Augmented Hydraulic Thumb Kinematic Member Length
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsRyan Patrick Shea, Aaron Dean Kovar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An implement system for a machine having a stick member with a nose end and a mounting bracket is disclosed. The implement system includes a thumb pivotally connected to the nose end of the stick member, and a thumb actuator operatively connected between the mounting bracket of the stick member and the thumb to move the thumb between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The implement system has one or more of an RTK Factor, a TP Ratio and an ITO Ratio having values within ranges that allow installation of the implement system with the thumb actuator connected the thumb either directly or by a linkage assembly without changing the position of the mounting bracket on the stick member.
Claims20
An implement system for a machine having a stick member with a nose end and a mounting bracket, the implement system comprising:
- a thumb pivotally connected to the nose end of the stick member;
- and
- a thumb actuator operatively connected between the mounting bracket of the stick member and the thumb to move the thumb between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein the implement system has an RTK Factor with a value within a range having a lower limit of approximately 24.0 and an upper limit of approximately 28.0.
An implement system for a machine having a stick member with a nose end and a mounting bracket, the implement system comprising:
- a thumb pivotally connected to the nose end of the stick member;
- and
- a thumb actuator operatively connected between the mounting bracket of the stick member and the thumb to move the thumb between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein the implement system has a TP Ratio with a value greater than 3.0.
An implement system for a machine having a stick member with a nose end and a mounting bracket, the implement system comprising:
- a thumb pivotally connected to the nose end of the stick member;
- and
- a thumb actuator operatively connected between the mounting bracket of the stick member and the thumb to move the thumb between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein the implement system has an ITO Ratio with a value greater than 0.78.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.