Abstract: A main frame to roller frame stop assembly for limiting movement of an equalizer bar relative to the main frame of a track-type tractor or other work machine wherein the stop assembly includes a first member mountable to one of the roller frames, and a second member mountable to the main frame of the work machine, the second member being positioned and located to engage the first member when the equalizer bar moves a predetermined distance relative to the main frame, the first member being positioned and located in the vicinity of the bearing joint coupling the equalizer bar to the roller frame and further including an elastomeric portion capable of dampening and absorbing at least a portion of the load exerted thereagainst when the first stop member engages the second stop member.

Abstract: A sound reducing carrier roller supports and guides portions of an endless track of a track-type machine as that portion of the track travels between a drive wheel and an idler wheel of the machine. A portion of a rim segment is solidly mounted to the roller shell while a gap is maintained between the rest of the rim segment and the roller shell. A resilient ring is positioned between the segment and the roller shell to reduce noise and impact load on the roller assembly. Conventional track rollers have metal to metal contact between the rim and the roller shell which can generate noise and impact therebetween. The subject roller assembly, with rim segments resiliently mounted, reduces the noise and impact levels.

Abstract: Earthmoving machines are often provided with quick coupling devices that allow them to change work implements in a relatively rapid fashion when compared to changing conventionally mounted implements. A locking system between the machine linkage and the implement is positioned between the components and includes a hydraulic system which continually applies pressurized fluid to the locking system.

Abstract: Metal-to-metal face seals are commonly used between relatively rotating components to maintain a quantity of lubricating fluid within one component while keeping dirt and abrasives from entering. The positioning of the sealing faces of the seal rings is critical to their function and, for any number of reasons, the interface between the seal rings has been known to become angled with respect to the axis about which they are positioned. The present invention provides a seal assembly that have a pair of seal rings that are maintained in engaging contact with one another by a pair of load rings. Each load ring has a first end portion that engages the respective seal ring and a second end portion that engages a recess in an adjacent housing. The recess defines an angled surface that is adapted for engagement with an annular surface of the load ring to stabilize the seal assembly to maintain proper positioning of the seal rings.

Abstract: Access to an operator station of a large track-type tractor is provided by a ladder support structure pivotally attached to a portion of the radiator guard of the tractor. The ladder support structure extends over a track of the tractor and has a ladder pivotally attached to a distal end of the ladder support structure that provides steps over a push arm and a tilt cylinder of the tractor. When the ladder assembly is moved to its carry position, the ladder is moved to a position inside the ladder support structure, and the ladder support structure raised to a vertical position adjacent a side panel of the radiator guard of the tractor. The present invention avoids the problem of machine operators climbing on the push arms, tilt cylinders, radiator, radiator guard, track, hood, and engine enclosures in order to gain access to the operator station.

Abstract: A spark plug with lower operating temperature has an electrode with a tip which evenly distributes heat imparted to the firing end portion of the spark plug. The electrical insulating material surrounding the electrode is spaced at a predetermined distance from the firing end portion of the spark plug to allow the heat to more quickly travel away from the firing end portion. An annular groove in the first end surface of the electrical insulating material minimizes electrical surface discharge between the electrode and the annular metal shell of the spark plug. Radii at locations of change in cross-section in the bore of the annular metal shell and the electrical insulating material serve to minimize voltage breakdown.

Abstract: A face seal assembly comprises a pair of confronting seal rings having mutually-engaging seal faces. The seal faces are maintained in sealing engagement by a pair of resilient load rings that are positioned between the seal rings and a pair of housings that are positioned on opposing sides of the seal rings. The load rings are received within a recess defined by the respective housings and are adapted to interfit with one another to thereby resist relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: In the operation of construction machines it is quite common to provide a myriad of control levers for the various machine functions. Since the requirements for the implements controlled by the various levers are different, the control levers themselves are different, in operation as well as in physical configuration. The present invention comprehends a modular control handle having a grip assembly that is adaptable to accommodate one of a plurality of different control modules mountable therein. The control modules may be varied to accommodate various machine operations but the size and shape of the grip assembly may remain the same.

