Patents by Inventor Matthew W. Trone

Matthew W. Trone 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).

  • Master link joint for a track undercarriage and method of retrofitting an existing undercarriage
    Patent number: 9926024
    Abstract: A master link joint for a drive chain is disclosed. The disclosed master link joint includes two master links. Each master link includes a first half link and a second half link that engage each other along mating abutment surfaces. The two master links are disposed on opposite sides of the chain. The first half links are coupled by a pin that traverses the chain and the second half links are coupled by a bushing that traverses the chain. The mating abutment surfaces include a first ramp that meets a second offset ramp at a junction or root. An angle ? defined by the second ramps of the mating abutment surfaces and a line parallel to the rail or bottom pad of the half links ranges from about 45 to about 53°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan S. Clarke, John M. Plouzek, Laurence J. Cobb, Matthew W. Trone
  • Master Link Joint for a Track Undercarriage and Method of Retrofitting an Existing Undercarriage
    Publication number: 20110316331
    Abstract: A master link joint for a drive chain is disclosed. The disclosed master link joint includes two master links. Each master link includes a first half link and a second half link that engage each other along mating abutment surfaces. The two master links are disposed on opposite sides of the chain. The first half links are coupled by a pin that traverses the chain and the second half links are coupled by a bushing that traverses the chain. The mating abutment surfaces include a first ramp that meets a second offset ramp at a junction or root. An angle ? defined by the second ramps of the mating abutment surfaces and a line parallel to the rail or bottom pad of the half links ranges from about 45 to about 53°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Donovan S. Clarke, John M. Plouzek, Laurence J. Cobb, Matthew W. Trone
  • Master link unit assembly
    Patent number: D665826
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan S. Clarke, John M. Plouzek, Laurence J. Cobb, Matthew W. Trone