Separate Transverse Connector Pin Between Treads Patents (Class 305/202)
  • Patent number: 11945525
    Abstract: In some implementations, a bushing may include a cylindrical body having an at least partially annular configuration. The cylindrical body may define a radial axis and may include an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, a first end, and a second end. The inner circumferential surface may be configured to rotatably receive an outer surface of a pin of a track link joint. The outer circumferential surface may be configured to be rotatably received within a first counterbore of a first track link of the track link joint. The bushing may include at least one groove extending radially into the outer circumferential surface around the radial axis. The at least one groove may be configured to receive a first seal of the track link joint. The first seal may form a first radial seal between the outer circumferential surface and a first inner surface of the first counterbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brice James Herbers, Mark J. Kiesel
  • Patent number: 11718356
    Abstract: A link assembly for a machine is disclosed herein. The link assembly includes a first master link portion, a full track link, and a plug. The full track link is coupled to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned within the full track link and adjacent to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned and shaped to prevent the rotational movement of the first master link portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stan R. Parrott, William P. Shoemaker, Jason L. Sebright
  • Patent number: 11702157
    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. The first and the second track pad members each include a first projection disposed at one lateral extremity of the first track pad member and a second projection disposed at another lateral extremity of the second track pad member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Acosta, David Jennings Hakes, Benoit Abello, Benjamin Isaac Jones, Udo Nott
  • Patent number: 11667341
    Abstract: A ground-engaging track system includes a track having a first track chain and a second track chain, and an idler having pockets formed in an outer idler rim to receive inboard rail protrusions on track links in the first track chain and the second track chain. The inboard rail protrusions project from an inboard link side, and a central pad of an upper rail surface in the track link includes an anti-scalloping bump-out formed on the inboard rail protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David Jennings Hakes
  • Patent number: 11618518
    Abstract: A ground-engaging track includes a track chain formed of standard links and at least one master link. The master link include a first half link and a second half link, clamped together by way of a forward bolt and a rearward bolt. Clamping surfaces of the first half link and the second half link form a first tooth set and a second tooth set, respectively, which may include a total of 2 or 3 full teeth and tooth roots, confined in distribution between a forward bolt hole and a rearward bolt hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Lee Recker, Donovan Stuart Clarke, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Kevin Lee Steiner, Jianjun Wang
  • Patent number: 11565761
    Abstract: A track joint assembly includes a first track shoe and a second track shoe, and a cartridge pin coupling together the first track shoe and the second track shoe. A sealed and lubricated track joint is formed by pin lugs on the first and the second track shoes, a cartridge pin, a pin retainer, a pin bore extending through pin lugs of the coupled-together track shoes, and a pin stop located in one of the pin lugs to inhibit displacement of the cartridge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jones, Thomas Ellmann, Thomas Oertley
  • Patent number: 10359097
    Abstract: The invention is a silent chain with a profile capable of corresponding with the profiles of both sprockets and racks. The purpose of the invention is to convert rotational motion to linear motion in a way that is superior to the traditional rack and pinion device by allowing for more surface area contact with the rack through the use of, rather than a pinion, a silent chain that is capable of engaging with a rack. The invented silent chain comprises link plates of a particular shape stacked in alternating rows and joined together by connecting pins in such a way as to be bendable. The link plates are shaped such that the teeth of the link plates are offset when the chain is straightened, which allows the profile of the silent chain to correspond with the profiles of both sprockets and racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jackson Priddis, Andrew Priddis, Eimi Priddis
  • Patent number: 10030741
    Abstract: A narrow chain with alternating inside link positions in a 3×1 lacing arrangement provides improved noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) characteristics relative to conventional narrow-laced chains in an oil pump drive application. The two inside links are offset with respect to each other, with one of the two being aligned with the two guide plates in the guide row. The chain design is preferably used as an oil pump drive chain or in other auxiliary drive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Dean Russo
  • Patent number: 9796436
    Abstract: A track link assembly is disclosed. The track link assembly may have a left link pair having left links. The left links may be disposed in-line with each other and separated by a left link gap. The track link assembly may also have a right link pair having right links. The right links may be disposed in-line with each other and separated by a right link gap. The right link pair may be disposed opposite the left link pair. The track link assembly may have at least one pin configured to pivotably connect the left link pair and the right link pair. The left link gap may be offset from the right link gap relative to an axis of the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric James Johannsen
  • Patent number: 9533722
