Abstract: A pool cleaner for cleaning a pool includes a housing, a pump for drawing liquid from the pool into the housing through an inlet and expelling the liquid through an outlet when the pool cleaner is submerged in the pool, a filter for trapping debris that is in the indrawn liquid, and a propulsion system for propelling the pool cleaner along a submerged surface within the pool. A controller is configured to determine a position of the pool cleaner on a stairway of the pool, and to control the propulsion system to stop ascending the stairway when the pool cleaner is determined to have ascended to a highest permissible stair of the stairway.

Abstract: A caterpillar device includes: a water film removing part which is provided in a power transmission member including chains, presses and removes a water film between an attachment object as a magnetic material, and the power transmission member with a magnetic force, and attaches the power transmission member to the attachment object to secure a frictional force; and an apparatus body magnet attachment part which is connected to the power transmission member and attaches the body of the apparatus to the attachment object.

Abstract: A segmented track made of a plurality of elastomeric track segments is provided. Each track segment is made of reinforced elastomeric material and is provided, at each end thereof, with a joint element adapted to be connected to the joint element of adjacent track segments. Each track segment comprises longitudinally extending reinforcing elements which are embedded into the elastomeric material and which are extending between and coupled to both joint elements.

Abstract: A crawler track for a crawler tracked vehicle is configured for running via a drive wheel and via bogie wheels. The crawler track has an outer ground contact side and an inner wheel contact side. The inner wheel contact side is formed with a flat surface from which a plurality of guide horns project to guide the crawler track during the movement of the crawler tracked vehicle. At least parts of the flat surface serve as the running surface for the bogie wheels. Cavities are formed in the flat surface for the engagement of drive pegs of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A segmented track made of a plurality of elastomeric track segments is provided. Each track segment is made of reinforced elastomeric material and is provided, at each end thereof, with a joint element adapted to be connected to the joint element of adjacent track segments. Each track segment comprises longitudinally extending reinforcing elements which are embedded into the elastomeric material and which are extending between and coupled to both joint elements.

Abstract: A continuous flexible track for extending about a plurality of aligned wheels on a vehicle or track module, the track includes an outer ground-engaging surface and an inner wheel-engaging surface having inwardly-projecting wheel-engaging lugs. Each lug has a proximal end, a distal surface, front and back surfaces and opposite side surfaces. Each lug further includes a flex-groove extending between the side surfaces and from the distal surface toward the proximal end, thereby dividing the lug into two portions to allow around-wheel hinging motion. In most preferred embodiments, a lug-receiving cap may be positioned over and replaceably secured with respect to each lug. A method for prolonging the useful life of such a track is provided.

Abstract: An improved track shoe assembly (13) for a continuous track vehicle (1). The track shoe assembly comprises a pin (17) which is rotatable relative to the shoe assembly (13). The shoe assembly comprises an elastomeric tube (31) through which the pin extends, the elastomeric tube being rotatable with respect to one of the pin and the shoe assembly and being fixed with respect to the other of the pin and the shoe assembly.

Abstract: A continuous flexible track for extending about a plurality of aligned wheels on a vehicle or track module, the track includes an outer ground-engaging surface and an inner wheel-engaging surface having inwardly-projecting wheel-engaging lugs. Each lug has a proximal end, a distal surface, front and back surfaces and opposite side surfaces. Each lug further includes a flex-groove extending between the side surfaces and from the distal surface toward the proximal end, thereby dividing the lug into two portions to allow around-wheel hinging motion. In most preferred embodiments, a lug-receiving cap may be positioned over and replaceably secured with respect to each lug. A method for prolonging the useful life of such a track is provided.

Abstract: A caster of an endless structure is provided which is almost jam-proof even in the case of a bigger gap. The caster includes a first wheel supported on a mounting leg, a second wheel supported by an axle on one end of a suspension arm of which the other end is supported by an axle which also supports the first wheel, and a wrap-around member which is wrapped around the first and second wheels. The wraparound member is formed an endless belt form by connecting independent pieces to each other. The outer peripheral section of each piece is provided with a wider section and when the wraparound member is depressed and warps, the wider section is adapted to touch a wider section of the adjacent piece, thereby preventing further depression.

