Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may receive, from a sensor system of the machine, sensor data indicating a movement of an idler block of an idler assembly of an undercarriage of the machine. The controller may determine, based on the sensor data, that the idler block has moved from a first position to a second position. The controller may determine an amount of wear of an idler of the idler assembly based on the idler block moving from the first position to the second position. The controller may determine whether the amount of wear satisfies a wear threshold. The controller may cause the machine to perform an action based on determining whether the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold.

Abstract: The invention discloses a track element (80) for forming a continuous over tyre track (100), includes a generally C-shaped rigid member (10) having a base portion (10a) extending transversely to the track (100), a tapered side guide member (10b) on each end of the base portion (10a), and at least one inter-engaging connector member (10c) on each side of the base portion (10a); wherein the rigid member (10) is encased in a coating of elastomeric material (20).

Abstract: A track system for a rubber tracked work vehicle comprises temperature sensor and an antenna attached to a track wheel. The antenna is connected to the temperature sensor to transmit to a receiver a temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor. A work vehicle comprising the track system and a temperature measuring method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle has a chassis with a drivetrain and at least one rubber track assembly with a rubber track belt. The rubber track assembly has at least one idler, each of which has two idler wheels spaced apart on an axle. The idler wheels each have a tapered outer surface that together define a tapered profile that causes the rubber track belt to self-center upon the rubber track assembly. The tapered profile may define a pair of straight lines at a shallow angle, a portion of a circle, a portion of an ellipse, a parabola, or a hyperbola.

Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle includes two or more track shoes. The track shoes include one or more links having a first link end and a second link end, one or more pins received by one or more links and movable between an installed position and a dislodged position, and one or more pockets positioned adjacent to the pin and formed to receive a hydraulic jack. A first link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a second link end of a second track shoe, and a second link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a first link end of a third track shoe. The track may also include a pin removal system configured to dislodge the pin from the track.

Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile includes first and second ice scratcher end portions opposite to each other, an elongate member connected to the second ice scratcher end portion, and a spring connecting the first ice scratcher end portion to the elongate member. The spring has a plurality of coils defining a coil radius. The spring is movable between an unbent configuration, wherein a centerline passing through respective centers of each coil of the plurality of coils defines a coil axis, and a bent configuration, wherein at least a portion of the centerline is displaced from the coil axis. At least a portion of the first ice scratcher end portion is radially spaced from the coil axis by a distance less than the coil radius and adapted for attachment to the snowmobile. Ice scratcher assemblies, kits and snowmobiles having the ice scratcher are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ski and front track assembly has a track assembly including: an endless track, and at least two wheels disposed inside the track. At least one of the at least two wheels is disposed forwardly of at least one other of the at least two wheels. The ski and front track assembly also has a front ski element connected to the track assembly and extending forwardly therefrom. The front ski element is pivotable about a steering axis together with the track assembly. A snowmobile having the ski and front track assembly is also disclosed. A track assembly having a braking system and a snowmobile having the track assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle includes two or more track shoes. The track shoes include one or more links having a first link end and a second link end, one or more pins received by one or more links and movable between an installed position and a dislodged position, and one or more pockets positioned adjacent to the pin and formed to receive a hydraulic jack. A first link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a second link end of a second track shoe, and a second link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a first link end of a third track shoe. The track may also include a pin removal system configured to dislodge the pin from the track.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic track is described in accordance with an example of the present technology. The method can include rubberizing a first side of the track with a first plurality of indentations formed therein, and rubberizing a second side of the track with a second plurality of indentations formed therein. A plurality of magnets can be disposed between the first and second sides in positions corresponding to the first or second plurality of indentations. The first and second sides can be rubberized together such that the first plurality of indentations and the second plurality of indentations are facing and aligned with the plurality of magnets enclosed therein.

