Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 37/403)
  • Patent number: 6167642
    Abstract: A loader bucket extender is attached to a preexisting loader bucket so as to extend the load-carrying capacity of that loader bucket by a large amount, on the order of fourfold and even more. A tractor or similar vehicle to which the preexisting loader bucket is attached moves the preexisting loader bucket into a suitable position relative to the loader bucket extender, at which point the loader bucket extender and preexisting loader bucket are attached and secured to one another using several engagement, attachment, and securing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Nardini
  • Patent number: 6158818
    Abstract: Rock cutting head comprising a one-part steel housing attachable to a working machine lug, an electric or hydro motor being attached to the rear portion of the housing and two uni-axial similar cutting drums being provided at its front portion, the rear housing portion, in which a drive pinion directly or indirectly connected to the motor is provided, being terminated toward the lug with a widened connection plate, its front portion supporting outer bearing hubs, in which the shafts of the two cutting drums uniformly connected to a middle drive spur-toothed wheel are provided and wherein a larger intermediate wheel is provided in the housing between drive pinion and drive spur-toothed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Webster Schaeff & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Schaeff, Ian Frederick Webster
  • Patent number: 6158923
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a preassembled silt fence into soil and mountable to a vehicle, including a holder mountable to the vehicle and capable of holding a roll of preassembled silt fence for unrolling rotation, a trenching member mountable to the vehicle for cutting a trench in the soil as the vehicle travels, a guide mountable to the vehicle proximate to the holder for guiding unrolled silt fence at least partially into the trench as the vehicle travels, a stake ram mountable to the vehicle proximate to the guide for driving stakes of the preassembled silt fence into the soil at the trench, and means for activating the stake ram when each stake reaches a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Revoluntinary Machine and Installation LLC
    Inventors: Bert Wheeler, Jon Scott Rhodes, Robert Eric Abbott
  • Patent number: 6158362
    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: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel A. Culley
  • Patent number: 6149348
    Abstract: A tool for burying a hose, cable, wire, or other elongate, flexible structure in the ground, the tool being attachable to the loader arm of a front-end loader, consisting of a support attachable to the loader arm of a front-end loader; an excavator; a bracket for attaching the excavator to the support; and an attachment connected to the excavator. The excavator penetrates the ground and creates a trench as the front-end loader is driven forward and at the same time the attachment pulls an attached hose or other structure into the trench behind the excavator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: David M. Bitz
  • Patent number: 6119377
    Abstract: A backhoe attachment (10) includes a boom (12) adapted to be connected by a suitable mounting structure (15) to the loader manipulating arrangement (16) of a front-end or skid loader. A distal end of the boom (12) is adapted for receiving a backhoe bucket (14). When attached to the loader manipulating arrangement (16) the loader operator may use the loader's regular controls to pull the backhoe bucket (14) toward the loader and dig a trench with the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Melchisedec Rubio
  • Patent number: 6120237
    Abstract: An attachment connectable to a boom member of a machine for performing work functions generally consisting of a handle pivotally connectable to a boom member of the machine, a ground engageable arm member pivotally connected to the handle and an extendable strut assembly interconnecting the handle and arm member consisting of a hydraulic cylinder assembly having a cylinder member pivotally connected to the handle and a rod member pivotally connected to the arm member, and including means intercommunicating the base and rod ends of the cylinder member, at least one electrically operable valve disposed in the intercommunicating means and operatively connectable to control means disposed on the machine, selectively operable to open the valve and permit the free flow of fluid between the base and rod ends of the cylinder member, and correspondingly the angular displacement of the arm member relative to the handle upon maneuvering the arm member by an operator of the machine, and to close and preclude the free flo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Rockland Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Cummings, Ashley Heiple
  • Patent number: 6108951
    Abstract: A work machine having a stick assembly which- includes (i) a stick having a forward stick aperture (ii) a guide which is pivotally coupled to the stick, and (iii) a link pivotally coupled to the guide is disclosed. The work machine also includes a coupler having a left lateral support and a right lateral support, wherein (i) the left lateral support has a left rear coupler aperture, a left intermediate coupler aperture, and a left forward coupler notch, and (ii) the right lateral support has a right rear coupler aperture, a right intermediate coupler aperture, and a right forward coupler notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jay H. Renfrow, John P. Hall, Michael R. Helgeson
  • Patent number: 6098321
