With Means To Facilitate Attachment Of Shovel Or Rake To Handle Or Boom Patents (Class 414/723)
  • Patent number: 12146289
    Abstract: A front-end loader adapter plate self-adjusting twin stage locking coupler having an extendable and retractable adapter plate lock pin having an elongated body with a first end, a second tapering locking slot engaging end, an exterior surface having a pair of opposing rails, and an extendable and retractable adapter plate lock foot having a lock foot body with the lock foot body including a first end, a second tapering female coupling structure engaging end, and an interior channel having a pair of opposing rail slots matingly engaging the corresponding rails of the lock pin therein to slidably support and maintain at least a portion of the lock pin within the interior channel of the lock foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventor: Luke John Deters
  • Patent number: 12139866
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes upper and lower crossbars that are horizontally oriented and spaced vertically apart from each other, with each of the upper and lower crossbars having oppositely-disposed outboard ends. A pair of L-shaped brackets and a spacer bracket are mounted adjacent each outboard end of each of the upper and lower crossbars and horizontally orient and space the upper and lower crossbars vertically apart from each other. The pair of L-shaped brackets having lower legs configured to couple with the mount attached to the frame of the vehicle. The adapter assembly is adapted to couple with existing mounts installed on passenger vehicles, such as mounts adapted for the attachment of snow plows, to permit the attachment of a wide variety of implements and accessories to the front ends of such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Johnston Landscape Maintenance Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hartley Johnston, David Andrew Sinn
  • Patent number: 11976436
    Abstract: One embodiment of a thumb for an implement of a machine has first and second side plates each having a pivot end for pivotally connecting to a linkage of the machine and an engagement end for engaging with a load. The thumb also has a belly plate extending across a width of the thumb between the first and second side plates and extending along a length of the thumb from the pivot end toward the engagement end. Additionally, the thumb has a thumb support structure disposed closer to the engagement end than to the pivot end. The thumb support structure has a first support plate extending widthwise between the first and second side plates and a second support plate extending widthwise between the first and second side plates and further extending between the first support plate and the belly plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron D. Kovar
  • Patent number: 11970833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick coupling for coupling a tool to the boom of a working machines, comprising a quick coupling part at the boom side and a quick coupling part at the tool side that are latchable to one another via two spaced apart latching axles and an energy circuit coupling for the automatic coupling of an energy connector at the tool side and an energy connector at the boom side that comprises an energy coupling part at the boom side and an energy coupling part at the tool side that move toward one another by pivoting together about a first latching axle on an orbit and thereby automatically couple with one another. At least one of the energy coupling parts is movably supported. The energy circuit coupling comprises a linear guide that compensates the circular relative movement of the energy coupling parts on the pivoting together and guides them linearly toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-HYDRAULIKBAGGER GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Zitterbart, Robert Grau
  • Patent number: 11913189
    Abstract: A bucket for an excavator is provided. There is provided a bucket for an excavator to which both a general coupler and a tilt coupler are applicable, the bucket for an excavator having both an inner cavity formed between a cover portion and a support portion as a space having a quadrangular or polygonal shape and a coupling bracket extended to a rear surface thereof, thereby improving strength thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Kang Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 11613871
    Abstract: A system configured to couple an implement to a work vehicle includes a first lock assembly coupled to an arm of the work vehicle, and the first lock assembly includes a first lock, a second lock, and a first actuator configured to drive the first lock and the second lock laterally outwardly to engage respective first openings formed in the implement. The system also includes a second lock assembly coupled to a frame of the work vehicle, and the second lock assembly includes a third lock, a fourth lock, and a second actuator configured to drive the third lock and the fourth lock laterally outwardly to engage respective second openings formed in the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Owen Seacat
  • Patent number: 11530124
