Patents by Inventor Michael S Sekulich

Michael S Sekulich 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).

  • Publication number: 20230192448
    Abstract: A lift coupling system includes a lifting base attachable to an object. The lifting base includes a housing. Lift pins move between a retracted state within the housing and an extended state wherein a portion of each of the lift pins extend outwardly from the housing. An actuator moves the lift pins between the retracted and extended state. A lift collar includes a lift collar body configured to fit about the housing. The lift collar contacts and couples the lift pins to the lift collar when positioned about the housing and the lift pins are in the extended state and decouple therefrom when the lift pins are in the retracted state. At least one lift tab may be arranged on the lift collar body configured to enable lifting of the lifting base and the object thereby when the lift collar is coupled to the lifting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Sekulich, Jeffrey M. Pillis, Diana K. Jarosiewicz, Trevor C. Nienke, Henry L. Furr, Mark A. Rominger
  • Patent number: 7607721
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and an operator cab. At least one mounting assembly releasably mounts the cab to the frame. The mounting assembly is operable between a coupled position such that the cab is mounted on the frame, and an uncoupled position such that the cab is permitted to be moved relative to the frame. At least one hinge assembly releasably pivotally connects to the frame and the cab. The hinge assembly is operable between a connected position such that the cab is pivotally connected to the frame, and an unconnected position such that the cab is pivotally unconnected to the frame. The hinge assembly cannot be placed in the connected position when the mounting assembly is in the coupled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Ian P. Goggins, Alan R. Connor, Michael S. Sekulich
  • Publication number: 20080106122
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and an operator cab. At least one mounting assembly releasably mounts the cab to the frame. The mounting assembly is operable between a coupled position such that the cab is mounted on the frame, and an uncoupled position such that the cab is permitted to be moved relative to the frame. At least one hinge assembly releasably pivotally connects to the frame and the cab. The hinge assembly is operable between a connected position such that the cab is pivotally connected to the frame, and an unconnected position such that the cab is pivotally unconnected to the frame. The hinge assembly cannot be placed in the connected position when the mounting assembly is in the coupled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Ian P. Goggins, Alan R. Connor, Michael S. Sekulich
  • Patent number: 7168908
    Abstract: A coupler configured to secure a work tool to a machine is provided. In one embodiment, the coupler comprises a first bore with a first axis configured to receive a first pin, a second bore with a second axis configured to receive a second pin, and an actuator including an actuator rod. The coupler is characterized in that if the first bore receives the first pin, the first pin is configured to pivotally support the coupler to a machine linkage about the first axis and pivotally support the coupler to the work tool about the first axis. Furthermore, if the second bore receives the second pin, the second pin is configured to pivotally support the coupler to a machine boom about the second axis. The coupler is further characterized in that the rod is configured to engage the work tool and, if engaged, the rod intersects the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Alberto Diaz, Michael S. Sekulich
  • Patent number: 6520593
    Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, James Brian Normann, Alessandro Magliulo, Michael S. Sekulich
  • Publication number: 20020130547
    Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, James Brian Normann, Alessandro Magliulo, Michael S. Sekulich
  • Patent number: D535183
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Alberto Diaz, Michael S Sekulich