Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 37/403)
  • Patent number: 11268264
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller. The controller receives actual topography information of a work target. The controller determines a design surface that is positioned below the actual topography. The controller generates a command signal to move the work implement along the design surface. The controller determines if slip of the work vehicle has occurred. The controller raises the design surface when the blade tip of the work implement is positioned below an initial target surface when the slip occurs. The initial target surface is the design surface before the occurrence of the slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Ishibashi, Takahiro Shimojo, Akifumi Inamaru, Toshihiro Kawano, Yasuhito Yonezawa, Yosuke Kogawa
  • Patent number: 10815641
    Abstract: A link operating mechanism is provided spanning a bucket and a stand. The link operating mechanism causes, using a swing force of the bucket, a bending/stretching link to bend so that propping and supporting of the bending/stretching link are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Stewart Boyd
  • Patent number: 10815636
    Abstract: A tool changer for a construction machine includes at least one tool retaining portion for holding a tool being mountable to the tool mount, the tool changer being configured to be movably attached to the construction machine. The tool changer also includes and a moving mechanism for moving the tool retaining portion in alignment with the articulated boom of the construction machine to allow for picking of the tool by the tool mount. The construction machine includes an articulated boom with a tool mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward Wagner
  • Patent number: 10745882
    Abstract: A soil collection attachment for movable equipment is described. The soil collection attachment includes a bucket including a bottom panel having an aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an excavation device such as an auger. A gate which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder is attached to the bottom panel. In a closed position, the gate covers the aperture to prevent excavation materials from falling through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Dakota Fence Company
    Inventor: Rodney Clouse
  • Patent number: 10648155
    Abstract: A construction machine that includes a machine frame and an articulated boom. The articulated boom is pivotably mounted to the machine frame. The construction machine is configured to be operated in a loader mode in which a first tool is mounted to the articulated boom, and in an excavator mode in which a second tool is mounted to the articulated boom. The construction machine further includes a tool storage for storing the first tool and/or the second tool. The construction machine is configured to replace one of the first tool and second tool when mounted to the articulated boom with the other one of the first tool and second tool when stored in the tool storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Wagner, Gary Major, Yunfeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 10538895
    Abstract: An implement attachment device for tractors allowing for easy and quick attachment of implements and tools to a tractor bucket along with correspondingly easy and quick detachment of such implements and tools, wherein such device may itself may be readily connected or disconnected to the bucket and while connected may be easily switched from a bottom use-ready position to a top stowed position in relation to the tractor bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Daniel Heath
  • Patent number: 10464790
    Abstract: An improved fiber cable pulling winch attachment for an excavator. The winch attachment has a pair of bucket mounts that are attached to an excavator's bucket. A Y-shaped mount that is mounted on the bucket mounts. A hydraulic motor and spool attachment that is inserted within the Y-shaped mount. And a hydraulic motor and spool that are secured on the hydraulic motor and spool attachment, wherein the spool and the hydraulic motor are operatively connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Viorel Gabriel Brutaru
  • Patent number: 10138617
    Abstract: A work machine is formed from a self-propelled land travel vehicle and an attachment. The vehicle and attachment have interlocking coupling assemblies. The attachment has a positioning arm, a pivot fixture and a ground-engageable frame. The positioning arm and frame allow the attachment to pivot about the pivot fixture to couple and decouple with the vehicle. Coupling and decoupling of the vehicle and apparatus can be achieved without the use of separate lifting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Seidl, Jordan Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 9903722
    Abstract: A display panel can transition between a fixed state and an inclined state, in accordance with linear reciprocal movement relative to a main body section of a main slider. When the main slider travels a prescribed distance in the forward direction from a position in the fixed state, a motion link comes in contact with the main slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Tetsuo Sano, Takahiro Jo, Hideo Arai
  • Patent number: 9896818
