Specific Propelling Means Patents (Class 172/292)
  • Patent number: 11781284
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an operation apparatus, a transmission having a plurality of gear positions, and a controller configured to control shift of a gear position of the transmission to a gear position equal to or lower than a shift upper limit position based on a vehicle speed of the work vehicle. The controller makes setting to raise the shift upper limit position by one position based on a first operation having been performed onto the operation apparatus. The controller changes the shift upper limit position from a first shift upper limit position immediately before a second operation different from the first operation to a second shift upper limit position based on the second operation having been performed onto the operation apparatus. The second shift upper limit position is higher than the first shift upper limit position by at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hirohito Hagiwara, Toshihiro Yone, Naoto Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11506118
    Abstract: A genset module coupling assembly includes a cross-bar of a module chassis oriented orthogonal to an engine neutral axis of vibration defined by an engine mounted on an engine chassis, a first bracket coupled to the cross-bar on a first side of the engine neutral axis of vibration, and a second bracket coupled to the cross-bar on a second side of the engine neutral axis of vibration. The first bracket and the second bracket are positioned to minimize communication of vibrations from the engine chassis to the module chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Limited
    Inventors: Peter A. Goleczka, Gordon A. Read
  • Patent number: 11060260
    Abstract: Systems and methods for trenchless placement of an underground protective network of intertwined cables for protecting buried assets from accidental damage are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle and laying a plurality of continuous cables directly underground and interweaving the cables to form a cable network. The apparatus includes a plurality of soil rippers mounted at respective radial positions to a rotating carrier. The rotating carrier rotates about an axis that is at least partially normal to the ground surface. The rippers plow through the ground in the direction of vehicle travel and include a cable-feeding guide for directly and continuously feeding cable out underground during operation. In operation, the combined movement of the soil rippers from rotating the carrier and movement in the direction of travel serves to intertwine the cables deposited by respective rippers forming the protective network of intertwined cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Thibault Villette, Waheed Alrafaei, Iqbal Hussain
  • Patent number: 10309065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber tire roller for ground compaction, comprising a machine frame and an operating platform and front and rear undercarriages supporting the machine frame, wherein the undercarriages each comprise at least one wheel. A fundamental idea of the present invention lies in viewing indentations that are open to the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berg, Ernst-Josef Einolf, Thomas Haubrich, Thomas Klein, Tobias Schonberg
  • Patent number: 10144277
    Abstract: A vehicle tank having an upper surface for mounting a fan and radiator to which is sloped between the fan and radiator mounting parts so that there is a difference in the relative height of the parts. The tank also has a horizontal lower surface that abuts the chassis or frame of a vehicle and the space between the upper and lower surfaces holds a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Braeutigam, Simon Brack
  • Patent number: 9863517
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism includes a differential case, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first pinion and a second pinion. The first side gear is rotatably mounted within the differential case and has a first outer diameter. The second side gear is rotatably mounted within the differential case and has a second diameter. The first pinion gear is meshed for rotation with the first side gear during a first meshing event. The second pinion gear is meshed for rotation with the second side gear during a second meshing event. The first and second pinion gears form a torque transfer arrangement configured for transferring torque between the first and second pinion gears and the first and second side gears to rotate the first and second side gears. The first and second outer diameters are distinct such that the first and second meshing events are offset in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Benjamin S. Sheen
  • Patent number: 9781873
    Abstract: An agricultural planter which provides an improved method for extending and retracting the wing boom and which has improved maneuverability is disclosed. A drive member is provided that drives one or more of the carrier wheels on the agricultural planter. The drive member may be, for example, a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. When a wing boom is extended or retracted between the transport position and the working position, a controller generates a command signal to the drive member to drive one or more of the carrier wheels forward or reverse, thereby assisting the draft links in retracting or extending the telescoping portion of the hitch assembly and in extending or retracting the booms. During operation, the controller may similarly generate a command to the drive member to drive one or more of the carrier wheels either in forward or reverse according to the operation of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Marvin A. Prickel, Brian J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9723776
