Patents by Inventor Phillip John KUNZ
Phillip John KUNZ 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).
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Patent number: 11718979Abstract: A blank for fabricating a wear member for a ground-engaging tool includes a one-piece block having a boss channel and a lock bore each formed therein. The one-piece block includes a peripheral edge that projects upon lateral sides and a front end of the one-piece block, the peripheral edge originating and terminating at a back end of the block, to form a continuous welding interface that is partially perimetric of the one-piece block, for welding to a body of a wear member. The blank can be used to fabricate a variety of different wear members including shrouds, tooth tips, edge protectors, or others.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Phillip John Kunz, Adam M. Dean
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Publication number: 20210131077Abstract: A blank for fabricating a wear member for a ground-engaging tool includes a one-piece block having a boss channel and a lock bore each formed therein. The one-piece block includes a peripheral edge that projects upon lateral sides and a front end of the one-piece block, the peripheral edge originating and terminating at a back end of the block, to form a continuous welding interface that is partially perimetric of the one-piece block, for welding to a body of a wear member. The blank can be used to fabricate a variety of different wear members including shrouds, tooth tips, edge protectors, or others.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Phillip John Kunz, Adam M. Dean
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Patent number: 10590633Abstract: A shroud collar for protecting an edge of a work tool is disclosed. The shroud collar may have a first side plate. The first side plate may have a first lower leg and a first upper leg spaced apart from the first lower leg. The shroud collar may have a second side plate spaced apart from the first plate. The second side plate may have a second lower leg and a second upper leg spaced apart from the second lower leg. The shroud collar may also have an upper crossbar connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The upper crossbar may be configured to be connectable to the work tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Caterpiilar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Patent number: 10538899Abstract: An implement assembly includes an implement having a forward edge and an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes at least one edge shroud having a lower leg that includes a lower end and a lower end inner surface, an upper leg, and a wedge portion, the upper leg including an upper end portion and a connecting portion. The upper end portion has an upper end inner portion that may be angled to the lower end inner surface and/or a horizontal plane extending between the upper leg and the lower leg. The system also includes a boss assembly structured to couple the edge shroud to the implement, and including a pry boss. The angle of the upper end inner surface may be such that a clearance is formed between the upper end inner surface and the pry boss when moving the edge shroud forward in a disengaging direction relative to the implement. The clearance reduces frictional force opposing movement of the edge shroud in the disengaging direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Patent number: 10494794Abstract: An implement assembly includes an implement having a forward edge and an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes at least one edge shroud having a lower leg that includes a lower end and a lower end inner surface, an upper leg, and a wedge portion, the upper leg including an upper end portion and a connecting portion. The upper end portion has an upper end inner portion that may be angled to the lower end inner surface and/or a horizontal plane extending between the upper leg and the lower leg. The system also includes a boss assembly structured to couple the edge shroud to the implement, and including a pry boss. The angle of the upper end inner surface may be such that a clearance is formed between the upper end inner surface and the pry boss when moving the edge shroud forward in a disengaging direction relative to the implement. The clearance reduces frictional force opposing movement of the edge shroud in the disengaging direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Publication number: 20190203446Abstract: A shroud collar for protecting an edge of a work tool is disclosed. The shroud collar may have a first side plate. The first side plate may have a first lower leg and a first upper leg spaced apart from the first lower leg. The shroud collar may have a second side plate spaced apart from the first plate. The second side plate may have a second lower leg and a second upper leg spaced apart from the second lower leg. The shroud collar may also have an upper crossbar connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The upper crossbar may be configured to be connectable to the work tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventor: Phillip John KUNZ
