Including Specific Hydraulic Control System To Position Implement Patents (Class 37/234)
  • Patent number: 6109363
    Abstract: The present invention includes an angle blade assembly capable of angular motion relative to a frame of a work machine. The angle blade assembly includes a blade assembly, a subframe connected to the blade assembly, and an actuating cylinder with a line of action. The subframe includes connecting and lever portions that are connected to define a primary vertical axis. The actuating cylinder is connected to the connecting and lever portions so that a secondary vertical axis is defined between the actuating cylinder and the lever portion. The connection of the actuating cylinder to the connecting and lever portions produces the angular motion of the blade assembly when the actuating cylinder is operated. During the angular motion of the blade assembly, the secondary vertical axis moves about the primary vertical axis and a substantially constant distance is maintained between the line of action of the actuating cylinder and a parallel line extending through the primary vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Bradley R. High
  • Patent number: 6102131
    Abstract: A quick connect dozer frame assembly is disclosed. The frame has a plurality of attaching points which interconnect with complementary latching members on an associated tractor for quickly connecting the dozer frame thereto. For conventional framed, rear wheel drive tractors, the dozer frame extends beneath the tractor to engage a rearwardly located tractor frame member. Where the tractor is an articulated frame vehicle, the dozer frame engages latching members on side plates mounted on the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Leon-Ram Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon Ambrose Malinowski
  • Patent number: 6044579
    Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle includes a blade center section having a moldboard section and left and right extending plowblade sections which are wider than the blade center section. The extending plowblade sections each include a moldboard section and are mounted to the blade center section at opposite sides thereof and pivotable relative to the center blade section about a substantially vertical pivot axis, to swept forward and swept backward positions. The snowplow assembly includes a support frame, the blade center section being coupled to the support frame through an intermediate pivot assembly which permits a limited amount of float to allow the blade center section, and the extending plowblade sections pivoted thereto, to follow the contour of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Hadler, John M. Struck, Lynn W. Schultz, Terry Wendorff
  • Patent number: 6000150
    Abstract: An hydraulic and electrical control system are provided for an accessory unit such as a vehicle mounted V-plow blade snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Depies, Jerald L. Plyer, Charles J. Solveson
  • Patent number: 5987785
    Abstract: A snow-plow system having four major features: lighting system, a quick and easy disconnect/connect system, a reactive controlled pressure mechanism for applying a controlled pressure to the bottom edge of the moldboard of the plow, and a simple electric control to activate or de-activate the reactive controlled pressure mechanism. The present invention may be summarized as a snow-plow system that is mounted to a vehicle having a mounting frame by an easy connect and disconnect system connecting to the A-frame of the snow-plow by use of three mounting pins which hold the snow-plow system in place on the mounting frame of the vehicle and thereby rigidly connect the system to the vehicle. A light bar or lighting system also is rigidly mounted to the A-frame of the snow-plow at the mounting pins so that once the position of the lighting system is determined the relative position of the lighting system with respect to the vehicle does not change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleck P. Aguado, Howard D. Hadler, Lynn W. Schultz, James A. Syburg, Thomas E. Weidner, John M. Struck, Gary Wendorff, John H. Leverenz
  • Patent number: 5974702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for mounting a plow, such as a snow plow, to a vehicle. The assembly has a linear support member extending from and attached to the front of the vehicle. The linear support member is pivotable with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and has the plow attached to it at its remote end. The assembly further includes devices connected to the linear support member for offsetting the plow from the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle so that the plow is positioned in front of the tire path of and ahead of the direction of travel of the vehicle. The offsetting devices preferably comprise two pairs of piston-cylinder units. A first pair is mounted at one end to the front of the vehicle and at a second end to the linear support member. The second pair is connected at one end to the plow and at a second end to the linear support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: John Barry Donoghue
  • Patent number: 5903987
