Abstract: A drive component is disclosed. The drive component may include a base of a first material having a first hardness and a plurality of wear inserts of a second material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness. The plurality of wear inserts may extend from an interior of the base to an exterior surface of the base. The base and the plurality of wear inserts may be a composite casting.

Abstract: A sprocket and an idler sharing a common wheel member are manufactured by a method that includes providing a common wheel member, providing an idler flange annular attachment, and providing a tooth annular attachment.

Abstract: A lug forms an enclosure including a bottom surface defining an aperture that receives the projection of a sprocket, and a side surface defining an aperture that receives a retaining mechanism.

Abstract: In some aspects, an endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a construction vehicle, or a military vehicle) includes an elastomeric belt-shaped body having an inner surface for facing wheels of the vehicle and a ground-engaging outer surface. The endless track also includes elastomeric lugs, such as drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface and/or traction lugs projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. The elastomeric lug may have a material defining an arrangement of zones of different materials (e.g., different elastomeric materials) to exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., a modulus of elasticity) across the arrangement of zones of different materials. A zone of the elastomeric lug may have a dedicated function, such as a wear indicator zone. An elastomeric drive lug can include an uneven drive surface for engaging a drive member of a drive wheel.

Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a track of a tracked vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket includes an interior ring, an exterior ring, and an intermediate ring situated between the interior ring and the exterior ring. The interior ring, exterior ring, and intermediate ring are oriented in a substantially spaced-apart manner, each of the rings have an outer peripheral surface. A plurality of rods is attached to the rings adjacent to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The interior, exterior, and intermediate rings have a substantially “U” or “J” shape.

Abstract: A sprocket for a tracked vehicle. The sprocket has a plurality of sockets for engaging drive lugs on an inner surface of a track driven by the sprocket. The sprocket also including a support surface for engaging with an inner surface of the track and which is in rolling contact with the inner surface of the track.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly may include a hub and a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections extending radially outward from the hub. The sprocket assembly may also include a plurality of teeth, each tooth being carried by one of the projections and having a recess that receives said projection therein. The projections and the recess in the teeth may have complimentary geometry to provide a close fit.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, for example a rear idler wheel assembly, for a snowmobile and includes at least one cross-member that permits load transfer and possible load damping as between a pair of rear idler wheels. The cross-member may be configured to transfer lateral loads, bending loads and other types of loads between the idler wheels. The cross-member is arranged between the wheels in such a manner that it is free to rotate with the idler wheels without interference to or from other structure of a skid frame assembly of the snowmobile. In one embodiment, each idler wheel includes a cross-member that extends inward to connect to the other wheel.

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 vehicle track-module including an upper drive wheel, a plurality of idler and bogey wheels, and an endless rubber track with spaced lugs which extends around the wheels and is driven by the drive wheel, which has: a middle main plate with a outer edge of first diameter and inward and outward sides forming the exposed inward and outward surfaces of the drive wheel; drive members axially across and projecting radially beyond the main-plate edge to a second diameter, each drive member having axially inward and outward end portions, a middle portion affixed at its middle position to the main-plate edge, and an outer track-engaging surface; and a rigidity ring affixed to the inward end portions of the drive members and having an inner diameter no less than half the first diameter and an outer diameter no greater than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the axial dimension of the track-engaging surfaces of the drive members is at least 50% greater than the axial dimension of the track lugs.

Abstract: In a tracklaying gear of a road finishing machine or a feeder with a drive chain wheel comprising circumferential teeth and being rotatably driven about an axis, and at least one idler wheel freely rotating about an axis inside a caterpillar track damping layers having damping material and exclusively radial sliding guides are integrated in the drive chain wheel and/or the idler wheel between the axis and the caterpillar track.

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 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 track assembly having a drive sprocket capable of concentrically supporting several detachable drive rings containing drive teeth shaped to rotate without interfering with track support idler wheels, to provide a reduced center of gravity and substantially provide the same vehicle operating characteristic with tracks as with wheels. A track retainer guide member mounts along a peripheral edge of the track and overlies the track to resist track dislodgement. Independent and/or resiliently biased, rocker arms support track idler wheels to induce track flexion and conformance to encountered obstructions.