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Patent number: 10273663Abstract: A shroud collar for protecting an edge of a work tool is disclosed. The shroud collar may have a first side plate. The first side plate may have a first lower leg and a first upper leg spaced apart from the first lower leg. The shroud collar may have a second side plate spaced apart from the first plate. The second side plate may have a second lower leg and a second upper leg spaced apart from the second lower leg. The shroud collar may also have an upper crossbar connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The upper crossbar may be configured to be connectable to the work tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Patent number: 10249060Abstract: A tool erosion detecting system for a machine having a ground engaging tool is disclosed. The tool erosion detecting system may include a camera configured to generate a first image of the ground engaging tool on a display device, an input device configured to receive a user input, and a controller in communication with the camera and the input device. The controller may be configured to generate an augmented reality view of the ground engaging tool. The augmented reality view may include the first image of the ground engaging tool generated by the camera and a second image of a ground engaging tool superimposed on the first image and being associated with a selected wear level, wherein the selected wear level is based on the user input.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James Edward Wagner, Patrick Simon Campomanes, Brian Charles Brown, Drew Steven Solorio, John M. Plouzek, David Jason Mcintyre, Paul Davis Jackson, Jr., Phillip John Kunz, Thomas Marshall Congdon, Shadi Naji Kfouf
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Publication number: 20180363274Abstract: An implement assembly includes an implement having a forward edge and an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes at least one edge shroud having a lower leg that includes a lower end and a lower end inner surface, an upper leg, and a wedge portion, the upper leg including an upper end portion and a connecting portion. The upper end portion has an upper end inner portion that may be angled to the lower end inner surface and/or a horizontal plane extending between the upper leg and the lower leg. The system also includes a boss assembly structured to couple the edge shroud to the implement, and including a pry boss. The angle of the upper end inner surface may be such that a clearance is formed between the upper end inner surface and the pry boss when moving the edge shroud forward in a disengaging direction relative to the implement. The clearance reduces frictional force opposing movement of the edge shroud in the disengaging direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Publication number: 20180363275Abstract: An implement assembly includes an implement having a forward edge and an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes at least one edge shroud having a lower leg that includes a lower end and a lower end inner surface, an upper leg, and a wedge portion, the upper leg including an upper end portion and a connecting portion. The upper end portion has an upper end inner portion that may be angled to the lower end inner surface and/or a horizontal plane extending between the upper leg and the lower leg. The system also includes a boss assembly structured to couple the edge shroud to the implement, and including a pry boss. The angle of the upper end inner surface may be such that a clearance is formed between the upper end inner surface and the pry boss when moving the edge shroud forward in a disengaging direction relative to the implement. The clearance reduces frictional force opposing movement of the edge shroud in the disengaging direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Patent number: 10047504Abstract: A retention system is provided for use in connecting a shroud to a work tool. The retention system may have a mounting boss with a base portion, a shelf portion that overhangs opposing sides of the base portion, and a tapered depression formed within the base portion. The retention system may also have a replaceable lug insert removably disposed within the tapered depression.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Publication number: 20180165884Abstract: A tool erosion detecting system for a machine having a ground engaging tool is disclosed. The tool erosion detecting system may include a camera configured to generate a first image of the ground engaging tool on a display device, an input device configured to receive a user input, and a controller in communication with the camera and the input device. The controller may be configured to generate an augmented reality view of the ground engaging tool. The augmented reality view may include the first image of the ground engaging tool generated by the camera and a second image of a ground engaging tool superimposed on the first image and being associated with a selected wear level, wherein the selected wear level is based on the user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2016Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James Edward WAGNER, Patrick Simon CAMPOMANES, Brian Charles BROWN, Drew Steven SOLORIO, John M. PLOUZEK, David Jason MCINTYRE, Paul Davis JACKSON, JR., Phillip John KUNZ, Thomas Marshall CONGDON, Shadi Naji KFOUF
