Link Or Shoe Structure, Per Se Patents (Class 305/201)
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Patent number: 12098450Abstract: A track link which is a tracked undercarriage component is made of a steel having a specific component composition, and includes a high hardness portion having a hardness of HRC 57 or more and HRC 60 or less, and a low hardness portion. The high hardness portion includes a first matrix including a martensite phase and a residual austenite phase, and first nonmetallic particles dispersed in the first matrix and including at least one species selected from the group consisting of MnS, TiCN, and NbCN, and it does not include a M23C6 carbide. The low hardness portion includes a second matrix including a martensite phase, and second nonmetallic particles dispersed in the second matrix and including at least one species selected from the group consisting of MnS, TiCN, and NbCN, and it does not include a M23C6 carbide.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignees: KOMATSU LTD., NIPPON STEEL CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji Amada, Kazuo Maeda, Naomi Kobayashi, Takashi Noda, Mamoru Hatano, Takafumi Amata, Yutaka Neishi, Kei Miyanishi, Ryoji Nishijima
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Patent number: 11970224Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame having a guide rail, the guide rail having a central portion. The mining machine also includes a shoe having a recessed area that defines a roller path, the shoe further having a drive lug, wherein the central portion of the guide rail is configured to be disposed within the recessed area. The mining machine also includes a cutting tool coupled to the frame and positioned such that the cutting tool is configured to abrasively remove material from the drive lug as the drive lug passes by the cutting tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: JOY GLOBAL SURFACE MINING INCInventors: Matthew L. Gross, James M. Hutsick, Joseph J. Wirkus, Josh Severson, Ethan Pedretti, James Popp
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Patent number: 11816264Abstract: Provided is an information processing system capable of configuring an avatar that more realistically reflects a state of a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SMART BEAT PROFITS LIMITEDInventor: Lian Yih Hann
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Patent number: 11807319Abstract: This invention refers to a flexible shoe for endless tracks of heavy machinery, disclosing a constructive configuration that guarantees greater flexibility and adaptability to the terrain in which the heavy machine circulates and allows that only worn or broken parts of the flexible shoe be replaced. This invention also refers to a flexible shoe manufacturing method, thus disclosing a low-cost simple manufacturing process, making it possible for the flexible shoe to be manufactured only by means of cutting, assembly and steel plate welding processes.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: VALE S.A.Inventors: Carlos Adriano De Lima, Bruno Sena E Silva, Cíntia Nunes Braga Regattieri
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Patent number: 11679826Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a track chain assembly for a work vehicle may comprise of a link set, a unitary link, and a bushing assembly. The link set may include a first link and a second link. The unitary link may include a single link. The bushing assembly may couple the link set and the unitary link for relative rotation between the link set and the unitary link.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
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Patent number: 11518456Abstract: A track chain assembly includes at least one track link having a shelf extending laterally from the a side surface and including a support surface spaced away from the top surface a predetermined distance measured perpendicularly to the top surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David J. Hakes, William P. Shoemaker
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Patent number: 11414143Abstract: A track shoe assembly is described that comprises a drive lug part and a track shoe body including a drive lug cavity configured to receive the drive lug part. The drive lug part has at least one lug portion protruding in a first direction, and at least one 5 supporting protrusion extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction. The at least one supporting protrusion is configured to be receivable in a drive lug cavity formed in a track shoe such that a load applied to the drive lug part is at least partially transferred to the track shoe.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventor: Antonino Restifo
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Patent number: 11104393Abstract: A track shoe cover may include a roller engaging surface and a shoe engaging surface. The shoe engaging surface may include a shoe engaging recess defined on at least two opposite sides by a set of side walls, and a respective attachment groove included in the set of side walls. The respective attachment groove may be configured to facilitate mechanical connection of the track shoe cover and a crawler shoe.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Jones, Paul Prest
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Patent number: 11097795Abstract: In a wear pad for a crawler track (2) of a tracked vehicle, wherein the wear pad (1) comprises an outer tread surface (14), and a bottom side (16) opposite the tread surface (14) from which at least one protrusion (30) protrudes, the wear pad (1) comprises fastening means (26) for fastening to the crawler track (2), it is specified for the following features to be achieved: that the protrusion of the wear pad (1) on the bottom side (16) features a contour which extends, at least partially, at an angle deviating from the longitudinal direction (34) of the wear pad (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Inventors: Stephan Drumm, Peter Busley, Cyrus Barimani