Abstract: An undercarriage monitoring device has a roller assembly including a fixed roller component and a bushing. An opening is formed within the fixed roller component. A first sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The first sensor is configured to sense a first physical characteristic of the bushing. The fixed roller component is a shaft or a housing. The first sensor is a temperature sensor or a Hall effect sensor. A magnet is disposed on the roller assembly. A second sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The second sensor is configured to sense a second physical characteristic of the bushing. A data transmitting device is coupled to the first sensor. Data is collected from the sensor. The data collected from the sensor is transmitted to a receiving device.

Abstract: A locomotion assembly is provided, suitable to be used in a vehicle. The locomotion assembly comprises a frustum-conical structure comprising at least one flexible member having a frustum-conical surface extending between its relatively narrow and wide ends along a frustum-conical axis, the frustum-conical member being reversibly deformable from its biased rounded shape corresponding to a frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is circular into a deformed frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is non-circular. The frustum-conical structure may serve for supporting at least one surface-engaging member convertible between a round wheel-like configuration, in which its side elevation is substantially circular, and a deformed configuration, in which its side elevation is non-circular and in which a larger portion of the surface-engaging member is in contact with a movement surface.

Abstract: A traction apparatus to improve the winter operation of rubber tracks on endless track vehicle. A plurality of chains are provided each having a first end and a second end separated by multiple chain links. The chains are secured to the track at only the first end with the second end free.

Abstract: A lightweight motorized and tracked sled for attachment to a variety of stair chairs is described. A power supply or power source provides power to a motor driving a track configured to engage a set of stairs. The motor and track can lift and support the stair chair and a patient thereon up or down one or more flights of stairs. The track driven by the motor has a length sufficient to simultaneously engage the lips or edges of a pair of sequential steps, but may be otherwise limited in length to reduce the weight of the track. To ensure that the sled and attached stair chair are stably supported while ascending or descending stairs, the sled may have rails, skis, or passive tracks having a length sufficient to ensure that the rails, skis, or passive tracks are always over the edge or lip of no fewer than two steps.

Abstract: A track assembly 30 for converting a wheeled vehicle 10 into a tracked vehicle. The track assembly 30 has a longitudinally adjustable support frame 40 having a motive source 170 with a drive sprocket 190, a plurality of support rollers 80, 84, 88, a tensioning assembly 90, and an endless track 200. The track assembly 30 is connected to a vehicle 10 by articulated, resiliently biased mounting assemblies 210, 410. Each mounting assembly 210, 410 includes a first attachment member 212, 412, a link 250, 450, and a second attachment member 300, 500, with the first attachment member 212, 412 configured to be removably attached to a position on a vehicle 10 where a wheel axle attached to an internal drive unit 19 would normally reside but which has been disconnected from its control lines and removed, and with the second attachment member 300, 500 configured to be connected to the support frame 40.

Abstract: The conversion kit changes a conventional tracked excavator into a rubber tired excavator in just a matter of minutes. Thus, a tracked excavator can be driven down the road on pavement without the need for a transport truck and without damaging the pavement.

Abstract: A unitary flexible track for converting a wheeled vehicle into a tracked vehicle, the track being provided for mounting in longitudinal direction around at least two successive vehicle tire-wheel assemblies in movement direction of the vehicle, the track having an inner circumferential track surface provided to form a running surface for the wheels and an outer circumferential surface provided to form a running surface for the track with respect to the medium over which the track is to be displaced, each tire-wheel assembly having a circumferential running surface provided to contact the inner circumferential track surface of the track, each tire-wheel assembly comprising a loaded wheel part and a non-loaded wheel part.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus of a crawler vehicle can achieve both reduction of an impact applied to an operator cab and maintenance of high traction force even at a time of backward traveling on a ground surface having an irregularity. Right and left track frames (11, 11) are mounted to pivot shafts (31, 31) respectively mounted to right and left sides of a rear end portion of a main frame (30) so as to freely swing in a vertical direction, a rear frame (40) having a horizontal shaft apparatus (46) arranged therein is suspended to a rear portion of the main frame so as to freely swing in the vertical direction, final reduction gears (50) are attached to right and left outer sides of the rear frame, and an output shaft of the horizontal shaft apparatus is connected to an input shaft of the final reduction gear.

