Abstract: A system and method for Selective Laser Fusing of a 3D part is disclosed. The system may comprise a platform, a gantry, a dispenser, a first press, a laser configured to emit a laser beam onto powdered material, a positive pressure chamber at least partially surrounding the laser, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: (a) receive data that includes a representation of the 3D part sliced into a plurality of layers; (b) rotate on a path about an axis either the platform or simultaneously each of the dispenser, the first press, the positive pressure chamber and the laser; (c) activate the dispenser to deposit the powdered material during (b); (d) activate the laser to emit during (b) the laser beam onto the powdered material to Fuse the powdered material into a layer of the plurality of layers; and (e) repeat (b)-(d) to make the 3D part.

Abstract: A track roller assembly is disclosed. The track roller assembly may include a shaft and a cap engaged with the shaft. The track roller assembly may further include a roller shell configured to rotate about the shaft and may have a through-bore. The track roller assembly may include a crescent-based track roller seal, a toric-based track roller seal or a combination of both the crescent-based track roller seal and the toric-based track roller seal.

Abstract: A laser polishing method for a metal face seal is provided. The method includes determining, using a processor, a first smoothness level of a seal face surface of the metal face seal. The method includes applying, using the processor, a laser beam at a first angle to at least one peak on the seal face surface of the metal face seal, the first angle measured relative to a normal to the seal face surface. The method includes determining, using the processor, a second smoothness level of the seal face surface. The method includes controlling, using the processor, the laser beam until the second smoothness level is equal to a threshold smoothness level. The method includes turning off the laser beam, using the processor, when the second smoothness level is equal to the threshold smoothness level isotropically over the seal face surface.

Abstract: An track chain may comprise a first chain portion and a second chain portion each having a plurality of track links, and a plurality of joints interconnecting opposing track links of the first chain portion and the second chain portion. Each of the joints may include a bushing received by the opposing track links and the bushing may define a bore. Each of the joints may further include a pin received through the bore of the bushing, and the pin may have an outer diameter with at least one crowned region.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a chassis, at least one continuous track supporting the chassis, at least one rim operatively associated with the continuous track, a shaft rotatably associated with the rim, and a collar operatively associated with the shaft and a guard plate. The collar has a variably angled face interfacing with the rim, and a labyrinth is formed between the collar and the rim via the variably angled face.

Abstract: A system for dispensing lubricant in a stream of cool air to a work piece and a machine tool. A source of lubricant and cool air are coupled to a stationary coupler. A rotating turret includes a plurality of machine tools mounted thereon and the plurality of rotating couplers mounted thereon. Each machine tool is associated with or coupled to one of the rotating couplers. The turret rotates so that a rotating coupler is in abutting engagement with the stationary coupler. Lubricant and cool air pass through the stationary coupler to the rotating coupler, which delivers the lubricant and cool air to a nozzle that is directed at the machine tool associated with the rotating coupler.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating track shoes for an endless track using friction welding are provided. One method includes fabricating a track shoe by friction welding a grouser to a track shoe blank. Another method includes fabricating a track shoe by friction welding a first track shoe portion that includes a grouser to a second track shoe portion.

Abstract: A method for attaching an insert to a substrate includes: rubbing the insert against the substrate; forming a heat-affected zone in the substrate; forming plasticized substrate material from friction resulting from the rubbing; moving the insert to a first depth in the heat-affected zone in the substrate; moving the insert to a second depth in the heat-affected zone in the substrate where the first depth is deeper than the second depth; flowing the plasticized material against the insert; and releasing the insert.

Abstract: An track chain may comprise a first chain portion and a second chain portion each having a plurality of track links, and a plurality of joints interconnecting opposing track links of the first chain portion and the second chain portion. Each of the joints may include a bushing received by the opposing track links and the bushing may define a bore. Each of the joints may further include a pin received through the bore of the bushing, and the pin may have an outer diameter with at least one crowned region.

Abstract: A laser polishing method for a metal face seal is provided. The method includes determining, using a processor, a first smoothness level of a seal face surface of the metal face seal. The method includes applying, using the processor, a laser beam at a first angle to at least one peak on the seal face surface of the metal face seal, the first angle measured relative to a normal to the seal face surface. The method includes determining, using the processor, a second smoothness level of the seal face surface. The method includes controlling, using the processor, the laser beam until the second smoothness level is equal to a threshold smoothness level. The method includes turning off the laser beam, using the processor, when the second smoothness level is equal to the threshold smoothness level isotropically over the seal face surface.

Abstract: A roller for a machine undercarriage may include a roller body constructed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. The roller may also include a first roller tread disposed between a first end of the roller body and a second end of the roller body. Additionally, the roller may include a second roller tread disposed between the first and second ends of the roller body.

Abstract: A track adjustment system for adjusting a track of an undercarriage system of a machine is provided. The undercarriage system includes a drive sprocket and an idler. The track adjustment system includes a sensor module provided proximate to a portion of the track. The sensor module generates a signal indicative of a sag in the portion of the track. An adjuster assembly is coupled to the idler, and adjusts a position of the idler with respect to the drive sprocket. A controller is coupled to the sensor module and the adjuster assembly. The controller receives the signal indicative of the sag in the portion of the track. The controller compares the sag with a pre-defined range. The controller alters a tension, through the adjuster assembly, in the portion of the track, if the sag in the portion of the track lies outside the pre-defined range.

Abstract: An idler for a machine undercarriage includes a hub. The idler may also include a body extending radially outward from the hub, the body including a single solid disk with a first substantially planar side and a second substantially planar side opposite the first substantially planar side.

Abstract: A link assembly for a track-type machine is disclosed. The link assembly includes a plurality of laterally spaced pairs of track links and a plurality of track shoes engaged with the corresponding pairs of track links. Each track link includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end distal to the firs end, a shoe face extending between the first end and the second end and one or more protrusions extending from the shoe face. The track shoe includes a base having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface and apertures extending between the top surface and the bottom surface configured to receive the protrusions therethrough. The protrusions are configured to be deformed to fixedly engage the track shoe with the track link.

Abstract: A link assembly for an endless track may include a first track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the first track link having substantially planar sides. The link assembly may also include a second track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the second track link having substantially planar sides. Additionally, the link assembly may include a third track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the third track link having substantially planar sides, the third track link being pivotally connected to the first track link at a first pivot joint, and the third track link being pivotally connected to the second track link at a second pivot joint.

Abstract: A track link has a link body. The link body of the track link may include a first substantially planar side surface, a second substantially planar side surface opposite the first substantially planar side surface, a shoe face extending between the first and second substantially planar side surfaces, and a roller rail extending between the first and second substantially planar side surfaces opposite the shoe face.