Movable Cab Or Operator's Station Patents (Class 180/89.13)
  • Patent number: 11241929
    Abstract: A method for assembling an agricultural vehicle including the initial step of providing the agricultural vehicle including a frame, a hydraulic manifold, and a cab suspension system. The cab suspension system includes an anti-roll bar, a pair of support brackets configured for securing the anti-roll bar to the frame, and a pair of intermediary placement brackets configured for temporarily supporting the anti-roll bar in a final assembly position. The method includes the further steps of attaching the intermediary placement brackets onto the frame, positioning the anti-roll bar on the intermediary placement brackets to position the anti-roll bar in the final assembly position, assembling the hydraulic manifold onto the frame, and connecting the support brackets to the frame and the anti-roll bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Paulson, Lucas Koch, Mark S. Draeger, Rajeshwar Adupala
  • Patent number: 11203853
    Abstract: A cabin assembly for construction equipment includes a main frame; a mount mounted on the main frame; a cabin fixed to the main frame by the mount while spaced a predetermined distance apart therefrom; a retainer for connecting the cabin to the main frame and fixing the cabin to the main frame such that the cabin is not inclined at a first angle or greater with respect to the main frame; and a support installed on one of the main frame and a lower surface of the cabin, including an end portion facing the other of the main frame and the lower surface of the cabin while being spaced apart therefrom, and when the cabin is inclined at a second angle or greater with respect to the main frame, contacting the other of the main frame and the lower surface of the cabin to support the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Kyoo Lee
  • Patent number: 10988912
    Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic excavator that enables arrangement of a camera at an appropriate position on a lateral edge of a revolving unit. The camera is installed on the lateral edge of the upper surface of the revolving unit. A handrail is attached to the upper surface of the revolving unit. The handrail includes a first handrail member extending in the front-rear direction of the revolving unit, and a first support member supporting the first handrail member on the revolving unit. The camera and the first support member are adjacent to each other in the tight-left direction of the revolving unit, and the first support member is arranged inward relative to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuyuki Takimoto, Asami Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10759330
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tie-down bracket for a motor vehicle. The tie-down bracket includes at least one light. In this way, the tie-down bracket may function as one or more of a signature light, turn signal, cornering light, etc. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Kevin Berington Johnson, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10626895
    Abstract: A working machine includes a vehicle body, a travel apparatus provided to a rear portion of the vehicle body, a fender provided above the travel apparatus, and hydraulic piping that is disposed between the travel apparatus and the fender and that extends from a front-portion side to a rear-portion side of the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tsuji, Shigeo Sakamoto, Toshimitsu Yazaki, Toshiya Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10442475
    Abstract: A method for performing open-loop or closed-loop control of a driver's cab mount of a motor vehicle, wherein the driver's cab mount has dampers whose damper force can be adjusted, wherein the motor vehicle can be operated in a first driving mode in which the motor vehicle automatically carries out vehicle guidance comprising both a longitudinal guidance operation and a transverse guidance operation of the motor vehicle, and in a second driving mode where the motor vehicle can be controlled by the driver, in which driving mode a driver of the motor vehicle is intended to carry out at least part of the vehicle guidance, wherein when the motor vehicle is operated in the first driving mode, the adjustable dampers of the driver's cab mount are actuated or adjusted in such a way that pitching or rolling movements are reduced compared to the second driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS AG
    Inventors: Philipp Wagner, Jan Fleischhacker, Christian Kohrs
  • Patent number: 10421504
    Abstract: An agricultural machine, preferably a combine harvester, which has a pivoting vehicle cab. The cab is pivotable relative to the main frame of the machine, about an axis of rotation transverse to the direction of travel of the machine. The cab is pivoted to allow an operator to view a front coupling of the machine, to observe the attaching or detaching of a work implement to the front coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Fabio Racchella, Paolo Basso
  • Patent number: 10112657
    Abstract: A suspension system for a cabin of a mining vehicle. The suspension system comprises a plurality suspension units to support the cabin with respect to the mining vehicle. At least two of the suspension units are pivot suspension units, and each pivot suspension unit is pivotably mountable to the cabin and is fixedly mountable to the mining vehicle. The cabin is pivotable relative to the mining vehicle about a common pivot axis defined by the pivot suspension units. Each pivot suspension unit has an attenuation member to attenuate a pivot movement of the cabin relative to the mining vehicle. An underground mining vehicle and a cabin for a mining vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: DUX MACHINERY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hermann Karl Bumueller