    Abstract: A bucket converter for providing improved excavation versatility that couples with and attaches to an excavation. The bucket converter comprises a volume increasing frame coupled and semi-fixedly attached to an excavation bucket for increasing the volumetric capacity of the excavation bucket. An orienting projection from a lower portion of the frame holds the coupling element of the frame at a height above a surface when the bucket converter is detached from the excavation bucket and is supported on the surface by the orienting projection and a lowermost portion of the frame. The height at which the coupling portion is held by the orienting projection enables engagement of the coupling portion with a cooperative coupling element on the excavation bucket without the need for any initial manual assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: John Duncan Logan
  • Patent number: 6085447
    Abstract: A trenching tool for releasable attachment to a bucket of a front end loader includes a pair of support brackets with a chute-like blade thereon. Each bracket includes a support arm for the blade and an integral shoulder brace portion for mounting underneath a surface of the bucket. The front edge of the bucket is received within a notch of each support bracket and is clamped thereto by a releasable upper clamp. Each support bracket includes a bearing surface for transferring forces acting on the tool to the underside of the bucket to enhance the tool's stability during use. The chute-like blade enables sod to be rolled up into the blade for deposit into the bucket upon an initial pass of the loader. Upon subsequent passes, entrenching is accomplished with the loosened dirt entering the chute for deposit into the bucket of the front end loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Loran Rose
  • Patent number: 6085446
    Abstract: An excavating device has conical milling tools each having a longitudinal center axis. At least one motor is provided for rotatingly driving the milling tools about their longitudinal center axis. The milling tools each have a mantle surface. The mantle surfaces are positioned at one circumferential point adjacent to one another at a minimum spacing defining a working play between the milling tools such that the mantle surfaces form a continuous working plane. The longitudinal center axis of the milling tools are positioned angularly to one another and to a vertical axis extending between the milling tools. Each longitudinal center axis is positioned at an angle of between 50.degree. and 70.degree. to the vertical axis. Each one of the longitudinal center axes is positioned at an angle of less than 90.degree. relative to the advancing direction of the excavating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Jurgen Posch
  • Patent number: 6061933
    Abstract: To compact soil, an impact apparatus includes a weight within a steel frame that may be carried by a vehicle mounted backhoe and placed over the surface to be compacted or broken. The weight is lifted and released by a cable. To pull the cable, a hydraulic cylinder pushes one set of pulleys upwardly away from another set with the upper set of pulleys including five pulleys and the lower set including four pulleys to provide a multiplication factor. The end of the cable opposite the end attached to the weight is attached to the movable pulleys, all of which are mounted at an elevation higher than the fixed pulleys so that the pulley assembly, the attached cable end, the hydraulic cylinder ram and piston, and the weight fall downwardly under the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Dean Rogge
  • Patent number: 6035948
    Abstract: A mount to attach a standard hand-held pavement breaker to a backhoe bucket quickly and easily. The invention allows the pavement breaker to be mounted and dismounted without a person having to lift or manually operate the pavement breaker. The mount attaches to the handles of the pavement breaker and then to the side of the backhoe bucket. The sleeves which fit over the handles are adapted to automatically depress the trigger of the pavement breaker whenever the pavement breaker is in firm contact with the surface to be broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Walter J. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6033154
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a waste processing attachment. The vehicle is adapted for being moved over a supporting surface, and has a moveable working arm for reaching outwardly from the vehicle and downwardly beneath an adjacent surface of a waste lagoon. The waste processing attachment injects and mixes a waste processing material into the lagoon. The attachment includes a bucket mounted on a free end of the moveable working arm, and having a plurality of spaced-apart waste sifting openings. A material delivery line extends along the working arm of the vehicle, and has a connecting end connected to a material supply source and a discharge end residing proximate the bucket. Waste processing material flowing through and exiting the delivery line beneath the surface of the waste lagoon is discharged into a target area directly adjacent the bucket and mixed with the waste as the bucket is carried by the working arm through the lagoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: J.A. Jones Environmental Services Company
    Inventors: Don V. Curtis, Edward J. Labus
  • Patent number: 6003252
    Abstract: A crane-excavator apparatus and method is provided. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile apparatus adaptable for use as a crane and as an excavator, and an associated method. The crane includes a lower crawler adapted for use with an excavator, an upper body adapted for use with an excavator, a boom adapted to engage a crane body, and an adapter for engaging a receptacle of the excavator upper body. Typically, the receptacle would accept an excavator boom. The adaptor and the receptacle are fixedly secured together such that the adaptor defines a connector for receiving the crane boom in the same manner as the crane boom would be accepted by a crane body for providing a range of boom angles comparable to the range of boom angles available to the boom connected to the crane body. The method for adapting an excavator for use as a crane is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6000152