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Patent number: 9604681Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a track joint assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the track joint assembly may include a first link having a first bore. The track joint assembly may also include a second link having a second bore. In addition, the track joint assembly may include a solid pin positioned at least partially within the first bore. The track joint assembly may also include a bushing positioned coaxially around the pin. The bushing may include an axial end portion disposed in the second bore. The second link may include a sealing portion surrounding an axial end of the axial end portion. The sealing portion may include material having a different wear resistance than material of another portion of the second link.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mark Steven Diekevers, Caroline Marie Brewer, Gregory Jerome Kaufmann, Timothy Arthur Thorson, Kevin Lee Steiner, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua, Robert Lee Meyer
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Patent number: 9505453Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a track joint assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the track joint assembly may include a first link having a first bore. The track joint assembly may also include a second link having a second bore including first and second portions. The first and second portions may have different diameters. In addition, the track joint assembly may include a solid pin positioned at least partially within the first bore. The track joint may also include a bushing positioned coaxially around the pin. The bushing may include an axial end portion disposed in and contacting the first portion of the second bore. The bushing may also include an axial end-adjacent portion disposed in and contacting the second portion of the second bore. An outer diameter of the end-adjacent portion may be larger than an outer diameter of the end portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Caroline Marie Brewer, Gregory Jerome Kaufmann, Timothy Arthur Thorson, Kevin Lee Steiner, Mark Steven Diekevers, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua, Robert Lee Meyer
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Patent number: 9481411Abstract: A roller for a machine undercarriage may include a roller body constructed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. The roller may also include a first roller tread disposed between a first end of the roller body and a second end of the roller body. Additionally, the roller may include a second roller tread disposed between the first and second ends of the roller body.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson
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Patent number: 9359023Abstract: An undercarriage assembly includes a link assembly, including a plurality of laterally spaced pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another at pivot joints to form an endless chain. The assembly may also include an idler, the idler including a solid disk with substantially planar sides and an outer tread surface engaging an inner portion of the endless chain.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson, Robert L. Meyer
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Patent number: 9216782Abstract: A tracked running gear includes a drive sprocket having two sides and laterally projecting tooth profiles on both sides; a guide wheel, at least one track roller, at least one support roller, and an endless chain formed by ground plates interconnected in an articulated manner. The ground plates have vertically extending parallel teeth which engage the tooth profiles on both sides of the drive sprocket as the ground plates are diverted around the drive sprocket. The ground plates also include a first running surface having a substantially rectilinear form between the teeth for engaging the track roller and support roller, and second running surfaces having a curved form and arranged on opposite sides of the first running surface and between the teeth for engagement with the guide wheel and the drive sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbHInventor: Martin Kunigk
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Patent number: 9004619Abstract: A mobile machine track shoe includes a ground engaging surface including a first grouser bar and a second grouser bar substantially parallel to the first grouser bar. The track shoe further includes a base opposite the ground engaging surface. The base includes a first relief disposed opposite the first grouser bar, and a second relief disposed opposite the second grouser bar.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Meyer, Mark Steven Diekevers, Gregory Jerome Kaufmann, William Jay Ulrich, IV
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Patent number: 8915556Abstract: A track chain assembly for a crawler type work vehicle includes a plurality of links pivotally connected together at respective link joints. Each link joint includes a bushing, a pin, and at least one elastomeric bearing. Each elastomeric bearing includes an inside diameter (ID) engaging the pin and an outside diameter (OD) engaging a link and/or bushing. Each elastomeric bearing includes a plurality of alternating metal layers and elastomer layers.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Timothy D. Wodrich, Patrick J. Mulligan, James G. Merten