    Abstract: An apparatus for stacking hay bales comprises a base frame securable to a motorized vehicle, a plurality of tines pivotally connected to the base frame extending to free distal ends, the tines defining locations therebetween spaced to correspond to a bale of hay and a push bar extending parallel to the base frame and movable between a retracted position proximate to the base frame to an extended position along the plurality of tines to push the hay bales from therebetween. In operation, the apparatus is used by passing at least two of a plurality of tines to each side of a hay bale, lifting the hay bale by a platform extending from a base of the plurality of tines and pushing the hay bales off the tines with the push bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 1243653 B.C. Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony Erich Koeck, Ernie Koeck
  • Patent number: 11377812
    Abstract: A connection system for coupling a working assembly to a work vehicle includes a frame having a mounting portion at a first longitudinal end of the frame. The mounting portion is configured to directly couple to a frame of the work vehicle. The connection assembly also includes a mounting assembly at a second longitudinal end of the frame of the connection system. Additionally, the connection system includes a receiver assembly movably coupled to the frame of the connection system. The receiver assembly is configured to rotate about a point of rotation positioned along the frame of the connection system. The receiver assembly is configured to couple to a connector assembly on an arm of the work vehicle. A top part of the receiver assembly is substantially longitudinally aligned with the point of rotation while the receiver assembly is in a receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Owen Seacat
  • Patent number: 11208785
    Abstract: A tool coupler for coupling a tool to an end of a machine link. The tool coupler having a coupler frame, a hook configured to receive a first pin of the tool and configured to attach to the end of the machine link such that the tool coupler, a wedge slidingly received within the coupler frame, and an actuator connected to the wedge to move the wedge away from the hook to bias a second pin of the tool against the coupler frame. The tool coupler mounts the tool to the machine link such that the tool and the tool coupler pivots about the same axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Clemons, Aaron D. Kovar
  • Patent number: 11208784
    Abstract: Provided is a coupling apparatus including: an arrangement for attaching the coupler to an associated vehicle with at least one hydraulic cylinder and hydraulically driven wedge, and a pair of cutouts wherein the hydraulic cylinder drives the wedge between an upper mounting bracket and an adaptor installed in a lower mounting bracket of an implement. The provided adaptor includes: a pin with a first opening, a threaded pin with a second opening and a cap bolt inserted through the pin and into the threaded pin and secured thereto thus securing the attachment of the pin and threaded pin to the lower mounting bracket of an implement to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy Molnar
  • Patent number: 11167679
    Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a trailer having a front end, a rear end and a loading deck for carrying a skidsteer having an implement connector frame. The trailer further comprising a carrier operable to receive the skidsteer's implement connector frame. In a system aspect, there is provided trailer and skidsteer system. The trailer has a front end, a rear end and a loading deck for carrying a skidsteer thereon. The skidsteer has an implement connector frame. The system comprises a carrier operable to receive the skidsteer's implement connector frame and securing means to secure the implement connector to the carrier member. When the implement connector is secured to the carrier member, using the securing means, the skidsteer is placed in a secured transport position on the loading deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 10815100
    Abstract: A utility system may include at least one moveable arm, and at least one grappling assembly connected to the at least one moveable arm. The grappling assembly may include an upper claw including one or more lower grasping surfaces, and a lower claw including one or more upper grasping surfaces. The lower claw may be pivotally secured to the upper claw. The upper claw may be configured to close with respect to the lower claw. The lower claw may be configured to be wedged into at least a portion of the moveable arm so that the upper claw may compressively grasp a structure between the one or more lower grasping surfaces and the one or more upper grasping surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: WESTENDORF MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Neal W. Westendorf, Daniel Keith Yarnell, Matthew N. Westendorf
  • Patent number: 10724205
    Abstract: A front loader includes a working tool and an attachment body to which the working tool is attached, including a lock pin configured to attach and fix the working tool, a lock lever configured to move the lock pin between a releasing position and an attaching position, and a latching portion having a retaining mechanism configured to retain the lock lever at the releasing position and another mechanism configured to move the lock lever to the attaching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nadaoka, Yuta Ozeki, Masaki Abe, Koshiro Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 10414633