    Abstract: A culvert cleaning apparatus of use with earth moving machinery having a bucket, such as a backhoe or trackhoe. The apparatus has an attachment assembly for connection to the machinery's bucket with an arm extending therefrom for securing a scoop. Extensions between the attachment assembly and the scoop are provided when extended reach is desired. The machine may be used to push the scoop into a culvert and scoop out material clogging the culvert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: David LeRoy Tate
  • Patent number: 5964050
    Abstract: A screening device, intended to be detachably fastened on a bucket of a digging machine, which in a suitable way includes a hydraulically operable arm, which is arranged to be detachably fastened on the bucket. The outer portion of the arm including a plate-formed member provided with two hooks, which are intended to mesh with elements on the bucket, which are shaped to these ones, and the plate-formed member being moveably arranged in relation to the arm by hinges and a hydraulic piston cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Soraker Gravmaskins AB
    Inventor: Karl-Johan Svahn
  • Patent number: 5960614
    Abstract: A system consisting of a versatile hitch attached to a tractor which positions a ground-based implement, such as a mower, in front or to either side of the tractor. The hitch cushions or dampens movement using a torsional component over rough ground by the tractor allowing the implement to traverse a near parallel ground direction. The mower design mows either normally over open ground or in restricted locations, such as around fences supported by posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Hollis H. Jones
  • Patent number: 5954471
    Abstract: A crane attachment for a front end loader includes arm members pivotally attached to a central portion of a forward each end of loader arm. Remote ends of the arms are joined together to form a triangular boom or truss structure. A cable or a chain extends from each arm of the loader to the remote ends of the arm members to support the truss structure. The length of the cable or chain can be adjusted, with a "come-along" or the like, to provide desired leverage and extension of the truss structure. A pulley is attached to the remote ends of the arm members and a winch cable runs through the pulley to permit an object to be lifted with the winch cable. The crane attachment can be used for lifting large objects, in place of a small crane. Also, the crane attachment can be laid back toward the operator cockpit to permit the loader bucket to be used without removing the crane attachment and the bucket need not be removed when using the crane attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5927933
    Abstract: A retractable thumb for a bucket is provided including a bucket assembly which has a bucket arm with an inboard portion and an outboard portion. Next provided is a thumb including an inboard edge pivotally coupled to the outboard portion of the bucket arm. A hydraulic assembly includes a first hydraulic arm for moving the bucket and a second hydraulic arm for moving the thumb. Finally, a recess is formed in the outboard portion of the bucket arm for accepting the thumb therein for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: William C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5918390
    Abstract: A deep bucket (1) for exchangeable mounting at the jib head of a bucket excavator consists of three shells (2, 31, 32), which are movable relative to each other and constrainedly guided towards each other. The width of the deep bucket (1) is steplessly adjustable between a minimum value and a maximum value. At least two double scissors systems (5, 6; 7, 8) are provided for the actuation and for the parallel constrained guidance of the side shells (31, 32) in each adjusted spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Ruff
  • Patent number: 5913639
    Abstract: A mechanized cable puller. By combinig a hydraulic track-mounted excavator with a winding spool the present invention provides underground machinery for pulling underground electrical cable from an underground conduit into an underground cable vault, without requiring the temporary installation of direction-changing pulleys in the cable vault. By using a square bar as part of the underground machinery, the cable can be pulled from any of four different directions, spaced ninety degrees apart, in a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: George E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5868211
    Abstract: A portable hydraulically driven posthole digger is provided. The present invention is mounted to an existing loader-type tractor or skid steer loader by the use of a ball and socket type attachment such as a trailer ball and trailer tongue apparatus. The tongue is mounted vertically above the post hole digger and the trailer ball is mounted on the loader such as the bucket on a front end loader. The posthole digger's hydraulic motor is powered off of the existing hydraulic system of the equipment being used. This configuration not only provides an inexpensive method of digging post holes, but further requires a minimal amount of mounting hardware and can be easily removed and stored when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy James Bohn
  • Patent number: 5850704