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Patent number: 9976287Abstract: A ground engaging tool includes an interior surface. The tool may also have an exterior surface defining a front edge of the tool. In addition, the tool may have a rear surface substantially opposite the front edge. The rear surface may connect the interior surface to the exterior surface. The tool may also have a lock opening surface. The lock opening surface may define a lock opening extending from the interior surface, through the tool, to the exterior surface. The lock opening surface may have a generally circular inner portion adjacent the interior surface. The inner portion may define a groove in the tool positioned circumferentially around the lock opening. In addition, the inner portion may define at least one detent recess in the tool along the groove. The lock opening surface may also have a generally circular outer portion adjacent the exterior surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Patent number: 9970181Abstract: A lip for a machine bucket includes a plate portion. The plate portion includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an aperture extending between the first surface and the second surface. The aperture is configured to receive a retention mechanism for attaching a shroud to the plate portion. The lip also includes a deflector projecting from the first surface of the plate portion. The deflector includes a rear portion located between the aperture and a rear edge of the lip. The rear portion forms an inclined surface that is generally flat and that has a height that tapers toward the rear edge of the lip. The inclined surface of the rear portion connects a raised surface of the deflector to the first surface of the plate portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Patent number: 9957696Abstract: A cap for removably attaching to a head of a fastener includes a main body having an open end and defining a hollow interior. The cap also includes an end section forming a closed end of the main body. The cap further includes a hollow inner portion connecting to an inner surface of the end section and extending through the hollow interior toward the open end of the main body. The inner portion is spaced from the main body, and the inner portion has a distal end configured to be inserted into an opening in the head of the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Phillip John Kunz, Patrick Simon Campomanes
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Patent number: 9951500Abstract: A fastener includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The fastener also includes an axis extending between the first and second end, and a head disposed on the first end. The head includes a plurality of radially-extending gear teeth disposed on the head around the first end and a first collar including a conical surface that tapers along the axis toward the second end. The fastener also includes a threaded rod disposed on the second end.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Publication number: 20180023272Abstract: A lip shroud may include a front, wedge-shaped portion, an intermediate transition portion, and a rear mounting portion opposite the front, wedge-shaped portion. The intermediate transition portion of the lip shroud may be configured with at least one upwardly and rearwardly inclined transition surface that merges into a front edge of the rear mounting portion. The at least one upwardly and rearwardly inclined transition surface may include two opposite side, upwardly inclined surfaces that extend between rearward side edges of the at least one transition surface and substantially an entire length of each of opposite side edges of the rear mounting portion. The two opposite side, upwardly inclined surfaces may include outer side edges configured to form a smooth, upwardly sloped and outwardly convex-shaped profile merging into the opposite side edges of the rear mounting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2016Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John KUNZ
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Patent number: 9856629Abstract: A lip shroud may include a front, wedge-shaped portion, an intermediate transition portion, and a rear mounting portion opposite the front, wedge-shaped portion. The intermediate transition portion of the lip shroud may be configured with at least one upwardly and rearwardly inclined transition surface that merges into a front edge of the rear mounting portion. The at least one upwardly and rearwardly inclined transition surface may include two opposite side, upwardly inclined surfaces that extend between rearward side edges of the at least one transition surface and substantially an entire length of each of opposite side edges of the rear mounting portion. The two opposite side, upwardly inclined surfaces may include outer side edges configured to form a smooth, upwardly sloped and outwardly convex-shaped profile merging into the opposite side edges of the rear mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John Kunz
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Publication number: 20170058491Abstract: A shroud collar for protecting an edge of a work tool is disclosed. The shroud collar may have a first side plate. The first side plate may have a first lower leg and a first upper leg spaced apart from the first lower leg. The shroud collar may have a second side plate spaced apart from the first plate. The second side plate may have a second lower leg and a second upper leg spaced apart from the second lower leg. The shroud collar may also have an upper crossbar connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The upper crossbar may be configured to be connectable to the work tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John KUNZ
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Publication number: 20170037603Abstract: A retention system is provided for use in connecting a shroud to a work tool. The retention system may have a mounting boss with a base portion, a shelf portion that overhangs opposing sides of the base portion, and a tapered depression formed within the base portion. The retention system may also have a replaceable lug insert removably disposed within the tapered depression.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Phillip John KUNZ