MACHINE HAVING DIPPER ACTUATOR SYSTEM
First Claim
1. An actuator system for a machine, comprising:
- a linear hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine;
a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator, a component of the hydraulic system being mounted on the dipper; and
an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position, wherein a piston assembly of the actuator is configured to move the overcenter link in a first direction, via contact between the piston assembly and the overcenter link, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An actuator system for a machine includes a linear hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator. A component of the hydraulic system is mounted on the dipper. The system also includes an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position. A piston assembly of the actuator is configured to move the overcenter link in a first direction, via contact between the piston assembly and the overcenter link, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An actuator system for a machine, comprising:
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a linear hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine; a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator, a component of the hydraulic system being mounted on the dipper; and an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position, wherein a piston assembly of the actuator is configured to move the overcenter link in a first direction, via contact between the piston assembly and the overcenter link, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An actuator system for a machine, comprising:
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a linear hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, the actuator including a tube and a piston assembly associated with the tube, the dipper comprising a body having a front side including an excavation opening, a back side opposite the front side, a top surface, and a door moveable between a closed position in which the door is disposed adjacent to the back side and an open position in which the door is disposed away from the back side, the dipper being connected to the machine via a boom extending from the machine, and via a dipper handle pivotally connected to a midpoint of the boom; a hydraulic system including a component disposed on the dipper, the hydraulic system being configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator; and an overcenter link connected to the door, the piston assembly contacting the overcenter link such that selectively directing fluid to the actuator causes the piston assembly to move the overcenter link relative to the body, and transitions the door between the open and closed positions. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A method of operating a machine, comprising:
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selectively directing fluid between a hydraulic system, having a component disposed on a dipper of the machine, and a linear hydraulic actuator connected to the dipper, the actuator including a tube and a piston assembly associated with the tube; and contacting an overcenter link connected to a door of the dipper with the piston assembly, wherein selectively directing fluid between the hydraulic system and the actuator causes the piston assembly to move the overcenter link and transitions the door to an open position in which the door is disposed away from a body of the dipper.
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Specification