    Abstract: An assembly for the attachment of an accessory to the boom of a working machine consists of a support block, quick-mounting devices attached to the block for mounting the accessory on the assembly and further on the working machine, a mounting bracket at the other end of the assembly, which mounting bracket consists of mounting devices for mounting the assembly removably on the boom or on the quick-mounting fixture attached to the boom. The support block and mounting bracket are attached to each other pivotally through spindle arms, and a power actuator is provided to swivel the support block and mounting bracket in relation to each other. To further improve the performance of the assembly, the support block consists of a rotating ring attached to the spindle arms, which rotating ring is rotatable in relation to the spindle arms, and further includes a support frame attached to the rotating ring, to which support frame the quick-mounting devices are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kojex OY
    Inventor: Vesa Harinen
  • Patent number: 5813151
    Abstract: An excavator assembly 10 including an excavator body having a pair of tracks 12 an 13, a cab 14, an articulated boom 15 and a trenching or cutting attachment 16 mounted at the end of the boom 15. The trenching or cutting attachment comprises a blade 17 mounted to a box-like drive mounting 18 with the box-like mounting 18 having on an opposite side thereof an excavator mounting 19 element so that the attachment can be detached from the excavator. A swivel arrangement is provided for swivelling the blade 17. The excavator mounting is a standard hoe bucket fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventors: Anthony Leon Stephens, Barry James Ketter
  • Patent number: 5802747
    Abstract: A driving device of a jaw crusher of attachment type comprising a hydraulic cylinder having a rod connected with a movable member; a hydraulic source provided on a body of a hydraulic excavator having a mobile travel device; and a control mechanism for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder so that the rod is extended and retracted reciprocatively and detecting a hydraulic pressure at an extension side of the hydraulic cylinder and a retraction side thereof, thus switching extension and retraction operations of the rod to each other when the hydraulic pressure at the extension side of the hydraulic cylinder or the retraction side thereof exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Jacty Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Nojima, deceased
  • Patent number: 5802748
    Abstract: A new Tiered Trenching Backhoe System for creating a dual tiered trench which allows one service utility to be elevated above another service utility thereby preventing contact of the two service utilities resulting in increased safety. The inventive device includes a syncline plate with an interior angle of approximately 140 degrees, a first and second triangular coupler welded at one end to the syncline plate removably coupling to a pair of existing tooth shanks of a backhoe bucket, a first and second fluke welded to the syncline plate opposite of the triangular couplers, a first and second trihedral support members welded to the interior portion of syncline plate providing support, and a pair of replaceable teeth removably secured to the first and second flukes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald G. Haagenstad
  • Patent number: 5779430
    Abstract: A material handling system generally consisting of a base assembly including a support means mountable on the operating arms of a vehicle, an arm member pivotally connected to the support means and movable between open and closed positions relative to the support means for clamping an article mounted on the support means therebetween and means for displacing the clamping member between the open and closed positions; a material container assembly including a support means mountable on the support means of the base assembly, a container mounted on and pivotally connected to the support means of the material container assembly and engageable by the clamping arm member of the base member when the support means of the material container assembly is mounted on the support means of the base assembly; and means operatively interconnecting the clamping arm member of the base assembly and the container of the material container assembly when the material container assembly is mounted on the base assembly for effecting
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Gary Ball
  • Patent number: 5771612
    Abstract: A new loader bucket vibrational sifting system for separating rock and other abrasive material from dirt extracted from a trench for a pipe line, thereby allowing the user to fill in the trench after laying the pipe with the sifted dirt eliminating contact by rock or other abrasive material with the pipeline and, thereby, preclude rusting, corrosion, or like damage. The inventive device includes a sifting structure formed to pivotally enclose a conventional loader bucket, a vibrating means secured near the pivoting end of the sifting structure for vibrating the sifting structure, and a hydraulic releasing means pivotally secured at one end to the sifting structure and pivotally secured at the opposite end to the conventional loader bucket manipulating the sifting structure to allow rocks to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Eddie T. Lynch
  • Patent number: 5755048
    Abstract: A pavement cutter is provided for attachment to the boom assembly of a conventional backhoe or excavator including an elongated cutting blade having a scoring edge disposed in substantially parallel relation to the surface of the pavement and a cutting edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the scoring edge and wherein a pair of outwardly extending pressure flanges are attached to the blade one on each thereof at a point above the scoring and cutting edges of the blade. The pavement is first scored along a straight line using the scoring edge and then cut along the scored line using the cutting edge of the blade. The pressure flanges on each side of the cutting blade slide along the top surface of the pavement applying a vertical or downward force which prevents the asphalt from lifting and breaking up during the cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Tracy W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5733059
