Abstract: A valve assembly which is effective for filling a system with pressurized fluid and metering from the pressurized system a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid. The valve assembly includes a valve body comprising a primary chamber and a valve member adapted to move within the primary chamber. The primary chamber communicates with a source of pressurized fluid and also communicates with a working cylinder. The valve member is responsive to a first pressure of the source of pressurized fluid to allow the working cylinder to achieve a maximum stroke. The valve member is responsive to a second pressure of said pressurized fluid to meter a predetermined amount of fluid from the working cylinder before decoupling the working cylinder from the source of pressurized fluid. By metering a predetermined amount of fluid from the cylinder, the cylinder retracts to a position which is incrementally fixed in relation to its maximum stroke position.

Abstract: An idler sprocket mount including a pair of modular block assemblies for mounting an idler sprocket for endwise sliding movement generally parallel to a track frame of a crawler tractor. Each block assembly defines a horizontally elongated channel allowing for endwise sliding movement of the frame therethrough to permit the idler sprocket to recoil parallel to the track frame. The elongated channel includes at least one bearing surface along which a wear surface of the track frame slides. A spring biased assembly provides a substantially constant vertically directed force against the frame to resiliently urge the wear surface against the bearing surface of the channel thereby automatically compensating for wear between the interfacing surface and inhibiting vertical bounce of the idler sprocket relative to the track frame.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for use in a track joint having a track pin and a cylindrical bushing on the pin and two track links. The end of the bushing and one of the track links present annular surfaces faced toward each other and spaced apart. The seal arrangement includes a seal ring of elastomer material and a thrust ring of rigid material. The seal ring has a body portion and two radially outwardly extending leg portions which contact the annular surfaces. The thrust ring is molded into the body portion of the seal ring and includes a plurality of cooperating axial recess portions and radial recess portions formed therein. The elastomer material of the seal ring extends into and fills the recess portions so as to form circumferentially spaced integral link portions around the thrust ring.

Abstract: A replaceable wear cover for track chain bushings which covers and protectively shields the track bushing such that the wear cover, rather than the bushing, directly engages the metallic outer radial portions of the chain-driving sprocket wheel. The wear cover may be made of heat treated steel or like material for long life and includes noise suppression and impact absorbing elastomeric members for reducing noise and impact resulting from driving engagement with the sprocket wheel. A mounting portion of the replaceable wear cover is attached to the inner surface of the track plate by one or more fasteners that pass through the track plate and wear cover mounting portion or by using the same fasteners which attach the track plate to the track links. The wear cover includes a shield portion having depending legs for covering the standard track bushing and which are sprung apart for installation or removal, thereby insuring a tight fit on the bushing.

Abstract: A optimized two-piece master track link for connecting together the ends of an articulated track is described. The two link parts forming the track link interface together along a generally flat diagonal surface defined by each of the two link parts. Each of the two diagonal flat surfaces has a mutually facing cavity. Each cavity has an interior side wall which faces away from the diagonal surfaces. A complementary dowel pin fits within the hollow space defined by the two cavities and resists separation of the two link parts along three mutually perpendicular directions. Shoe bolts extend from the outside of the track shoe to one of the link parts through the other link part so that both of the link parts are joined to the track shoe. One end of each of the two diagonal flat surfaces is immediately adjacent the track shoe. The opposite end is spaced at an intermediate position between the inner and outer surfaces of the track link.

Abstract: A dual seat arrangement for an earthworking vehicle consists of a first seat including a seat cushion fixed to the vehicle body and a backrest pivotally supported on the vehicle body about a generally horizontal first pivot axis. A second rearwardly facing seat is pivoted on the vehicle body about a second parallel horizontal axis and the backrest and second seat are interconnected by a rigid link so that the two move as a unit between generally horizontal and generally vertical positions which respectively define the operative position for the rearwardly facing seat and the operative position for the forwardly facing backrest. A single releasable latch means is utilized for defining the upright position while the generally horizontal position is defined by supporting the seat directly on the vehicle frame structure.

Abstract: A track joint with a thrust ring and a seal ring wherein there is a track pin and a cylindrical bushing on the pin and two track links. The end of the bushing and one of the track links present annular surfaces faced toward each other but spaced apart. A thrust ring extends between the annular surfaces and a seal ring is on the thrust ring and extends in two legs radially outwardly from the thrust ring and into contact with the respective annular surfaces for sealing therewith.

Abstract: A control mechanism for adjusting the angle and lateral position of a plow blade, which is particularly useful for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The disclosed control mechanism includes a fixed frame, which is supported on a suitable vehicle and a slide frame, which supports the plow blade. The slide frame is slideably supported on a horizontal rail of the fixed frame. A piston or other power means is connected to the fixed and slide frames to adjust the lateral position of the supported plow blade. The disclosed plow includes a support frame which is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on a slide frame and the control mechanism includes means to angularly adjust the blade on the pivot.

Abstract: A vibratory plow particularly suitable for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The plow blade is pivotally mounted on a frame assembly on a resilient mounting. The frame assembly includes a U-shaped yoke pivotally mounted at opposite ends to the frame assembly. A vibrator is mounted on the yoke and the yoke is pivotally connected to the blade by a link which is pivotally connected at opposed ends to the blade and the yoke. The blade is thereby vibrated in an orbital plowing motion as the blade is drawn through the earth by a suitable vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical lift and tilt control for plows which is particularly suitable for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The vertical lift mechanism includes a mast assembly having a generally vertical rail and a slide frame slideably mounted on the rail. The plow assembly is supported on the slide frame and a power means, such as a piston, is connected to the mast and slide frames for raising and lowering the plow assembly. The mast assembly is pivotally supported on a suitable vehicle and a second power means, such as a piston, is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the mast assembly for adjusting the tilt or attack angle of the plow blade.

Abstract: A sealed track joint having a pin and a bushing and links assembled therewith. The links and bushing present a cavity in which an elastomeric seal is disposed and is shown to be of an S-shape in cross section and is compressed into the cavity.

Abstract: A joint with a combined seal and bushing and including a cylindrical member and a bushing on the cylindrical member and two links piloted on the cylindrical member, and all forming a joint. The members present a circular counterbore and the bushing has its end facing the counterbore and there is an elastomeric combined seal and bushing member in the counterbore and being compressed between the members to avoid wear therebetween and dampen noise.

Abstract: A crawler tractor track chain drive assembly including a drive sprocket and a track chain having links and a track plate. An elastomeric member is confined between the links and the plate, but free of any screws or other fasteners for holding the member in the chain, and presenting the member for engagement by the sprocket in driving the chain.