Abstract: A track roller assembly includes a wheel body, a bearing, a wheel axle, a cap element, a rotating oil seal, an end cover and an oil body. The wheel body has a thread. The bearing is disposed on the wheel body. The wheel axle is disposed through the bearing. The cap element has a screw corresponding to the thread. One side of the rotating oil seal is connected to the cap element, and another side of the rotating oil seal rotatably abuts the wheel axle. The end cover is connected to the wheel axle. The oil body is limited to an accommodating space formed by the wheel body, the wheel axle, the cap element and the rotating oil seal.

Abstract: A lubricating oil maintenance cap assembly includes a cap having an outer side, and an inner side, a shield, anchor assemblies, the shield is applied to the inner side of the cap, and the anchor assemblies anchor the shield to the cap. The cap is fashioned of a first material, the shield is fashioned of a second material, and the second material is different from the first material and is more thermally resistant than the first material enabling the shield to thermally shield the inner side of the cap.

Abstract: The sprocket member keeps the sprocket centered within the link box while the notches or cut-outs allow mud, dirt, or other material to move out of the link box formed of the track chain assembly by two track bushings and two track links that form a rectangular shaped perimeter. The spacing provided by the wings of the sprocket member reduce wear on the track links near a track bushing and track link interface such as a press-fit connection by spacing the lugs of the sprocket member away from the interface.

Abstract: A traveling unit includes a drive wheel and track links. The drive wheel includes a plurality of drive wheel teeth and a tooth groove which is disposed adjacently to the drive wheel teeth. The track link includes projection portions which mesh with the drive wheel teeth. The projection portion has a height h greater than or equal to a depth d of the tooth groove.

Abstract: A track link includes a link body having first and second sides, a rail surface, a shoe engaging surface, and first and second end portions. A link pin bore at the first end portion is configured to receive a link pin. A bushing bore at the second end portion is configured to receive a bushing. A link pin boss is located at the first end portion on the first side and surrounds the link pin bore. A bushing boss is located at the second end portion on the second side and surrounds the bushing bore.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an undercarriage track joint assembly includes forming at least a first portion of a seal assembly by laser brazing an annular, metal sealing washer to a first track link of the undercarriage track joint assembly. The method may also include performing the laser brazing to form at least one of an annular fillet of braze material between the first track link and at least a portion of an inner diameter surface of the washer and an annular fillet of braze material between the first track link and at least a portion of an outer diameter surface of the washer.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic component includes a base, a plug, and a fluid stopper. The base includes a hydraulic chamber, a first bore having a first bore diameter and being in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber, a second bore extending from the first bore and having a second bore diameter greater than the first bore diameter, and a seat surface extending between the first bore and the second bore. The plug is coupled to the second bore. The fluid stopper is configured to be accommodated in the second bore and to be pressed by the plug to seal the first bore. The fluid stopper is an individual member with respect to the plug.

Abstract: A track roller for a mobile machine is disclosed. The track roller may have a shaft defining a central axis, and a roller body connected to the shaft and configured to rotate around the central axis relative to the shaft. The track roller may also have a sealing member positioned between the shaft and the roller body, and a collar member secured to the shaft and at least partially covering the sealing member. A passageway having an opening may be defined between the collar member and the roller body. The track roller may further have a guard member secured to the shaft, the guard member having a main body and an upper rim extending from the main body towards the roller body. The guard member may also have a plurality of projections extending from the main body towards the roller body, and a plurality of openings formed between the upper rim and the projections.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a track joint assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the track joint assembly may include a first link having a first bore. The track joint assembly may also include a second link having a second bore. Additionally, the track joint assembly may include a pin positioned at least partially within the first bore. The track joint assembly may also include an inner bushing positioned coaxially around the pin, and at least partially within the second bore. In addition, the track joint assembly may include an outer bushing positioned coaxially around the inner bushing. The track joint assembly may also include a seal assembly positioned between the first link and the second link to form a hermetic seal between the first link and the second link.

