Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the stress on a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, an implement having a linkage, an engine, and a stress measurement control system. The stress measurement control system includes a strain gauge sensor, a memory, an electronic controller, and an operator interface. The strain gauge sensor assembly is mounted to the frame or the implement and provides a stress signal indicative of the stress acting upon the frame or the implement. The memory stores a stress signal value and stress limit value. The electronic controller receives the stress signal and the stress limit value, determines whether the stress signal is greater than the stress limit value, and responsively stores the stress signal value in the memory and provides an associated message. The operator interface receives the associated message and provides it to the operator in the operator compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a first piece relative to a second piece in a predefined position is disclosed. This apparatus has a tab and a slot. The tab projects from one of the first piece and the second piece and defines a preestablished configuration having a plurality of surfaces. The slot is positioned in the other one of the first piece and the second piece and defines a preestablished configuration having a plurality of surfaces. At least one of the plurality of surfaces of the tab and of the slot is defined by a generally arcuate configuration. At least one of the plurality of surfaces of the tab is in a frictional contacting relationship with at least one of the plurality of surfaces of the slot.

Abstract: Bolted mounting assemblies for use between two mounted components wherein one of the components experiences vibration typically use rubber shock absorbers to dampen the vibration transfer between the components. The rubber shock absorbers are expensive and complicated to manufacture and are limited in flexibility control. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing an adhesive with damping capabilities between washers in a bolt assembly. The bolt assembly is used to mount first and second components with the washers therebetween. The adhesive is spaced a predetermined distance from a longitudinal axis of a bolt and has a non-uniform thickness which increases as the distance from the longitudinal axis increases to provide protection from bending loads about the axis. The washers with adhesive form a washer assembly with damping and flexibility characteristics controlled through variations in the design.

Abstract: Bolted mounting assemblies for use between two mounted components wherein one of the components experiences vibration typically use rubber shock absorbers to dampen the vibration transfer between the components. The rubber shock absorbers are expensive and complicated to manufacture and are limited in flexibility control. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing an adhesive with damping capabilities between washers in a bolt assembly. The bolt assembly is used to mount first and second components with the washers therebetween. The adhesive is spaced a predetermined distance from a longitudinal axis of a bolt and has a non-uniform thickness which increases as the distance from the longitudinal axis increases to provide protection from bending loads about the axis. The washers with adhesive form a washer assembly with damping and flexibility characteristics controlled through variations in the design.

Abstract: Rubber shock absorber systems for use between the frame and equalizer bar of a construction vehicle usually fail to withstand high temperature environments. A metallic spring assembly is provided which is capable of high flexibility and durability. The spring assembly includes a first arcuate spring member and a second arcuate spring member adjacent to and inverted from the first spring member. First and second arcuate plate members are positioned against the first and second spring members respectively, and have a larger bend radius so that a clearance is created therebetween. A bolt with a plate nut threaded thereon is provided to connect the spring assembly and to provide a preload. During compressive loading, opposing end portions of the first and second spring portions are deformed to provide an energy absorbing system. The flexibility and durability of the spring assembly is controlled by the bend radius, thickness, and length of the plate members.

Abstract: Past assemblies for structural portions of construction machines utilized advanced fixturing devices and welding to join the components. The fixturing devices are expensive and, if not used, distortional problems from the welding may reduce the quality of the asssemblies. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a method of bonding a lift arm assembly. A pair of crossmember plates are connected at opposite ends of a crossmember to define a first modular component. A pair of lift arm assemblies define second and third modular components, respectively. A first contact surface is prepared by establishing a specific surface texture in a predetermined contact area on an outer surface of each of the crossmember plates. A second contact surface is prepared by establishing a specific surface texture in a predetermined contact area on an outer surface of each of the lift arm assemblies.