  • Patent number: 10053159
    Abstract: A cabin support deck for supporting a cabin of a construction machine on the underside of the cabin includes a frame member and a mounting portion. The frame member includes a proximal segment at which the frame member is supported, a distal segment, a left side segment, and a right side segment. The distal segment has a first structure having a first lateral dimension. The proximal segment has a second structure having a second lateral dimension which is greater than the first lateral dimension. At least one of the proximal side sections of the left side segment and the right side segment has the second structure, and the other portions of the left side segment and the right side segment have the first structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji Sakai, Tomonori Nakashita, Kiyotsuna Kuchiki
  • Patent number: 9883668
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural application machine includes a chassis which carries a storage tank for the material to be applied. The chassis has a central longitudinal beam from which at least a pair of wheels is suspended. A transversely-extending boom assembly is suspended from the longitudinal beam. An engine is located to one side of the longitudinal beam and has an output drive shaft connected through the longitudinal beam to hydraulic pumps. The narrow chassis allows steerable wheels to be positioned at tolerable track widths while permitting a large steering angle and thus small turning radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Netherlands B.V
    Inventor: Joris Jan Hiddema
  • Patent number: 9574325
    Abstract: A rear portion is arranged in the rear of a front portion, and has a width smaller than a width of the front portion in a plan view. A wall portion extends from the rear portion outward in a width direction toward the front portion and includes two walls opposed to each other in a fore/aft direction with a gap lying therebetween, in a plan view. Electric components are arranged in the gap and project into an indoor space of a cab from the gap through a through hole formed in the front wall. In a plan view, a foremost portion of the electric components is located in the rear of a foremost normal located foremost among normals to a line connecting a front end and a rear end of a doorway, which intersect with the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikeda, Masamichi Miyazaki, Akihiro Miyachi
  • Patent number: 9487249
    Abstract: A cab suspension system for coupling a cab frame to a chassis frame of a work vehicle is disclosed. The chassis frame may include a suspension platform. The suspension system may generally include a pad configured to be coupled to the cab frame and an outer tube extending from the pad in a direction of the suspension platform. The outer tube may define a circumference. Additionally, the suspension system may include a bump stop coupled to the outer tube. The bump stop may extend around a portion of the circumference of the outer tube. Moreover, at least a portion the bump stop may extend below the outer tube such that the bump stop is configured to contact the suspension platform prior to the outer tube when the outer tube is moved in the direction of the suspension platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Shane M. Scott, Salvatore Virgilio
  • Patent number: 9469966
    Abstract: Provided is a guard-equipped cab for a work vehicle in which contact between a work implement and a member for coupling an operator protective guard to a cab can be avoided. A front guard is coupled by hinges to be openable/closable with respect to a cab for a work vehicle. A hinge has a shaft portion, a first plate member, and a second plate member. The first plate member is fixed with respect to a right front pillar. The second plate member is fixed with respect to the front guard. The first plate member has a support portion supporting the shaft portion, and extends from the support portion toward a left surface of the cab for the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Makoto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9441343
    Abstract: Provided is a work vehicle capable of expanding a field of vision from inside a cab equipped with an operator protective guard. A front guard provided on a front side of a cab has a frame constituting an outer edge of the front guard. The frame is formed by framing an upper frame, a lower frame, a right vertical frame, and a left vertical frame. The right vertical frame has a vertical frame bent portion, and extends rearward toward the cab as it comes close to the lower frame from the vertical frame bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Makoto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9366008
    Abstract: A heat exchanging device has a frame member mounted on a revolving frame, and this frame member supports an oil-cooler and a radiator. A support member is to support a canopy and the like. The support member is composed of a housing support base provided by extending in the left-right direction on an upper side of the engine and a left front leg part and a left rear leg part each having an upper end mounted on a left-side position in the left-right direction of the housing support base and a lower end mounted on the revolving frame by straddling an engine. The housing support base of this support member has a right side in the left-right direction formed as a free end. Further, the free end of the housing support base is configured to be mounted on the frame member of the heat exchanging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Kokuryou, Masaya Ueda, Junya Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 9017006
