Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.

Gerald P Simmons

William E Streight

Hiram A Brubaker

Frank A Grooss

Michael E Vanderham

Robert R Farris

Robert N Stedman

Daniel E Henderson

Robert J Purcell

Javad Hosseini

Larry G Eftefield

Noel J Rytter

Conwell K Rife, Jr

Kent Allen Casey

Delwin E Cobb

Eugene L Helton

Craig W Riediger

Joseph C Hafele

John M Parks

John K Amdall

Lynn A Sutton

Ervin E Mangus

Orrin A Stemler

Kevin C Lent

Jeffrey A Moore

Thomas D Brewer

Wayne A Klopfenstein

Robert D Greer

Donald P Diemer

Nathan G Rozenboom

Gregory L Stone

Ronald L Saltzer

Anthony J Knock

Albert J Speck

Robert H Hawkins

Robert W Brown

An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Electric drive system with differential steering

Electrical devices such as motors and generators create heat as they operate. This can lead to lower performance and life. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling for such devices. This is particularly true in heavy duty applications such as earthmoving or other industries. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide cooling that involves the circulation of two fluids in defined pathways. Heat within a case or other enclosure for an electrical device is transferred to one fluid. Heat from the one fluid is subsequently transferred to the other fluid. In one example, this heat transfer may occur across fins for increased effectiveness. It is also preferred that the flow of fluid be closed loop so that contaminants are not introduced into the electrical device. By providing the heat transfer out of the electrical device as described, cooling is enhanced that can lead to longer lived and better performing devices.

Apparatus for cooling of electrical devices

A machine frame assembly is provided that includes a machine frame, a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame and configured to support a drive assembly for a track-type machine to allow pivotal movement of the drive assembly relative to the machine frame, and a power source, a portion thereof extending into the hollow pivot shaft and a portion thereof mounted adjacent to an end of the hollow pivot shaft. The power source is configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft.

Machine frame assembly for a track-type machine

A drive assembly is provided that includes a roller frame, a motor located on the roller frame, and a drive system located on the roller frame. The drive assembly may also include an endless track configured to be driven by the drive system and adaptable to provide locomotion to the track-type machine. The motor may have a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the roller frame. The drive system may be driveably engaged with the motor. The endless track may be configured to be driven by the drive system and is adaptable to provide locomotion to a track-type machine. A track-type machine having the disclosed drive assembly and method of driving such a track-type machine is also provided.

Drive assembly for a track-type machine

A main frame to roller frame stop assembly for limiting movement of an equalizer bar relative to the main frame of a track-type tractor or other work machine wherein the stop assembly includes a first member mountable to one of the roller frames, and a second member mountable to the main frame of the work machine, the second member being positioned and located to engage the first member when the equalizer bar moves a predetermined distance relative to the main frame, the first member being positioned and located in the vicinity of the bearing joint coupling the equalizer bar to the roller frame and further including an elastomeric portion capable of dampening and absorbing at least a portion of the load exerted thereagainst when the first stop member engages the second stop member. In another aspect of the present invention, the bearing joint coupling the equalizer bar to a respective roller frame includes a cylindrical bearing as compared to a conventional spherical bearing, the cylindrical bearing preferably including an elastomeric portion to even further dampen and absorb at least a portion of the load exerted directly onto the bearing joint. Regardless of the specific type of bearings utilized in the bearing joint, the present stop assembly can be utilized with any type of bearing.

Equalizer bar stop assembly for limiting movement of the equalizer bar relative to the main frame of a track-type work machine

The transmission system and associated method includes a drive shaft having a first input connected in rotatable communication with an output of a hydrostatic drive, and a second input adapted for connection in rotatable communication with a clutch selectably engageable with an engine for rotating the drive shaft therewith. The hydrostatic drive is selectably operable in at least a first drive mode for rotatably driving the drive shaft within a first or low rotational speed range, in a second drive mode for rotatably driving the drive shaft within a second or low-to-mid rotational speed range, and in a neutral mode for allowing the engine to directly drive the drive shaft when the clutch is engaged.

Hydrostatic/direct drive transmission system and associated method

A work machine having an adjustable operator station including a cab having a floor and an operator station. The operator station has (i) a platform which is pivotally mounted to the floor, (ii) a pair of rollers which are secured to the platform, wherein the pair of rollers contact the floor so as to support the support structure above the floor, and (iii) a seat secured to the platform. The work machine further includes a locking mechanism for locking the platform at any one of a plurality of positions relative to the floor. An associated method for positioning the operator station relative to the cab floor of the work machine is also disclosed.