    Abstract: A utility system may include at least one moveable arm, and at least one grappling assembly connected to the moveable arm. The grappling assembly includes an upper claw, a lower claw, and fasteners to pivotally secure the lower claw to the upper claw. The upper claw includes lower grasping surfaces and coupling openings. The lower claw includes upper grasping surfaces and mating openings. Each mating opening is axially aligned with one of the coupling openings. The upper and lower claws rotate about the fasteners at first pivot axes when the fasteners are retained within first coupling openings of the upper claw and within the mating openings of the lower claw. The upper and lower claw rotate about the fasteners at different, second pivot axes when the fasteners are retained within second coupling openings of the upper claw and within the mating openings of the lower claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Westendorf, Neal W. Westendorf
  • Patent number: 10400419
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coupler for coupling an accessory or work attachments or implements to a vehicle, such as a dipper arm an excavator or similar vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Gerome Rangi Hart, Isaac John Hart
  • Patent number: 10337166
    Abstract: A front-loader arrangement (12) for an agricultural vehicle (10) with a bracket (16) and a mast arrangement (18) for fastening a front loader (13) to the bracket (16). The mast arrangement (18) comprises a contact point (53) for application onto a bearing point (36) of the bracket (16) and a displaceable locking element (54) that extends through at least one first opening (52, 52A) formed on the mast arrangement (18) and through at least one second opening (38) brought into alignment with the first opening (52, 52A). The locking element (54) is connected by a connection element (56) to an actuation element (58) arranged offset parallel to the locking element (54). The actuation element (58) can be actuated by an external force and the locking element (54) can be displaced by the connection element (56) and by the actuation of the actuation element (58) from the unlocked position into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: David Rohou
  • Patent number: 10273650
    Abstract: A carrier for coupling loader arms to an implement of a work vehicle includes a pair of brackets coupled by a cross-rod. Each bracket includes an inner wall spaced apart from an outer part. At least one of the inner walls defines a latch slot. The carrier includes a latch mechanism movable between latched and unlatched positions. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate having a retaining flange with an engagement surface, a pair of lock pins and a pair of latch receptacles associated with the brackets. When in the latched position, the latch mechanism has the lock pins received in the latch receptacles and the engagement surface disengaged from the one of the inner walls. When in the unlatched position, the latch mechanism has the retaining flange passed through the latch slot and the engagement surface engaged with the one of the inner walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Diego Adrian Villarreal
  • Patent number: 10190283
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a work tool to an arm assembly of a machine includes a first plate and a second plate fixed to the work tool, the second plate being spaced apart from the first plate along a first direction. An external surface of the first plate defines a forward recess and an aft recess, and an external surface of the second plate defines a forward recess and an aft recess. A concavity of each of the forward recess of the first plate, the aft recess of the first plate, the forward recess of the second plate, and the aft recess of the second plate facing a second direction, the second direction being transverse to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Work Tools B.V.
    Inventors: Edward van Amelsfoort, Henricus J. Dings
  • Patent number: 10113292
    Abstract: In a control device, a pilot-operated first check valve connects a solenoid-operated first directional control valve to a lock side chamber of a lock cylinder installed in a quick coupler. A pilot-operated second check valve is connected to the lock cylinder unlock side chamber, a solenoid-operated second directional control valve connected between the second check valve and the first directional control valve. The first and second directional control valves are controlled by a controller with processed signals input from a mode selector switch, first sensor detecting a buck closing pilot pressure, and second sensor detecting a bucket closing working pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Kenichi Yokota, Shigeru Abe, Yuya Kanenawa, Yujiro Yukimura
  • Patent number: 9863117
    Abstract: A coupler is configured to couple an implement to an earth moving or materials handling machine. The coupler includes a locking member for locking a pin of an implement into a coupler in the recess. The locking member is driven by a hydraulic arrangement, with the hydraulic cylinder body being formed integrally with either the coupler body or the locking member. The coupler may be adapted to accommodate a range of implement pin spacings and/or diameters, so that the coupler can be used with different implements and in particular with different makes of implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew James Calvert, David Aperahama Calvert
