Patents by Inventor Keith B. Hicks

Keith B. Hicks 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).

  • Tree harvesting apparatus
    Patent number: 7306018
    Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith B. Hicks, Neil A. Roth, Dennis D. Wetterich
  • Method and system configured to manage a tree harvesting process
    Publication number: 20040250908
    Abstract: A method and system configured to monitor a tree harvesting process is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Keith B. Hicks
  • Tree harvesting apparatus
    Publication number: 20040112463
    Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Keith B. Hicks, Neil A. Roth, Dennis D. Wetterich
  • Tree harvesting apparatus
    Patent number: 6640850
    Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A base member partially overlays the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is positioned adjacent the base member and is co-planar therewith and extends over at least a portion of the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Keith B. Hicks
  • Multi-segmented saw tooth
    Publication number: 20030145710
    Abstract: A saw tooth system having a plurality of tooth segments is provided. A retainer member engages retainer surfaces on each of the tooth segments to form a saw tooth unit. A retainer fastener may further secure the retainer member and tooth segments relative to one another. Locating flanges may be used to more precisely locate the tooth segments relative to each other or to a tooth holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Keith B. Hicks
  • Tooth-and-holder harvesting head disk saw
    Patent number: 6536322
    Abstract: High speed disk saws are used in forestry applications as part of a harvesting head to fell trees. These saws have a saw disk which often becomes dull or damaged through use, so is commonly provided with replaceable teeth and holders. One aspect of the present invention provides a replaceable tooth and holder arrangement with recessed fasteners attaching the holder to the saw disk and the tooth to the holder. Another aspect of the present invention provides a replaceable tooth and holder arrangement with a reversible holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Butler, Keith B. Hicks
  • Mounting for tree harvester head
    Patent number: 6435235
    Abstract: A tree harvester head structure is connected to a mounting structure on a mobile tree harvester by a compact coupling which provides lateral pivotal movement of the harvester head structure. An antifriction bearing and a fluid powered rotary actuator have a concentric relationship and are in substantial radial alignment, thus creating a compact design and avoiding additional side loading of the bearing. A brake prevents rotational movement of the tree harvester head structure except when the rotary actuator is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Keith B. Hicks
  • Tilt mechanism for adjusting position of an upper body assembly relative to an undercarriage assembly of a feller buncher
    Patent number: 6241263
    Abstract: A feller buncher includes an undercarriage frame and an upper body frame. The feller buncher also includes an outer tilt member having an interior void defined therein. The outer tilt member is secured to the upper body frame. The feller buncher further includes an inner tilt member nested within the interior void of the outer tilt member. The inner tilt member is secured to the undercarriage frame and is movable relative to the outer tilt member. A tilt mechanism for use in a work machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Keith B. Hicks