Abstract: A track hinge joint includes a first track link, a second track link, a track pin disposed in a bore of the first track link, an inner bushing that is disposed in a bore of the second track link and that is rotatable relative to the track pin, an outer bushing that is disposed about the inner bushing that is rotatable relative to the inner bushing and that includes an outer bushing end face, and a first fluid seal assembly contacting the outer bushing end face and the second track link.

Abstract: A track joint assembly includes adjacent first and second track links each having an elongate link body with an upper rail surface located in part upon first and second link body ends and in part upon a middle section of the link. The upper rail surface forms part of a track rail having a segment formed by each of the middle sections of the elongate link bodies of the first and second track links and a compound segment formed by the two adjacent track links. The upper rail surface is formed of a sacrificial wear material that has a varying cross-sectional area structured to limit scalloping of the track links.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is disposed so as to provide a sealing function between two parts of a track that are movable relative to each other. The sealing assembly includes an elastic ring having a radially-encircling sealing lip that fixedly and sealingly abuts on a first part of the track. The sealing assembly also includes a support ring that is rotatable relative to a sealing ring having a sealing edge. The support ring has a slip surface, on which the sealing edge sealingly abuts.

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. Additionally, the track joint assembly may include a second link having a second bore. The track joint assembly may also include a bushing. The bushing may include a first axial end portion disposed in the first bore. In addition, the bushing may include a second axial end portion disposed in the second bore. The track joint assembly may also include a seal assembly positioned at an axial end of the first axial end portion. The seal assembly may contact the first link at a seal-link interface.

Abstract: A cartridge for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge includes a track pin. The cartridge also includes a rotatable bushing and a rotatable bearing located on the track pin. The cartridge further includes a first thrust bearing located on the track pin between the bearing and the bushing. The first thrust bearing is configured to contact the rotatable bearing and configured to contact the rotatable bushing. The first thrust bearing is configured to bear thrust loads and not radial loads. The cartridge may further include a collar located at an end of the track pin. The cartridge includes a second thrust bearing located between the bearing and the collar. The second thrust bearing is configured to contact the rotatable bearing and configured to contact the collar. The second thrust bearing is configured to bear thrust loads and not radial loads.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a thrust ring for a track joint assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the thrust ring may include a generally cylindrical outer surface. The thrust ring may also include a generally cylindrical inner surface including at least one protrusion extending toward a central axis of the thrust 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: A track (10) for track-type vehicles is described, comprising a continuous sequence of articulated joints (12, 12?) of the hinge type, oriented according to a first axis (A-A) substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal development axis (B-B) of the track (10). The articulated joints (12, 12?), provided with pins (36, 36?), are connected to each other and maintained at a constant distance through pairs of links (14) having longitudinal development, arranged laterally and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis (B-B). Around each pin (36, 36?) a bushing (40) is mounted free to rotate with respect to the pin (36, 36?) itself and between each pin (36, 36?) and the links (14) at least one sliding bearing (44) is press-fitted. The geometric/size characteristics of the links (14) and of the sliding bearings (44) make it possible to improve the stability and the resistance to fatigue and wearing of the articulated joints (12, 12?) of the track (10).

Abstract: A track (10) for track-type vehicles is described, comprising a continuous sequence of articulated joints (12, 12?) of the hinge type, oriented according to a first axis (A-A) substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal development axis (B-B) of the track (10). The articulated joints (12, 12?), provided with pins (36, 36?), are connected to each other and maintained at a constant distance through pairs of links (14) having longitudinal development, arranged laterally and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis (B-B). Around each pin (36, 36?) a bushing (40) is mounted free to rotate with respect to the pin (36, 36?) itself and at least one sliding bearing (44) is press-fitted between each pin (36, 36?) and the links (14).

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a track hinge comprises a sealing ring having an annular sealing edge that sealingly abuts on a radially-extending surface of a bushing of the track hinge. An elastic ring fixedly abuts on an outer track link of the track hinge and biases the sealing ring in axial and radial directions. A support ring is disposed radially inward of the sealing ring and is connected at least substantially to a radially-inner surface of the sealing ring. The support ring at least substantially prevents the sealing ring from directly contacting a radially-inner portion of the track hinge at least in the radial direction.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing. First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.

