Caterpillar Inc.

Aaron R Hayes

Christopher D Derham

Brad Robert Van De Veer

Ashley D Menges

Brad R Vandeveer

Lance Mathew Cowper

Michael David Case

Daniel Joseph Whiting

Mihai Lazaroiu

Ralph J Lee

An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.

Machine joystick with ergonomic features

A system is disclosed for connecting a cab to a machine supporting frame. A sub-frame is secured to the machine supporting frame and is configured to tilt relative to the machine supporting frame. A plurality of vibration damping mechanisms is configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations between the sub-frame and the cab. A plurality of dead stop mechanisms is configured to limit movement between the sub-frame and the cab. A rigid connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to be selectively disconnected. A pivot connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to permit the sub-frame and the cab to be tilted relative to the machine supporting frame upon disconnection of the rigid connection.

Structure and a system for connecting a machine cab to a supporting frame

Cab for an earth working machine

A vehicle cab includes a floor, a roof, a front support operably coupling the floor and the roof, and at least two side supports operably coupling the floor and the roof. The vehicle cab further includes a door operably coupled to one of the at least two side supports. The door extends from adjacent the floor toward the roof. The door includes a window extending in a substantially uninterrupted manner from a lower edge of the door toward an upper edge of the door. The front support is located along a centrally-located, longitudinal axis of the vehicle cab, such that when the door is in a closed position, the door extends along a line oriented at an angle oblique with respect the longitudinal axis of the vehicle cab between the front support and the side support.

Vehicle cab including centrally-located 'A post'

Growing community of inventors

Emden, IL, United States of America

Aaron R Hayes