    Abstract: A side plow assembly for an automotive vehicle, particularly a lightweight vehicle such as a lightweight truck, pick-up or like vehicle, and then particularly a four-wheel drive vehicle. The assembly includes a plow share mounted on one side of the vehicle. Seen in the normal direction of travel of the vehicle, the front end of the plow share is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis by a joint. The rear part of the share, as seen in the travel direction, is connected to a rear chassis part by an elongated brace whose length can be varied for adjustment of the angle of the side share in the horizontal plane relative to the travel direction. The brace is also pivotally connected to the chassis. The assembly also includes a lifting device which is connected between the plow share and the vehicle and functions to lift the share away from a ground surface and to lower the share into contact with the ground surface respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Reinhold HKW Nuske
  • Patent number: 5901476
    Abstract: A snow plow lift system in kit form to modify an existing manually actuated hydraulic snow plow control mounted on a vehicle for automatically lifting a snow plow when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The system uses a solenoid to actuate the hydraulic piston which raises the plow, the solenoid being energized by a back up light on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Nick J. Buonfiglio
  • Patent number: 5899007
    Abstract: A plow assembly for vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors for moving snow or other materials has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is extendable on one end of a main plow by sliding movement along the front of the plow between a retracted and an extended position in which the plow wing is generally aligned with the plow front surface. The plow wing is also pivotally mounted on a hinge for movement between the extended position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. A pair of fluid power cylinders are connected to the plow wing to move the wing between the retracted, extended and forwardly angled positions. In the preferred embodiment, an extendable plow wing is included on each end of the main plow with a pair of fluid cylinders connected to each of the respective plow wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: 5870839
    Abstract: An improved adjustable mounting bracket for a moldboard snow plow includes a horizontal box beam, cross member which is attached by lugs to the back side of the plow and a third hitch connection which is attached to a bracket mounted on the box beam member. A support arm for a yoke fits over the mid-point of the box beam and is pivotally connected by a pin. The support arm is attached to a first frame member which overlays a second frame member mounted on the truck. The frame members are linked to one another and the first frame members may be moved vertically relative the second by an hydraulic cylinder. The construction is especially compact and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph E. Wissmiller
  • Patent number: 5845223
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a moving speed of each bucket and a moving speed ratio between each bucket, to be proportional to a degree of operation of each operation indicator and an operation ratio between each operation indicator, regardless of changes in various working conditions or load pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myung-Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 5832637
    Abstract: A snow-plow system having four major features: lighting system, a quick and easy disconnect/connect system, a reactive controlled pressure mechanism for applying a controlled pressure to the bottom edge of the moldboard of the plow, and a simple electric control to activate or deactivate the reactive controlled pressure mechanism. The present invention may be summarized as a snow-plow system that is mounted to a vehicle having a mounting frame by an easy connect and disconnect system connecting to the A-frame of the snow-plow by use of three mounting pins which hold the snow-plow system in place on the mounting frame of the vehicle and thereby rigidly connect the system to the vehicle. A light bar or lighting system also is rigidly mounted to the A-frame of the snow-plow at the mounting pins so that once the position of the lighting system is determined the relative position of the lighting system with respect to the vehicle does not change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Aleck P. Aguado, Howard D. Hadler, Lynn W. Schultz, James A. Syburg, Thomas E. Weidner, John M. Struck, Gary Wendorff, John H. Leverenz
  • Patent number: 5829174
    Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle comprising a mounting plowblade section having a moldboard section, at least two mounting sides, and at least one mounting structure located on each of the mounting sides; and a plurality of extending plowblade sections each having a moldboard section and an engagement mechanism capable of engaging the mounting structure located on each of the mounting sides; an extending plowblade section being pivotally coupled to each mounting structure at the engagement mechanism. The articulated snow plow system for use with a motorized vehicle comprising an articulated snow plow coupled to a reactive controlled pressure snow plow system for use with the articulated snow plow. The articulated snow plow having a mold board and the reactive controlled pressure snow-plow system including a reactive controlled pressure mechanism mechanically coupled to the vehicle and to the moldboard of the articulated snow plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Hadler, John M. Struck, Lynn W. Schultz, Terry Wendorff