Abstract: A track chain assembly (22) has a track shoe (25) and a pair of parallel links (26) that are fixed to a non ground-engaging surface of the track shoe (25) with bolts (36). A connecting shaft (27) is fixed to shaft holes (31) that are provided on end portions each of which is included in the links (26). A reinforcing member (48) connects the links (26) with the bolts (36) so as to reinforce an open side between the links (26). Therefore, the links (26) are prevented from being damaged due to concentration of stress on a specific portion of each link (26).

Abstract: Track shoe assembly for a tracked vehicle, comprising a) a track shoe member with a chassis assembly having a pair of tubular housings (80) connected by a spaced web-portion, b) a replaceable rubber pad (9) with a curved sheet metal (13) having rims to hold the rubber pad rigidly and precisely in position, and c) an end connector (26) having a pair of bush holes (267) which accept an end of a track shoe pin (60) extending through a tubular housing, thus connecting adjacent track shoe members at either side in a pivotally flexible track. The chassis (9) also has a guide member (91) which is located on one a sleeve holding a housing and has a shape tapering towards its top end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction device for a terrain engaging element. The traction device defines a stud having a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion and adapted to be secured into the terrain engaging element. A plurality of spherical carbide pellets are bonded together on and to surfaces of the head. The carbide pellets are provided in multiple layers extending across the head surface. The carbide pellets are provided in a stacked relationship to each other so that during use the carbide pellets are capable of being individually dislodged to reveal a carbide pellet of an underlying layer.

Abstract: An enhanced traction device for use with a vehicle having dual tandem wheels includes a series of generally parallel track pads, each track pad having an alignment portion and a traction portion defining first and second ends. Each traction portion includes an inner surface for contacting the vehicle wheels and an outer surface for contacting ground. Each alignment portion extends away from a respective traction portion outer surface and is configured to pass between the dual wheels. The alignment portions maintain proper positioning of the track pads upon the dual tandem wheels of the vehicle. The traction device further includes a first chain coupled to each respective track pad first end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between said track pad first ends. Similarly, the traction device includes a second chain coupled to each track pad second end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the track pad second ends.

Abstract: A metal track for crawler vehicles, the track having a metal chain hinged with substantially rectangular metal shoes, each of which has a work surface with arrow-shaped teeth defined by a front portion of one arrow-shaped tooth and a rear portion of another arrow-shaped tooth spaced apart on the work surface and complementary in shape; each portion of arrow-shaped tooth cooperating with a complementary portion on a respective adjacent shoe to define a complete arrow-shaped tooth.

Abstract: This invention refers to the traction lugs of reinforced elastomeric endless traction bands, and more particularly to those which are used on heavy vehicles like defense vehicles or for skid steer vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to traction lugs which are angled with respect to the transversal axis of the traction band and preferably disposed in chevrons, which optimize the band's traction while reducing the occurrences of teeth skipping and the level of vibrations and noise induced by the interaction of the traction band with the sprocket.

Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel track laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless tracks rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved rubber track design and system allowing the endless track to be driven more efficiently at highway speeds. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, the track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior drive sprocket engaging surface, the track comprising: a carcass portion in which reinforcements are embedded into the polymer; a plurality of tread lugs disposed on the first engaging surface; a plurality of drive lugs disposed on the second engaging surface and a plurality of guide horns disposed on the second engaging surface.

Abstract: A ground contacting component for an articulated vehicle track link is retained in the track link by engagement of latterally projecting wings (74) in grooves of the track link. The ground contacting component (70) includes a resilient tongue (78) which engages an end wall of the track link (50) to prevent movement of the ground contacting component out of the track link. The resilient tongue includes a removal tool engagement formation (79) which cooperates with the removal tool (10) of the invention to depress the resilient tongue (78) and to withdraw the ground contacting component from the track link.

