Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Charles F Sieck

Robert E Klimko

Craig W Riediger

James K Mathieu

Timothy S Conroy

Yon C Chong

Jeffrey A Deneve

Owen S Loughrin

Daniel R Neitzel

Richard A Naugle

Charles T McMillan

Gordon W Kelly

Richard H Wetherill

Morris W Koehler

Richard C Zielie

Alfred C Wingate

Bryan G Lammers

David G Young

Doyle G Heyveld

Brian J Janes

Dirk J Schreuder

Curtis W Apgar

Paul D Fotsch

Michael D Chatham

Edward P Kelley

David R Roley

Christy L Lee

Eliseo J Carmona

Walter E Lohmann, Jr

In the design of load bearing members for use in work machines, it is oftentimes beneficial to minimize the weight of such structures which, in turn, may allow for increased payloads and decreased cycle times of the work machine. A load bearing arrangement for use with a work machine of the type having a platform is provided. The load bearing arrangement comprises a plurality of pieces connectable to form a member structured and arranged for pivotable attachment to the platform. A weldment connects at least two of the pieces where at least one weldment is simulated for effects of heat on at least one of the pieces subject to the weldment.

Load bearing member arrangement and method

In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement. In this type of machine, the two frames are normally pinned together and the front frame is articulated with respect to the rear frame by a pair of steering cylinders to provide steering for the machine. In the area in which the two frames are pinned together it is necessary to provide structural support, especially in the hitch area of the front frame. The present invention provides a front frame assembly ( ) that has an upper and lower hitch plate ( ) that are positioned between and secured to the rear portion of a pair of side plates ( ) defined by the front frame assembly ( ). A first support plate ( ) extends between and is secured to the side plates ( ) and defines an upper and lower end portion ( ) that are secured to the respective upper and lower hitch plates ( ) to provide uninterrupted support therebetween.

Hitch assembly for the front frame of an articulated construction machine

In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and the majority of the drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement and related structure. In this type of machine, the two frames are normally pinned together and the front frame is articulated with respect to the rear frame by a pair of steering cylinders to provide steering for the machine. In order to provide the required structural support for the components of the work implement and to accommodate the steering forces, the front frame is necessarily quite large. The present invention provides a front frame (,) structure that includes a pair of main side plates (,) that are positioned a preselected distance (W) from one another and mount a lift arm assembly (,) therebetween to minimize the overall width of the frame assembly. The forward end portion of the front frame assembly (,) has a preselected height (H) that permits the front frame to have a low profile. These features provide a frame assembly that allows an operator exceptional visibility to the work implement (,).

Frame assembly for a construction machine

The fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element having a slot defined therein and a second fabrication element having a locking mechanism secured thereto. The locking mechanism has (1) an alignment member, and (2) a twist tab connected to the alignment member. The locking mechanism cooperates with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. A method of attaching a first fabrication element to a second fabrication element is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for securing a first fabrication element to a

Method for securing a first fabrication element to a second fabrication

A frame assembly includes a central tower portion having a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The first side wall portion has a first leg and a first arm each extending therefrom, and the second side wall portion has a second leg and a second arm each extending therefrom. The frame assembly also includes a hitch support assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate vertically spaced from each other. The hitch support assembly also includes a connecting member interposed between and connected to the upper plate and the lower plate. The hitch support assembly is secured to the central tower portion such that a lower end of both the first leg and the second leg are supported on the lower plate. The frame assembly further includes an axle mount assembly having a first axle plate, a second axle plate, and a support member extending therebetween, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are secured to the support member. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly is also disclosed.

Frame assembly for a construction machine and an associated method of

Frame assembly for an articulated construction machine

In the field of large construction and mining equipment, significant frame stresses considerably shorten the expected operating life of a machine. This invention provides indications of significant frame stresses on machines having a ground engaging portion, a frame connected to the ground engaging portion, and a plurality of pressure sensing devices. Each of the pressure sensing devices are adapted to produce pressure signals indicative of loads imparted on the frame. The pressure signals are processed to produce frame stress data.

Fatigue analysis and warning system

A pivot assembly provides limited pivotal motion between a relatively stationary member and a relatively moveable member which is supported on the stationary member. The stationary member is secured to a vehicle frame and the moveable member forms a portion of an endless track supporting frame. The pivot assembly includes a plurality of elastomeric bearings between the stationary and moveable members and a loading member to compress and preload the bearings. Conventional pivot assemblies utilize metal sleeve, roller or ball bearings to provide relative pivotal motion between stationary and cooperative moveable members. Such metal bearings require constant lubrication, and seals to contain the lubrication, and produce objectionable noise and vibration. The subject pivot assembly requires no lubrication or seals and generates low levels of noise and vibration by isolating the stationary and moveable members with the elastomeric bearings. The dual tapered, elastomeric preloaded bearings restrain and capture the relatively moveable member axially and radially without a thrust bearing.

Pivot assembly

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Dunlap, IL, United States of America

Charles F Sieck