Abstract: The hinge-assembly to which the invention relates has a sleeve (3) located about the central section of a hinge-pin (2), and two thrust-rings (7) associated as one with the pin itself and abutting the ends (33) of the sleeve, the rings themselves housing respective seals (10). These seals (10), together with the rings (7) prevent any outflow of lubricant from the interspace between the breasted surfaces of pin (2) and sleeve (3). The assembly-procedure when uniting said hinge-assembly to the track-links involves preparation and prior lubrication of the hinge itself, followed by a pause of sufficient duration in which to check for any leaks, after which--and only after which--the links are fitted up to the pre-assembled hinge.

Abstract: Process for the production of track bushes for tractors and track vehicles, with resultant savings in energy, shorter treatment times and consistently high product quality. A plurality of low carbon boron steel bushes are assembled as a charge in a basket. The charge is preheated in a pretreatment chamber of a furnace having a carburizing chamber, with combustion gases from the carburizing chamber. Then the charge is transferred to this carburizing chamber, and is carburized at a temperature in excess of 900.degree. C., preferably 950.degree. to 980.degree. C., for 10 to 17 hours. The charge is cooled in a third chamber of this furnace, to a temperature of 820.degree.-860.degree. C. maintained by means of combustion gas leaving the carburizing chamber. The bushes are extracted from the charge one at a time by a robot and are directly individually quenched. The ends of the bushes are tempered in an induction furnace at 550.degree.-600.degree. C. for 10 to 25 seconds, and then the bushes are emulsion cooled.

Abstract: The invention's application is suited in particular to the lubricated turning pairs of crawler tracks. It makes provision for the sealing of the lubricant reservoir by means of an elastomer plug, and for the introduction of a needle into and through the plug. The needle serves to effect evacuation of any existing air from within the reservoir, and the subsequent introduction of lubricating oil. The needle is then withdrawn from the plug which, by virtue of the elastic properties of the elastomer, automatically re-encloses the puncture produced by the needle.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of steel track links for tracked vehicles, comprising forging steel track links at an initial forging temperature of 1150.degree.-1200.degree. C. for 45-60 seconds with a finish forging temperature of 950.degree.-1050.degree. C., subjecting the links thus-produced to initial cooling at a rate of 2.degree.-4.degree. C./s to a temperature of 720.degree.-830.degree. C., maintaining the links at a temperature of 800.degree.-850.degree. C. for 2-3 minutes, again cooling the links at a rate of 10.degree.-15.degree. C./s to a second temperature of 180.degree.-380.degree. C., and maintaining the links at this second temperature for a period of 10-20 minutes, the steel having the following weight percent compositions:C: 0.30-0.38Mn: 1.00-1.50Cr: up to 0.60Si: 0.15-0.35S+P: about 0.06balance essentially iron.

Abstract: A plant for storing single articles or objects, such as track links, designed to be introduced into a production line turning out the said links, at a point between two consecutive processing center, or units, forming part of the line. A number of special containers, each of which is designed to accommodate the links are formed by rows into `parcels` and are transferred thus along the line using conventional conveyors thereby permitting their optional withdrawal from and redeposition onto the line. An apparatus is designed to receive, hold and position each single full or empty container with respect to the relative conveyor in order to allow such loading or unloading. Loading or unloading of the single container is brought about by transferring the parcels of links into the container, the base of which is formed with parallel slots into which rollers of a conveyor may be introduced.

Abstract: A connection link for endless track chains is composed of two mutually complementary link portions divided by a separating surface following a broken-line development. Each of the link portions comprises one of the seats for the pins and bushings effecting the mutual link connection. Each of the link portions comprises a tooth and a space arranged in such a way that the tooth of one portion is contained in the space of the other portion. The contact between the two link portions occurs between the sides of the teeth and of the spaces and not on the bottom land (12) of the spaces. Moreover, the faying or closely contacting surface (8) between the internal sides of the teeth and the respective spaces is sloped so as to form obtuse angles with the bottom lands (12) of the spaces, and in order to be more or less perpendicular to the tractive force exerted on the first portion of the link when the link is placed on the track-stretching wheel.

Abstract: A friction welding process that is particularly suitable for welding, one to the other, of two hollow, symmetrical, cylindrical bodies, the union of which forms a roller for tracks on tracked machines, in which the edges of the bodies are shaped along an axial cutting plane in which a front part that projects with respect to a rear part of a greater gage, is recognizable, and in which the said front part is joined to the said rear part on at least one of the sides (internal or external) by means of a concave surface section contacting, at a predetermined angle, the adjacent surface; the shape and size of the front part and of the fillets being predetermined in such a way that the burr that forms during welding is placed tangentially in contact with the fillets in proximity of their edge of contact with the said adjacent surfaces. The front part surface may be given a finish whereby it becomes flat, smooth and devoid of chamfer or a radius at the corners.

Abstract: A chain track junction link of the type having some characteristics of a conventional link is constructed as two complementary portions in order to effect opening and closing of a chain track. A union of the two portions of the link is effected by a connection member having ends of approximately prismatical shape, the member being I-shaped in section. In the two portions of the link are a plurality of grooves shaped in such a way that, when the two portions of the link are jointed, they form an approximately prismatic hole suitable for receiving the member which holds the two portions of the link firmly together. In order to increase the stability of the joint, a track shoe is screwed, using holes, to the head of the member.