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked chassis, comprising a continuous track, which comprises ground plates (15) coupled so as to be rotatable relative to each other and which is guided by means of a driven sprocket (10) having at least one toothed ring (11) in order to drive the continuous track, wherein each individual ground plate (15) has at least one hump link (16) having hump link flanks (17) oriented in the running direction of the continuous track and the hump links (16) are designed to engage in recesses (13) formed between radially protruding teeth (12) arranged on the circumference of the sprocket (10) while the continuous track circulates over the sprocket (10), characterized in that the ground plates (15) are coupled to each other by means of at least one connecting sideplate (19), which is arranged between the ground plates and which allows the ground plates (15) to shift in parallel relative to each other, and the ground plates are in planar contact with the hump link flanks (17) while the continu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SIMERTIS GMBH
    Inventors: Holger Haut, Michael Dietrich
  • Patent number: 8991944
    Abstract: To provide a crawler bushing and a crawler link device that can maintain a sealing function stably on a long-term basis and permits easy maintenance for recovery of the sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Hisamatsu
  • Publication number: 20150061374
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Diekevers, Caroline Marie Brewer, Gregory Jerome Kaufmann, Timothy Arthur Thorson, Kevin Lee Steiner, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua, Robert Lee Meyer
  • Publication number: 20150008730
    Abstract: A track link for a ground-engaging track includes an elongate link body having a lower hardness material forming a lower mounting surface for mounting a track shoe, and a sacrificial higher hardness material forming an upper rail surface for contacting rotatable track engaging elements. The lower hardness and higher hardness materials transition at a material interface within the elongate link body, and the material interface is longitudinally non-uniform, such that the sacrificial higher hardness material has a varying depth from the upper rail surface to retard scalloping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Steiner, Timothy Arthur Thorson, Mark Steven Diekevers, Caroline Marie Brewer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua
  • Patent number: 8851582
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Berco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
  • Patent number: 8851583
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Berco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
  • Publication number: 20140292068
    Abstract: A crawler belt link includes a center portion, one end portion located on one end side of the center portion, and the other end portion located on the other end side of the center portion. In a second surface, the center portion has a first portion of a rail surface, the one end portion has a second portion of the rail surface, and the other end portion has a third portion of the rail surface. A first outer circumferential portion reaching the second portion of the rail surface is located closer to a second side portion with respect to a bushing hole surrounding portion. Accordingly, a crawler belt link and a crawler belt apparatus can be implemented, by which wear of the rail surface above a bushing hole can be suppressed while maintaining the width of the crawler belt link to be relatively small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Hisamatsu, Naoaki Kita
  • Publication number: 20140210254
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing. First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright, Mark S. Diekevers
  • Patent number: 8789898
    Abstract: A track for an all-terrain vehicle, and namely for an armored vehicle, comprising links hinged together so as to form a closed chain, each link carrying at least one body equipped with a track shoe intended to come into contact with the ground, track wherein it incorporates a row of median bodies that is arranged so as to be longitudinally offset with respect to the row of lateral bodies, each median body being thus positioned staggered between four lateral bodies, each median body being further hinged, by means of at least two parallel pins, to four lateral bodies, that is to say two lateral bodies from each lateral row, the pins being positioned at an equal distance from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nextar Systems
    Inventors: Frédéric Bonnetain, Yann Gendry
  • Publication number: 20140167498
    Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle includes two or more track shoes. The track shoes include one or more links having a first link end and a second link end, one or more pins received by one or more links and movable between an installed position and a dislodged position, and one or more pockets positioned adjacent to the pin and formed to receive a hydraulic jack. A first link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a second link end of a second track shoe, and a second link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a first link end of a third track shoe. The track may also include a pin removal system configured to dislodge the pin from the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Kowalski, Mark Schadler
  • Publication number: 20140152086
    Abstract: A track link is disclosed for use with an undercarriage of a machine. The track link may have a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The track link may also have a shoe face extending between the first and second surfaces at a side of the body, and a roller rail extending between the first and second surfaces at a side of the body opposite the shoe face, The body may have a substantially uniform hardness of about 45 to 55 Rkw C between the shoe face and the roller rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Meyer, Michael Dean Hasselbusch, Gergory Wayne Tomlins
  • Publication number: 20140103703
    Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Timothy D. WODRICH
  • Patent number: 8684475
    Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Timothy D. Wodrich, Todd B. Niemann, Gopal S. Revankar
  • Publication number: 20140083782
    Abstract: A ground-engaging track system for a machine includes a track extending about a rotatable track engaging element, and having a track chain with a plurality of elongate links each including an upper rail surface formed of a sacrificial wear material and having a convex longitudinal profile configured to delay scallop formation therein. A link for a track chain and related methodology are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Caroline Marie Brewer, Martin Tagore Joseph Xavier, Kevin Steiner, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua, Michael Hasselbusch, Timothy Michael Nenne
  • Publication number: 20140070603
    Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy D. WODRICH, Todd B. Niemann, Gopal S. Revankar
  • Publication number: 20140042802