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Patent number: 8876227Abstract: A mobile machine track shoe includes a ground engaging surface including a first grouser bar and a second grouser bar substantially parallel to the first grouser bar. The track shoe further includes a base opposite the ground engaging surface. The base includes a first relief disposed opposite the first grouser bar, and a second relief disposed opposite the second grouser bar.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Meyer, Mark Steven Diekevers, Gregory Jerome Kaufmann, William Jay Ulrich, IV
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Patent number: 8851582Abstract: A track (10) for track-type vehicles is described, comprising a continuous sequence of articulated joints (12, 12?) of the hinge type, oriented according to a first axis (A-A) substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal development axis (B-B) of the track (10). The articulated joints (12, 12?), provided with pins (36, 36?), are connected to each other and maintained at a constant distance through pairs of links (14) having longitudinal development, arranged laterally and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis (B-B). Around each pin (36, 36?) a bushing (40) is mounted free to rotate with respect to the pin (36, 36?) itself and between each pin (36, 36?) and the links (14) at least one sliding bearing (44) is press-fitted. The geometric/size characteristics of the links (14) and of the sliding bearings (44) make it possible to improve the stability and the resistance to fatigue and wearing of the articulated joints (12, 12?) of the track (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Berco S.p.A.Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
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Patent number: 8851583Abstract: A track (10) for track-type vehicles is described, comprising a continuous sequence of articulated joints (12, 12?) of the hinge type, oriented according to a first axis (A-A) substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal development axis (B-B) of the track (10). The articulated joints (12, 12?), provided with pins (36, 36?), are connected to each other and maintained at a constant distance through pairs of links (14) having longitudinal development, arranged laterally and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis (B-B). Around each pin (36, 36?) a bushing (40) is mounted free to rotate with respect to the pin (36, 36?) itself and at least one sliding bearing (44) is press-fitted between each pin (36, 36?) and the links (14).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Berco S.p.A.Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
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Patent number: 8764128Abstract: A ground engaging track for a track-type machine includes a set of identical standard track shoes each having a relatively narrow shoe footprint, and a sweeping track shoe having a relatively wide shoe footprint. The sweeping track shoe is connectable via track links with the standard track shoes in an endless chain configuration such that the sweeping track shoe juts outwardly of the standard track shoes, for sweeping debris from a clearance between the track and a main frame of the track-type machine. The sweeping track shoe includes bolting apertures formed therein and communicating between an upper shoe surface and a ground contacting shoe surface, the bolting apertures being arranged in a directional link bolting pattern. The directional link bolting pattern defines a minor shoe axis and a major shoe axis, and the sweeping shoe body may be configured such that an inboard sweeping edge is spaced further than an outboard edge from the minor shoe axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Nebergall, Stephen Garnett, Britta A. Jost
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Patent number: 8613486Abstract: A bushing for use in a tracked undercarriage of a track-type machine includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end. An outer surface extends between the first end and the second end and is shaped to engage a sprocket of the tracked undercarriage. The bushing also includes an annular inner surface disposed between the first end and the second end defining an internal cavity shaped to receive a track pin. An innermost portion of the inner surface forms a crown having a radius less than or equal to (PL2)/[(24E?DRBush4)(1?cos [(PL)/(16E?DRBush4))] where L is the length of the bushing, P is the weight of the track-type machine, E is the Modulus of Elasticity of the bushing, and RBush is a radius of the innermost portion of the annular internal cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric J. Johannsen, Mark S. Diekevers
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Patent number: 8562081Abstract: An improved track shoe assembly for a continuous track vehicle. The track shoe assembly comprises a pin which is rotatable relative to a shoe of the track shoe assembly. The track shoe assembly comprises an elastomeric tube through which the pin extends, the elastomeric tube being rotatable with respect to one of the pin and the shoe and being fixed with respect to the other of the pin and the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Bleeding Edge Ensys, LLCInventor: George R. Sturmon
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Patent number: 8540325Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mark Diekevers, Donovan Clarke, Kevin Steiner, Victor M. Penrod, Roger L. Recker