  • Patent number: 9809945
    Abstract: A frame has a crosspiece with a pair of longitudinal branches, and is used for installing an adapter on earth moving equipment. This equipment has an implement support structure with one or more bearing plates for accommodating azimuthal rotation of a working implement. This working implement is removed from the implement support structure before attaching a frame there. The frame's crosspiece has walls that engage the bearing plates on the implement support structure. An adapter is rotatably mounted on the frame. Any one of a plurality of working accessories can be selected and installed on the adapter. For equipment that originally lacked bearing plates, a cross member with bearing plates is provided in a kit. The frame will then attach to the kit's cross member and to the implement support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Middleton
  • Patent number: 9803332
    Abstract: An excavation bucket includes a bottom face part, a rear face part, a pair of opposing side wall parts, teeth, a bracket, and a target penetration depth display component. The target penetration depth display component is provided around the teeth and near an end of the side wall part that forms an edge of an opening, and displays the target penetration depth. A wrist radius is an imaginary line segment connecting a center of a first hole in the bracket and the distal end of the teeth in side view. The target penetration depth display component is provided to an inside of at least one of the pair of opposing side wall parts and at a position of the side wall part corresponding to a position that has moved along the imaginary line segment from the distal end of the teeth by a specific proportional length of the wrist radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Daijirou Tanaka, Tatsuo Aira
  • Patent number: 9751472
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tool rack attachment configured for holding at least one tool. The tool rack attachment may be configured for attachment to a vehicle. The tool rack attachment may include a frame and a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may be configured for releasable attachment to the vehicle. The tool rack attachment may also include at least one bracket. The bracket may be configured to retain the tool. The tool rack attachment may provide convenient access, storage, and transport to one or more tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Meyers
  • Patent number: 9677245
    Abstract: A locking mechanism to secure a coupler's jaw, and a coupler incorporating the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Doherty Engineered Attachments Limited
    Inventors: Paul James Doherty, Jeremy Glen Doherty
  • Patent number: 9562346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting appliances/tools to a tool arm, wherein the apparatus includes: an upper fastening portion (10B) adapted to be supported by a tool arm (2) of a machine; a lower fastening portion (16A) arranged to support at least one appliance/tool (5) to be maneuvered by the machine, wherein the lower fastening portion (16A) has one or more recesses (40,41) arranged to receive corresponding fastening pins (30,31) of the appliance/tool (5) for engagement when connecting the appliance/tool to the apparatus; and at least one locking element (50) arranged to be in a locking position for locking the appliance/tool to the apparatus when the fastening pins are in engagement with the recesses (40,41); wherein the apparatus further includes: at least one first sensor (70) arranged to verify that the locking element (50) occupies a correct locking position; and at least one second sensor (80) arranged to verify correct engagement between the fastening pins (30,31) and the r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rototilt Group AB
    Inventors: Anders Jonsson, Niklas Bjuhr
  • Patent number: 9555842
    Abstract: An adapter bracket assembly is configured to allow a tractor to operatively connect to a different, otherwise incompatible utility component. The adapter bracket assembly includes an attachment member configured to securely connect to an attachment bracket that is compatible with the tractor, and a component-engaging member that is configured to securely connect to the different utility component in order to securely and operatively connect the different utility component to the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Walter Westendorf
  • Patent number: 9342093
    Abstract: The tool carrier disclosed herein has a locking device with a low degree of complexity, a low diversity of parts, and a high degree of reliability. By the completely automated locking process, the setting up of the tool on the tool carrier is considerably simplified for the operator or the driver, since neither has to leave the cabin any longer in order to lock the tool. The actuation of the setting up and holding devices by the tool during the setting up of the tool ensures that the locking device is used only if a tool is also set up. An erroneous movement of the lock into its locking position due to vibrations or by a movement of the tool carrier or the front loader without a set-up tool is effectively avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Diego Adrian Villarreal, Damien Faivre
  • Patent number: 9334623
