Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly for driving an endless chain assembly for propelling a machine has a hub portion and flexible cantilever teeth in which each tooth is separately deflectable upon impact by a bushing of the endless chain assembly. The flexibility of each tooth will absorb a portion of the kinetic energy of the impact to reduce noise in the structure. The drive sprocket assembly includes a plurality of segments each having the cantilever teeth. Each segment has a first end portion and a second end portion having an end relief which prevents wear between the segment and the hub as the end portion is deflected by the impact.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, which supports and guides an endless track and provides sound suppression, and a method for providing sound suppression of an undercarriage of a machine. The idler wheel assembly includes a hub having a first side surface and a second side surface onto which a plurality of segments are connected. Each of the plurality of segments has a first flange positioned adjacent the first side surface of the hub, and a second flange positioned adjacent the second side surface. At least one isolation device may be mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: Mounting pin arrangements are useful for connecting a first and a second structure together. When the pin is inserted in a mounting structure the mounting pin arrangement needs to expand to seal the arrangement to prevent dust and dirt from entering the mounting arrangement. The subject mounting pin arrangement includes a sleeve assembly that has a plurality of sleeve segments and an elastomeric is positioned and connected to adjacent segments and includes an end cap on the end portion of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a tapered bore therethrough. A pair of inserts are positioned in the bore and include tapers that interact with the taper in the bore of the sleeve to expand the sleeve to seal the mounting arrangement. The arrangement of components provides an expandable pin arrangement that will prevent dust or dirt from entering the mounting arrangement to prolong the life of the various components.

Abstract: A sprocket for supporting and propelling an endless track assembly of a track-type machine. The sprocket has an endless chain which is resiliently mounted to an outer flange of a hub. The chain has outwardly projecting teeth that interact with the endless track assembly to propel the machine. A plurality of drive assemblies are pressed between the endless chain and the flange to resiliently connect the endless chain to the flange of the hub.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a track chain having a track link, a first bushing mechanically coupled to the track link, and a second bushing mechanically coupled to the track link. The first bushing has a first center point C1 defined thereon. The second bushing has a second center point C2 defined thereon. The first center point C1 is spaced apart from the second center point C2 by a distance D1. The arrangement includes an idler wheel having a circumferentially extending surface defined thereon. The circumferentially extending surface has a first notch and a second notch defined therein. The first notch has a first wall portion. The first wall portion has a first point P1 defined thereon at a first location. The second notch has a second wall portion. The second wall portion has a second point P2 defined thereon at a second location which corresponds to the first location. The point P1 is spaced apart from the point P2 by a distance D2.

