engaged by the linkage assembly, wherein the energy storing device stores energy from the linkage assembly during engagement and provides the stored energy to counterbalance the weight of the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 6941827
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the position of a rod member of a cylinder assembly are provided. The cylinder assembly may have a cylinder body with a cylinder chamber therein, a gland member disposed within the cylinder chamber, and a rod member movably arranged within the cylinder chamber and a rod opening of the gland member. The method may include moving the gland member within the cylinder chamber to substantially align a gland aperture of the gland member with a cylinder aperture of the cylinder body; substantially fixing the gland member relative the cylinder body; positioning a position sensor within at least one of the cylinder aperture and the gland aperture; moving the rod member within the rod opening of the gland member and the cylinder chamber of the cylinder body; and operating the position sensor to detect the position of the rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Krone, Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 6846152
    Abstract: An overshot loader including a set of ground engaging members, a frame attached to the set of ground engaging members, and a linkage assembly movably connected to the frame and located within a longitudinal center portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Mikrut, Charles J. Chappell, Ronald O. Groth, Eldon D. Oestmann, Noel J. Rytter
  • Publication number: 20040105747
    Abstract: An overshot loader including a set of ground engaging members, a frame attached to the set of ground engaging members, and a linkage assembly movably connected to the frame and located within a longitudinal center portion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel L. Mikrut, Charles J. Chappell, Ronald O. Groth, Eldon D. Oestmann, Noel J. Rytter
  • Publication number: 20030218361
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a counterbalance for a linkage assembly. The apparatus and method includes a frame, at least one linkage movably connected to the frame, the at least one linkage defining the linkage assembly, means for moving the linkage assembly, and an energy storing device connected to the frame and engaged by the linkage assembly, wherein the energy storing device stores energy from the linkage assembly during engagement and provides the stored energy to counterbalance the weight of the linkage assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Publication number: 20030201132
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a steerable drive unit. The apparatus includes a ground engaging member, a final drive connected to the ground engaging member, a motor drivably engaged with the final drive, and a carrier connected to the motor and the final drive, the carrier including means for connecting to a steering linkage assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 6431008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a tension of a track on an earthworking machine, the track having a front catenary portion and a rear catenary portion. The method and apparatus includes determining a direction of motion of the earthworking machine, determining a value of tension of the front catenary portion in response to determining the direction of motion of the earthworking machine to be in a forward direction, and determining a value of tension of the rear catenary portion in response to determining the direction of motion of the earthworking machine to be in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Oertley, Dennis R. Shookman, Jin Suzuki, Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 6105969
    Abstract: A track seal assembly (174) adapted to seal a track joint (172) includes a track link and a ceramic seal member (186). The track seal further includes an elastomeric member (176) positioned between the track link and the ceramic seal member (186). The track seal (174) further includes a bushing (184) having a ceramic end face (187). The end face (87) of the bushing defines a ceramic bushing face (187) that interfaces with the ceramic seal member (186) so as to form a seal interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Michael H. Haselkorn, William A. Holt, Jerry A. Metz, Daniel L. Mikrut, Kenneth R. Watts, Harry M. Yousefnia
  • Patent number: 5826884
    Abstract: A track seal assembly adapted to seal a track joint includes a track link and a first ceramic seal member. The track seal further includes a first elastomeric member positioned between the track link and the first ceramic seal member. The track seal further includes a bushing having an end face. The track seal also includes a second ceramic seal member secured to the end face of the bushing, wherein (1) the first ceramic seal member contacts the second ceramic seal member so as to form a seal interface, (2) the end face of the bushing has a counter bore defined therein, and (3) the second ceramic seal member is positioned within the counter bore of the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Michael H. Haselkorn, William A. Holt, Jerry A. Metz, Daniel L. Mikrut, Kenneth R. Watts, Harry M. Yousefnia
  • Patent number: 5725292
    Abstract: In the operation of a track chain assembly a high degree of wear is normally experienced due to the environment in which a track-type machine must operate. This wear is typically accelerated by foreign matter that is carried by an idler member of the track chain assembly and is permitted to remain on its contact surfaces as they engage the other track chain components. The present invention provides a scraper assembly that defines a plurality of scraping portions that continuously engage the contact surfaces of idler to remove foreign material therefrom before the contact surfaces engage other track chain components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dave E. Keedy, Jerry D. Fidler, Daniel L. Mikrut, Jon S. Burdick
  • Patent number: 5692467
    Abstract: The ventilation apparatus (51) of the present invention provides an airflow control system that is designed to minimize noise while providing adequate airflow both during engine operation and after engine shutdown. The enclosure (24) that is divided into first and second compartments (26,28). The first compartment (26) houses the drive train components (14) and the second compartment (28) houses the fluid cooling apparatus (30). The first compartment (26) is provided with at least one air communicating means (52) to transfer ambient air from outside the enclosure through a circuitous air passageway (54) lined with sound absorptive material (60,62). The air passageway (54) is formed in at least one of the walls that forms the first compartment (26) so that it may be critically positioned with respect to the more heat sensitive components (14) housed within the enclosure (24) yet maximizing the efficient use of available space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Sahm, Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 5302012
    Abstract: A replaceable composite tread ring for a track roller assembly of a track-type vehicle includes a non-metallic outer tread portion and a metallic inner base portion. The metallic base portion is C-shaped and encloses portions of the non-metallic tread. Conventional track roller assemblies have non-replaceable metal tread portions which produce considerable wear on the mating link rails. The subject composite tread ring prolongs the useful life of the link rails by reducing the wear of the rails, since the rails contact the non-metallic portion of the tread ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert D. Dester, Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 5288143
    Abstract: A track roller assembly supports and guides the link rails of the endless track of a track-type vehicle as the endless track travels along the ground. Contact between the link rails and the roller assembly is at the tread portion of the roller. A replaceable tread ring on the roller tread portion has a non-metallic outer tread portion which contacts the link rails. The tread ring is held in place by a replaceable flange plate. A separate seal plate holds the various seals in place when the flange plate is removed for replacement of the tread ring or the flange plate. Conventional track roller assemblies have non-replaceable flange plates and metal tread portions which produce considerable wear on the mating link rails. The subject roller assembly prolongs the useful life of the link rails and provides an easily replaceable flange plate and tread ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert D. Dester, Daniel L. Mikrut