    Abstract: A tilting bucket assembly comprises an adapter subassembly including a two coupler members defining a coupler distance, a base plate attached to the coupler members that defines a first recess, a torsion tube that defines a second recess, and a bucket subassembly that is pivotally connected to the adapter subassembly, the bucket subassembly including a spill guard including a stop portion configured to contact the adapter subassembly, and a tilting mechanism, wherein the first recess and second recess clear the tilting mechanism and the spill guard when the base plate contacts the stop portion of the spill guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Kay Nitti, Neil Racelis Bautista, David Worth, Giedre Simanskaite
  • Patent number: 9546323
    Abstract: A process for regionalization of mining bitumen-containing oil sands ore for extraction and conversion to produce dry bitumen comprises operating multiple separate oil sands ore mining and extraction facilities or in situ thermal recovery facilities, to produce separate bitumen froth streams; operating a regional paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) hub for receiving a portion of each of the separate bitumen froth streams and treating the bitumen froth streams to produce the dry bitumen; optionally providing a portion of the dry bitumen stream to the bitumen upgrading facility and another portion of the dry bitumen stream to a bitumen market pipeline or remote upgrading facility; and optionally comprising regionalization of water distribution where by-product waters are recovered from the PFT hub and the upgrading facilities and distributed to the mining and extraction facilities for use as extraction processing water to produce the bitumen froth streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: FORT HILLS ENERGY L.P.
    Inventors: Shawn Van Der Merwe, Tom Hann
  • Patent number: 9481978
    Abstract: A thumb for an excavator includes a base with an inner end adapted to be connected to an excavator arm and an outer end, wherein the outer end of the base includes a body mount structure. A thumb body is releasably connected to the base. The body includes an outer working portion, an inner tail portion, and a coupling or pivot portion located between the working portion and the tail portion. The coupling portion of the body is engaged with the body mount structure of the base, and the tail portion of the body is releasably secured or captured to the base so that the body is located in an operative position for use of its working portion. The tail portion of the body includes first and second spaced-apart tail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Seda, Robert J. Sikorski
  • Patent number: 9439363
    Abstract: A bracket system for a grapple assembly of a machine is provided. The grapple assembly includes a grapple base having an elongate portion and a mounting portion extending from the elongate portion. The bracket system includes a lining member configured to contact at least a part of the elongate portion and to a first face of the mounting portion. The bracket system further includes a first plate disposed adjacent to a second face of the mounting portion and coupled to the lining member via a plurality of first fastening members. The bracket system further includes a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is coupled with a grapple saw via a plurality of second fastening members. The first plate and the second plate define a space therebetween to facilitate coupling of the first and second plates with the mounting portion and the grapple saw, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.
    Inventors: Saravanakumar Selvaraj, William J. Ruff, Harikumar Chellaswamy
  • Patent number: 9321202
    Abstract: A device for producing a molded part with a fiber-reinforced support and an attachment part connected thereto. The support is made from a fiber-reinforced mat and the attachment part is made from a plastics material. The device includes a first tool component including a nozzle for supplying liquefied plastics material and a second tool component including a cavity for forming the attachment part. One of the first and second tool components is configured to be movable relative to the other one of the first and second tool components. The device is configured to receive the mat when the device is in an open state, and to place the mat under pressure and to compress the mat to produce the support when the device is in a closed state. The nozzle is configured to introduce the plastics material into the cavity through the mat to produce the attachment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Hubauer, Astrid Jünger
  • Patent number: 9194097
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling implements having a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin, to a vehicle, for example, to the arm of an excavator. The coupler has a body component that is connectable to the vehicle, and which includes a forward recess for receiving the first connecting pin. The coupler also includes a movable component which is supported by the body component and which has an aft jaw or recess for receiving the second connecting pin and is movable through a range of travel relative to the body component. The movable component includes a rear locking member which is movable between an extended position in which the rear locking member can prevent the second connecting pin from exiting the aft recess and a retracted position in which the rear locking member can allow the second connecting pin to exit the aft recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: S T COUPLERS LIMITED
