Patents by Inventor Jia X. Zhao

Jia X. Zhao 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).

  • Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines
    Patent number: 8662816
    Abstract: An improved Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines for maneuvering an implement such as a bucket or pallet forks may include lift arms pivotally connected between an end frame of the machine and the implement, a tilt link pivotally connected between the implement and a tilt lever that is pivotally connected between the tilt link and the lift arms. Lift cylinders may rotate the lift arms to raise and lower the implement, and a tilt cylinder may drive the tilt lever and tilt link to rotate the implement between a dump position and a racked position. Ratios of the lengths of these kinematic elements are provided such that the good performance with one implement, such as bucket, does not result in poor performance with another implement, such as the pallet forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Wayne E. Harshberger, Jason J. Hagedorn, Jia X. Zhao, Susan Green, Jay H. Renfrow
  • Z-Bar Linkage for Wheel Loader Machines
    Publication number: 20120128456
    Abstract: An improved Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines for maneuvering an implement such as a bucket or pallet forks may include lift arms pivotally connected between an end frame of the machine and the implement, a tilt link pivotally connected between the implement and a tilt lever that is pivotally connected between the tilt link and the lift arms. Lift cylinders may rotate the lift arms to raise and lower the implement, and a tilt cylinder may drive the tilt lever and tilt link to rotate the implement between a dump position and a racked position. Ratios of the lengths of these kinematic elements are provided such that the good performance with one implement, such as bucket, does not result in poor performance with another implement, such as the pallet forks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Wayne E. Harshberger, Jason J. Hagedorn, Jia X. Zhao, Susan Green, Jay H. Renfrow