Patents by Inventor James R. Shuler

James R. Shuler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4262971
    Abstract: A track chain construction (10) wherein a pair of link chains (11 and 12) are maintained in spaced parallel relationship by shoes (13) secured to the respective links (16,17) of the link chains. The shoes define central lugs (18) for engagement by the drive sprocket in operating the track chain. Each link (16,17) defines an integral unitary structure including a socket portion (23) and a pin portion (24). The pin defines a reservoir (27) for containing lubricating oil for lubricating the pivot joint defined by the pin (24) received in the socket bore (23). A crescent seal (36) defines a moving seal for cooperation with a fixed seal (30,31) between an end cap (29) and the socket end (21) of the link for sealingly maintaining the oil against leakage from the pivot joint (20). A removable plug (28) permits recharging the oil reservoir (27) when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: James R. Shuler
  • Patent number: 4163589
    Abstract: A track link assembly including two meshed track links, one having a narrow end received in a notch in an enlarged end in the other, aligned bores in the links, a hinge pin received in the bore for pivoting the links together, annular grooves at opposite ends of the pins, retaining rings in the grooves, recesses in one of the links about the bore therein adjacent the ends of the pin and defining shoulders substantially abutted by the retaining rings, and caps closing the recesses and having axial portions about the periphery of the respective retaining rings for preventing radial movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Fox, James R. Shuler
  • Patent number: 3960412
    Abstract: The useful life of the track components of a track-type tractor are prolonged by providing wear-compensating means within the track chain and sprocket assembly. The wear within this assembly is compensated for by providing a sprocket drive chain having pin bushing wear surfaces and a sprocket with replaceable tooth segments so that the pitch diameter of the chain and sprocket may be maintained in matched relationship by replacing the tooth segments with tooth segments having a greater root diameter as the chain pin bushings wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: James R. Shuler