    Abstract: The disclosure may provide a method of forming a track assembly. In the method, a track pin may be disposed within a first through hole of a first track link and within a second through hole of a second track link. A force may be applied to a tool positioned in a first position to plastically deform a first portion of the first track link which surrounds the first through hole, to thereby form a first connection between the track pin and the first track link. A force may be applied to the tool positioned in a second position to plastically deform a second portion of the first track link which surrounds the first through hole, to thereby form a second connection between the track pin and the first track link. The second connection may be formed after the first connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Mircea Dumitru, Thomas John Yaniak
  • Publication number: 20140001830
    Abstract: A track link has a link body. The link body of the track link may include a first substantially planar side surface, a second substantially planar side surface opposite the first substantially planar side surface, a shoe face extending between the first and second substantially planar side surfaces, and a roller rail extending between the first and second substantially planar side surfaces opposite the shoe face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20140001831
    Abstract: A link assembly for an endless track may include a first track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the first track link having substantially planar sides. The link assembly may also include a second track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the second track link having substantially planar sides. Additionally, the link assembly may include a third track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the third track link having substantially planar sides, the third track link being pivotally connected to the first track link at a first pivot joint, and the third track link being pivotally connected to the second track link at a second pivot joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy A. Thorson, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Robert L. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140001827
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson, Robert L. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130092459
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy D. Wodrich, Patrick J. Mulligan, James G. Merten
  • Patent number: 8420972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of machining a master link disposed at a distal end of a chain and constituting a part of a track chain link of a lower driving device used in an endless track vehicle (a bulldozer, an excavator). According to the present invention, it is possible to rapidly perform the machining work by secondarily adjusting the horizontal degree and the vertical degree of the integrally manufactured front and rear master link in a short time after primarily wire cutting it by using an exclusive clamping jig for the primary wire cut and an exclusive clamping jig for the secondary machining center, and machine the interference portion generated at the time of the assembly of the master link with the corresponding product, by using the machining center provided with the ball end mill, the flat end mill, and the chamfer end mill, in a short time, thereby achieving reduction of the machining time, maintaining the uniform quality and reduction of the production expense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Daechang Forging Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bum Je Cho
  • Publication number: 20130000995
    Abstract: A track link connector is disclosed herein that includes an elongate, substantially cylindrical body having a length dimension and including a substantially annular exterior surface and first and second opposing end portions. The track link connector further includes a textured region extending less than 360 degrees around a circumference of the exterior surface of the body at one of the end portions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mircea Dumitru, Mark S. Diekevers, Benoit Abello, Gerald T. Otten, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130002011
    Abstract: A chain link for a track of a mobile machine includes a pin, and a retention ring coupled to the pin at a mechanical joint. A portion of the retention ring fills imperfections of the pin at the joint and the pin remains substantially metallurgically separate from the retention ring. The chain link also includes a first track link defining a hole having a step. The first track link is mounted on the pin such that the retention ring is disposed substantially within the step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Lee Meyer, Mircea Dumitru, Ajay Dnyandeo Yadav, Mark Steven Diekevers, Dennis Robert Shookman
  • Publication number: 20130002010
    Abstract: A cartridge for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge includes a track pin. The cartridge also includes a rotatable bushing and a rotatable bearing located on the track pin. The cartridge further includes a first thrust bearing located on the track pin between the bearing and the bushing. The first thrust bearing is configured to contact the rotatable bearing and configured to contact the rotatable bushing. The first thrust bearing is configured to bear thrust loads and not radial loads. The cartridge may further include a collar located at an end of the track pin. The cartridge includes a second thrust bearing located between the bearing and the collar. The second thrust bearing is configured to contact the rotatable bearing and configured to contact the collar. The second thrust bearing is configured to bear thrust loads and not radial loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Eric James Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20120267947
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing. First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright, Mark S. Diekevers
  • Publication number: 20120119567
    Abstract: A cartridge for a track chain used to propel a track machine is disclosed. The cartridge includes a pin that passes axially through a bushing. The bushing may include two opposing ends and a cylindrical outer surface extending between the opposing ends of the bushing. Each end of the bushing includes an annular seal pocket for accommodating a seal and an annular step groove for coupling each end of the bushing to an inner track link. The bushing may be axially disposed between two inserts and the seals are track seals that engage one of the inserts. The inserts may be axially disposed between two collars and the collars are coupled to the pin. The collars may also include annular seal pockets that accommodate track seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker
  • Publication number: 20120086265
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Glen Raymond Simula, Craig Floyd Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120068530
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Berco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
  • Publication number: 20120056472
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Berco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
  • Patent number: 8113597
    Abstract: A track joint seal system comprises a pin (43) having, at each end, a first track link (41) rotatably coupled to the pin by means of interposition of a bushing (49) and an end element (42) coupled to the end of the pin (43); the end element (42) comprises an annular seat (57) bearing, housed, a seal group (56) cooperating with the bushing (49) to make the sealing of the joint; the bushing (49) is provided at the end with an annular head seat (58), provided to house a bushing insert (53) provided with an abutment surface (48) destined to be in contact with a seal portion (47) of the seal group (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Berco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
  • Publication number: 20120019055
    Abstract: A track member (2) for a track (1) of a vehicle of the tracked type, comprises a pin (3), a bushing (4) associated to the pin (3) and rotatable relative to the pin (3), a first (6?) and a second (6?) inner track link assemblies associated to the pin (3) and rotatable relative to the latter and arranged on two opposite sides of said bushing (4), a first (7?) and a second (7?) outer track link assemblies associated to the pin (3) and rotatingly integral to the latter. The first inner track link assembly (6?) is arranged between the first outer track link assembly (7?) and the bushing (4), and the second inner track link assembly (6?) is arranged between the second outer track link assembly (7?) and the bushing (4). The pin (5) comprises an extended portion (8) defining a first abutting surface (9?) and a second abutting surface (9?) against which the first (6?) and the second (6?) inner track link assemblies respectively abut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Alessandro Giusti
  • Patent number: 8075192
    Abstract: A bearing device includes a bush and a pin inserted into the bush, whereby an outer peripheral face of the pin and an inner peripheral face of the bush contact each other. At least two oil reservoirs are formed on the outer peripheral face of the pin are and elongated along the length of the pin. The interval between the reservoirs is such that an angular range centered on the pin axial center between the first reservoir and the last reservoir is not more than a center angle of 40 degrees centered on the pin axial center. At least one of the reservoirs is configured by a plurality of punctate concave portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Teiji Yamamoto, Akira Hashimoto, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110221266
    Abstract: A track for an all-terrain vehicle, and namely for an armored vehicle, comprising links hinged together so as to form a closed chain, each link carrying at least one body equipped with a track shoe intended to come into contact with the ground, track wherein it incorporates a row of median bodies that is arranged so as to be longitudinally offset with respect to the row of lateral bodies, each median body being thus positioned staggered between four lateral bodies, each median body being further hinged, by means of at least two parallel pins, to four lateral bodies, that is to say two lateral bodies from each lateral row, the pins being positioned at an equal distance from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NEXTER SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Frédéric BONNETAIN, Yann Gendry
  • Patent number: 7959239
    Abstract: A track assembly for a track-type machine is disclosed. The track assembly includes inner and outer track links. A rotatable bushing is positioned about a track pin and a sleeve bearing is positioned about the track pin. A first seal member is disposed between an inner track link and the rotatable bushing and a second seal member is disposed between inner and outer track links. A first thrust ring is engaged with the rotatable bushing and a second thrust ring is engaged with the sleeve bearing. A first contact member is engaged with the first seal member and a second contact member is engaged with the second seal member. The first and second contact members are configured to inhibit wear of the first and second seal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Diekevers, Eric James Johannsen, Richard Edward Livesay, Kevin Lee Steiner
  • Publication number: 20110109154
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Johannsen, Mark S. Diekevers
  • Publication number: 20110049975
    Abstract: A track chain joint for an endless track chain of a track-type vehicle is configured to engage first and second sprockets of a drive wheel of the track-type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
  • Patent number: 7850256
    Abstract: An endless track chairs for use with a track-type vehicle comprises a cartridge joined to the links of first and second link sets for relative rotation between the link sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20100052418
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Marcel Desire Angot
  • Patent number: 7661774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teiji Yamamoto, Kazuo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20100007206
    Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Timothy D. Wodrich
  • Publication number: 20090243384
    Abstract: A track assembly for a track-type machine is disclosed. The track assembly includes inner and outer track links. A rotatable bushing is positioned about a track pin and a sleeve bearing is positioned about the track pin. A first seal member is disposed between an inner track link and the rotatable bushing and a second seal member is disposed between inner and outer track links. A first thrust ring is engaged with the rotatable bushing and a second thrust ring is engaged with the sleeve bearing. A first contact member is engaged with the first seal member and a second contact member is engaged with the second seal member. The first and second contact members are configured to inhibit wear of the first and second seal members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Steven Diekevers, Eric James Johannsen, Richard Edward Livesay, Kevin Lee Steiner