Abstract: A track assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The track assembly may have a plurality of crawler shoes. Each of the plurality of crawler shoes may include a ground engaging surface and first and second pairs of links laterally spaced apart on a side opposite the ground engaging surface. The track assembly may also have a first pin connecting the first pair of links of each of the plurality of crawler shoes to form a first continuous chain, and a second pin connecting the second pair of links of each of the plurality of crawler shoes to form a second continuous chain. The track assembly may further have a drive wheel having dual sprockets configured to simultaneously engage the first and second continuous chains.

Abstract: A track link having a wear sensing device is disclosed. The track link may include a link body including a surface, a cavity, and at least one hole configured to receive a track pin. The track link may further include the wear sensing device positioned in the cavity. The wear sensing device may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a wear parameter of the surface. The track link may further include a containment mechanism configured to secure the wear sensing device in position inside the cavity.

Abstract: A farm implement includes an undercarriage including at least a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam and first and second dual track propulsion systems. Each dual track propulsion system includes a first track assembly and a second track assembly. Each track assembly includes at least a track frame, at least two wheels and a track belt looped around the wheels. Each track assembly also includes a track support beam coupled to the track frames of the first and second track assemblies. The track support beam is pivotably coupled to the front and rear crossbeams such that said track support beam can pivot about a first axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track support beam, thereby allowing the first track assembly to move generally upwardly and downwardly in the opposite direction of the second track assembly.

Abstract: A crawler shoe is disclosed for use with a mobile machine having a track assembly with a sprocket. The crawler shoe may have a ground engaging surface, and laterally spaced-apart links connected at a side opposite the ground engaging surface. The laterally spaced-apart links may each have an arcuate wear surface configured to provide hub support against bearing forces of the sprocket, and at least one bore configured to receive a pin that transfers tractive forces from the sprocket to the plate.

Abstract: A track pad is disclosed for use for a track type mobile machine having a sprocket and an idler wheel. The track pad may have a first link with a rail surface configured to engage the sprocket and the idler wheel, and a second link oriented generally parallel with the first link and having a rail surface configured to engage the sprocket and the idler wheel. The track pad may also have a shoe connected to the first and second links at a side opposite the rail surfaces, and a wear indicator formed within the rail surface of at least one of the first and second links.

Abstract: A roller unit is provided which includes: (i) a roller configured to roll in contact with a crawler belt; (ii) a roller shaft for rotatably supporting the roller; (iii) a seal fit in an annular space defined between the roller and the roller shaft, wherein the seal is formed such that an inner circumference side sealing portion located on an inner circumference side and an outer circumference side sealing portion located on an outer circumference side and press-fit in the roller are fit together so as to come into slidable contact with each other; and (iv) a collar mounted to the roller shaft, wherein the collar has a boss portion onto which the inner circumference side sealing portion is pressed and a flange portion disposed on an atmosphere side of the inner circumference side sealing portion.

Abstract: A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin joint assembly including a pin defining a longitudinal axis, a first member and a second member both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining, at least in part, an axially-extending seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly including a seal ring and a load ring is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first member and the second member. The load ring includes a main body and a neck having a neck perimeter with a first sealing blade disposed along the neck perimeter and comprising an outwardly-extending projection. The first sealing blade is adapted to sealingly engage one of the seal ring and the first member.

Abstract: A debris shunting awning assembly, for an undercarriage in a ground engaging track system for a track-type machine includes an awning having a plurality of segmental plates with an assembly configuration at which the plates are coupled with the inboard side of a track roller frame and span a clearance between the track roller frame and a main frame of the track-type machine. The awning assembly is configured to direct debris through a debris path extending through a portion of a track system for the track-type machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of a vehicle, such as a landfill compactor, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a wheel having a rim from which radially extend a plurality of cleats or tips. A subset of tips may be provided circumferentially around a laterally inner edge of the wheel. A wheel guard may be mounted between adjacent pairs of tips of the subset. Each wheel guard may be welded to the rim and to the adjacent pairs of tips. Each wheel guard may be a unitary piece of metal, or could be provided in two or more segment so as to be adjustable and thus facilitate use on wheels of differing diameters, or with different tip spacing. The wheel guards and adjacent tips form a continuous barrier around the circumference of the wheel to prevent debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of the compactor.

