Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Wilkening

Kevin J. Wilkening 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: 6550811
    Abstract: A side mount fuel tank system installed on an earth moving vehicle such as a motor grader. The side mount fuel tank system is designed to allow the installation of an air-to-air aftercooler onto a motor grader without requiring the lengthening of a rear frame of the motor grader. The side mount fuel tank system includes a support apparatus and a fuel tank apparatus. The fuel tank system includes a first fuel tank attached to a first side of an engine compartment, and a second fuel tank attached to a second side of the engine compartment. Each of the fuel tanks includes tank plates positioned to deflect material impinging on the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy J. Bennett, Shandy L. Hill, Kevin J. Wilkening
  • Patent number: 6543562
    Abstract: An earth moving machine having a frame that supports an engine and a radiator that is located proximate a rear end of the frame. A service center module is positioned between the engine and the radiator. The service center module has a support member, a support plate on an upper surface of the support member, a back plate that is perpendicular to the support plate, and at least one mounting location on the back plate for mounting one or more components that may require routine maintenance such as an air tank, an ether aid, an air dryer, or a transmission filter. The central service center module increases maintenance efficiency by locating components, which may require routine maintenance, in a single easily accessible location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Viresh B. Shah, Kevin J. Wilkening
  • Patent number: 5720353
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a blade assembly to a vehicle includes a circle assembly having a circle member. The apparatus further includes a plate having a passageway extending therethrough, the circle member being movable relative to the plate. The apparatus also includes a first wear strip positioned within the passageway, the first wear strip being located in contact with the circle member. The apparatus further includes a shim positioned within the passageway, the shim being located in contact with the wear strip. A method for coupling a blade assembly to a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Wilkening
  • Patent number: 5687800
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a grader blade includes a support bracket, a first upper retainer secured to the support bracket and a second upper retainer secured to the support bracket. The apparatus also includes a first lower retainer secured to the support bracket, the first lower retainer being movable relative to the first upper retainer, and a second lower retainer secured to the support bracket, the second lower retainer being movable relative to the second upper retainer. The apparatus further includes a first adjustment member which contacts the first lower retainer, wherein rotation of the first adjustment member causes movement of the first lower retainer relative to the first upper retainer, and a second adjustment member which contacts the second lower retainer, wherein rotation of the second adjustment member causes movement of the second lower retainer relative to the second upper retainer. A method of retaining a grader blade relative to a support bracket is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Wilkening