    Inventor: Timothy Craig Balemi
  • Patent number: 8985934
    Abstract: A removable bucket ring attachment configured to slide over a terminal bottom front end of a bucket on a loader or a backhoe; where the bucket ring attachment has a pair of parallel plates closed at one end and open at an opposing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: SR&D, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam Jennison
  • Patent number: 8936428
    Abstract: A bucket mounting system for efficiently attaching and removing a bucket attachment to a variety of different vehicles. The bucket mounting system generally includes a bucket configured with a pair of mounting bars extending parallel with respect to each other across the rear surface of the bucket. A pair of mounting brackets are provided which may be secured to the mounting bars via use of a pair of U-shaped locking members. Thus, the mounting brackets may be removably secured in a variety of positions on the rear face of the bucket to allow its mounting on a wide range of different vehicles such as loaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: James H. Page
  • Publication number: 20140373400
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wear pad assembly for mounting on a tool. The problem addressed is the mounting of the wear pad assembly such that it can be quickly attached to a tool in a non-permanent manner. The disclosure provides a wear pad assembly for a tool comprising first and second elements which are movable relative to each other from an open position to a closed position. The wear pad assembly comprises a wear-resistant pad and a mounting bracket configured for attachment to the wear-resistant pad. The mounting bracket is configured to enable it to be securely clamped between the first and second elements of the tool when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Sheehan, Adrian Paul Forrester
  • Publication number: 20140366407
    Abstract: A bucket (100) for screening and crushing inert material comprises an outer casing (1), a screening device (2) for screening the material which has to be crushed, a crushing unit (3) located in said casing (1) to crush the material and a detecting device (44) for detecting the angle of orientation (w) of the bucket (100) with respect to a reference surface (S), in which the screening device (2) and the crushing unit (3) are selectively operated, individually or in combination, according to the angle of orientation (w) of the bucket (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Guido Azzolin, Diego Azzolin
  • Publication number: 20140360059
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment apparatus for drilling that may be coupled to an excavator. The attachment apparatus generally has a base, a motor and one or more brackets, with the motor positioned in front of the base and the one or more brackets positioned behind the base. A plurality of holes in the one or more brackets having parallel center axes in an attachment plane may be used in coupling the attachment to the excavator. The base of the attachment may have a major plane that is approximately parallel to the attachment plane, and the axis of rotation of the motor may be approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base. A push plate apparatus is provided for possible use with the main attachment for pushing pipes, etc., into a hole. Furthermore, methods of making and using the present attachment and/or push plate are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Adam Garrison, Charles Saylor
  • Publication number: 20140317967
    Abstract: An excavator has an undercarriage assembly and a turret assembly rotatable relative to the undercarriage assembly. The undercarriage assembly has an undercarriage implement support that may pivot about a lift axis. An undercarriage coupler is coupled to the undercarriage support and includes an undercarriage coupler interface that is configure to operably engage an undercarriage implement interface provide on an undercarriage implement. The turret assembly also carries a turret implement, and therefore the excavator may simultaneously employ both the undercarriage implement and the turret implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Parker, Michael C. Layko, Justin D. Speichinger
  • Publication number: 20140305012
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first work tool connected at an end of a linkage arrangement, and a first interface device configured to receive input indicative of a desired movement of the first work tool and to generate a corresponding signal. The control system may also have a plurality of actuators operatively connected to the first work tool via the linkage arrangement, a plurality of valves associated with the plurality of actuators, and a controller in communication. The controller may be configured to determine a combination of the plurality of actuators that should be activated together to generate linkage movements that compound to produce the desired movement of the first work tool based on the signal, and to selectively command movement of a combination of the plurality of valves corresponding to the combination of the plurality of actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL
  • Publication number: 20140290102
