Abstract: A track joint assembly may include a first track shoe including at least one forward pin lug, a second track shoe including at least one back pin lug, a pin extending through a pin bore coupling the first track shoe to the second track shoe, a retainer plate positioned within the pin bore and including an interior surface adjacent the pin, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and a recess extending at least partially along an outer circumferential edge of the exterior surface, a stop ring positioned within a stop groove formed in an inner circumferential surface of the pin bore, the stop ring positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the retainer and extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface such that the stop ring blocks the retainer plate from withdrawing from the pin bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an example track pad having a ground-contacting portion for use in a track-based machine to propel and support the machine across a supporting surface. The track pad may be a track pad that forms a link of a chain forming the track for the track-based machine. The track pad includes a cast body formed of a first alloy steel having a first strength and toughness. The track pad includes a roll path that contacts a roller of the track-based machine. The roll path is hardened through an induction hardening process to achieve a hardness level at a depth of 32 millimeters or more from the surface of the roll path. The roll path is shaped and positioned to contact rollers of the track drive assembly and thereby reduce wear and fatigue on the track pad as a result of contact and force transferred through the roller.

Abstract: A track chain assembly includes a first track pad including a first pair of lugs defining a gap therebetween, and a second track pad including an intermediate lug disposed in the gap. The first pair of lugs and the intermediate lug each define a concentric bore, defining an axis of rotation for a pinned joint of the track chain assembly, and the concentric bore of one of the first pair of lugs is in communication with the gap with a first blend disposed axially between the gap and the concentric bore.

Abstract: A process for preparing a layered composition has been developed. The composition comprises an inner core and an outer layer comprising a molecular sieve. The process involves providing a slurry comprising inner core particles and sources of the framework elements of the molecular sieve. To this slurry there are added nutrient(s), i.e. framework element sources thereby forming crystals of the molecular sieve which agglomerate onto the inner core. The process is carried out for a time sufficient to form a layer of desired thickness.