Abstract: A roller or wheel of the type in question has rolling bearings (5) which must be pre-loaded; a unit and relative method of assembly as disclosed offers simple fitment of component parts, accurate pre-load, and economy of manufacture. The two bearings (5) are checked axially by external limiting means (9) and internal limiting means (8); the method of assembly features a step of compacting the component parts axially to the point where the reaction produced by the parts thus urged together offsets the applied compacting force, and a subsequent step of spreading the external limiting means (9) in such a way as to arrive at the requisite bearing pre-load.

Abstract: The roller has a fixed overhung shaft (2) with a groove at its overhung end, in which to lodge a snap ring (14), and a shoulder (9) at its anchored end. The roller body (1) is journalled to the shaft (2) via a pair of rolling bearings (4) the inner rings (6) of which are checked axially by the snap ring (14) and the shoulder (9), respectively. An annular bracket (20) shrouds a seal (17) having a frontal lip which rides the bearing (4) nearest the anchored end of the shaft (2); the bracket (20) itself is locked to the shaft in fluid-tight fashion. An outer cover (15) pressed into the outer edge of the hollow body of the roller encases the overhung end of the shaft (2). The roller thus embodied is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: The gasket assembly comprises an annular gasket (20) and a coaxial thrust ring. The central portion of the ring (20) is bounded by two faces (35) and (36) which are parallel and inclined so that the thickness of the central portion remains constant. The face (35) meets a face (34) by way of a portion (37) forming a right angle therewith, and the face (36) meets a face (32) by way of a portion (38) forming a right angle therewith. The contacting surface between the ring (30) and annular cavity (8) and between the gasket (20) and annular cavity (8) do not vary substantially as the degree of compression of the assembly varies; moreover, the deformation to which the ring (300) is subjected is substantially one of flexure. This means that as the degree of compression varies, in proximity to the working position, the axial thrust transmitted by the ring (30) to the annular gasket (28) does not vary substantially.

Abstract: In an improved roller, a sealing arrangement (9) at either end comprises a metal annular element (11) which is able to shift axially, and which incorporates a smooth, slender frontal rim (14) breasted with the outward-facing frontal surface of the outer race (5) of an adjacent bearing (4). A thrust washer (15) is lodged between a thrust-bracket (7) and metal annular element (11). The surfaces actually breasted in relative rotation are those of the smooth rim (14) and the bearing outer race (5). The disclosed roller seeks to improve on existing types by simplifying and cutting the cost of manufacture, at the same time enhancing performance.

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: 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 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.