    Abstract: Mobile apparatus, comprising a main frame (202) displaceable on displacing means; a sub-frame (203) which is rotatable around a vertical axis and which is mounted on the main frame and provided with a control unit; at least one operating arm (210) mounted on the sub-frame and an automatically movable lifting device provided on the main frame, which lifting device is adapted to be connectable to an agricultural attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hudsin Bay Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Leendert Wilhelmus Cornelis Huissoon
  • Patent number: 9016419
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit, a counterweight disposed on a rear end part of the upper revolving unit, an engine compartment disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit, a cab disposed in front of the engine compartment on the upper revolving unit, an equipment compartment disposed between the engine compartment and the cab on the upper revolving unit, a pair of handrails and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The pair of handrails is disposed on the equipment compartment. The pair of antenna supporting parts is configured to support a pair of antennas. At least a portion of the pair of antenna supporting parts is disposed above the engine compartment. The pair of antenna supporting parts is connected to the pair of handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Minetaka Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8991538
    Abstract: A cab suspension and repositioning system (110) for a truck includes a control arm assembly (130) having two control arms (134, 136) with distal ends pivotably attached to a truck chassis (112) and proximal ends pivotably attached to a cab (102), and one or more follower control arms (144, 146) having a distal end pivotably attached to the chassis (112) and a proximal end pivotably attached to the cab (102). Cab suspension assemblies (114, 170) releasably lock the cab (102) to the chassis (112) during operation. The control arm assembly (130) further provides motion control to the cab (102). Hydraulic cylinders (140) engage the control arm assembly (130) and are operable to move the cab (102) between an operating position adjacent the chassis and an access position away from the chassis (112) substantially without rotating the cab (102). A control system (200) powers the cylinders (140) and controls the transition between the operating and access positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Gerald Jay Angelo, Larry F. Gulan, Theodore J. Scherzinger
  • Patent number: 8979175
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a driving cab for tractors. A hollow part is provided in a bottom plate of the driving cab, and a hollow shaft is provided in the bottom plate so as to be rotatable around the hollow part. A driver seat, an implement control device and a movement control device are fixed to the hollow shaft, so that the driver seat, the implement control device and the movement control device can be rotated along with the hollow shaft. Thereby, the implement control device and the movement control device along with the driver seat can be easily turned in a desired direction. When the tractor is required to be moved forwards or backwards, the implement control device and the movement control device along with the driver seat can face in the direction in which the tractor moves, so that the driver can easily control movement of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Daeho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joong-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8978812
    Abstract: An operator's seat mounting section (11) that is positioned in back side of a floor member (10) includes a seat plate (11D) for mounting an operator's seat (14) and an equipment mounting part (11F) that rises upward from the right side of the seat plate (11D), and a right operating lever assembly (16) is provided in front of the equipment mounting part (11F). A controller accommodating space (21) is provided to be positioned in back side of a console (16A) of the right operating lever assembly (16) and between a side surface (11F1) of the equipment mounting part (11F) of the operator's seat mounting section (11) and the operator's seat (14), and a controller (27) is mounted in the controller accommodating space (21) to control various kinds of electric equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Kimura, Hiroshi Tabeta
  • Patent number: 8950538
    Abstract: Disclosed is a working machine which comprises: a lower propelling body; a support base; an equipment installation area; a pipe extending from the equipment installation area; a guard which covers the equipment installation area and has an opening for leading out the pipe therethrough; and a clamp configured to support the pipe and having a shape capable of closing up the opening. The clamp includes: at least one support element for supporting the pipe; a guide portion for guiding the at least one support element; and a pair of clamping members for clamping the at least one support element. One of the pair of clamping members has a shield plate portion having a shape capable of closing up a remaining region of the opening other than a region closed up by the at least one support element arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Kurauchi
  • Patent number: 8899365
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator basically includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit, a counterweight, a machine compartment, a first handrail, a second handrail and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The upper revolving unit is revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit. The counterweight is disposed on the upper revolving unit. The machine compartment is disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit. The first and second handrails are disposed on the machine compartment. The antenna supporting parts are configured to support a pair of antennas. The antenna supporting parts are respectively connected to the first and second handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Minetaka Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8863880
