And Tilt Of Blade Adjustable In A Generally Vertical Plane Patents (Class 172/821)
  • Patent number: 11649598
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements in snow removal vehicles. A vehicle is disclosed, wherein the vehicle may have a reduced turning radius, or a zero-turn radius. The present disclosure also relates to improvements in snow shovels attached to the vehicle, including disclosure directed to a snow shovel mounted to the middle of the vehicle, rather than to the vehicle's front. Further yet, the present application discloses a snow shovel which is interchangeable with a mower attachment, thereby allowing a vehicle to be used as a snow plow or as a mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Arlington Power Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Saranzak, Donald Saranzak
  • Patent number: 11427978
    Abstract: A snow plow and mount assembly has a mount frame, an A-frame, a lift frame, a plow blade, an actuator, arms, receivers, recesses, hitch pins, a latch mechanism, and a latch lever. The elements are arranged such that the vehicle is driven toward the snow plow so that the arms are received in the receivers, the actuator is energized to pivot the lift frame relative to the A-frame so that the hitch pins are received in the recesses, and the lever is moved to move the latch mechanism to the latched position. The snow plow frame is thereby removably secured to the mount frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Chad Thomas Barker, David N. Bloxdorf, Matthew Thoma Curran, Christopher A. Dominguez, Matthew Terran Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 11332899
    Abstract: A snow plow and mount assembly has a mount frame, an A-frame, a lift frame, a plow blade, an actuator, arms, receivers, recesses, hitch pins, a latch mechanism, and a latch lever. The elements are arranged such that the vehicle is driven toward the snow plow so that the arms are received in the receivers, the actuator is energized to pivot the lift frame relative to the A-frame so that the hitch pins are received in the recesses, and the lever is moved to move the latch mechanism to the latched position. The snow plow frame is thereby removably secured to the mount frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Chad Thomas Barker, David N. Bloxdorf, Matthew Thoma Curran, Christopher A. Dominguez, Matthew Terran Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 11236484
    Abstract: A levelling apparatus, typically as used on tractors, excavators and skid-steer vehicles includes a blade body portion and body mounting portion connected by an arrangement of fixed and adjustable linkages, preferably hydraulic, to allow movement of the blade body portion (relative to the body mounting portion) in substantially an up and down direction, as well as rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the general plane of an attached blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: PROGRESSIVE IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Rodney Warwick Sharp
  • Patent number: 10518521
    Abstract: The present application provides a separation apparatus for a flexible display panel, includes a support post, a power unit and a vacuum suction block; wherein the supporting post is used to support the separation apparatus on the relatively upper side of the rigid substrate to be separated; the vacuum suction block is in communication with the support post, and is used to suck and connect the rigid substrate to be separated; and one end of the power unit is connected to the support post, the other end is rotatably connected with the vacuum suction block, and is used for controlling the vacuum suction block and the rigid substrate to be separated together to be separated from the flexible display panel. The present application also provides a method for separating a flexible display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qiang Tao
  • Patent number: 9650755
    Abstract: A display system of excavating machine includes a vehicle state detection unit configured to detect information related to a current position and a posture of the excavator as an excavating machine; a storage unit configured to store at least position information of a target surface indicating a target shape of an object to be worked; a bucket tilt detection unit configured to detect a tilt angle of the bucket; and a processing unit configured to obtain an angle between the edge and the target surface from a position of the edge of the bucket obtained based on the tilt angle of the bucket and the information related to a current position and a posture of the excavator and to display posture information indicating information related to a posture of the bucket on a screen of a display unit based on the obtained edge tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Azumi Nomura, Takashi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9260836
    Abstract: An earthmoving apparatus includes an earthmoving blade (9) extending in the width direction of an undercarriage, a lifting unit (10) configured to move the earthmoving blade (9) up and down, and a cover unit (12) covering the lifting unit (10), wherein the earthmoving blade (9) can be moved by the lifting unit between a grounded position in which the earthmoving blade is in contact with the ground surface and a retracted position in which the earthmoving blade is held highest off the ground surface, while keeping a nearly vertical orientation with respect to the ground surface, the cover unit (12) includes a sub cover (27) extending from a location above the lifting unit (10) toward the earthmoving blade (9) and a main cover (28) slidable on the upper surface of the sub cover (27), the main cover (28) is pivotally attached to the earthmoving blade (9) in such a manner that one end portion of the main cover is nearly in contact with the top surface of the earthmoving blade, and when the earthmoving blade (9) i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Nakata, Hiroshi Tsukui, Makoto Oota, Yuuichi Todokoro, Tomokatsu Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 8919455