  • Patent number: 5819444
    Abstract: A snow plow composed of a central blade and of two wing blades which are laterally hinged to the end of the main blade for wing blade angular adjustment forwardly and rearwardly of the main blade from a position and alignment with the same. Furthermore, the level of each wing blade with respect to the main blade can be adjusted. Also, tilt motion of the laterally outward end portions of the wing blades either upwardly or downwardly is also possible. Each blade consists of a flat panel and its bottom edge carries a striker lip which can pivot rearwardly during forward movement of the plow upon the blade striking an obstacle. The snow plow is supported by a structure in front of a vehicle having forward lifting and tilting arms, this structure allowing a snow plow to laterally tilt within a limited angle in accordance with the transverse inclination of the surface being plowed. Upon slight rising of the snow plow, its forward pitch angle automatically increases to a pre-determined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Denis Desmarais
  • Patent number: 5815956
    Abstract: A mount and lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a chassis frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis; a lift frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame; an A-frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame, the A-frame supporting an actuator drive such as an electric/hydraulic pump to drive the snow blade; a blade trip frame coupled to the A-frame; and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Curtis International , Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Lavin, Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5813150
    Abstract: A scraper apparatus is disposed beneath a truck for moving and scraping materials such as snow and ice. The scraper apparatus includes a moldboard scraper which is disposed beneath the truck for moving and scraping materials. A supporting table is disposed between the scraper and the truck for rotatably supporting the scraper. Also, slidable members extend from the table to the truck for permitting tilting of the table and the scraper secured thereto relative to the truck such that the moving and scraping of the materials is permitted regardless of an angle of the truck relative to a level and disposition of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Feller, Kevin Davis
  • Patent number: 5802745
    Abstract: A hydraulic system used in conjunction with a standard pickup truck and the like for powering a snowblower and other implements. The hydraulic system provides power for controlling up and down movement of a snowblower and for driving the snowblower's auger and fan. The hydraulic system, which only minimally impacts the pickup truck's horsepower output, is designed so that all of its mechanical components may be placed within the truck's engine compartment. The hydraulic system can be easily connected to and removed from a truck's existing engine mount, and the snowblower unit itself is designed so that it may be easily attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Byron Haseotes, Harry Zervas
  • Patent number: 5782016
    Abstract: A scraper apparatus is disclosed for mounting under a body of a truck. The apparatus includes a table having a forward and a trailing end. The forward end is pivotally secured to the body of the truck. The arrangement is such that the table is permitted to pitch relative to the body of the truck. A bearing is secured to the table and is disposed between the forward and the trailing ends. A mold board scraper is disposed below and supported by the table with the mold board scraper being rotatably secured to the table by the bearing. A hydraulic cylinder secured to the mold board scraper rotates the scraper relative to the table and an actuator pivots the table for controlling the pitch of the table and the mold board secured to the table so that scraping of snow, ice and gravel regardless of the level thereof relative to the truck is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Feller, Kevin J. Davis
  • Patent number: 5729919
    Abstract: The present invention comprises one or more anti-drift stabilizers mounted on the leading edge of a snow plow's blade. These stabilizers are mounted at an angle that is in the same direction as the angle of the snowplow in relation to the plow truck. As snow or other media is channeled to one side of a plow blade it exerts a force in the opposite direction thus tending to cause a plow to want to knife or drift in a direction opposite where the snow or other media is being deposited by the blade. As snow or other media passes over the surfaces of the stabilizers it exerts pressure that is opposite to, and counteracts the knifing action created at the emptying end of the plow by the accumulation of snow. The result of this is that the plow can be operated safely without the need to make constant corrections for the knifing and without the added danger of the inattentive operator being pulled from the roadway or into oncoming traffic and causing property damage or personal injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald Pearl DeBoer