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Patent number: 8511760Abstract: A roller element bearing 40 track bushing system embodiment for track link assemblies 14 capable of being used on a vehicle 10 having an endless track 12. Each track link assembly 14 has a track shoe assembly 20 defining a front pin bore 22 and a rear pin bore 24. Each track link assembly 14 has a front pin 26 at least partially disposed within the front pin bore 22, and a rear pin 28 at least partially disposed within the rear pin bore 24. The embodiment discloses at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the front pin bore 22 around a portion of the front pin 26, at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the rear pin bore 22 around a portion of the rear pin 28. The roller element bearings 40 cooperate to prolong the useful life of the track link assembly 14.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: GSE Technologies, LLCInventors: Glen Raymond Simula, Craig Floyd Hughes
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Patent number: 8336970Abstract: A link for a track-type machine is disclosed. The link may have a body portion. The link may also have an aperture extending through the body portion. The aperture may have a cylindrical portion. Additionally, the aperture may have an annular groove formed in the cylindrical portion. The aperture may also have a tapered portion. The tapered portion may abut the cylindrical portion, and may taper toward the cylindrical portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric James Johannsen, Mark Steven Diekevers
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Patent number: 8272701Abstract: A track chain link for use in an endless track chain has a longitudinal (or “x”) dimension and a lateral (or “y”) dimension. The track chain link has an x-y plane of symmetry about which the track chain link is symmetric.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
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Patent number: 8162411Abstract: An endless track link that is able to reduce stress concentrations and to improve efficiency of an assembling process of the endless track link is detailed. A stress reinforcing part is formed in the region in which stress concentrations are generated in a window area. The reinforcing part extends in a direction apart from a track shoe and includes an extended part of a through-hole into which a track shoe connecting bolt is inserted. A female thread for engaging with the track shoe connecting bolt is formed at the extended part of the through-hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Sakai, Makoto Ueda, Akiyoshi Kurihara, Eiji Nakagawa, Yusuke Kinpara
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Publication number: 20110198917Abstract: A track chain link for use in an endless track chain has a longitudinal (or “x”) dimension and a lateral (or “y”) dimension. The track chain link has an x-y plane of symmetry about which the track chain link is symmetric.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
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Patent number: 7946662Abstract: A track shoe connecting link 25 has shaft holes 31, 32 at both end portions. In the track shoe connecting link 25, a plurality of insertion holes 39 are formed between the shaft holes 31, 32, and window holes 40, 41 are formed so as to correspond to each insertion hole 39. A bolt 43 is inserted through each of the insertion holes 39 and a nut 44 is screwed onto a distal end of the bolt 43 in each of the window holes 40, 41. Accordingly, the track shoe connecting link 25 is fixed to a track shoe 26. The area of the window hole 41 that is adjacent to the second shaft hole 32 is greater than the area of the window hole 40. Accordingly, the rigidity of the track shoe connecting link 25 becomes smaller toward the second shaft hole 32.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Maeda
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Patent number: 7854483Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Giorgio Bordini
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Patent number: 7798579Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
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Publication number: 20100148575Abstract: A link for a track-type machine is disclosed. The link may have a body portion. The link may also have an aperture extending through the body portion. The aperture may have a cylindrical portion. Additionally, the aperture may have an annular groove formed in the cylindrical portion. The aperture may also have a tapered portion. The tapered portion may abut the cylindrical portion, and may taper toward the cylindrical portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Eric James Johannsen, Mark Steven Diekevers
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Patent number: 7673951Abstract: A track shoe fastened on a chain of the caterpillar vehicle includes a body and a buffer block. The body includes an first surface adjacent to the chain, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a groove defined on the second surface and through the third surface and the fourth surface, and the holes defined through the first surface and the second surface to communicate with the groove. The buffer block includes an embedded portion capable of being embedded within the groove of the body, and multiple lock holes defined through the buffer block to respectively communicate with the holes of the body. The buffer block is secured on the body through the embedment between the embedded portion and the groove, and secured on the chain by the fastening members within the holes and the lock holes.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Everpads Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Li Chiang