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator basically includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit, a counterweight, a machine compartment, a first handrail, a second handrail and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The upper revolving unit is revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit. The counterweight is disposed on the upper revolving unit. The machine compartment is disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit. The first and second handrails are disposed on the machine compartment. The antenna supporting parts are configured to support a pair of antennas. The antenna supporting parts are respectively connected to the first and second handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Minetaka Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8820457
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator basically includes a counterweight, an engine compartment, an equipment compartment, a cab, a plurality of steps, a passage and a pair of antenna supporting parts for supporting a pair of GNSS antennas, respectively. The antenna supporting parts are positioned ¼ or more of the vehicle width away from the revolving center and are positioned closer to the revolving center than a left rear edge of the passage. The left rear edge of the passage is the position furthest away from the revolving center of the steps and the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Minetaka Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8800705
    Abstract: A roll-out cab for off-road equipment includes an operator cab and a slide assembly. The slide assembly includes a slide base, a cab carriage and an actuation device. The slide base preferably includes a base plate, a pair of base rails and at least two base rollers. The cab carriage preferably includes a carriage plate, a pair of carriage rails, at least two carriage rollers and a plurality of isolation mounts. The pair of carriage rails are positioned to receive the at least two base rollers. The pair of base rails are positioned to receive the at least two carriage rollers. One end of the actuation device is retained by the base plate and the other end is retained by the carriage plate. The operator cab is attached to isolation mounts. The base plate is secured to a piece of off-road equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Barko Specialty Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Riha, Michael J. Koss
  • Patent number: 8720628
    Abstract: A working machine comprising a frame, a working implement supported at a front end of the frame, a cover member, a latch member, a selector valve and a support bracket. The cover member has a cover-member body covering a side equipment room and having an opening. The latch member is disposed near the opening and inside the side equipment room to hold the cover member closed in cooperation with the lockable member. The support bracket extends from the side equipment room toward the opening and supports the latch member and the selector valve at the side of the frame. The support bracket has a base portion connected to the frame or connected to another member fixed to the frame, a selector valve-retaining portion retaining the selector valve and a latch member-retaining portion retaining the latch member at a position closer to the opening and higher than the selector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Fuchibe
  • Patent number: 8678478
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame and an operator cab supported by the frame. One or more passive mounts and one or more controllable mounts operatively connect the operator cab to the frame. The one or more controllable mounts include a housing, a pin mounted within the housing, a rheological fluid within the housing, and coils positioned relative to the housing to generate a field through the rheological fluid. An electronic control unit operatively associated with the coils and adapted to change a level of current applied to the coils to adjust an apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid to actively change the damping characteristics of the one or more controllable mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Jones, Brett D. Ellen, Ronald B. Warnat, Kevin D. Ehrenhardt
  • Patent number: 8668041
    Abstract: A construction machine including: a lower propelling body; an upper slewing body having a rear region with an engine room; a slewing device for slewing the upper slewing body; and a platform cover. The slewing device includes a slewing electric motor having an electric-motor output shaft, and a speed reducer having a speed-reducer output shaft rotated more slowly than the electric-motor output shaft, the speed reducer installed forward of the engine room such that the speed-reducer output shaft points downward, the slewing electric motor disposed just above the speed reducer. The platform cover is provided on a top of the slewing electric motor, having an upper surface serving as a platform for maintenance of equipment in the engine room. The platform cover is lower than the engine cover and adjacent to a front side of the engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsuki Yumoto, Nobuyuki Maekawa, Hideki Kusano
  • Patent number: 8657251
