Dean A Wiechman

US Patent:

55798632, Dec 3, 1996

Filed:

Apr 10, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/419303

Inventors:

David E. Nelson - Peoria IL
Dean A. Wiechman - Plano IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

B62D 1200

US Classification:

180418

Abstract:

In many instances it has been a recent trend to incorporate the use of electronic controls into various machine functions to reduce the fatigue of an operator. When incorporated into the steering functions of a machine, the electronic controls often do not provide an operator with an "automotive" feel and thus do not work as well in some machine applications as they do in others. The present invention incorporates a mechanical feedback through the steering controls to provide the operator with a feel similar to that of an automotive environment. In addition, the steering controls operate in a manner which provides a variable ratio of steering wheel rotation to steering control valve actuation depending upon the articulation angle of the machine. In so doing, the function of the steering controls will vary with and enhance the operation of each specific mode of machine operation.

US Patent:

60992360, Aug 8, 2000

Filed:

Dec 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/985828

Inventors:

Dean A. Wiechman - Washington IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

E02F 300

US Classification:

414708

Abstract:

An apparatus for controlling movement of an implement relative to a frame of a work machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lift arm having an implement, such as a bucket, pivotally coupled thereto. The apparatus also includes a pivot bar which is pivotally coupled to the lift arm via a coupling pin. A first hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the pivot bar. A second hydraulic cylinder is also coupled to the coupling pin. The first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are both actuated so as to lift the lift arm. Moreover, the first cylinder is actuated so as to tilt the bucket. A number of position sensors are provided to communicate output signals indicative of the position of the lift arm and the bucket to a controller. The controller processes such output signals and thereafter alters the position of a pair of proportional fluid valves associated with the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

US Patent:

55378927, Jul 23, 1996

Filed:

Jan 31, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/188853

Inventors:

Dean A. Wiechman - Plano IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G05G 505

US Classification:

74527

Abstract:

In the mounting of a control lever utilized to manipulate a machine or implements of a machine, complex designs are often required to provide lever positioning stops and operational detents. The mounting apparatus of the present invention provides a control lever that is mounted within a housing by a plurality of non-metallic bearing members. At least one side portion of the bearing member bears against the control lever. Integrally formed in this side portion is a mounting apparatus for maintaining the position of the control handle in a preselected position. In addition, a recess is integrally formed in the bearing member for resisting the movement of the control lever and indicates when the control lever is approaching a point at which a functional change in the implement, controlled by the control lever, is about to occur.