Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Robert L McNabb

Joseph A Rapp

Donald R Mast

Kolin J Kirschenmann

Tom N Brooks

Gail F Westendorf

Jason Martin

Christopher J Russo

William G Worby

A system and method for statistically analyzing a structural member design is provided to obtain a probability that the structural design will meet predetermined design criteria. The present invention provides for numerous spreadsheets, interrelated by way of a macro, to performing statistical analysis on a design, wherein one spreadsheet accepts design input variables. The design input variables are then evaluated by a number of recommended design criteria. If the design fails to meet the recommended design criteria, the user can establish the design (e.g., optimize it in one embodiment) using the optimization spreadsheet. The optimization spreadsheet established the structural member design by automatically adjusting various design inputs so that the structural member design satisfies as many design criteria as possible. Once the desired design input values are discovered, a probability spreadsheet uses random data points to calculate the probability that the structural member design will fail to meet the design criteria.

Bolted joint statistical spreadsheet

The present invention includes a resilient cab mounting apparatus for resiliently mounting a cab structure, incorporating a roll over protective structure, onto a vehicle frame. The cab mounting apparatus includes a first resilient member which is positioned between the cab structure and the frame members and held in place by use of a mounting structure having an attached upper flange.

Vibration-isolation cab mounting apparatus

An assembly for coupling a dump truck bed to a frame of a work machine includes an attachment member secured in fixed relation to the frame. The attachment member has a plurality of first fastener apertures defined therein. The assembly also includes a hydraulic cylinder having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled to the dump truck bed. The assembly further includes a bearing assembly having an inner race and an outer race, wherein (i) the outer race is disposed around the inner race such that the outer race rotates in relation to the inner race thereby defining a central axis of rotation, (ii) the outer race is fixed in relation to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder, (iii) the inner race is fixed in relation to the attachment member, and (iv) the inner race has a plurality of second fastener apertures defined therein. The assembly also includes a plurality bolts respectively positioned within the plurality of first apertures of the attachment member and the plurality of second apertures of the inner race so as to secure the inner race to the attachment member, wherein the plurality of first apertures of the attachment member and the plurality of second apertures of the inner race are each eccentrically located relative to the central axis of rotation.

Assembly for coupling a dump truck bed to a frame of a work machine

A corner assembly for a protective rollover structure of a work machine is disclosed. The corner assembly includes a first tube having a first inner wall, a first outer wall, a first right lateral wall, and a first left lateral wall which collective define a first interior space. The first inner wall of the first tube has a first gusset slot defined therein. The corner assembly also has a second tube having a second inner wall, a second outer wall, a second right lateral wall, and a second left lateral wall which collective define a second interior space. The second inner wall of the second tube has a second gusset slot defined therein. The corner assembly further includes a gusset having a first inner leg, a first outer leg, a second inner leg, and a second outer leg. The gusset is positioned relative to the first tube and the second tube such that (i) the gusset extends through both the first gusset slot and the second gusset slot so as to be located within both the first interior space and the second interior space, (ii) the first inner leg of the gusset contacts the first inner wall of the first tube, (iii) the first outer leg of the gusset contacts the first outer wall of the first tube, (iv) the second inner leg of the gusset contacts the second inner wall of the second tube, and (v) the second outer leg of the gusset contacts the second outer wall of the second tube.

Corner assembly for a protective rollover structure for a work machine

A rollover protective structure (ROPS) for use with construction machinery includes a base, four upright posts attached to the base and cross members attached between the posts to define generally a box-like structure. Two of the posts define a forward side of the structure. The other two posts define opposing ends of the structure. First and second reinforcing members are attached within the first and second posts to the forward sides, respectively, for selective reinforcement of the forward sides. Third and fourth reinforcing members are attached within the third and fourth posts to the opposing ends for selective reinforcement of the opposing ends, respectively. The first and second reinforcing members extend between the base member and cross member, and the third and fourth reinforcing members extend between the base member to above the cross member.

Rollover protective structure and method

This invention utilizes a cast corner member (20) as a support base for the load bearing members (14) of a roll over protection structure (10). The cast corner member (20) has an end portion (34) comprising at least one gusset (40) which telescopically engages a tubular member (14). The gusset (40) has a tapered configuration which defines a free end portion (36) that has a reduced cross-sectional area and is positioned within the tubular member (14) in slightly spaced relationship to at least one of the side walls of the tubular member (14). When the end portion (34) of the corner member (20) is telescopically received within the tubular member (14), a groove is formed to receive a weld bead (22) which secures the two members together. Since the area of the weld bead (22) is inherently the weakest portion of the structure, the gusset (40) functions to direct bending stresses to an area away from the weld bead (22) to prevent the weld from cracking when the roll over protection structure (10) encounters a bending load.

Structural weld joint with internal gusset

A rollover protective structure (ROPS) for use with construction machinery includes a two-post frame having upright posts attached between a base and canopy and cross members attached between the posts. The posts are constructed from a pair of angled post members to define a box-like cross-section for the posts. The posts have rounded interior corners and square interior corners between adjacent sides thereof. Reinforcing members are attached between the adjacent sides and across the rounded interior corners to uniformly stiffen the post. Additionally, reinforcing members are attached between the base and upright posts to reinforce the intersection thereof. The reinforcing members include an upper portion attached between the post and base and a lower portion attached between the upper portion and base. The upper portion and the lower portion are constructed to collapse sequentially to maintain resistance to additional load deformation as the rollover protective structure is deformed.

Growing community of inventors

Monticello, IL, United States of America

Robert L McNabb