Separate Transverse Connector Pin Between Treads Patents (Class 305/202)
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Patent number: 11945525Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brice James Herbers, Mark J. Kiesel
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Patent number: 11718356Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Stan R. Parrott, William P. Shoemaker, Jason L. Sebright
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Patent number: 11702157Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gustavo Acosta, David Jennings Hakes, Benoit Abello, Benjamin Isaac Jones, Udo Nott
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Patent number: 11667341Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: David Jennings Hakes
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Patent number: 11618518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Roger Lee Recker, Donovan Stuart Clarke, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Kevin Lee Steiner, Jianjun Wang
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Patent number: 11565761Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Jones, Thomas Ellmann, Thomas Oertley
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Patent number: 10359097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: David R. Hall, Jackson Priddis, Andrew Priddis, Eimi Priddis
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Patent number: 10030741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: BORGWARNER INC.Inventor: Dean Russo
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Patent number: 9796436Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Eric James Johannsen
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Patent number: 9533722Abstract: 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 continuType: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: SIMERTIS GMBHInventors: Holger Haut, Michael Dietrich
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Patent number: 8991944Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Hisamatsu
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Publication number: 20150061374Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: 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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Publication number: 20150008730Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Kevin Lee Steiner, Timothy Arthur Thorson, Mark Steven Diekevers, Caroline Marie Brewer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua
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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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Publication number: 20140292068Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Hisamatsu, Naoaki Kita
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Publication number: 20140210254Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright, Mark S. Diekevers
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Patent number: 8789898Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Nextar SystemsInventors: Frédéric Bonnetain, Yann Gendry
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Publication number: 20140167498Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLCInventors: Thomas Kowalski, Mark Schadler
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Publication number: 20140152086Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Meyer, Michael Dean Hasselbusch, Gergory Wayne Tomlins
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Publication number: 20140103703Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventor: Timothy D. WODRICH
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Patent number: 8684475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Timothy D. Wodrich, Todd B. Niemann, Gopal S. Revankar
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Publication number: 20140083782Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Caroline Marie Brewer, Martin Tagore Joseph Xavier, Kevin Steiner, Temitope Olayemi Akinlua, Michael Hasselbusch, Timothy Michael Nenne
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Publication number: 20140070603Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Timothy D. WODRICH, Todd B. Niemann, Gopal S. Revankar
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Publication number: 20140042802Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Mircea Dumitru, Thomas John Yaniak
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Publication number: 20140001827Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson, Robert L. Meyer
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Publication number: 20140001830Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Timothy A. Thorson
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Publication number: 20140001831Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Timothy A. Thorson, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mark S. Diekevers, Robert L. Meyer
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Publication number: 20130092459Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Timothy D. Wodrich, Patrick J. Mulligan, James G. Merten
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Patent number: 8420972Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Daechang Forging Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bum Je Cho
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Publication number: 20130002011Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Robert Lee Meyer, Mircea Dumitru, Ajay Dnyandeo Yadav, Mark Steven Diekevers, Dennis Robert Shookman
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Publication number: 20130002010Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Eric James Johannsen
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Publication number: 20130000995Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mircea Dumitru, Mark S. Diekevers, Benoit Abello, Gerald T. Otten, JR.
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Publication number: 20120267947Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright, Mark S. Diekevers
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Publication number: 20120119567Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker
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Publication number: 20120086265Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Glen Raymond Simula, Craig Floyd Hughes
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Publication number: 20120068530Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Berco S.p.A.Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
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Publication number: 20120056472Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Berco S.p.A.Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
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Patent number: 8113597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Berco S.p.A.Inventor: Francesco Grenzi
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Publication number: 20120019055Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: Alessandro Giusti
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Patent number: 8075192Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Teiji Yamamoto, Akira Hashimoto, Hiroshi Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20110221266Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: NEXTER SYSTEMSInventors: Frédéric BONNETAIN, Yann Gendry
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Patent number: 7959239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mark Steven Diekevers, Eric James Johannsen, Richard Edward Livesay, Kevin Lee Steiner
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Publication number: 20110109154Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Eric J. Johannsen, Mark S. Diekevers
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Publication number: 20110049975Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
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Patent number: 7850256Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Patrick J. Mulligan
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Publication number: 20100052418Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Daniel Marcel Desire Angot
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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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Publication number: 20100007206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventor: Timothy D. Wodrich
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Publication number: 20090243384Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Mark Steven Diekevers, Eric James Johannsen, Richard Edward Livesay, Kevin Lee Steiner