Patents by Inventor Francis G. Wickert

Francis G. Wickert 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).

  • Method and system for controlling movement of a digging dipper
    Patent number: 6025686
    Abstract: A new method for controlling movement of a digging dipper includes providing an earthmoving machine with two drive systems for moving the dipper along two respective paths. Also provided is a control apparatus having a reference axis and a knob mounted for movement between a first, repose position and a maximum position spaced from the repose position by a maximum displacement dimension. The knob is displaced along a control axis to a second position which is spaced from the repose position by an actual displacement dimension less than the maximum displacement dimension. The drive systems are energized and the dipper is powered along a digging axis generally parallel to the control axis. A new apparatus for controlling movement of the dipper has a single control knob having a repose position and also has first and second motion transducers mechanically coupled to the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventors: Francis G. Wickert, Shu-Chieh Chang, Angela R. Halwas, David M. Lokhorst, Bryan D. Roy