Patents by Inventor Leon E. Hicks

Leon E. 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).

  • Patent number: 4142842
    Abstract: A method and plural embodiments of apparatus for delivering a pressure-compensated supply of fluid to a hydraulic steering circuit, wherein first and second pumps are respectively operated by a vehicle engine and by a ground wheel when the vehicle is in motion, output fluid from the two pumps being simultaneously directed to the steering circuit by a control valve with inlet relief valve means modulating output pressure of the sources in response to operation of the control valve. One embodiment contemplates dual inlet relief valves for separately modulating output from the two pumps while another embodiment contemplates one of the pumps having a variable output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Leon E. Hicks, Wayne A. Peterson, Lawrence F. Schexnayder
  • Patent number: 4096694
    Abstract: A fluid drive assembly has a pump, a variable displacement motor, a fluid circuit connecting the pump to the motor, and an actuator device for controlling the displacement of the motor. The actuator device is movable between a first position at which the displacement of the motor is at a preselected maximum and a second position at which the displacement of the motor is at a preselected minimum. A control system for the fluid drive assembly includes a source of fluid at a first preselected pressure value. A valve device is connected to the source of fluid and to the actuator device for controlling the fluid flow therebetween and is movable between a first position at which the source of fluid is in communication with the actuator device and a second position at which the source of fluid is blocked from communication with the actuator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Cyril W. Habiger, Leon E. Hicks
  • Patent number: 3990538
    Abstract: A spline lubricating device comprises a capsule defining a chamber filled with lubricating fluid on one end of a splined shaft. The splined shaft and lubricating capsule is inserted into an internally splined member which contains a centrally disposed slinger, and a plunger mounted in the slinger for engaging the capsule for releasing the fluid from the lubricating capsule with the slinger directing the fluid to the spline teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Robert Casey, Leon E. Hicks
  • Patent number: 3937128
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a hydraulic control circuit for a double-acting hydraulic motor to provide fluid at a relatively high pressure for operating the motor in a selected direction and otherwise providing operating fluid to the motor at a relatively low pressure, the control circuit including a dual pressure relief valve which is operatively responsive to the motor or an implement positioned by the motor to provide the two operating pressures. An additional dual pressure relief valve regulates the flow of exhaust fluid from one side of the motor to allow controlled response of the motor to external forces. The hydraulic control circuit of the present invention is preferably contemplated for operating a push-pull coupling to permit selective tandem operation of two vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Leon E. Hicks, John W. Grant, Loyal O. Watts, Wayne A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 3935918
    Abstract: A method and plural embodiments of apparatus for delivering a pressure-compensated supply of fluid to a hydraulic steering circuit, wherein first and second pumps are respectively operated by a vehicle engine and by a ground wheel when the vehicle is in motion, output fluid from the two pumps being simultaneously directed to the steering circuit by a control valve with inlet relief valve means modulating output pressure of the sources in response to operation of the control valve. One embodiment contemplates dual inlet relief valves for separately modulating output from the two pumps while another embodiment contemplates one of the pumps having a variable output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Leon E. Hicks, Wayne A. Peterson, Lawrence F. Schexnayder