Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain includes a bushing and a track pin. The bushing has an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage in the form of a cylindrical bore. The bushing forms a lubrication reservoir adjacent the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface of the bushing. The track pin is disposed within the cylindrical bore, and the bushing is rotatable with respect to the track pin. An outer surface of the track pin is in fluid communication with the lubrication reservoir. The outer surface of the bushing corresponds with an outer diameter of the cartridge assembly. The outer diameter of the cartridge assembly is less than a diameter of supporting bores such that the cartridge assembly is rotatable with respect to inside surfaces of the supporting bores.

Abstract: A crawler shoe for a mining vehicle includes a first wear surface, a second wear surface positioned opposite the first wear surface, a recess formed within the first wear surface and including a measurement datum formed at a bottom portion of the recess, wherein the measurement datum is positioned below the first wear surface such that the measurement datum is subjected to less service wear than the first wear surface, and an approximately linear transmission path configured to receive an ultrasonic signal and extending from the measurement datum to the second wear surface.

Abstract: A crawler shoe for a mining vehicle includes a first wear surface, a second wear surface positioned opposite the first wear surface, a recess formed within the first wear surface and including a measurement datum formed at a bottom portion of the recess, wherein the measurement datum is positioned below the first wear surface such that the measurement datum is subjected to less service wear than the first wear surface, and an approximately linear transmission path configured to receive an ultrasonic signal and extending from the measurement datum to the second wear surface.

Abstract: Mounting arrangement includes a drawbar assembly universally coupled to a longitudinally extending front frame portion of a machine proximal to a front wheel and a distance rearward from the wheel. An implement mounting bracket pivotably coupled to the assembly defines an articulation axis. First and second hydraulic actuators advance respective power links coupled to the mounting bracket to rotate the mounting bracket about the articulation axis. Respective idler links limit the movement of the actuators and power links.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a tunnel boring machine or similar machine has a cutter ring mounted to a hub. The hub is mounted on a shaft. A sleeve bearing system is positioned between the hub and the shaft for supporting the hub on the shaft and allowing relative rotation. A duo-cone seal assembly is positioned between the hub and the shaft to seal out contaminants from the sleeve bearing system. An oil gallery with lubricating oil for lubricating the sleeve bearing system is provided in the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing vibrational effects of track chain assembly catenary hang is disclosed. A work machine includes a pair of track roller assemblies one positioned on each side of the work machine. The vibration reducing apparatus and method includes repositioning undercarriage components to vary the catenary hang from one side of the work machine to the other.

Abstract: Mounting arrangement includes a drawbar assembly universally coupled to a longitudinally extending front frame portion of a machine proximal to a front wheel and a distance rearward from the wheel. An implement mounting bracket pivotably coupled to the assembly defines an articulation axis. First and second hydraulic actuators advance respective power links coupled to the mounting bracket to rotate the mounting bracket about the articulation axis. Respective idler links limit the movement of the actuators and power links.

Abstract: A master link for a chain is disclosed. The master link may have a first half link member, a second half link member, and a pin joining the first and second half link members. The master link may also have a shoe fixedly connected to the first half link member at a first tapered protrusion and fixedly connected to the second half link member at a second tapered protrusion.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a tunnel boring machine or similar machine has a cutter ring mounted to a hub. The hub is mounted on a shaft. A sleeve bearing system is positioned between the hub and the shaft for supporting the hub on the shaft and allowing relative rotation. A duo-cone seal assembly is positioned between the hub and the shaft to seal out contaminants from the sleeve bearing system. An oil gallery with lubricating oil for lubricating the sleeve bearing system is provided in the shaft.

Abstract: A master link for a chain is disclosed. The master link may have a first half link member, a second half link member, and a pin joining the first and second half link members. The master link may also have a shoe fixedly connected to the first half link member at a first tapered protrusion and fixedly connected to the second half link member at a second tapered protrusion.

Abstract: A master link for a track of a machine includes a first link member having a profiled surface with a sinusoidal segment defined by a tooth and an adjacent recess. The master link further includes a second link member configured complementarily to the first link member, their respective profiled surfaces together defining a mating interface for transmitting loads therebetween. A machine further includes a track having a single tooth master link wherein profiled surfaces on adjacent link members together define a mating interface for transmitting loads through the track, each of the profiled surfaces having a sinusoidal segment.

Abstract: A track-type work machine is provided, including a roller frame and a track extending about the roller frame. A track roller is mounted along the roller frame and rotatable against the track. The track roller is rotatably supported by a bearing that includes a shaft extending in the track roller and at least one sleeve rotatable about the shaft. At least one of the sleeve and the track roller include a load transmitting crown. A method is further provided of reducing edge loading of a track roller bearing, by transmitting selected loads on the bearing toward a center thereof at least in part by crowning a rotatable sleeve of the bearing.

Abstract: A frame for a work machine includes first and second wall portions having an axially aligned bore positioned therein. A boom is positioned between the first and second wall portions and has a bore that is alignable with the bores in the first and second wall portions. A first insert is disposed within the bore of the first wall portion of the frame and a second insert disposed within the bore of the second wall portion of the frame with each insert having a bore therethrough. A pin cartridge assembly is positioned in the bores of the first and second inserts and the boom. The pin cartridge assembly includes a pin having first and second end portions and an outer surface. A first collar having a through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A second collar having through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A bushing has a stepped bore that is rotatably disposed about the outer surface of the pin.

Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly includes a hub having an endless chain connected thereto. A plurality of driver members are mounted between the hub and the endless chain to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various structures deflect or bend, edge loading occurs therebetween. The subject joint assembly includes a pin positioned between a first and second structure. An insert is free floating positioned around the pin for contacting either of the first or second structures. A crown shaped surface is utilized on the insert at a substantially central location therealong. The crown shaped surface directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading.

Abstract: A frame for a work machine includes first and second wall portions having an axially aligned bore positioned therein. A boom is positioned between the first and second wall portions and has a bore that is alignable with the bores in the first and second wall portions. A first insert is disposed within the bore of the first wall portion of the frame and a second insert disposed within the bore of the second wall portion of the frame with each insert having a bore therethrough. A pin cartridge assembly is positioned in the bores of the first and second inserts and the boom. The pin cartridge assembly includes a pin having first and second end portions and an outer surface. A first collar having a through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A second collar having through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A bushing has a stepped bore that is rotatably disposed about the outer surface of the pin.

Abstract: A master link for a track chain assembly is provided. The master link includes a body portion having first and second spaced apart apertures extending therethough. A gap extends radially outward from one of the first and second apertures. At least one fastener operatively engages an aperture that extends through the gap. As the fastener is secured the width of the gap is reduced thereby reducing the diameter of one of the first and second apertures providing a clamping force.

Abstract: An idler assembly includes a hub has a plurality of segments connected thereto. A groove is positioned in either an outer circumferential surface of the hub or the inner surface of the plurality of segments. The groove has first and second tapered sides that terminate at a bottom surface. An isolation member is mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly includes a hub having an endless chain connected thereto. A plurality of driver members are mounted between the hub and the endless chain to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: A master link for a track chain assembly is provided. The master link includes a body portion having first and second spaced apart apertures extending therethough. A gap extends radially outward from one of the first and second apertures. At least one fastener operatively engages an aperture that extends through the gap. As the fastener is secured the width of the gap is reduced thereby reducing the diameter of one of the first and second apertures providing a clamping force.