Including Pin Or Key Patents (Class 37/456)
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Patent number: 7171771Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge and a spool are used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Esco CorporationInventor: Terry L. Briscoe
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Patent number: 7162818Abstract: Telescoped excavating support and wear members are releasably retained in their telescoped relationship by a connector pin assembly removably received in aligned connector openings in the members. A body portion of the pin assembly blocks removal of the wear member from the support member, and a lock member portion of the assembly is rotatable relative to the body, toward and away from a locking orientation, to releasably lock the body within the connector openings. A resilient detent member carried by the lock member slidingly and deformably engages a polygonally shaped interior side surface section of a body passage that rotatably receives the lock member, the detent member yieldingly resisting rotational movement of the lock member away from its locking orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Ruvang, Howard W. Robinson
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Patent number: 7144183Abstract: A locking assembly has two members which are moveable into coupling engagement with one another. The two members have lock engaging walls, and one of the members has an opening between the lock engaging walls for receiving a lock. The lock comprises a lock body and a retainer. The lock body has a channel for receiving a portion of the retainer. An end of the retainer extends underneath a retainer engaging wall, thus resisting movement of the lock out of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: ESCO CorporationInventors: Aaron B. Lian, Christopher M. Carpenter, Emory D. Hungerford, deceased, Lorraine R. Hungerford, legal representative, Ray J. Morris
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Patent number: 7121022Abstract: A locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly is for coupling a first member including a receiving area, and a second member having a receiving region. The locking system includes an interference element including an interfering portion that is received within the receiving area of the first member when the locking system couples the first member and the second member together, a biasing element, a cam, wherein the cam is adapted to cause the biasing element to be in a biased position or an unbiased position, and a wedge shaped structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Berkeley Forge and Tool, Inc.Inventor: Robert Bierwith
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Patent number: 7121023Abstract: A rotatable connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of the pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a first orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a second orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Robinson, Wayne A. Shamblin, Bruce L. Hart
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Patent number: 7086185Abstract: In a device for coupling a tooth onto an adaptor nose with a key, the tooth includes a skirt shrouding the adapter nose beyond the key passage zone and having a configuration connected to a return wall, comprising a bordering ridge. The wall is provided in the width of the skirt and corresponds to the passage and positioning of the key. Proximate the ends of the wall, and in the thickness of the skirt, are provided passage openings for the key devoid of abutting function in operation and ensuring a guiding and stopping function only when the key is inserted or removed. The key comprises two components transversely mobile relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: AFE MetalInventors: Charles Pasqualini, Jean Marc Noailly
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Patent number: 7080470Abstract: A wear assembly that includes a wear member and a boss to define an opening for receiving a lock forward of the front edge face of the lip which can mount the wear member in a stable and balanced manner without a through-hole in the lip. The wear member includes an aperture and a rib to define bearing faces on opposite sides of a central plane of the lip. The boss includes rails to hold the wear member in place, and a brace at the rear end, which supports the rails on the boss, abuts the rear of the wear member to reduce the loading on the lip, and deflects earthen material away from the wear member under reverse loading.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: ESCO CorporationInventor: Larren F. Jones
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Patent number: 7069676Abstract: A rotatable connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of the pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a first orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a second orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Robinson, Wayne A. Shamblin, Bruce L. Hart
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Patent number: 6993861Abstract: A wear assembly provided with a tapered opening and a complementary tapered lock wherein the lock can be pried into and from the opening to thereby eliminate the need for hammering. The lock is formed with a body and a latch that is movable between a hold position where the latch is engageable with a stop in the opening to releasably retain the lock in the opening and a release position where the latch disengages the stop.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Esco CorporationInventors: Christopher M. Carpenter, David M. Graf
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Patent number: 6976325Abstract: A connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of a rotatable pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a release orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a locking orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Robinson, Wayne A. Shamblin, Bruce L. Hart, John A. Ruvang
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Patent number: 6959506Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable locking assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure. It may be used with excavating equipment for attaching ground-engaging teeth to adaptors, lip shrouds to bucket lips, or other analogous uses. The wear member includes at least one pin-retainer-receiving opening in one side. The opening is tapered, being narrower at its outer surface and wider at its inner surface. The support structure includes at least one pin-receiving recess which generally aligns with the opening in the wear member when the wear member and the support structure are operatively coupled. The pin retainer is a frustoconically shaped cylinder which is threaded internally. It is inserted into the opening in the wear member. The wear member is slidably mounted onto the support structure. The pin is an elongate body which is externally threaded. It is screwed into the pin retainer by the application of torque force from a standard ratchet tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Quality Steel Foundries Ltd.Inventors: Dwight L. Adamic, Murray Smith
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Patent number: 6871426Abstract: A locking arrangement (1) for releasably locking a wear tooth (2) to a tooth adaptor (3); the wear tooth (2) being defined by a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having an elongate slot (5) therethrough; the tooth adaptor (3) being of generally complementary shape to receive said wear tooth (2), and having an elongate cavity (6) on each opposed side thereof adapted to substantially align with a respective slot (5) of said wear tooth (2) when said wear tooth is installed on said tooth adaptor; said slot having a first inner surface, the locking arrangement including a retaining means (4) to be installed in each aligned cavity and slot to releasably lock said tooth (2) to said adaptor (3), the retaining means (4) including a pair of engaging retaining pieces (7, 8) adapted to fit in end-abutting relationship when in said locked position, whereby, an arcuate force is applied to at least one of said pieces (7, 8) to release said pieces from said locked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventors: David Kim Keech, Alexander Hand
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Publication number: 20040244236Abstract: A tooth adapter having an elastomeric clamp assembly and a method for using the same are provided. The system includes a tooth adapter having a first end operable to receive a removable tooth point and a second end having an upper blade and a lower blade, the upper and lower blades at least partially defining a cavity configured to receive a tooth horn. An upper insert is configured to be disposed at least partially within an orifice in the upper blade, and a lower insert is configured to be disposed at least partially within an orifice in the lower blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Peter Scott Mautino
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Patent number: 6799387Abstract: A removable adapter assembly includes a tapered body portion having a first end configured to receive a tooth horn, and a second end configured to receive a removable tooth. The tapered body may include first and second sides, which partially define a recess adjacent the first end. First and second interior surfaces of the first and second sides, respectively, have first and second gripping surfaces, respectively. The first and second gripping surfaces are configured to cooperate with a retractable insert that is coupled with the tooth horn. The tapered body is coupled with the tooth horn when the retractable insert is in a first extended position, and the tapered body may be removed from the tooth horn when the insert is in a second, retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventor: Sherlock K. Pippins
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Publication number: 20040139632Abstract: A connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of a rotatable pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a release orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a locking orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Howard W. Robinson, Wayne A. Shamblin, Bruce L. Hart, John A. Ruvang
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Publication number: 20040118021Abstract: A retainer for removably attaching a ground engaging tooth to an adapter. The retainer comprises a cylindrical steel member adapted to fit into a pocket defined in the outside surface of the adapter and an opening defined in an inside surface of the tooth. The retaining pin is further held in a locking position by a secondary retainer made of spring steel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Williams J. Renski
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Patent number: 6735890Abstract: A wear assembly includes an adapter with a nose, a wear member with a socket to receive the nose, and a lock to secure the wear member to the adapter. The nose and socket include complementary rails and grooves that vertically diverge as they extend from the front of the nose. The lock can have a tapered construction.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: ESCO CorporationInventors: Christopher M. Carpenter, Robert S. Fleck, Terry L. Briscoe, Daniel R. Danks, Venkat R. Gaurav, Larren F. Jones