Abstract: A sealing assembly provides a seal between first and second parts that are movable relative to each other. The sealing assembly comprises an elastic ring having an annular sealing lip configured to fixedly and sealingly abut on the first part. A sealing ring includes a sealing edge configured to sealingly abut on a sliding surface of the second part. A supporting ring is fixedly connected with the elastic ring and is inserted between the elastic ring and the sealing ring.

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 a 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 and second members. An axial segment of a seal ring engagement surface of the load ring extends over at least half the length, measured along the longitudinal axis, between a radial segment of the seal ring engagement surface and a radial segment of a first member engagement surface of the load ring. At least one of a load ring engagement surface of the first member and an axial segment of the first member engagement surface of the load ring includes a convex rounded 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. 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 member for a track of a vehicle of the tracked type, which comprises a pin, a bushing associated with and rotatable relative to the pin, and first and second inner and outer track link assemblies associated with and rotatable relative to the pin, and arranged on opposite sides of the bushing. The first inner track link assembly is arranged between the first outer track link assembly and the bushing, and the second inner track assembly is arranged between the second outer track link assembly and the bushing. The first and second inner track assemblies each include a ring rotatable relative to the pin. The track member further includes first and second inner and outer gasket seats which house respective gaskets. The inner and outer gaskets are orientated so that they act against side surfaces of the rings.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is disposed so as to provide a sealing function between two parts of a track that are movable relative to each other. The sealing assembly includes an elastic ring having a radially-encircling sealing lip that fixedly and sealingly abuts on a first part of the track. The sealing assembly also includes a support ring that is rotatable relative to a sealing ring having a sealing edge. The support ring has a slip surface, on which the sealing edge sealingly abuts.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement used to create a seal between a first (12) part of a chain and a second (14) part of a chain, wherein said second part can at least be pivoted in relation to the first part, exhibiting the following features: a sealing ring (40) with an annular sealing lip (42) for sealing a lubricant area between parts which can be pivoted towards each other, an elastic ring (60) which can be fixed to one of the parts and which can be used to exert pressure on the sealing ring; in addition to a supporting ring (50) which is arranged between the sealing ring and the elastic ring; and link of a chain provided with said sealing arrangement.

Abstract: To provide a crawler bushing and a crawler link device that can maintain a sealing function stably on a long-term basis and permits easy maintenance for recovery of the sealing function.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing a lubrication chamber defined at least in part by two pivotable track link portions is provided. The sealing assembly includes a sealing ring having an annular sealing edge sealingly abutting on an end surface of one of the portions and an elastic ring permanently abutting on the other of the portions and applying pressure to the sealing ring, the elastic ring having an axially-projecting, hollow cylinder-like sealing lip, which radially encloses the sealing ring in the region of a sealing edge and sealingly abuts on the end surface when two track link portions axially shift towards each other. A support ring is disposed between the sealing ring and the elastic ring.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing. First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.

Abstract: A cartridge for a track chain used to propel a track machine is disclosed. The cartridge includes a pin that passes axially through a bushing. The bushing may include two opposing ends and a cylindrical outer surface extending between the opposing ends of the bushing. Each end of the bushing includes an annular seal pocket for accommodating a seal and an annular step groove for coupling each end of the bushing to an inner track link. The bushing may be axially disposed between two inserts and the seals are track seals that engage one of the inserts. The inserts may be axially disposed between two collars and the collars are coupled to the pin. The collars may also include annular seal pockets that accommodate track seals.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for use as a joint between links of an endless track chain. The cartridge is designed for assembly prior to attachment of the cartridge to the links. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing between a first portion (12, 14) of a track and a second portion (22, 24) of the track that is at least pivotable relative to the first, comprising the following features: a sealing ring (40) for sealing a lubrication chamber between the portions (12, 14, 22, 24), which are pivotable relative to one another, the sealing ring having an annular sealing edge (42) provided for sealingly abutting on an opposing surface of one of the portions (22), an elastic ring (60) for permanently abutting on the other of the portions (14) and for applying pressure to the sealing ring, the elastic ring having an axially-projecting, hollow cylinder-like sealing lip (62), which is provided for a substantially radial enclosure of the sealing ring in the region of a sealing edge and, in sealing assemblies assembled as intended, likewise for sealing abutment on the opposing surface (22), and a support ring (50) disposed between the sealing ring (40) and the elastic ring (60).