  • Patent number: 5706591
    Abstract: An improved adjustable mounting bracket for a moldboard snow plow includes a horizontal box beam, cross member which is attached by lugs to the back side of the plow and a third hitch connection which is attached to a bracket mounted on the box beam member. A support arm for a yoke fits over the mid-point of the box beam and is pivotally connected by a pin. The support arm is attached to a first frame member which overlays a second frame member mounted on the truck. The frame members are linked to one another and the first frame members may be moved vertically relative the second by an hydraulic cylinder. The construction is especially compact and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph E. Wissmiller
  • Patent number: 5647153
    Abstract: A snow plow mounting frame assembly is capable of being attached to nearly any type of four wheeled vehicle having a chassis, and is capable of mounting thereon nearly any make and model of commercially available snow plow blades. The mounting frame assembly includes a horizontally disposed, heavy duty bumper member which is mounted on the chassis of the vehicle, and a pair of spaced-apart, vertically disposed support members which are mounted on the bumper member forwardly thereof. A pair of lateral support arms, one for each support member, each have one end pivotally attached to the lower portion of its respective support member and its other, opposite end pivotally attached to the chassis of the vehicle. A tube having a plurality of plates is releasably and adjustably attached to the lower portions of the support members for mounting a snow plow blade thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Steve Gervais
  • Patent number: 5638618
    Abstract: A plow assembly is disclosed for vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors for moving snow or other materials. The plow assembly has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is extendable on one end of a main plow by sliding movement along the front of the plow between a retracted and an extended position in which the plow wing is generally aligned with the plow front surface. The plow wing is also pivotally mounted on a hinge for movement between the extended position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. A power source connected to the plow wing is operable to move the wing between the retracted, extended and forwardly angled positions. Preferably, a latch assembly prevents pivotal movement of the plow wing to the forwardly angled position until the plow wing is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Eward R. Lahti, Terry L. Lahti
  • Patent number: 5603172
    Abstract: A plow blade comprising a forward facing longitudinally curved major portion and a minor blade resiliently and pivotally mounted on the major portion and being disposed between the major portion and the surface to which the plow is applied. Also included in the preferred embodiment is a `reversing` cylinder which is selectably operable to apply a force to urge the minor blade into a selectably rearward angle without inhibiting the resilient movement of the lower portion to respond to surface obstacles by deflecting into a further rearward position. Also provided of the present invention are selectable intermediate minor blade positions, such as perpendicular to the surface, to facilitate removal of residual surface material, e.g. packed snow and ice. Alternate embodiments include a retrofit kit applicable to existing plows to provide the features of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Richard J. Maher
  • Patent number: 5435082
    Abstract: An apparatus, for stabilizing a plowing implement mounted on a motor vehicle, comprising a rigid stabilizer member having first and second opposed ends. One end of the stabilizer member supports an attachment device for attaching the stabilizer member to a plowing frame secured to a motor vehicle. The attachment device allows pivoting motion of the stabilizer member relative to the plowing frame. The second end of the stabilizer member has an abutment surface for abutting against a pivotable portion of the plowing implement when the plowing implement is raised into travel position. The stabilizer member is pivotable into an inoperative position where complete freedom of movement of the plow is achieved and an operative position by a control mechanism. When the stabilizer member is in its operative position, the abutment surface abuts against a pivotable portion of the plowing implement to minimize undesired bouncing of the plowing implement while the vehicle is traveling on a roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Eugene R. Frenette, Henry E. Frenette, Dana E. Frenette
  • Patent number: 5361519
