Patents by Inventor Gail F. Westendorf

Gail F. Westendorf 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: 5630622
    Abstract: This invention utilizes a cast corner member (20) as a support base for the load bearing members (14) of a roll over protection structure (10). The cast corner member (20) has an end portion (34) comprising at least one gusset (40) which telescopically engages a tubular member (14). The gusset (40) has a tapered configuration which defines a free end portion (36) that has a reduced cross-sectional area and is positioned within the tubular member (14) in slightly spaced relationship to at least one of the side walls of the tubular member (14). When the end portion (34) of the corner member (20) is telescopically received within the tubular member (14), a groove is formed to receive a weld bead (22) which secures the two members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kolin J. Kirschenmann, Robert L. McNabb, Gail F. Westendorf
  • Patent number: 5388884
    Abstract: Cab and rollover structures are useful for protecting an operator while operating a vehicle. When an integral cab rollover structure is used it is necessary to provide a mount which will isolate the structure from the frame to reduce vibration and noise and also to provide a solid connection to transfer loads during rollover. The subject mounting arrangement will provide a mounting structure which will isolate the cab rollover structure from the frame in a normal first operating condition to reduce noise and vibration within the cab. In a second condition of operation the isolating structure will deform allowing the mounting structure to contact the frame and withstand forces on the cab rollover structure. This arrangement of components provides an isolated mount which will not be overstressed during a vehicle rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Keehner, Gail F. Westendorf
  • Patent number: 4314711
    Abstract: A gas cushion apparatus (10) includes first, second and third members (14,16,21) and with the first and second members (14,16) being connected together, and constructed such that the second member (16) is capable of being excited by vibration of the first member (14). A cushion device (20) controllably distributes a gas between the second member (16) and one of the first and third members at a preselected region (80) and reduces the transmission of vibratory forces from the second member (16) into one of the first and third member (14,21). The apparatus is particularly applicable to supporting a fender on a wheeled vehicle and minimizing noise transmission to an operator's compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Gail F. Westendorf