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first linkage arrangement, a first actuator, a first interface device, and a first control element. The control system may also have a second linkage arrangement, a second actuator, a second interface device, and a second control element. The control system may further have an input device selectively activated to generate a mode signal, and a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively generate commands directed to the first control element based on only the first actuator signals, and to selectively generate commands directed to the second control element based on only the second actuator signals. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate commands directed to both of the first and second control elements based on only the first actuator signals an in response to the mode signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL
  • Publication number: 20140283422
    Abstract: An attachment bracket for use with heavy machinery and adapted to releasably attach to a double wheeled bin. The attachment bracket has a plurality of spaced parallel elongated bracket frame members, an elongated wide plate member connected to each the bracket frame member forming a rigid connection therebetween, a pair of spaced main hook members removably and adjustably connected to the wide plate member in between the bracket frame members, and a pair of secondary hook members, each rotationally connected to a respective the main hook member and biased such that they will return to an initial position when not being forced to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Alain Cloutier
  • Patent number: 8834090
    Abstract: A system for attaching a grappling fork to a conventional bucket, where the grappling fork does not interfere with the normal use of the bucket. The grappling fork attachment system generally includes a support frame pivotally attached to a tractor between a bucket unit and a pair of loader arms, wherein the support frame may securely attach to either the bucket unit or the pair of loader arms through use of a locking element. An extension frame is pivotally attached to the support frame. A drive assembly comprised of a chain and sprocket configuration is provided one the extension frame for rotating and repositioning the extension frame. A grappling structure is pivotally attached to the extension frame for grabbing and securing a load within the bucket of the tractor. A pair of linkage assemblies are provided on the extension frame for pivoting the grappling structure about the extension frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Albert C. Callens
  • Patent number: 8827626
    Abstract: A thumb assembly mountable to a stick of an excavator is provided. The thumb assembly comprises a base member having at least a first joint location, a thumb member pivotally connected to the base member, and first and second linkage members pivotally connected at their first ends to the thumb member and the joint location respectively. The linkage members are connected by a knee joint at their second ends such that they are foldable relative to each other between a working position and a storage position in which the thumb member extends close to the base member. The knee joint permits both relative rotation and relative sliding of the first and second linkage members so that the thumb assembly can be moved between the working position and the storage position without disconnecting the linkage members from the thumb member and the joint location on the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Seljestad
  • Patent number: 8800179
    Abstract: A loader coupler includes a body with spaced-apart inner rib mounts for mating respectively with ribs of a first type of attachment. The body also includes inner locking regions that are aligned with the inner rib mounts. Spaced-apart outer rib mounts are also provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with a second type of attachment. Outer locking regions are aligned with the outer rib mounts. A lock system is connected to the body and includes: (i) a first actuator operatively connected to left and right first lock plungers and adapted to move the left and right first lock plungers between locked and unlocked positions; and, (ii) a second actuator operatively connected to left and right second lock plungers and adapted to move the left and right second lock plungers between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Seda, Robert J. Sikorski
  • Publication number: 20140190046
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a first work machine and a second work machine, includes: a seat for which an orientation position toward the first work machine and an orientation position toward the second work machine can be switched; a seat position detection unit configured to detect the orientation position of the seat; a display unit configured to display information related to an operation state of the work vehicle; and a control unit configured to change information displayed by the display unit according to the orientation position of the seat detected by the seat position detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Takehiro Shibata
  • Publication number: 20140150304
    Abstract: A hydraulic management system and method are provided that account for auxiliary work tool usage. The hydraulic management system automatically calculates an effective use time of a hydraulic element, such as a hydraulic fluid or hydraulic filters, by multiplying work tool usage by a desired gain factor, where the gain factor may exceed 1 for auxiliary work tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Lance R. Sherlock, Richard Pugh, Kristen Dawn Cadman
