Abstract: A track for traction of a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle), a military vehicle, or another off-road vehicle, is provided. The track comprises a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track. The traction projections may be designed to enhance their resistance to deterioration during use. For example, a blowout resistance of each traction projection may be enhanced to prevent or at least reduce a potential for blowout of the traction projection under repeated loads which may induce heat buildup within it. Also, a wear resistance of the traction projection may be enhanced such that the traction projection wears less rapidly. A system for protecting a track against potential occurrence of blowout is also provided.

Abstract: A device for measuring wear is disclosed. The device may receive images associated with a component, and may receive a three-dimensional (3D) model of the component. The device may generate an image point cloud based on the images, and may generate a model point cloud based on the 3D model of the component. The device may perform a first alignment of the image point cloud and the model point cloud to generate first-aligned point clouds, and may perform a second alignment of the first-aligned point clouds to generate second-aligned point clouds. The device may generate 3D mask regions based on the second-aligned point clouds, and may project the 3D mask regions on the images. The device may process the 3D mask regions, projected on the images, to determine reference points in the images, and may determine an amount of wear associated with the component based on the reference points.

Abstract: A track for traction of a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle), a military vehicle, or another off-road vehicle, is provided. The track comprises a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track. The traction projections may be designed to enhance their resistance to deterioration during use. For example, a blowout resistance of each traction projection may be enhanced to prevent or at least reduce a potential for blowout of the traction projection under repeated loads which may induce heat buildup within it. Also, a wear resistance of the traction projection may be enhanced such that the traction projection wears less rapidly. A system for protecting a track against potential occurrence of blowout is also provided.

Abstract: A traction wheel for a track roller unit of an agricultural working machine has at least one drive wheel for driving an elastic track belt of the track roller unit. The at least one drive wheel comprises supporting arms which extend from an axis of rotation of the drive wheel in the radial direction in the manner of spokes and a gap is formed radially on the outside, at least between two adjacent supporting arms in each case. At least one friction element is situated, in particular detachably, radially outwardly on a supporting arm for non-positive interaction with the track belt.

Abstract: An idler wheel includes a disk shaped idler body, and a plurality of wear plate assemblies disposed to encircle a circumferential surface of the idler body. Each of the wear plate assemblies has an arc shaped wear plate disposed on the circumferential surface of the idler body, a first fixing member fixing the wear plate to the idler body, and a first fastening tool fastening the first fixing member to the idler body. Each wear plate has a crawler belt contact surface, a guide part protruding from the crawler belt contact surface to guide a crawler belt on the crawler belt contact surface, a first abutting surface abutting the idler body and being perpendicular to an axial direction, and a second abutting surface abutting the idler body and being perpendicular to the axial direction. The first abutting surface faces the second abutting surface in the axial direction.

Abstract: A crawler traveling device includes a sprocket and a rubber crawler. The sprocket is provided with a wheel portion that is mounted to a driving axle and tooth portions. The tooth portions are provided at side portions of the wheel portion, spaced apart in a sprocket circumferential direction. The rubber crawler is provided with a rubber body that is wrapped round the sprocket, a wheel portion support face that is provided at an inner periphery portion of the rubber body, and engaging recess portions. The engaging recess portions are provided, spaced apart in a crawler peripheral direction, at each of two crawler width direction side portions of the inner periphery portion to sandwich the wheel portion support face. The engaging recess portions are recessed toward the crawler outer side and the tooth portions can be inserted into and engaged with the engaging recess portions.

Abstract: A track assembly for traction of a tracked vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels which comprises a drive wheel and a plurality of roller wheels, as well as an elastomeric endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging the ground. A roller wheel may comprise a wheel body and a covering on the wheel body. The covering may comprise a lateral portion dimensioned to contact a drive/guide lug of the track. The roller wheels and the track may implement a self-alignment system of the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise a cooling system for transferring heat away from a roller wheel. The track assembly may comprise a lateral motion mechanism allowing a roller wheel to move widthwise in response to a side load.

Abstract: A wheel for a track assembly of a tracked vehicle, such as, for example, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a snowmobile, a construction vehicle or an agricultural vehicle. The wheel in use is one of a plurality of wheels of the track assembly. The track assembly comprises an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels, comprising an inner side for facing the plurality of wheels and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The wheel comprises a wheel body comprising a hub portion, a rim portion, and a radially-extending portion between the hub portion and the rim portion. The wheel also comprises a covering on the body. The covering in use contacts the endless track's inner side. A material of the covering is different from a material of the wheel body. The wheel body and the covering may be mechanically interlocked.

