Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Michael R Theobald

William H Zimmerman

Rick A Laylock

This invention provides a mounting arrangement for a ripper shank that is mounted in a channel defined in a ripper frame. A pair of piston members are mounted in the frame on opposite sides of the ripper shank. The piston members are urged into engagement with the ripper shank by a biasing mechanism that is positioned between the frame and the piston members. An actuating mechanism is mounted between the frame and the piston members to disengage the biasing mechanism to allow the adjustment of the ripper shank with respect to the frame in one of an infinite number of positions.

Mounting arrangement for a ripper shank

A countershaft transmission provides two forward and two reverse speeds using an input shaft, an output shaft, an intermediate shaft, four rotating clutch assemblies, and seven gears. The directional clutch assemblies are mounted in back-to-back relation on the input shaft, the first speed clutch assembly is mounted on the output shaft, and the second speed clutch assembly is mounted on the intermediate shaft. Three of the clutch assemblies are radially aligned, and the output shaft includes a coupling substantially radially aligned with the remaining clutch assembly. A brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the output shaft is provided on the intermediate shaft in substantial radial alignment with the coupling. The transmission is relatively compact axially as well as radially, and is easy to assemble in a housing having two major portions.

Countershaft transmission

A countershaft transmission provides three forward speeds and three reverse speeds using an input shaft, an output shaft, an intermediate shaft, five rotating clutch assemblies of the interleaved multiple plate and disc type, and eight gears. The first speed clutch assembly is mounted on the intermediate shaft, the second and third speed clutch assemblies are mounted on the output shaft, the remaining directional clutch assemblies are mounted on the input shaft, and the clutch assemblies are generally compactly grouped. Advantageously, no separate idler gear and associated shaft are required.

In a vehicle, such as a motor grader, having a work tool operated by at least one hydraulic cylinder, the position of the work tool being controlled by a main control valve, and the work tool being placed in a float condition by actuation of a second control valve, the improvement wherein the operator may override the float condition by actuation of the main control valve.

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Princeville, IL, United States of America

Michael R Theobald