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Patent number: 7661774Abstract: In a track with a rotatable bushing which is brought into engagement with a sprocket of a track-type vehicle, it is intended that strength is enhanced rationally by link functionality sharing and by combination of such assigned functional tasks for achieving further improvements in rotatable bushing function. To this end, a first bolt insertion hole provided in a track shoe mount surface of an external link and a second bolt insertion hole provided in a track shoe mount surface of an internal link are arranged on the same straight line, and a straight line connecting the first bolt insertion hole and the second bolt insertion hole is situated at a position more interior than a contact plane of the external link and internal link.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.Inventors: Teiji Yamamoto, Kazuo Maeda
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Patent number: 7530650Abstract: A shoe (10) for a crawler track has two roller paths (16, 17) thereon, upon which a dual rim roller travels in use. The roller paths (16, 17) are aligned with leading and trailing lugs (11, 12) respectively, of the shoe 10. Drive lugs (18, 19) are provided on the outside of the roller paths (16, 17). In use, the drive lugs (18, 19) are engaged by sprocket teeth to drive the crawler track. The drive lugs (18, 19) stand proud of the roller paths (16, 17), but may also be recessed below the roller paths.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventors: Keith Hannan, Philip Worrall
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Publication number: 20090066154Abstract: A first assembly 22A has two first links 25 that are parallel to each other and a second assembly 22B has two second links 28 that are parallel to each other. Sleeves 30 that are provided at both end portions of the second assembly 22B are externally fitted to support shafts 27 that are provided at both end portions of the first assembly 22A, respectively. When the total number of the assemblies is odd, a third assembly 22C is arranged between the first assembly 22A and the second assembly 22B. The sleeve 30 of the second assembly 22B is externally fitted to the support shaft 27 of the third assembly 22C and the sleeve 30 of the third assembly 22C is externally fitted to the support shaft 27 of the first assembly 22A. Therefore, even if the total number of the assemblies for the crawler belt is odd, the crawler belt of a parallel-link type can be applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventor: Kazuo Maeda
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Publication number: 20080284245Abstract: A machine track system includes a track with track shoes each having a footprint, and a ground contact area equal to the footprint, the track shoes being coupled together by a total of two track chains. A first rail and a second rail are located between first and second outboard edges of each of the track shoes, such that track rollers roll directly on the track shoes. The track chains are spaced outboard of the rails, and a guide block configured to engage with an idler and a drive sprocket is positioned between the respective rails. A sprocket and idler for use with the track system includes removable track contacting segments having pockets configured to receive the guide blocks for driving and guiding the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Everett G. Brandt, David A. Lapen, Glen A. Spindel
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Publication number: 20080157588Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Modest Izrailevich Lyasko
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Patent number: 7338138Abstract: A link has link connecting bores (15) and (16) at both ends thereof and a wear rail (13) disposed between the upper portions of the link connecting bores (15) and (16). Portions near the ends of the wear rail (13) are designed to have a hardness smaller than that of a center portion of the wear rail. Accordingly, the portions near the ends of the wear rail can be abraded more easily than the center portion of the wear rail. Since the portions near the ends of the wear rail, in which the portions are easily abraded, are positioned closer to the link connecting bores, abrasion loss in use is smaller than that of the center portion owing to its structure. So, the difference in abrasion amount makes it possible to lower a level irregularity of the wear rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyoshi Sho, Tatsuo Yamashita
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Patent number: 7325889Abstract: In a track with a rotatable bushing which is brought into engagement with a sprocket of a track-type vehicle, it is intended that strength is enhanced rationally by link functionality sharing and by combination of such assigned functional tasks for achieving further improvements in rotatable bushing function. To this end, a track link comprises a combination of an external link and an internal link; a coupler pin hole is provided through the external link; a bushing hole is provided through the internal link, and the thickness dimension of a bushing hole formation part of the internal link is made greater than that of a coupler pin formation part of the external link.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Komatsu LtdInventors: Teiji Yamamoto, Kazuo Maeda
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Patent number: 7219968Abstract: There is provided a crawler system and a crawler link structure which can be easily assembled and is superior in durability and provided at low cost. The crawler system comprises a crawler 2 in which pairs of opposed right and left links 1a and 1b are endlessly connected. One end of the pair of right and left links 1a and 1b are connected through a cylindrical connection part 3. Middle parts of the pair of right and left links 1a and 1b in the longitudinal direction are connected by an engaging part 4 which engages with a concave tooth 29 of concave-convex teeth 28 of a crawler sprocket 27. The pairs of right and left links 1a and 1b are endlessly connected by inserting connection pins 12 to the connection parts 3.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Ken-ichi Hisamatsu
