Abstract: A differential assembly for a machine includes a ring gear, first and second differential side gears and a plurality of pinions configured to mesh with the first and second side gears, and mounted on at least one pinion support pin. An inner differential housing is rotatably supported by an outer differential housing, and includes a torque transmitting hub configured to couple the ring gear with the first and second side gears via at least two pinions. The hub including a plurality of radial spokes and an outer rim portion having pinion support pin bores therein.

Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly for driving an endless chain assembly for propelling a machine has a hub portion and flexible cantilever teeth in which each tooth is separately deflectable upon impact by a bushing of the endless chain assembly. The flexibility of each tooth will absorb a portion of the kinetic energy of the impact to reduce noise in the structure. The drive sprocket assembly includes a plurality of segments each having the cantilever teeth. Each segment has a first end portion and a second end portion having an end relief which prevents wear between the segment and the hub as the end portion is deflected by the impact.

Abstract: Joint retention apparatus is disclosed for preventing axial end-play movement of the outboard end collars of track links on the opposite ends of the track pins of track for track-type vehicles. The retention apparatus is located inboard of the pin ends so as not to be exposed to wear from contact with the track guides of the vehicle and includes a pin groove formed about the pin, a link groove located at the inner end of the pin bore through outboard end collar of the link and a retention ring. The retention ring is transformed into a formed-in-place retainer when it is extruded into the retainer cavity formed by the pin and link grooves as the link is pressed onto the end of the pin during the track assembly process with the use of a track press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type vehicles to prevent end play in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a laterally outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer periphery and the pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into a respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming a generally arcuately shaped annular groove about each of the end portions of the pin, placing a punch device against the outer periphery of the boss in radial alignment with the groove in the end portion of the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the punch device to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the second bore of each outboard end collar into a respective one of the grooves.

Abstract: An endless track chain with a rotatable bushing is disclosed that utilizes sleeve bearings for rotatably mounting the inboard end collars of the links about the pin. The joint of the track chain is sealed and lubricated. Sealing rings for the joint incorporates the use of a second set of seals for sealing between the rotatable bushing and the inboard end collars of the link. A unique design for the links enables the chain to accommodate the second set of seals without any loss of structural integrity in the chain or any disadvantageous increase in rail gauge width ('G") of the chain. The track chain also utilizes a punch for mechanically interlocking the outboard end collars of the links to the end portions of the pin to eliminate joint end play.

Abstract: A low ground pressure track chain with track links with offset pin and bushing bores is disclosed. The track chain is provided with a plurality of low ground pressure track shoes and includes a like plurality of link sets coupled by a like plurality of joints. Each link set has one of the track shoes secured thereto and includes a pair of laterally spaced links. Each link has a laterally offset inboard end collar having a first bore, an opposite laterally offset outboard end collar having a second bore, and a rail surface. The rail surface has a predetermined overall width between an inner edge and an outer edge. An inner surface of the inboard end collar is offset inwardly from the inner rail edge and an outer surface thereof is substantially offset outwardly to a position where it is closer to the outer rail edge than to the inner rail edge to provide the first bore with a predetermined press length that is greater than one-half the width of the rail surface.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US 79/00091 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 15, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 15, 1979, PCT Filed Feb. 15, 1979, Ser. No. 30,243.A cylinder (10) and piston (14) device has a piston (14) with a circumferential fluid seal mounting band (17) near one of its ends, a step (19) defining a piston end portion (20) of smaller diameter than the band (17), and a snap-ring groove (21) in the end portion (20) near the step (19). A stressed fluid seal (22) which is mounted on the band (17) has an unstressed diameter (across 25) less than that of the band (17) but greater than that of the piston end portion (20); and a retaining ring (27) for the fluid seal (22) is held adjacent the step (19) by a snap-ring (28) in the groove (21).