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a blade control system. The blade control system is provided to adjust the angle of a blade and to adjust the pitch of the blade. A method for adjusting the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Scott Svend Hendron, Jeffrey Alan Bauer, Robert Charles Moore
  • Patent number: 8869911
    Abstract: An attachment device can have a distal end; a proximal end; at least one side member extending from the proximal end towards the distal end; a blade member positioned at the distal end and extending generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the skid steer loader; and at least one actuator operative to move the blade member substantially in a direction of travel of the skid steer loader. Materials can be moved by the attachment device by placing the attachment device along a ground surface so that the materials are placed in front of the blade member and, while the skid steer loader remains stationary, activating the actuator to move the blade member away from the skid steer loader to push the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Anderson
  • Patent number: 8678103
    Abstract: A traveling machine body 2 pivotally supports a dozer frame 3 via a horizontal shaft, the dozer frame 3 being lifted up/down via a dozer cylinder S1. This dozer frame 3 pivotally supports, via a vertical shaft Y, a support body 4 which is pivoted back and forth via an angle cylinder S2, and this support body 4 pivotally supports, via a fore/aft shaft Z, a blade 5 which is vertically pivoted via a tilt cylinder S3. The support body 4 supports the fore/aft shaft Z downwardly and forwardly of the vertical shaft Y, and the tilt cylinder S3 is disposed upwardly and forwardly of the vertical shaft Y and upwardly of the fore/aft shaft Z.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyuki, Toshihiro Nakao, Masayuki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 8607890
    Abstract: An implement capable of being attached to a power machine having a mounting portion and a tool portion. The mounting portion is configured to engage with, and be secured to, an implement carrier on the power machine. The tool portion is capable of performing a work function. The implement has a joint for attaching the tool portion to the mounting portion and an actuator having first and second ends with the first end attached to the mounting portion at a first actuator attachment point and second end attached to the tool portion at a second actuator attachment point. The tool portion is capable of rotating about an axis that extends through the joint. The joint is capable of pivoting so that the axis about which the tool portion rotates is rotatable with respect to the tool portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: John G. Liebl, Jesse A. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8360165
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology present novel methods of controlling the movement, in several degrees of freedom, of an implement mounted to and supported by a motor vehicle (e.g., a tractor). Particular embodiments may focus on the use of actuators attached (at an end) to a movable frame (which may have a shaft running at least partially therethrough) to control the motion of an implement assembly. A related novel method of operation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Randy W. Leith
  • Publication number: 20110067893
    Abstract: An implement capable of being attached to a power machine having a mounting portion and a tool portion. The mounting portion is configured to engage with, and be secured to, an implement carrier on the power machine. The tool portion is capable of performing a work function. The implement has a joint for attaching the tool portion to the mounting portion and an actuator having first and second ends with the first end attached to the mounting portion at a first actuator attachment point and second end attached to the tool portion at a second actuator attachment point. The tool portion is capable of rotating about an axis that extends through the joint. The joint is capable of pivoting so that the axis about which the tool portion rotates is rotatable with respect to the tool portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: John G. Liebl, Jesse A. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7814985
    Abstract: A socket assembly including a housing having a bore; an insert member disposed in the bore, the insert member defining a socket; and a cap attached to the housing proximate an inlet of the bore and having an opening to receive a connecting member that extends into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Ditzler
  • Patent number: 7725978
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a culvert includes a rod pushing and pulling machine, a rod string made from a series of extension rods coupled end to end, which rod string is mounted at a proximal end to the rod pushing and pulling machine. A debris removal tool is mounted on a distal end of the rod string. The debris removal tool may comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the rod having a coupling at its proximal end. A bucket is mounted at the distal end of the rod, which bucket has an end opening positioned so that movement of the bucket along the culvert scoops debris into the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Publication number: 20090223688