    Abstract: An agricultural implement and attachment are described for soil conditioning. The implement may include an implement frame, with the attachment configured to be towed by the implement frame. A pressurized fluid circuit may be configured to control one or more actuators, in order to provide lifting or lowering force to the attachment. The attachment may include a leading frame and a trailing frame, each configured to support a set of agricultural tools. The trailing frame may be mounted to the implement frame via the leading frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Thomas J. Rosin, Robert T. Casper, Luc Janelle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Jeremy Nefzger
  • Publication number: 20140158387
    Abstract: A bulldozer includes a vehicle frame, a bulldozer blade, an engine, an engine cover and an operator cab. The vehicle frame has a front end and a rear end. The bulldozer blade is disposed in front of the front end of the vehicle frame. The engine is disposed at a front portion of the frame. The engine cover covers the engine. The operator cab is secured to the frame behind the engine. The operator cab includes a front window disposed on a front face of the operator cab. When the bulldozer blade is placed on the ground, a top surface of the engine cover is disposed below a line extending between an upper edge of the bulldozer blade and a lower edge of the front window as viewed from a side of the bulldozer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumasa FUKAZAWA, Masayuki MUKAINO, David ANDREWS
  • Publication number: 20130264083
    Abstract: A carriage assembly for a ground engaging implement is provided. The carriage assembly includes a carriage, a ground engaging implement, and a cylinder. The ground engaging implement is pivotally connected to the carriage. The ground engaging implement has a longitudinal face. The cylinder is connected to the carriage and includes a cylinder housing, a compressible medium, and a rod. The compressible medium is contained within the cylinder housing. The rod extends outward from the cylinder housing. The rod has a piston portion at one end and an engagement surface at another end. The engagement surface is positioned at a contactable distance from the longitudinal face of the ground engaging implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Jorgensen, Todd E. Moser
  • Publication number: 20120186213
    Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural funicular traction system with electric propulsion, said system comprising two agricultural machineries, respectively one left-handed machinery (1) and one right-handed machinery (1), working as a couple, said machineries (1) left-handed and right-handed being technically identical, each machinery (1) providing a frame (2), with four wheels (3), a driving and reversible control unit (4), a hoist (5), provided with safety clutch (16), round which a cable (13) winds, jacks (9) for steadiness, on the working side of the machinery (1), towards the field to till, and weights (10) for steadiness (counterweights), means for independent and remote automatic driving, the work as a couple of said machineries (1) left-handed and right-handed being realized by means of said cable (13) having appropriate elasticity and tensile strength features, that extends, winding and unwinding during the work, between the respective hoists (5) of the two machineries (1), on said cable (13) being
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Romano Orlando, Andrea Zoffoli
  • Patent number: 8061466
    Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Carlton, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel P. Sergison, Robert E. Stone, Corwin E. Storer, Norval P. Thomson, Todd M. Weier
  • Publication number: 20110061520
    Abstract: An airborne plow is provided for destroying unwanted vegetation and for clearing mines which includes an elongated arm. A mechanism on the elongated arm is for engaging with the unwanted vegetation. Another mechanism is for suspending the elongated arm from the underside of a helicopter or a slow flying object. The helicopter can maneuver the elongated arm, so that the engaging mechanism can plow the unwanted vegetation, opium plant and the unwanted mines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: PETER URBACH
  • Patent number: 7740084
    Abstract: A utility cart and a folding stacking frame for mounting agriculture implements is disclosed. The folding stacking frame includes wings that extend to a working position transverse to the direction of travel of the utility cart to extend across numerous rows of crops. The frame permits the wings to be folded forward so that they are generally parallel with the direction of travel, and then stacked above the utility cart in a transportation position. The wings can be provided with self-tucking wheels that provide support for the wings when in the working position, and which tuck to a collapsed position when the wings are folded to the transportation position. The utility cart can ride on tracks which closely follow the contours of the ground. The track construction utilizes idler wheels mounted on tandem arms to support the track. The idler wheels pivot independently from each other, and allow the track to twist and bend to match the contours of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Lyn Rosenboom
  • Publication number: 20090014189
