Traction Apparatus, E.g., For Tractor Patents (Class 29/891.1)
  • Patent number: 11820447
    Abstract: A shroud for a track shoe grouser protector includes an elongate shroud body having weld holes formed in a first shroud leg and a second shroud leg attached to a base in the elongate shroud body. The shroud may have a fore to aft profile having the form of a flat-crowned arch with the shroud legs flared outward to form a grouser opening for positioning the shroud upon a track shoe grouser in a ground-engaging track system. An inventory of shrouds includes long shrouds and short shrouds positionable in a plurality of different assembly combinations to shield grousers in track shoes having a range of sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan Stuart Clarke, Paul Prest
  • Patent number: 11807318
    Abstract: A track pad may include a base member and a roller path member extending from the base member. The roller path member may include a roller path surface for engaging with a roller of a machine. The roller path member may include a leading side and a trailing side in a direction of travel of the machine. The roller path member may include a hardened region that extends from the roller path surface and a body region adjacent the hardened region. The hardened region may have a greater hardness than the body region. The hardened region may have a uniform depth from the leading side to the trailing side of the roller path member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jones, Scott H. Magner
  • Patent number: 11745811
    Abstract: A ground-engaging track shoe in a track joint assembly includes a shoe plate having bolt holes extending through a middle plate section between a planar link-bolting surface and a ground-contact surface. A weight relief channel is formed in the middle plate section upon a link-bolting side of the track shoe, and extends inwardly from the planar link-bolting surface. The weight relief channel is arranged between a forward bolt hole set of the bolt holes and a back bolt hole set of the bolt holes in a fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric James Johannsen
  • Patent number: 10309514
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a sprocket using one or more slot(s) and/or compressive or elastic material in order to lower the NVH. A number of variations may include a sprocket which isolates the vibrations created by the impact of the chain with the sprocket so that the vibrations are prevented from traveling into the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Crump, John Sarick
  • Publication number: 20090200860
    Abstract: A combination of a drive tumbler and a track includes a track made of a plurality of connected track shoes and a plurality of driven surfaces. The track is wrapped around the drive tumbler so that a plurality of the shoes are in contact with the drive tumbler. The drive tumbler has a plurality of drive surfaces and a circumferential rim surface that includes a plurality of shoe contact surfaces that each contact the inside surface of one of the track shoes that are in contact with the tumbler. The shoe contact surface has a shape such that a line normal to the tangent of the shoe contact surface does not pass through the axis of rotation of the drive tumbler, thereby allowing the shoe contact surfaces on the rim of the drive tumbler to transmit a tractive force to the track. A preferred drive tumbler comprises a center hub and a plurality of individual tooth members connected to the center hub by welds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joel D. Zick
  • Patent number: 7260967
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine that comprises a crop processing mechanism and an elevator assembly for conveying harvested crop material to the crop processing mechanism is provided. The elevator assembly comprises an elevator housing, an elevator mechanism mounted in the housing, at least two flexible endless members and a plurality of slats mounted transversely to the flexible members. The slats have an S-shaped cross section that provides additional strength to the slats while reducing the chance of damage to the crop conveyed by these slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: José G. T. Gryspeerdt
  • Patent number: 7066562
    Abstract: A grouser shoe for track drives commonly utilized by industrial and commercial equipment (e.g., bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, etc.) including a supportive pad and a ground engaging bar, the ends of such bar being bent to form wings, and method of manufacture thereof. The center portion of the bar provides the primary transmission of driveforce from the vehicle to the ground, while the wings provide for significant reduction in vibration, facilitate steering, provide easier turning, and extend the service life of the grouser shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Rasmussen