Patents by Inventor Keith A. Harshman

Keith A. Harshman 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: 12018453
    Abstract: A retention assembly to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine. The retention assembly includes a yoke adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and the yoke includes a base wall, a first sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the first sidewall being configured to face the blade, and a second sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the second sidewall configured to face away from the blade and spaced apart from the first sidewall to define a cavity therebetween, along with the base wall. A retainer extends from at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the base, and a bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and adapted to support the blade for sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. The retainer engages the bearing arrangement and retains the bearing arrangement within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
  • Publication number: 20230349118
    Abstract: In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a machine may include a lifting mechanism, coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the machine, configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly to a bench height associated with the moldboard. The lift assembly may include a hinge rotatably mounted on a bar of the lifting mechanism, wherein the bar defines a first axis, and wherein the hinge is rotatably coupled to the moldboard about a second axis. The lift assembly may include a first rotational mechanism, coupled to the lifting mechanism and the hinge, configured to rotate the hinge and the moldboard about the first axis. The lift assembly may include a second rotational mechanism, coupled to the hinge and the moldboard, configured to rotate the moldboard about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Nathaniel Keith HARSHMAN, Bruce Raymond VAHLING, David COX
  • Publication number: 20230257950
    Abstract: In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a motor grader may include a first lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the motor grader. The first lifting mechanism may be configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly a first portion of a bench height associated with the moldboard. The lift assembly may include a second lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to the first lifting mechanism and the moldboard. The second lifting mechanism may be configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly a second portion of the bench height associated with the moldboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond VAHLING, Benjamin J. KOVALICK, Nathaniel Keith HARSHMAN
  • Patent number: 11578471
    Abstract: A circle drive system with clutch protection in motor graders is disclosed. The circle drive system includes a hydraulic motor that is configured to receive a pressurized fluid and generate a torque for a rotation of a circle and a moldboard. The circle drive system also includes a gearbox to transfer the torque generated by the hydraulic motor to the circle. Further, the circle drive system includes a clutch connected to the hydraulic motor at one end and to the gearbox at another end. In addition, the circle drive system also includes a hydraulic circuit having a pressure relief valve to relieve the pressurized fluid supplied to the hydraulic motor when a pressure of the pressurized fluid exceeds a predefined threshold. The pressure relief valve thereby, limits the torque generated by the hydraulic motor to less than or equal to a torque capacity of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Gray, Ernest Everett Stoops, Nathaniel Keith Harshman
  • Publication number: 20220049456
    Abstract: A circle drive system with clutch protection in motor graders is disclosed. The circle drive system includes a hydraulic motor that is configured to receive a pressurized fluid and generate a torque for a rotation of a circle and a moldboard. The circle drive system also includes a gearbox to transfer the torque generated by the hydraulic motor to the circle. Further, the circle drive system includes a clutch connected to the hydraulic motor at one end and to the gearbox at another end. In addition, the circle drive system also includes a hydraulic circuit having a pressure relief valve to relieve the pressurized fluid supplied to the hydraulic motor when a pressure of the pressurized fluid exceeds a predefined threshold. The pressure relief valve thereby, limits the torque generated by the hydraulic motor to less than or equal to a torque capacity of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Gray, Ernest Everett Stoops, Nathaniel Keith Harshman
  • Patent number: 11236486
    Abstract: A v-shaped wear strip includes a v-shaped body defining a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end disposed along the longitudinal axis. The v-shaped body includes a first attachment portion defining a first aperture, a first pressing portion that forms a first oblique angle with the first attachment portion at the first end, and a first arcuate portion transitioning from the first attachment portion to the first pressing portion at the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, Nathaniel Keith Harshman
  • Publication number: 20210246629
    Abstract: A retention assembly to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine. The retention assembly includes a yoke adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and the yoke includes a base wall, a first sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the first sidewall being configured to face the blade, and a second sidewall extending directly from the base wall, the second sidewall configured to face away from the blade and spaced apart from the first sidewall to define a cavity therebetween, along with the base wall. A retainer extends from at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the base, and a bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and adapted to support the blade for sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. The retainer engages the bearing arrangement and retains the bearing arrangement within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
  • Patent number: 11041286