Abstract: A combination of a drive tumbler and a track includes a track made of a plurality of connected track shoes and a plurality of driven surfaces. The track is wrapped around the drive tumbler so that a plurality of the shoes are in contact with the drive tumbler. The drive tumbler has a plurality of drive surfaces and a circumferential rim surface that includes a plurality of shoe contact surfaces that each contact the inside surface of one of the track shoes that are in contact with the tumbler. The shoe contact surface has a shape such that a line normal to the tangent of the shoe contact surface does not pass through the axis of rotation of the drive tumbler, thereby allowing the shoe contact surfaces on the rim of the drive tumbler to transmit a tractive force to the track. A preferred drive tumbler comprises a center hub and a plurality of individual tooth members connected to the center hub by welds.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a track-type machine comprises a plurality of teeth, radially-disposed about a center of the sprocket assembly, each of the plurality of teeth comprising opposing tooth flanks, wherein successive pairs of teeth defines a substantially concave channel for receiving therein a cylindrical pin member associated with a track link member of a continuous track chain, each tooth flank having a tooth angle less than about 17 degrees.

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 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 sprocket used to transmit drive force to a coreless crawler track having rubber projections arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the crawler track. The sprocket has, on its circumferential edge, sprocket teeth arranged at the same pitch as the rubber projections. A cutout is formed at the outer circumferential tip of each sprocket tooth. Even if meshing between the rubber projections and the sprocket teeth has a trouble caused by the entry of soil and sands, the rubber projections are affected less, which greatly contributes to improvement of durability of the crawler track.

Abstract: A sprocketed idler for a machine comprises a plurality of teeth radially disposed about an idler having a substantially circular cross section. Each of the plurality of teeth includes at least one tooth flank having a substantially uniform slope, wherein a distance between adjacent peaks of the plurality of teeth is between 30% and 90% of the distance between central axes of adjacent pin members of a track link that is engageable by the idler.

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 robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a track-type machine comprises a plurality of teeth, radially-disposed about a center of the sprocket assembly, each of the plurality of teeth comprising opposing tooth flanks, wherein successive pairs of teeth defines a substantially concave channel for receiving therein a cylindrical pin member associated with a track link member of a continuous track chain, each tooth flank having a tooth angle less than about 17 degrees.

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 robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a signal processor and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the signal processor and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced power to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a track belt and a drive sprocket that couple with each other to propel the snowmobile with reduced noise and wear. The track belt has a plurality of driven projections and a plurality of driven windows at regular intervals along the direction of movement of the track belt. The drive sprocket has a projection drive portion and for engaging the driven projections and a window drive portion for engaging edges of the driven windows. In some embodiments, the driven projection, the driven window, the projection drive portion, and the window drive portion can be positioned so that the time when the driven projection and the projection drive portion contact each other is different from the time when the edge of the driven window and the window drive portion contact each other. Additionally, in some embodiments a damper is placed between the drive sprocket and the drive shaft.

Abstract: A sprocket used to transmit drive force to a coreless crawler track having rubber projections arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the crawler track. The sprocket has, on its circumferential edge, sprocket teeth arranged at the same pitch as the rubber projections. A cutout is formed at the outer circumferential tip of each sprocket tooth. Even if meshing between the rubber projections and the sprocket teeth has a trouble caused by the entry of soil and sands, the rubber projections are affected less, which greatly contributes to improvement of durability of the crawler track.

