Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Lohbauer

Kenneth R. Lohbauer 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: 4481770
    Abstract: A fluid control system (10) for controlling the torque of a fluid motor (22) and varying the flow to the fluid motor (22) has a mechanism (56) to control the torque and flow in proportion to the operator's input to a pilot operated control valve (16) that controls the fluid motor (22). The mechanism (56) controls the torque and flow of the fluid motor (22) during both acceleration and deceleration of the fluid motor (22). The fluid control system eliminates the need for special, complicated control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Lohbauer, Paul C. Moots
  • Patent number: 4142445
    Abstract: A fluid system has at least first and second circuits, each connected to a pressurized fluid source. Each circuit has at least one preselected work element connected to the fluid source through a respective preselected controlling valve. A blocker valve is connected to one of the circuits and has an actuating assembly and is of a construction sufficient for controllably passing fluid from a preselected location on one of the circuits to a preselected location on the other circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lohbauer
  • Patent number: 4073141
    Abstract: A fluid system has a plurality of pumps, left and right track motors and a plurality of work elements. First elements are provided for controllably delivering fluid from a first plurality of pumps to the left track motor and for controllably bypassing the left track motor and delivering fluid from at least one of the first plurality of pumps to a separate respective work element. Second elements are provided for controllably delivering fluid from a different plurality of said pumps to the right track motor and for controllably bypassing the right track motor and delivering fluid from at least one of the second plurality of pumps to a separate respective work element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lohbauer
  • Patent number: 4030623
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is provided for powering and controlling an excavator or the like, with a plurality of pumps supplying pressurized fluid for the circuit. The circuit is arranged so that fluid is provided in a manner to permit positive independent control of the various implement motors of the machine, with means provided so that fluid may also be combined to operate selected implement motors for faster operation and maximum efficiency of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: John W. Bridwell, Donald L. Hopkins, Kenneth R. Lohbauer
  • Patent number: 4006667
    Abstract: A load supporting hydraulic system having a pilot operated main control valve is provided with pilot controlled load check valve operative to permit free flow of fluid from said control valve toward the load supporting means of the system in response to pilot pressure and to block fluid flow from the load supporting means toward the control valve. The system includes vent valve means operative with the main control valve to permit the load check valve to be opened by fluid pressure in the load supporting means to allow fluid flow therefrom to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Donald L. Bianchetta, Kenneth R. Lohbauer, Sammy J. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 3977301
    Abstract: A fluid control circuit for regulating fluid flow between a pressurized fluid source and a hydraulic motor, including a control valve having a movable spool for communicating fluid entering an inlet chamber from the source with service chambers in communication with the motor, a dump valve limiting communication of the inlet chamber with a drain in response to spring means and fluid communicated to the dump valve through a passage open to either of the service chambers when it is placed in communication with the inlet chamber by the control valve spool, the passage otherwise communicating the dump valve with a drain so that fluid communication between the inlet chamber and drain is limited only by the spring means. The force of the spring means may also be varied in certain embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Neil W. Kroth, Kenneth R. Lohbauer, James E. Scheidt
  • Patent number: 3943825
    Abstract: A load supporting hydraulic system having a pilot operated main control valve is provided with pilot controlled load check valve operative to permit free flow of fluid from said control valve toward the load supporting means of the system in response to pilot pressure and to block fluid flow from the load supporting means toward the control valve. The system includes valve means operative independent of the main control valve to permit the load check valve to be opened by fluid pressure in the load supporting means to allow fluid flow therefrom to the reservoir. The system further includes safety valve means for blocking fluid flow to pilot control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1973
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Donald L. Bianchetta, Kenneth R. Lohbauer, Sammy J. Rhodes