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Publication number: 20040083630Abstract: An excavating adapter/tooth point assembly has an interfit configuration in which the front end surface of the adapter base has a curved front surface portion that slidingly and complementarily engages a facing curved rear end surface portion of the tooth point. The adapter nose received in the tooth point pocket is somewhat smaller in cross-section that the pocket to permit a limited vertical rocking movement of the point relative to the adapter nose, about a connector structure captively retaining the point on the adapter nose, while transferring rearwardly directed excavating loads on the point to the curved sliding adapter/point interface area. Top and bottom sides of a rear end portion of the point have curved ear projections which extend rearwardly and outwardly along the adapter base and function as built-in wear guards that protect underlying surface portions of the adapter base.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: John A. Ruvang
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Patent number: 6725582Abstract: The present invention provides for an assembly for locking a first workpiece mountable onto a second workpiece. The first workpiece has an opening adapted to allow a locking pin to pass therethrough. The opening is cooperatively disposed with respect to a pin receiving means in the second workpiece when the first workpiece is mounted on the second workpiece. At least one of the first and second workpieces has a recess to receive a pin carrier. The assembly comprises a locking pin adapted to pass through the opening and be received by the pin receiving means when the first workpiece is mounted on the second workpiece; and a pin carrier receivable in the recess. The pin carrier has a pin receiving orifice and is alignable with both the opening and the pin receiving means when the first workpiece is mounted on said second workpiece. The assembly further comprises magnetic means on the locking pin and/or the pin carrier to magnetically attract the locking pin and the pin carrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Quality Steel Foundries Ltd.Inventors: Dwight L. Adamic, Dennett Netterville
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Patent number: 6708431Abstract: A rotatable connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of the pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a first orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a second orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Robinson, Wayne A. Shamblin, Bruce L. Hart
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Publication number: 20040016153Abstract: A system for coupling excavation equipment components is provided. The system includes a retainer pin having first and second detents which are extendable axially from a surface of the retainer pin, in response to rotation of a valve seated at least partially within a cylindrical bore which extends at least partially through the retainer pin. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the valve includes at least one slotted portion configured to receive the detents at least partially therein, when the detents are in a retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: TRN BUSINESS TRUSTInventor: Sherlock K. Pippins
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Publication number: 20030140531Abstract: A removable adapter assembly includes a tapered body portion having a first end configured to receive a tooth horn, and a second end configured to receive a removable tooth. The tapered body may include first and second sides, which partially define a recess adjacent the first end. First and second interior surfaces of the first and second sides, respectively, have first and second gripping surfaces, respectively. The first and second gripping surfaces are configured to cooperate with a retractable insert that is coupled with the tooth horn. The tapered body is coupled with the tooth horn when the retractable insert is in a first extended position, and the tapered body may be removed from the tooth horn when the insert is in a second, retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: TRN BUSINESS TRUSTInventor: Sherlock K. Pippins
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Patent number: 6588965Abstract: A hydraulic fastening device for securement of two components, each component having an orifice at least partly therethrough adapted to be coaxially aligned, the fastening device including a body member adapted to be inserted within the orifice of each component when coaxially aligned. The body member includes a main body section and a hydraulic manifold section with a fluid conduit within at least the manifold section and containing a fluid therein. The device further includes at least one moveable protrusion in fluid contact with the fluid, adapted to protrude from the manifold section; and control means to control the movement of each protrusion means. The arrangement is such that, upon operation of the control means, each protrusion is moved between a protruding position and a retracted position and when in the protruding position, the two components are adapted to be fastened together.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Keech Castings Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Garth Alexander Keech, David Kim Keech
