The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 23, 2024
Filed:
Nov. 24, 2021
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Igor Strashny, Tucson, AZ (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A work machine powered electrically by a conductor rod includes a pneumatic control system for moving the conductor rod axially to contact power rails along a haul route. The conductor rod has a central passageway pneumatically coupling a head to a tip. A barrel extending from the head and an arm extending from the tip have concentric tubular conductors radially offset from each other and slidably mated together. Arrangements of pneumatic control valves provide pressurized air to selected cavities formed at ends or sides of the tubular conductors, causing axial forces that are balanced to effect retraction and extension of the arm within the barrel. In an open-loop mode, the pneumatic control system enables attachment of the arm to the power rails. In a closed-loop mode, mechanical feedback of relative position between the arm and power rails leads to axial adjustment pneumatically so that contact with electrical power is maintained despite lateral movements caused by steering or road conditions.