Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

Rodger L Moring

Kent Allen Casey

Thomas E Cochran

Jeffry A Butler

Michael F Hopkins

Brent E Rieke

David N Schwartz

Jeffrey A Stokowski

Richard E Frauenhoff

A multi-motor drive system for a work machine has a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the work machine. The drive system also has a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device. The drive system may also include a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the work machine. Further, the drive system also includes a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device. Additionally, the drive system has an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system. A first drive motor may operatively connect to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system. Moreover, the drive system may include a second drive motor operatively connected to the second drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system.

Multi-motor drive system for a work machine

The present invention includes a method and system of identifying parts prone to problems. The method includes the steps of establishing a problem threshold, establishing a part type with a problem, determining a problem level with the part type in response to the part type problem level, comparing the problem level with said problem threshold, establishing a production life of the part type, determining if the part type is within a threshold of the production life, identifying the part type as the problem prone part in response to the comparison and the production life determination.

Method and system of identifying a problem prone part

A mounting bracket (14,14') for attaching an axle housing (10) to a frame (16,16') includes a rigid column structure (26,26') attached to each of a front (22) and a rear side (24) of the axle housing (10) and having a longitudinal opening (30,30'), a plate (40,40') arranged above and below the column structures and axle housing, and threaded fasteners (50,52) which extend through the upper plate (40,40'), lower plate (40,40'), and frame (16,16'). The plates (40,40') are each attached only to the ends of the column structures (26,26') while the column structures (26,26') are attached to the front (22) and rear (24) sides of the axle housing (10) about a neutral axis (25). A continuous, endless weld joint (36,36') is deposited in a closed loop figure which is laterally bounded by a wall (34,34') of the column structure (26,26') defining the longitudinal opening (30,30') to join each column structure (26,26') to the adjacent axle housing side (22,24). Bolts (50) extending vertically through the top and bottom plates, the column structures, and the frame permit transmission of forces between the vehicle frame and the axle housing without overstressing the weld seams interconnecting the mounting bracket and axle housing.

Axle housing mounting bracket

A stabilizer for stabilizing a drive carried on a frame. The stabilizer includes a stiffener element which is connected between a portion of the frame and the drive. The stiffener element is connected by means of an eccentric connector which is adjustably secured to provide an effective length of the stabilizer for positively securing the drive to the frame portion. A pair of such eccentrics may be provided at opposite ends of the stiffener element for further adjustability of the stabilizer.

Support link adjustment means

A method is disclosed for forming a method is disclosed for joint which comprises a pair of yoke assemblies universally connected by a journal cross having each of its journals rotatably mounted in a cylindrical bearing race. The bearing race is closely fitted within a like-shaped bore preformed between an end cap and a respective support arm of one of the yoke assemblies. The end cap and support arm abut at substantial bearing surfaces thereof disposed on either side of the bearing race.

Method for making a universal joint

A brake assembly comprises a housing having a piston assembly reciprocally mounted thereon to selectively release the normally 'on' brake assembly upon pressurization of an actuating chamber defined therein. The piston assembly comprises an annular piston having an opening formed therethrough to communicate with the actuating chamber. An annular pressure plate is releasably attached to the piston by a plurality of circumferentially disposed bolts. A cover plate is detachably mounted on an outboard side of the piston to normally cover and seal the opening formed therethrough and to further cover at least one of the bolts whereby the cover must be detached from the piston prior to releasing the bolt covered thereby.

Piston assembly with safety vent means for brakes and the like

A compactor wheel is rotatably mounted on a vehicle and comprises a plurality of pads disposed on the periphery thereof for compacting purposes. A cleaning bar assembly is mounted on the axle housing of the vehicle and comprises an integral U-shaped frame having a plurality of cleaning bars secured thereon to extend inwardly between the pads of the compactor wheel for removing material therefrom. The bars are secured on a pair of legs of the frame which straddle the compactor wheel in parallel relationship relative to the rotational axis thereof. Each of the legs has an adapter means secured on an outboard end thereof adapted to selectively attach an outboard support bar thereon to form a box-like frame enclosing the compactor wheel.

Cleaning bar assembly for compactor wheels

A fill and relief valve arrangement for the introduction of fluid into and the selective venting of fluid from a fluid chamber includes a body having a stepped open-ended bore extending therethrough and an annular shoulder formed at one end of the bore. A valve seat element is sealingly secured within the other end of the bore and has a passage formed therein communicating with a passageway which communicates the bore with the fluid chamber. A fill valve is adjustably positioned within the bore and has a first position in engagement with a valve seat element for isolating the fluid chamber from a vent port open to the atmosphere and a second position for establishing communication between the passageway and the vent port for venting the fluid chamber to the atmosphere. The fill valve is confined between the valve seat element and the annular shoulder.

Fill and relief valve arrangement

A universal joint comprises a pair of yoke assemblies universally connected by a journal cross having each of its journals rotatably mounted in a cylindrical bearing race. The bearing race is closely fitted within a like-shaped bore preformed between an end cap and a respective support arm of one of the yoke assemblies. The end cap and support arm abut at substantial bearing surfaces thereof disposed on either side of the bearing race.

Growing community of inventors

Bristol, IL, United States of America

Rodger L Moring