Abstract: A ground engaging track for a track-type machine includes a set of identical standard track shoes each having a relatively narrow shoe footprint, and a sweeping track shoe having a relatively wide shoe footprint. The sweeping track shoe is connectable via track links with the standard track shoes in an endless chain configuration such that the sweeping track shoe juts outwardly of the standard track shoes, for sweeping debris from a clearance between the track and a main frame of the track-type machine. The sweeping track shoe includes bolting apertures formed therein and communicating between an upper shoe surface and a ground contacting shoe surface, the bolting apertures being arranged in a directional link bolting pattern. The directional link bolting pattern defines a minor shoe axis and a major shoe axis, and the sweeping shoe body may be configured such that an inboard sweeping edge is spaced further than an outboard edge from the minor shoe axis.

Abstract: A roller collar is provided in a roller assembly of a machine, such as a track carrier roller of a track-type undercarriage. The roller assembly includes a roller mounted on a shaft and having a seal retaining lubricant between the roller and the shaft. The collar and an inner surface of the roller form a seal cavity placing the seal in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere surrounding the roller. The extends over an opening into the seal cavity, such as with an outwardly extending flange or teeth or with outer surface configured to increase a distance to be traveled to enter the seal cavity, to reduce the amount of abrasive material entering the seal cavity and potentially compromising the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A seal packing guard is provided in a roller assembly of a machine, such as a track carrier roller of a track-type undercarriage. The roller assembly includes a roller mounted on a shaft and having a seal retaining lubricant between the roller and the shaft. A collar and an inner surface of the roller form a seal cavity placing the seal in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere surrounding the roller. The seal packing guard is attached to an outward surface of the roller and extends over an opening into the seal cavity to reduce the amount of abrasive material entering the seal cavity and potentially compromising the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A debris guard includes a plurality of fasteners and an outer cover including two or more sections that when assembled form an annular inner wall. Each of the two or more sections includes at least one mounting feature shaped to receive at least one of the plurality of fasteners. An inner guard includes a mounting portion and a seal.

Abstract: A roller for a tracked vehicle has a lubricating oil reservoir and an open end to the lubricating oil reservoir. The open end of the roller is closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap consists of a sealing body having an outer side facing away from the open end, an opposed inner side facing toward the open end, and a standoff structure formed in the inner side. A compressible gasket is applied between the inner side of the cap and the open end and is under a compression between the inner side of the cap and the open end of the roller forming a fluid-impervious seal between the cap and the open end of the roller. The standoff structure of the cap interacts between the cap and the open end holding the cap away from the open end limiting the compression of the gasket.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement used to create a seal between a first part of a chain and a second part of the chain, wherein the second part can at least be pivoted in relation to the first part, includes a sealing ring with an annular sealing lip for sealing a lubricant area between parts which can be pivoted towards each other, and an elastic ring which is adapted to be fixed to one of the parts and which is adapted to exert pressure in the sealing ring. In addition, a supporting ring is arranged between the sealing ring and the elastic ring.

Abstract: A seal assembly 10,110 for sealing between a first member 12,112 and a second member 14,114 of a joint, the first member 12,112 being able to pivot about an axis 60,160 of the joint relative to the second member 12,112, is disclosed. The seal assembly 10,110 includes an annular seal body 30,130 which has a sufficient axial dimension X,XX to span first and second seal cavities 20,120,22,122 of the first member 12,112 and second member 14,114 of a joint.

Abstract: [Subject] A roller unit is provided which is improved in the service life of the seal as well as in the ease of unit assemblability. [Means for Solving the Problem] A track roller unit 10 having a roller 11 configured to roll in contact with a crawler belt 8, a roller shaft 12 for rotatably supporting the roller 11, and a seal 14 fit in an annular space 26 defined between the roller 11 and the roller shaft 12; wherein the seal 14 is formed such that an inner circumference side sealing portion 30a located on an inner circumference side and an outer circumference side sealing portion 30b located on an outer circumference side are fit together so as to come into slidable contact with each other; which further comprises a collar 15 mounted to the roller shaft 12; and wherein the collar 15 has a boss portion 62 into which the seal 14 is pressed and a flange portion 15b in contact with an outer end face of the seal 14.

