Patents by Inventor Dean M. Lawrence

Dean M. Lawrence 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: 4141102
    Abstract: Restraint device for holding a windshield wiper assembly in a stored nonoperating position against inadvertent movement of the windshield wiper assembly and particularly the windshield wiper blade in directions normal to its usual path of wiping movement even in the absence of the windshield from its usual shielding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Dean M. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4121863
    Abstract: A latch mechanism having a latch member defining a slide portion received in a track channel. The slide portion is slidably guided by the track for movement between a latching position and a retracted position. A helical spring is provided for biasing the latch member to the latching position and a force transfer member is disposed between the end of the spring and the latch member slide portion in the channel for preventing catching of the spring end between the latch member and the track member in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Dean M. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4120527
    Abstract: A vehicle cab structure design providing air circulation through the cab compartment wherein the rear wall of the cab structure forms air flow passage defining a portion of the air flow circulation path. Suitable apparatus for controlling the temperature of the circulated air may be provided. The circulation may be effected by a suitable air moving device, such as a fan, which may be associated with the temperature controlling apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment, a forced air fan is utilized for effecting the desired circulation of the cab air. A fresh air inlet may be provided for introducing a preselected amount of fresh air into the circulating air. A filter may be provided for filtering the circulated air. The filter may be arranged to filter the incoming fresh air also. The filter may be arranged horizontally to permit self-cleaning with the debris therefrom being collected on a subjacent duct wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Dean M. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4072338
    Abstract: The frame of an operator's cab has a sub-frame pivotally mounted thereon. An upper windshield is fixedly mounted on the sub-frame and a lower windshield is slidably mounted in a co-linear track defined on the main frame and on the sub-frame. A first latch is mounted on the sub-frame to releasably attach the sub-frame and upper windshield in a generally vertical closed position or a generally horizontal open position on the frame of the operator's cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Dean M. Lawrence, Fred E. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4067597
    Abstract: A latch assembly for selectively retaining a movable portion of a vehicle. The latch assembly includes components readily sub-assembled prior to installation of the latch assembly in the vehicle. A main plate member having a tee-shaped slot and having a tubular spring retainer is provided for receiving a latch member, a coil spring and a roller member. The latch member is equipped with a pivot pin. A pair of brackets, each having a sleeve portion, are provided for receiving the latch member pivot pin and for positioning the latch member with respect to the plate member. A retainer plate, having a plurality of apertures alignable with corresponding apertures in the brackets and plate member, is welded to the vehicle for clamping the latch assembly upon the vehicle proximate to the portion to be retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Dean M. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4057122
    Abstract: A control arrangement is provided for a vehicle having an adjustable seat mounted on a fixed frame of the vehicle for permitting the selective movement of the seat relative to certain ones of the controls, such as the foot pedals. The control arrangement includes a manually actuatable control valve mounted to one side of the set for adjustable movement therewith between predetermined minimum and maximum positions relative to the fixed frame. A plurality of flexible hydraulic hoses are connected to the control valve and extend therefrom in a circumlocutious route to the frame so as to provide the hoses with a sufficient length to accommodate the movement of the valve between its minimum and maximum positions without the hoses being kinked or placed in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Roy D. Brownell, Dean M. Lawrence