Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Robert A Lapke

Joseph F Duffy

Randall A Harlow

James R Carlberg

Steven P Seaney

Joseph E Allen

Kurt J Scheidenhelm

Dean M Peterson

Joseph T Phillips

Eric J Beaupre

Rita R Waller

Bernard G Richards

A work machine and work machine access ladder assembly are provided. The work machine includes a work machine body having an operator platform. A hinge mechanism is coupled to the work machine body and defines a hinge axis oriented diagonally with respect to a vertical line. The ladder may be rotated about the hinge axis between a use and a stowed position.

Retractable access system ladder and work machine using same

A speed control system for controlling the ground speed or track speed of a particular work machine based upon the angle of inclination of the terrain upon which the work machine is operating, the present system including a first sensor for determining the angle of inclination of the terrain upon which the work machine is operating, a second sensor for determining the ground speed of the work machine, and an electronic controller coupled with the first and second sensors and with various speed retarding systems associated with the work machine for controlling the operation thereof so as to maintain the ground speed of the work machine below a predetermined maximum ground speed limit based upon the particular operating terrain angle of inclination. The controller will output a signal to one or more of the various ground speed retarding systems associated with the work machine when the controller receives a signal from the second sensor indicative of the ground speed of the work machine being equal to a predetermined ground speed. In certain situations, the controller may output a signal to the engine governor system to shutoff all fuel to the engine to further retard the ground speed of the machine. The controller may also output a signal to a monitoring or warning system so as to provide the machine operator with an overspeed warning signal in the operator compartment.

Work machine speed control system to manage engine overspeed and brake energy

A system for monitoring the output power of an engine associated with a work machine based upon monitoring the input and output speeds of a torque converter or torque divider coupled to the engine, the present system including a first sensor for determining engine speed, a second sensor for determining the throttle position of the engine, a third sensor for determining the output speed of the torque converter or torque divider, and an electronic controller coupled to the first, second and third sensors for receiving signals therefrom, the controller comparing the actual engine speed and the actual torque converter or divider output speed at a particular throttle setting to an engine speed and converter/divider output speed indicative of optimal or desired engine power output at that same throttle position and thereafter outputting a signal to a monitoring/warning system indicative of low engine power performance when the controller receives a signal from the third sensor indicative of the converter/divider output speed being less than a predetermined converter/divider output speed based upon optimal or desired engine performance at that particular throttle position.

Engine power monitoring system

The present invention includes a means of equalizing pressure within a sealed pin joint assembly. The pin joint assembly includes slidably connecting a pin through a bearing assembly fitted within a bore in an equalizer bar. The pin is circumferentially surrounded by a pair of seals disposed on either side of the bearing assembly for sealing within the equalizer bar. The seals are positioned adjacent the bearing assembly to define a pair of cavities therebetween. A receiving passage extends from a counterbore at an outer surface of the equalizer bar and terminates at the bearing assembly and is fluidly connected with the pin joint assembly. A grease zerk is disclosed within the receiving passage as a means to direct fluid into the joint wherein accumulation within the cavities is expected. As the pressure fluctuates within the cavities during operation, the lubricating fluid is free to travel through a pair of discharge passages and an interconnected cross passage therebetween.

Lubricated joint with equalizing pressure zone

A check valve normally blocks fluid flow from a bore to a passage and includes a spring normally holding a ball in sealing engagement with a valve seat to form a primary metal-to-metal hard seal. Another spring normally holds a poppet in engagement with another valve seat causing an annular protuberance formed on the poppet to sealingly engage a resilient seal to provide a more positive secondary soft seat seal. The poppet is unseated from the valve seat by a stem of a piston prior to the ball being unseated from the valve seat by a guide stem of the poppet so that the soft seal is opened at essentially zero flow conditions.

Soft seal poppet type check valve

An improved reciprocating engine wherein the pistons are provided with hollow compression rings having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and an elongated fluid flow path extending therebetween. A path is established through various parts of the engine including the piston for directing a coolant, usually oil, through the inlet to the interior of the piston ring to cool the ring during engine operation.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Robert A Lapke