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Patent number: 7066562Abstract: A grouser shoe for track drives commonly utilized by industrial and commercial equipment (e.g., bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, etc.) including a supportive pad and a ground engaging bar, the ends of such bar being bent to form wings, and method of manufacture thereof. The center portion of the bar provides the primary transmission of driveforce from the vehicle to the ground, while the wings provide for significant reduction in vibration, facilitate steering, provide easier turning, and extend the service life of the grouser shoe.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Robert Rasmussen
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Patent number: 7040080Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhide Okawa, Hiroshi Sunada
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Patent number: 6929335Abstract: Each crawler shoe comprises a main body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposite lateral sides and opposite front and rear sides. Each crawler shoe further includes a mechanism on the main body for articulately and releasably connecting the crawler shoe to an adjacent crawler shoe. Each crawler shoe further includes a roller path on the upper surface of the main body and drive lugs attached to the upper surface of the main body on opposite sides of the roller path. Each crawler shoe further includes an upward extending peening portion so that when a downward force is applied to the peening portion, unrestricted metal flow at the peening portion can occur in a first horizontal direction and in a second horizontal direction greater than 45 degrees from the first horizontal direction. More particularly, the peening portion is greater than 0.1 inch tall, and, in the preferred embodiment, about 0.25 inches tall.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Colwell, Gary R. Borkowski
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Patent number: 6742853Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Takeno, Kiyokazu Niwa, Akihiro Koishi, Daisuke Nojo
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Publication number: 20030122425Abstract: A track assembly for a track-type machine includes a link assembly having a plurality of interconnected link sets forming an oval track path, a plurality of track shoes, each being coupled to a respective link set, and at least one isolation plate located between a track shoe and its respective link set. The isolation plate acts to reduce the amount of undercarriage impact energy traveling to the track shoes and radiated as noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: Bappaditya Banerjee
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Patent number: 6543863Abstract: A track shoe for a crawler track has a hollow body with top and bottom sections and perimeter side walls defining a void therebetween. A supporting pillar is located in the void and extends between the top and bottom sections. The pillar is located in the main loadbearing region of the shoe and bears most of the load on the shoe. This enables the thickness of the side walls to be minimized. The shoe can be manufactured more efficiently by complementing foundry methods.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: The ANI Corporation LimitedInventors: Keith Hannan, Philip Worrall, Steven Hall
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Patent number: 6464309Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Inventor: Richardson J. Doyle
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Patent number: 6447077Abstract: A flexible track used for wraparound mounting on construction vehicle tires including a main pad assembly and a lift link assembly. The lift link assembly has a link component and a link pad pivotally connected to the main pad assembly for increasing track flotation and durability. The link component has a link base pivotally connected to the main component of the main pad assembly. The link component also has a link top that has a bonding aperture and is perpendicular relative to the link base forming an overhang. The link pad has a side wrap and under wrap. The link pad is rigidly connected to the link component for reducing track damage to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Loegering Mfg. Inc.Inventors: David A. Durick, Bill R. Borkowski, Peter D. Stanek
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Patent number: 6412887Abstract: A chain master link has first and second link parts having outer ends centered on respective substantially parallel first and second axes and coupled-together inner ends. Each inner end is formed with at least one tooth extending transversely across a plane including the two axes and having an inner face turned toward the respective axis and forming with the plane an angle of at least 90° open away from the respective axis. The teeth are engaged together with the inner faces bearing on each other so that tension pulling the parts apart along the plane pulls the teeth into engagement with each other. Each part is formed with a pocket receiving the tooth of the other part and having an outer face forming with the plane an angle open away from the respective axis and greater than the respective inner-face angle. Thus the two parts can be fitted together simply by pivoting their inner ends toward each other about the respective outer-end axes.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Intertractor GmbHInventors: Michael Ketting, Friedrich Böttger