Abstract: A vehicle track has a belt, a plurality of terrain lugs distributed circumferentially about an outer side of the belt, and a plurality of drive lugs distributed circumferentially about an inner side of the belt. A first and a second strip are disposed on the inner side of the belt. The first strip extends along an entire circumference of the inner side of the belt. The first strip is configured for engaging at least one wheel of a track system when the track is in use with the track system. The second strip is laterally spaced from the first strip and extends along an entire circumference of the inner side of the belt. The second strip is configured for engaging at least one other wheel of the track system when the track is in use with the track system. A vehicle track system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sprocket, a system and a method for using the sprocket have a chain drive for moving a chain of the earth moving equipment in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction. The chain drive has a sprocket having teeth for engaging and/or for moving the chain of the earth moving equipment. Bushings attach to the teeth of the sprocket by pins and holes extending through the teeth of the sprocket. A ring attaches to a first cylinder and/or a second cylinder of the chain drive. The bushings of the sprocket exert and/or apply a force to bushings of the chain for moving the earth moving equipment on the surface. The ring of the first cylinder and/or the second cylinder contact and/or apply a force to plates which are attached to shoes of the chain. The bushings of the sprocket, the ring of the first cylinder, the ring of the second cylinder and/or the plates prevent damage to, prevents weakening of and/or prevents destruction of the chain by the chain drive.

Abstract: An idler for use on a tracked vehicle of the type having a track that includes a plurality of track links joined together, which track links pass around the idler. The idler includes a plurality of generally flat surfaces that come into contact with corresponding generally flat surfaces on the track links as the track links pass around the idler. Reduced wear results. The generally flat surfaces on the idler may be provided by removable wear plates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sprocket wheel used with endless tracks used to propel heavy 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 polymer sprocket wheel allowing the endless track to be driven more efficiently at highway speeds.

Abstract: A track system for a ground engaging vehicle such as a tractor is provided. Track systems shown include the ability to maintain existing gear ratios and vehicle speed when interchanging wheels with track systems as described above. Embodiments shown also exhibit improved support of the track system in relation to a vehicle axle that reduces stress problems associated with the axle or related components. Another feature includes pivoting the track system in a way that prevents the track system from rotating 360 degrees around the axle when large obstacles are encountered.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers to increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: A sprocket has a base steel member including an outer toothed profile surface, at least a portion of the outer toothed profile surface having a wear and corrosion resistant coating disposed thereon; the coating comprising an alloy, the alloy comprising at least 60 weight % iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. A method of producing a wear and corrosion resistant sprocket includes: (i) machining a base steel member to form an outer toothed profile surface thereon; (ii) applying a coating to at least a portion of the surface; and (iii) fusing the coating to the base steel member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel band laying 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.]. A novel sprocket wheel having a plurality of radially extending and offset teeth cooperates with an endless traction band having a plurality of holes. Longitudinally consecutive holes define either meshing areas or clip areas. The meshing areas are adapted to be engaged by the sprocket wheel and the clip areas are adapted to support clips.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle capable of traversing a variety of surfaces without damaging the surface traversed includes a track having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a pitch line between the inner surface and the outer surface. Driving lugs are attached to the inner surface of the track. The vehicle also includes a driver sprocket assembly having a number of driving portions for engaging the driving lugs to drive the track. Each drive lug has at least one angled sidewall which, as the drive lug is engaged with the drive portion, presents a wall either substantially parallel to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket or slightly declined with respect to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket.

Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly for driving an endless chain assembly for propelling a machine has a hub portion and flexible cantilever teeth in which each tooth is separately deflectable upon impact by a bushing of the endless chain assembly. The flexibility of each tooth will absorb a portion of the kinetic energy of the impact to reduce noise in the structure. The drive sprocket assembly includes a plurality of segments each having the cantilever teeth. Each segment has a first end portion and a second end portion having an end relief which prevents wear between the segment and the hub as the end portion is deflected by the impact.

Abstract: A silent and reduced vibration chainwheel includes a disk, multiple teeth and an energy absorber. The disk has an outer edge, two opposite sides and at least one recess. The teeth are formed radially at and extend out from the outer edge of the disk. The energy absorber is made of resilient material and is mounted in the at least one recess at the outer edge of the disk to absorb the impact of a chain driven by or driving the chainwheel and reduce the noise and vibrations caused by the impact of the chain and the chainwheel. The energy absorber can be resilient annular rings, strips, rods or a combination of them. Therefore, the chainwheel is silent and fewer vibrations are produced so a person who uses a machine that has the chainwheel will feel comfortable.