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a blade control system. The blade control system is provided to adjust the angle of a blade and to adjust the pitch of the blade. A method for adjusting the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott Svend Hendron, Jeffrey Alan Bauer, Robert Charles Moore
  • Patent number: 7448453
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted tool, such as a blade, may be disposed in an upright position for dozing or other pushing functions when the vehicle moves forwardly and then flipped over into an inverted position for back-dragging or the like when the vehicle moves in reverse. Flipping of the blade is accomplished using a cylinder operated from the seat of the vehicle. The blade is mounted on a swivel head that is controlled by a pair of oppositely actuating swivel cylinders from the operator's seat so that whether the blade is upright or inverted, it may be swivelled left or right into any number of obliquely disposed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jason T. Tobin
  • Patent number: 7131502
    Abstract: An implement mounting system for providing a lightweight structure capable of moving along 3 main axes for use upon small to mid-sized tractors. The implement mounting system includes a support frame having a pair of side supports and a rear support, a ball joint attached to the rear support, and a support arm movably attached to the ball joint for rotating about 3 main axes. A brace member is attached between the support frame and the support arm for reducing the amount of side-to-side movement of the support arm. The ball joint is comprised of a ball-and-socket structure for providing various pivoting movements of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hoffart
  • Patent number: 6827155
    Abstract: An implement mounting system for providing a lightweight structure capable of moving along 3 main axes for use upon small to mid-sized tractors. The implement mounting system includes a support frame having a pair of side supports and a rear support, a ball joint attached to the rear support, and a support arm movably attached to the ball joint for rotating about 3 main axes. A brace member is attached between the support frame and the support arm for reducing the amount of side-to-side movement of the support arm. The ball joint is comprised of a ball-and-socket structure for providing various pivoting movements of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hoffart
  • Patent number: 6719066
    Abstract: A construction vehicle has a working appliance such as a blade, which is mounted on a vehicle frame such that it can pivot in the vertical direction about a first axis and it can pivot about a second axis substantially perpendicular thereto, for which purpose at least one hydraulic device is provided. The position of the axis about which the working appliance can pivot can be varied in relation to the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: macmoter S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alois Johann Haringer
  • Patent number: 6286606
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a work implement movably connected to a work machine. An implement controller automatically controls simultaneous first and second control modes of operation assigned to the work implement. A sensor applies a signal to the implement controller indicating position of the work implement. The implement controller reverses the simultaneous first and second control modes assigned to the work implement upon detecting a predetermined movement of the work movement. The simultaneous first and second control mode assignments may also be changed by actuation of a manually actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Krieg, John J. Cheek
  • Patent number: 6059048
    Abstract: An implement mounting arrangement for a work machine providing simplified, independent lift-roll and pitch-yaw operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Subrt
  • Patent number: 5799737
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for the pitch cylinders (4A, 4B) of a bulldozer blade apparatus can include (a) main hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and an assistant hydraulic pump (31) to make up the assistant hydraulic circuit, (b) variable displacement hydraulic pumps (21A, 21B), or (c) fixed displacement hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and a plurality of solenoid selector valves such that the pitch cylinders can be connected in series. The assistant hydraulic pump (31) is connectable to delivery lines of the main hydraulic pumps through an assistant solenoid selector valve (32) which is controlled by an external signal. The blade (10) can be formed so that a line (14) tangential to the lower edge of the curved panel of the blade is inclined rearwardly with respect to the front face (13) of the blade edge member (12). Earth-moving work can be performed by inclining the blade (10) rearwardly by an angle (.theta..sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Kamikawa, Naomi Kobayashi, Noriaki Namiki, Norihisa Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5634523