  • Patent number: 8684656
    Abstract: A loader mast-to-mounting frame pin arrangement is provided. The pin arrangement has stops added to a shaft that allow the pin to be held in two positions: the locked position and the parked position. In the locked position, a unique slot cut in the mast plate retains the pin by not allowing an eccentric protrusion on the shaft from passing through the slot when the pin is rotated to place the shaft in the top of the slot. When the pin is rotated so the shaft is towards the bottom of the slot, the eccentric protrusion is allowed to pass through the mast plate and the pin can be pulled out until it hits another protrusion on the shaft. At this point, the pin will stay in the mast but the loader can be removed from the tractor. To prevent the pin from rotating by itself, when in the locked position, and the loader coming unlatched, a spring loaded knob engages in the slot which prevents the shaft from being able to rotate to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Tyler Eugene Hilsden, Scott Robert Jamieson, Henry Friesen
  • Publication number: 20130266408
    Abstract: A scoop bucket for mining and dispensing rock dust and method for using the same, The scoop bucket includes a body with a first end and second end. The first end has an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end has a wall for containing the scooped mined material. The second end also has a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein. The rock duster system includes a tank containing rock dust material and a blower for dispersing the rock dust material from the tank through a dispenser hose that extends from the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: GE-Fairchild LLC
    Inventor: Dwight Zutaut
  • Publication number: 20130248556
    Abstract: A blade assembly includes a frame and an integral liquid storage tank supported by the frame. The liquid storage tank can include a fill port and at least one dispensing port. The blade assembly can be mounted to a body of a machine, such as a landfill compactor, for example. Liquid stored in the integral liquid storage tank can be dispensed therefrom while the machine moves over a surface of a worksite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Michael P. May
  • Patent number: 8539699
    Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Ramun
  • Patent number: 8516805
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic drive system for a working machine, which enables to conduct forced regeneration continuously for a sufficient time. Based on an input of a lock detection signal S1 from a gate lock detection switch 40, a controller 50 detects that a gate lock lever 32 for controlling a gate lock on/off valve 33 is in a locked state, in other words, hydraulic actuators such as an arm cylinder 12 arranged on a hydraulic excavator 1 are all in non-operated states. Upon an input of a forced regeneration command signal So from a forced regeneration switch 53 in this detected state, control signals Cp,Cf are outputted to a boosting control valve 51 and regulator 52 to make a forced regeneration means (an arm cylinder control valve 27 and the regulator 52) conduct forced regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hagiwara, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kensuke Sato, Yasuo Okano, Kouji Ishikawa, Mitsuhiko Kanehama, Hiroyuki Azuma
  • Patent number: 8490304
    Abstract: A loader coupler includes a body with spaced-apart inner rib mounts for mating respectively with ribs of a first type of attachment. The body also includes inner locking regions that are aligned with the inner rib mounts. Spaced-apart outer rib mounts are also provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with a second type of attachment. Outer locking regions are aligned with the outer rib mounts. A lock system is connected to the body and includes: (i) a first actuator operatively connected to left and right first lock plungers and adapted to move the left and right first lock plungers between locked and unlocked positions; and, (ii) a second actuator operatively connected to left and right second lock plungers and adapted to move the left and right second lock plungers between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Seda, Robert Sikorski
  • Patent number: 8474161
    Abstract: Multitask vehicles for military use, rescue, transport, and explosive detection and removal. In one embodiment, the multitask, motorized vehicle, includes: a vehicle body having a rigid frame with a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels mounted thereon; and a rotary mounting platform disposed on top of the vehicle body and which has a mounting portion being configured to interchangeably mount and remove various secondary systems or components, thereby permitting the multitask, motorized vehicle to change functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8430593
    Abstract: A two-member connection structure is provided with a boom to be arranged on a hydraulic excavator, an arm arranged inboard the boom, outboard bushings and inboard bushings press-fit in pin holes of the boom and arm, respectively. A connector pin is inserted in holes of the outboard bushings and holes of the inboard bushings to connect the boom and arm as two members for relative pivotal movement. Flange portions are integrally arranged on opposite end portions of the connector pin, respectively, to restrict slip-out of the connector pin. The connector pin is arranged rotatably relative to both of the outboard bushings and the inboard bushings, and the flange portions are arranged slidably relative to outboard end faces of the corresponding outboard bushings without being prevented from rotation relative to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Gokita