Abstract: Conventional lift arm arrangements for construction machines include a pair of lift arms that are welded fabrications forming box-beams. The lift arms are typically connected by a cross tube that is welded to the inner walls of each lift arm. This type of construction creates an extremely heavy arrangement that requires several very labor intensive welding operations to manufacture. The present invention provides a lift arm arrangement that includes lift arms that are made of one-piece, cast members. Each lift arm includes an integral abutment portion that defines a surface that is adapted for welding to a cross tube assembly. The surface is configured to be spaced laterally from the inner side surfaces of each lift arm. Being so positioned, the stress concentrations created by the welded joint are moved to a location that is removed from the juncture between the cross tube assembly and the side surfaces of the lift arms.

Abstract: In a metal to metal face seal assembly, a metal ring seal has a J-shaped cross-section with the hook portion of the ring seal forming an annular notch which receives and restrains a resilient load ring.

Abstract: A cone drive apparatus includes a conical drive assembly which aligns and drivingly engages between an engine and a transmission. The conical drive assembly is fastened to a flex plate which is connected to an output member of an engine. The conical drive assembly aligns with a conical recess in an adapter plate fastened to an input member of a transmission. Once the engine and transmission are aligned and suitably fastened together, the conical drive assembly drivingly engages the output member of the engine to the input member of the transmission.

Abstract: Conventional methods for heat treating cylindrical components such as track bushings involve multiple steps. For example, many such methods consist of carburizing, cooling, induction-hardening, quenching, and tempering. The conventional methods have proved to be costly because different heat treating apparatus are required. This causes duplicate handling and wasted manufacturing time. The present invention provides a method and apparatus 30 for heat treating a bushing 10 simultaneously from an outer peripheral surface and the pair of inner circumferential surfaces.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission includes an electrical section and a mechanical transmission to provide an infinitely adjustable power flow through the transmission. The mechanical transmission includes a planetary gearing mechanism having four planetary gear sets and six members which interact with the electrical section and a gear change mechanism to infinitely adjust output speed.

Abstract: A differential steer and final drive configuration for machines such as small tractors for agricultural and construction purposes and the like, which differential steer and final drive configuration allows passage of a power take-off (PTO) shaft beneath the differential steer mechanism and between the drive axles of the final drive mechanisms such that a PTO output member connected to the PTO shaft can be located on or in the vicinity of the machine front to rear centerline and the drive wheel axis.

Abstract: A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a cylindrical tubular shape, a first end and a second end, and first end and second bearing surfaces adjacent respective ends. A circumferential groove having a depth in an axial direction is formed in at least one of the first end and second end bearing surfaces. An abrasion resistant material is deposited within the circumferential groove and bonded to the bushing at a bond interface. The abrasion resistant material at the bond interface is diluted with no greater than 5% by weight track bushing material.

Abstract: Continuously driven machine steering differentials have heretofore been complex for counter-rotating a pair of oppositely located planetary elements. The planetary steering differential includes a differential powered by a transmission input and a planetary gearing mechanism which receives an input from a steering motor for interacting with the outputs to achieve a steering correction.

Abstract: Apparatus for accelerating the onset of wear related damage on a circumferential cam surface including a structure for supporting a camshaft including the circumferential cam surface, a plurality of rollers having respective circumferential roller surfaces, and structures supporting the rollers at respective locations adjacent the structure for supporting the camshaft for positioning the circumferential roller surfaces for circumferential rotating contact with the circumferential cam surface. The apparatus includes a mechanism operable for rotating the camshaft with the circumferential cam surface and the circumferential roller surfaces in the circumferential rotating contact. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for variably biasing the respective rollers against the camshaft during the circumferential rotating contact simulative of actual operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic alloy composite composition having the alloy spontaneously infiltrated into the ceramic, with the preferred ceramic alloy composite composition being a Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 /TiN/Cu-Ti composite composition and a method for forming the ceramic alloy composite composition.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for initiating fatigue related damage on a circumferential surface of a rotatable member resultant from application of a tensile stress condition and a superimposed contact stress condition. The apparatus includes structure for supporting the member for axial rotation, structure for applying a load to the member during the rotation thereof to create a bending moment at a predetermined axial location along the member and a resultant tensile stress condition on a circumferential surface thereof at a corresponding location. The apparatus further includes structure for creating a contact stress on the circumferential surface of the member at the predetermined location.

Abstract: A high viscosity, solvent-resistant, thermoset polyetherpolyurethane molded article that includes a methylene-bridged polyarylpolyisocyanate component and a polyether polyol solution combined in catalytic urethane-forming reaction where the polyether polyol solution of the urethane-forming reaction includes a diol first component, a polyether polyol second component, a polyether polyol third component, and a polymer polyol fourth component having a nonaqueous dispersant stabilizer.