Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

Robert L Isaia

Robert L Shelby

Darryl J Brincks

Kent D Smith

David J Balzer

Jerrold R Asal

Francis D Bell

It is desirable in many applications to have a bulldozer assembly that can be angled and/or tilted without having interference between elements of the bulldozer assembly and the machine on which it is mounted. In the subject arrangement, a bulldozer assembly has a blade connected to a U-shaped frame through a universal connector. The blade is angled by a pair of angle cylinders connected between the U-shaped frame and a pair of spaced apart angle cylinder brackets located on the blade. The universal connector is connected to the blade generally midway between the pair of spaced apart angled cylinder brackets and generally aligned therewith. The pitch of the blade is maintained at a preselected position by a pitch control mechanism and mechanically adjusted by the pitch control mechanism. Since the pair of spaced apart angle cylinder brackets and the universal connecting joint bracket are in general transverse alignment and the universal connecting bracket is located generally midway therebetween, any angling and/or tilting of the blade permits the pair of angle cylinders to remain generally along their neutral axis. The subject arrangement provides freedom of angling and tilting of the blade without interference between elements of the bulldozer assembly and the machine.

Bulldozer assembly with angle, tilt and pitch control

A vehicle recoil mechanism includes a two-part shaft, a collar being slidable on one part of the shaft and in operative engagement with a recoil spring, the other part of the shaft being associated with a fluid chamber, so that upon wear on the shaft by movement of the collar relative thereto, only the one part of the shaft need be replaced, without interfering with the fluid chamber.

Modular recoil mechanism

A latching mechanism is provided for a service panel for gaining access into a closed compartment. The latch is an all seasons latch such that it can be operated even with an arctic mitten on the hand of the operator. The latch handle is positioned in a recess to prevent accidental actuation. A spring is provided for holding the panel or door latched closed and upon movement of the latch handle past a center position will locate the spring for holding the latch inactive as the door or panel is opened.

Door latch having overcenter spring

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Roanoke, IL, United States of America

Robert L Isaia