Abstract: A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a snowmobile, is disclosed. The track assembly comprises a plurality of track-contacting wheels, which comprises: a drive wheel; and a plurality of idler wheels spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly. The track assembly also comprises an endless track disposed around the track-contacting wheels. A frame of the track assembly may comprise a hollow frame structure. The hollow frame structure may be dimensioned to impede accumulation of snow, mud, rocks, debris, etc. in the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise interwheel guides between longitudinally adjacent ones of the idler wheels to contact a bottom run of the endless track, and/or fenders adjacent to given ones of the idler wheels. The frame's hollowness, the interwheel guides, and/or the fenders may be realized during molding of a portion of the frame using a blow molding or other fluid-based molding process.

Abstract: A track roller frame cleaning mechanism is provided. The track roller frame cleaning mechanism includes a linkage configured to pivotally attach to a rotating track member and means for cleaning a surface of the track roller frame coupled to the linkage.

Abstract: A compactor wheel is mountable on an axle of a compaction machine. The compactor wheel may comprise a hub mountable to an axle of a compaction machine; a rim mounted to the hub, the rim having a face; a plurality of compaction cleats mounted to the face of the rim; an axle guard movable relative to the rim during rotation of the compactor wheel; and structure for coupling the axle guard to at least one of the hub and the rim.

Abstract: A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin joint assembly including a pin defining a longitudinal axis, a first member and a second member both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining, at least in part, an axially-extending seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly including a seal ring and a load ring is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first member and the second member. At least one of a load ring engagement surface of the first member and an axial segment of a first member engagement surface of the load ring includes a convex rounded portion extending over at least half the axial length thereof.

Abstract: A track assembly for a motorized vehicle having wheels comprises a longitudinal endless track belt; a mounting structure to mount the longitudinal endless track belt to the vehicle; and inner wheels in contact with an inner surface of the track belt. The mounting structure includes driving gears disposed externally to the track belt and configured to frictionally engaged an outer surface of one of the motorized vehicle wheels. The driving gears are drivingly connected with the track belt for transmitting power thereto. Each one of the driving gears has a rotation axis, a plurality of elongated traction bars extending substantially parallel and circumferentially to the rotation axis, and apertured ends. The elongated traction bars are spaced-apart from one another and define therebetween channels allowing granular and liquid materials to flow inwardly towards the rotation axis, and outwardly of the driving gears through the apertured ends.

Abstract: A labyrinth-guard arrangement for a joint between a compactor wheel and a machine that protects against intrusion of wire wrap into a central cavity of the wheel is disclosed. The labyrinth-guard is formed by a cooperation between a first flange connected to an inner cylindrical portion of the wheel, and a second flange connected to a guard plate. The first and second flanges, along with other surrounding components, cooperate to form the labyrinth-guard.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an improved wheel assembly for a drive track unit of an all-terrain vehicle that inhibits the accumulation of snow, ice and/or other matter between the track and the wheel assembly. In one implementation, an improved guide wheel assembly for a track unit has a rotatable hub and at least two axially spaced apart guide wheels mounted to the hub that engage the inner surface of an endless track. A flexible and/or deformable sleeve covering the outer surface of the hub is capable of deforming under external pressure applied to the sleeve through contact with snow and/or ice as the vehicle traverses the ground. The deformation of the sleeve is effective to inhibit snow and/or ice from adhering to the sleeve outer surface. Hence, disengagement of the track from the guide wheels caused by accumulated ice and/or snow can be avoided.

