Abstract: The present invention is a continuous track center guide traction cap that is mountable to a conventional center guide for a continuous track assembly. The cap includes traction engagement features to increase traction. The features may include one or more grousers or other protrusions that provide better performance. The invention also includes the method of installing the traction cap to an existing center guide.

Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile has a first ice scratcher end, a second ice scratcher end opposite the first ice scratcher end, a first coil spring having a first spring axis disposed at or near the first ice scratcher end, a first elongated member having a first end connected to the first coil spring, a second coil spring connected to a second end of the first elongated member, the second coil spring having a second spring axis, and a second elongated member having a first end connected to the second coil spring and a second end at or near the second ice scratcher end. Alternative embodiments of the ice scratcher are disclosed. A snowmobile having the ice scratcher is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a joint bushing for a track joint assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the joint bushing may include a generally cylindrical outer surface. The joint bushing may also include a generally cylindrical inner bearing surface defining a bore. The inner bearing surface may include a plurality of valley-shaped recesses.

Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile has a first ice scratcher end, a second ice scratcher end opposite the first ice scratcher end, a first coil spring having a first spring axis disposed at or near the first ice scratcher end, a first elongated member having a first end connected to the first coil spring, a second coil spring connected to a second end of the first elongated member, the second coil spring having a second spring axis, and a second elongated member having a first end connected to the second coil spring and a second end at or near the second ice scratcher end. Alternative embodiments of the ice scratcher are disclosed. A snowmobile having the ice scratcher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller element bearing 40 track bushing system embodiment for track link assemblies 14 capable of being used on a vehicle 10 having an endless track 12. Each track link assembly 14 has a track shoe assembly 20 defining a front pin bore 22 and a rear pin bore 24. Each track link assembly 14 has a front pin 26 at least partially disposed within the front pin bore 22, and a rear pin 28 at least partially disposed within the rear pin bore 24. The embodiment discloses at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the front pin bore 22 around a portion of the front pin 26, at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the rear pin bore 22 around a portion of the rear pin 28. The roller element bearings 40 cooperate to prolong the useful life of the track link assembly 14.

Abstract: A track member (2) for a track (1) of a vehicle of the tracked type, comprises a pin (3), a bushing (4) associated to the pin (3) and rotatable relative to the pin (3), a first (6?) and a second (6?) inner track link assemblies associated to the pin (3) and rotatable relative to the latter and arranged on two opposite sides of said bushing (4), a first (7?) and a second (7?) outer track link assemblies associated to the pin (3) and rotatingly integral to the latter. The first inner track link assembly (6?) is arranged between the first outer track link assembly (7?) and the bushing (4), and the second inner track link assembly (6?) is arranged between the second outer track link assembly (7?) and the bushing (4). The pin (5) comprises an extended portion (8) defining a first abutting surface (9?) and a second abutting surface (9?) against which the first (6?) and the second (6?) inner track link assemblies respectively abut.

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 snow lubrication device attaches to a vehicle body of a snowmobile and includes a pair of snow rake rods extending from the vehicle body to contact a snow surface. A snow rake member located at the end of the snow rake rod scatters snow. The scattered snow lubricates gaps between a track belt and the slide rail and/or between the track belt and the drive wheel. The lubrication of the track belt improves operation of the snowmobile if the lower part of the snow rake rod strikes a stone or the like, the snow rake rod temporarily deflects further rearward. The snow lubrication device has relatively few components, is low in cost, and is hard to dislodge from a snowmobile.

Abstract: A bi-directional ice-particle spray generating device for use on snow vehicles is disclosed which is primarily constructed of multi-strand wire rope. The use of wire rope as a spring member allows for 360 degree flexibility to enable the design to be compatible with reverse-gear-equipped snow vehicles. A replaceable wear point or points is integral in the design for added durability.

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 chain with links made of plates connected with hollow pins containing a reserve of lubricant connected with the chain parts to be lubricated. The lubricant reserve is contained in replaceable cartridges inserted removably in the pins through an appropriate end passage. The cartridge can be made with an enlarged section to constitute a plug of the pin in which it is received.

Abstract: An improved articulated pin joint for a track chain used on track laying work machines is provided. The articulated pin joint includes a plug positioned in a central cavity of a track pin. The plug includes an axial passage in which a needle can be inserted to inject grease into the central cavity. The invention facilitates replenishing grease in the field without removing the track chain from the track laying work machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and evaluating the condition of an endoscope. The apparatus includes a guide tube dimensioned to accommodate an endoscope, the guide tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis. The apparatus also includes a lens assembly at the proximal end, the lens assembly defining an eyepiece, and an endoscope support disposed in the guide tube. The lens assembly has an optical axis aligned with the guide tube axis. The endoscope support is slidably movable within the guide tube along the guide tube axis. The apparatus may also include a manually-operable device to aid in moving the endoscope support, such as a ratchet wheel rotatably disposed in a wall of the guide tube which engages a groove disposed along a length of the endoscope support, such that when the ratchet wheel is manually rotated, the endoscope support is moved within the guide tube.

Abstract: The cartridge assembly being lubricated and includes a bushing rotatably mounted on a pin with a passageway to receive lubrication oil in the pin. The end portion of the pin includes first and second collars having a groove to receive a sealing arrangement. The collars are press fitted onto the shaft.