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for coupling a cutting tool (12) to a vehicle (14) such as a tractor that permits the cutting tool (12) to pivot to a released position when it contacts an obstruction (38) and that returns the cutting tool (12) to its cutting position at a controlled speed after the cutting tool has cleared the obstruction is disclosed. The coupling apparatus (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally coupled to the vehicle (14) and fixedly coupled with the cutting tool(12) and a rotary actuator (18) for pivoting the frame (16) and the cutting tool (12) between their cutting and released positions at a controlled speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Edward E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5732488
    Abstract: A quick hitch assembly mountable to a hydraulic arm of heavy duty machinery for hitching an implement having at least one pair of outwardly extending parallel connector brackets. The assembly includes two or more parallel load transmitting plates on a common shaft which are dimensioned to be located parallel to at least one of the bracket pairs. The assembly also includes one or more hook elements for hooking onto the implement, and at least one hydraulically activated ram with a link pin displaceable between a bracket and a plate to form a positive lock between the implement and the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Ephemere Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Norman John Smith
  • Patent number: 5689905
    Abstract: A working machine of a hydraulic shovel which enables easy attaching and detaching of a chisel and affords smooth breaker work even in the vicinity of a wall, while enhancing chisel penetration and correspondingly improving the efficiency of the work. To this end, a bucket hinge pin (6d) is provided on one end of each of a pair of bucket brackets (6b) at a position offset from the axis of a breaker-incorporating arm (4b) toward the bucket cylinder (7), and, while the bucket (6) is in the tilted position, the chisel (10) is attached so as to extend through a space between the bucket hinge pin (6d) and the bucket link pin (8b) which is provided on the other ends of the bucket brackets (6b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Ibusuki
  • Patent number: 5678332
    Abstract: An attachment for use on an articulated boom of a back hoe has an elongated frame (A) for attachment on the boom opposite the bucket carrying an arm (B) having an elongated member receiving and positioning an elongated implement (C) opposite the open side of the bucket during a complete sequence of operation of the boom and bucket. A (D) removably secures the elongated implement on the implement receiving and positioning member for serving as a backup for the bucket gripping an object between the bucket and the implement. Thus an implement may be removably positioned in relation to the bucket of a back hoe for gripping an object therebetween for movement by the boom and for changing one implement for another upon the implement receiving and positioning members. An offset member (E) extends upwardly from the base for aiding in retracting the arm and the implement carried thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Bobby Leonard Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5666794
    Abstract: An improved skid steer vehicle that has a longitudinally extending main frame and wheels for supporting the main frame for movement over the ground. An operator's compartment spans substantially the entire lateral distance of the main frame in the fore and aft midportions thereof, An engine is contained within an engine compartment disposed rearward of the operator's compartment and includes an auxiliary hydraulic power supply driven off the engine. A pair of spaced apart actuating arms are operably coupled to the main frame at a first end and have a quick attaching mount disposed at a second end thereof. The improvement comprises a flail mower implement that has a quick attachment receiver that is adapted for selective engagement with the quick attaching mount of the pair of actuating arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Palm Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Vought, Harlan Arthur Palm
  • Patent number: 5653293
    Abstract: A portable wire puller designed to be operated from a motor vehicle having a hydraulic system. The wire puller utilizes a spool mounted on an axle which is made up of two rods which can be easily connected to and disconnected from one another, so that it is simple and easy to change spools quickly without dismantling the entire apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: George E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5621987
    Abstract: An assembly for coupling an implement to an operating arm of a machine generally consisting of a first component fixedly mountable on the implement, having an annular gripping surface, and a second component connectable to the operating arm having a pair of gripping members displaceable along a first line of travel into and out of gripping engagement with the gripping surface of the first component, and am actuator for selectively displacing the gripping members into and out of such gripping engagement, the first component having at least one pair of spaced abutment surfaces disposed in opposed relation to the gripping members for restricting displacement of the gripping members relative to the first component along a second line of travel intersecting the first line of travel and at least one abutment surface engageable by the gripping members for restricting displacement of the gripping members along the first line of travel for retaining at least a portion of the gripping members in opposed relation to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel S. Pratt, Dan Shaffer, Tim A. Davis, Ashley Heiple
