Patents by Inventor Ronald E Wheeler

Ronald E Wheeler 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: 6176531
    Abstract: The grapple system of the present invention is intended for use with a front-end loader or other type equipment which specialize in gripping and moving heavy loads. The grapple system includes a stationary jaw assembly that is comprised of a series of spaced apart fingers and which is adapted to be secured to a mounting fixture on the front loading equipment. Rotatably secured to the stationary jaw assembly, by a generally horizontal main shaft, is a movable jaw assembly. Also disposed about the main shaft is a T-shaped lever arm connector, which, along with a pair of hydraulic actuators, comprise an actuating linkage assembly. More particularly, the hydraulic actuators are disposed in a series configuration, with the T-shaped connector serving as an intermediate connecting link between the two actuators. The free end of one actuator is attached to the stationary jaw assembly, while the free end of the remaining actuator is attached in a similar manner to the movable jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald E Wheeler