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Patent number: 6574892Abstract: The present invention includes a primary retainer pin having an internal secondary retainer pin operable to couple the primary retainer pin with an adapter for use with excavation equipment components. A removable tooth having first and second tooth sides is coupled with the adapter and at least partially covers the first adapter end. A central portion of the adapter defines an elongate slot which extends from a first adapter side to a second adapter side. First and second tooth sides include first and second openings, respectively, configured such that the first and second openings are aligned with an imaginary longitudinal axis of the elongate slot while the removable tooth is coupled with the adapter. The primary retainer pin extends at least partially through the first and second openings, and the elongate slot, to couple the removable tooth and the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventor: George S. Creighton
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Publication number: 20030101627Abstract: A rotatable connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of the pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a first orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a second orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Howard W. Robinson, Wayne A. Shamblin, Bruce L. Hart
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Patent number: 6564482Abstract: An excavating adapter/tooth point assembly has an interfit configuration in which the front end surface of the adapter base has a curved front surface portion that slidingly and complementarily engages a facing curved rear end surface portion of the tooth point. The adapter nose received in the tooth point pocket is somewhat smaller in cross-section that the pocket to permit a limited vertical rocking movement of the point relative to the adapter nose, about a connector structure captively retaining the point on the adapter nose, while transferring rearwardly directed excavating loads on the point to the curved sliding adapter/point interface area. Top and bottom sides Of a rear end portion of the point have curved ear projections which extend rearwardly and outwardly along the adapter base and function as built-in wear guards that protect underlying surface portions of the adapter base.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: G. H. Hensley Industries, IncorporatedInventor: John A. Ruvang
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Publication number: 20030070330Abstract: An excavation tooth removably connected to an adapter connected to a shovel dipper, the adapter defining a first passageway, the excavation tooth having a tooth body defining a second passageway, a first cam receiving recess adjacent to one end of the second passageway, and a cam access orifice adjacent to the first cam receiving recess, a pin received in the second passageway defined by the tooth body and a cam which extends in a direction away from the pin, wherein the cam is received in the first cam receiving recess defined by the excavation tooth to removably secure the excavation tooth to the adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: John R. Olds, Patrick Campomanes
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Publication number: 20030024139Abstract: A wear assembly provided with a tapered opening and a complementary tapered lock wherein the lock can be pried into and from the opening to thereby eliminate the need for hammering. The lock is formed with a body and a latch that is movable between a hold position where the latch is engageable with a stop in the opening to releasably retain the lock in the opening and a release position where the latch disengages the stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Esco CorporationInventors: Larren F. Jones, Christopher M. Carpenter, David M. Graf
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Patent number: 6477796Abstract: A tip of a tooth assembly for a ground engaging implement or bucket is constructed with a necked down portion to provide the tip with a reduced cross-section sufficient to cause the tip to fail at the necked down portion when the tip is subjected to a sufficiently large vertical load in order to prevent the breakage of an adapter on which the tip is mounted. The tip also has side ears with side surfaces that are disposed at a slight angle relative to their mating side surfaces of the adapter ear pockets so as to diverge away from the side surface of their respective ear pocket. This construction prevents the distal ends of the ears from contacting the side surfaces when the tip experiences high side or lateral loads in order to alleviate lateral loads from being exerted on the distal ends of the ears through lateral contact with the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Erwin D. Cornelius
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Patent number: 6467204Abstract: An adapter assembly which includes an adapter having first and second adapter ends and first and second adapter sides. A removable tooth having first and second tooth sides is coupled with the adapter, and at least partially covers the first adapter end. A retainer pin extends at least partially through first and second openings of the first and second tooth sides, respectively and through an elongate slot of the adapter. The retainer pin is operable to cooperate with the adapter adjacent the first and second openings to couple the removable tooth and the adapter. A secondary retainer pin extends from the adapter at least partially into the elongate slot and engages a recessed portion of the retainer pin, the secondary retainer pin being operable to limit movement of the retainer pin along an imaginary longitudinal axis of the elongate slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventors: George S. Creighton, Peter Scott Mautino