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present apparatus comprise a land preparation apparatus that includes a rotatable drum, a plurality of tool holders arranged on the drum, wherein each tool holder comprises a first connection interface, a plurality of land preparation tools, wherein each land preparation tool is configured to connect with a tool holder and wherein each land preparation tool comprises a second connection interface, a plurality of removable connectors, wherein the connectors comprise a material different from that of the tool holders and the land preparation tools, wherein each connector is removable from the tool and the tool holder, and wherein each connector is configured to mate with a first connection interface of a tool holder and with a second connection interface of a land preparation tool. The apparatus further includes a land preparation vehicle comprising an attachment connection device configured to mate with the rotatable drum, wherein the vehicle is configured to drive the rotatable drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: FECON, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stanley, Robert Hentz
  • Patent number: 7156185
    Abstract: A soil stabilizer treating earth includes a stabilizer frame, a rotor rotatably mounted thereon and including a cutting tool for cutting earth and being movable such that the rotor may engage various depths of earth, a rotatable axle, and a track apparatus mounted on the rotatable axle, the track apparatus supporting the stabilizer frame and providing for movement of the stabilizer frame and rotor across the ground surface. The track apparatus may include a continuous flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length and including an inner surface, an axle wheel mountable to the rotatable axle for rotational movement therewith, the axle wheel engaging the inner surface of the flexible track along the upper length to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle, and an apparatus frame for mounting the axle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ATI, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Juncker
  • Patent number: 6988571
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to enable a crawler tractor to brake and stop certainly without applying a load to an engine and a driving mechanism, and without complicated operation. An operation link links a conic linkage (53) which links a steering wheel (7) with a main speed change lever (55) of the crawler tractor, and with an operation mechanism of a brake pedal (54). A neutral return mechanism for the operation link is provided. The operation link neutral return mechanism comprises a hook-like cam lever (61). When the brake pedal is depressed, the main speed change lever is moved to its neutral position before braking force occurs, and then, the brake is actuated. Accordingly, engine brake is used effectively, and the brake can be miniaturized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Eiichi Okamoto, Masakazu Komatsu, Yukio Kubota, Susumu Nochi, Susumu Akashima, Takashi Uno, Gaku Higashiguchi, Shinsuke Tani, Kazuo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040149462
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to enable a crawler tractor to brake and stop certainly without applying a load to an engine and a driving mechanism, and without complicated operation. An operation link links a conic linkage (53) which links a steering wheel (7) with a main speed change lever (55) of the crawler tractor, and with an operation mechanism of a brake pedal (54). A neutral return mechanism for the operation link is provided. The operation link neutral return mechanism comprises a hook-like cam lever (61). When the brake pedal is depressed, the main speed change lever is moved to its neutral position before braking force occurs, and then, the brake is actuated. Accordingly, engine brake is used effectively, and the brake can be miniaturized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Eiichi Okamoto, Masakazu Komatsu, Yukio Kubota, Susumu Nochi, Susumu Akashima, Takashi Uno, Gaku Higashiguchi, Shinsuke Tani, Kazuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5957215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reconditioning the ground area of an arena in a riding hall or in an open riding course, which the device comprises a chassis which spans the breath of the ground area and can be moved lengthwise backwards and forwards. The chassis comprises vertically adjustable tools for preparing and leveling the ground area while the chassis is moving, with a device for dampening the ground area from a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Georg Michael Diehl
  • Patent number: 4944353
    Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises a self-propelled chassis (1) and an arrangement for displacement of the working member (9) over the field surface, comprising a hermetic chamber (3) with a port (4), a source (2) of a fluid agent pumped into the chamber (3) under a pressure, and a flexible hose (7) wound onto a drum (5) and internally accommodating a tractive element (8). A section of the tractive element (8) projecting from a free end of the hose (7) mounts an attachment carrying the working member (9) and movably connected with the flexible hose (7). The free end of the hose (7) is passed through the chamber (3), turned inside out and hermetically secured in the port (4) of the chamber (3) so that it forms an annular space (A) communicating with the chamber (3) and by changing its volume under the action of the fluid agent moves the hose (7) over the field, which pushes in front of itself the attachment carrying the working member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Trest "Juzhvodoprovod"
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4819738
