Patents by Inventor Donald L. VANCE

Donald L. VANCE 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).

  • Pipelayer machine with rear engine configuration
    Patent number: 11970374
    Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The operator cabin may include a seat assembly. The operator cabin may be stationary with respect to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The engine may be provided in the rear portion. The boom may be provided forward with respect to the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John Caldwell, Donald L. Vance, Benjamin Barbier
  • Pipelayer machine with forward towing winch configuration
    Patent number: 11970375
    Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; a towing winch assembly coupled to the machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The towing winch assembly may be provided in the front portion of the pipelayer machine. The operator cabin may be provided between the towing winch assembly and the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John Caldwell, Donald L Vance, Benjamin Barbier
  • PIPELAYER MACHINE WITH REAR ENGINE CONFIGURATION
    Publication number: 20230105579
    Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The operator cabin may include a seat assembly. The operator cabin may be stationary with respect to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The engine may be provided in the rear portion. The boom may be provided forward with respect to the seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John CALDWELL, Donald L. VANCE, Benjamin BARBIER
  • PIPELAYER MACHINE WITH FORWARD TOWING WINCH CONFIGURATION
    Publication number: 20230109258
    Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; a towing winch assembly coupled to the machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The towing winch assembly may be provided in the front portion of the pipelayer machine. The operator cabin may be provided between the towing winch assembly and the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John CALDWELL, Donald L. VANCE, Benjamin BARBIER