Abstract: A track chain assembly comprises a plurality of interlocking track chain members wherein each track chain member defines a track chain traveling direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain traveling direction, and includes a shoe member defining a shoe width along the lateral direction; and a first track pad member defining a first track pad maximum width along the lateral direction, and a second track pad member defining a second maximum track pad width along the lateral direction, wherein a ratio of either track pad maximum widths to the shoe member width ranges from 1:4 to 3:4.

Abstract: A track pad of an articulating track system for a machine is disclosed. The track pad includes a ground engaging portion and a body portion. The ground engaging portion includes a ground engaging surface that engages the ground during operation of the machine. The body portion extends from the ground engaging portion in a direction opposite the ground engaging surface. The body portion includes a roller engaging surface distal to the ground engaging surface. The roller engaging surface is a convex surface that matches the curvature of a roller surface for a roller of the machine.

Abstract: A composite track link is provided that has a body and a replaceable rail brazed or soldered together to provide a metallurgical bond between the track link body and the rail such that the rail may be removed and replaced by heating the track link or the brazing or soldering filler metal when the rail becomes worn. This process enables the rail to be separated from the body of the track link so a new rail can be brazed or soldered to the body of the track link. As a result, track links or bodies of track links may outlast the rails by multiple use cycles. Further, the body and rail may be formed of different materials.

Abstract: A shoe for a crawler track includes a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, a roller path axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. The intermediate portion includes a roller-engaging portion disposed along the roller path axis, the intermediate portion including four successive faces that form a parallelogram when viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, two of the four faces being disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A magnetic robot includes a chassis and at least one track assembly associated with the chassis. The track assembly has a linear series of non-circulating magnet modules displaceably mounted with respect to the chassis. A driven track circulates about the magnet modules and travels on guide portions of the magnet modules.

Abstract: A hull robot includes a robot body, at least one drive module for maneuvering the robot about the hull, an on-board power source, and a motive subsystem for the drive module powered by the on-board power source. A plurality of permanent magnet elements are associated with the drive module and each are switchable between a non-shunted state when adjacent the hull and a shunted state when not adjacent the hull.

Abstract: A track drive includes a primary driven gear configured to attach to a vehicle hub plate and an annular gear having gear teeth on in inner circumference and an outer circumference. The track drive can also include a plurality of intermediate gears disposed between the primary driven gear and the inner circumference of the annular gear, and a plurality of track drive wheels having an integrated gear configured to mate with gear teeth on the outer circumference of the annular gear. The track drive can further include a continuous track configured to be driven by the plurality of track drive wheels.

Abstract: A track pad for a crawler, especially operating in a landfill, having a generally rectangular base plate with holes for attachment to a track chain link, the base plate having front, rear and side edges, a high rise grouser on the base plate, the grouser projecting from the base plate a distance substantially greater than conventional grousers, the grouser having a central portion with the general configuration of a plate with an edge distal from the base plate, the central portion being generally laterally centered on the base plate, the grouser being devoid of areas projecting significantly from the base plate adjacent the side edges of the base plate.

Abstract: A composite track link is provided that has a body and a replaceable rail brazed or soldered together to provide a metallurgical bond between the track link body and the rail such that the rail may be removed and replaced by heating the track link or the brazing or soldering filler metal when the rail becomes worn. This process enables the rail to be separated from the body of the track link so a new rail can be brazed or soldered to the body of the track link. As a result, track links or bodies of track links may outlast the rails by multiple use cycles. Further, the body and rail may be formed of different materials.

Abstract: A traction cell for use in a track drive of an amphibious or all-terrain vehicle includes a rigid section for connection to a track drive and at least one semi-rigid compliant section which is connected to the rigid section. The semi-rigid compliant section has a bottom surface to which a penetration resistant sole is secured on a rear face which is raked relative to the vertical.

Abstract: In a track chain running gear (2) for mining machines (1), in particular heading machines, including at least one running gear case (5) and a track chain running around the running gear case (5) and formed by a multiplicity of chain links (3) articulately connected to one another, the running gear case (5), on its side facing the roadway, carries sliding plates (6) that form contact surfaces for the chain links (3) running along them, wherein the chain links (3), on their sides facing the sliding plates (6), carry wear plates (7) whose projecting surfaces cooperate with the contact surfaces of the sliding plates (6). In a chain link (3) for a track chain running gear (2), the chain link (3), on its side facing the sliding plates (6) of the running gear case (5), carries wear plates (7) whose projecting surfaces cooperate with the contact surfaces of the sliding plates (6).