Abstract: A track assembly comprising an endless track trained about a sprocket and forward and aft sets of idler wheels. A plurality of apertures at the sprocket engage drive lugs that project from an interior track surface. Longitudinal stabilizer arms restrain the idler wheel axles, idler wheels, sprocket support rollers, sprocket and track against lateral movement and tension the track. Overlapping seals are formed at the idler wheels and/or sprocket support rollers. Alternative sprockets having cutouts or pockets that capture different drive lug configurations are also disclosed along with several alternative track tensioning assemblies that rotate in an eccentric fashion to tension the track.

Abstract: A compound rim assembly for a rotatable idler in an undercarriage system of a track-type machine includes a one-piece annular base configured for mounting the compound annular rim assembly upon an outer peripheral surface of an idler hub. The one-piece annular base is formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and the compound rim assembly further includes a first annular track contacting rim a second annular track contacting rim positioned upon the one-piece base and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The compound rim assembly further includes a track guiding ring trapped axially between the first and second annular track contacting rims and abutting the outer cylindrical surface of the one-piece annular base, the track guiding ring being formed of a non-metallic material and projecting radially outward of the first and second annular track contacting rims.

Abstract: An undercarriage system for a track-type machine includes a ground engaging track, and an idler for the ground engaging track having a hub formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and a compound annular rim capping the hub and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The hub includes a radially projecting outer spine, which is annular and concentric with an idler mounting bore defined by an inner peripheral surface of the hub. First and second rim components of the compound annular rim abut one another and sandwich the radially projecting outer spine. Each of the first and second abutting rim components includes a stepped profile. The idler may include a remanufactured idler having a reusable hub and replacement compound annular rim.

Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.

Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.

Abstract: An undercarriage guiding assembly includes a track roller frame. The assembly may also include a roller connected to the track roller frame for rotation relative thereto, the roller having a roller body constructed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. The roller body may include a first roller tread disposed between a first end of the roller body and a second end of the roller body. The roller body may also include a second roller tread disposed between the first and second ends of the roller body. Additionally, the assembly may include an idler connected to the track roller frame for rotation relative thereto. The idler may include a huh and a body extending radially outward from the hub, the body having a first substantially planar side surface and a second substantially planar side surface opposite the first substantially planar side 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: An undercarriage assembly includes a link assembly, including a plurality of laterally spaced pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another at pivot joints to form an endless chain. The assembly may also include an idler, the idler including a solid disk with substantially planar sides and an outer tread surface engaging an inner portion of the endless chain.

Abstract: An idler of an undercarriage assembly for a track-type machine is disclosed. The undercarriage assembly may have at least two links, which may be interconnected by a cartridge. The cartridge may have a bushing disposed about and rotatable relative to a pin. At least one of the links may have a link rail wear surface, which may be positioned an original wear surface height from the bushing. The idler may have a lower surface, which may be configured to wear against the link rail wear surface. The idler may also have an upper surface, which may be configured to wear against the bushing. The upper surface may be positioned radially outward of the lower surface by an original upper surface height. The original upper surface height may be between approximately 70% and approximately 90% of the original wear surface height.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tank wheel assembly systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a tank wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel. A first face of the first wheel faces a second face of the second wheel. A guide tunnel is defined by at least a portion of the first face and at least a portion of the second face. The guide tunnel has outer surfaces and is configured to receive a center guide of a tank tread. The guide tunnel and center guide at least partially maintain the tank tread of the tank wheel assembly. A wear resistant coating is located on at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, restricts the center guide of the tank tread from abrading the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, and has a thickness of at least about 0.025 inch.

Abstract: An idler having an axis of rotation. The idler may include a hub with a flange. A plurality of rim members are positioned along a perimeter of the flange and have generally axially facing, opposite side surfaces. At least one of the side surfaces has a first interlocking formation. A clamping plate is connected to the flange. The clamping plate has a second interlocking formation coupled with the first interlocking formation. A dampening member interposes the first and second interlocking formations.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: An undercarriage system for a track-type machine includes a ground engaging track, and an idler for the ground engaging track having a hub formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and a compound annular rim capping the hub and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The hub includes a radially projecting outer spine, which is annular and concentric with an idler mounting bore defined by an inner peripheral surface of the hub. First and second rim components of the compound annular rim abut one another and sandwich the radially projecting outer spine. Each of the first and second abutting rim components includes a stepped profile. The idler may include a remanufactured idler having a reusable hub and replacement compound annular rim.