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an implement locking system for locking an implement to an implement carrier of a power machine. The implement locking system includes a locking mechanism having a locking pin with an extended position for locking the implement to the implement carrier and a retracted position for mounting or removing the implement from the implement carrier. A user input provides a signal indicative of an operator intent to move the locking pin to the retracted position. A locking actuation valve controls the locking mechanism to automatically and continuously extend the locking pin in the absence of the signal being indicative of the intent to move the locking pin to the retracted position. The locking actuation valve moves the locking pin to the retracted position only for the time corresponding to the signal being indicative of moving to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Gaetan Billaud
  • Patent number: 9322145
    Abstract: Quick coupler (1) for attaching a tool (2), comprising an attachment bracket with two parallel attachment pins (3a, 3b), to an earth moving vehicle. The quick coupler (1) comprises a frame (4) with a first cutout (5) and a second cutout (6) arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, where the respective cutout is adapted to cooperate with the respective attachment pin (3a, 3b) of the tool (2). The quick coupler (1) further comprises at least one, in relation to the frame (4) moveable locking arrangement (9), adapted to delimit the second cutout (6) in a direction parallel to the first cutout (5), at least one, in the frame (4) arranged, actuator (8) adapted to move the locking arrangement (9) between a first open and a second locked position, and a lock indication device (10) which visually indicates if the locking part (9) is in the first or second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: STEEL WRIST AB
    Inventors: Markus Nilsson, Stefan Stockhaus, Sven Siggstedt
  • Patent number: 9315210
    Abstract: A trailer includes a chassis having a hitch, an axle having a tractive element rotatably coupled to the chassis, and an actuator coupled to the chassis and positioned to steer the tractive element in response to an input, the input varying based on at least one of a speed, a transmission gear, and a steering mode of a tractor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Mitch F. Sears, Kevin W. Magners, Jeffrey J. Miller, Benjamin G. Lochner, Jason M. Ollanketo, Jason R. Shively, Sean Strosahl, Kellie Watters, Bashar M. Amin
  • Patent number: 9296366
    Abstract: There is provided an outrigger connection locking device used in a crane apparatus including a boom, a swivel base that supports the boom so as to be raised and lowered, a carrier frame on which the swivel base is mounted, and an outrigger removably mounted to the carrier frame. The outrigger locking device includes: a connection pin that can be inserted into a carrier frame hole formed in the carrier frame and into an outrigger hole formed in the outrigger; a telescopic cylinder that performs a telescopic motion that allows the connection pin to move to a location in which the connection pin is inserted into the carrier frame hole and the outrigger hole; a connection locking unit that restricts the connection pin inserted into the carrier frame hole and the outrigger hole from moving; and a remote operation mechanism for connection locking that can operate the connection locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventor: Homurako Ukezeki
  • Patent number: 9167739
    Abstract: A quick connection that allows fastening a tool to the lifter arm of an operating machine and includes first and second joining devices associated respectively to the lifter arm and the tool aimed at being reciprocally engaged. The first joining device includes a swivel head that swivels between a raised position and a lowered one and a first gudgeon; the second joining device includes a shaped body that defines a calibrated inlet opening and support structure. The swivel head, in raised position, enters the shaped body through the opening, then it rotates to its lowered position, thus bringing the first gudgeon in engagement with the support structure. The shaped body includes a stop aimed at striking a winglet of the swivel head and at preventing the swivel head from going out in any succession of movements which are not inversely equal to those carried out for the introduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: C.M.C. S.R.L.-SOCIETA UNIPERSONALE
    Inventor: Giovanni Borghi
  • Patent number: 9039344
    Abstract: A connector device enables universal compatibility and interchangeability between any work tool accessory having a boom feature and any skid steer loader as well as controlled support of the work tool accessory. The connector device also prevents machine instability issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Herman H Marcus
  • Patent number: 9004845
    Abstract: Implements and brackets for mounting implements on the lift arms of a working machine with a front end loader configuration are disclosed. The implements and brackets are configured to enable a user to mount the implement on the lift arms of the working machine in an inverted orientation, for example in order to mount a bucket that is typically used in a forward-facing orientation for digging or clearing in an inverted rearward facing position for piercing into the ground and performing a rearward scooping action. Some embodiment includes configurations for manual or powered adjustment of a lateral position of the implement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the working machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Gilbert Bernier