Abstract: A track cover adapted for use on an item of heavy construction equipment having at least one track. The track cover comprises an outside panel and a tread panel. The tread panel is preferably connected to the outside panel. The track cover also comprises an assembly for removably attaching the track cover to the item of heavy equipment. The track cover is adapted to cover at least a portion of the at least one track of the item of heavy construction equipment and retain dirt, rocks and other debris.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit system for data transmission between LPC devices, comprising: a first LPC bus, connected to a first LPC device; a second LPC bus, connected to a second LPC device; and an LPC host controller, able to drive the first LPC device through the first LPC bus and the second LPC device through the second LPC bus; wherein the LPC host controller further comprises an address register. The present invention further provides a method for data transmission between LPC devices, comprising the steps of: starting a first cycle through a first LPC bus by an LPC host controller, wherein a first LPC device sends a request to have a transaction with a second LPC device, and inserting a plurality of wait states after the request is received by the LPC host controller; and starting a second cycle through a second LPC bus by the LPC host controller, wherein the LPC host controller has a transaction with the second LPC device according to the request from the first LPC device.

Abstract: A travel gear of a crawler work vehicle has a plurality of double bogie type track wheel devices. The double bogie type track wheel devices respectively include a first arm member attached to the lower part of a track frame so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, a second arm member whose almost center portion in the longitudinal direction is rotatably attached to the tip of the first arm member, and a pair of front and rear track wheels rotatably attached to front and rear ends of the second arm member and rolling on the tread of a crawler. A pair of first guard devices for preventing intrusion of a foreign matter into a space between the pair of front and rear track wheels and the crawler are attached to both side faces in the width direction of the vehicle of the first arm member.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, which supports and guides an endless track and provides sound suppression, and a method for providing sound suppression of an undercarriage of a machine. The idler wheel assembly includes a hub having a first side surface and a second side surface onto which a plurality of segments are connected. Each of the plurality of segments has a first flange positioned adjacent the first side surface of the hub, and a second flange positioned adjacent the second side surface. At least one isolation device may be mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: A debris stripping apparatus 64 is provided for an endless track laying work machine 10. The debris stripping apparatus 64 includes a wear bar 66 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 56 of the drive wheel 30. During operation the wear bar 66 acts as a sacrificial member that strips away mud and debris from the track roller assembly 12. Thus, the wear bar 66 creates a clearance allowing the drive wheel 30 to rotate without making abrading contact with the debris.

Abstract: A sliding roller for tracks of tracked vehicles, comprising a supporting shaft which is composed of two coaxial portions and a central collar, supporting bushings which are arranged on the coaxial portions on either side of the collar, a cylindrical shell which forms sliding surfaces for links of tracks; the shell encloses a cavity for accommodating the bushings and the shaft; the cavity is closed at opposite ends thereof by sealing devices which are arranged between the bushings and closure covers which are arranged at the opposite ends of the shaft; the collar and at least one of the bushings are locked in the cavity between an inner shoulder of the cavity and elements for axial retention of the bush which are rigidly coupled to the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween. An associated method of producing a seal arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine is configurable in either a first roller configuration or a second roller configuration. The roller assembly has a roller shaft and a roller hub journalled for rotation about the roller shaft. A first roller rim having a first outer diameter is secured to the roller hub when the roller assembly is configured in the first roller configuration. A second roller rim having a second outer diameter is secured to the roller hub when the roller assembly is configured in the second roller configuration. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter. A method of manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly of a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insert arrangement includes a ring member having (i) a first sidewall, (ii) a second sidewall, (iii) a bore defined therethrough, (iv) a first seal groove defined in the first sidewall, and (v) a second seal groove defined in the second sidewall. The insert arrangement also includes a bushing having (i) a passageway defined therethrough and (ii) a bushing end face. The bushing is positioned relative to the ring member so that (i) the passageway is linearly aligned with the bore and (ii) the first seal groove is located in an opposing relationship with the bushing end face. The insert arrangement further includes a link having an aperture defined therein. The link is positioned relative to the ring member so that the ring member is positioned within the aperture.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The cartridge assembly also includes track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is located within the passageway so that a first end portion and a second end portion of the track pin extends outwardly from the passageway of the bushing. The cartridge assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the first end portion of the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The cartridge assembly also includes a first collar having a first hole defined therein.