Abstract: A snowmobile is propelled by an endless track that is operatively connected to the snowmobile's engine by two drive sprockets. Each drive sprocket includes one set of external teeth and two sets of internal teeth that engage three corresponding sets of track teeth formed on the track. Alignment cleats are mounted on the inside of each of one of the sets of track teeth. During low-load operation, contact between the cleats (and the track teeth on which the cleats are mounted) is minimized or eliminated, which reduces or eliminates noise caused by collisions between the metal sprocket and the metal cleats. During higher load operation, the track deforms such that the set of external sprocket teeth engage the cleats and associated set of track teeth.

Abstract: The invention provides a crawler type traveling apparatus which can be stably used for a long time period, and furthermore provides a crawler belt sprocket and a segment thereof which is best suited for the crawler type traveling apparatus. A crawler type traveling apparatus is provided with a crawler belt (3) and a crawler belt sprocket (2). The crawler belt (3) is structured such that a plurality of links (4) are connected via a bearing structure body (5) having a pin (7) a bush (8) which is outward fitted to the pin (7), and seal member (10, 10) which are arranged in both end sides of the bush (8). Guide portions (G, G) making an intrusion into a portion between the relatively facing links (4, 4) are protruded from both side surfaces of the sprocket (2). The sprocket (2) is connected via the bearing structure body (5), and a gear tooth portion (26) thereof makes an intrusion into the portion between the relatively facing links (4, 4) so as to be engaged with the bush (8).

Abstract: An elastic crawler traveling apparatus having an elastic crawler in a shape of an endless belt, a sprocket for a crawler belt arranged to be brought into contact with an inner face of the elastic crawler, a driven wheel, and a rolling wheel, the elastic crawler including a belt main body, a plurality of projections formed to project at intervals along a peripheral direction on an inner face of the belt main body, and a tension member embedded at an inner portion of the belt main body for restricting elongation of the belt main body, in which the sprocket has a contact portion to contact the belt main body and a contact width of the contact portion in a belt width direction of the elastic crawler is wider than a root width of the projection in the belt width direction.

Abstract: A spur wheel for the chain drive assembly of a tracked vehicle on which the guide elements of a chain roll during the operation of the chain drive assembly is provided. Certain parts of the spur teeth which come in contact with the rolling area of the guide elements are designed as removable, replaceable parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band and its plurality of wheels that are used to propel band-laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., snowmobiles, tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved supporting disk for use with the traction band. Each supporting disk comprises a plurality of laterally extending arms adapted to cooperate with the traction band's inner surface when circumferential misalignment occurs.

Abstract: A track drive system for a mobile irrigation system adapts to either centrally pivoted circular or linear mobile systems, as desired. A first embodiment has a single drive wheel with opposed first and second end guide wheels, surrounded by a single narrow track. A single drive motor and gear reduction drive, drives the central wheel. The central wheel is of considerably larger diameter than the two end guide wheels, and simultaneously contacts the track with both its upper and lower peripheries at all times. The mechanism is articulated to allow independent wheel movement relative to one another, thus providing better traction over uneven surfaces. The central drive wheel is always in contact with both the upper and lower track portion to provide continuous drive traction for the device. A second embodiment includes additional idler wheels between the two end wheels and the central drive wheel.

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: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel tracked 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 split wheel design and installation process therefore. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. A new step by step methodology allows the endless track to be installed and used more efficiently when the tension wheel or the drive sprocket is replaced by a split wheel.

Abstract: A travel driving apparatus for a track-type earthmoving machine is provided which can reduce abrasion wear of a sprocket and a bushing and which enables easy replacement of worn members. A contact member is detachably mounted to an opposing surface of a track shoe to a sprocket, and a tooth top portion of the sprocket is brought into contact with the contact member, thereby securing a gap between a bushing of a track chain and a tooth bottom portion of the sprocket. The tooth top portion of the sprocket and a surface portion of the contact member have surface portions which are brought into contact with each other at a time when the sprocket rotates.

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°).