Caterpillar Inc.

Joel Robert Grimes

Steven Conrad Budde

Michael Scott Sekulich

Joseph E Forcash

Andrew Lee Vering

Wayne Harshberger

Jay Holloman Renfrow

Jason J Hagedorn

Alan Robert Connor

Christopher Lee Mays

Travis W Rogers

Bradley Robert Lancaster

Brian S Nobles

Anand Ramchandra Mijar

Robert Wayne Hunter, Jr

Andrew J Massey

Wayne Edward Harshberger, Ii

Jia X Zhao

Susan Green

Ian P Goggins

A visual reference system can be used with a loading machine such as a bucket loader having a bucket that can be vertically articulated with respect to a work surface. The visual reference system can include one or more illumination devices configured to project a visual fiducial beam toward the work surface. The visual fiducial beam can create a fiducial indication of where the bucket will contact the work surface when lowered adjacent the work surface. The visual reference system can assist in operation of the loading machine by enabling an operator to visually perceive the expected contact point between the bucket and work surface.

Loading machine with visual reference system

A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.

Method and system for calculating and displaying work tool orientation and machine using same

An engine enclosure and a method for assembling such an engine enclosure for a vehicle are disclosed. The engine enclosure may comprise a hood, a first door, a second door, a first fender and a second fender and a plurality of hinges. The hood may be disposed above the engine and may have an inset rim extending along a side of the hood. The door may be moveable between a generally vertical closed position and an open position. The door may include an upper edge, a non-metallic interior panel, and a non-metallic exterior panel fixedly joined to the interior panel. Each hinge may be attached to the hood and a door, and may be configured to rotate the door through a swing angle and to lift the upper edge of the door above the rim when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Engine enclosure door

A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.

Coupler with visibility window

An improved Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines for maneuvering an implement such as a bucket or pallet forks may include lift arms pivotally connected between an end frame of the machine and the implement, a tilt link pivotally connected between the implement and a tilt lever that is pivotally connected between the tilt link and the lift arms. Lift cylinders may rotate the lift arms to raise and lower the implement, and a tilt cylinder may drive the tilt lever and tilt link to rotate the implement between a dump position and a racked position. Ratios of the lengths of these kinematic elements are provided such that the good performance with one implement, such as bucket, does not result in poor performance with another implement, such as the pallet forks.

Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines

A vehicle includes a frame and an operator cab. At least one mounting assembly releasably mounts the cab to the frame. The mounting assembly is operable between a coupled position such that the cab is mounted on the frame, and an uncoupled position such that the cab is permitted to be moved relative to the frame. At least one hinge assembly releasably pivotally connects to the frame and the cab. The hinge assembly is operable between a connected position such that the cab is pivotally connected to the frame, and an unconnected position such that the cab is pivotally unconnected to the frame. The hinge assembly cannot be placed in the connected position when the mounting assembly is in the coupled position.

Operator cab tilting apparatus

Growing community of inventors

Fuquay-Varina, NC, United States of America

Joel Robert Grimes