    Abstract: A blade device, wherein the angling angle of a blade can be increased and the blade width at the maximum angling is smaller than the chassis width without setting the mount position of the blade too far from a chassis. The connecting position of a joint for connecting a frame and a blade deviates from the crosswise center X--X of a chassis; and an actuator for pivotally moving the blade forward or backward is attached to the frame. As such, good workability of the blade device and good transportability of an earth-moving machine to which the blade device is operably coupled can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takeshi Kobayashi, Haruo Tomozaki
  • Patent number: 5620053
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for the pitch cylinders (4A, 4B) of a bulldozer blade apparatus can include (a) main hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and an assistant hydraulic pump (31) to make up the assistant hydraulic circuit, (b) variable displacement hydraulic pumps (21A, 21B), or (c) fixed displacement hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and a plurality of solenoid selector valves such that the pitch cylinders can be connected in series. The assistant hydraulic pump (31) is connectable to delivery lines of the main hydraulic pumps through an assistant solenoid selector valve (32) which is controlled by an external signal. The blade (10) can be formed so that a line (14) tangential to the lower edge of the curved panel of the blade is inclined rearwardly with respect to the front face (13) of the blade edge member (12). Earth-moving work can be performed by inclining the blade (10) rearwardly by an angle (.theta..sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Kamikawa, Toshikazu Okada, Hidekazu Nagase, Naomi Kobayashi, Hiroshi Itogawa, Noriaki Namiki, Norihisa Matsumoto, Shigeru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5507352
    Abstract: A dozer blade pitch adjustment apparatus has a mounting lug and a block supported by the lug for setting a dozer blade at a first pitch or a second pitch. In the improvement, the lug has a mounting surface and the block has a first face contacting such mounting surface when the blade is set at the first pitch. A second face of the block contacts the mounting surface when the blade is set at the second pitch. The block has a surface portion between the lugs and such portion faces generally upwardly when the blade is set at either pitch. A new method for changing the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Claude M. Frisbee, Ronald H. Werner
  • Patent number: 5451135
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle having a substantially hexagonally-shaped frame member that is movable between a collapsed position to enable the vehicle to enter a vessel opening or an area having constrained access points and a more stable expanded position. Drive apparatuses are attached to the frame member for driving the vehicle on a surface. The vehicle is also equipped with a tether line that is used to supply control power to the vehicle drives and to deploy and retrieve the vehicle. Various collapsible tool members are operably attached to the vehicle for performing various tasks within an enclosed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Hagen Schempf, William L. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 5447204
    Abstract: It is desirable in many applications to have a bulldozer assembly that can be angled and/or tilted without having interference between elements of the bulldozer assembly and the machine on which it is mounted. In the subject arrangement, a bulldozer assembly has a blade connected to a U-shaped frame through a universal connector. The blade is angled by a pair of angle cylinders connected between the U-shaped frame and a pair of spaced apart angle cylinder brackets located on the blade. The universal connector is connected to the blade generally midway between the pair of spaced apart angled cylinder brackets and generally aligned therewith. The pitch of the blade is maintained at a preselected position by a pitch control mechanism and mechanically adjusted by the pitch control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jerrold R. Asal, David J. Balzer, Darryl J. Brincks, Robert L. Isaia, Kent D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5333697
    Abstract: The invention is an in a dozer blade pitch adjustment assembly of the type having a blade pivot pin spaced from a reference line on a dozer blade assembly. The improvement comprises a flip block eccentrically mounted between lugs of the blade assembly for pivoting movement between a first position and a second position. Flipping the block to the first position or to the second position changes the spacing between the pivot pin and the reference line and the pitch of the blade is thereby changed. The block is retained in one position or the other by bolts extending through the lugs and into the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Claude M. Frisbee, Ronald H. Werner
  • Patent number: 5010961
    Abstract: An improved mechanism for connecting a ground-engaging blade to the frame of a vehicle is disclosed which allows the blade to tilt, pitch or angle relative to the frame. The disclosed arrangement includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders which control the tilting or pitching of the blade and a single hydraulic cylinder which controls the angling of the blade. The cylinders are all pivotally connected to an intermediate member which is pinned to the blade and guided through an arc on the frame by a guide bar formed on the frame. A single hydraulic circuit is disclosed which powers the pair of hydraulic cylinders to pitch or tilt the blade relative to the frame. The resulting arrangement is both simplified and relatively stable when compared to prior art structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Claude M. Frisbee