    Abstract: A control device for controlling the position of a snowplow mounted on the front of a vehicle is disposed in the cab of the vehicle and is selectively mountable in any one of a plurality of locations in the cab to facilitate access to the control device in accordance with the preference of the vehicle and snowplow operator. The control device includes a housing supporting manually operable pushbutton switches which control the selectable plow positions. The housing is provided with one component of a two component separable fastening arrangement, the second component of which is mounted in the cab in one or more of a plurality of selectable positions, such as on the dashboard, armrest, console, gearshift lever or clothing worn by the vehicle operator, whereby the control device can be positioned in a location most convenient to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James C. Ciula, Charles J. Smick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5285588
    Abstract: A winged plow for moving snow or other materials with a vehicle has a support frame pivotally connected with one end of a plow vehicle. An elongated plow blade having two opposing ends is pivotally connected with the terminal end of the support frame for generally horizontal rotation between a centered position with the plow blade oriented generally perpendicular to the support frame and an angled position with the plow blade rotated substantially away from the centered position. One of a pair of plow blade wings is pivotally connected at each of the opposing ends of the plow blade for rotation between a closed position in which the wings project generally forward, the wings and plow blade defining a generally U-shaped assembly, and an open position in which the wings project in generally opposite directions, away from each other, effectively extending the length of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: W. Wally Niemela
    Inventors: W. Wally Niemela, Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: 5279014
    Abstract: A rotary broom is mounted on the front of a vehicle, such as a tractor. The broom can be pivotally raised and lowered as well as pivoted sideways. The broom is rotatably mounted in bearing blocks which are removably supported by a generally C-shaped frame so that the broom can be removed easily for repair or replacement. A hinged hood is located above the broom and can be open for easy access to the broom. The broom is rotated by a central drive located in a middle portion of the broom so that no drive components extend beyond the sides of the frame, to eliminate interference with curbs and the like. The bearing blocks are mounted on extensions below the frame also to reduce possible interference. The broom assembly also has a hydraulic ram with a floating piston which enables the broom to contact the surface being cleaned with less pressure, causing substantially less wear on the broom bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Kokosing Construction Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Wise, Gordon D. Rinehart
  • Patent number: 5265356
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a hydraulic-piston-lifted snowplow adapted to scrape a surface (e.g., a snowplow for scraping snow and ice off pavements) is shown. To save unnecessary wear on the snowplow blade, the system can be operated to allow less than the full weight of the moldboard and blade to rest on the surface being scraped. In the operation of the plow, a fraction of the moldboard and blade weight selected, the magnitude of an instantaneous deviation therefrom is measured and converted into an electrical signal, and a servo-operated control valve is actuated in response to said signal for bypassing more or less hydraulic fluid away from piston in connection of the hydraulic lift given the moldboard and blade by the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Kent L. Winter
  • Patent number: 5265355
    Abstract: An improved universal adjustable snow plow apparatus that is connectable to a vehicular rear for plowing snow and the like. The plow apparatus employs a plow blade with a pair of vertically oriented plate supports; a stabilizing and supporting subassembly including a horizontal draw bar and a post; an elevating subassembly including a pair of spaced stabilizing arms and fluidic cylinder actuated pair of end adjacent adjoining links; and a cooperating plow orientation adjustment system. This adjustment system includes plow tilt regulating means and plow height regulating means. The blade is preferably provided with a replaceable elongated ground engaging scraper bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Daniels Pull Plow, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5195261
    Abstract: A quick hitching device for detachably mounting an attachment such as a snow plow or a rotary brush to the frame of a road vehicle. The device comprises a quick hitching sub-frame that is detachably connectable to the bottom of the frame of the vehicle, and tiltable with respect to this frame about a first transversal pivot when its rear end is not connected. The device also comprises an attachment supporting sub-frame having a rear end hingedly connected to the hitching sub-frame about a second transversal axis parallel to the first axis, and a longitudinal extensible power jack having one end pivotably attached to the front portion of the hitching sub-frame above the second axis and another end pivotably attached to the front end of the supporting sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Bertrand Vachon
  • Patent number: 5193296
