Abstract: A track joint is provided with a controlled running clearance by means of a controlled interstice producing membrane placed between the opposing axial thrust surfaces of the joint. The membrane is of a substance which sacrifically self-destructs upon the initial pivotal movements of the joint. The purpose of the membrane is to relieve the joint of compressive loads which become locked in the joint during its assembly and can cause galling of the thrust surfaces and injury to track seals in the joint.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of turning a bushing of a track chain link assembly is disclosed which enables the bushing to be turned in place in the link assembly, thereby eliminating the need to disassembly the link assembly in order to effect the bushing turn.The apparatus includes clamping means having three jaws for clamping the bushing, each of which has a deformable insert of an aluminum alloy so that, upon application of the clamping force, the shape of insert can change to accommodate one-sided sprocket wear on the bushing and insure intimate clamping contact therewith. Each of the deformable inserts is supported on an arcuate surface of a support block which has apertures and grooves for providing space into which material of the insert can extrude to facilitate the ability of insert to conform to the bushing.

Abstract: A flexible seal assembly has an elastomeric body with a convoluted intermediate portion for accommodating pivotal movement about the center of a spherical joint and an integral radial seal lip for accommodating rotational movement about a central axis of the joint. The seal lip extends from an inner diameter portion of elastomeric body in proximate relationship to a rigid plastic lip restraining ring which is molded into such inner diameter portion such that flexure loads are carried by the restraining ring and have no effect on the seal lip.

Abstract: Roadable track shoes employed on track-type vehicles, such as an agricultural tractor, each include at least one elastomeric grouser having a steel anchor plate bonded thereto. Bolting of the anchor plate on a track shoe normally provides exposed bonded edges that are subjected to high tensile stresses or failure during tractor operation. In addition, soil and the like tends to ingress into the bonded edges to further induce bond failure. The grouser assembly (11) of this invention overcomes these problems by providing a compressed lip portion (27) of an elastomeric grouser (12) between a rib (24) formed integrally on the track shoe and each outer side (28) of an anchor plate (13). In addition, a static seal (30) is formed between the lip portion (27) of the grouser (12) and the rib (24).

Abstract: A dual operating mode seal assembly (10) wherein a frictional force maintains a seal ring (50) in a static sealing mode during either movements of a member (16) being sealed to eliminate frictional and abrasive wear to the seal ring (50) and member (16). A load ring (52) provides a shear force upon deflection sufficient to overcome the frictional force at a predetermined slip point to cause the seal ring (50) to enter a dynamic sealing mode in response to extended travel movements of the member (16).

Abstract: A flexible seal assembly 10 is provided for a joint 12 having a first member 15 which is both pivotable about and axially movable along an axis 20 relative to a second joint member 16. The seal assembly 10 is disposed within an annular recess 22 of the first joint member 15 and includes an annular seal 30 of a flexible, wear resistant material and a metallic load ring 31. The seal has an axially movable sealing portion 34 with an annular seal lip 38. The load spring 31 is disposed behind the sealing portion 34 for urging and maintaining the seal lip 38 in sealing engagement against a sealing surface 22 of the second joint member 16.

Abstract: A roadable track shoe grouser is provided for track-type vehicles, for example, tracked farm tractors, to prevent damage to finished road surfaces when driving such tractors upon such road surfaces. The grouser includes a rubber grouser bar which is bonded to a mounting plate to facilitate replacement of the grouser after the rubber grouser bar is worn out by use. Owing to interruptions in the bond provided to accommodate the heads of track shoe retaining bolts underlying the grouser, the bond is subject to premature failure, resulting in the loss of the rubber grouser bar from the track shoe. The grouser 10 described herein solves this problem by using a mounting plate 32 having an aperture 45, the aperture 45 is of a size to receive a head 28 of a track shoe retaining bolt 25. A plug 50 is of a size and construction to be press fitted into and close the aperture 45 and to provide a continuous, uninterrupted bond interface across the mounting plate 32.

Abstract: Recurring problems associated with the manufacturing tolerances of the links, slides, rollers and other componentry forming the carriages for adjustable and reversible seats are such that, after assembly, an undesirable and annoying amount of movement or "play" is introduced in the seat. The present invention is an improved latch assembly (15) for locking a vehicle operator's seat assembly (10) in either a forward or a reverse operating position (12,13) and includes a cam (92) selectively positionable in response to movement of the seat assembly (10) and an arm assembly (108) and a pin (118) for releasably engaging the cam (92) and cooperating therewith in locking the seat assembly (10) in position.