  • Publication number: 20130074377
    Abstract: A system to stabilize a construction vehicle having a frame and a pair of stabilizing legs with ground-engaging shoes at the ends of the legs. The stabilizing legs pivotally connect to the frame on substantially opposing sides, so that the stabilizing legs pivot upwards to a stowed position and pivot downwards to a stabilizing position where the shoe engages the ground. Further, the stabilizing legs telescope between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position locates the shoe closer to the vehicle and the extended position locates the shoe further from the vehicle. A pair of hydraulic cylinders connect to the respective stabilizing legs to power the telescopic movement of the stabilizing legs between the retracted position and extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua Colbert
  • Patent number: 8371049
    Abstract: A hydraulically-operated ripper tool mounted as an attachment on a hydraulic arm of a carrier or excavator is used for demolition of large metal walled structures such as storage tanks in a very short time. The ripper tool has a sharp point for punching entry holes into the tank walls, so that no torch cutting of entry holes needs to be used, particularly where there might be volatile residues left in the tank. The ripper tool has a concave, sharp inner edge and is operated by the hydraulic arm in reciprocation so as to provide a shearing force to cut quickly through metal walls in “can-opener” fashion. The ripper tool facilitates making long vertical cuts into the tank wall from top to bottom, so that a series of vertical cuts can be made to weaken a side of the tank and allow the top of the tank structure to be brought down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tajiri Lumber Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Y. Tajiri, Kenny Y. Tajiri
  • Patent number: 8374755
    Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a power source, an operator input device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a desired mode of power source operation, and a work implement driven by the power source. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the power source and the operator input device. The controller may be configured to classify a currently performed work implement task and select an output map based on the classification of the currently performed work implement task and the first signal. The controller may further be configured to control the power source operation using the output map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hong-Chin Lin, Yun-Ren Ho, Lucas Adam Knapp
  • Publication number: 20130031812
    Abstract: There is provided a vibrating nipper including a vibrating body in which a plurality of gears built therein and having eccentric pendulums are longitudinally arranged and rotated to generate longitudinal vibration, the vibrating body in which the gears rotated by an oil hydrolytic motor are longitudinally arranged to be rotatable, an eccentric pendulum mounted on each of the gears to generate the longitudinal vibration while rotating the gears, wherein a nipper blade is longitudinally mounted on a bottom of the vibrating body in such a way that the vibrating body is capable of being inserted deeply into the ground along the nipper blade when excavating the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jae-Ryong Jo, Jung Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20120291319
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for material distribution, including a draw-bar to which is fixedly connected a bucket body. Wheels are attached to the drawbar on opposite sides of the bucket body between an open side and a gate thereof. A lower edge of the open side of the bucket body, which can receive material, is in the form of a cutting blade or teeth. The gate, which is disposed opposite from the open side, can be opened and closed. At least part of a top side of the bucket body forms a platform for an operator. At least one engine is provided and is drivingly connected to the wheels. A handlebar is connected to the bucket body, forward of the platform, for pivoting the bucket body about the wheels so that the cutting blade or teeth can be brought into or out of contact with a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: David A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120198734
    Abstract: A integrated hitch system for off road equipment is provided that includes various styles of non receiver stile hitches (30) (32), combinations of a receiver hitch (14), plate (24), opening (28) and tool (18) attached to the front (20) or rear (22) of an off road machine (12) making a positive and secure connection between a trailer and off road machine (12) for towing purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Murray
  • Patent number: 8176662
