Abstract: A carriage assembly for a ground engaging implement is provided. The carriage assembly includes a carriage, a ground engaging implement, and a cylinder. The ground engaging implement is pivotally connected to the carriage. The ground engaging implement has a longitudinal face. The cylinder is connected to the carriage and includes a cylinder housing, a compressible medium, and a rod. The compressible medium is contained within the cylinder housing. The rod extends outward from the cylinder housing. The rod has a piston portion at one end and an engagement surface at another end. The engagement surface is positioned at a contactable distance from the longitudinal face of the ground engaging implement.

Abstract: Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0° and 90°.

Abstract: Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0° and 90°.

Abstract: Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of mid-rollers. The present mid-roller includes a rotatable member that is positioned between individual roller segments and the guide blocks that are positioned on the inner surface of the endless rubber belt. With the rotatable member in this position, the differential angular velocity between points of contact between the rubber belt and the mid-rollers is compensated for by rotating the rotatable member independent of the individual roller segments. Thus, increasing the life of the individual drive components.