    Abstract: A retention assembly, to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine, includes a yoke, a bearing arrangement, and one or more pins. The yoke is adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity defined therebetween. The first sidewall defines a first thickness and one or more first bores. The second sidewall defines a second thickness and one or more second bores. The second bores are correspondingly co-axial to the first bores. The bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and is adapted to support the blade for a sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. Further, the pins extend correspondingly through at least one of the first bores or the second bores, and into the cavity to engage and retain the bearing arrangement within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
  • Publication number: 20210002854
    Abstract: A v-shaped wear strip includes a v-shaped body defining a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end disposed along the longitudinal axis. The v-shaped body includes a first attachment portion defining a first aperture, a first pressing portion that forms a first oblique angle with the first attachment portion at the first end, and a first arcuate portion transitioning from the first attachment portion to the first pressing portion at the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Vahling, Nathaniel Keith Harshman
  • Patent number: 10807468
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle with a vent assembly disposed in a port. The vent assembly may include a main fitting having a bottom member having an inner surface forming a floor and a fitting sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery to encircle the floor. A cap is secured to the sidewall and the fitting sidewall, cap and floor form a basin. A valve is disposed in the fitting sidewall. The assembly also includes cylindrical lower section extending downwardly from the bottom member to form a passage between the opening and a sump. A tower extends upwardly from the floor to the vent cap and surrounds an opening in the floor. A passage formed in the tower member to permit fluid flow between the opening and the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan S. Buescher, Ryan D. Gagnon, B. Keith Harshman
  • Patent number: 10731625
    Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly is provided for the pistons of a hydrostatic drive motor. The thrust bearing assembly includes first and second retainer components removably interconnected to form a retainer assembly, a thrust bearing captured between and encompassed by the first and second retainer components, and locking tangs extending outward from the first and second retainer components. Corresponding catches are formed on the internal surface of the housing to engage the locking tangs when the thrust bearing assembly is installed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: B. Keith Harshman, Ryan D. Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20190177949
    Abstract: A retention assembly, to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine, includes a yoke, a bearing arrangement, and one or more pins. The yoke is adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity defined therebetween. The first sidewall defines a first thickness and one or more first bores. The second sidewall defines a second thickness and one or more second bores. The second bores are correspondingly co-axial to the first bores. The bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and is adapted to support the blade for a sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. Further, the pins extend correspondingly through at least one of the first bores or the second bores, and into the cavity to engage and retain the bearing arrangement within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L. Cox, Benjamin J. Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
  • Publication number: 20160215814
    Abstract: An assembly for a ball joint is provided. The assembly includes a housing assembly having a first section and a second section. Each of the first and second sections includes a concave spherical portion having a channel and an aperture. Each of the first and second sections includes a flange extending outwardly from sides of the concave spherical portion. The flange includes an aperture for receiving a fastener. The concave spherical portion of the first and second sections defines a ball seat. The apertures defined in the flange are axially aligned to connect the first and second sections through the fastener. The assembly includes an insert having a partial hemispherical shape configured to rest in the concave spherical portion. The insert includes a protrusion configured to mate with the channel. The insert includes a groove having an aperture axially aligned with the aperture in the channel to receive a lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Cox, Nathaniel Keith Harshman
  • Patent number: 9181958
    Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas P. Gavin, B. Keith Harshman, Bryce E. Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 8858198
    Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas P. Gavin, B. Keith Harshman, Bryce E. Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 7395644
    Abstract: In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell Company
    Inventors: James R. Rivenbark, Keith A. Harshman, Frank J. Shinn, Bradford D. Henry, Kathleen E McCay, legal representative, Steve W. McCay
  • Publication number: 20050246139
    Abstract: In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Applicant: BELL & HOWELL MAIL AND MESSAGING TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James Rivenbark, Keith Harshman, Frank Shinn, Bradford Henry, Steven McCay, Kathleen McCay
  • Publication number: 20050220637
    Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Applicant: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas Roth, Thomas Gavin, Keith Harshman, Bryce Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie Holder
  • Patent number: 6718740
    Abstract: In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Mail and Messaging Technologies Company
    Inventors: James R. Rivenbark, Keith A. Harshman, Frank J. Shinn, Bradford D. Henry, Steve W. McCay
  • Publication number: 20020112453
    Abstract: In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Rivenbark, Keith A. Harshman, Frank J. Shinn, Bradford D. Henry, Steve W. McCay