Abstract: A compound rim assembly for a rotatable idler in an undercarriage system of a track-type machine includes a one-piece annular base configured for mounting the compound annular rim assembly upon an outer peripheral surface of an idler hub. The one-piece annular base is formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and the compound rim assembly further includes a first annular track contacting rim a second annular track contacting rim positioned upon the one-piece base and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The compound rim assembly further includes a track guiding ring trapped axially between the first and second annular track contacting rims and abutting the outer cylindrical surface of the one-piece annular base, the track guiding ring being formed of a non-metallic material and projecting radially outward of the first and second annular track contacting rims.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: A wheel for a track assembly of a tracked vehicle, such as, for example, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a snowmobile, a construction vehicle or an agricultural vehicle. The wheel in use is one of a plurality of wheels of the track assembly. The track assembly comprises an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels, comprising an inner side for facing the plurality of wheels and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The wheel comprises a wheel body comprising a hub portion, a rim portion, and a radially-extending portion between the hub portion and the rim portion. The wheel also comprises a covering on the body. The covering in use contacts the endless track's inner side. A material of the covering is different from a material of the wheel body. The wheel body and the covering may be mechanically interlocked.

Abstract: An idler for use with an endless track of a track-type vehicle comprises a wheel and a rim. The rim comprises fasteners and replaceable wear pads releasably mounted to and positioned about the periphery of the wheel using the fasteners.

Abstract: An isolated center tread rim idler is disclosed. The isolated center tread rim idler includes an idler body, and a circular rim including a radially outer portion configured to engage track bushings of a track assembly. The circular rim also includes a radially inner portion of less width than the radially outer portion. The radially inner portion is configured to cooperate with an outer circumferential surface of the idler body. The circular rim includes a curved transition portion between the radially outer portion and the radially inner portion. A resilient ring engages the curved transition portion. A side plate is fastened to a side of the idler body, and the side plate includes a portion engaging the resilient ring.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: An isolated center tread rim idler is disclosed. The isolated center tread rim idler includes an idler body, and a circular rim including a radially outer portion configured to engage track bushings of a track assembly. The circular rim also includes a radially inner portion of less width than the radially outer portion. The radially inner portion is configured to cooperate with an outer circumferential surface of the idler body. The circular rim includes a curved transition portion between the radially outer portion and the radially inner portion. A resilient ring engages the curved transition portion. A side plate is fastened to a side of the idler body, and the side plate includes a portion engaging the resilient ring.

Abstract: An idler having an axis of rotation. The idler may include a hub with a flange. A plurality of rim members are positioned along a perimeter of the flange and have generally axially facing, opposite side surfaces. At least one of the side surfaces has a first interlocking formation. A clamping plate is connected to the flange. The clamping plate has a second interlocking formation coupled with the first interlocking formation. A dampening member interposes the first and second interlocking formations.

Abstract: An idler for use with an endless track of a track-type vehicle comprises a wheel and a rim. The rim comprises fasteners and replaceable wear pads releasably mounted to and positioned about the periphery of the wheel using the fasteners.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for an inspection vehicle which can be used on ferromagnetic bases (19), especially in generators, which drive unit includes a motor-powered crawler track (18) and also magnetic devices for holding the drive unit (10) on the base (19). An improved insensitivity to uneven spots in the base is achieved by the crawler track (18), in the region where it bears upon the base (19), being guided via inner, spring-mounted running wheels (12), and by the magnetic devices being integrated in the running wheels (12).

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 hollow-shell road wheel for tracked vehicles includes a generally triangular, outer circumferential cavity formed by an outer rim and two wall members that extend radially inward at angles to a generally planar flange at approximately the mid-radius point of the hollow-shell road wheel. A series of hollow-shell road wheels assembled in a back-to-back configuration support the tracked-vehicle and act as guides for the track of the tracked-vehicle.