    Abstract: A cab frame (14) is supported on brackets (12, 13) provided at a plurality of positions of a vehicle body frame (11) with dampers (15). Movement limiting mechanisms (30) for limiting a movement at least in a vertical direction of the cab frame (14) are provided between the brackets (12, 13) and the cab frame (14). Further, the movement limiting mechanisms (30) are provided at least at two positions. Each movement limiting mechanism (30) includes a lower limiting portion (31) arranged close to the brackets (12, 13) and constituted by a plate member, and an upper limiting portion (32) arranged close to the cab frame (14) and constituted by a plate member in the same manner. The lower limiting portion (31) is integrally structured with the brackets (12, 13). Recesses (33, 34) are formed in a side edge of at least one of the lower limiting portion (31) and the upper limiting portion (32), and the limiting portion in the other limiting portion is positioned within the recesses (33, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kamimae
  • Patent number: 8616603
    Abstract: An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Yahner
  • Patent number: 8567850
    Abstract: In a side deck of a construction machine, includes a cross allowing member which has a shape avoiding a reinforcement member so as to allow the reinforcement member to extend across a mount holding member longitudinally of the side deck. A front end of the reinforcement member is directly joined to the front beam while the reinforcement member extends longitudinally across the cross allowing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Honda, Koichi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8544586
    Abstract: The multifunction utility cart is a compact versatile self-propelled vehicle adapted particularly for use by security and/or emergency medical personnel. The cart includes an extendable wheelbase and rear body portion for the carriage of additional personnel and/or one or more injured persons on board, yet forms a very compact vehicle when the wheelbase and bodywork are retracted. A stretcher may be deployed from one side of the cart when extended, the extended rearward portion providing for the carriage of additional personnel or a wheelchair due to a drop-down floor at the rear of the cart. Additional storage space is provided in a forward trunk and one rear fender opposite the stretcher storage area for the carriage of a fire extinguisher, medical supplies, and/or other equipment. The standing operator station may be selectively elevated to provide the operator with a better view in crowded environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Zafer J. S. Al-Osaimi
  • Patent number: 8499872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering device for a self-propelled construction or utility machine. The construction or utility machine includes a cab having a carriage, which is adjustable transversely to the travel direction, on which operating and/or actuating elements and at least one steering wheel for steering the construction or utility machine are situated. The steering wheel is coupled via a steering drive shaft, which is mounted on the adjustable carriage, and is carried along upon adjustment, to a steering output shaft, which is situated fixed in place on the construction or utility machine and runs transversely to the steering drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Haubrich, Thomas Klein
  • Patent number: 8469130
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a front frame, a rear frame, an oscillation frame, a slew bearing, and a rolling-element bearing. The slew bearing and the rolling-element bearing allow oscillation between the oscillation frame and the rear frame about a fore-aft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory K. Werner, Francois Stander
  • Patent number: 8439149
    Abstract: A brake equipment of the driver-seat-direction changeable vehicle includes: a driver-seat-direction detector configured to detect whether the driver seat is facing the one or the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body; a braking unit configured to brake one-side wheels, which are located closer to the one side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, and other-side wheels, which are located closer to the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, while controlling brake-force distribution between brake forces of the one-side wheels and the other-side wheels in such a manner that the brake-force distribution becomes a set brake-force distribution based on ideal brake-force distribution characteristics; and a switching unit configured to change the set brake-force distribution in accordance with the direction of the driver seat detected by the driver-seat-direction detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Tamura, Tomoki Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8430426
    Abstract: A cab suspension device for an agricultural tractor comprising a pair of concentrically aligned tubes co-axially arranged around a conventional cab suspension spring apparatus. One of the pair of tubes is connected to the tractor frame while the second is attached to the cab frame. The lengths of the tubes are shorter than the static length of the spring apparatus to allow limited telescoping movement of the tubes during dynamic compression of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tube ends and the opposing tractor and cab frames. The dynamic extension during telescoping movement of the spring apparatus is controlled by a spring retainer. An annular space between the tubes allows for limited lateral displacement of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tubes. The limits are configured to permit normal operational movement of the spring apparatus without contact of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: John T. Rasset, Chad A. Bautz, Daniel J. Zurn
  • Patent number: 8407991