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Patent number: 6393739Abstract: An elongated excavating tooth assembly includes a replaceable tooth point and an adapter structure comprising (1) an intermediate adapter having a front end nose complementarily received in a rear end pocket of the point and captively retained therein by a first connector pin structure, and (2) a main adapter having a front end nose complementarily received in a rear end pocket of the intermediate adapter and captively retained therein by a second connector pin structure, and a rear end operatively securable to an excavating bucket lip. Special configurations of the point and adapter portions of the assembly, including horizontally elongated oval configurations of the noses, horizontal orientation of the connector pins, nose stabilization bosses at the nose connector openings, and complementarily scalloped adapter and point interface areas, provide the assembly with reduced size and improved strength, wear and operational characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: G. H. Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Wayne A. Shamblin, John A. Ruvang, Howard W. Robinson
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Patent number: 6374521Abstract: A system for rapid and easy replacement of sacrificial machine parts, utilizing an adapter having a slot and a retainer pin fitted with at least one spring-loaded ball bearing suitable for engaging the slot when the retainer pin is inserted into the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventor: Sherlock Pippins
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Publication number: 20020023375Abstract: A tooth assembly for an excavating machine includes an adapter having first and second surfaces and first and second sides. The first surface of the adapter is generally tapered and converges toward a first end of the adapter. A tooth point is coupled with the adapter at the first end of the adapter, and the tooth point has a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter. The tooth point also includes first and second sides, the first side having a slot adapted to receive a non-rotation ridge of a retainer pin to prevent rotation of the retainer pin with respect to the tooth point. A second end of the adapter is adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn. The tooth assembly further includes a central portion extending generally from the first side of the adapter to the second side, the central portion defining a central bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: TRN Business TrustInventor: Sherlock Pippins
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Publication number: 20020000053Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable locking assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure. It may be used with excavating equipment for attaching ground-engaging teeth to adaptors, lip shrouds to bucket lips, or other analogous uses. The wear member includes at least one pin-retainer-receiving opening in one side. The opening is tapered, being narrower at its outer surface and wider at its inner surface. The support structure includes at least one pin-receiving recess which generally aligns with the opening in the wear member when the wear member and the support structure are operatively coupled. The pin retainer is a frustoconically shaped cylinder which is threaded internally. It is inserted into the opening in the wear member. The wear member is slidably mounted onto the support structure. The pin is an elongate body which is externally threaded. It is screwed into the pin retainer by the application of torque force from a standard ratchet tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventors: Dwight L. Adamic, Murray Smith
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Publication number: 20010052196Abstract: A system for rapid and easy replacement of sacrificial machine parts, utilizing an adapter having a slot and a retainer pin fitted with at least one spring-loaded ball bearing suitable for engaging the slot when the retainer pin is inserted into the adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: TRN Business Trust, a Delaware Business TrustInventor: Sherlock Pippins
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Patent number: 6321471Abstract: A device for coupling a tooth and tooth-carrier. The device including three successive areas from the median portion of a coupling part to its free end. A first area comprises stepped straight guides that open on lateral outer surfaces of the coupling part. Following the first area is a second guiding area comprising revolution surfaces, opposed to one another. A third, terminal area is shaped as a prismatic rod having its axis coinciding with that of the coupling part.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Metalogenia, S.A.Inventors: Roberto Fernandez Muñoz, Francisco Perez Soria, Lorenzo Navarro Romero, Jose Antonio Laforet Alvarez
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Patent number: 6247255Abstract: A multipiece excavating tooth assembly including an adapter, a digging or excavating tooth, and retaining pin structure for interconnecting the adapter and tooth in operable combination relative to each other. The tooth and adapter have a uniquely configured interface or conjuncture therebetween. Moreover, the conjuncture between the digging tooth and adapter is configured to advantageously orientate the retaining pin structure to avoid those problems inherent with conventional vertical and horizontal pin systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: H&L Tooth CompanyInventor: Charles Clendenning