Abstract: A method of operating a production line comprises the steps of supporting equipment in the production line on a plurality of crawlers comprising at least one rolling track and a structural support for supporting the equipment. A first plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an interior surface of said at least one rolling track is configured to oppose a second plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an exterior surface of said structure support to lift the structural support, such that the structural support floats between and within said at least one rolling track. The magnetic fields experienced by the first and second plurality of lift magnets are adjusted to translate the at least one rolling track, such that the crawlers move along the production line.

Abstract: A track extension in combination with a track system comprises a track system having a track frame, wheels mounted to the frame and adapted to allow cyclic movement of a track about the frame, drive means in the frame adapted to transmit a drive of a vehicle to the track to drive the track in a cyclic movement. An extension frame is releasably secured to an end of the track frame. An idler wheelset is mounted to an end of the extension frame. A track is mounted about the track frame and the extension frame such that a footprint of the track is delimited at an end by the engagement of the track with the idler wheelset. A method is provided to increase a footprint of a track system.

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: A versatile endless track system for a lightweight robotic vehicle is disclosed. The versatile endless track system includes a flexible track configured for mounting about a plurality of track supports of the lightweight robotic vehicle. A plurality of traction pads including at least two different types of traction pads are inserted into and supported by a plurality of receptacles contained within the flexible track. The different types of traction pads provide different ground-interfacing profiles designed to provide traction with respect to ground surfaces having different traction properties. Optionally, traction pads can be removable, allowing the versatile endless track to be reconfigured. A method of configuring a versatile endless track is also disclosed.

Abstract: Track sections (10) for forming into tracks for track laying vehicles are linked at one or more joints to form a continuous track. Co-operating formations (34) of respective track section ends in the joint are configured to prevent rotation of the respective track sections about the joint, so that the joint is substantially rigid.

Abstract: A track for a machine. The track may include a plurality of cavities penetrating a sidewall of the track. The track may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a middle region and two sidewalls. The plurality of cavities may penetrate the sidewall and extend through the middle region of the track to the opposite sidewall.

Abstract: An endless track chain assembly for an endless track vehicle having drive teeth received in tapered slots in a drive wheel. The drive teeth are replaceable in situ by a movement in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the drive wheel. The drive teeth inter-fit with tapered inserts on the endless chain assembly so that all the driving forces are transmitted between the two replaceable wear elements. The inserts are inter-connected with pairs of links in a three point mounting as a structural unit to increase torsional rigidity and enable bushings that inter-connect adjacent links to be smaller that conventional bushings. The inserts on the endless chain assembly are readily replaceable by fasteners accessed from the exterior of the endless chain assembly.

Abstract: A unique piece of engineering device “BT' Smart Machine” (BTSM) is described with the capability of lawn mowing, leave blowing/vacuuming, snow blowing, and general purpose blowing/vacuuming with other extra functionalities such as vehicle jump starter, heavy duty air compressor, vertical trolley, horizontal trolley, and outlets for AC and DC devices. BTSM' uniqueness lies in the fact that it can be run in manual (semi-automatic mode) or automatic mode (hands free mode). In manual mode (semi-automatic mode) BTSM anticipates and helps you along the way while in full-automatic mode BTSM does the work for you while you are home away from home or simply use that time to do something else and with a minimum of 10 to 12 hr uninhibited rechargeable battery life, BTSM has more than enough power to traverse your entire compound. In addition to all that, BTSM also runs off of solar energy which further maximizes battery life.