    Abstract: A novel means of attaching a plow frame to a vehicle frame is described. The attachment means includes ears on both the plow frame and the vehicle frame. The ears are joined together by pins that are inserted through holes in the ears. The ears are shaped in such a way that they can be forced into alignment using the plow's lifting device. when the ears are held in alignment this way the coupling pins can be easily inserted. This greatly eases the coupling of the plow to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Peter V. Reilley
  • Patent number: 5177887
    Abstract: A support arrangement for a blade of a construction machine is disclosed where the blade is located to one side of the construction machine. The support arrangement includes two support towers spaced in the length of the frame of the machine with these support towers accommodating variation in the elevation of the blade. The blade is pivotally secured at a forward end thereof to one of the support structures and secured adjacent the other end of the blade to the other support structure by means of two hydraulic cylinders which extend outwardly from the support structure. These hydraulic cylinders also include an arrangement for controlling the angle of the two hydraulic cylinders relative to the connected support structure. The arrangement for controlling the angle of the two hydraulic cylinders accommodates limited, rapid upward movement of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Champion Road Machinery Limited
    Inventors: Edward McGugan, Leonard Harman
  • Patent number: 5075988
    Abstract: A lift mount assembly is provided for a plow blade unit mounted on the frame of a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing unit which is permanently attached to the vehicle frame beneath and behind the bumper including two tube members extending away from the vehicle and similarly recessed. A support unit is designed to be quickly removed from or attached to the housing unit by two tube ends insertable into the housing unit tube members and held in place releasably. The support unit includes a specially configured tube extending forwardly then upwardly away from the vehicle where each end is attached, and meeting at a bight portion. A tubular brace member is spaced apart from and parallel to the bight portion. The support unit further includes a pair of bight portion clevis mounting members on the bight portion and another pair of brace member clevis mounting members on the brace member pivotally attached to the lift arm and the lift arm actuator, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventor: James C. Ciula
  • Patent number: 5058685
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a dozer blade for vertical and angular movement relative to a frame of a wheeled implement. The mounting apparatus a mounting mechanism which allows the dozer blade to be mounted close to the wheels to either end of the implement and which permits angular movement of the blade about a generally vertical axis and vertical movement of the dozer blade about a generally horizontal axis. The mounting apparatus further includes a linearly distendable driver which extends laterally across the frame of the implement and a linkage mechanism which improves angling moments and maximizes the driving force imparted to the blade upon extension of the driver. The linearly distendable driver and linkage mechanism operate in combination and in a closely confined area adjacent to the implement frame for effecting extended angular movement of the dozer blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: John M. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 5036608
    Abstract: A lift mount assembly is provided for a plow blade unit mounted on the frame of a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing unit which is permanently attached to the vehicle frame beneath and behind the bumper including two tube members extending away from the vehicle and similarly recessed. A support unit is designed to be quickly removed from or attached to the housing unit by two tube ends insertable into the housing unit tube members and held in place releasably. The support unit includes a specially configured tube extending forwardly then upwardly away from the vehicle where each end is attached, and meeting at a bight portion. A tubular brace member is spaced apart from and parallel to the bight portion. The support unit further includes a pair of bight portion clevis mounting members on the bight portion and another pair of brace member clevis mounting members on the brace member pivotally attached to the lift arm and the lift arm actuator, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventor: James C. Ciula
  • Patent number: 5018284
    Abstract: To the front of the snow removing vehicle, a snow plow having a variable curved surface is mounted. The curved surface of the plow is varied by use of universal joints and telescopic cylinders. The curved surface of the plow is varied according to the snow removal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Japan as represented by Director of Construction Machinery Works of Hokkaido Development Bureau
    Inventors: Shiro Mikami, Seiju Ooshima, Yoshio Nagahara
  • Patent number: 4999935