Abstract: A grouser structure for use on an outer surface of a continuous track belt to provide traction and shock absorption, the grouser structure including a grouser body that defines a grouser chamber and a spline element positioned within the grouser chamber. In one preferred embodiment a shock absorption gap is formed between the inner chamber peripheral surface and the outer spline peripheral surface. In another preferred embodiment the base of the grouser body is solid or contains other structure to prevent the first body side leg and the second body side leg from spreading. In yet another preferred embodiment the spline element is a solid reinforcement spline element. In still another preferred embodiment the spline element is associated with an extension section to which an ice cleat may be functionally attached.

Abstract: An endless track system for providing a plurality of rigid grouser members attached about the exterior surface of a rubber track. The inventive device includes an endless rubber track having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of gripping members attached to the outer surface of the endless track, and a plurality of inner members attached to the inner surface of the endless track and to the gripping members. Each of the inner members is comprised of an elongate support member with a pair of opposing side walls attached orthogonally to. The gripping members are preferably comprised of a center member surrounded by an outer coating. The outer coating may be comprised of any plastic or rubber material for reducing damage to surfaces traveled upon. The gripping members are preferably attached to the inner members by a plurality of fasteners that extend through the endless rubber track.

Abstract: A track for a snow vehicle is described herein. The track is provided with a lug arrangement defined by two different rows of lugs that together define a generally smooth convex profile. The lugs of the first and second rows are staggered, thereby allowing an adequate traction even when the vehicle is severely tilted, without defining a ski-like outer profile that could cause the snow vehicle to slide sideways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleat assembly for drive tracks for tracked vehicles, in particular those used for grooming ski slopes. The cleat assembly has a cleat member that includes, in cross section, a U-shaped body as a connection shank and two U-shanks connected with the connection shank via a flex rim that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank by forming an end piece of the cleat member. The flex rim includes a roll bead that is positioned projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank and bent upward toward the end piece.

Abstract: An endless belt for use with a heavy duty track vehicle comprises a body made of polymeric material wherein a series of longitudinally spaced guide members are integrally formed to the inner surface thereof while two rows of longitudinally spaced tread members are integrally formed to the outer surface thereof. Each tread member in each row has an outer edge area adjacent the outer edge of the body and an inner edge area terminating substantially at mid-section of the body. Each tread member of the first row is longitudinally offset relative to an adjacent tread member of the second row. Each inner edge area of the tread members is in vertical alignment with a corresponding one of the guide members of the inner surface of the body. Also, the pitch defined by two successive guide members differs in value from other pitches along the outer surfaces of the belt. This particular geometry of tread members and drive members is such as to reduce slitting damages to the track when driven as well as vibration.

Abstract: A spike for track shoes is disclosed. The spike has a central section in a cylindrical configuration having a first enlarged exterior diameter. It also has an upper section in a generally cylindrical configuration extending upwardly from the central section with a threaded exterior face for removable attachment to and removable attachment from the track shoe of a wearer, the exterior diameter of the upper section being less than the exterior diameter of the central section. Lastly, a lower section is provided having an uppermost region with a generally circular cross-sectional configuration with an exterior diameter less than that of the central sections. The lower section also has an axis co-extensive with the central and upper sections and a lowermost region with a circular cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: An endless belt for use with a heavy duty track vehicle comprises a body made of polymeric material wherein a series of longitudinally spaced guide members are integrally formed to the inner surface thereof while two rows of longitudinally spaced tread members are integrally formed to the outer surface thereof. Each tread member in each row has an outer edge area adjacent the outer edge of the body and an inner edge area terminating substantially at mid-section of the body. Each tread member of the first row is longitudinally offset relative to an adjacent tread member of the second row. Each inner edge area of the tread members is in vertical alignment with a corresponding one of the guide members of the inner surface of the body. This particular geometry of tread members and drive members is such as to reduce slitting damages to the track when driven.

Abstract: An endless belt for use with a heavy duty track vehicle comprises a body made of polymeric material wherein a series of longitudinally spaced guide members are integrally formed to the inner surface thereof while two rows of longitudinally spaced tread members are integrally formed to the outer surface thereof. Each tread member in each row has an outer edge area adjacent the outer edge of the body and an inner edge area terminating substantially at mid-section of the body. Each tread member of the first row is longitudinally offset relative to an adjacent tread member of the second row. Each inner edge area of the tread members is in vertical alignment with a corresponding one of the guide members of the inner surface of the body. This particular geometry of tread members and drive members is such as to reduce slitting damages to the track when driven.