  • Patent number: 8979468
    Abstract: A loading work apparatus includes booms, attachment tools, an implement tool removably attached to the attachment tools, and implement tool cylinders. The implement tool includes an engaged member on a back surface thereof. The attachment tools include an attachment unit having an engaging member engaged with the engaged member, coupling members supporting the transverse shaft, and lock members locking/unlocking engagement between the engaging member and engaged member. Each coupling member includes brackets on lateral opposite sides of the lock member. The transverse shaft is supported at opposite ends thereof by lower portions of the right and left brackets. The support shaft is supported at opposite ends thereof by intermediate portions of the right and left brackets. The transverse shaft and the support shaft bridge across the lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Oyama, Kenzo Ushiro
  • Patent number: 8977441
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Joseph Edward Forcash, Christopher Lee Mays, Steven Conrad Budde
  • Patent number: 8974171
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a pair of booms, a link mechanism and a control unit. The booms are attached to a front part of a vehicle body in an upwardly and downwardly rotatable state. The link mechanism couples a working unit to tips of the booms. The link mechanism is configured to keep the working unit in a posture generally parallel to the ground without rotating the working unit with respect to the ground while the booms are elevated from a position where the working unit is disposed on the ground when the working unit is a fork. The control unit is configured to execute a tilt angle adjusting control for the working unit in accordance with variation in an angle of the booms while the booms are elevated when a tilt angle of the working unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Masanori Ikari
  • Patent number: 8974137
    Abstract: A quick coupler for connecting an implement to a machine. The quick coupler including a frame, a first jaw pivotally connected to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position, a second jaw pivotally connected to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a lock system connected to the first jaw and the second jaw. The lock system includes a first linkage pivotally connected to the frame and to the first jaw, a second linkage pivotally connected to the first linkage and to the second jaw, and a drive member connected to the first linkage and configured to selectively operate the lock system between an unlocked position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Parker, H. Patrick Gaines
  • Patent number: 8951001
    Abstract: A machine includes a boom, a stick, a bucket, and a hose arrangement. The stick is pivotally coupled to the boom. The bucket is operatively coupled to the stick and defines a pivotal axis therein. The bucket has a bowl-shaped portion for holding material on a first side and a recessed portion on a second side. The hose arrangement is coupled to the bucket and includes a first and a second manifold, and a first and a second set of hoses. The first manifold is coupled to the bucket and disposed in the recessed portion proximal to the pivotal axis. The second manifold is coupled to the bucket and disposed on the second side of the bucket. The first set of hoses is fluidly connected to the first manifold. The second set of hoses is fluidly connected to the first and second manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Matthew Lau, John Luvaas
  • Patent number: 8920106
    Abstract: A thumb assembly mountable to a lifting arm of an excavator includes a base member mountable to the lifting arm, the base member having a link mounting aperture, a thumb member pivotally connected to the base member, a link member having a base mounting aperture in a first end for coupling to the base member and a thumb mounting aperture in a second end for coupling to the thumb member, a removable pin receivable through the link mounting aperture and the base mounting aperture to connect the link member to the base member, and a connection-assist system disposed on at least one of the link member and base member, the connection-assist system configured to provide a visual indication that the thumb member and the link member are in a position such that the removable pin can be received through both the link mounting aperture and the base mounting aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Seljestad
  • Publication number: 20140321956
    Abstract: For use with a front-end loader etc, the coupler-assembly provides a rigid connection between the pivoting arm-end and the bucket. Included is a slider-block, guided in slide-guides and slider-slots in side-plates of the frame of the arm-end. Sliding the block using a hydraulic slider ram, wedges the bucket lugs tightly into the frame. The slider-ram is integrated into and moves with the block. A lock-spring urges a lock-bolt into position to lock the bucket-lug to the arm-end frame. A lock-ram releases the lock-bolt, to permit dis-engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: AMI ATTACHMENTS INC.
