Brian J Buchanan

US Patent:

7293377, Nov 13, 2007

Filed:

Aug 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/928267

Inventors:

Brian Carter Buchanan - Clayton NC, US
Jay Holloman Renfrow - Kenly NC, US
Gary Walth - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

E02F 3/28

US Classification:

37443, 37466, 172450, 384 42

Abstract:

A wear pad on a linkage of a work machine is disclosed. The linkage includes a first and a second linkage member in a telescoping relationship. The wear pad includes a first end having a first thickness and a second end having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. The wear pad also includes a flat wear face configured to slidably interface with the first linkage member. A fixed surface has a bore formed therein. The bore is configured to receive an attachment member to securely attach the wear pad to the second linkage member.

US Patent:

59244968, Jul 20, 1999

Filed:

Feb 12, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/022968

Inventors:

Brian C. Buchanan - Clayton NC
Paul J. Staebler - Clayton NC

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

E02F 376

US Classification:

172824

Abstract:

Top link assemblies for a construction machine are typically used to adjust the pitch angle of a cutting edge of a blade. The present top link assembly has an elongated member and a block member connected to the blade and a frame, respectively, of the machine. The elongated member has upper and lower surfaces defined on a body portion and a pair of spaced openings therethrough. The block member has a lower surface substantially coplanar with the lower surface of the elongated member and a pair of spaced threaded openings therein substantially coaxial with the pair of openings in the elongated member. A pair of spacers having notched end portions are disposed in a stacked relationship on the upper surface of the elongated member. A pair of threaded bolts extend through the notched end portions of the spacers and the openings in the elongated member for threading into the block member, to secure the top link assembly at a first predetermined length. The desired pitch angle of the cutting edge may be adjusted by loosening the threaded bolts and repositioning any one of the spacers between the lower surfaces of the elongated and block members to secure the top link assembly at a second predetermined length.

US Patent:

60959444, Aug 1, 2000

Filed:

Jul 29, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/124313

Inventors:

Brian Buchanan - Clayton NC
Tom Stickles - Memphis TN
Gene Zeuck - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

B60K 2800
B60K 4126
B60K 4128

US Classification:

477 94

Abstract:

A control assembly for a work machine is disclosed which includes a movement actuator positionable between a drive position and a neutral position, wherein (i) the work machine is driven by the engine when the movement actuator is positioned in the drive position, (ii) the work machine is prevented from being driven by the engine when the movement actuator is positioned in the neutral position, and (iii) the movement actuator is spring biased into the neutral position. The control assembly also includes a movement actuator retaining device, wherein (i) the movement actuator retaining device includes a retaining actuator positionable between a "reduced friction" state and an "enhanced friction" state, (ii) the movement actuator is maintained in the drive position when the retaining actuator is positioned in the "enhanced friction" state, and (iii) the movement actuator is allowed to move from the drive position to the neutral position due to the spring bias when the retaining actuator is moved from the "enhanced friction" state to the "reduced friction" state. An adjustment assembly for returning the movement actuator to the neutral position and a control switch for enabling and disabling a starter of the work machine are also provided.

US Patent:

58530517, Dec 29, 1998

Filed:

Mar 27, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/824946

Inventors:

Brian C. Buchanan - Clayton NC
John M. Dickerson - East Peoria IL
James E. Johnston - Apex NC
Francis G. Snekhaus - Bartonville IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar, Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

E02F 376

US Classification:

172824

Abstract:

Top link assemblies for a construction machine are typically used to adjust the pitch angle of a cutting edge of a blade. The present top link assembly has substantially co-planar first and second adjustment plates with each including a pair of slots therein. Joint upper and lower surfaces are defined between the first and second adjustment plates. Upper and lower spacer plates are disposed on the joint upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and each include a pair of openings coaxially aligned with the slots within the first and second adjustment plates. A threaded portion of a bolt extends through the upper spacer plate, first and second adjustment plates and lower spacer plate through the co-axially aligned openings and slots. A nut is tightened on the threaded portion at any one of a plurality of positions along the pair of slots and the desired pitch angle of the cutting edge may be adjusted by loosening the nuts and repositioning at any one of the plurality of positions. The ability to adjust the pitch angle without removing the top link assembly increases productivity and decreases costs.