    Abstract: This patent relates to a hydraulic system for a vehicle mounted, power operated plow blade. The power unit attached to the vehicle in the front bumper area includes a fluid reservoir, a pump in the reservoir and the lift cylinder for producing vertical movement of the blade. The hydraulic system includes four way, three way, and two way valves, all along with the necessary passages and ports provided in a unitary, manifold block attached directly to the side of the power unit. The four way valve controls flow to and from the reservoir relative to the three way valve and one of the angling cylinders for the blade. The three way controls flow to and from the four way valve relative to the other angling cylinder and the lift cylinder. The two way valve controls fluid flow to and from the lift cylinder relative to the three way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Simi, Gary E. Watson
  • Patent number: 4962599
    Abstract: A quick connect-disconnect coupling is provided for snow plows and like devices. The coupling includes a hitch ear plate and a retaining ear plate preferably attached to the plow. The hitch ear plate has a configured gathering surface and the retaining ear plate has a hitch pin opening extending therethrough. A bracket arrangement preferably attached to the vehicle contains a spring biased axially movable hitch pin. The hitch ear plate positions the retaining plate so that its opening is in registry with the hitch pin when the plow is to be coupled to the vehicle. Rotation of the hitch pin allows the spring to axially move the hitch pin and snap the pin through the hitch pin opening to lock the plow to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: DSP, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4941275
    Abstract: A snow groomer vehicle hydraulic hose guide having a hard plastic removable insert installed within a metallic back-up ring, for use upon snow grooming vehicles and associated equipment. The insert has a very smooth surface and is shaped to provide substantial hose contact area. The guide ring substantially extends the useful life of the rubberoid hydraulic hoses widely used on such equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Logan Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Beeley, James D. Gittins, William B. Sinykin
  • Patent number: 4898333
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided including a hydraulic pump which is continuously coupled with the engine of a utility such as a dump truck utilized for snow-ice removal. When hydraulic implements employed on the truck are not actuated, the pump operates in a cavitation mode. During this cavitation mode of operation, there is no ingress of air through seals or the like to a venting of the gear pump chamber essentially to tank or atmosphere. A poppet valve is actuated in conjunction with periodic use of hydraulic elements on the truck to actuate the pump to an operational or pressurized mode. A key actuated calibrating system is employed to calibrate snow-ice removal components in a secure manner. Calibration is provided in conjunction with EEPROM memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: H.Y.O., Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Kime, Gregory R. McMenamin
  • Patent number: 4866862
    Abstract: An auxiliary road wiper plow for a motor vehicle is provided and consists of an arm member pivotally connected at one end to underside of an auxiliary frame member which is mounted to underside of frame of the motor vehicle forward of a wheel. A road engageable member is connected to other end of the arm member and positioned at a 45.degree. angle thereto. A road engageable member is connected to other end of the arm member at a 45.degree. angle thereto. A mechanism is also provided for lowering and raising the road engageable member so that it can be selectively engageable with road surface beneath the motor vehicle in front of the wheel for removing snow and water therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventors: Thuan D. Vu, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4831752
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for the control switches that control the height and angle of a vehicle mounted snowplow blade. A bracket on which the switches are mounted is attached to the gearshift lever of the vehicle so that the switches are conveniently accessible to the driver of the vehicle. The bracket has a main plate on which the switches are mounted and a flange which is connected to the shift lever by an angle member on the flange and an opposing U-bolt. By tightening nuts on the U-bolt legs, the bracket is rigidly clamped on the shift lever. The angle member resists twisting of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Dennis L. Clevenger
  • Patent number: 4665636
    Abstract: A scraper located in front of each automobile drive wheel to remove snow on the ground, including a scraper blade on a lower end of a piston rod extending from a vertical hydraulic cylinder supported on the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: John Borras
  • Patent number: 4554751