    Abstract: An implement supporting vehicle comprises an elongate implement support frame, along one side of which two drive units which propel the vehicle are mounted equidistance from the center of the vehicle. Two castor wheels are mounted along the other side of the frame. The drive units are moveable between a first working direction in which the vehicle can be propelled in a first direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the frame and a second transport direction in which the vehicle can be propelled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A moveable operators cabin is mounted with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Glen L. Fountain
  • Patent number: 4791996
    Abstract: A tractor having a high power-to-weight ratio (power 100 kw, weight 3500 kg) is obtained by using light-weight components (e.g., made from synthetic resin) for the cab, and by making the wheels smaller than is usual, i.e., with a diameter of 1.3 meters, and from aluminum or other light-weight material. Tractor is improved by providing an implement or implements which, in operation, are driven form power take-off shafts and act to propel the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4694872
    Abstract: A lightweight device for obtaining improved performance of rubber tired vehicles. The arrangement has high-strength, thin-gauged traction intensifying means secured to the driving member for a tire, having a smooth or shallow tread, providing improved drawbar performance in fields when said traction intensifying means are engaged and improved traction and riding characteristics on hard grounds and pavements when said traction intensifying means are disengaged; and includes actuating means for rapid and convenient conversion between "steel-drive" for fields and "rubber-drive" for hard surfaces, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Thorvald G. Granryd
  • Patent number: 4679634
    Abstract: An apparatus for extending the frame of a conventional tractor whereby an agricultural implement may be mounted between the front and rear wheels of the tractor. A tractor is converted to an extended frame tractor by dismounting the front wheels of the tractor, attaching the extension frame to the frame of the tractor and then mounting the front wheels on the front of the extension frame. Extension power lines for powering the steering mechanism and the hitch control mechanism are coupled between the tractor power lines and the remounted front wheel assembly. The extension frame is also articulated at its connection point to the frame of the tractor for improved control of the tractor assembly. A mechanism is provided for shifting the farm implement laterally with respect to the front wheels of the tractor for proper alignment of the implement with the crop rows. Spring shock absorbers are also provided for cushioning forces to the agricultural implement caused by uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Gerald L. Bulmahn
  • Patent number: 4639008
    Abstract: A self-propelling commercial vehicle, especially a tractor-like agricultural vehicle, with two units each having an unsprung axle, of which the first unit, as drive unit, includes a drive aggregate and a driver place located within the area of its end coordinated to the second unit, and of which the second unit is guided by way of a cantilever which is connected with the first unit to be pivotal in the vertical direction and is elastically supported with respect thereto; the cantilever is additionally pivotal in the vertical direction with respect to the axle of the second unit while a guide support is provided for the rectilinear guidance of this axle which is offset in the vertical direction to the centilever and is detachable and pivotal with respect to the axle and the drive unit of the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gustav Krettenauer, Heinz Kiwitz
  • Patent number: 4540054
    Abstract: A cultivator for attachment to a crop harvester including at least one tool frame member with soil tilling tools adjustably mounted relative thereto. A shaft is provided rotatably mounted relative to a support frame of the crop harvester. An actuating member is operatively connected to the shaft and the support frame for selectively imparting rotation to the shaft. A link is operatively, pivotally connected between the tool frame member and the support frame for guiding the frame member and the soil tilling tools between a raised position out of engagement with a ground surface and a lowered position into engagement with the ground surface. A connecting member is operatively connected to the shaft and the frame member for translating rotational motion of the shaft into rotatable, vertical motion of the tool frame member and the soil tilling tools about the link pivotally mounted to the support frame to selectively raise and lower the frame member and the soil tilling tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Larry D. Swetnam, James H. Casada, Linus R. Walton
  • Patent number: 4537268
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven track-type vehicle having conduit assemblies for hydraulic fluid connected between hydraulic motors respectively mounted on track frames for driving the vehicle and hydraulic fluid pipes mounted on the vehicle body. Each of the conduit assemblies comprises flexible pipes connected between the hydraulic fluid pipes and respective one ends of passages formed in a member for pivotally mounting thereon each of the track frames, and conduits of steel pipes connected between respective other ends of the passages and each of the motors. The mounting member pivotally mounted on each of pivot shaft casings projecting outwardly on both sides of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Akira Fukushima, Yutaka Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 4483552
