Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Donald R Mast

Robert L McNabb

Joseph A Rapp

Joseph E Dezelan

Wayne R Tanner

Christopher J Russo

David R Michael, Jr

A system and method for statistically analyzing a structural member design is provided to obtain a probability that the structural design will meet predetermined design criteria. The present invention provides for numerous spreadsheets, interrelated by way of a macro, to performing statistical analysis on a design, wherein one spreadsheet accepts design input variables. The design input variables are then evaluated by a number of recommended design criteria. If the design fails to meet the recommended design criteria, the user can establish the design (e.g., optimize it in one embodiment) using the optimization spreadsheet. The optimization spreadsheet established the structural member design by automatically adjusting various design inputs so that the structural member design satisfies as many design criteria as possible. Once the desired design input values are discovered, a probability spreadsheet uses random data points to calculate the probability that the structural member design will fail to meet the design criteria.

Bolted joint statistical spreadsheet

A mounting assembly for mounting a blade assembly to a motor grader includes an upper and a lower retainer pivotally coupled together. The upper and lower retainers are pivotable about a single axis with respect to each other for grasping the blade assembly therebetween.

Motor grader blade retention system

A rollover protective structure (ROPS) for use with construction machinery includes a two-post frame having upright posts attached between a base and canopy and cross members attached between the posts. The posts are constructed from a pair of angled post members to define a box-like cross-section for the posts. The posts have rounded interior corners and square interior corners between adjacent sides thereof. Reinforcing members are attached between the adjacent sides and across the rounded interior corners to uniformly stiffen the post. Additionally, reinforcing members are attached between the base and upright posts to reinforce the intersection thereof. The reinforcing members include an upper portion attached between the post and base and a lower portion attached between the upper portion and base. The upper portion and the lower portion are constructed to collapse sequentially to maintain resistance to additional load deformation as the rollover protective structure is deformed.

Rollover protective structure and method

A locking mechanism is provided for an apparatus having a first member movable relative to a second member providing a plurality of spaced holes therein including: a housing secured to the first member; a lock pin extendably retractably mounted in the housing for insertion into the holes in the second member; and a powered control circuit having an actuated member movably mounted within the housing and connected to the lock pin, the actuator member providing differential force applying surfaces selectively exerting a predetermined locking force to hold the lock pin in the holes and a lower indexing force permitting substantially unrestricted relative movement between the first and second members and automatic insertion of the pin into one of the aligned holes.

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Decatur, IL, United States of America

Donald R Mast