Caterpillar Inc.

David E Nelson

Andrew J Tonsor

James E Gee

Peter M Nelson

Ronald L Satzler

Craig B Kelley

Peter William Anderton

Samuel B Stevens

Noel J Rytter

Tony L Marcott

Steven D Jones

Anthony F Cieszkiewicz

Nainesh Parmar

Dean A Wiechman

Leo Chuzhoy

Monte C Cook

A method for assembling a spray pattern adjustment assembly for use with a spray head assembly is provided. The spray head assembly may define an outlet passage that has a height. The method may include the steps of inserting the spray pattern adjustment assembly having a reduced height compared to the height of the outlet passage into the outlet passage, increasing the height of the spray pattern adjustment assembly to at least match the height of the outlet passage, and substantially fixing the position of the spray pattern adjustment assembly relative to the spray head assembly.

Spray pattern adjustment system for a spray head

In many instances it has been a recent trend to incorporate the use of electronic controls into various machine functions to reduce the fatigue of an operator. When incorporated into the steering functions of a machine, the electronic controls often do not provide an operator with an 'automotive' feel and thus do not work as well in some machine applications as they do in others. The present invention incorporates a mechanical feedback through the steering controls to provide the operator with a feel similar to that of an automotive environment. In addition, the steering controls operate in a manner which provides a variable ratio of steering wheel rotation to steering control valve actuation depending upon the articulation angle of the machine. In so doing, the function of the steering controls will vary with and enhance the operation of each specific mode of machine operation.

Steering system for an articulated machine

In machines that are articulated in response to a steer input mechanism, it is many times necessary for the operator to make a steer input and then to make corrective adjustments in order to obtain the desired steer angle of the machine. In the subject invention, an electro-hydraulic steering system is provided which senses the desired steer input by the operator, senses the degree of articulation of the machine and a microprocessor delivers an electrical control signal (P) to an electro-hydraulic valve mechanism which effectively controls articulation of the machine. Once the machine has reached the degree of articulation desired by the operator, the microprocessor signals the electro-hydraulic valve mechanism to stop articulation of the machine. Consequently, the operator does not have to provide any adjustments thereto. Additionally, the ground speed of the machine is sensed and the rate of articulation is controlled in response thereto. In the subject arrangement, in the event of an electrical system failure, a back-up steering control circuit is automatically functional to control steering of the machine in a conventional manner. This arrangement provides an electro-hydraulic steering system that eases the operators fatigue by eliminating the need for corrective steer adjustments and is simple in construction and reliable in operation.

Electro-hydraulic steering system

The design and manufacture of past steering and transmission shifting control devices utilized an upright and rockable control handle for the steering function and an actuating element in close association with the control handle for effecting a speed change function of a multi-speed transmission. The design of the control handle does not offer a rotatable steering member which is familiar and easy to operate. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a steering wheel for steering a vehicle. A means for changing the speed ratio of the transmission is mounted on a front portion of the steering wheel and extends from a front surface so that the changing means may be conveniently accessed by an operator. A means for selecting either the forward or reverse drive condition of the transmission is mounted on the back portion of the steering wheel and extends from the back surface so that the selecting means may be conveniently accessed by the operator. The use of the steering wheel results in a convenient and simple steering and transmission shifting control device.

Steering and transmission shifting control device

The present invention provides a rollover protection structure that utilizes unitary corner members that are cast pieces that require no additional bracing. In addition, each corner member includes a leg portion that integrally defines an area of reduced cross-section. This reduction in cross-section creates an area of predictable deformation in the structure which will prevent the structure from collapsing on an operator stationed within the cab.

Construction for a rollover protection structure

A track roller frame assembly for a track-type vehicle includes a rugged and yet lightweight main body including a channel-shaped base, a recoil-mechanism receiving tubular casing overlyingly connected to a first end portion of the base, and a plate structure overlyingly connected to the second end portion of the base. A collar defines a bore therethrough for receiving a support member of a drive wheel preferably containing a hydraulic drive motor, and a support bracket is connected to the tubular casing for pivotally connecting the main body to the main frame of the vehicle. The weight of the superstructure and the tension forces on the drive belt that encircles the track roller frame assembly are advantageously transferred through the collar and the main body along a central vertical plane therealong and to a plurality of roller wheels centrally supported under the base. Several embodiments of the plate structure and the channel-shaped base are illustrated which collectively define a tubular beam having a particularly efficacious height 'h' to width 'b' relationship and a back-up shoulder for strengthened connection with the tubular casing.

Track roller frame assembly

A vehicle such as a combine harvester or the like includes a main frame and a first and second undercarriages for supporting the main frame and individually having front and rear wheel assemblies and a track encircling the wheel assemblies. A suspension structure therefore includes a laterally spaced apart pair of pivot joints adjacent the front wheel assemblies for pivotally connecting the undercarriages to the main frame, and a coupling assembly adjacent the rear wheel assemblies for centrally supporting the main frame on the undercarriages. A hydraulic motor powerably rotates each of the rear wheel assemblies and an inside support device is provided therefor that includes a stabilizing beam. The coupling assembly includes an equalizer bar having outer ends, and the stabilizing beam extends rearwardly beyond the driven rear wheel assemblies for connection to the outer ends. Also, an outside support device releasably clamps the rear wheel assemblies to the undercarriages.

Suspension structure for a tracked vehicle

Movable sensing arrangements are prone to damage, unable to position a load engaging device relative to a load for stacking purposes, and unable to controllably position the sensing arrangement. A movable sensing apparatus having a housing and first and second signaling devices mounted in the housing is provided. A guide rail assembly elevationally movably mounts the housing on a carriage assembly and an actuator controllably elevationally moves the housing along the guide rail assembly. A coupling connects the actuator to the housing and releases the housing from connection with the actuator in response to a force of a preselected magnitude being applied to the housing. Thus, the problems related to damage, stacking, and positioning are reduced. The movable sensing apparatus is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided unmanned vehicle having a lift mast assembly.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

David E Nelson