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:
May. 12, 2026
Filed:
Apr. 27, 2022
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Gerald William Gavin, Big Rock, IL (US);
James William Schaffer, Oswego, IL (US);
Matthew M. Desanto, Maple Park, IL (US);
Jeremy Dean Folkerts, Naperville, IL (US);
Travis Edward Schwark, Shorewood, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A shield assembly is configured for use with the axle assembly of a compaction machine. The machine includes a ground-engaging device with a hub that defines a cavity and an inboard opening. The axle assembly comprises a spindle and a final drive, with a gap between them. The shield assembly includes a shield body mounted within the hub cavity, positioned above the spindle and final drive, and extending over the gap. This arrangement directs debris away from the gap and associated seals, reducing contamination and wear of axle components during operation in debris-laden environments.