    Abstract: A construction machine that permits an exhaust gas after-treatment device to be disposed while avoiding an increase of height and hence avoiding narrowing of an operator's visual field. A guard panel is disposed substantially in parallel with a base frame. The guard panel includes a top plate, the top plate including an opening formed at a portion thereof corresponding to an engine, and a bonnet formed so as to project upwards from the top plate and cover the opening. A first treatment section is disposed lower than the top plate and a second treatment section includes at least a portion positioned higher than the top plate through the opening and lower than the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jumpei Yokota
  • Patent number: 8360194
    Abstract: A transfer box for transferring movements and forces from a gearshift lever of a tiltable vehicle cab portion to a gearbox includes a first frame portion mounted on the cab portion, the first frame portion including at least one first journalled lever portion and being connectable to cable ends or push rods connected to the gear shift lever, a second frame portion mounted on a vehicle chassis, the second frame portion including at least one journalled second lever portion and being connected to the gearbox via cable ends or pushrods, wherein the first lever portions and the second lever portions interact to enable movement/force transfer from the cable ends/push rods connected to the first lever portions to the cable ends/push rods connected to the second lever portions. The at least one first and the at least one second lever portions are provided with wedge shaped cooperating portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagner AB
    Inventor: Klas Bergström
  • Patent number: 8265832
    Abstract: There is described a vehicle comprising a spring-mounted vehicle seat (3; 13) in a spring-mounted vehicle cab (2; 12), wherein the vehicle seat (3; 13) is spring-mounted by means of at least one first spring element (24) and/or one first damping element (25) relative to the vehicle cab (2; 12) in the vehicle height and/or vehicle length and/or vehicle width direction, and the vehicle cab (2; 12) is spring-mounted by means of at least one second spring element (15) and/or second damping element (14) relative to a vehicle frame (11) in the vehicle height and/or vehicle length and/or vehicle width direction, comprising a control device (34) which, as a function of a first measured acceleration value of an excursion of the vehicle frame (11), causes a first application of force for regulating the excursion of the first spring element (24) and/or damping element (25) and a second application of force for regulating the excursion of the second spring element (15) and/or the functional element (14), in mutual depend
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Publication number: 20120193157
    Abstract: A cab suspension device for an agricultural tractor comprising a pair of concentrically aligned tubes co-axially arranged around a conventional cab suspension spring apparatus. One of the pair of tubes is connected to the tractor frame while the second is attached to the cab frame. The lengths of the tubes are shorter than the static length of the spring apparatus to allow limited telescoping movement of the tubes during dynamic compression of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tube ends and the opposing tractor and cab frames. The dynamic extension during telescoping movement of the spring apparatus is controlled by a spring retainer. An annular space between the tubes allows for limited lateral displacement of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tubes. The limits are configured to permit normal operational movement of the spring apparatus without contact of the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN T. RASSET, CHAD A. BAUTZ, DANIEL J. ZURN
  • Patent number: 8225903
    Abstract: A suspension for a cab base on the frame of a swather tractor includes four dampened springs at the four corners with three links each pivoted on one end of the frame and the other end on the base. The links include two parallel links in the fore and aft direction parallel to the mechanical speed control link arm and one side to side link which constrain movement of the base against fore and aft movement and side to side movement parallel to the mechanical steering control link arm. This arrangement restricts movement of the base while allowing roll and pitch movements of the cab structure with the links arranged such that steering and ground speed are substantially unaffected when the cab moves on the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: James Thomas Dunn
  • Patent number: 8220577
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide outdoor power equipment including a frame, a seat and at least one leg support angled from a horizontal plane. The outdoor power equipment can include one or more handles, a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat. In some embodiments, the seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Marshall, Matthew R. Hatch, Derrick R. Camenga, Joshua S. Williams, William J. Decker
  • Publication number: 20120152633
    Abstract: A brake equipment of the driver-seat-direction changeable vehicle includes: a driver-seat-direction detector configured to detect whether the driver seat is facing the one or the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body; a braking unit configured to brake one-side wheels, which are located closer to the one side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, and other-side wheels, which are located closer to the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, while controlling brake-force distribution between brake forces of the one-side wheels and the other-side wheels in such a manner that the brake-force distribution becomes a set brake-force distribution based on ideal brake-force distribution characteristics; and a switching unit configured to change the set brake-force distribution in accordance with the direction of the driver seat detected by the driver-seat-direction detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jun Tamura, Tomoki Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8186475