Abstract: A crawler having a crawler pin and a crawler bush having lubrication between the crawler pin and the crawler bush without lowering the strength of the crawler at the running time, thereby to prevent the creak or seizure, as might otherwise be caused at the running time. A metallic sliding member having an excellent wear resistance can be arranged in the clearance between the crawler bush and the crawler pin. The metallic sliding member can be capable of holding lubricating oil and/or a lubricant. In addition, the clearance between the core bush and the crawler pin can be narrowed, so that the resulting structure retains the imbalance load on both the crawler bush and the crawler pin.

Abstract: An endless track chain device, comprises first and second links and a track chain joint. The track chain joint comprises a radial seal unit that inhibits ingress of debris between a bushing of the joint and the second link into a region between a pin of the joint and the bushing.

Abstract: An endless track chain device, comprises first and second links and a track chain joint. The track chain joint comprises a radial seal unit that inhibits ingress of debris between a bushing of the joint and the second link into a region between a pin of the joint and the bushing.

Abstract: An assembly for a tracked vehicle includes a wheel defining a wheel cavity and a face seal including a rigid sealing ring and a flexible ring disposed on the sealing ring, the flexible ring having an outermost substantially cylindrical surface defining a maximum diameter of the ring. The flexible ring sized so that the maximum diameter is slightly larger than the wheel cavity.

Abstract: A crawler having a crawler pin and a crawler bush having lubrication between the crawler pin and the crawler bush without lowering the strength of the crawler at the running time, thereby to prevent the creak or seizure, as might otherwise be caused at the running time. A metallic sliding member having an excellent wear resistance can be arranged in the clearance between the crawler bush and the crawler pin. The metallic sliding member can be capable of holding lubricating oil and/or a lubricant. In addition, the clearance between the core bush and the crawler pin can be narrowed, so that the resulting structure retains the imbalance load on both the crawler bush and the crawler pin.

Abstract: A seal assembly has simple assembly structures, and provides secure sealing effects. A crawler-track connection structure allows the seal assembly to be easily mounted, and securely prevents overflow of a lubricant and the like to the outside. A pair of seal rings (1) and (1) individually having lip portions (23) and (23) are disposed such that each of the lip portions (23) and (23) protrudes in a direction opposing an axial direction, and a load seal ring (2) is compressed and inserted between the pair of seal rings (1) and (1). The load seal ring (2) exerts reaction forces on the pair of lip portions (23) and (23) outwardly in the axial direction.

Abstract: A seal for an endless track has a cross section having a centerline parallel to an axis of the seal and a configuration symmetric with respect to the centerline of the cross section. The seal can include an elastically deformably configured portion having a cross section like alphabetical letter X, and a protrusion extending from an intersection of legs of letter X in a bushing-side direction further than a plane connecting bushing-side end portions of the legs of letter X. The protrusion has an end surface where the protrusion contacts the bushing. The seal can further include an embedding portion embedded in a space between legs of letter X, on a bushing-side of the intersection of the legs of letter X.

Abstract: A seal (21) is constituted by an outer lip portion (22) to be held in abutting engagement with an outer link portion (9) of a crawler belt (7), an inner lip portion (23) to be held in abutting engagement with a bush (11), and an interconnecting bridge portion (24) bridged and connected between the outer and inner lip portions (22, 23). The outer lip portion (22) on the side of track link, the inner lip portion (23) on the side of bush, and outer bridge portion (24A) and inner bridge portion (24B) of the interconnecting bridge portion (24) are formed in thicknesses (T1, T2, T1? and T2?), respectively, which are in the relations of (T2?T2?>T1?T1?). A maximum outside diameter portion (24C) of the interconnecting bridge portion (24) is located radially outward of a median point between inner and outer peripheral ends of the lip portion (23) on the side of bush. The inner lip portion (23) as a whole is uniformly pressed against an end face (11A) of the bush (11) by the interconnecting bridge portion (24).

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly is provided. The cartridge assembly includes a bushing rotatably positioned about a track pin. Bearing members are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bushing. Collars are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bearing members. Seal arrangements are positioned between the collars and the bearing members and between the bearing members and the track bushing sealably excluding contaminants and the retention of a lubricating fluid from a passage in the bushing and a bore within the track pin.