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 shaft/roller unit for tracked vehicles which has a long life and resistance to wear is formed by a shaft (54) which has a shoulder (55) in its central portion, perpendicular to its axis, and onto which two wholly hardened steel half-rollers (56, 57) are fitted, one on each side of the shoulder, with the interposition of antifriction bushings (58, 59), the half-rollers grasping the shoulder (55) and, when they have been welded together along a mating contact and locating surface (60), forming a unitary roller which has a predetermined axial position on the shaft and can withstand considerable axial stresses.

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: Star carrier roller assemblies have been used in certain tracked mobile machines, such as those used in the timber industry, that must operate in cold weather and/or over rough terrain. Due to interaction of the star carrier roller assembly with a track chain assembly, undesirable wear on the star carrier roller assembly occurs. The present invention includes at least one star carrier roller assembly for a tracked mobile machine that limits the wear on the star carrier roller assembly. The star carrier roller assembly includes a carrier roller positioned adjacent to a sprocket having a plurality of teeth. Each tooth includes a tooth width and a tooth angle. A ratio between the tooth width and a difference of a pitch length and a bushing diameter of a track chain assembly is less than 0.3, and the tooth angle is greater than or equal to zero degrees (0°).

Abstract: An idler for supporting the forward end of an endless track of a track-type tractor has an endless chain resiliently supported on an outer flange of the idler hub. An outer surface of the chain provides a substantially continuous bearing surface for supporting the endless track on the idler.

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 sprocket for supporting and propelling an endless track assembly of a track-type machine. The sprocket has an endless chain which is resiliently mounted to an outer flange of a hub. The chain has outwardly projecting teeth that interact with the endless track assembly to propel the machine. A plurality of drive assemblies are pressed between the endless chain and the flange to resiliently connect the endless chain to the flange of the hub.

Abstract: A control system for controlling mobile robots provides a way to control mobile robots, connected in tandem with coupling devices, to navigate across difficult terrain or in closed spaces. The mobile robots can be controlled cooperatively as a coupled system in linked mode or controlled individually as separate robots.

Abstract: A roller assembly with a body member. The roller assembly also has a first roller rim secured to the body member. The first roller rim has (i) a first inner side wall segment extending outwardly from the roller surface, (ii) a first outer side wall segment secured to the first inner side wall segment, the first outer side wall segment being positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the body member such that a linear extension of the first outer side wall segment intersects the axis of rotation so as to define an acute angle therebetween, and (iii) a receptacle defined therein. The roller assembly further includes an axle mounting arrangement positioned within the receptacle such that no portion of the axle mounting arrangement traverses the first plane.

Abstract: An idler for supporting the forward end of an endless track of a track-type tractor has an endless chain resiliently supported on an outer flange of the idler hub.

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. The present supporting mid-roller includes a heat shield that is positioned between individual roller segments and guide blocks positioned on the inner surface of the endless rubber belt. With the heat shield in this position, heat generated from the guide blocks contacting the individual roller segments is dissipated, thereby increasing the life of the individual mid-roller components.

Abstract: A sound reducing carrier roller supports and guides portions of an endless track of a track-type machine as that portion of the track travels between a drive wheel and an idler wheel of the machine. A portion of a rim segment is solidly mounted to the roller shell while a gap is maintained between the rest of the rim segment and the roller shell. A resilient ring is positioned between the segment and the roller shell to reduce noise and impact load on the roller assembly. Conventional track rollers have metal to metal contact between the rim and the roller shell which can generate noise and impact therebetween. The subject roller assembly, with rim segments resiliently mounted, reduces the noise and impact levels.

Abstract: Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of mid-rollers. The present mid-roller includes a rotatable member that is positioned between individual roller segments and the guide blocks that are positioned on the inner surface of the endless rubber belt. With the rotatable member in this position, the differential angular velocity between points of contact between the rubber belt and the mid-rollers is compensated for by rotating the rotatable member independent of the individual roller segments. Thus, increasing the life of the individual drive components.

Abstract: A midwheel assembly for a track type tractor is disclosed. The midwheel assembly includes a hub having (i) a body portion and (ii) a hub plate extending radially from the body portion. The midwheel assembly also includes a wheel having (i) a wheel plate secured to the body portion of the hub and (ii) a ring member secured to the wheel plate such that the ring member extends from the wheel plate toward the hub plate so that the ring member, the wheel plate, and the hub plate define a wheel cavity.