Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Norma G Shook

Hugh C Morris

Gary A Hakes

George W Cackley

Stephen D Burdette

Gary N Heitzman

A crawler tractor vehicle having steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. In one embodiment, the clutch valving spool and brake valving spool are identical in configuration, and are disposed in a common bore. Actuator means are associated with such clutch valving spool and brake valving spool, in one embodiment including an actuator assembly made up of a plurality of plungers movable relative to each other and relative to the valve body to provide particular movement of the clutch and brake valving spools. In another embodiment, the actuator means comprise mechanical linkage means, for providing movement of brake and clutch valving spools positioned in respective separate bores defined by the valve body.

Vehicle steering brake and clutch control

A crawler tractor vehicle having fluid actuated steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. The vehicle further includes a transmission operable upon supply of fluid pressure thereto and a priority valve for providing that a certain level of fluid pressure is supplied to the brake system to provide a disengagement thereof prior to fluid pressure being supplied to the transmission.

A composite 'U' joint guard-step has a first member and a second member. A first assembly is provided for releaseably maintaining the first member in substantial mating alignment to the second member. A second assembly is provided for maintaining the second member at a preselected position relative to a 'U' joint. The first member has first and second flanges and a middle portion and is of an elongated channel and inverted 'U' configuration. The middle portion is generally planar and generally horizontal to provide a step for an operator. The first member is of a configuration sufficient for extending over and being spaced from the 'U' joint. The second member has first and second flanges and is of elongated channel configuration. The second member is of a size sufficient for mating with the first member at the first and second flanges, while being spaced from the 'U' joint. In combination with the first member, the first and second members encompass the 'U' joint.

Growing community of inventors

Morton, IL, United States of America

Norma G Shook