Caterpillar Inc.

Other

Caterpillar Sarl

Mark William Thompson

Trent Randall Stefek

Aaron Dean Kovar

Jeffrey R Peterson

A work tool position control for a work machine is disclosed. A bucket control is used to adjust the bucket of the work tool relative to an arm of a work machine. A controller receives a bucket movement signal from the bucket control and moves the bucket. A thumb position sensor is used to measure an opening angle between a thumb of the work tool and the bucket, and the measured opening angle is sent from the thumb position sensor to the controller prior to the controller moving the bucket.

Work tool position control

A hydraulic system for depressurizing a work tool auxiliary circuit of a work machine. The system comprises: a power source; a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a plurality of hydraulic lines, a pressure source, a control valve, a depressurize line connected to at least one of the plurality of hydraulic lines and the reservoir, the depressurize line includes an electromechanical valve for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid in the depressurize line; a controller and a coupler switch comprising at least two throws and having three positions where one of the three positions actuates the electromechanical valve to depressurize the work tool auxiliary circuit. The hydraulic system can be provided as a kit to existing work machines for depressurizing the work tool hydraulic auxiliary circuit of a work machine.

Universal hydraulic auxiliary depressurization circuit

In some implementations, an adjustable seal includes a multi-layer strap having a first end and a second end. A first layer of the multi-layer strap comprises a non-sealing material. A second layer of the multi-layer strap comprises a sealing material. The first end of the multi-layer strap includes a locking mechanism on the first layer of the multi-layer strap. The second end of the multi-layer strap is configured to be inserted through an opening of the locking mechanism to cause the multi-layer strap to form a loop that is to provide a seal. The first layer of the multi-layer strap is to form an external layer of the loop and the second layer of the multi-layer strap is to form an internal layer of the loop.

Adjustable seal

A quick coupler and methods of coupling and decoupling a quick coupler and work tool are disclosed. The quick coupler includes a frame, cylinder, primary blocking member, secondary blocking member, biasing member, and controller. The method of coupling includes activating an AUTOMATIC LOCKING state, automatically locking a second tool pin within a hook, a first tool pin entering a notch, and activating a LOCKED state. The method of decoupling includes activating the AUTOMATIC LOCKING state, resting the work tool on a surface, activating an UNLOCKED state, and separating the quick coupler and work tool. Advantageously, the quick coupler can automatically lock the second tool pin without actuation of the cylinder.

Quick coupler automatic locking mechanism and method

Disclosed is a control system for depressurizing a work tool auxiliary circuit fluidly connected to a work tool coupled to a work machine by a quick coupler. The system may comprise a controller configured to: receive an unlock signal for the work tool; receive tool data associated with the work tool, the tool data including a target pressure for the work tool auxiliary circuit or a release duration for the relief valve; and in response to the unlock signal and the tool data, automatically actuate opening of the relief valve (a) for the release duration or (b) until the target pressure is reached in the work tool auxiliary circuit or machine-side circuit or (c) to reach and maintain the target pressure in the work tool auxiliary circuit or machine-side circuit.

Automated work tool depressurization circuit and method

An anti-release mechanism of a pin-grabber coupler securing a work tool connected to a work machine is disclosed. The anti-release mechanism comprises an actuator, a wedge, a latch, a guide rod connecting the wedge and the latch, and a bias member on a first guide rod end of the guide rod biasing the latch and the wedge together. The wedge and the latch lock around a pin of the work tool and maintain the wedge against the pin of the work tool during a loss of engagement force of the wedge against the pin.

Anti-release mechanism

A pin grabber coupler and method for locking and unlocking a tool to a machine is disclosed. The pin grabber coupler may comprise a tertiary lock configured to pivot between an unlocked TL position and a locked TL position. The tertiary lock may include a first and second shoulders, a leg, a tab, a latch, a bias member and a detent. The bias member may be configured to exert a biasing force on the tertiary lock to urge the tertiary lock to the locked TL position. The detent may be configured to exert, when in a hold position, a holding force against the latch that is greater than the biasing force exerted by the bias member. When the detent is in a release position, the holding force applied by the detent against the latch is less than the biasing force applied by the bias member.

Pin grabber coupler

A cleaning device includes a cartridge assembly, a hose/tubing, a nozzle, and an activator. The cartridge assembly includes at least one cartridge configured to hold a liquid solution. An attachment device is coupled to the cartridge assembly and is configured to secure the position of the cartridge assembly to a user's arm adjacent the hand. A pump is located within the cleaning device and is located between cartridge and the nozzle, such that pump regulates dispensing of the liquid solution. The nozzle is in communication with the pump and acts as a diffuser to adjust the stream of the liquid solution passed through the hose from pump. The activator is in communication with the pump such that operation of the activator selectively releases a volume of the liquid solution from the cartridge so as to pass through the nozzle. A control unit and interface are permitted.

Cleaning device

A bullet with grooves to create more surface area to reduce drag, thus keeping a flatter trajectory that reduces the effects of wind, temperature, elevation and angle. Groves would be manufactured into the bullet and bullet jacket twist would need to match the barrel twist. For example, 1 in 8 twist, 1 in 8&#xbd; twist, 1 in 9 twist, 1 in 10 twist, 1 in 11 twist etc. Groves would be over the ogive of the bullet prior to where the bullet contacts the barrel wall.

Growing community of inventors

Manhattan, KS, United States of America

Mark William Thompson