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing control over both a transmission of a vehicle and an implement (e.g. a snow plow) mounted to that vehicle is disclosed. Specifically, this apparatus is comprised of both a lever, illustratively a shift lever, for choosing a pre-defined one of a plurality of gears in the transmission, and a selector mounted on the lever for causing the implement (snow plow) to perform a desired function (e.g. move in a desired direction). One end of the lever is adapted to be grasped by a driver of the vehicle. The selector is situated in sufficient proximity to this end so that the driver is not required to substantially release his grasp of this end of the lever in order to actuate the selector and evoke the desired function. As a result, the driver advantageously saves considerable time and effort in using a vehicular mounted implement and thus experiences far less fatigue than in the past.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventors: Carl T. Nicolosi, Thomas F. Nicolosi, Ryan D. McCreedy
  • Patent number: 4506464
    Abstract: A prime mover (A) has an arm assembly (B) pivotally connected thereto. A cutting assembly (C) is operatively connected with the arm assembly to be positioned thereby. The arm assembly is connected to the tractor to pivot about both vertical and horizontal axes such that the cutting means is positionable fore-and-aft as well as up and down. A hydraulic control circuit (D) controls the position of the arm assembly. The control circuit includes a first through-rod-type hydraulic cylinder (60) which includes a piston (62) slidably disposed therein to divide the cylinder into two equidiameter chambers (64, 66). A through-rod (68) is connected with the piston and extends through both chambers of the cyylinder. The hydraulic cylinder and the piston rod each have the same diameter in both chambers such that as the piston moves, one of the chambers draws the same amount of fluid as the other chamber discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventor: Jack O. Cartner
  • Patent number: 4480397
    Abstract: This snowblower equipment includes a snowblower unit arranged to be readily and removably attached to the rear frame of a truck, and a truck so equipped, such that the rear frame or platform of the truck remains free for conventional trucking, either with or without the snowblower unit attached to it. This snowblower equipment includes a pivot section attached to the rear frame of a truck and at the edge of it, and having a lifting mechanism with upright pivots around which a second pivot section swivels bodily with the snowblower unit fixedly secured to it. The snowblower unit may thus selectively swivel between a lateral projecting position and a rearward projecting position relative to and outward of the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventor: Rene Vachon
  • Patent number: 4439939
    Abstract: A snow plow especially suitable for use with small vehicles, such as cars, is disclosed. The snow plow features a hydraulic system for controlling movement of the plow from side to side as well as for elevating the plow. The snow plow of the present invention also includes a coupling system which permits the plow to be quickly coupled to the vehicle for snow plowing and quick removal of the plow when the vehicle is to be used for its conventional purposes. The hydraulic system may be mounted either on the plow support frame or to the subframe assembly which is attached to the underside of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: James R. Blau
  • Patent number: 4353177
    Abstract: Control apparatus for a snowplow blade or the like, includes a control shaft movably mounted to a housing, so as to have first and second end portions extending respectively inwardly and outwardly of the housing. A control circuit is mounted in the housing and a plurality of momentary contact switches are electrically coupled with the control circuit and mounted in the housing for selective actuation by the control shaft end portion in the housing. A resilient member is in engagement with said control shaft end portion in the housing for resiliently returning the control shaft to a predetermined neutral position. The control circuit comprises solenoid control circuits for energizing a plurality of solenoids to effect movement of the snowplow blade. A first circuit portion is responsive to ones of the switches for energizing ones of the solenoids for respectively controlling the snowplow blade in left and right turning motions and in upward lifting motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Swenson Spreader Company
    Inventor: Ralph W. Hoekstra
  • Patent number: RE33835
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided including a hydraulic pump which is continuously coupled with the engine of a utility such as a dump truck utilized for snow-ice removal. When hydraulic implements employed on the truck are not actuated, the pump operates in a cavitation mode. During this cavitation mode of operation, there is no ingress of air through seals or the like to a venting of the gear pump chamber essentially to tank or atmosphere. A poppet valve is actuated in conjunction with periodic use of hydraulic elements on the truck to actuate the pump to an operational or pressurized mode. A key actuated calibrating system is employed to calibrate snow-ice removal components in a secure manner. Calibration is provided in conjunction with EEPROM memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: H.Y.O., Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Kime, Gregory R. McMenamin