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, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 16, 1998
Ronald E Wheeler, Angier, NC (US);
Other;
Abstract
The grapple system of the present invention is intended for use with a front-end loader or other type equipment which specialize in gripping and moving heavy loads. The grapple system includes a stationary jaw assembly that is comprised of a series of spaced apart fingers and which is adapted to be secured to a mounting fixture on the front loading equipment. Rotatably secured to the stationary jaw assembly, by a generally horizontal main shaft, is a movable jaw assembly. Also disposed about the main shaft is a T-shaped lever arm connector, which, along with a pair of hydraulic actuators, comprise an actuating linkage assembly. More particularly, the hydraulic actuators are disposed in a series configuration, with the T-shaped connector serving as an intermediate connecting link between the two actuators. The free end of one actuator is attached to the stationary jaw assembly, while the free end of the remaining actuator is attached in a similar manner to the movable jaw assembly. Hydraulic fluid lines that supply the actuators are connected so as to form a parallel circuit which insures that both actuators operate in unison. The parallel fluid circuit also insures an even or balanced distribution of hydraulic force to both actuators. Consequently, the actuator in the series which is presented with the smallest effective load will be preferentially actuated.