    Abstract: A floating axle assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises an axle extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and beneath its frame. Wheels are connected to the axle and reinforcement members extend rearwardly from the axle to attachment points on the frame. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are positioned above the axle and provide required support. The axle is telescopic and height adjustable. The configuration allows the center area of the vehicle to be cleared for crop flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Versatile Corporation
    Inventor: John P. W. Dorscht
  • Patent number: 4364438
    Abstract: A double arch center frame employs a depending center arch to mount by a ball and socket connection the leading end of a draw bar and yoke assembly. Bell cranks pivotably mounted to yoke plates borne by the arched center frame intermediate of the center arch and the rear arch have arms pivotably coupled to respective hydraulic lift cylinders disposed on opposite sides of the center frame and to a like member common to the bell cranks. A side shift hydraulic cylinder is pivotably connected at one end to one side of a subframe rotatably supporting a mold board assembly and at the other end to a link member intermediate of its pivot connections to a second arm of the bell crank members. The forward arched end of the center frame is articulated to a front single axle tractor for rotation about right angle, vertical and horizontal axes, and the rear arched end of the center frame is hinge connected to a rear single axle tractor for pivoting about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Inventor: Donald L. Pyle
  • Patent number: 4279312
    Abstract: A double arch center frame employs a depending center arch to mount by a ball and socket connection the leading end of a draw bar and yoke assembly. Bell cranks pivotably mounted to yoke plates borne by the arched center frame intermediate of the center arch and the rear arch have arms pivotably coupled to respective hydraulic lift cylinders disposed on opposite sides of the center frame and to a link member common to the bell cranks. A side shift hydraulic cylinder is pivotably connected at one end to one side of a subframe rotatably supporting a mold board assembly and at the other end to the link member intermediate of its pivot connections to the second arm of the bell crank members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Inventor: Donald L. Pyle
  • Patent number: 4266617
    Abstract: A tractor having a frame supported by ground-engaging drive wheels, a tool bar carried by the tractor and on which various implements may be mounted, the tool bar being universally mounted on the frame whereby the implement may be raised above or lowered to the ground, and can follow the contour of the ground, a power unit also mounted on the tool bar so as to have a direct driving connection to the implement not affected by the universal "floating" movement of the implement and tool bar, and a driving connection between the power unit and the drive wheels, of a type not affected by the relative movability of the tool bar and tractor frame, in order that both the implement and the tractor may be driven by a single power unit. Mechanism is also provided for pivoting the tool bar to elevate the implement above the ground when desired, for supporting the tool bar while implements are changed, and for holding the implement firmly against the ground when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Mullet, Raymond J. Rilling, Elmer D. Voth
  • Patent number: 4266625
    Abstract: A traction vehicle includes a frame module formed principally from a plurality of platelike structural elements permanently fixed together to provide substantial rigidity for supplying and withstanding relatively large forces. Elongated boxlike drive assembly housings define the outer transverse longitudinal edges of the frame module, and a plurality of vertically-spaced, transversely-extending plate members connect the laterally positioned drive assembly housings in the frame module. End members extend transversely of the longitudinal ends of the frame module for applying the high forces from the vehicle. A plurality of driving wheel members are positioned outwardly from the drive assembly housings, and one separate power train assembly supplies reversible motive traction power simultaneously to all the driving wheel members on each lateral side of the vehicle. An operator's cab is positioned above the frame module, the sidewalls of the cab slope outwardly and define an octagonal cab structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Melroe Multi-Wheel
    Inventors: Fay T. Garner, Jerauld D. Joubert
  • Patent number: 4174757
    Abstract: A material ripping vehicle includes first and second traction units, and a frame having an upright pivot axis for steerably connecting the traction units. The second traction unit has a pair of spaced apart ground engaging members and a ripping apparatus is mounted on the frame and positioned between the ground engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Robert N. Stedman
  • Patent number: 4171023
    Abstract: First and second tractors are connected by a coupling device in a first row, and a third tractor is disposed in substantially parallel relation thereto in a juxtaposed second row. An implement assembly is connected to one of the first and second tractors and to the third tractor for moving material obliquely away from the normal longitudinal direction of working movement of the tractors. Preferably, a second implement assembly is connected to the other one of the first and second tractors and to the third tractor for similar operation when the triple tractor assembly travels in a reverse direction as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: James R. Sturges
  • Patent number: 4140186