Abstract: A track shoe for connection to a chain link is disclosed. The track shoe may have a generally planar base portion configured to span two opposing elements of the chain link. The base portion may have a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposing side edges connecting the leading and trailing edges. The track shoe may also have an integral grouser bar extending substantially perpendicularly from a ground-engaging surface of the base portion and extending transversely across the ground-engaging surface between the side edges. The grouser bar may have a plurality of integral teeth fabricated with a trapezoidal shape, when viewed from the leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: A replaceable wear pad for a crawler track of a tracked vehicle includes base plates for fastening thereto wear pads in a detachable manner, the wear pad includes a tread and a bottom side lying opposite to the tread and facing the base plate, the wear pad containing at least one reinforcing element, and the reinforcing element being moulded-in by the wear pad material, the reinforcing element includes at least two holes and the wear pad includes cavities that run coaxially to the holes of the reinforcing element and, coming from the bottom side, end above the reinforcing element and at a distance to the same with the cavities serving the purpose of accommodating fastening devices which are fastened to the reinforcing element of the wear pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to an undercarriage, preferably for a crawler-mounted crane, comprising a crawler track which runs on a crawler carrier and which consists of base plates articulatedly connected to one another, with cams being formed on the base plates which laterally center the crawler track under the rollers, wherein two metal guide sheets which extend substantially over the length of the crawler carrier and which are engaged behind by holding plates arranged at the base plates of the crawler tracks are laterally arranged at the lower carriage of the crawler carrier.

Abstract: There are proposed a track link production method capable of providing markedly improved wear life with good cost performance and a track link produced by this method. To this end, the track link production method includes a heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5) of applying quenching and low temperature tempering treatment to a whole link material after hot forging (Step 2), and is designed such that desired machining is applied to the link material (Step 3) before the heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5) and such that after the heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5), tempering (Step 6) and finish machining (Step 7) are sequentially applied to some of the parts which have undergone the machining process, the some parts including at least parts where high dimensional accuracy is required.

Abstract: A tandem track system and method provides for safe withdrawal of a tracked vehicle if either of the main tracks becomes separated. The tracked vehicle has a main track longitudinally extending in a closed endless main loop on opposite sides and engaging a separate main drive sprocket assembly, extending under roadwheels to a main drive idler wheel, and back to the main drive-sprocket assembly in the main loop. The tandem drive system has a secondary track engaging each main drive-sprocket assembly and extending forward along the track vehicle from each main drive-sprocket assembly under only an aft-most fractional portion of the roadwheels. The secondary track is configured as a closed endless secondary loop inside of the main loop of each main track whereby each secondary track can transfer rotary power to move the tracked vehicle to safety.

Abstract: A crawler track is provided which is improved in the service life of bushings engaging a driving wheel (sprocket) of a track type vehicle, thereby reducing the running cost and which can be used under high loading conditions and therefore has a wide range of applications covering all types of machines from small-sized to large-sized work machines. In the crawler track of the track type vehicle having a track chain composed of a plurality of track links each having a pair of links spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction and a pin for coupling the pair of links, the track links being connected in the form of a loop by their pins, each bushing engaging the driving wheel (sprocket) is rotatably mounted to its associated pin and a beam for coupling the pair of links is disposed at the center of the space between every adjacent pins.

Abstract: A track for in-line tires on a skid steer vehicle, the track includes a continuous loop of links with sidebars and a pin and a barrel, the pin and barrel together forming a hinge between the links and extending between the sidebars. Tire side guides extend upward from the side bars to guide the tires along a pathway over the upward side of the hinges. The opposite side of the hinges engage the ground. The tire side guides can be permanently attached or temporarily fastened to the sidebars at selected positions and moved to other selected positions to convert the track for use with different sized tires, thereby proving a convertible track and a method of converting a track. A system for forming and closing the track as a loop of links is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure for standardizing at least one kind of part of an endless track so that parts can be used for the same size of construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers, wherein (a) when the part is a link belt, each of a configuration and a dimension of each link, the pin and the bushing is unified over the same size of construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers, and (b) when the part is a shoe including four coupling holes, each of a position, a configuration and a size of the four coupling holes is unified over the same size of construction vehicles of the plurality of construction vehicle makers.