  • Patent number: 5596824
    Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 100% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket with respect to the vibrator. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be secured inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas M. Scott, David R. Scott
  • Patent number: 5592762
    Abstract: An excavator linkage comprising a ternary link with first, second and third pivot connections and a follower link with first and second pivot connections. The first pivot connection of the ternary link is pivotally coupled to the rod end of the bucket actuating hydraulic cylinder. The second pivot connection of the ternary link is pivotally coupled to the excavator bucket. In addition, the excavator bucket is pivotally connected to the dipperstick. The follower link has a first pivot connection that is pivotally connected to the dipperstick and a second pivot connection that is pivotally connected to the third pivot connection of the ternary link. In one frame of reference, the third pivot connection of the ternary link is located between the first and second pivot connections of the ternary link. In addition, the third pivot connection of the ternary link lies above a plane defined by the first and second pivot connections of the ternary link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Scott S. Hendron, Michael E. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5592761
    Abstract: A scarifying assembly mounted in a backhoe bucket is disclosed herein having a toothed roller operably carried between spaced-apart support arms which include bearings and a chain or geared drive coupled to a hydraulic power source. The attachments for assembling the opposite ends of the roller include splined fittings which revolve with the roller. Both the roller and splined fittings have outwardly projecting teeth angularly disposed with respect to each other and to the peripheral surface of the roller and the fittings. The roller attachments, fittings and hydraulic power source provide a readily convenient arrangement for rapid assembly or disassembly for service, maintenance and repair procedures. A wedge structure is carried on the power source having a terminating edge in close proximity to the projecting teeth for the purpose of breaking-up or fragmenting rocks carried between the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur A. Ward
  • Patent number: 5592760
    Abstract: A labor-saving materials dispenser comprises a bucket with a hydraulically actuated auger mounted inside. The dispenser is configured to be mounted to arms of a loader. In use, the bucket is loaded with material to be dispensed, such as by submersing the bucket in the material to be dispensed, so that the material is collected in a receptacle portion of the bucket. The bucket is then oriented so that a hole in the bucket is near a location where the user desires to place the material to be dispensed. The auger is then used to impel the material from the bucket, through the hole, and into the desired position for use. The materials dispenser saves labor and clean-up work, as compared with manual dispensing and with other materials-dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Darryl A. Kohout
  • Patent number: 5590731
    Abstract: A skid steer loader is adaptable to be used with a hydraulically powered attachment. A hydraulic system in the skid steer loader includes a hydraulic circuit providing fluid under pressure. A first auxiliary control valve is coupled to the hydraulic circuit and is movable between a full open position and a full closed position, and is couplable to the attachment. An operator input device provides a variable operator input signal. A controller is coupled to the operator input device and to the first auxiliary control valve. The controller controls the first auxiliary control valve to move a portion of the way between the full open position and the full closed position based on the operator input signal. This provides smoother control over systems which merely operated the auxiliary control valve in a full open or full closed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Scott B. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 5590482
    Abstract: An earthen material excavator includes, a) a base undercarriage comprising running gear to move the excavator over the ground; b) a slewing platform; c) a plurality of booms operatively connected to one another, one of the booms being operatively connected with the slewing platform; and d) a digging bucket apparatus mounted to another of the booms, the bucket apparatus including, i) a rigid digging assembly having a fore earth working end and an aft non-earth-working end, the digging assembly comprising an internal throat positioned between the assembly fore and aft ends; and ii) a substantially rigid earthen material container removably mounted relative to the aft end of the rigid digging assembly, the rigid earthen container being mounted in communication with the throat to receive earthen material transferred from the rigid digging assembly through the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: R. A. Hanson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy S. Peterson, Thomas W. Steele, Robert D. Walker
  • Patent number: 5564885