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Patent number: 6158917Abstract: A pin retention mechanism which prevents longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin, such as used for attaching a heavy equipment tool, which provides quick and easy removal. The pin retention mechanism comprises a housing having an opening in which an end of a mounting pin is adapted to be located, and a removable member which is inserted into the housing adjacent the end of the pin. The removable member may be provided with a protruding section which is adapted to extend through a groove in the end of the pin for preventing rotation thereof. The removable member is retained in the housing by a spring catch. In each embodiment, a safety cap screw can be utilized to eliminate movement of the removable member.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventors: Robert H. Wolin, William E. Wolin
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Patent number: 6145224Abstract: An earthworking implement adapted to normally engage the ground in a primary direction of travel has a replaceable ground engaging tool retained onto a tool mounting portion of the implement by an elongated retainer. The tool mounting portion has an exterior surface with a first retainer pocket providing a first abutment surface facing in a direction substantially away from the primary direction of travel. The ground engaging tool, in turn, has an interior surface with a second retainer pocket positionable in alignment with the first retainer pocket and provides a second abutment surface disposed in a generally spaced, diametrically opposing relationship to the first abutment surface. An elongated retainer is positionable within the retainer pockets and has a pair of opposite solid end portions oriented to abut the first and second abutment surfaces such that the end portions restrict the tool from coming off the mounting portion in the direction of the primary direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Stickling
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Patent number: 6108950Abstract: An excavation tooth point longitudinally extending along an axis and having a pocket area extending inwardly through a rear end thereof is telescoped onto a nose portion of an adapter structure by inserting the nose portion into the tooth point pocket area. The inserted nose portion has a tapered side opening therein that is positioned between a corresponding pair of similarly tapered tooth side wall openings. The tooth point is removably coupled to the adapter nose using an elongated, wedge shaped connector member which is inserted, small end first, through the generally aligned tooth and adapter openings. An internal passage longitudinally extends through the large connector member end and receives an inner portion of a force exerting member which compresses a spring within the passage, the spring in turn resiliently biasing an outer portion of the force exerting member into abutment with an interior surface portion of the tooth.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: GH Hensley Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Ruvang, Wesley E. Martin
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Patent number: 6092958Abstract: A bottom mount pin retainer is disclosed for retaining a mounting pin detachably mounting a first member of a ground engaging tool to a second member thereof. The pin retainer utilizes a retainer assemblage that is adapted to relieve a snap-ring employed for retaining the pin from high axial loads in an upward direction while preventing axial movement of the pin in a downward direction. A non-load bearing member used has sufficient load bearing capacity to restrain the upward movement of the snap-ring during the insertion of the pin into the pin openings in order to seat the snap-ring in its snap-ring groove in the pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Preston L. Gale
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Patent number: 6032390Abstract: In an excavation bucket, the nose of an adapter has two surfaces to take the horizontal loads and four surfaces to take the vertical loads. A pin holds and locks a tooth to the adapter. Projections on the pin engage sloping surfaces of the nose. A recess placed ahead of the nose of the adapter will become visible as the tooth erodes due to wear. A recess at the nose of the adapter indicates that the tooth has worn too much and, unless the tooth is replaced, will commence to cause wear of the adapter and adjacent parts. To attach the adapter to the lip of the excavation bucket, wedge members are joined together near one end thereof to form a wedge-shaped block insertable into a wedge-shaped space formed by a C-clamp surface and a slot in the lip. The block is forced into the space, and spring biased teeth carried by the lock box progressively enter and leave the recesses in the outer surface of the C-clamp. When the C-clamp is tight enough in the gap, the installation of the lock box is complete.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Robert Bierwith