Abstract: A triangular crawler device, which is free from being stumbled and whose crawler belt does not come off from a body of a vehicle while the vehicle travels, includes a track frame (10), having a front idler (15A) and a rear idler (15B) disposed at the front and rear ends thereof respectively; a sprocket (20), rotatably fixed to the track frame (10); links (11, 13), for connecting the body (2) of the vehicle (1) and the track frame (10) together; and a crawler belt (17), wound around the front idler (15A), the rear idler (15B) and the sprocket (20).

Abstract: A track suspension apparatus for a vehicle having a frame and a continuous flexible track is provided and is turned by a drive wheel operably attached to the frame for engaging and driving the flexible track. Structure is provided for rotatably mounting the drive wheel to the vehicle and an adaptive device is associated with the mounting structure is provided for permitting the mounting structure to be attached directly to a first vehicle at times and, alternatively, to a second vehicle at other times.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of rear drive conversion of the M113 family of vehicles to provide a light, mobile and tactical hybrid vehicle. The method includes stripping an M113 to a base aluminum hull and providing modified or newly fabricated parts to enable the conversion. Using the rear drive conversion process disclosed herein, critical operations parameters such as volume under armor, mobility, air transportability and vehicle performance efficiency per unit weight are significantly increased.

Abstract: A vehicle drive includes pneumatic tires mounted on rims and includes a track which is engaged by and cooperates with the tires. Tire-supporting elements on the track position the tires on the track. Also, the tires, on at least the surfaces which come into contact with the tire-supporting elements, have an outer rubber layer which has a high wear resistance and low friction properties and in which 50-100% is butadiene rubber.

Abstract: Fluid flow in a conduit is measured by placing a flow block in the conduit which introduces variations in the flowpath which cause local pressure variations. The pressure variations are converted to electrical signals by transducers, and the electrical signals are processed to obtain flow rate values. To provide a correction for transducer drift, the transducer signals are examined during a time when there is known to be zero flow in the conduit. The difference between the transducer signals during a time when there is zero flow is used as a measure of transducer drift. A value for the drift is stored in computer memory and used subsequently, when fluid flow is resumed. This invention is specifically intended for use in railroad airbrake systems, where it is used in a locomotive to provide an accurate and reliable measurement of air supplied to the brake pipe of the air brake system.

Abstract: An improved tracked vehicle that allows a substantial increase in a driven area supporting a vehicle without any proportional increase in weight of the vehicle itself. The vehicle can be driven over soft snow and mud so as to cause no damage to the terrain. The vehicle can be amphibious and can be highly maneuverable and capable of passing over different types of obstacles in its path. It can move at reasonable speed over sand, mud and swamp. The vehicle has special tracks and a T-bar assembly which keeps tension on the tracks at all times. The vehicle also has resilient finger-type grousers bolted to the tracks of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has the same roadability as that of a conventional toy provided with caterpillars, is controllable with the same control feel as that of a conventional four-wheeled toy, has reduced travelling load, and may travel at high speed. A body is supported by a chassis portion with front steerable wheels provided at the left and right of a front end of the chassis portion. Caterpillar front and rear wheels are both provided on the left and right of a central and a rear portion of the chassis portion with left and right caterpillars therearound. A drive unit drives the caterpillar rear wheels, and a power steering mechanism is disposed at the chassis front end. The forward extent of the caterpillars may be raised above the ground when the vehicle toy travels on a flat surface. The vehicle toy is battery powered and radio controlled.