Abstract: Hardened surface layers (12) and (14) of a nitride or other compound, which is higher in hardness than dirt or soil, are formed on the inner peripheral surface (11B) of each metal bush (11) and on the outer peripheral surface (13A) of each connecting pin (13) which constitute a crawler belt (7), respectively. In addition, resinous sliding bearings (15) are fitted in transversely spaced positions on the inner periphery of each metal bush (11) of the crawler belt. Bearing (15) is provided with recessed grooves (16). Accordingly, part of soil or dirt which intrudes into a gap space between an outer link portion (9) of a track link and a metal bush (11) through an annular seal member (17) is trapped on an inner peripheral surface (15A) of the bearing (15).

Abstract: A track link assembly having a first pair of track links, and a second pair of track links is disclosed. The track link assembly further includes a bushing having ends pressed into an inner boss of the second pair of track links. The track link assembly yet further includes a solid track pin positioned within the bushing and swaged to the outer boss of the first track links. The track link further includes a thrust ring interposed between the end of the bushing and the outer boss of the respective one of the first pair of track links. The track link assembly still further includes a seal assembly positioned adjacent each thrust ring.

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: The present invention concerns a crawler belt (7) incorporating a sealing devices (21), which are each constituted by a coned disc spring (23) and a seal ring (22), to seal up gap spaces between track links (8) and bushes (13). A seal anchor hole (12) is provided in each one of outer link portions (9) of track links (8) of the crawler belt (7), and the sealing device (21) is fitted in the seal anchor hole (12) between an outer link portion (9) and an opposing end face (13A) of a bush (13). The sealing device (21) includes the seal ring (22) in the shape of an O-ring, and the coned disc spring (23) which is arranged to press the seal ring (22) resiliently against peripheral wall surface (12B) of the seal anchor hole (12) and the end face (13A) of the bush (13).

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: As well as a torsional rigidity of right and left crawler links is secured, a seal is prevented from damaging so as to restrict a leakage of a lubricating oil, so that a durability of a crawler device is improved.

Abstract: A track seal assembly (174) adapted to seal a track joint (172) includes a track link and a ceramic seal member (186). The track seal further includes an elastomeric member (176) positioned between the track link and the ceramic seal member (186). The track seal (174) further includes a bushing (184) having a ceramic end face (187). The end face (87) of the bushing defines a ceramic bushing face (187) that interfaces with the ceramic seal member (186) so as to form a seal interface.

Abstract: A track link assembly includes a first track link having a passageway defined therethrough. The track link assembly also includes a bushing having an end face, wherein the bushing is positioned within the passageway. The track link assembly further includes a first seal member having an exterior surface, the first seal member being secured to the bushing end face with a resilient bond formed by an adhesive such as Loctite adhesive part number 17430. In addition, the track link assembly includes a protective coating secured to the exterior surface of the first seal member, wherein the protective coating and the first seal member are made of different materials relative to each other. An associated method for maintaining a track link assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a cylindrical tubular shape, a first end and a second end, and first end and second bearing surfaces adjacent respective ends. A circumferential groove having a depth in an axial direction is formed in at least one of the first end and second end bearing surfaces. An abrasion resistant material is deposited within the circumferential groove and bonded to the bushing at a bond interface. The abrasion resistant material at the bond interface is diluted with no greater than 5% by weight track bushing material.

Abstract: A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type machine includes a cylindrical tubular shape having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis. The track bushing further includes a first end bearing surface that is adjacent to the first end and a second end bearing surface that is adjacent to the second end. A circumferential groove is formed in at least one of the first end bearing surface and the second end bearing surface. The circumferential groove has a depth along the longitudinal axis. An abrasion and corrosion resistant material is arc welded within the circumferential groove to the bushing at a weld joint.

Abstract: A track system for a track vehicle which has a crawler chain and a driving sprocket wheel. The chain has links each of which has a pin assembly with a bushing or one piece bolt the outer periphery of which at least is composed of a material consisting of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 silicon nitride or a zirconium oxide with at most 15% of sintering additives. The driving sprocket wheel can have segments formed with the teeth and bolted to a disk, the segments being composed of a material consisting of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 silicon nitride or zirconium oxide with less than 15% of sintering additives.

Abstract: An end face seal for sealing between first and second articulately coupled members of a track joint is disclosed. The seal is provided with a flexible dirt shield of elastomeric material. The dirt shield extends radially outwardly from the seal ring and has a distal end that is adapted to sealingly engage the first member at a location externally of the load ring to prevent the ingress of abrasive materials between the seal ring and the load ring and eliminate the abrasive erosion of the load ring, thereby maintaining the axial seal bearing force of the load ring against the seal ring throughout the useful life of the seal.