Caterpillar Inc.

Mihai Lazaroiu

Michael David Case

Marc Di Schino

Brad Robert Van De Veer

Keegan Wade Roach

Suneel Venkata Kandula

Jason Rex Dare

Aaron R Hayes

Rafael R Dela Rosa

Shane A May

Brent Russell Harrison

Reid Gramm

Carson Osmond

Greg Scott Reiner

Hunter Smalley

Garrett Frank McCowan

Tim Carstens

A work machine, an implement control console, a plurality of unique implement control pods, and a method of installing an implement control pod onto a work machine are disclosed. The work machine comprises a power unit, a locomotive device, an implement arm, a work tool, and an implement control console for controlling one or more functions of the work machine's components. The implement control console comprises a universal mounting bracket and an implement control pod, where the plurality of unique implement control pods may be installed, one at a time, to the universal mounting bracket. Advantageously, the plurality of unique implement control pods share a number of components, while the design of each implement control pod allows for concurrent one-handed operation.

Implement control console for work machines

An operator cabin may include a frame; a seat assembly supported by the frame; and one or more operator controls to control one or more components of a pipelayer machine, the operator controls being supported by the frame. The frame includes a front surface; a rear surface opposite the front surface; a first lateral surface; and a second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface. The front surface may comprise a first front support structure and a second front support structure opposite the first front support structure. The rear surface may comprise a first rear support structure and a second rear support structure opposite the first rear support structure. A first distance between the first rear support structure and the second rear support structure may exceed a second distance between the first front support structure and the second front support structure.

Pipelayer machine with operator cabin having narrow front view

Cab for construction vehicle

A foot pedal for a mobile machine may include a foot support, an arm, and a mounting frame. The arm may have a first end coupled to the foot support and a second end opposite the first end. The arm may have a change in curvature, a concave side, and a convex side opposite the concave side. The mounting frame may be configured to be mounted to a surface extending in a first direction. The convex side may face the surface.

Foot pedal and mobile machine including a foot pedal

An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.

Machine joystick with ergonomic features

A remote operator station may include a seat. A first and a second input device may be disposed on the seat. An interface device may be discretely arranged with respect to the remote operator station and may include an interface processor in communication with a machine. The interface processor may be configured to remotely control non-movement features and function of the machine. An electronic control module may be in communication with, at least, the first and second input devices. The electronic control module may be configured to: receive input signals from one of the first and second input devices; process the input signals; and communicate wirelessly processed input signals to a machine for remote operation thereof.

Remote operator station for a machine

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Mihai Lazaroiu