Abstract: The top wall of a snowmobile tunnel, which accommodates the endless drive track of the snowmobile, is provided with recesses at locations corresponding to the path followed by studs carried by the endless track. In another aspect of the invention, the rear of the tunnel is connected to a molded rear member. The rear member provides a downwardly curving back portion for the tunnel. The rear member may have a shape corresponding to that of the tunnel, e.g. having a pattern of recesses matching that of the top wall of the tunnel. In yet another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for cooling engine coolant may be provided at the rear of the tunnel. The heat exchanger may be mounted to and partially spaced from the molded rear member, thereby permitting snow thrown by the endless track to pass on both sides of the heat exchanger. In another aspect of the invention, a tunnel for a snowmobile may be narrower in the front than in the rear.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel tracked vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved traction band made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. The inner surface of the endless traction band comprises a different lug configuration which allows for the endless traction band to be installed more efficiently on a tracked vehicle.

Abstract: A track support element includes an elongate body. A first tire containment member is positioned along the elongate body. A second tire containment member is positioned along the elongate body in spaced relation to the first tire containment member. Either the first tire containment member, the second tire containment member or both are movable along the elongate body whereby the relative distance between the first tire containment member and the second tire containment member is adjustable to accommodate vehicular tires having differing widths.

Abstract: A crawler track is provided which is improved in the service life of bushings engaging a driving wheel (sprocket) of a track type vehicle, thereby reducing the running cost and which can be used under high loading conditions and therefore has a wide range of applications covering all types of machines from small-sized to large-sized work machines. In the crawler track of the track type vehicle having a track chain composed of a plurality of track links each having a pair of links spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction and a pin for coupling the pair of links, the track links being connected in the form of a loop by their pins, each bushing engaging the driving wheel (sprocket) is rotatably mounted to its associated pin and a beam for coupling the pair of links is disposed at the center of the space between every adjacent pins.

Abstract: A cover suitable for use in conjunction with a wheelchair wheel. The cover includes a durable nylon fabric and includes a barrier and a cover portion, the barrier being interposed between an inner surface of the cover portion and the tread and sidewalls of the wheel so that foreign matter present on the wheel does not contaminate or otherwise harm any persons or surfaces with which the covered wheel may come into contact. The cover further includes an outer surface and first and second edges. A plurality of straps attached to the first edge of the cover, and configured to be removably attached to the second edge of the cover, permit the cover to be readily attached to, and detached from, the wheel. Finally, a plurality of lateral seams on the outer surface of the cover facilitate traction when the wheelchair passes over relatively smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A structure for standardizing at least one kind of part of an endless track so that parts can be used for the same size of construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers, wherein (a) when the part is a link belt, each of a configuration and a dimension of each link, the pin and the bushing is unified over the same size of construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers, and (b) when the part is a shoe including four coupling holes, each of a position, a configuration and a size of the four coupling holes is unified over the same size of construction vehicles of the plurality of construction vehicle makers.

Abstract: A head sprocket assembly and sprocketless tail roller assembly for a pontoon track drive system wherein the sprocket assembly and tail roller is fitted with a plurality of support rings for straightening the track's elongated cleats attached to a plurality of chains passing lengthwise around the pontoons.

Abstract: A heavy duty dual tire assembly (10) for mounting on dual rims (2) is disclosed. The assembly has a pair of tires (14) and a pair of separate removable annular tread belts (12) for mounting over both tires (14) the pair of separate removable annual tread belts (12) bridge the gap between the tires (10) when they are laterally adjacent and coaxially aligned by mounting on a dual rim. In one embodiment there is a separated tread belt spacer (9) that is interposed between tread belts (12) to, in combination with the tread belts, bridge the gap between the tires.

Abstract: A track (12) for small loaders (10) having spaced-apart pairs of wheels (14, 16) assembled with a plurality of base units (24) pivotally interconnected in series by opposing links (26), each base unit comprising a pair of opposing side supports (32) with a wedge portion (36) extending towards the opposing side support to wedgingly receive a portion of a tire in a gap between the opposing side supports. A pair of spaced-apart transverse cross members (34) extend between the side supports and define cavities (50) between a leading edge and the wedge portion for receiving fasteners to secure a bottom plate (52) to the base unit. The assembled track mounts around the tires of the loader to provide traction and floatation of the loader during operation in mud or sand.