    Abstract: An improved and versatile work attachment is provided for a front end loader of the type having hydraulically actuated frame arms for supporting and manipulating a work attachment at the front of the vehicle. The work attachment comprises a scoop or bucket in combination with a laterally extending row of ripper teeth mounted along a lower edge of the bucket and adapted for hydraulic actuation between an upper stored position and a downwardly extending deployed position for ripping earth upon vehicle movement in a reverse direction. In one form, the ripper teeth are used to retain and lock an auxiliary work attachment such as a fork lift unit onto the bucket. In another form, an hydraulically actuated grapple hook can be mounted onto the bucket for use in combination with the bucket and/or fork lift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Frank P. Staben, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5560129
    Abstract: An attachment for a forklift truck to facilitate the removal or clearing of snow or other materials and debris with the truck, including a frame having two rectangular elongated tubes adapted to receive the tines of the forklift, a plurality of transversely extending crossbars connecting said tubes together, ground-engaging members attached to each tube, a plow blade pivotally attached to the frame, and a shear pin assembly connected between the blade and the frame preventing uneven ground and/or obstructions on the ground from damaging the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Michael B. Rothbart
  • Patent number: 5544435
    Abstract: A brush rake for attachment to an excavator arm equipped with a bucket and a thumb having inner and outer pairs of teeth. The brush rake has a parallel array of rake teeth attached to a rake bar, and a mounting plate having one end thereof attached to the rake bar. An opposite end of the mounting plate is adapted to overlie the body of the thumb and to be received between the outer pair of teeth of the thumb. A parallel pair of apertured ears attached to the rake bar is so disposed thereon that when the rake bar is placed adjacent and transversely with respect to the teeth of the thumb, the ears lie adjacent and on opposite sides of the inner teeth of the thumb. Mounting holes are provided in the mounting plate and matching holes are bored through the body of the thumb. The brush rake is attached to the thumb by inserting pins through the ears and through holes bored through the inner teeth of the thumb, and by inserting mounting bolts through the mounting holes and matching holes in the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Nick Somero
  • Patent number: 5540006
    Abstract: A portable hydraulic boom tool carrier adapted to be removably mounted on the bed of a pickup truck. The hydraulic boom tool carrier includes a self-contained hydraulic system mounted on the frame of the tool carrier. It also includes a pair of outrigger legs which can be extended below the tool carrier to the ground to provide support for the unit during worksite operations. The tool carrier can be easily mounted or removed from the flat bed of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Claud A. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5540003
    Abstract: An improved padding machine is provided with a shaker assembly that vigorously shakes a moving openwork at a high frequency. The shaker assembly includes resilient mounts for attaching the shaker assembly to the frame of the padding machine, preferably adjacent the supports for an upper portion of the screening belt, which slides across the top of such supports. The rubber or rubber-like resilient mounts support an eccentric shaft that is journalled in associated bearings for rotation beneath an upper portion of the screening belt. The eccentric shaft preferably extends substantially the entire width of the screening belt to either side of the padding machine. A motor is connected to a drive end of the eccentric shaft for rotating the shaft. When the motor rapidly rotates the eccentric shaft, the off-center body of the eccentric shaft causes vibration, which is translated through the resilient mounts to the frame of the padding machine adjacent the supports for the screening belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Mark Osadchuk
  • Patent number: 5535533
    Abstract: The lift arms and linkage arrangement for the bucket of a loading machine includes first and second spaced apart lift arm assemblies and first and second spaced apart linkage assemblies associated with respective lift arm assemblies. The first and second lift arm assemblies diverge with respect to the centerline of the machine while the first and second linkage assemblies are parallel to the centerline of the machine. The first and second lift arm assemblies are closer to each other at the machine end than at the bucket end. This provides greater visibility of the corners of the bucket for the machine operator and more precise positioning of the bucket by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Romanchok
  • Patent number: 5528844
    Abstract: An excavating apparatus with a compression plate and associated hydraulic cylinder for the dewatering of excavation material comprising: an excavator having a stick pivotable at its inboard end with respect to the excavator and a bucket pivotally secured with respect to the outboard end of the stick; a compression plate pivotally secured to the inboard end of the bucket, the compression plate having a planar central section, an angled leading component extending upwardly at an angle between forty and fifty degrees from the compression plate at the leading edge of the compression plate and an inverted J-shaped coupling component with a long linear segment and a short linear segment adjacent to the inboard end of the compression plate; a pivot pin coupling the free end of the short linear segment coupling component with the inboard end of the bucket and with the long linear component secured to the inboard end of the compression plate; and a plurality of apertures formed in the central section of the compressio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Mark R. Ellis