Abstract: In the operation of a track chain assembly a high degree of wear is normally experienced due to the environment in which a track-type machine must operate. This wear is typically accelerated by foreign matter that is carried by an idler member of the track chain assembly and is permitted to remain on its contact surfaces as they engage the other track chain components. The present invention provides a scraper assembly that defines a plurality of scraping portions that are adapted to carry a scraping insert on an end portion thereof. The scraping inserts are continuously urged into engagement with the contact surfaces of the idler to remove foreign material therefrom before the contact surfaces engage other track chain components.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween. An associated method of producing a seal arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A roller assembly with a body member. The roller assembly also has a first roller rim secured to the body member. The first roller rim has (i) a first inner side wall segment extending outwardly from the roller surface, (ii) a first outer side wall segment secured to the first inner side wall segment, the first outer side wall segment being positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the body member such that a linear extension of the first outer side wall segment intersects the axis of rotation so as to define an acute angle therebetween, and (iii) a receptacle defined therein. The roller assembly further includes an axle mounting arrangement positioned within the receptacle such that no portion of the axle mounting arrangement traverses the first plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type machines to prevent end play in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer surface. The pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming an annular groove about each of the end portions, placing a swage tool against the outer side surface of the boss in axial alignment with the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the swage tool to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the outer side surface into a respective ones of the grooves. The nodule having a cross-sectional configuration substantially conforming to the groove.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided that connects first and second links of a track chain of a track type work machine. The cartridge assembly includes first and second collars and a track pin. The first collar is positioned within a first hole of the first link and the second collar is positioned within a second hole of the second link. The first collar is fixed in relation to the first link and the track pin and the second collar is fixed in relation to the second link and is allowed to move relative to the track pin.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine is configurable in either a first roller configuration or a second roller configuration. The roller assembly has a roller shaft and a roller hub journalled for rotation about the roller shaft. A first roller rim having a first outer diameter is secured to the roller hub when the roller assembly is configured in the first roller configuration. A second roller rim having a second outer diameter is secured to the roller hub when the roller assembly is configured in the second roller configuration. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter. A method of manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly of a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A guiding arrangement has a guide structure having an opening defined therein. The guiding arrangement also has a roller assembly. The guiding arrangement further has an axle positioned relative to the guide structure so that a portion of the axle is located within the opening.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having (i) central passage, and (ii) an inwardly extending annular flange defined therein. The inwardly extending annular flange extends into the central passage so as to define a flange opening having a first diameter. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft having a first end portion which is positioned outside of the central passage of the roller rim and a second end portion which is positioned within the central passage of the roller rim. The second end portion of the roller shaft has an outwardly extending annular flange secured thereto. The outwardly extending annular flange of the roller shaft has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. An undercarriage for a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insert arrangement includes a ring member having (i) a first sidewall, (ii) a second sidewall, (iii) a bore defined therethrough, (iv) a first seal groove defined in the first sidewall, and (v) a second seal groove defined in the second sidewall. The insert arrangement also includes a bushing having (i) a passageway defined therethrough and (ii) a bushing end face. The bushing is positioned relative to the ring member so that (i) the passageway is linearly aligned with the bore and (ii) the first seal groove is located in an opposing relationship with the bushing end face. The insert arrangement further includes a link having an aperture defined therein. The link is positioned relative to the ring member so that the ring member is positioned within the aperture.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The cartridge assembly also includes track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is located within the passageway so that a first end portion and a second end portion of the track pin extends outwardly from the passageway of the bushing. The cartridge assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the first end portion of the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The cartridge assembly also includes a first collar having a first hole defined therein.

Abstract: A track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The track chain assembly also includes a track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is disposed within the passageway of the bushing. The track chain assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The track pin assembly further includes a first inner link having a first aperture defined therein. The first inner link is positioned relative to the first insert such that the first insert is (i) located within the first aperture and (ii) interposed between the first inner link and the track pin. The track pin assembly also includes a first outer link having a second aperture defined therein.

Abstract: A system for controlling an independent metering valve having a pair of independently controlled electrohydraulic displacement controlled spool valves for controlling pump-to-cylinder communication between an inlet port and a pair of control ports and another pair of independently controlled electrohydraulic displacement controlled spool valves for controlling cylinder-to-tank fluid flow between the control ports and an outlet port. The spool valves of the independent metering valve are calibrated to provide the required fluid flow.

Abstract: A work machine includes a machine body. The work machine also includes an undercarriage assembly having a frame assembly which supports the machine body. The frame assembly has (i) a first frame member, (ii) a second frame member which is movable relative to the first frame member, and (iii) a fluid cylinder for moving the first frame member relative to the second frame member. The work machine further includes a sensor for sensing position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. Moreover, the work machine includes a controller which is electrically coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to (i) communicate with the sensor so as to determine the position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member, and (ii) operate the fluid cylinder so as to move the first frame member relative to the second frame member based on the position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. A method of tensioning a drive track chain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A link includes a body member having (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The body member has a rail surface and a shoe surface. A central axis passes through the rail surface and the shoe surface so as to define a substantially 90° angle between (i) the rail surface and the central axis and (ii) the shoe surface and the central axis. The body member is symmetrical about the central axis. The first aperture is off-set from the second aperture so that the first aperture is not coplanar with the second aperture.

Abstract: Spherical mountings are useful for pivotally connecting a push arm of a blade to a track roller frame of a machine. When the blade is removed the bearing assembly must be disassembled and to reconnect the blade to the spherical mounting the bearing assembly needed to shimmed to obtain the correct gap or clearance between the bearing and the spherical mounting. The subject mounting arrangement includes a mounting assembly having a first end portion removeably connected to the push arm of a blade and a second end portion positioned around a spherical assembly and being removeably connected to a bearing assembly of the spherical assembly. This arrangement of components provides for removing the push arm of the blade from the mounting on the track roller frame without removing the bearing assembly.