Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a machine having a housing and a pin received in the housing and coupled to a link-like movable part, either directly or with a bushing interposed between the part and the pin. The improvement comprises a retainer, preferably of cruciform-shape, which is attached to one end of the pin and has a plurality of radially-extending retaining arms. The improvement also includes a plurality of arc-shaped abutment members, each of which extends between and is in torque-absorbing contact with a pair of arms. The pin, a wearing component like the movable part or the bushing, is intended for eventual replacement when sufficiently worn. The pin is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing which is a non-wearing part expensive to replace or repair. The invention also includes a method for assembling machine components including a housing and a pin so that there is substantially zero clearance between each abutment member and a retainer arm.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a gear assembly having a gear segment attached to a spider. The improvement comprises a pair of spaced spider webs and a segment-attached mounting member received between the webs. The mounting member has a pair of spaced plates, one plate against each web. Each of a group of tube-like generally cylindrical segment coupling members extends between a particular web and its adjacent plate while each of another group of coupling members extends between the other web and its adjacent plate. The coupling members of a group are in opposed relationship to corresponding coupling members of another group. A bolt-like retaining member extends through each pair of opposed coupling members (with clearance therebetween) and prevents such members "working" out of position.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a mechanical drive train having a bushing-type plain journal bearing, a housing radially supporting the bearing to a reference plane, and a shaft extending through the bearing beyond the reference plane. That portion of the bearing between the reference plane and a bearing end is unsupported by the housing and therefore subject to fatigue breakage as the shaft repeatedly deflects or tips. The improvement comprises a contoured surface formed on an end of the bearing to define a clearance zone. When the shaft deflects or tips under load or for other reasons, the shaft is prevented from contacting the bearing along the zone. Fatigue breaking of the bearing is thereby substantially reduced. The invention also helps reduce localized heating and wear and formation of wear particles which may result in secondary damage. All of the foregoing would contribute to reduced bearing life.

Abstract: The invention involves a machine, e.g., a walking dragline having a drive gear, a driven member which loads (and wears) gear teeth unequally and an interconnecting shaft. The quill-mounted gear is separately supported by bearings. The shaft can be moved axially and when so repositioned, it is also separately supported by other bearings. When the gear needs to be "indexed," (due to unequal tooth wear) the shaft is moved axially out of connection with the gear but remains connected to the eccentric. The gear can then be indexed using its drive motor and the shaft can be re-engaged with the quill without the necessity of auxiliary lifting equipment and without disengaging the shaft from the eccentric.

Abstract: A support tub for a dragline excavating machine having an outer peripheral wall and top and bottom walls respectively affixed to an upper edge and a lower edge of the outer wall. The bottom wall rests on the ground during excavating operation of the machine and a circular ring support on which a circular rail is mounted is positioned above the top wall. The machine is rotatably movable on the rail and is thereby supported through the ring support by the tub. The tub includes an inner ring wall concentric with the track circular ring support, a plurality of vertically disposed radial plates each extending radially outward from the inner ring wall to the outer peripheral wall, and a plurality of vertically disposed chordal plates each extending in the direction of a chord of the outer peripheral wall. A plurality of triangular compartments are each formed by the intersection of two of the chordal plates and a radial plate or by the intersection of three chordal plates.

Abstract: A lifting stool for applying lifting force to the support tub of a dragline excavating machine during walking movement of the machine in which the machine is lifted upward by a lifting mechanism comprising part of the machine. The lifting stool includes a ring having a circular vertical wall member affixed to the support tub and defining a laterally closed space. The circular vertical wall member includes upper and lower separated wall sections defining the vertical space. A lifting plate is positioned within the vertical wall member and a lifting pin is connnected between the excavating machine and the lifting plate. The lifting plate extends into the vertical space between the upper and lower wall sections and is affixed to the two wall sections. Thus, during walking movement of the excavation machine the support tub will move upward with the lifting pin and the lifting stool.