  • Patent number: 4976054
    Abstract: A snowplow leveling system is described for use on a standard plow mounting structure having a reversing table mounted to a plow blade system and rotatably mounted on a support frame. The support frame is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis onto a motor vehicle which has an elevatable lifting point. The snowplow leveling device is mounted on the support bar of the reversing table. The leveling device may include two slider mechanisms mounted on support tracks located on opposite ends of the support frame of the reversing table. Positioning struts hingedly connect the slider mechanisms to the support frame. Additionally, a lifting chain connected at each end to the slidable mechanisms and in the middle to a lifting hitch attached to the support frame aids in maintaining the leveling position of the snowplow system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Daniel K. Jones
  • Patent number: 4962816
    Abstract: The bulldozer blade control mechanism according to the present invention has a U-shaped frame (22) fixed to the lower intermediate portion of the rear surface of a blade (20) so that the frame (22) can be turned in all directions, left and right lifting and angling hydraulic cylinders (62, 64) respectively fixed pivotably to between the left and right portions of the rear surface of the blade and the left and right portions of a chassis via arms (36, 38), left and right pitching and tilting hydraulic cylinders (40, 42) respectively fixed pivotably to between those portions of the arms (36, 38) which are in the vicinity of the rear ends thereof and the left and right upper portions of the rear surface of the blade, and left and right levers (56, 58) respectively fixed pivotably to between the left and right parallel leg portions of the U-shaped frame (22) and either of left and right hydraulic cylinders (62, 64) and left and right arms (36, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Imon, Kensuke Fukushima, Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 4934463
    Abstract: It takes high skill to achieve maximum efficiency of construction equipment under the ever changing working conditions. The automatic implement control system helps maximize operator efficiency and convenience by allowing a predetermined angle, lift and/or tilt position of a work implement (40) to be stored in the memory of the controller (3). In operation, the implement (40) may be moved from that stored predetermined position to perform other functions. In an automatic mode, the controller (3) can return the implement (40) to that predetermined position at any time during the work cycle. A valve (15-70) is provided for selectively switching between manual and automatic modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Shuji Ishida, Shoji Tozawa, Shunji Asao, Masashi Musha, Kenichi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Eigetsu, Kyoichi Oguri, Izuru Morita, Yasunori Matsunaga, Naoto Kozuki, Shinichi Amemiya
  • Patent number: 4930582
    Abstract: A grader attachment is a forward extending triangular truss structure, which extends from a point of pivotal attachment to a tractor to a tandem front wheel support. A blade frame pivotally hangs from the peak of the truss, supporting a cutter blade immediately beneath the truss. The blade frame is capable of both lateral rotation an tilt. Blade positioning provides lateral forces for sliding the blade from side to side, and a rotational force for turning the blade so as to provide for a left or right leading edge cut. The blade describes, as it is moved, a cutting line tangent to a circle of large radius. The blade is supported through a long lever arm, increasing the stability of the blade position. The tractor raises and lowers the blade by tilting the entire truss. The apparatus is steered by the steering wheels of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: George T. Goss
  • Patent number: 4893683
    Abstract: A dozer blade mounting assembly for angling and tilting the blade, while preventing or adjustably limiting pitching, without inducing stresses in the assembly. The blade is supported on a conventional C-frame by a universal connection in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mast assembly connected to the frame midportion and extending upwardly from the frame, a pair of hydraulic angling cylinders connected between the side portions of the blade and the mast assembly adjacent the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a tilt cylinder connected between the frame and the mast assembly and a bracket assembly supporting the upper portion of the blade and preventing or adjustably limiting pitching of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Rudolf Horsch, Claude M. Frisbee
  • Patent number: 4848483
    Abstract: An attachment for a tractor generally consisting of a main support frame mountable on a tractor, a tool support member mounted on the main support frame for pivotal movement about a first axis, a tool mounted on the tool support member for pivotal movement about a second axis, means operatively interconnecting the main support frame and the tool support member for angularly displacing the tool support member relative to the main support frame about the first axis, and means operatively interconnecting the tool support member and the tool for angularly displacing the tool relative to the tool support member about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashley Heiple
  • Patent number: 4828044
    Abstract: A dozer blade mounting assembly for angling and tilting the blade, while preventing pitching, without inducing stresses in the assembly. The blade is supported on a conventional C-frame by a universal connection in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mast assembly connected to the frame midportion and extending upwardly from the frame, a pair of hydraulic angling cylinders connected between the side portions of the blade and the mast assembly adjacent the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a tilt cylinder connected between the frame and the mast assembly and a bracket assembly supporting the upper portion of the blade and preventing pitching of the blade. The bracket assembly includes a bracket member having an elongated slot extending generally parallel to the blade and a slide block having a width substantially equal to the width of the slot which floats within the slot to allow tilting of the blade, but preventing pitch of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Rudolf Horsch, Claude M. Frisbee
  • Patent number: 4828045
    Abstract: A visual tilt indicator for an implement, particularly but not exclusively for indicating the tilt angle of a dozer blade on a tractive vehicle, wherein the implement is pivotally supported on the vehicle by an implement universal joint and the support includes hydraulic cylinders operably interconnected between the vehicle and the implement to angle and tilt the implement. The visual tilt indicator of this invention includes an indicator shaft which is operably connected to the vehicle by a universal joint in the vertical axis of the implement support universal joint and the shaft extends horizontally adjacent the implement to indicate the tilt angle of the implement relative to the vehicle. The implement preferably includes a plurality of shaft support indicator means, such as brackets, which receive and slidably support the indicator shaft on the implement to indicate the relative movement of the shaft and the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Rudolf Horsch, Claude M. Frisbee, Ronald H. Werner
  • Patent number: 4638869
    Abstract: Mounting arrangements are required to mount and stabilize a bulldozer blade on a vehicle when it is desirable to both angle and tilt the bulldozer blade relative to the vehicle. During the angling and tilting of the bulldozer blade, it is desirable to control the pitch of the blade without inducing unnecessary stresses in the mounting arrangement or high cylinder pressures in the angle cylinders. The present mounting arrangement includes a bracket apparatus which is utilized to allow normal pitching of the bulldozer blade but limit any abnormal pitching thereof during tilting and/or angling thereof. The bracket apparatus utilizes a first bracket assembly secured to a mounting frame and having a transverse slot defined therein. The bracket apparatus further includes a second bracket assembly secured to a rear central portion of the bulldozer blade and has a pin assembly secured thereto and disposed in the transverse slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Murphy, Kent D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4565018
    Abstract: A plow frame for a front-mounted snowplow, for example, of the type in which the shovel blade can be set in crosswise, diagonal or V-configurations, which via a linkage system with a coupling frame is detachably fastened to a coupling frame on a vehicle. The plow frame has a front part to which the shovel blade is fastened and a rear part to which the linkage system is fastened, said two parts being mutually pivotable about an axis disposed in the direction of movement of the plow. The parts have facing slide plates joined together by a pivot bolt which constitutes said axis of rotation. Each of the slide plates has a pair of opposing projections at the upper and lower sections thereof, respectively, and between said upper and lower projections damper members are provided which preferably are rubber dampers in cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Stiansen & Oya A/S
    Inventor: Anders Oya
  • Patent number: 4562891
    Abstract: A hitch for mounting an implement on the front end of a vehicle relative to he normal travel direction thereof has a main frame having a rear end pivoted on the vehicle about a generally horizontal rear main axis and a front end spaced forward therefrom in the travel direction. An actuator, normally a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, is connected between the front end and the vehicle for pivoting the main frame about the main axis. A swivel joint at the front end carries the implement so that it can swivel freely on the front end by means of this joint. A rigid yoke pivoted on the front end about a front axis parallel to the rear axis has an upper end and is movable only about the front axis on the main frame. An inextensible link extends generally in the travel direction and has relative thereto a rear end pivoted on the upper end of the yoke and a front end pivoted on the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Bomadier-Rotax-Wien Produktions- und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Dietrich Ranner
  • Patent number: 4424871
    Abstract: A dozer blade is attached to a support frame for movement about a universal connection. Angling actuators are connected between the frame and the blade so as to define a tilt axis which passes through the universal connection between the frame and blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Douglas B. Stickney