Abstract: Two endless wire rope loops spaced lengthwise of elongated grouser-mounting base plates of a tractor endless tread are secured to the grouser-mounting base plates by spaced U-shaped bows of clamping strips bolted to the grouser-mounting base plates, and the adjacent edges of adjacent clamping strips have interfitting projections and sockets for transmitting shear forces between such adjacent clamping strips.

Abstract: A submersible self-propelled pool or tank cleaner that includes a pair of moving driven endless belts or drive tracks is provided with moving side-projecting elements that extend from either the moving drive track or the drive wheels, or both, in order to contact the side wall of the pool and other projecting structural elements in the pool, to thereby prevent the stationary structural elements of the pool cleaner from being damaged by scraping the side of the pool and to prevent the hard plastic of the cleaner housing from damaging light-weight swimming pool liners. The drive track or belt is provided with raised transverse rib members that terminate in a tip that projects beyond the edge of the belt and extends beyond the projected line of structural elements along the side of the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A shoe for an endless track has an internal frame with an elastomeric coating. The frame includes tubular supports to receive a pivot pin for interconnection of adjacent shoes. The pin is located within the tubular supports by elastomeric bushings that accommodate relative pivotal movement by torsional deflection.

Abstract: A track (10) for a vehicle is typically carried by a plurality of wheels (12, 14, 16). Tread-wheel vibration is created when the track (10) passes between a wheel and the ground over which the vehicle is traveling. A track (10) includes a plurality of external lugs (32) that engage the ground when the track (10) is in use. Each external lug (32) has a tread angle (a) indicating the angle at which the lug is disposed to the longitudinal axis (34) of the track (10), a tread pitch (P) and a lug width (H). A wheel (16) contacting the interior of the track (10) has a width (B). A tread design that minimizes tread-wheel vibration has the pitch (P) of the lugs (32) substantially equal to the wheel width (B) multiplied by the tangent of the tread angle (a).

Abstract: A track belt assembly includes an elastomeric track member which forms a closed loop. The elastomeric track member is advanced in a path of movement when a work machine is advanced in the forward direction of movement. The track belt assembly further includes a number of elastomeric tread bars mounted on an outer surface of the track member. A first cross section of each of the number of tread bars which is taken in a longitudinal direction which is oriented parallel to the forward direction of movement defines a leading terminal end point, a leading edge transition point, a trailing edge transition point, and a trailing terminal end point. The distance between the track member and each point of the first cross section which is interposed between the leading terminal end point and the leading edge transition point is smaller than the distance between the track member and the leading edge transition point.

Abstract: A crawler belt apparatus includes a drive wheel having engaging teeth, a crawler belt having engaging projections engageable with the engaging teeth, and a plurality of discharge passages formed between root bottoms defined by the engaging projections, and top ends of the engaging teeth, for discharging foreign substances such as dirt and sand entered between the root bottoms and the top ends. The foreign substances passing through the discharge passages are not compressed by the drive wheel and hence do not become a solid mass.

Abstract: A connecting link type rubber crawler mounted to the traveling unit of a mobile construction machine, wherein fallout of the crawler and sinking of turning wheels hardly occur.

Abstract: A stud for improving the traction of a tread element is provided. The stud includes a body portion including a head and an elongated shank portion extending from the head. A mound of particles of a hard and durable material is bound together on and to the head of the stud such that the mound of particles has a multifaceted surface including multiple points which can engage the terrain.

Abstract: A traction stud for an endless snowmobile belt including an elongate rod having a ground engagable end and a threaded end which can be coupled to the track with a threaded fastener. A slot is cut into the threaded portion of the track such that the terminal end threaded portion is separated from the remaining threaded portion by a gap but coupled thereto via a reduced stem which, after installation, can be broken away so that the remaining portion of the stud shank is flush with the fastener. The invention also contemplates the method of making the stud and the method of installing the stud with a transverse slot providing a weakened break away portion which can be severed by the application of transverse force to remove the axially inner terminal end of the stud.