    Abstract: An earthmoving apparatus has first and second traction units and a connecting device for connecting the second traction unit to the first traction unit in rearwardly spaced relationship. A ripper is carried by the connecting device intermediate the traction units. An adjusting device selectively adjusts the positioning of the ripper on the connecting device and includes a jack having a first portion carried by the connecting device and a second selectively extensible portion connected to the ripper for selectively positioning the ripper relative to and independently of the connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Robert N. Stedman
  • Patent number: 4124079
    Abstract: A self-propelled tiller-planter including a motor providing hydraulic motive power for various operating mechanisms. A tiller pushed by said planter and hydraulic means is provided for lifting and lowering the tiller assembly into inoperative position above the ground and into operative tilling position in contact with the ground. A pivoting cradle is provided to which the motor is fixed, the cradle rocking simultaneously with the up and down movements of the tiller insuring that the shaft to the tiller assembly is in alignment with the motor. Since the tiller is pushed at the front of the planter the soil being worked thereby may be packed down by the wheels which follow the tiller and means are provided at the rear of the rear wheels of the planter to rework the soil for the planting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Inventor: Harold J. Crow
  • Patent number: 4094373
    Abstract: A Cultivator Planter comprising a traction wheel assembly of substantial width which is releasably connected to a steerable portion to push the steerable portion. The traction wheel assembly comprising two sections which are releasably connected together for removing one section from the other to substantially reduce the width of the assembly so that the apparatus may be driven over the roads of conventional width. Lateral movement of the other section relative to the steerable portion causing the other section to be released from said steerable portion. Power mechanism coactive between the steerable portion and the one section of the traction wheel assembly to move the steerable portion laterally relative to the one section of the traction wheel assembly so that the section is in proper position behind the steerable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Inventor: Arthur F. Crow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4037544
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural machine which includes a vehicle capable of automonously advancing when driven, and an assembly of implements capable of processing the soil during advancement of the vehicle. The machine includes a primary source of mechanical energy operatively connected with at least two transducers which are each individually capable of transforming the mechanical energy of the primary source into independent non-mechanical energy. The respective transducers in turn are each connected in circuit with an associated driving member wherein one of the driving members is operatively connected to the vehicle to effect the drive thereof; and the other driving member is operatively connected to the implements to effect the drive thereof, whereby the power provided by the primary source can be selectively and variably applied to either the vehicle and the implements as the vehicle is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Inventor: Natale Cantone
  • Patent number: 4036304
    Abstract: A self propelled apparatus providing a cultivator, planter units and fertilizer tanks. A traction wheel assembly composed of a plurality of wheels adapted to propel the entire apparatus forwardly by pushing. The plurality of traction wheels being mounted from a traction wheel assembly frame and the traction wheel assembly frame being formed in two sections which are pivoted together at the mid-point thereof. The plurality of traction wheels being arranged in pairs and adjacent pairs of traction wheels being connected together for co-action therebetween. Separate means are provided for driving the traction wheels and such wheels being balanced and mounted from the pivotal frame will impart substantially no compacting forces to the treated soil. The apparatus includes structure and mechanism whereby the sections of the traction wheel assembly frame may be separated to thereby reduce the width of the traction wheel assembly and traction wheel assembly frame for road transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Inventor: Arthur F. Crow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3994349
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for reclaiming strip mined land. The apparatus generally comprises a leading tractor and a trailing tractor and an elongated adjustable side casting blade angularly disposed between and connected to the tractors. Control of both tractors and blade adjustment is carried out by an operator on the leading tractor. The method generally comprises the steps of driving the apparatus along a spoil bank crest near one side thereof in one direction to make one pass to effect side casting of material down one repose slope of the spoil bank and then driving the apparatus along the spoil bank crest near the other side thereof in the opposite direction to make another pass to effect side casting of material down the other repose slope of the spoil bank. Two such passes constitute one complete cycle and blade angle; blade tilt and depth of cut are changed for each pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1976
    Assignee: Fiat-Allis Construction Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey W. Rockwell