    Inventor: Steven Oscar Frey
  • Patent number: 8857081
    Abstract: A quick hitch coupler having an arrangement for releasably coupling a tool such as an excavator tool to the quick hitch coupler. The arrangement for releasably coupling the tool to the quick hitch coupler has tool pin engaging members on spaced apart portions of the main body of the quick hitch coupler. One of the tool pin engaging members has an associated latching member movably mounted on the main body of the quick hitch coupler between a tool pin locking position and a tool pin releasing position. The latching member has a lock movably mounted on the latching member for locking a tool pin onto the latching member quick hitch coupler in normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick McCormick, Caroline McCormick, Lorna McCormick, Martin Segarty, William Egenton
  • Patent number: 8851826
    Abstract: A bottom surface part of a bucket includes first and second curved surface parts. The second curved surface part is positioned closer to a back surface part than the first curved surface part. A second curvature radius of the second curved surface part is shorter than a first curvature radius of the first curved surface part. The center of the first curvature radius is positioned to the outside of a main bucket body when viewed from the side. In a horizontal state, the first curved surface part is arranged along or above a reference curved surface when viewed from the side. A connecting part between the first curved surface part and the second curved surface part is positioned more towards a lip part than the portion of the bottom surface part that is positioned lowest in the bottom surface part in the horizontal state when viewed from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Nagata, Kenichi Higuchi, Masakuni Ueda, Kouzou Ishida, Daijirou Itou
  • Publication number: 20140271078
    Abstract: A lift arm structure for use on a power machine is disclosed. As disclosed, the lift arm structure includes an articulated knee portion pivotally attached to a main lift arm portion. The articulated knee portion is pivotally coupled to a distal end of the main lift arm portion at a bend angle. The bend angle can be fixed by a fixed length rod connected to the main lift arm portion and the articulated knee portion or adjustable through an actuator operably connected to the main lift arm portion and the articulated knee portion. In some applications, the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder connected to the lift arm portion and the articulated knee portion. A rod of the cylinder is extended and retracted to increase or decrease the bend angle of the articulated knee portion. The bend angle can be adjusted utilizing input from operator input devices or machine controlled utilizing pre-programmed bend angle parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rodney Koch
  • Patent number: 8801355
    Abstract: A grabber accessory for attachment to a prime mover is described, and may include a stanchion, pivotable arm having a proximate end attached to the stanchion to form a pivot point of the arm and a distal end extending generally transverse to the stanchion and terminating in at least one downward tine, and hydraulic cylinder attached between an upper end of the stanchion and a surface of the arm between the proximate and distal ends. The hydraulic cylinder may be configured to raise and lower the arm under hydraulic control from a main hydraulic feed of the prime mover. The accessory further includes a pair of vertically spaced clamping assemblies attaching a lower portion of the stanchion to frame member surfaces of the prime mover so as to secure the accessory in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Edward B. Price
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8777546
    Abstract: A carrier is provided for releasably attaching a tool to the lift arms of a work machine. The carrier comprises a lift arm attachment point for attachment to the lift arm, a tool attachment point for releasable attachment of the tool to the carrier, and a contact pad, for contacting the tool in use. In use, the lift arm and contact pad lie in the same vertical plane. Providing a contact pad between the carrier and tool in line with the lift arm removes any transverse bending forces on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Henry A. Lanting, Scott R. Jamieson, Radu T. Guja
  • Patent number: 8764373
    Abstract: The UTILITY CARRYALL provides a safe reliable and efficient lift and transport support for users in the agricultural industries. It can be coupled to all hydraulic front loaders and rear 3point hitches on utility, skid steer and industrial tractors. It also can be attached to a forklift on a rear hydraulic 3point hitch and front loader on utility farm and skid steer tractors. The front support rack 22 supports a multiple adjusting coupling system FIGS. 1,6. This system provides a capability for coupling the utility carryall to all varying widths of front loader lift arms on utility tractors. A uniquely designed profile providing a method for a new unified structural support system in combination with a new multiple adjusting coupling system, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6. This new method of fabrication provides an interrelated multifunctional exchange between integral elements of both systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Elwood Bates
  • Patent number: 8690515
    Abstract: A coupler for receiving first and second pins of an accessory. A first latching mechanism is associated with a first jaw, having an arm connected to and extending away from a latching member thereof, and a second latching mechanism is associated with a second jaw, the first and second latching mechanisms adapted to latch the first and second pins of an accessory in or on the first jaw and the second jaw, respectively. The second latching mechanism is powered for movement between a latching position and a non-latching position. The first latching mechanism is connected to, or connectable with, the second latching mechanism to allow operation of the second latching mechanism selectively to operate the first latching mechanism between its own latching and non-latching positions by means of a groove or flange or finger provided on the second latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Miller
  • Patent number: 8684623
    Abstract: A tool coupler for a machine is provided herein. In an embodiment, the tool coupler may have a coupler frame, a hook coupled to the coupler frame and configured to receive a first pin of a tool, and a wedge operatively connected to the coupler frame. The tool coupler may also have an actuator connected to move the wedge away from the hook to bias a second pin of the tool against the coupler frame, and a latch associated with the wedge. The latch may be movable between a first position at which the wedge is allowed to move away from the second pin, and a second position at which the wedge is constrained from moving away from the second pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Curtis Robl, Andy Lee Vering, Richard Kent Oswald, Trent Randall Stefek