Patents by Inventor William P. Shoemaker

William P. Shoemaker 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).

  • Track link having sensor-receiving cavities
    Patent number: 11858566
    Abstract: A track link having sensor-receiving cavities and a method of producing a track link is disclosed. The track link may include a link body and a cavity formed in the link body configured to receive a sensing device. The track link may also include a protrusion substantially surrounding the cavity. The protrusion may include a substantially flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald J. Kalmes, William P. Shoemaker, Yaodong Zhou, Li Zhang
  • Master link anti-over rotation plug
    Patent number: 11718356
    Abstract: A link assembly for a machine is disclosed herein. The link assembly includes a first master link portion, a full track link, and a plug. The full track link is coupled to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned within the full track link and adjacent to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned and shaped to prevent the rotational movement of the first master link portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stan R. Parrott, William P. Shoemaker, Jason L. Sebright
  • TRACK LINK HAVING SENSOR-RECEIVING CAVITIES
    Publication number: 20230032368
    Abstract: A track link having sensor-receiving cavities and a method of producing a track link is disclosed. The track link may include a link body and a cavity formed in the link body configured to receive a sensing device. The track link may also include a protrusion substantially surrounding the cavity. The protrusion may include a substantially flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicants: Caterpillar Inc., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald J. Kalmes, William P. Shoemaker, Yaodong Zhou, Li Zhang
  • Shelf design for increased link life
    Patent number: 11518456
    Abstract: A track chain assembly includes at least one track link having a shelf extending laterally from the a side surface and including a support surface spaced away from the top surface a predetermined distance measured perpendicularly to the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Hakes, William P. Shoemaker
  • SHELF DESIGN FOR INCREASED LINK LIFE
    Publication number: 20210269108
    Abstract: A track chain assembly includes at least one track link having a shelf extending laterally from the a side surface and including a support surface spaced away from the top surface a predetermined distance measured perpendicularly to the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Hakes, William P. Shoemaker
  • MASTER LINK ANTI-OVER ROTATION PLUG
    Publication number: 20210261207
    Abstract: A link assembly for a machine is disclosed herein. The link assembly includes a first master link portion, a full track link, and a plug. The full track link is coupled to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned within the full track link and adjacent to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned and shaped to prevent the rotational movement of the first master link portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stan R. Parrott, William P. Shoemaker, Jason L. Sebright
  • VERTICAL IDLER ADJUSTER FOR UNDERCARRIAGE SYSTEM IN TRACK-TYPE MACHINE
    Publication number: 20210237812
    Abstract: A vertical idler adjuster includes a cam assembly having a cam supported in an adjuster frame for rotation about a cam axis, and an idler support surface having a vertical location that is adjusted relative to the adjuster frame when the cam is rotated. The cam assembly includes a screw linkage having a first set of teeth fixed to rotate with the cam, a drive shaft, and a second set of teeth on the drive shaft and in mesh with the first set of teeth such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the cam to adjust a vertical position of an idler in an undercarriage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Jennings Hakes, William P. Shoemaker, Lewis Clinton Hunt