Abstract: Low ground pressure tire chains for skid-steer loaders and other construction machinery. A track (12) for parallel drive wheeled vehicles (10) having spaced apart pairs of wheels (14,16) assembled with a plurality of base units (24) pivotally interconnected in series by opposing links (26), each base unit comprising a pair of opposing side supports (32) with a wedge portion (36) extending towards the opposing side support to wedgingly receive a portion of a tire in a gap between the opposing side supports. A pair of spaced-apart transverse cross members (34) extending between the side supports and define cavities (50) between a leading edge and the wedge portion for receiving fasteners to secure a bottom plate (52) to the base unit. The assembled track mounts around the tires of the loader to provide traction and floatation of the loader during operation in mud or sand.

Abstract: The invention comprises a series of U-shaped tracks loadable by way of a loading bar and chain through the inspection part opening onto the tires of a vehicle. The removable tracks are joined on either side by chains and have at least one aligning bar which keeps the treads centered on the tire by virtue of pressure placed on at least one side of the tire. The loading bar is also a part of the invention which holds the first or second lead track to the tire rim to help load and maintain the position of the tracks on the tire. The tracks also comprise a means for taking slack out of the spacing between the serially joined tracks.

Abstract: A link for a track chain assembly of a track type work machine includes a body member having (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The link also includes a first extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The first extension member has a point P1 defined thereon. The link also includes a second extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The second extension member has a point P2 defined thereon. The link also includes a third extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The third extension member has a point P3 defined thereon. The first extension member, the second extension member, and the third extension member are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A robot especially adapted for use in hazardous environments, and particularly adapted for explosives disposal, includes a wheeled platform carrying a winder mechanism which ensures that the remote control cable will not be fouled by the robot or its attachments. Coaxial with the winder mechanism is a turret mechanism that can rotate indefinitely and which carries thereon a manipulator arm section which, includes a first arm pivotable through about 110.degree. and which carries thereon a second arm which is pivotable through about 120.degree. and carries a bulkhead to which any of a plurality of end effectors can be connected by way of a quick connect and disconnect mechanism. The end effectors include a set of links having different lengths, one or two extension links, a wrist and gripper mechanism, an aiming and disruptor mechanism, and a relocatable surveillance camera.

Abstract: The soft bottom track assembly of the present invention includes inner pad assemblies, side plate assemblies, and link and cross bolt assemblies. An inner pad assembly includes a multiplicity of longitudinally arranged pads, hingedly attached one to the next, each having an upper iron casting with a rubber/urethane material bonded thereto. The pads are arranged in rows, with each row staggered from each adjacent row so that there are always pads in contact with the surface on which the track is riding. A raised area on the cast iron backing provides traction between the tire and the track assembly. Each pad includes holes for hinged attachment to adjacent pads, also permitting adjustment of the size of the track length, depending on the hole arrangement selected during track assembly installation.

Abstract: A crawler motor vehicle includes a pair of crawler belts trained around drive rear wheels and idle wheels which are rotatably mounted on the motor vehicle body. The crawler motor vehicle also has a pair of front wheels having respective tires and rotatably mounted on the motor vehicle body such that the front wheels will be subject to a camber thrust in the same negative direction as the negative direction of a camber thrust applied to the crawler belts.

Abstract: Magnets 1 are pressed against a vehicle body (side plates, a rotary shaft, a supporting beam 12 of springs 10, etc.), which travels on an endless track comprising the magnets 1, a chain 5, etc., by auxiliary wheels 9 having a plurality of springs 10 which are different from a chain driving wheels 6a of the endless track, and also suspension function is given between each magnet 1 and the chain 5 by springs 4. When the idler wheels 8a with gears are pressed against the vehicle body by springs 8c, slacks are generated in the endless track in front of the traveling direction, thereby improving the traveling performance for traveling on the traveling surface having an uneven spot or curvatures. Further, a plurality of endless tracks each capable of traveling independently are combined to constitute the traveling device, which form the endless track magnetic traveling device fit for various uses.

Abstract: A track wheel having a self supporting track (1) mounted on a pair of load bearing rollers (2, 3). The track (1) comprises a continuous resilient band having a preformed transverse and longitudinal curvature for resisting flattening to a larger radius under load but substantially free to bend to a smaller radius of curvature for passage around the rollers. The radius (8) of transverse curvature is made approximately equal to the radius (7) of said rollers, and the radius (15) of longitudinal curvature is made not greater than 20 times the radius (8) of the transverse curvature to provide a short track wheel having a high load capacity and large surface contacting area or footprint.