Abstract: Mobile irrigation equipment includes a water delivery tube, a support frame mounting the tube, and a belt traction apparatus movably mounted to the support frame and operable for moving the support frame over the ground. The belt traction apparatus includes drive wheels rotatably mounted to the support frame and an endless traction belt entrained over the drive wheels for engaging the ground and moving the support frame when the wheels are rotated. Each drive wheel has an annular plate, a central hub rotatably mounted to support frame about an axis, spokes supporting the annular plate on the hub in concentric relation with the rotational axis of the hub, and a plurality of lugs attached to the periphery of the annular plate in circumferentially spaced relation to one another and extending in transverse relation to the annular plate and in radial relation to the rotational axis of the hub.

Abstract: A tire chain which has a plurality of anti-sliding members, each of which is attached to a base plate and a pivot pin. Wing-shaped members are hingeably attached to the bases and the pivot pins are connected by chain links to form an endless linkage.

Abstract: A skateboard axle mounting apparatus having a base, a support element attached to the base for securely receiving a skateboard axle, and a mounting bracket for attaching the base to a friction-reducing accessory, such as a snow ski or a roller/belt assembly. The support element includes a guide located on the base and a pair of vertical end plates which slidably cooperate with the guide. Each end plate has a bore hole for securely receiving the skateboard axle. The base includes a graduated scale for use in adjustably aligning the end plates on the guide.

Abstract: An attachment for tractors is mounted on the tractor frame, and provides an endless track system for supporting and driving the tractor through power supplied with chains engaging sprockets secured to the conventional drive wheels. The position of the track system permits it to remain elevated until the main drive wheels settle down into soft ground. The track speed is established at the effective peripheral velocity of the drive wheels.

Abstract: An add-on track system for an all-terrain vehicle is disclosed. ATV tires are very soft and flexible, and apt to climb out of a track if the track is not properly located. The invention has a track segment with arms protruding up from the slope-plate of the segment, and the arms converge inwards. The upper ends of the arms locate the segment against the tire side walls, but at a level on the sidewalls where the tire profile is free of the bulging under load which is so marked in ATV tires. The segments have holes through the sole-plate, through which the overhanging parts of the converging arms can be moulded, without movable cores. Retractable cleats occupy these holes, and are forced out when the tire bulges under load.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to be mounted on a vehicle frame for the purpose of increasing traction comprises an L-shaped framework, a first shaft rotatably mounted on the upper portion of the framework, a second shaft rotatably mounted on the framework and disposed below and spaced from the first shaft, spaced third, fourth and fifth shafts rotatably mounted on the framework and extending outwardly from the second shaft, a power source operable to rotate the first shaft, means interconnecting the first and second shafts to impart rotation to the second shaft, multiple wheels fixed in coaxial relationship respectively on the second, third, fourth and fifth shafts, track means mounted on the peripheries of the wheels, brake means associated with the first shaft and operable to fix the framework to the vehicle, and a second brake means operable to fix the framework to the second shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a track vehicle. The vehicle is comprised of a lightweight frame having a platform or deck portion and first and second track guiding portions. Drive drums are provided, located at one end of each of the track guiding portions. First and second electric motors are connected, via gear reducers, each to one of the drive drums. Idler rollers are located at the other end of each of the track guiding portions. First and second tracks are provided, each encircling and operatively associated with one of the drive drums, one of the track guiding portions and one of the idler drums. Each of the track guiding portions has a bottom portion with each bottom portion having a longitudinally oriented strip of low friction material fastened thereto to provide a sliding surface for each of the tracks when the vehicle is in motion. In another embodiment of the invention the deck portion and track guiding portions are blow-formed from sheet plastics material.

Abstract: A cross-country vehicle includes a wheel provided with an outer layer of resilient material having a plurality of circumferentially disposed protruding teeth. A track is provided about the wheel and has a plurality of transverse bars connected to one another and separated by gaps which engage the protruding teeth. Studs moveably mounted in radial holes through at least some of the teeth of the wheel project downwardly to extend through the gaps and into engagement with the ground.