    Abstract: A digging system includes a machine having a machine frame, and an implement assembly mounted to the machine frame. The implement assembly includes an elongate boom and a trenching mechanism having a plurality of drawing cutters coupled with an endless drive chain movable about a drive system mounted to an elongate boom. The implement assembly further includes an undercutting mechanism having first and second rotating cutters projecting in opposite axial directions from the distal boom end. The implement assembly defines a compound projection profile in a plane which includes first and second axes of rotation of a drive wheel and guide wheel of the drive system. The compound projection profile includes a relatively narrow proximal stem segment corresponding to the trenching mechanism and a relatively broad distal footing segment corresponding to the undercutting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Larry William Peterson
  • Patent number: 8122620
    Abstract: A screening, crushing or mixing bucket is formed into a bucket of an excavating machine or bucket loader. The bucket comprises a bottom plate, side walls, and at the back of the bucket working drums rotatable about their shafts, which screen, crush or mix the material in the bucket as they rotate and at the same time deliver screened, crushed or mixed material out of the bucket, between or through the working drums. In the bucket are casings for the power transmission and bearings of the working drums. The casings are limited by frame plates to which the bearing housings of the drums are attachable. On the frame plate and/or on the inner side of the inner wall is fixed a mudguard, which extends between the shafts of the working drums, next to the lead-throughs of the shafts, and the mudguard comprises cut-outs for receiving the shafts of the working drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Allu Finland OY
    Inventors: Ari Männikkö, Joonas Eloranta, Anatoli Lappalainen
  • Patent number: 8117771
    Abstract: A bucket (B) that is applicable interchangeably to operating machines provided with hydraulic or electric power, equipped with one or more rotors (R) actuated by one or more hydraulic or electric (M) engines or gear motors fed by the hydraulic or electric circuit resting inside operating machines or outside the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Simex SRL
    Inventor: Mirco Risi
  • Patent number: 8117773
    Abstract: A loader coupler includes a body with spaced-apart inner rib mounts for mating respectively with ribs of a first type of attachment. The body also includes inner locking regions that are vertically aligned with the inner rib mounts. Spaced-apart outer rib mounts are also provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with a second type of attachment. Outer locking regions are vertically aligned with the outer rib mounts. A lock system is connected to the body and includes: (i) a first actuator operatively connected to left and right first lock plungers and adapted to move the left and right first lock plungers between locked and unlocked positions; and, (ii) a second actuator operatively connected to left and right second lock plungers and adapted to move the left and right second lock plungers between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Seda, Robert Sikorski
  • Publication number: 20120036742
    Abstract: An apparatus that can be removably attached to an excavator has a bottom portion having a screen as part of the container, and the container has a variable widthwise coverage area. Liquid may drain from the screen, and debris may remain in the container to clean swampy areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Sutton
  • Patent number: RE43197
    Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described for attachment to an excavator type boom. The planter includes a frame arrangement that may be releasably secured to the boom, with a stinger depending therefrom. The boom may be selectively operated to drive the probes deep into the ground. The stinger includes a pair of elongated probes that have bottom ends configured to be opened and closed by operation of an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is selectively operable to shift the probes relative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottom ends are closed together, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are spaced apart from one another to form a plant discharge opening. The probes form an upwardly open internal plant receiving receptacle that is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening as the probes are lifted by the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: S & K Holding Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel A. Culley
  • Patent number: RE44771
    Abstract: A rear-mounted implement mounting system includes semicylindrical seats open upwardly and mounted on a lower back portion of a utility vehicle chassis that receive bar members located on a facing lower part of the rear-mounted implement. The utility vehicle chassis further includes semicylindrical receivers open in a rearward direction and adjacent cylinder portions open laterally. The receivers guide cylindrical bosses, located on an upper portion of the rear-mounted implement, into alignment with the cylinder portions, when the rear-mounted implement is pivoted upwardly by extending the boom cylinder of the rear-mounted implement. Connecting pins can be slipped through the cylindrical bosses and cylinder portions to lock the rear-mounted implement to the utility vehicle chassis. An operator remaining in the vehicle cab or operator station can easily operate the mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Laverne Sprinkle, Judith Fuzzen