US3552497A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unitized side-by-side tractor and ripper combination
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
•
Filing: 1968-05-09
•
Granted: 1971-01-05
•
Expires: 1988-05-09
Abstract
Abstract A pair of tractors are disposed in side-by-side relationship and are coupled together for unitized operation by front, rear and diagonal cross bracing which provides for a limited amount of transverse and longitudinal oscillation of either tractor relative to the other. The rear cross brace structure is defined in part by ripper tooth-mounting members in an arrangement which does not block the independent oscillation of either tractor.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert N Stedman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:30
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01B; A01B13/00; A01B13/08; E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/04; E02F3/76; E02F3/7604; E02F5/00; E02F5/30; E02F5/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
Powered earthworking apparatus comprising: a pair of tractors disposed in side by side relationship for operation as a unitized combination; cross bracing holding said tractors in a substantially parallel relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a longitudinal axis therethrough and holding said tractors in a substantially fixed longitudinal relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a transverse axis therethrough, said cross bracing beiNg comprised in part of a pair of spaced-apart rear cross brace members each being coupled at each end to each of said tractors by universal joint means; a ripper tooth support extending between said pair of said cross braces and being coupled to each thereof; and at least one ripper tooth carried by said support.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
Powered earthworking apparatus comprising: a pair of tractors disposed in side by side relationship for operation as a unitized combination; cross bracing holding said tractors in a substantially parallel relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a longitudinal axis therethrough and holding said tractors in a substantially fixed longitudinal relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a transverse axis therethrough, said cross bracing beiNg comprised in part of a pair of spaced-apart rear cross brace members each being coupled at each end to each of said tractors by universal joint means; a ripper tooth support extending between said pair of said cross braces and being coupled to each thereof; and at least one ripper tooth carried by said support.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said support is situated midway between said tractors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said universal joint at each end of one of said rear cross braces is coupled to the associated one of said tractors through a short link having an additional universal joint connection to said associated tractor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said rear cross braces are vertically spaced-apart and wherein said one of said cross braces is the upper one thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said support bracket is pivotably coupled to said one of said rear cross braces and rigidly coupled to the other thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
149 words
Powered earthworking apparatus comprising: a pair of tractors disposed in side by side relationship for operation as a unitized combination; cross bracing holding said tractors in a substantially parallel relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a longitudinal axis therethrough and holding said tractors in a substantially fixed longitudinal relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a transverse axis therethrough, said cross bracing being comprised in part of draft linkage coupled to the rear of each tractor for pivoting movement about a transverse axis thereof; a pair of transverse draft beams one being coupled to each of said tractors through said draft linkage at the rear thereof and each carrying at least one ripper tooth; and a rigid rear cross brace extending transversely with respect to said tractors and being coupled to each of said draft beams by universal joint means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
149 words
Powered earthworking apparatus comprising: a pair of tractors disposed in side by side relationship for operation as a unitized combination; cross bracing holding said tractors in a substantially parallel relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a longitudinal axis therethrough and holding said tractors in a substantially fixed longitudinal relationship while providing for limited independent oscillation of each tractor about a transverse axis therethrough, said cross bracing being comprised in part of draft linkage coupled to the rear of each tractor for pivoting movement about a transverse axis thereof; a pair of transverse draft beams one being coupled to each of said tractors through said draft linkage at the rear thereof and each carrying at least one ripper tooth; and a rigid rear cross brace extending transversely with respect to said tractors and being coupled to each of said draft beams by universal joint means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination defined in claim 6 wherein said universal joint means at each end of said rigid rear cross brace is centered with respect to the transverse span of the associated tractor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-04 | 1974-07-06 | 1975-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-04 | 1978-07-06 | 1979-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-04 | 1982-07-06 | 1983-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |