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. 04, 2005
Filed:
Jul. 29, 2002
Paul A. Dvorak, Sanford, NC (US);
Mark A. Sporer, Raleigh, NC (US);
James M. Bell, Metamora, IL (US);
Paul A. Dvorak, Sanford, NC (US);
Mark A. Sporer, Raleigh, NC (US);
James M. Bell, Metamora, IL (US);
Caterpillar S.A.R.L., Geneva, unknown;
Abstract
A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.