Abstract: A track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The track chain assembly also includes a track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is disposed within the passageway of the bushing. The track chain assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The track pin assembly further includes a first inner link having a first aperture defined therein. The first inner link is positioned relative to the first insert such that the first insert is (i) located within the first aperture and (ii) interposed between the first inner link and the track pin. The track pin assembly also includes a first outer link having a second aperture defined therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preventing refuse from wrapping around the axle of a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, an axle, at least one wheel, an operator compartment, an engine, and an axle protection system. The at least one wheel has a rim extension having an outer portion. The axle protection system includes a roof guard and an axle guard assembly. The axle guard assembly has a plate and a labyrinth guard. A channel is provided by the configuration of the guard assembly, plate, and labyrinth guard such that the outer portion of the rim extension is received by the channel. The plate extends substantially vertically from the perimeter of the axle guard assembly. Preferably, a flexible member is attached to the edge of the plate and extends such that it is urged in contact with the roof guard.

Abstract: A tractor includes a track assembly having a frame, an idler wheel mechanically coupled to the frame, a drive wheel mechanically coupled to the frame, an endless track disposed around the idler wheel and the drive wheel, and a number of mid-rollers interposed between the idler wheel and the drive wheel. The tractor also includes a first protection member having a first upper edge and a first lower edge. The first protection member is secured to the frame such that a portion of the frame is positioned behind the first protection member. The tractor further includes a number of first guard members secured to the first protection member so that (i) the first guard members extend downwardly beyond the first lower edge toward the endless track and (ii) the first guard members are spaced apart from each other along the first lower edge such that a gap is defined between adjacent first guard members.

Abstract: In order to ensure that the working life of the sealing device is at least comparable to that of the remaining parts of the crawler track, the resilient annular element comprises a first annular portion and a second annular portion. The first annular portion has a cross-section in the form of a bulge, while the second annular portion has a cross-section in the form of a boss. The first annular portion is delimited by an annular contact surface which, when the annular seal is assembled, but not mounted in its seat, forms together with the incident joining plane of the rigid annular sealing element, an angle “&agr;” of between 0° and 30°.

Abstract: A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a first end, a second end and a middle portion, an outer surface and an inner surface, a first sealing surface adjacent the first end and a second end sealing surface adjacent the second end, a first inner bearing surface adjacent the first end and a second inner bearing surface adjacent the second end, and an abrasion resistant coating deposited on at least one of (a) at least one of the first end sealing surface and the second end sealing surface, and (b) at least one of the first inner bearing surface and the second inner bearing surface. The coating is selected from the group consisting of chromium nitrides, chromium carbonitrides, and mixtures thereof. The track bushing exhibits much superior abrasion, corrosion, erosion and galling resistance.

Abstract: A drive chain has a plurality of pairs of link elements with the elements each pair extending longitudinally parallel to each other and having relatively widely spaced outer ends formed with transversely open and confronting blind bores and relatively closely spaced inner ends formed with axially throughgoing and transversely aligned bores. Each pair of inner ends lies between a respective pair of outer ends with the bores coaxial and receiving respective pins defining respective transverse axes, each fitting tightly in the bores of the inner ends, and having ends rotatably seated in the respective bores of the respective outer ends. Respective sleeves surround the pins between the respective inner ends. Respective outer seal rings between the outer ends and the pin ends define with the pin ends outer compartments and respective inner seal rings between the inner ends and the sleeve define between the respective pin, sleeve, and inner ends an inner compartment.

Abstract: The present invention includes an axle guard system which prevents, or at least substantially inhibits, cable, rope, wire and other refuse and debris from wrapping around the axle of a compaction machine, behind a compactor wheel mounted on the axle, during the operation of the compaction machine in compacting refuse. The compaction machine is of the type used, for example, in landfills or transfer facilities to compact (i.e., increase the density of) the refuse disposed therein. The compactor wheel comprises a hub mountable to the compaction machine axle, a rim mounted around the outer circumference of the hub, a plurality of cleats mounted to the face of the rim, and the axle guard system. The axle guard system can comprise at least one circumferential barrier extending above the face and adjacent the inner circumferential edge of the rim and/or a cleat-free area extending widthwise from the inner circumferential edge of the rim and across the rim toward the outer circumferential edge of the rim.