Caterpillar Inc.

Anthony R Snyder

Eric James Johannsen

John Michael Plouzek

Ming Zhang

Xiangyang Jiang

Daniel D Angot

Constant B Bissahoyo

Alexander H Hays

A thrust ring for an undercarriage in a track-type machine includes an annular body having an outer circular edge and an inner circular edge defining a common center axis. A first set of oil grooves and a first set of thrust faces are positioned in an alternating arrangement on each of a first axial side and a second axial side of the annular body. Each of the oil grooves includes a cross sectional contour shaped to balance an oil flow property of the thrust ring with a strength property of the thrust ring, and defining a non-uniform curve which includes a plurality of curve segments each having a different radial attribute. The thrust ring defines a Plouzek value equal to 1.

Thrust ring for undercarriage in a track-type machine

An idler having an axis of rotation. The idler may include a hub with a flange. A plurality of rim members are positioned along a perimeter of the flange and have generally axially facing, opposite side surfaces. At least one of the side surfaces has a first interlocking formation. A clamping plate is connected to the flange. The clamping plate has a second interlocking formation coupled with the first interlocking formation. A dampening member interposes the first and second interlocking formations.

Sound reducing segmented idler for track-type vehicles

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Canton, IL, United States of America

Anthony R Snyder