  • Patent number: 4405019
    Abstract: A mechanism for angling, pitching, and tilting a dozer blade utilized in a conventional bulldozer wherein the blade is pivotally connected by an angling frame to the forward ends of push arms. A tilt-pitch control assembly for the blade is provided including a pitch cylinder, a pitch-tilt cylinder, a torsion bar, and drag link connections. The pitch cylinder and pitch-tilt cylinder are each pivotally attached to the torsion bar by the drag link connections. If a load is applied against one side of the blade, the load is transmitted to the pitch cylinder or pitch-tilt cylinder closest to the loaded side of the blade thereby causing some movement of that cylinder. The cylinder which is under load transmits any movement through its respective drag link connection into a turning movement on the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Claude M. Frisbee
  • Patent number: 4364439
    Abstract: An implement assembly (12) includes an implement (16), such as a blade (22) of a work vehicle (10), connected to a frame (14) through a pivot connection (23) for pivotally supporting the blade (22). The blade (22) and frame (14) are closely positioned to the front of the work vehicle for maximum stability and balance of the vehicle (10). A first apparatus (18) tilts the blade (22) generally vertically and a second apparatus (20), such as fluid cylinders (40,42), moves the blade (22) to selected angular positions relative to the vehicle (10). The pivotal connection (23) has first, second, and third pivot axes (127,129,131) which allows the blade (22) to tilt and angle in various combinations without binding of the blade (22). A subframe (50) is pivotally connected to the frame (14) and to the second apparatus (20). The blade (22) moves along the subframe (50) during tilting, and with the subframe (50) during angling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Jerrold R. Asal
  • Patent number: 4304305
    Abstract: A detachable moldboard dozer blade assembly for tractors having a push frame pivotally attached at a rear end thereof to the underchassis of a tractor. A frame structure is attached to the forward end of the push and provides for a vertical pivotal axis for the attachment of the dozer blade assembly. An attachment plate is pivotally connected transversely to the frame structure for blade movement in a horizontal plane and shim and plate means retain the attachment of the dozer blade assembly. An attachment plate is pivotally connected transversely to the frame structure for blade movement in a horizontal plane and shim and plate means retain the attachment plate to the dozer blade to permit vertical or tilt movement of the dozer blade relative to the attachment plate. Hydraulic piston means extend from the push frame to the attachment plate and from the attachment plate to the dozer blade to move the dozer blade about a vertical and horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Waldon, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter A. Bartel
  • Patent number: 4281721
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a scraping tool (e.g. a bulldozer blade) forward of a vehicle (e.g. a bulldozer) and enabling independent angling and tilting of the tool is disclosed. The assembly includes a U-shaped mainframe, a swingframe, means for pivotally connecting the swingframe to the mainframe, means for pivotally connecting the tool to the swingframe, tilt actuator means interconnecting the mainframe and the scraping tool for rotating the scraping tool in relation to the swingframe about a tilting axis of rotation, and angle actuator means interconnecting the mainframe and the swingframe for rotating the swingframe and scraping tool in relation to the mainframe about an angling axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: Beales Steel Products Ltd.
    Inventor: John H. Beales
  • Patent number: 4270617
    Abstract: An earth moving machine having an improved mounting for a scraping blade attached thereto. The scraping blade of the machine herein disclosed is capable of undergoing independent or simultaneous rotational movement about three perpendicular axes and applying high forces to material to be moved. Movement about two of these axes is controlled by two separate pairs of hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic actuator effects movement of the blade about a third axis and acts to transmit a part of the force applied to the blade during operation to the frame of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Fiat-Allis Macchine Movimento Terra S.p.A.
    Inventors: Bruno G. Cantarella, Carlo Cecchi
  • Patent number: RE31642
    Abstract: An implement assembly (12) includes an implement (16), such as, for example, a blade (22) of a work vehicle (10), pivotally connected to a frame (14) for supporting said blade (22). The blade (22) and frame (14) are closely positioned to the front of the work vehicle (10) for maximum stability and balance of the vehicle (10). In the implement assembly (12) first apparatus (18) tilts the blade (22) generally vertically. Second apparatus (20), such as, for example, angling cylinders (40,42), moves the blade (22) to preselected angles relative to the vehicle (10). A subframe (50) is pivotally connected to the frame (14) and second apparatus (20). The blade (22) moves along the subframe (50) during tilting and with the subframe (50) to the preselected angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Jerrold R. Asal, James A. Olthoff