    Abstract: A suspended operator platform for use with a ride-on lawnmower or the like is connected to a rigid chassis of the ride-on lawnmower by a suspension system that has a parallelogram linkage. The operator platform supports an entire body of the operator and isolation mounts connect a seat assembly to the operator platform. Steering controls of the ride-on lawnmower are connected to the operator platform so that the steering controls move with the operator platform and are suspended and/or isolated from the chassis. The suspension system includes a course-stiffness adjuster and a fine-stiffness adjuster that adjust the suspension stiffness to correspond to a particular operator and/or terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Sugden, James W. Hall
  • Patent number: 8182024
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for connecting a cab to a machine supporting frame. A sub-frame is secured to the machine supporting frame and is configured to tilt relative to the machine supporting frame. A plurality of vibration damping mechanisms is configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations between the sub-frame and the cab. A plurality of dead stop mechanisms is configured to limit movement between the sub-frame and the cab. A rigid connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to be selectively disconnected. A pivot connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to permit the sub-frame and the cab to be tilted relative to the machine supporting frame upon disconnection of the rigid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Hayes, Christopher D. Derham, Lance M. Cowper, Ralph J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8152412
    Abstract: A pipelayer having an undercarriage with at least two tracks and a main assembly. Each track has a track frame coupled to the undercarriage and a track shoe supported by and movable around the track frame. The main assembly is supported by and rotatable relative to the undercarriage, and has a main frame, a boom pivotally mounted to the main frame, an operator cab, and a cab riser connecting the operator cab to the main frame. The cab riser is operable to selectively raise and lower the operator cab relative to the main frame. Also provided is a movable cab assembly having an operator cab, an adjustment mechanism to connect the cab to a vehicle frame and move to change the operator's view, and a guide to align the cab. A method for laying pipe using a pipelayer having a movable cab is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Daniel E. Davis
  • Patent number: 8087718
    Abstract: An arrangement for suspension of an operator cab on a machine frame in order to permit controlled motion of the cab relative to the frame is provided. The arrangement includes at least one first suspension member disposed between an underside of the cab and the frame for supporting the cab on the frame. The arrangement further includes at least one second suspension member disposed between a rear side of the cab and a rigid support structure and wherein the second suspension member is arranged at an elevated position relative to the underside of the cab. The second suspension member is adapted to provide an increased rigidity against cab movements both in the longitudinal and lateral direction of the machine during operation of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Kjell-Ewe Bengtsson, Jonny Lindblom, Allan Ericsson, Tonie Jurgec, Ulf Hentschel
  • Patent number: 8033354
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide outdoor power equipment including a frame, a seat and at least one leg support angled from a horizontal plane. The outdoor power equipment can include one or more handles, a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat. In some embodiments, the seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Marshall, Matthew R. Hatch, Derrick R. Camenga, Joshua S. Williams, William J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8025013
    Abstract: A rail vehicle having a single frame assembly and a movable platform coupled thereto is provided. The rail vehicle indexes, i.e. advances intermittently, along railroad rails. The movable platform advances in a single direction at a generally steady speed as the rail vehicle indexes along a railroad. The platform is the floor of, or a base for, a cabin preferably having a seat, roof support, and controls for the operator. The platform rides longitudinally with the machine on rollers or slides, thus separating the operator and controls from the rest of the machine. Thus, while the rail vehicle moves in an abrupt stop-and-go manner, the platform and the operator move generally consistently in a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony P. Delucia, Robert S. Miller
  • Patent number: 7997369
    Abstract: An articulating cab assembly for vehicles with an elevated frame, such as excavators, is described. The cab assembly includes a cab coupled to a pivot plate, wherein the pivot plate is coupled to a cab assembly mounting framework. A cab extendable link is pivotally connected to the cab and the pivot plate, for moving the cab between an elevated operating position and a lower ground level operator load and unload access position. The cab assembly also includes a framework extendable link that is pivotally connected to the pivot plate and to the cab assembly mounting framework, for moving the pivot plate forwardly and rearwardly without pivot plate rotation. The cab is in a fully lowered position when the extendable links are each at a minimum extension, and the cab is in a fully raised position when the extendable links are each at a maximum extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Exodus Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Bacon, Adam J. Bennis