Adjustable operator station for a work machine and an associated method

A system and apparatus for evacuating air from an at least partially enclosed space around an internal combustion engine including an exhaust pipe for the flow of combustion products to atmosphere. The present system and apparatus includes a shaft and structure for mounting the shaft to the exhaust pipe in the exhaust path, and an impeller mountable for rotation on the shaft, the impeller including a first rotor having at least one vane or blade positioned in the exhaust path and oriented so as to be rotatably driven by the flow of combustion products, and a second rotor connected in rotatably driven communication to the first rotor, the second rotor including at least one vane or blade positioned and oriented for propelling air within the enclosure for evacuating the air therefrom.

Air cooled engine enclosure system and apparatus

Driving systems for belted machines have in the past utilized a common material interface to drive the belted machine. For example, rubber belted machines have generally used a rubber drive therewith. The present drive wheel is made of metal and includes a plurality of contacting elements attached to the outer surface of a drum. Each of the contacting elements have a contacting surface have a generally diamond configuration defining a leading point of contact, a trailing point of contact, a major length and a minor length. The plurality of contacting elements are arranged on the drum in a plurality of spaced apart rows which extend circumferentially along and axis and each of the major lengths coincide with the axis. Furthermore, the major length is greater in length than the minor length. The plurality of contacting elements extend from the outer surface a preestablished distance and the interface of the preestablished distance and the contacting surface form a sharp edge 67 or a point 68. Thus, this point 68 or sharp edges 67 of the diamond drive wheel aggressively separates the debris and enables a positive interface or contact between the drive wheel and an inner surface of a belt.

Mental drive wheel for endless ground engaging drive belts

In certain machines, such as construction equipment, it is desirable to provide a supplemental fluid supply for hydraulic steering systems to maintain sufficient fluid flow should a failure occur in the primary fluid supply. It is also desirable to provide retarding or dynamic braking to help control speed of the machine when operating downhill with a heavy load. A ground driven pump is provided to supply fluid to a selector valve for selectively directing the output of the ground driven pump to a steering system or a dynamic braking system. The selector valve is responsive to pressure in the steering system to direct flow from the ground driven pump to the steering system when the pressure drops below a predetermined level. The operator may selectively direct flow from the ground driven pump to the dynamic braking system when dynamic braking is needed. A dynamic braking valve may be operator controlled to regulate the degree of dynamic braking required to maintain the desired machine speed under specific operating conditions. In this manner a supplemental supply is provided which may be selectively directed to the steering system or the dynamic braking system.

Hydraulic system for dynamic braking and secondary steering system supply

Electronic implement control

In many transmission control systems, electro-hydraulic valves have been used to condition the various clutches in the transmission. It is desirable to have a system where the clutches remain engaged in the event of an electrical malfunction in the system. In the subject invention, a separate electro-hydraulic interlock system is provided to control each one of a plurality of hydraulically actuated speed and directional clutches. Each of the electro-hydraulic interlock systems includes a pilot operated valve which operates to proportionally control one of the hydraulically actuated clutches in response to receipt of a pilot signal from an electro-hydraulic proportional valve that is proportionally controlled in response to a first electrical control signal. A solenoid operated valve is also provided to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid from the one hydraulically actuated clutch to a pressure responsive section of the electro-hydraulic proportional valve so that in the event of an electrical failure in the system, the pressurized fluid from the one hydraulically actuated clutch acts on the pressure responsive section holding the electro-hydraulic proportional valve in the fluid passing condition. This holds the pilot operated valve in a position to maintain the one hydraulically actuated clutch engaged.

Electro-hydraulic interlock system for a transmission

Truck bodies are useful for receiving and transporting material from an excavation site. When abrasive material is being loaded and transported, the truck body is equipped with a hardened replaceable wear member to reduce wear and denting. The truck body includes a plurality of base members welded together. A non-metallic member is bonded to the base members. A hardened replaceable wear member is bonded to the non-metallic member. This arrangement of components provides truck body floors which have hardened wear members, which are bonded to the base members, thus, eliminating the need for welding.

Composite truck body floor

Endless track work vehicle

Growing community of inventors

Washington, IL, United States of America

Gerald P Simmons