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Patent number: 6018896Abstract: The present invention is a coupling device for locking an excavation tooth onto an adaptor. The adaptor and tooth have a passage extending therethrough. The device includes a pin and retainer. The retainer is inserted into the adaptor. The pin includes a retainer seat for engaging the retainer. The retainer seat has a front wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the passage and a back wall which slopes away from the front wall. As the pin is inserted into the passage, the retainer engages the pin until it enters the seat. The front wall then prevents the pin from being retracted from the passage. To remove the pin, force is applied to the driven end of the pin. The pin will continue through the passage while the retainer slides along the sloped back wall of the retainer seat. This arrangement allows for the easy insertion and removal of the pin with a relatively small amount of force.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Quality Steel Foundries Ltd.Inventor: Dwight Adamic
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Patent number: 6014826Abstract: A trencher includes a frame. Ground engaging wheels and a chain are mounted on the frame. Sleeves are attached to and extend outwardly from the chain. Rotatable and fixed-orientation teeth can be mounted in the sleeves.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Inventors: Craig B. Walgren, John H. Walgren
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Patent number: 6009644Abstract: A wedge assembly (10) to cooperate with a wedge element (11) to secure a tooth (12) to the projection (13) of a bucket of an earth-moving machine or ripper. The assembly (10) includes a pair of wedge halves (22, 23) which have external wedge surfaces (24, 25) which converge towards an end (21) of the assembly (10). Located internally of the wedge halves (22, 23) is a wedge member (33) having external converging wedge surfaces (24, 25) which engage converging internal wedge surfaces (30, 31) of the wedge halves. The wedge member (23) has a threaded end (38) which can be engaged by a "puller" to aid in moving the wedge member (33) to release the pressure on the wedge halves (22, 23) to facilitate removal of the wedge assembly (10) from engagement with the wedge element (11).Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Justoy Pty, LtdInventor: Robert Ian Hedley
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Patent number: 6000153Abstract: A tooth attachment for earth working equipment which is configured to receive a conventional cutter bit. The tooth attachment includes a body which defines an upper end and a lower end. The upper end defines a bit holder configured to receive a conventional cutter bit and the lower end is configured to be releasably securable to the post of an implement of earth working equipment such as dragline equipment, a backhoe, a bulldozer, a grader or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Jimmie L. Sollami
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Patent number: 5992063Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of ground engaging tool components which are attachable to the lip of a bucket of an earth moving machine. The assembly of tool components comprises a nosepiece attachable to the lip of the bucket, an adaptor attachable to the nosepiece and a tip attachable to the adaptor. The components are attachable to one another by spigot and socket arrangements, the relevant spigot in each case defining two opposed tapered faces and a pair of side faces spacing the tapered faces from one another, at least one of the side faces of the spigot defining a groove with opposed side walls which are tapered in an opposite sense to the taper on the opposed tapered faces.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Commerical SARLInventor: Noel Raymond Mack
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Patent number: 5987787Abstract: An assembly of ground engaging tool components which are attachable to the lip of a bucket of an earth moving machine. The assembly includes a nosepiece attachable to the lip of the bucket, an adapter attachable to the nosepiece, and a tip attachable to the adaptor. The components are attachable to one another by spigot and socket arrangements, the relevant spigot in each case defining two opposed tapered faces and a pair of side faces spacing the tapered faces from one another, at least one of the side faces of the spigot defining a groove with opposed side walls which are tapered in an opposite sense to the taper on the opposed tapered faces.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Wright Equipment Company (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Noel Raymond Mack
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Patent number: 5964547Abstract: A connection pin assembly for attaching a replaceable implement to an earthworking bucket nose includes a spool and a wedge having respective ramping surfaces which convert relative axial movement into lateral expansion of the assembly. A screw member is located in a recess in the spool's ramping surface, a thread segment of the screw member engaging formations on the wedge to drive the axial movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Cutting Edge Pty. LimitedInventor: David Wayne Brinkley
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Patent number: 5956874Abstract: A lock system removably connects an earth-engaging tooth point to an adapter. The forward-extending nose of the adapter fits within the rear-facing socket of the tooth point. A pair of opposing sides of the socket defines coaxial apertures. The adaptor has a hole through opposing sides. A locking pin is inserted into the apertures and the hole, thus fixedly connecting the tooth point to the adapter. The locking pin is retained by a keeper situated in an annular groove within one of the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc.Inventors: Garrick J. Ianello, Michael D. Moehnke